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Road Bike for Commute/Tri-athlon

  • 03-12-2013 01:07PM
    #1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 992 ✭✭✭


    Hi,

    My two hybrid bikes were stolen some time ago and I've been nervous to buy another bike since. However, the time has come that I really need to commute to work so I'm going to utilise the bike to work scheme. I'd also like to try my hand at Triathlon next year so I want to get a road bike that is suitable for both that and the commute.

    Details
    Spend: €1,000
    Commute Distance: 10km each way. Uphill all the way in to work so needs to be a lightweight bike to reduce sweat!
    Cycle experience: Novice

    I'm clueless with regard to make/model/extra equipment needed etc. - So any help appreciated. I can spend the full €1,000 so I'd like to utilise it as best I ca,n be that a mid range bike plus equipment or a higher end bike with less/no extras. Whatever makes most sense. I have a good helmet already but I will need the usual commuter stuff like lights, day-glow, locks etc. presumably.

    I'm open to all makes/models. I heard Giant were good but there seem to be many other brands available in Dublin shops. I've had a look in Think Bike in Rathmines and MacDonald cycles in Rathgar.

    All help appreciated!


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 672 ✭✭✭mirrormatrix


    Hi Eglinton,

    Lots of good deals to be had in that price bracket. Much of it is down to personal preference, so get to as many bike shops as possible and try them out, see what suits you. Don't get sold on a brand before you've tried out a few different ones. Most decent bike shops should let you get out for a 20-30min spin to get a feel for the bike. I have a Cube Peleton Pro and love it, but the geometry that suits me may not suit you.

    In terms of spec, it entirely depends on the bike. At that price you should be getting carbon forks. Sora/Tiagra groupset depending on the bike. Also have a think about whether you want a compact or triple.

    Regarding triathlon, any bike will do tbh. If you think you might want to do more than a race or two, get yourself a decent set of aero bars which will probably set you back the guts of 100 quid.

    Oh, and don't be afraid to haggle! Just because you're BTW doesn't mean you shouldn't be getting a good deal.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 672 ✭✭✭mirrormatrix


    Regarding equipment: lights, helmet, shoes and pedals, panniers (if you are going to use these instead of a rucksack), mudguards, tubes/tyres irons etc. should sort you out


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 992 ✭✭✭Eglinton


    Thanks Mirrormatric. Regarding panniers - Can you get bags that attach in some way themselves or do you have to have a rack at the back? And if so, are these easy to attach/remove?

    Another novice question - What's the different between a triple and a compact?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 672 ✭✭✭mirrormatrix


    You can get ones that don't need a rack, but they're not very common. Think I saw one guy that posts on these forums that has a seatpost mounted bag so maybe they could shed some light on how good they are. I'd be inclined to go with panniers though if you want a bag as I imagine they would be more stable. Personally I just have a 35L rucksack (this one http://www.gelert.com/products/serenity_35l_rucksack) which I find to be the perfect size for everything I need. If you do go the panniers route, you need to make sure that your bike has the dropouts/eyelets for it. Your LBS will know this straight away.

    Essentially, a triple has three chainrings on the front, while a compact only has two. This means you have more gears on a triple to choose from if you have the same rear derailleur and less of a gap (effort wise) between each gear. This can make it easier to find the "right" gear for the terrain you're on. However, it also means more weight is added to the bike. Also, a lot of people argue that the lowest chainring on a triple (the granny gear) is rarely used unless you're not fit, rendering it redundant. I have a triple on my commuter and a compact on my road bike. I have personally never found a problem finding a gear on a compact, but that's just me. If you search any forum or go to Sheldon Browns website, you can get more detailed explanations of all of this.

    Good luck with the search!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,308 ✭✭✭quozl


    A triple also has more duplicate gears and you'll have to do more shifting between chain-rings on the front.

    Additionally they're wider which means your feet have to be slgihtly further apart which can be a problem for a tiny proportion of people - I don't think I've ever met one of those people! Plus the heavier thing.

    A compact with a wide range cassette can give you as wide a range of gears as a triple nowadays but the price you pay is in jumps between gears. I don't find that a problem and I use 12-28 or 12-32 cassettes on my compact. The 12-32 especially provides a gear suitable for the really really unfit ;) I'm only fairly unfit so I use it very ocassionally on steep sections of Wicklow climbs.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 992 ✭✭✭Eglinton


    Thanks all. This is great information.

    One more question - if you get a puncture mid cycle are there any quick fix solutions such as glues or cans of sealant that one get handy enough?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 271 ✭✭nordicb


    Eglinton wrote: »
    Thanks all. This is great information.

    One more question - if you get a puncture mid cycle are there any quick fix solutions such as glues or cans of sealant that one get handy enough?

    I have a repair kit, but never take it with me. Spare tube or two for longer rides work for me. Some tires offer extremely good puncture protection, but at a slight expense of ride quality and performance. Conti Gatorskins is a popular choice.

    Kind regards


  • Moderators, Politics Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,277 Mod ✭✭✭✭Chips Lovell


    Eglinton wrote: »
    if you get a puncture mid cycle are there any quick fix solutions such as glues or cans of sealant that one get handy enough?

    There are such things yes. But they're like Sex Panther. 60 per cent of the time, they work all of the time.

    So not to be relied on.


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