Advice on Upgrading Bike (womens)

brownetara

Hi,

Looking for some advice on upgrading my bike. I have had a Carrera tdf for the past two years, initially just used for commuting a 230 mile round trip to work but in the last few months have found myself doing 2/3 20/25 mile spins during the week and maybe a 50/60 at the weekend. I recently signed up for a few sportif's (Tour de Conamara, Tour de Burren, Ring of Kerry etc) and thinking of upgrading so looking for a bit of advice - don't want to spend a fortune but don't want to think in six months time, why didn't I spend the extra couple of bob and get a better bike.

So looking for a ladies specific bike for sportif cycling at most, unlikely I'll ever be racing! Happy to listen to ideas about buying a bike and upgrading one or two components as well as just considering a new bike on its own,

Thanks in advance,

Tara

HivemindXX

I'm assuming it's a typo but a 230 mile commute is pretty impressive!

Anyway, I can't be much help but here's the two women specific bikes I'm aware of.

The Giant Avail is the women's specific version of the popular Giant Defy.

The Specialised Ruby might be the women's version of the Roubaix but it doesn't explicitly say that and there seems to be some differences in design.

Both of these are intended for longer distance cycling, that is sportives more than races, so that seems to suit what you want.

If you are planning to replace your commuter bike then you might be concerned about mudguard clearance and things like that. Basically don't accidentally upgrade your bike to one that is worse for the main use case.

brownetara

Thanks, will have a look at those. I've taken the mudguards off my own as the guy I cycle with at weekends is ashamed of me when I have them on!!

QueensGael

brownetara wrote: »

Thanks, will have a look at those. I've taken the mudguards off my own as the guy I cycle with at weekends is ashamed of me when I have them on!!

Make sure you cycle ahead of him next time you're out in the rain, see how his likes that

I have the Ruby Elite which I use for racing and sportives. It's very light and responsive, I'm very happy with it. It was an upgrade from the entry level Dolce which I bought a few years back (and it's now my winter bike)

I'm 5' 3" and I really like the fit of the Specialized WSD, and would buy one again if I was upgrading/replacing. If you're a bit taller, you can probably look at some of the men's road bikes.

MB Lacey

Is there a reason you want to upgrade? (not that there necessarily has to be).
Are you finding your current bike uncomfortable after 60k? Or are there bits which annoy you? eg the gearing, wheels, saddle, triple/ compact set up?

I cycle a Scott Contessa Speedster wsd bike and absolutely love it, I can cycle 100k with no issues, it's a very comfortable bike, very light too.

One main thing I like is the integrated gear system (gears integrated into the brake levers rather than the button switch at the top of your hoods), that might be something to look for in your new set up.
Also I like that my bike is a compact rather than a triple, though a lot of sportive minded women seem to prefer a triple because it has an easier gear ring (the granny ring) for going up hills.

If you're just wanting to upgrade something on your current bike, people will generally suggest a new wheel set.

brownetara

I have the Ruby Elite which I use for racing and sportives. It's very light and responsive, I'm very happy with it. It was an upgrade from the entry level Dolce which I bought a few years back (and it's now my winter bike)

Think this might be out of the bank managers agreement zone - €€€! But thanks for the advice!

T

brownetara

MB Lacey wrote: »

Is there a reason you want to upgrade? (not that there necessarily has to be).

Main reason for upgrade is not that the bike I have doesn't do the job but would like to make it a bit easier so lighter bike, as you say gear levers in brakes rather than the button ones, etc. I can get it on the bike to work scheme so just trying to get best value for money, decent bike and not need to change for a few years. Hoping to sell my old one when I get the new one so that would make me a few bob back too.

T