Decathlon/B'TWIN bikes (Sorry! It's a what bike?) thread...
Discussion
Rose Xeon CRS 3000?
Don't know anything about the brand, but it seems to have similar spec to the Btwin, lighter and cheaper.
http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/bike/rose-xeon-crs-3000...
Don't know anything about the brand, but it seems to have similar spec to the Btwin, lighter and cheaper.
http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/bike/rose-xeon-crs-3000...
It might be worth considering a retul fit before you start looking at bikes given the sum of money invovled and the desire to get it right first time. There are a few places in the SE who can do a fit and who will then help find suitable bikes and components that will meet your requriements based on the fit results and the bike geo.
Thanks to all who have made suggestions.
Today was 'window shopping' day at some bike shops.
First stop was 700 in Windsor. What a fabulous shop that is. Some VERY high-end stuff in the window, lots of Colnago and Bianchi bikes and frames scattered about the shop too. But there were also plenty of 'real world' bikes on the shop floor. Main brands were Giant, Felt, and Cannondale.
I spent the better part of two hours in there, and from what I told the young chap in there about my riding and what I wanted from the bike, he boiled it down to two:
The Cannondale Synapse Ultegra (hydraulic) Disc @ £2500
http://www.7hundred.co.uk/38196/products/2015-cann...
The Giant Defy Advanced Pro 1 (hydraulic) Disc @ £2599
http://www.7hundred.co.uk/38030/products/2015-gian...
The only problem with these two bikes (in my size) was the two to three month wait for delivery.
Then, surprise of the day at another shop, where I was looking again at the Trek Emonda, when the chap running the place brought out a 2013/2014 model Trek Madone 2.1...
...it's none of the things on my wish list. It's an Aluminium frame for a start. 10 speed Shimano 105 for a second. And quite hefty with it's stock Bontrager wheels on for a third. A £1000 price tag when new was immediately reduced to £800 without asking, and it's a really nice colour way despite having a very slight flaw in the paint finish on the top tube. The £800 price tag leaves an awful lot of room for a wheel upgrade, and a good deal of my Ultegra 10-speed group from the 'dead' bike would jump straight across.
That's the cat properly amongst the pigeons, as it's much closer to my old bike than it is to any of this year's new models. I'm torn, now. And tired. So off to bed to think it over, and get set for another day out at local bicycle emporia over the next few days...
Today was 'window shopping' day at some bike shops.
First stop was 700 in Windsor. What a fabulous shop that is. Some VERY high-end stuff in the window, lots of Colnago and Bianchi bikes and frames scattered about the shop too. But there were also plenty of 'real world' bikes on the shop floor. Main brands were Giant, Felt, and Cannondale.
I spent the better part of two hours in there, and from what I told the young chap in there about my riding and what I wanted from the bike, he boiled it down to two:
The Cannondale Synapse Ultegra (hydraulic) Disc @ £2500
http://www.7hundred.co.uk/38196/products/2015-cann...
The Giant Defy Advanced Pro 1 (hydraulic) Disc @ £2599
http://www.7hundred.co.uk/38030/products/2015-gian...
The only problem with these two bikes (in my size) was the two to three month wait for delivery.
Then, surprise of the day at another shop, where I was looking again at the Trek Emonda, when the chap running the place brought out a 2013/2014 model Trek Madone 2.1...
...it's none of the things on my wish list. It's an Aluminium frame for a start. 10 speed Shimano 105 for a second. And quite hefty with it's stock Bontrager wheels on for a third. A £1000 price tag when new was immediately reduced to £800 without asking, and it's a really nice colour way despite having a very slight flaw in the paint finish on the top tube. The £800 price tag leaves an awful lot of room for a wheel upgrade, and a good deal of my Ultegra 10-speed group from the 'dead' bike would jump straight across.
That's the cat properly amongst the pigeons, as it's much closer to my old bike than it is to any of this year's new models. I'm torn, now. And tired. So off to bed to think it over, and get set for another day out at local bicycle emporia over the next few days...
