Road Bike advice anyone ?

[Mr Momo]

One for the SE MAMILs...

I've signed up to do the Etape Caledonia in May, so have started "training", initially using my slug of a mtn bike. Need to get a bit more serious with a road bike and was considering this :



Budget initially set at up to £1k (bike above probably avail for less being an '11 model).

Any tips on bikes or good dealers anywhere on east side of the country ?

[tonyg]

Phil

It's hard to say about the bike without knowing what it's made of and a few other things - it looks a bit stiff to me for someone who has (probably) only been on mountain bikes for a while.

Come on by the shop tomorrow if you have a chance and i'll give you some advice if you want - and also suggest a good place to try.

And why not see if some of the people on here will sponsor you - i will.

[Dark]

Edinburgh Bike Coop are okay and stock a big range of Specialized bikes. They also have 15% off everything next weekend.

If you're quick you might get a 2011 bike at a good price otherwise expect to pay RRP for the 2012 ranges just arriving.

A new Edinburgh Bikes catalogue dropped through the door this morning, will have a look and post some more comments later.

Not sure about Aberdeen but in Edinburgh The Bike Chain are excellent and there's also Velo Ecosse, Alpine Bikes, MacDonald Cycles, etc.

[ryallm]

I've just signed up for the Etape too, as has my wife Helen who did it last year. A very long time ago I used to race XC on mountain bikes but this will be my first ever road bike event. I have got quite into the whole roadie thing this year - did a lot of riding in the Alps in the summer and did my first century ride in Scotland this year (well first in about 20 years!) . Also looking at buying a new road bike, with the current short list being Scott CR1 Pro, Trek Madone 5.2, and Cannondale Synapse. The whole bike kit thing is very seductive: I started with a budget of 2k max and already it is creeping way above that. For 1k I don't think you would go far wrong with the Specialized, but find a shop that can do a good bike fitting. Getting the right fit is at least as important as which model you go for. If they ask you to throw your leg over a bike and tell you it looks 'about right', go elsewhere.

Mark

[111Robin]

I just bought a Spesh Secteur Sport as it has exactly the same geometry as my Roubaix SL3 carbon bike. The Secteur (aluminium frame) is used for my 20 mile commute and very smooth it is too. I got the Roubaix specifically for long distance riding which is what it is designed for with a very comfortable riding position. I would say the Secteur is ideal for centuries/sportives etc. without busting the bank with a carbon bike. Reason I got the Sport was it has aluminium seat stays as opposed to the higher models with carbon stays, to enable me to carry my commuting panniers. I wasn't happy with the component spec' so had the shop fit it out with Shimano 105 throughout. So if you do go for a Secteur I would opt for the higher spec' model that already has 105 kit and carbon forks/seat stays. Try out as many bikes as you can but don't go for a full on race frame or your back will be killing you on a century ride. All the manufacturers do "sportive" style bikes, the shops should be able to give you pleanty advice.
(I'm signed up too for the Etape, also considering La Marmotte, not so sure if that's a good idea but got to have something to aim for!!)

[chrisdb]

I'll admit to being a bit biased but it's worth a visit to Alpine Bikes in Stockbridge - even if it's just for a chat (although you will be drawn to Madones!).

The guys are all Trek Fit qualified which is pretty much the most in depth fit analysis/modify bike etc to get you in the perfect riding position. It works for all models not just Treks. It's made a huge difference to my riding - can stay in the saddle for longer without back or neck pain. For something like the Etape Caledonia it will make a huge difference and make all those training miles much comfier.

Their website isn't very good but they have much more in store and had some tasty deals on last years road bike last time I was in.

One tip I'd give is don't get too wrapped up in small spec differences, especially cassettes, dérailleurs etc when you put serious miles on a bike you end up replacing them anyway and there's not that much difference between Sora + Tiagra and so forth. Get as good a frame as possible that fits you well to start with. After that you can upgrade as you need to replace parts. For 1k you'll get an OK set of wheels but this will generally be the first thing to upgrade if you really want to notice a difference.

If you're serious about it I'd invest in a turbo trainer so you can keep putting miles in when it gets really miserable and cold through the winter...

