Road Bike for the mountains

hungry4k

Hi,

I'm planning to do the Wicklow 200 and hopefully a race in the alps in the summer and have just over a grand to spend on a nem bike.

Given the sterling situation, Wiggle would appear to be a good place to shop, but whish bike would suit.

I've read lots of reviews, all of which are positve and just can't make up my mind.

Thanks in advance,

eoin

barrabus

how much you got roughly?

hungry4k

barrabus wrote: »

how much you got roughly?

Thanks just over €1000

TinyExplosions

The Focus Cayo 2008 is possibly best bang for the buck, but only available in XS, so unless you've ducks disease you're out of luck. The '09 is a lower spec (105 vs Ultegra on the '08), and is more expensive at 1150.

The best value at the moment are Planet X's unbuilt SL Pro Carbon. You have to put it together yourself, but for 1010euro you get a great carbon frame, and mostly Dura Ace components. A steal at that price!

penexpers

hungry4k wrote: »

Hi,

I'm planning to do the Wicklow 200 and hopefully a race in the alps in the summer and have just over a grand to spend on a nem bike.

Given the sterling situation, Wiggle would appear to be a good place to shop, but whish bike would suit.

I've read lots of reviews, all of which are positve and just can't make up my mind.

Thanks in advance,

eoin

Hey if you're not totally set on buying new then I'm selling my Surly Cross Check over on adverts.ie

http://www.adverts.ie/showproduct.php?product=84930

Open to offers on that price too.

hungry4k

thanks for replys.

ye i wanted the 2008 cayo but i need 54 cm which is sold out!

the planet x looks good but not as customer friendly.
is the 2009 cayo a lot worse than 2008 and what about the kiron scandium

tunney

TinyExplosions wrote: »

The Focus Cayo 2008 is possibly best bang for the buck, but only available in XS, so unless you've ducks disease you're out of luck. The '09 is a lower spec (105 vs Ultegra on the '08), and is more expensive at 1150.

The best value at the moment are Planet X's unbuilt SL Pro Carbon. You have to put it together yourself, but for 1010euro you get a great carbon frame, and mostly Dura Ace components. A steal at that price!

I recently built one of these for a friend.

The shifters and front and rech mech are Dura Ace - thats it.

Brakes are cheepo crap. BB and cranks are entry level. Wheels are also very entry level.

Realistically €1000 does not get you a race bike.

NeilMcEoigheann

i have a trek 1.5 2008 and it ripped in the alps 15000 metres of climbing comfort in a week it was class.

Caroline_ie

NeilMcEoigheann wrote: »

i have a trek 1.5 2008 and it ripped in the alps 15000 metres of climbing comfort in a week it was class.

I wish to nominate NeilMcEoigheann for the Boards Award in the Fred categorie :pac:

This post was left by the automated FredWatch boards replying machine.
---

blorg

tunney wrote: »

Realistically €1000 does not get you a race bike.

Gets you something you will do the W200 on though and certainly something you can start racing on.

Raam

Caroline_ie wrote: »

I wish to nominate NeilMcEoigheann for the Boards Award in the Fred categorie :pac:

This post was left by the automated FredWatch boards replying machine.
---

Oh er, what clinched it?

NeilMcEoigheann

Caroline_ie wrote: »

I wish to nominate NeilMcEoigheann for the Boards Award in the Fred categorie :pac:

This post was left by the automated FredWatch boards replying machine.
---

wait what is this you speak of, i won a magic kit in college today,
but seriously fred?

penexpers

NeilMcEoigheann wrote: »

wait what is this you speak of, i won a magic kit in college today,
but seriously fred?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_(bicycling)

NeilMcEoigheann

hey thats a bit unfair. i cycle everyday. i ride both road and mtb. and while i don't race i cycle purely for enjoyment, the reason i don't race is it clashed with my running which i compete at international level, an adverage week for me covers 200+ km, and i don't have the most expensive kit, infact i bought most of my stuff in sale or second hand.
and if its a culture and understanding of bike i recently restored and painted and now regularly ride my new bike, oh well maybe i'll see some of you guys out on your bikes and we'll talk fred....