That Cannondale is the road.cc sportive bike of the year, so it will be in short supply.
I myself would only be buying a 1-2 year old design/bike if it was the top spec version. I think putting a used groupset on a new bike would be a crime personally.
Wait until you have been around the other places.
If you would consider Cyfac they have an Aluminium frame http://cyfac.fr/nervds2 which I believe is £1000, that would leave £1500-1700 for the groupset etc, Ultegra is £500, Fulcrum 3's £300, that still leaves plenty for other kit. Or any other frame that you can buy on its own.
I think the above frame may be a little too racy for you compared to the Synapse thing.
I myself would only be buying a 1-2 year old design/bike if it was the top spec version. I think putting a used groupset on a new bike would be a crime personally.
Wait until you have been around the other places.
If you would consider Cyfac they have an Aluminium frame http://cyfac.fr/nervds2 which I believe is £1000, that would leave £1500-1700 for the groupset etc, Ultegra is £500, Fulcrum 3's £300, that still leaves plenty for other kit. Or any other frame that you can buy on its own.
I think the above frame may be a little too racy for you compared to the Synapse thing.
Silver940 said:
Probably missed it somewhere but what riding are you planning on doing?
Initially, same as I ever did.Typically a regular (2 or 3 times a week) loop out from Farnborough to Hook, Odiham, Well, Crondall and back in via Fleet/Crookham. 30-ish miles at (hopefully) around 15 to 16mph average, with some reasonably challenging climbs. Or similar routes in different areas.
Every couple of weeks, I'd look to go off 'exploring'. Typically a flattish route above Basingstoke, or out Henley way, alternated with some jaunts out to Surrey Hills area, to get the elevation in. From 50 miles distance, to all day epics and hopefully the occasional 'imperial century'.
Riding purely for pleasure, no real "focussed goal" or "training plan" as such. I've never participated in organised rides, neither clubs, nor sportives, and mostly I ride alone, and on quiet rural roads in the North Hampshire/Surrey/Berkshire border lands. I'm not ruling out club riding, or organised events, as recent experience meeting other PHers, and participating in MTB races, has shown me that there is far less 'snobbery' around than I formerly suspected.
I fully intend to buy a nice mountain bike too, so don't feel the need for a 'cross bike.
I said right from the off that I wasn't hung up on groupset, frame material, or any particular brand. I'm trying to keep an open mind, but it seems the more open my mind, the bigger the minefield of eclectic choices there is to clear. I've got a couple more shops to visit, and brands to check out, but this wee Trek Madone 2.1 was very tempting, as it's very close in specification and character to my 'dead' Merida. I'm not in a rush right at this very moment, but I'm not liking the idea of a 3 to 4 month delivery lead time for some of the bikes I've seen. Ultimately, I know I have to make my own choice, but all the suggestions and advice on this thread are appreciated, and investigated. I've even had a look at the 'direct sales' brands, although I'd much prefer to buy from a (fairly) local shop than take a chance on sizing guides and then have to cross my fingers in the hope that the contents of the bike box arrive in good shape, and actually fit me.
Why not go to Pedal On ? in Tadley. If you are interested in Dales or Giants and also want a mountain bike, you could get a stocking deal.
They do have a lot of stock, so worth a try. They also have a fit machine. If you really want a proper fit, then there is a place around the corner from me, who are just moving in from their place a few miles away
http://www.pro-bikefit.co.uk/
Or The Bike Whisperer, just a few miles the other side of Greenham
http://www.thebikewhisperer.co.uk/
Still think a disc braked bike is the future.
They do have a lot of stock, so worth a try. They also have a fit machine. If you really want a proper fit, then there is a place around the corner from me, who are just moving in from their place a few miles away
http://www.pro-bikefit.co.uk/
Or The Bike Whisperer, just a few miles the other side of Greenham
http://www.thebikewhisperer.co.uk/
Still think a disc braked bike is the future.
