Decathlon/B'TWIN bikes (Sorry! It's a what bike?) thread...
Discussion
So, I'm back in the market for a new road bike. Last one was killed to death by a van back in February last year.
I've started looking, and I'm building up some ideas and the beginnings of a vague (and not so short) shortlist.
But here's the thing. Much has been posted on here about the cheaper bikes, from (perhaps) less conventional outlets. Stuff like the Ventura CP50 from Argos springs to mind, but they turned out to be too big for this particular shortarse. Then there's the oft recommended B'Twin Triban from decathlon.
Now my budget is generous (damages payout) but self-restricted to the £2,000 - £2,500 mark. So I took a look at the Decathlon website, expecting the Tribans, Rockrider MTBs and a handfull of cycle path hybrids. Then I found some bikes I truly didn't expect. Full carbon fibre bikes hung with 105 and Ultegra groupsets, and one with Mavic Ksyrium Elite S wheels that weighs only 7.2kg (claimed).
So, the big question? I know that several posters here have bought Tribans, and are happy to recommend them. Does anyone have any experience of the higher end B'Twin/Decathlon road bike offerings which they wouldn't mind sharing?
The one I'm particularly looking at is the range-topping B'TWIN Ultra 920 at £2,000
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/ultra-920-carbon-road-b...
1170g carbon fibre frame/fork
Shimano Ultegra 6800 group (6810 direct mount brakes under the bottom bracket) with 11-25 cassette (chainring sizes not specified)
Deda Zero2 bars and stem
1520g Mavic Ksyrium Elite S wheels
FIZIK Arione saddle and carbon fibre seatpost
LOOK KEO 2 max pedals are (unusually) listed in the standard spec sheet, too!
Size medium weighs 7.2kg complete
Life Time Warranty: B'TWIN makes the life time warranty for the frames, brackets, stems and rigid forks.
There's a cheaper £1,600 B'TWIN Ultra 900, with Shimano 105 11-speed (52/36 rings, 11-28 cassette) with 'in-house' wheels weighing 7.85kg.
For comparison, I was already looking at...
Trek Émonda SL 6 at £2,300. Ultegra (50/34 x 11-28), basic in-house wheels and finishing kit, 7.4kg (no pedals) http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/road/performa...
Scott Addict 20 at £2,499. Ultegra (52/36 x 11-28 *105 cassette), in house wheels and finishing kit, 7.12kg (no pedals)
Scott Solace 15 at £2,599. Ultegra (50/34 x 11-32 *105 cassette) with Shimano BR-RS785 Hydraulic Disc brakes (160mm rotors f/r), in-house wheels and finishing kit, 7.66kg (no pedals)
The advantages of the B'TWIN stuff are that they're cheaper, and seem to be slightly better equipped with regard to finishing kit/wheels. While they aren't 'poverty spec' and I'd be unlikely to start lobbing upgrades at them immediately, the 'big brand' bikes seem to scrimp a bit on finishing kit, and in-house wheels are notoriously difficult to compare with branded wheels. The big advantage is brand perception (snobbery to you and me) and reputation, but is it that worth the premium? Like I say, I have the money to spend, but I don't want to spunk hundreds of pounds on a branded bike simply "because TdF teams ride those brands", although I don't want to buy a lemon, neither.
The disc equipped Solace 15 is the most expensive shortlisted bike so far, and the heaviest, but I'm slowly coming round to the idea of discs on a road bike, and I'm as far from needing a UCI competition compliant bike as it's possible to imagine
If road discs are the way of the future, then I might as well at least consider jumping on the bandwagon while I need a new bike anyway.
Lightness is pretty high up my list of priorities...
Sub 8kg complete bike.
Shimano groupset (minimum 105) 11 Speed prefered, but willing to consider 5700/6700 10 speed for a bargain.
Traditional road frame and handlebars. No TT or flat bar bikes need apply.
Budget arbitrarily set at £2,500 but could be stretched a little for the right bike.
I've started looking, and I'm building up some ideas and the beginnings of a vague (and not so short) shortlist.
But here's the thing. Much has been posted on here about the cheaper bikes, from (perhaps) less conventional outlets. Stuff like the Ventura CP50 from Argos springs to mind, but they turned out to be too big for this particular shortarse. Then there's the oft recommended B'Twin Triban from decathlon.
Now my budget is generous (damages payout) but self-restricted to the £2,000 - £2,500 mark. So I took a look at the Decathlon website, expecting the Tribans, Rockrider MTBs and a handfull of cycle path hybrids. Then I found some bikes I truly didn't expect. Full carbon fibre bikes hung with 105 and Ultegra groupsets, and one with Mavic Ksyrium Elite S wheels that weighs only 7.2kg (claimed).
