Ridgeback Element vs. Velocity

okedoke

I'm buying a bike on the BTW scheme. I was down at my local bike shop today and the owner was recommending either a Ridgeback Element (c. €650) or a Ridgeback Velocity (c. €480). The main differences he highlighted were a carbon fork on the Element and generally better components.
The bike would be for a 4km daily commute and not too much else. Is it worth forking out the extra €170 for the Element for this kind of use.

Thanks

okedoke

Raam

Nah, I wouldn't bother.

Toblerone1978

Raam wrote: »

Nah, I wouldn't bother.

I agree. You can also spend money on gear under the BTW.

okedoke

Thanks guys (or gals) that was my instinct too - will get the velocity

okedoke

Bloch

I've had the Element for 2 years. It has a very fast and stable feel to it. I think Ridgeback choose quality components - tyres are quality Continental, brakes and Alivio gears have always functioned with no problem and I've done trips of 100 km + on it and 2500 km in total.
The Element has a sporty feel to it - the cycling position suits me perfectly -- you'd want to check if the Velocity has the same frame. If not you should rethink.

The carbon forks do seem to take the road buzz and jitter away. When I cycled on someone else's bike I had sore hands after half an hour.

okedoke

I ordered the Ridgeback Element today, it worked out less than €5 a month more than the Velocity on the BTW scheme so thought I might as well go for the higher spec. €1k worth of gear for €30 p/m for a year, what a bargain.

Thanks for the advice.

okedoke