How about 2 road bikes? A winter hack you don't mind taking out in all weathers and then the nice one. I have some mates with pricey bikes and they are always worried about damaging them or getting them covered in crap or leaving them outside a cafe/pub. My bike wasn't a lot - 625 new. if you can fit a 54cm frame Wiggle have one for 412quid at the moment. Seems to get me around in all weather at good pace.
Then one of those above, the Cannondale looks nice for the dry sunny days.
Just a thought.
Then one of those above, the Cannondale looks nice for the dry sunny days.
Just a thought.
Silver940 said:
How about 2 road bikes? A winter hack you don't mind taking out in all weathers and then the nice one. I have some mates with pricey bikes and they are always worried about damaging them or getting them covered in crap or leaving them outside a cafe/pub. My bike wasn't a lot - 625 new. if you can fit a 54cm frame Wiggle have one for 412quid at the moment. Seems to get me around in all weather at good pace.
Then one of those above, the Cannondale looks nice for the dry sunny days.
Just a thought.
What are you riding? Although realistically, a 54cm might be a bit optimistic, given my 30" inside leg. I'm tending to find myself somewhere between a 50cm and a 52cm with most brands/models. Size has been an issue many times when my eyes light up at the thought of a particular 'sale' bargain - they tend to be 54/56/58 frame sizes in the main, with a few at the extremes - XXS or XXL.Then one of those above, the Cannondale looks nice for the dry sunny days.
Just a thought.
The 2 bikes thing? I might get away with that, if I can free up some garage space, and I'd need to get rid of some of the bikes from in there too. Wall storage brackets might be the answer to that one, but I already have a bike that only needs a little bit of livening up which would be ideal for a winter/wet bike. It's really a dry/'best' bike that I need for the spring and summer yet to come.
I do really like the 'dale Synapse, but I need to convince myself I can live with the green paint before I sail on that particular boat. Too much choice seems to be the modern affliction of the bike buyer.
How about chucking another grand at it 
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/syn...
Or what about the Caad 10 Disk?
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/caa...
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/syn...
Or what about the Caad 10 Disk?
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/caa...
Silver940 said:
I'm on a Felt z95, think it's 2013. It's been a great workhorse, and surprised a few people along the way. 
Think I'd always rather a bike I want to ride anytime than something I'm going to worry about getting damaged or pinched. Could do with a 29er though!
To be honest Scott you are a good example of its the rider not the bike! Think I'd always rather a bike I want to ride anytime than something I'm going to worry about getting damaged or pinched. Could do with a 29er though!
Grrrr! 
Bloody retailers! Loads of online advertising of really nice, high spec 2014 models out there right now, but when you actually look at the items, they're limited to one size (never your size, neither) or the bike will be 'out of stock' in ALL sizes...
...here's an idea, Mr Online Bike-Retailer. If something is completely out of stock, and the manufacturer has long since moved on to building 2015 bikes? Don't frickin'-well advertise these non-existent bikes on the internet, eh!
Then the same 'out of stock' tag is attached to many of the 2015 bikes. And I don't know whether that's because they're sold out, or the stock hasn't even arrived yet. Again, some info might be nice. Is it worth contacting you for a release/delivery estimate? Or is there no chance on earth of buying one this year?
This bike buying lark is keeping me off the bike, too. I only managed a single ride this week, most of the rest of the time I was wrapped up in searches on the internet, or visits to actual bike shops checking out stock. I think I need to either get a move on and buy something, or take a step back, ride my current MTB, and clear my head for a while. I'm so far removed from considering a B'TWIN now that I wish I could amend the thread title...
Storck Scenero
Cannondale Synapse Ultegra disc
Giant Defy Advanced Pro 1 with Ultegra and hydraulic R685 Discs
Bowman Palace (frame/fork to build myself)
Bianchi Infinito CV
Aprire VINCENZA 5.0
...all have cropped up in other threads, especially my brief (unintentional) hijack of the 'bike bits you've just bought' thread. Some I've seen, and like. Others I've not yet looked at 'in the metal' and so remain (provisionally) on quite a long 'shortlist'.