So, the big question? I know that several posters here have bought Tribans, and are happy to recommend them. Does anyone have any experience of the higher end B'Twin/Decathlon road bike offerings which they wouldn't mind sharing?
The one I'm particularly looking at is the range-topping B'TWIN Ultra 920 at £2,000
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/ultra-920-carbon-road-b...
1170g carbon fibre frame/fork
Shimano Ultegra 6800 group (6810 direct mount brakes under the bottom bracket) with 11-25 cassette (chainring sizes not specified)
Deda Zero2 bars and stem
1520g Mavic Ksyrium Elite S wheels
FIZIK Arione saddle and carbon fibre seatpost
LOOK KEO 2 max pedals are (unusually) listed in the standard spec sheet, too!
Size medium weighs 7.2kg complete
Life Time Warranty: B'TWIN makes the life time warranty for the frames, brackets, stems and rigid forks.
There's a cheaper £1,600 B'TWIN Ultra 900, with Shimano 105 11-speed (52/36 rings, 11-28 cassette) with 'in-house' wheels weighing 7.85kg.
For comparison, I was already looking at...
Trek Émonda SL 6 at £2,300. Ultegra (50/34 x 11-28), basic in-house wheels and finishing kit, 7.4kg (no pedals) http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/road/performa...
Scott Addict 20 at £2,499. Ultegra (52/36 x 11-28 *105 cassette), in house wheels and finishing kit, 7.12kg (no pedals)
Scott Solace 15 at £2,599. Ultegra (50/34 x 11-32 *105 cassette) with Shimano BR-RS785 Hydraulic Disc brakes (160mm rotors f/r), in-house wheels and finishing kit, 7.66kg (no pedals)
The advantages of the B'TWIN stuff are that they're cheaper, and seem to be slightly better equipped with regard to finishing kit/wheels. While they aren't 'poverty spec' and I'd be unlikely to start lobbing upgrades at them immediately, the 'big brand' bikes seem to scrimp a bit on finishing kit, and in-house wheels are notoriously difficult to compare with branded wheels. The big advantage is brand perception (snobbery to you and me) and reputation, but is it that worth the premium? Like I say, I have the money to spend, but I don't want to spunk hundreds of pounds on a branded bike simply "because TdF teams ride those brands", although I don't want to buy a lemon, neither.
The disc equipped Solace 15 is the most expensive shortlisted bike so far, and the heaviest, but I'm slowly coming round to the idea of discs on a road bike, and I'm as far from needing a UCI competition compliant bike as it's possible to imagine
If road discs are the way of the future, then I might as well at least consider jumping on the bandwagon while I need a new bike anyway. Lightness is pretty high up my list of priorities...
Sub 8kg complete bike.
Shimano groupset (minimum 105) 11 Speed prefered, but willing to consider 5700/6700 10 speed for a bargain.
Traditional road frame and handlebars. No TT or flat bar bikes need apply.
Budget arbitrarily set at £2,500 but could be stretched a little for the right bike.
jamiebae said:
For that money you could have a Genesis Zero 4
http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/road/race/zero...
Or a BMC Teammachine
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bmc/teammachin...
Both with Ultegra, and I think my cash would go on either of them before the Decathlon one personally, but maybe that's my inner brand snob talking...
Thanks for those!http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/road/race/zero...
Or a BMC Teammachine
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bmc/teammachin...
Both with Ultegra, and I think my cash would go on either of them before the Decathlon one personally, but maybe that's my inner brand snob talking...
This is what I wanted, really. Either experience of the B'TWIN or suggestions for bikes I would otherwise have overlooked...
That Genesis? Spaff! It's bloomin' lovely. A little heavier than I would ideally like, but close enough
I'm going to call on a couple of stockists in the next few days.
The BMC? Not available, according to Evans own website (at least in the size I need) until mid-March
Still. I can call in to Evans in Guildford while I'm out looking at Genesis stockists. It's let down a bit by the wheels, which Merlin are currently letting out the door at £125 a pair, but a swap for a Shimano Dura Ace 9000 C24 Tubeless Clincher Wheelset (£540 and sub-1500g) would sort that out, and the RS21s would cross-deck to my steel tourer.
I might have a look at the Boardman range in Halfords too, for balance. They have some nice bikes in their range, but I'm really in the market for something a bit less 'ubiquitous' I think. I want to know that when I stop at a cafe, I'm unlikely to have the exact same bike as the next customer through the doors.
