irrationally fancying a road bike
irrationally fancying a road bike
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ED209

Original Poster:

6,020 posts

273 months

Friday 27th June 2014
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So road bikes? Don't know why i am even thinking about buying one but I'm a bit down and stressed and that usually results in me buying something. Are these halfords jobs any good or total crap, they appear to have decent deals on at the moment but are they genuine reductions or just marketing spam for examplehttp://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/carrera-tdf-limited-edition-mens-2014-road-bike-54cm or would i be better blowing the budget on something likehttp://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p4918/GIANT-DEFY-COMPOSITE-3-2013

I already have a boardman hybrid and a giant trance mtg so it would probably be an irrational purchase.

Magic919

14,493 posts

230 months

Friday 27th June 2014
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The Giant would better the TDF in every respect. It's probably an unfair comparison. I've got a Giant Defy, so I am biased. You could look at Boardman, Planet X, Trek etc, but I'd say just buy the Giant!

Batfink

1,032 posts

287 months

Friday 27th June 2014
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People tend to recommend this on a budget

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-red-road-bike-...

Get it and enjoy :-)

Fugazi

564 posts

150 months

Friday 27th June 2014
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The red frame Triban 3 is getting hard to find in sizes other than the smallest frame sizes, but if you only need a small frame then go for it because at £250 it's a massive bargain and they get great reviews. The New white version doesn't have the carbon forks though and doesn't look as good in the new white paint.
You might even be able to pick up one of the red Tribans on Ebay for not a lot of ££, so if you don't take to it you won't have lost out much.
I picked up one of the Triban 500SE's a few weeks ago and it has been a revelation, much better than commuting on a heavy hybrid. Already thinking about my next road bike, just have to butter up my other half first.... wink

ED209

Original Poster:

6,020 posts

273 months

Friday 27th June 2014
quotequote all
Fugazi said:
The red frame Triban 3 is getting hard to find in sizes other than the smallest frame sizes, but if you only need a small frame then go for it because at £250 it's a massive bargain and they get great reviews. The New white version doesn't have the carbon forks though and doesn't look as good in the new white paint.
You might even be able to pick up one of the red Tribans on Ebay for not a lot of ££, so if you don't take to it you won't have lost out much.
I picked up one of the Triban 500SE's a few weeks ago and it has been a revelation, much better than commuting on a heavy hybrid. Already thinking about my next road bike, just have to butter up my other half first.... wink
I am 5'11'' so a small frame would be no good for me.

The weight thing is a factor because i think those tribunes are about 11kg and my current boardman is only 11.4kg std with mine being maybe a little more as i have fitted slightly larger tyres.

ED209

Original Poster:

6,020 posts

273 months

Friday 27th June 2014
quotequote all
That giant will cost me about £500 using cyclesheme after pauls cycles add their admin fee, tempted, sorely tempted.

ED209

Original Poster:

6,020 posts

273 months

Friday 27th June 2014
quotequote all
sod it ordered the giant.

Daveyraveygravey

2,112 posts

213 months

Friday 27th June 2014
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Well done! If you like riding your current bike On the road, I think you'll love the Giant

ED209

Original Poster:

6,020 posts

273 months

Friday 27th June 2014
quotequote all
Daveyraveygravey said:
Well done! If you like riding your current bike On the road, I think you'll love the Giant
Lots of good road routes near my house, the area where this race is held is only about 6 miles from me http://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/story/2014-04-12... and theres plenty of roads around the fells with little traffic but lots of hills.

My only concerns are that this bike will be a bit of a waste as it won't be uch faster or be used any more than my boardman hybrid comp and also that i have a lack of balls i tend to slam the brakes on at about 25 mph due to fear.

Craivold

172 posts

229 months

Saturday 28th June 2014
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The lack of cojones thing will come with just more time on the bike - the more you get out the more comfortable/in control you'll feel and then you'll start pushing descents and corners more. I'd be amazed if you weren't pretty impressed at how much more efficient a dedicated roadbike is, the narrow width of the bars and using the drops is a big advantage on it's own. Going from a 29er MTB to my road bike I was shocked at the power transfer and responsiveness of the roadie. Enjoy!

Batfink

1,032 posts

287 months

Saturday 28th June 2014
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Time on the saddle will help with confidence.

I have a friend who cannot corner as fast as me simply because he fears the bike sliding away on him. Physically both he and his bike are capable. Personally I think his tyres are actually better than mine!

Martin_M

2,071 posts

256 months

Saturday 28th June 2014
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I have the above Decathlon bike which I'm actually looking to sell although I see you have now made a purchase. It's a great bike but I need a hybrid as I'm increasingly venturing off-road.

Enjoy your new bike!

ED209

Original Poster:

6,020 posts

273 months

Saturday 28th June 2014
quotequote all
Martin_M said:
I have the above Decathlon bike which I'm actually looking to sell although I see you have now made a purchase. It's a great bike but I need a hybrid as I'm increasingly venturing off-road.

Enjoy your new bike!
Funny you should say that , i will probably be selling a boardman hybrid comp soon with upgraded 32c tyres.

Martin_M

2,071 posts

256 months

Saturday 28th June 2014
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Will keep an eye on this thread :-)

ED209

Original Poster:

6,020 posts

273 months

Saturday 28th June 2014
quotequote all
Martin_M said:
Will keep an eye on this thread :-)
why?

to gloat when i either bin it and end up in plaster or sell the bike because i am scared of the speed?

I have a good level of fitness as i run 20-25 miles a week, its just bottle and trust in narrow tyres i lack.


Daveyraveygravey

2,112 posts

213 months

Sunday 29th June 2014
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Just go steady and build up your speed as you get used to it. The biggest problem with grip I find is climbing On wet roads - when you're struggling in bottom gear Up a wet hill it doesn't take a lot to break traction and come to a panic unclipping stop. When I say biggest problem I mean most frequent. You'll be surprised how much grip you have in the dry; just watch for broken\loose surfaces in the dry. In the wet you have to be a whole lot more careful - white lines can become a problem. Lots of threads on here about tyre choices I like Conti grand prix 4000s

Fastpedeller

4,347 posts

175 months

Monday 30th June 2014
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ED209 said:
So road bikes? Don't know why i am even thinking about buying one but I'm a bit down and stressed and that usually results in me buying something. Are these halfords jobs any good or total crap, they appear to have decent deals on at the moment but are they genuine reductions or just marketing spam for examplehttp://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/carrera-tdf-limited-edition-mens-2014-road-bike-54cm or would i be better blowing the budget on something likehttp://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p4918/GIANT-DEFY-COMPOSITE-3-2013

I already have a boardman hybrid and a giant trance mtg so it would probably be an irrational purchase.
The reductions are indeed marketing spam - Having looked regularly at the Halfrauds prices over many years it is possible to see the general price rises over the years, and the 'reductions' are always there (apart from the odd rrp flurry of a week or 2 in one store? to comply with the law). Having said that IMHO it's always the case (with any item on sale, not just bikes) to pay ABSOLUTELY NO ATTENTION to the % reduction, but to just look at the bottom line prices and compare - the reduction is meaningless, and purely as a tool to hook in the buyer. Sounds cynical, but it's true.

Silver940

3,967 posts

256 months

Monday 30th June 2014
quotequote all
ED209 said:
Martin_M said:
Will keep an eye on this thread :-)
why?

to gloat when i either bin it and end up in plaster or sell the bike because i am scared of the speed?

I have a good level of fitness as i run 20-25 miles a week, its just bottle and trust in narrow tyres i lack.
Waiting to see if like me the Road bike is the first one you go for in the garage in future, happened to me!