When I was looking for my last bike (2010), one of the bike mags used to publish a full list of the year's models from all the brands, along with brief details of weight, groupset, price and review 'star rating'. Just like car mags with new car price lists. No-one seems to curate such a comprehensive bike listing anymore, sadly, as I'd find it pretty useful, even just to formulate a shortlist.
Ho-Hum. First world problems and all that. At least I managed to book a week in Cornwall for the wife's birthday with some of my damages money. I'll have to buy the bikes soon, though, or she'll have the rest of it spent on 'boring, sensible stuff' too
Bloody retailers! Loads of online advertising of really nice, high spec 2014 models out there right now, but when you actually look at the items, they're limited to one size (never your size, neither) or the bike will be 'out of stock' in ALL sizes...
...here's an idea, Mr Online Bike-Retailer. If something is completely out of stock, and the manufacturer has long since moved on to building 2015 bikes? Don't frickin'-well advertise these non-existent bikes on the internet, eh!
Then the same 'out of stock' tag is attached to many of the 2015 bikes. And I don't know whether that's because they're sold out, or the stock hasn't even arrived yet. Again, some info might be nice. Is it worth contacting you for a release/delivery estimate? Or is there no chance on earth of buying one this year?
This bike buying lark is keeping me off the bike, too. I only managed a single ride this week, most of the rest of the time I was wrapped up in searches on the internet, or visits to actual bike shops checking out stock. I think I need to either get a move on and buy something, or take a step back, ride my current MTB, and clear my head for a while. I'm so far removed from considering a B'TWIN now that I wish I could amend the thread title...
Storck Scenero
Cannondale Synapse Ultegra disc
Giant Defy Advanced Pro 1 with Ultegra and hydraulic R685 Discs
Bowman Palace (frame/fork to build myself)
Bianchi Infinito CV
Aprire VINCENZA 5.0
...all have cropped up in other threads, especially my brief (unintentional) hijack of the 'bike bits you've just bought' thread. Some I've seen, and like. Others I've not yet looked at 'in the metal' and so remain (provisionally) on quite a long 'shortlist'.
When I was looking for my last bike (2010), one of the bike mags used to publish a full list of the year's models from all the brands, along with brief details of weight, groupset, price and review 'star rating'. Just like car mags with new car price lists. No-one seems to curate such a comprehensive bike listing anymore, sadly, as I'd find it pretty useful, even just to formulate a shortlist.
Ho-Hum. First world problems and all that. At least I managed to book a week in Cornwall for the wife's birthday with some of my damages money. I'll have to buy the bikes soon, though, or she'll have the rest of it spent on 'boring, sensible stuff' too
how about an almost new Boardman SLR
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171644699675?ssPageName=...
shameless plug but i need to sell it to be a new CX!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171644699675?ssPageName=...
shameless plug but i need to sell it to be a new CX!
Simond S said:
how about an almost new Boardman SLR
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171644699675?ssPageName=...
shameless plug but i need to sell it to be a new CX!
I'd be tempted, to be honest, if it weren't for the size issue http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171644699675?ssPageName=...
shameless plug but i need to sell it to be a new CX!
(5'6" and a 30" leg)
yellowjack said:
I'd be tempted, to be honest, if it weren't for the size issue
(5'6" and a 30" leg)
Well, you'd fit my Boardman AiR 9.2s, 2013, <1k miles, Ultegra Di2, Fulcrum Racing 1s (not the Ksyriums). Just been let down by a buyer. £1400 ono.(5'6" and a 30" leg)
http://www.boardmanbikes.com/road/2013_Elite/air92...
Throw on some Cosmic SLEs and well under your budget.
Edited by stongle on Monday 19th January 16:21
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