ALawson said:
Have you considered a Focus...
I hadn't. But I am considering one now!Those prices look good, the two that stood out were the Cayo 3.0 Disc (hydraulic brakes too!) at £2,299, and the Cayo 2.0 Ultegra Di2 at £2,699. No published weights for either bike, but I'll do a little research tomorrow. If they are as well built as you say, they certainly seem to be a LOT of bike for the money.
Thanks!
Silver940 said:
Thanks for reminding me about this lot. They are on the list of places to visit, having been mentioned, by ALawson I believe, on his Strava feed recently.I'm very keen to get the 'right bike' first time, this time. I can, after all, only spend the money once, and when it's gone I'm not sure when I'll be in a position to make such a purchase again.
mouseymousey said:
There is also Rose Bikes. They have a carbon Ultegra Di2 for the under 2k which will probably be my next bike.
http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/bike/rose-xeon-team-cgf...
I've had a look at their bike configurator, and up-specced that to just over £2,600 (inc. pedals, exc. shipping). It's an option, but to be honest, I'm preferring the idea of a bike I can see, touch, sit on, and hopefully test ride at a 'bricks and mortar' shop. I've not discounted the idea of mail-order, but, despite the obvious value in the bikes, the whole concept of buying 'blind' worries me a little.http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/bike/rose-xeon-team-cgf...
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...
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.
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.
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
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)
stongle said:
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.
http://www.boardmanbikes.com/road/2013_Elite/air92...
Throw on some Cosmic SLEs and well under your budget.
I've sent you a PM regarding the offer.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
Tomorrow (I hope, I'm phoning the shop to confirm in the morning) though, I'm off to view a 2014 Bianchi Infinito CV (Ultegra) which, at £3,600 would have been way off my radar, but with 25% off it comes down to "temptingly close enough to the budget to consider seriously". Only one I can find in my size too.
If that doesn't pan out, I'd like to view the stongle's bike.
Then, if I'm still without a steed, I think the Storck Scenero at Boutique Cycles is the next one to look at. Or back to the Aluminium Trek 2.1? The trouble is, none of these bikes are directly comparable with one-another. Price? £2700 - £2300 - £1400 - £800. Frame material? Various grades of carbon fibre, to Aluminium. Groupset? 10 speed Ultegra Di2, through 11 speed Ultegra, down to 10 speed 105.
My 'snobby' side is eyeing up the Bianchi 11 speed mechanical Ultegra, £2,700 and lots of Italian (style) loveliness, but the most expensive of the front-runners...
The cheapskate in me says the Trek Madone 2.1 with 10 speed 105, £800 in a nice colourway, and the cheapest of the bikes that appeals to me, would be enough bike for my needs...
Grrr!
Too much choice, and at the moment, I'm allowing my heart to rule my head. 
Well. Today's Bianchi viewing in London went to sea in a sieve.
I'm hoping Mr Stongle can get in touch again. I'm keen to see this bike of his, and if it fits? I think it might be the one. I've always shied away from second-hand carbon fibre, simply because it's too much of a minefield out there, and I know how easy it is to drop a bike.
But for some bizarre reason, I'd be more inclined to trust a fellow PHer to be honest about such things.
I'm hoping Mr Stongle can get in touch again. I'm keen to see this bike of his, and if it fits? I think it might be the one. I've always shied away from second-hand carbon fibre, simply because it's too much of a minefield out there, and I know how easy it is to drop a bike.
But for some bizarre reason, I'd be more inclined to trust a fellow PHer to be honest about such things.
stongle said:
Its a small, I'm also 5ft6(ish), same inseam. Its not been crashed! more than happy for you to inspect. Once I get my sim up and running I'll mail you back! If not will be this evening when I get home. Sorry.
Cool. Not casting aspersions, just pointing out why I haven't delved in to the sea of potential sharks that is ebay et al. I'm sure the majority of sellers out there are decent, honest folk. I bought a Garmin on the 'bay but that was well over a year ago. I used to buy lots on there, but since paypal, and people insisting they post stuff, even when it's local, I don't like it so much. I hope I'd be savvy enough to spot the dodgy scrotes, but always worry about what I'm getting in to.Like I said, the Bianchi viewing went awry, my fault entirely, but I didn't go up today. To be honest, if I don't buy something soon, I'll probably take a step back for a week or two, clear my head and start looking again in mid February. I honestly thought that it would be easier than this to find something nice, in the right size, at the right price.
A bit of a thread resurrection to update things...