TinyExplosions

NeilMcEoigheann wrote: »

hey thats a bit unfair. i cycle everyday. i ride both road and mtb. and while i don't race i cycle purely for enjoyment, the reason i don't race is it clashed with my running which i compete at international level, an adverage week for me covers 200+ km, and i don't have the most expensive kit, infact i bought most of my stuff in sale or second hand.
and if its a culture and understanding of bike i recently restored and painted and now regularly ride my new bike, oh well maybe i'll see some of you guys out on your bikes and we'll talk fred....

We're all freds on here mate

Funkyzeit

Have you a bike at the moment? If so (or if your not planning on training over next few weeks) you may be aswell off waiting and getting a 08/07 cheaper in the new year. Wiggle are good alright but check out CRC and Evans (I got a great deal on my 06 Bianchi from Evans in 07)

Ps - Fred or no Fred Neil I'm mad jealous of that pic...looks fab

NeilMcEoigheann

cheers it was a great trip. and the reason for the outburst was that i really hate what i have now learned is called "being a fred" aka rich guys on expensive bikes they don't deserve. its just one of the things that annoys me so much dunno why.

Thomas_S_Hunterson

NeilMcEoigheann wrote: »

cheers it was a great trip. and the reason for the outburst was that i really hate what i have now learned is called "being a fred" aka rich guys on expensive bikes they don't deserve. its just one of the things that annoys me so much dunno why.

deserve?

NeilMcEoigheann

Sean_K wrote: »

deserve?

Need

Caroline_ie

Mmmmm looks like the Fred radar needs calibrated again!!!

appologies ... just that, the trek and CSC kit ... sorry
I have a trek as well ... :P

kenmc

You need to get your outside pedal down, to 6 oclock, then you can transfer more weight through the bike, lowering your centre of gravity and getting you around those bends much tighter

(sorry, couldn't resist. lovely pic though)

Chips Lovell

NeilMcEoigheann wrote: »

.."being a fred" aka rich guys on expensive bikes they don't deserve.

Them's posers. Fredishness is something else entirely.

NeilMcEoigheann

its ok, i love you guys really.
also sorry to hunger4k for distorting his question.
eh trek because i like their mix of nice frame and nice componentry with reasonable price tag. CSC top because we (me and my training buddy) were bullied by some aussies into supporting a cycling team while staying in bourg de oisans and our regular tops were getting really minging. also they did quite well in this years tour.
i was pedalling through that corner

Raam

NeilMcEoigheann wrote: »

its ok, i love you guys really.

It can be tough around here sometimes. Watch out for that Tiny Explosions fella, he's the worst.

kenmc

and wait till the euro police come knocking... 2 water bottles (different colours), black socks, black (?) shoes, wheel reflectors... what else are they likely to spot I wonder?

blorg

kenmc wrote: »

and wait till the euro police come knocking... 2 water bottles (different colours), black socks, black (?) shoes, wheel reflectors... what else are they likely to spot I wonder?

I can't quite make out but I will wager that Neil has one of those plastic disc yokes between the cassette and the wheel (sorry Neil ) Where was the photo taken out of interest?

TinyExplosions

Raam wrote: »

It can be tough around here sometimes. Watch out for that Tiny Explosions fella, he's the worst.

It's all for your own good... teaching you to have a thick skin

TinyExplosions

Fred or not, he does have nice legs...

Raam

blorg wrote: »

I can't quite make out but I will wager that Neil has one of those plastic disc yokes between the cassette and the wheel (sorry Neil ) Where was the photo taken out of interest?

A pie plate I don't think there is one there. Might be a visor on the helmet though

tunney

TinyExplosions wrote: »

We're all freds on here mate

Speak for yourself!

tunney

NeilMcEoigheann wrote: »

cheers it was a great trip. and the reason for the outburst was that i really hate what i have now learned is called "being a fred" aka rich guys on expensive bikes they don't deserve. its just one of the things that annoys me so much dunno why.

