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forum
Choosing a new bike, how hard can it be?
Hello All
New poster but long term lurker, finally got round to registering!
I will be buying myself a new bike this year, I'm due a payout from the insurance for having my bike written off last year, my winter bike is currently doing sterling service but I'm starting to get the new bike itch.
Where do I start?
I want a bike that will be universally admired, one that will float up hills, hammer the descents and be almost self-propelled on the flat.
I want the classic lines of steel, the magic of titanium and the lightweight of carbon.
Not much to ask for is it?
Perhaps I should just buy a Specialized Tarmac instead of the Enigma Esprit I'm currently lusting over..
If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.
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41 comments
Sorry but that comment was very funny Bike Swanky
Congrats. Nice bike
I'll second that - very nice.
Would you have liked a Di2 equipped Eddy Merckx on 2 years 0% finance for aroudn the £2.5k mark?
We've got some gorgeous Merckx and DeRosas with 25% off and 2 years 0% finance right now:
http://bikeSwanky.co.uk/catalog/153?items_per_page=10&page=5
Does it come with a free tin of spam?
I've finally got my hands on a new bike, I went for the Wilier Gran Turismo, a cracking deal from the LBS sealed the deal.
Delighted with it so far, the handling is the standout feature, it is so eager to corner.
Still settling into the slightly more aggressive position, the stem at 120mm is at the limit of what is suitable for me, good excuse to keep riding though!
Congrats!! Glad you finally got things sorted out, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I've been enjoying mine! It's been getting a lot of envious looks out with my club lately
Thanks!
Considering I was in two minds about it I now absolutely love it - it looks just 'right', looking forward to really getting to grips with it and although it will be far from a garage queen I certainly won't be running it through the worst of the weather.
One of the many bikes I have had is the s-works sl3 tarmac. It is the best bike I have ever ridden. I have had top end ti bikes which I love, but IMO for fast riding the Spesh is best!- But then everyone is different and the Ti bike still looks better.
If I could afford another top bike I would find it ard to look past the tarmac sworks SL4 or the cannondale supersix evo.
I had a Trek 1.5, so a fairly big upgrade. Not surprising that the difference is so noticeable, but I'm very happy.
I can why you say that about the crankset, personally I quite like it, but each to their own. It's Wilier branded too so it might not be the easiest to sell it on if you were to switch it out
Thanks for that. What had you before?
I must admit I'm not a fan of the crankset on it for looks and at that price I don't especially want to have to change!
I've recently acquired a Gran Turismo, and its a brilliant bike. But be warned, it does have a habit of making you ride it as fast as possible!
If you can get a good end of season deal I'd go for it, especially considering the (in my opinion) downgrade of the new GTR
Swung my leg over a Wilier Gran Turismo at the LBS last night, very nice bike, in danger of being an over fussy design but just about pulls it off. My only concern is the (lack of) value for money, it's £2999 for an Athena build with Fulcrum 3 wheels, I'd be looking at a better spec for that money.
Well..
I've had a letter from the 'claim' and it would appear a payout is getting closer
Since I last posted I've discovered the joy that is retro, I've decided that to fill the 'special bike' space in the garage I will focus on a bike which (unknown to me) was built near my hometown in the early 80s, restored to high standrad it would certainly be a bike for life.
Which means I can blow my money on a super racey carbon jobbie, keen to spend my money in the LBS I still like the look of the Wilier Gran Turismo, especially as there are now good end of season deals to be had on them, also under consideration is the 2014 Ridley Helium, the SL version has fantastic reviews and the 'normal' version appears to have benefitted from some of the trickle down effect.
choices...
£2700
Screen shot 2013-04-03 at 20.59.58.png
Just to be different get a Boardman SLR. Everyone will think you're a newbie on a halfords special. Then they'll choke on your dust as you leave them trailing in your super-light, incredibly well specced for price wake - and you'll feel great for buying British.
I see all the so-called "cool" brands out all the time, but hardly ever a CB SLR. If rarity and style is what you want you won't be disappointed, and a SLR9.0 should be in your budget.
Yes I have a 9.8 but then I'm worth it
Can't get out on mine enough.
Its hideous! Personal opinion of course and meant in jest,
but a bit ostentatious for me, I'm thinking if this was a car it'd be Jordan's pink Bentley..
'You'd certainly be a tw@t! '
Why?
@Thebungle - that stem is definitely a love/hate thing, personally I love it.
Spin bikes are nice, but I don't think I'd be choosing those wheels!
You'd certainly be a tw@t!
You mean you wouldn't be a target on this?
Screen shot 2013-04-03 at 13.58.56.png
Always a personal choice when buying a self-propelled two wheeled vehicle? What you need to think about is : The advise from others is good? Maybe? Did they say : I have that or this bike? Therefor it must be good!
Reviews are great to iron out the pro's & con's. But, before you purchase anything on recommendation; do your research.
Here's a few I'd recommend : The Spesh, as others have mentioned (I like it verymuch) now take a close look at Ridley Bikes. Canyon should not be overlooked! And the newest Giant Road Race Range of bikes is something to consider. Personally I'd look at the Cube Lightening Stealth. But the choice is yours. Good luck and enjoy searching for your dream mount.
Lovely bike pics but can't help feeling you'd be a target - if you haven't got the speed to match the racy carbon look then that admiration of your peers will quickly disappear!
Go for Ti, you know it makes sense. It will be admired!
Even as a Cow!
Screen shot 2013-04-03 at 11.20.51.png
Look! Any colour you like!
Screen shot 2013-04-03 at 11.17.49.png
Or this, which can be done in ANY colour with ANY graphic you like:
Screen shot 2013-04-03 at 10.15.03.png
Eh?
Eh?
Screen shot 2013-04-03 at 10.14.07.png
I appreciate Cervelo but I don't desire one, still I admire your perseverance in trying to persuade me and others otherwise
Yum
Screen shot 2013-04-02 at 20.07.56_0.png
Don't want much, do you?
Mind us asking what your budget is?
How about a Condor? Look? Colnago? Or, for even more niche, Starley? Spin Cycleworks?
Based purely on looks/brand/something a bit different, I'd go for the Look 675 in a heartbeat. Check out the pics/review on here.
Not much at all
Bikes I've considered so far and in no particular order are;
Condor Leggero
Condor Super Acciao
Enigma Esprit
Basso Astra.
handbuilt by Ricky Feather (he is 10 miles down the road)
handbuilt by an old skool builder (he is 10 miles up the road)
Now let's be honest, all those bikes would be lovely although they are in danger of really pushing the budget (£2.5k ish).
I enjoy fast riding and heading off out to explore, geometry wise I'd say most 'sportive' bikes are too relaxed but I'm not quite there for aggressive 'race' geometry either.
That 675 is certainly a striking looking bike although I must admit based on the pictures I'm not sure how fond I am of the integrated stem.
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