It's an awesome shop, concentrating on 4 brands, and displaying plenty of stock. Matt spent a couple of hours with me, and a number of bikes were fitted to the Turbo Trainer, and bars and saddles adjusted, while he worked with me to get the frame size right, and then into a comfortable position. So we got the model/size/geometry right, but it was an Emonda S5, whereas I want the red Emonda SL 6 (Ultegra build).
Initially we'd both thought the Trek Domane in a 50cm frame would be right, but, after an hour or so, it would seem that I'm actually more suited to a Trek Emonda in a 52cm frame. So, although I've said I want to look at a few more bikes (Focus dealers seem particularly thin on the ground), I'm fairly sure I'll buy from them. Their "Podium Points" deal is a bit of an attraction too. Free stuff, and a fair quantity of it too! More than £500 worth of kit with the current extra points promotion, so that's some pretty high end shoes and helmet, Ultegra pedals, carbon bottle cages and speed/cadence sensor and sundry bits and bobs covered.
I just need to get the bike ordered in my size now, to test ride it to confirm it suits me. Hopefully I'll do that in the next few days.
Previously, I'd (fairly briefly) ridden the Cervelo R2 (size 51) at Cycleworks in Guildford. That's a properly pretty bike, but When I rode it it just didn't 'click' for me. I found it quite lively at the front end, to the point where it seemed 'twitchy' and I didn't feel confident on it. I got a call on Tuesday saying they'd had other interest in it, but I still didn't feel moved to rush over and buy it. I'm keeping it in mind still, but I don't want to buy a bike I have doubts over, so it's test ride time for the Emonda before I move forward right now.
Justin S said:
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.
...so the wife spent a day 'shadowing' her opposite number at Basingstoke hospital. Having driven her there, I nipped up the road to Tadley. I spent half the day in Pedal On, and tried a number of bikes for size. 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.
It's an awesome shop, concentrating on 4 brands, and displaying plenty of stock. Matt spent a couple of hours with me, and a number of bikes were fitted to the Turbo Trainer, and bars and saddles adjusted, while he worked with me to get the frame size right, and then into a comfortable position. So we got the model/size/geometry right, but it was an Emonda S5, whereas I want the red Emonda SL 6 (Ultegra build).
Initially we'd both thought the Trek Domane in a 50cm frame would be right, but, after an hour or so, it would seem that I'm actually more suited to a Trek Emonda in a 52cm frame. So, although I've said I want to look at a few more bikes (Focus dealers seem particularly thin on the ground), I'm fairly sure I'll buy from them. Their "Podium Points" deal is a bit of an attraction too. Free stuff, and a fair quantity of it too! More than £500 worth of kit with the current extra points promotion, so that's some pretty high end shoes and helmet, Ultegra pedals, carbon bottle cages and speed/cadence sensor and sundry bits and bobs covered.
I just need to get the bike ordered in my size now, to test ride it to confirm it suits me. Hopefully I'll do that in the next few days.
Previously, I'd (fairly briefly) ridden the Cervelo R2 (size 51) at Cycleworks in Guildford. That's a properly pretty bike, but When I rode it it just didn't 'click' for me. I found it quite lively at the front end, to the point where it seemed 'twitchy' and I didn't feel confident on it. I got a call on Tuesday saying they'd had other interest in it, but I still didn't feel moved to rush over and buy it. I'm keeping it in mind still, but I don't want to buy a bike I have doubts over, so it's test ride time for the Emonda before I move forward right now.
Update time!!!
Last night I found this in the boot of my car...
...and so, after a little bit of fettling, fine tuning, fitting some bits'n'bobs like Garmin mounts and speed/cadence sensors, this morning, in proper daylight, it looks like this...
There are still some bits to be done. Frame protection stickers need to go on behind the cables, but the supplied items have the Trek logo on them, so not sure about that. Also need to load up the saddle pack with tubes, patches and a few tools, and work out how I'm going to carry a pump. The Lezyne Road Drive doesn't work, because the bracket would rub the tube constantly, due to it's large diameter and odd shape. The pump itself is too long to stay securely in a jersey pocket, so either a new frame mounted pump/bracket, or a shorter pump to stow in a pocket will be the answer. It's in the house at the moment, and every time I pick it up or move it I'm taken aback by how much it weighs (or rather, doesn't weigh?). All I need to do now is get out and properly ride it!
Last night I found this in the boot of my car...
...and so, after a little bit of fettling, fine tuning, fitting some bits'n'bobs like Garmin mounts and speed/cadence sensors, this morning, in proper daylight, it looks like this...