Not quite the definition of a fred.......well there are two definitions.

I think in this case its more a violation of euro rules than fredness.

tunney

kenmc wrote: »

and wait till the euro police come knocking... 2 water bottles (different colours), black socks, black (?) shoes, wheel reflectors... what else are they likely to spot I wonder?

1) Reflectors on wheels
2) Bottles don't match
3) Team jersey (unless you ride for CSC??)
4) Helmet doesn't match gear
5) Applying the brakes on a descent
6) Not picked a fast line through the corner
7) Generic black shorts
8) In the small ring on a descent
9) Black socks
10) A Trek
11) Absence of shades
12) Improper pedal position for cornering

NeilMcEoigheann

hey the euro police can make accusations if they can catch me. (52min up the alp) eh the reflectors are gone. the location: leave le bourg-d'oisans heading south east along the valley floor at the first major junction take a right towards la berarde follow the road uphill passing through le bourg-d'arud 3km further on there are a series of switch backs, the picture was taken on the way back from la berarde. there isn't a plastic dish thing.
1) Reflectors on wheels --- there gone now
2) Bottles don't match --- red is for energy drink white is for pure water, i don't like the taste of old high5
3) Team jersey (unless you ride for CSC??) clearly i ride for csc. no i just liked their last years jearsy plus my normal ones were stinky
4) Helmet doesn't match gear --- mountain biking one has been replaced now
5) Applying the brakes on a descent --- hey the better you can break the faster you can go
6) Not picked a fast line through the corner --- really?
7) Generic black shorts --- they were out of psychedelic
8) In the small ring on a descent --- spinning out anyway waiting for climb to come
9) Black socks --- ever left your wardrobe for a month?
10) A Trek --- i like them
11) Absence of shades --- don't like them
12) Improper pedal position for cornering--- i was pedalling through the corner

happy now?

emty

You know,the guy posted a cool photo which was pretty much in the contex of the thread.Some of the above replies have been a bit....sad.I know who's company I would rather go for a spin with.

Chips Lovell

Are we hazing noobs now?

kenmc

el tonto wrote: »

Are we hazing noobs now?

I read it more as a 'now you're in the gang you're fair game for slagging'. Especially when Tiny took a liking to his legs

Although admittedly it was a bit one sided. Still, he defended well

If my opening salvo of the Euro police was the cause of such antagonism, I apologize wholeheartedly, although my oft-expressed euro-skepticism should have been a very obvious giveaway as to the nature of the post to those who've been around longer.

TinyExplosions

tunney wrote: »

Speak for yourself!

You're just saying that cos you got rid of your sidi's

TinyExplosions

NeilMcEoigheann wrote: »

hey the euro police can make accusations if they can catch me. (52min up the alp) eh the reflectors are gone. the location: leave le bourg-d'oisans heading south east along the valley floor at the first major junction take a right towards la berarde follow the road uphill passing through le bourg-d'arud 3km further on there are a series of switch backs, the picture was taken on the way back from la berarde.

Ah! The infamous 'road that Caroline_ie and Niceonetom took when everyone else turned left towards the Galibier (personally, I think they were scared!)

52 mins up Alpe D'Huez, or some other one? cos if it's up D'Huez then much respect and chapeau!

Raam

emty wrote: »

You know,the guy posted a cool photo which was pretty much in the contex of the thread.Some of the above replies have been a bit....sad.I know who's company I would rather go for a spin with.

el tonto wrote:

Are we hazing noobs now?

It's an initiation rite. We all have to get it at some point.

blorg

52 minutes up Alpe d'Huez is very impressive, that is almost at the bottom of the range done in the Tour.

I am going to have to call on both "applying the brakes" and "pedalling through a corner" though

@emty- I don't think anyone is being entirely serious.

TinyExplosions

blorg wrote: »

52 minutes up Alpe d'Huez is very impressive, that is almost at the bottom of the range done in the Tour.

Beats your time doesn't it....

Ghost Rider

Freddery aside, to reiterate one of the OP's questions: does anyone here have a Kiron Scandium or know anyone who does? If so, what do you/they think?

I love the sound of it from the review in Cycling Plus. Specifically, I love the sound of the sound of it:

"On smooth surfaces, a wonderful hum emanates from the bike at speed, while small ripples and bigger impacts produce a taut 'ping' akin to a steel drum; this may not be any use at a Mardi Gras parade, but it's a constant reminder of how you're in possession of a small piece of metallurgical magic."

I mean, buying a bike in part for the noise it makes has to be the oddest (or maybe the Freddest?) thing ever. But I'm intrigued...

Raam

Ghost Rider wrote: »

Freddery aside, to reiterate one of the OP's questions: does anyone here have a Kiron Scandium or know anyone who does? If so, what do you/they think?

I know someone with the Kiron. I'll try get some feedback. So far I know that he likes it.

Edit: sorry, he didn't actually get it in the end, my bad.

tunney

emty wrote: »

You know,the guy posted a cool photo which was pretty much in the contex of the thread.Some of the above replies have been a bit....sad.I know who's company I would rather go for a spin with.

Jesus, relax, in all in good spirits. Read a good whack of the other (non-motoring) threads on the board, the euro-fred thing is an outgoing joke.

tunney

TinyExplosions wrote: »

You're just saying that cos you got rid of your sidi's

Team replica shoes - jeesssh who buys wears them?? So no euro

tunney

Ghost Rider wrote: »

Freddery aside, to reiterate one of the OP's questions: does anyone here have a Kiron Scandium or know anyone who does? If so, what do you/they think?

I love the sound of it from the review in Cycling Plus. Specifically, I love the sound of the sound of it:

"On smooth surfaces, a wonderful hum emanates from the bike at speed, while small ripples and bigger impacts produce a taut 'ping' akin to a steel drum; this may not be any use at a Mardi Gras parade, but it's a constant reminder of how you're in possession of a small piece of metallurgical magic."

I mean, buying a bike in part for the noise it makes has to be the oddest (or maybe the Freddest?) thing ever. But I'm intrigued...

A friend recently bought one and likes it alot.

TinyExplosions

tunney wrote: »

Team replica shoes - jeesssh who buys wears them?? So no euro

In my defense, I got them because I'm on an anti-euro ticket... want to break as many rules as possible, so wear as many different items of team kit that I can.... kinda like the Veritas, or UK of Euro

Raam

TinyExplosions wrote: »

In my defense, I got them because I'm on an anti-euro ticket... want to break as many rules as possible, so wear as many different items of team kit that I can.... kinda like the Veritas, or UK of Euro

Next boards spin: everyone mix their team kit!

Chips Lovell

On Topic:

You'll see a whole range of bikes on the W200, a lot worth less than €1,000. Alps is a step up though and will put more demands on the bike. Are you really racing there OP, or is it a sportif?

Planet X looks like a good deal. Brakes aren't expensive, even good ones, so it wouldn't be a big deal to swap them out.

I like the look of the Kiron too. Easton components seem to have a good rep and the groupset is very solid.

Chips Lovell

Off topic:

TinyExplosions

el tonto wrote: »

You'll see a whole range of bikes on the W200, a lot worth less than €1,000. Alps is a step up though and will put more demands on the bike. Are you really racing there OP, or is it a sportif?

Indeed, we had boardsies do the 200 on MTB's, Flat Bar Road Bikes, lower end Road Bikes, and big expensive Williers

I was in the alps on my Aluminium Focus Variado Expert, and niconetom was on a alu Cube, and afaik that's what we'll both be using for the Marmotte, so mad expensive isn't always necessary!

el tonto wrote: »

Planet X looks like a good deal. Brakes aren't expensive, even good ones, so it wouldn't be a big deal to swap them out.

I like the look of the Kiron too. Easton components seem to have a good rep and the groupset is very solid.

The brakes are updated from the old build, and get pretty good reviews online it seems.

The Kiron confuses me a llittle -why slap a Dura Ace front mech on? Just seems an odd upgrade to me!