[lou_m]

Nice to see that you are starting your training nice and early. Do you any idea what time you are aiming for? I rode it 2 years ago when it got sabotaged I got 2 punctures and just missed getting under the 4 hour mark.
You will get a great bike for 1k, especially if you are able to get a 2011 bike. The sportive type bikes are a good place to look. My mate has just bought a Spesh Roubix, changed from a Scott CR1 and finds it more comfortable but he doesn't do that many miles. A lot depends on how much riding you plan on doing? The more riding the more used to the the riding position.
I have ridden Specialized Tarmacs now for 4 years. When I bought it I had a bike fit done and the stem was flipped up to give a higher handlebar height. I was advised at the time that the more I ride, the more I'll get used to the position and that my body would adapt and allow me to drop the stem height. Now the stem is in quite a racy position and I am fine with it. In fact I rode across America last year from San Diego to Galvaston in Texas. 1605 miles in 2 weeks, and I was never uncomfortable enough to wish I had a more forgiving bike.
I get my bikes through Dales Cycles in Glasgow.

[111Robin]

I get my bikes through Dales Cycles in Glasgow.

Snap. Bought my Roubaix and Secteur from Dales, as they're the only Spesh dealer in Sctoland with the BG-fit service available, can't fault their expertise (well, Jonathan Allan at least as I have always dealt with him).

[lou_m]

Yeah, I had my first bike fit done by Jonathan. I spent 7 years working at Dales after leaving school. Few years ago now though....

[Mr Momo]

Thanks for all the tips - keep 'em coming

The picture is a '11 model Secteur Elite - Alu frame with SRAM groupset (wide ratios), which might come in handy over the pass near Schiehallion. Not going cheap yet, but 15% off next weekend should help, whatever I buy. Will still struggle on with the Mtn bike tomorrow.

[111Robin]

That's the spec' I originally wanted but was out of stock in my size. Dales are showing 54 & 56cm in stock, the 54 is reduced by 15%. Nice bike, ideal for big mileages.

[~ ~ Cal ~ ~]

I have also signed up for the Etap for the first time. I am more of a MTB'er but bought a Spesh Allez Elite for fitness 2 years back. If the truth be known I would far rather be on the MTB but it's handy to got for a quick ride and not have to drive 20 miles and jet wash the MTB. Did a paltry 22 miler today to get me broken in. Broke my collar bone 10 weeks back so the MAMIL action suits me for now.

As I only signed up for the Etap last night I was lucky to get accommodation near Pitlochry. Some hotels we asking you to spend a min. of 3 nights which is a bit cheeky.

I have no real advice to offer other than to budget for decent shoes and pedals. A 2nd hand winter hack might make sense so you prime road bike doesn't get nailed by road salt.

Loving the iMapmyride app incidentally. Distance, elevations etc and live mapping. Fantastic !

Cal

[lou_m]

I bought a bike last year for winter use, but I used it only once! If you keep the bike clean, wash it after you ride and spray some oil(gt85) everywhere then the bike will survive the winter fine. Worth fitting mudguards though, keeps you and the bike cleaner.

[Dark]

The Specialized Secteur Elite would be fine for something like the Etape.

With your budget carbon frames are best avoided because you just end up with a cheap group set and wheels.

Have you tried riding a bike with the SRAM group set? The controls are quite different to Shimano and can take some getting used to!

Also worth a look are the new 2012 Focus range of bikes that Edinburgh Bike Coop have started to stock. The Variado 2.0 come with Shimano 105 and is only £899. With 15% off that would be a steal!

For any road bike being used in winter a set of SKS Race Blades (about £25 from Ribble) are excellent at keeping the worst of the road spray & grime off your bike (and your arse!).

Also budget for pedals, shoes and maybe shoe covers. You could use MTB SPDs but road specific pedals like SPD-SL, Look, etc are much more stable & efficient. I just bought a pair of Shimano RW-80 winter road shoes which are warm & waterproof after giving up with the neoprene shoe covers.

[Dark]

Bargain carbon frame with Shimano 105 group set but would benefit from some lighter wheels:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/focus-cayo-105-ltd-2011/