There are still some bits to be done. Frame protection stickers need to go on behind the cables, but the supplied items have the Trek logo on them, so not sure about that. Also need to load up the saddle pack with tubes, patches and a few tools, and work out how I'm going to carry a pump. The Lezyne Road Drive doesn't work, because the bracket would rub the tube constantly, due to it's large diameter and odd shape. The pump itself is too long to stay securely in a jersey pocket, so either a new frame mounted pump/bracket, or a shorter pump to stow in a pocket will be the answer. It's in the house at the moment, and every time I pick it up or move it I'm taken aback by how much it weighs (or rather, doesn't weigh?). All I need to do now is get out and properly ride it!
daddy cool said:
...as for the pump, i just bought this t'other day:
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/tools-maintenance/...
Its about 18cm so will mostly fit in a jersey pocket, but it does fit in my large saddle pack. Also in there i have a C02 pump, spare inner tube, pair of vinyl gloves, and a puncture repair kit, and still space for my mobile phone and keys.
The pump is quite nice - even using the presta adapter it actually screws onto the valve (rather than needing you to hold it on with one hand while pumping with the other)
That pump sounds like a good call. My Lezyne pump is more like 32cm long, and cannot be relied upon to stay securely in a rear pocket. I had another look at the frame, and it's the massively oversized tube shapes, and the asymmetric nature of the seat tube wher it flares to meet the BB that mean the pump bracket is fouling the bike frame any which way I try to mount it.http://www.halfords.com/cycling/tools-maintenance/...
Its about 18cm so will mostly fit in a jersey pocket, but it does fit in my large saddle pack. Also in there i have a C02 pump, spare inner tube, pair of vinyl gloves, and a puncture repair kit, and still space for my mobile phone and keys.
The pump is quite nice - even using the presta adapter it actually screws onto the valve (rather than needing you to hold it on with one hand while pumping with the other)
I'm dead 'twitchy' about taking it out, though. I've never had a carbon fibre bike before. Will it melt if it gets wet?
The serious concern is stuff rubbing against the paint/frame though. I don't want to ride it until I get some frame protection in place, especially around the head tube. Also, does anyone know how I can safely remove the (absolutely gash) 'Warning' sticker from the left fork leg, without damaging the shiny red paint?
PS. Does anyone have a red/black Garmin Edge500 which they would like to swap for my blue/faux carbon fibre Garmin Edge500? I am such an absolute tart that I'm considering buying a new one, just to match it to the bike. Is this a step too far?? Do I need (more) psychiatric help???
Justin S said:
Nice bike, at last!!...
...Was that from Pedal On in the end?...
Yup. Matt at Pedal On was a diamond. So much patience with me, spent loads of time working through to find the right bike, in the right size, then more time still setting it up and tweaking saddle height, cleat position and angle etc. He also sorted me out with extra "Podium Points" which by rights I should have missed out on (I bought after the offer closed)....Was that from Pedal On in the end?...
So in the end I came away with...
Trek Emonda SL 6 - £2300 - earning me 62 Podium Points (46, or 1 Podium Point per £50 bike spend, and the 16 extra points from the recent offer).
I 'spent' those points on...
Shimano Ultegra PD6800 pedals - 13 Podium Points
Bontrager Race DLX shoes - 10 Podium Points
Bontrager Oracle helmet - 15 Podium Points
Bontrager RXL carbon fibre bottle cages (pair) - 6 Podium Points
Bontrager Duotrap S speed/cadence sensor (fits within the non-drive side chainstay) - 4 Podium Points
Bontrager Flare 3 rear light (x2) - 4 Podium Points
Bontrager ION700 front light - 10 Podium Points
...and added some cash for...
Bontrager Pro-Pack M saddle bag - £15.29
Bontrager Glo & Ember 'back-up' light set - £15.99
Total cost = £2,331.28
According to the shop prices...
Pedal On's receipt said:
You saved £640.91
...although their own web prices were cheaper, and some web based retailers were cheaper still. Still a good deal overall, I think, and far easier than trying to negotiate a deal for a discount or complimentary accessories with many a shop. I'm pretty happy with the deal, and I suppose that's all that really matters! I also signed up for their web card, which allows me to buy in-store at the same price as their internet shop, or 10% off shop price, whichever is the lower, which meant I saved £5.70 off the lights and saddle bag too.Oh, and Pedal On have really good coffee, too
richardxjr said:
Lovely YJ but get that dork disk off the back wheel and kill it with fire.
Nope! but get that dork disk off the back wheel and kill it with fire.It's staying on
The bike is so light that it'll float away if I take anything off it.
(I may consider taking it off at some later stage, if I ever get to the point where I'm in need of some "marginal gains")
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff