bike advice please.......

Russman

Hi all,
A new member here, looking for some bike advice. Been reading some of the many similar threads and there seems to be a lot (?) of knowledgeable people on here so said I'd give it a go.....

I'm planning to buy a bike, under the bike to work scheme, for commuting (approx. 5k each way) and fitness cycling at weekends, summer evenings etc - nothing competitive or too serious (its not my main sport, just find it more enjoyable than going to the gym), maybe an hour or two at most.

Anyway, I've recently had hip surgery and been advised to stay away from drop bars so looking at a "fast hybrid" kind of bike for the slightly more upright position.

Choices so far are the following:

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=38&idproduct=31121

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=38&idproduct=31128

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=38&idproduct=30992

Would anyone have any opinions or advice as to which of these would be the better bike ? I have a leaning towards the Giant purely as I previously had a CRS3 and loved it. But the Lapierre above seems to have slightly better components - then again at my level of riding would I even notice ?

Many thanks in advance

papac

Flat bars will not necessarily give you a more upright position. If you want flat bars fine but you can raise drop bars up to level or above seat by leaving fork steerer long.(You can do this with flat bars too of course). Flat bar road bikes usually have a longer top tube than a standard road bike anyway so you may get a better position on a standard road bike.Choice and value will be better also I think.You don't have to ride "in the drops" if you don't want to.You may even find drops better for your hip thing cause you can vary position.

A lot of roadbikes now have frames that are designed to accomodate higher bar positions. These are called Sportive bikes sometimes.A good value example-
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/productdetail.asp?productcatalogue=RIBBFRAR905

Of the bikes you mentioned I would choose the Lapierre. Just has that Euro thing going on that appeals to me. I would say all three would do your job ok.My Tuppence.

Russman

Thanks for that papac, appreciated.
I didn't realise that about the top tube being shorter on a drop bar bike, definitely something to look into.....

petethedrummer

Just to confirm that. The geometry is very similar between the Defy(Racer) and the Rapid(Hybrid). With the Defy having the shorter top tube.

papac

top tube being shorter on a drop bar bike

Its not always- but in general a flat bar road bike (as opposed to a hybrid) should have a longer top tube than a drop bar.

eg.
http://www.cotic.co.uk/product/roadrat

I have set lots of people up in nice upright touing positions on drop bikes.Best of luck on your search.

Russman

Thanks again for the info guys,
Guess this really widens the search and brings drop bars into the equation !
From reading the many drop vs flat threads, the drops seem to be (broadly speaking) a lot more popular and functional once you get used to them.
Cheers

petethedrummer

Say hello to my Relaxed Geometry Thread.

Russman

Nice one Pete !!
Some very impressive machines there alright (and a few very odd ones too it has to be said)

papac

Another suggestion.Planetx Uncle John. Lumen mentioned it on that other thread and it is amazing value imo.Not much more than the flat bars you mentioned but far better spec. Go anywhere do anything bike with nice high head and short tt.I have been having a look around online (I need a hobby I think:)) and for your job description I would have this on my shortlist.(Slight weight penalty but tough as old boots).

http://www.planet-x-warehouse.co.uk/acatalog/Kaffenback_and_Uncle_John_Drop_Bar_Builds.html

Russman

That certainly does look like very good value indeed ! Ultegra for under a grand - thought that was a pipe dream
Must check with HR if I can get something like that on cycle to work. Although there is also the attraction/security blanket of buying from a bricks and mortar shop to consider.

Thanks again for the replies, can't see tomorrow being too productive for me in work, too many bikes to check out online !!

papac

There is a post on here somewhere about getting a bike online through the bike to work scheme. I think it is possible but maybe a bit more complicated. Worth it for Ultegra though.:)

Learn to fix it yourself. Save money and its a buzz. Lots of info on boards about dealing with Planetx.

Lumen

Russman wrote: »

Must check with HR if I can get something like that on cycle to work.

See this, specifically VAT Treatment.

Russman

Thanks Lumen,
Turns out the company i work for are using one of these glorified "middle men" companies to administer the bike to work scheme (can't understand why but that's another argument ) and i can only buy from a shop that they are affilliated to. Ahh well......

Will keep ye informed as to my choice. Probably one of the 3 in my first post above or their equivalent drop bar versions (Defy or Audacio). Was talking to Wheelworx in Clondalkin and they also suggested a Felt Z100 as having quite a high front end so will check that one out too. Or I've just seen some reviews of the Specialized Sectuer, so maybe thats an option. I assume these are all of a similar quality as entry level bikes ?

Russman

Thanks to all who replied to the thread, all the info was very much appreciated. To close it out, I've just purchased a 2009 Felt Z100 which has a very comfortable set up (for me anyway) and is a drop bar bike. Entry level I know, but I'm looking forward to many miles on it - and no doubt falling into the "trap" of looking for upgrades at some stage down the line.

Also a big "thumbs up" for the guys (Frank & Rob) in Wheelworx in Clondalkin, they couldn't have been more helpful or patient with a novice like myself and even let me take the bike out for a spin twice (20 mins yesterday and again today) to make sure I was happy with it.