Something Faster

Author
Discussion

bad company

Original Poster:

18,483 posts

265 months

Monday 8th October 2012
quotequote all
Mrs BC and I have been riding Specialized Hybrids for some time now. We now really want something quicker and to extend our distances, we generally do 30 miles or so on the hybrids. We are mid 50's so not going to win or even enter any races.

We have been looking at these - http://www.enigmabikes.com/bike/bike-enigma-effusi... Any other ideas?

nammynake

2,587 posts

172 months

Monday 8th October 2012
quotequote all
A proper drop bar road bike isn't going to be massively quicker than a hybrid (assuming you have skinny tyres already). You might eek out a couple of mph increase but don't expect huge gains. Also be aware that the position on drop bars typically isn't as comfortable as flat barred hybrids, although there is a lot of variation from racy types to more relaxed sportive geometry. What sort of distances are you hoping to cover?

Gizmoish

18,150 posts

208 months

Monday 8th October 2012
quotequote all
On the contrary, I'd say a drop bar is more comfortable because you can vary your position. As long as its fitted properly there's no need for the position to be racy.

For a budget indicated by Enigma being an option, there are many 'touring' bike options: the classic one being a Dawes Galaxy.

bad company

Original Poster:

18,483 posts

265 months

Monday 8th October 2012
quotequote all
nammynake said:
A proper drop bar road bike isn't going to be massively quicker than a hybrid (assuming you have skinny tyres already). You might eek out a couple of mph increase but don't expect huge gains. Also be aware that the position on drop bars typically isn't as comfortable as flat barred hybrids, although there is a lot of variation from racy types to more relaxed sportive geometry. What sort of distances are you hoping to cover?
We would really like to be able to 40 - 50 miles or so. The hybrids just seem to be hard work possibly due to the tyres.

anonymous-user

53 months

Monday 8th October 2012
quotequote all
hybrids are fairly hardwork because of the upright position. do get a fitting session before you buy anything. in all seriousness, if you are looking at Enigmas, you really should be able to afford £100 for a retul fitting wink Something like the Specilasied Roubaix might be a good bike to consider too, it is carbon but has some wierd plastic inserts in the seat stays and the forks which provide a tiny bit more flex and increase comfort in much the same way that the carbon stays on the enigma work.

you should be happy on a road bike and it will eat up 50 miles on no time. sounds like something with rack mounts and guards would be ideal as you may wish to consider upping the miles and touring on the bikes so have a look at the Enigma Exage and as others have said, the Dawes Super Galaxy is still one of the best frames out there for racking up the miles.

bad company

Original Poster:

18,483 posts

265 months

Saturday 13th October 2012
quotequote all
Ok we took a look at the Specialized Roubaix and a Felt Z6. Both cost around £1600 with a few extras. I'm starting to think that is enough to spend. scratchchin

bad company

Original Poster:

18,483 posts

265 months

Sunday 14th October 2012
quotequote all
Has anybody here used Wiggle - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ ? They are selling 2012 model year bikes with big discounts. Not much customer service though.

Gizmoish

18,150 posts

208 months

Sunday 14th October 2012
quotequote all
bad company said:
Has anybody here used Wiggle - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ ? They are selling 2012 model year bikes with big discounts. Not much customer service though.
Wiggle are one of the biggest online shops. Never had any trouble with them myself.

bad company

Original Poster:

18,483 posts

265 months

Saturday 20th October 2012
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I picked up my new toy today. A Specialized Roubaix Elite. Bloody Brilliant!

Edited by bad company on Thursday 1st November 19:04

964Cup

1,407 posts

236 months

Thursday 1st November 2012
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Another vote for Wiggle here. Got my shiny new (as yet unridden) Mekk Poggio 2G Ultegra from them with 40% off. Customer service has been excellent throughout.

bad company

Original Poster:

18,483 posts

265 months

Thursday 1st November 2012
quotequote all
I looked at wiggle. They seem to sell outdated models with big discounts. That's pretty much what I bought albeit from a local bike shop.