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What Bike

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I'm looking to get a bike on the ride-to-work scheme, and wanted some advice.

I'll be using to ride to work (obviously!) along a cycle track and a bit of road, about 12-15miles in total, so I'm looking for a road bike, around the £500-600 range...which allows me to get some accessories too,
next question: where should I buy it from, who's going to be able to offer me the best bike for the best price.
final question: what extras do I need...I'm thinking I probably want a good light for the front (cycle track's unlit & very dark!) a pump, a water bottle, some shoes & pedals, and I've been told to get some padded shorts, anything else?

Thanks for your help
 nniff 25 Apr 2012
In reply to carrot_boy (North East Wales MC):

You don't want my advice on which bike, I'll tell you to buy a fixie from Pearson's.

As far as bits and pieces for commuting, i'd suggest the following:

A track pump with a gauge to keep at home.
A CO2 cartridge pump for the road
Lights - one of the far eastern imports whose name i forget, but someone will be along soon.
mud guards - the essential commuting accessory
shoes and pedals

personally - a pannier - rucsacs on a bike are horrible IMHO

 a crap climber 25 Apr 2012
In reply to carrot_boy (North East Wales MC):

I'd recommend a Specialized Allez. There are plenty of bikes around at that kind of price though, so try a few to see what you like. Entry level road bikes often have a slightly more relaxed geometry, based on the assumption that people who want to ride fast will buy a more expensive bike. The Allez is one of the better exceptions to this. Trek is probably also worth a look (I'm not sure what there current entry level bike is called at the moment as I think they've changed it a few times, 1.1 or 1000 or something like that). A lot of people seem to like Ribbles. I've never done much distance on one but I really don't get on with the way they ride. Also they look a bit too good on paper, suggesting that they save money on the frames to put better components on, though this may or may not be an issue for you. My advice is probably a little out of date as I haven't kept up with what's available for the past few years.

Most people (including myself to an extent) will just recommend whatever bike they have (if they like it) or the best of the small range that they will have ridden, so take all opinions with a pinch of salt. The most important thing is how the bike feels to you, so make sure you get a test ride, even if its just a few minutes round a car park (though the longer the better).

Accessories wise, you've already listed some of the most important ones. As nniff said, a track pump is a worthwhile investment and helps to keep your tyres up to pressure. A CO2 cartridge is useful if being late for work is an issue when you get the inevitable punctures, as is a couple of spare tubes (repair them when you get home). I'd recommend some decent clothing, especially during winter when motivation to ride might be low. A decent soft or hardshell jacket and some good tights or waterproof trouser depending on what you prefer would make the ride a little more bearable. Gloves are also essential during colder weather. Given that summer is technically on the way, these could possibly wait. Some kind of jersey or baselayer typed top will be better than a cotton t-shirt, though be careful not to make your workplace stink of sweaty cloths! If you're likely to wear it, then a helmet is a must.

Check with your scheme if there are any limitations on which shops you can use, as some specify a particular chain, often Evans or Halfords (though Halfords generally obtain the bike from a better bike shop). If you can choose, then go for one that has good customer service. The staff should take some time to recommend a bike and accessories, order the bike if they don't have it (though it's not unusual to ask for a refundable deposit to deter time wasters) and allow a test ride.
 David Hooper 25 Apr 2012
In reply to carrot_boy (North East Wales MC): Just clicked your profile and noticed you are cheshire based. There is a specialised flagship store in Chester but my partner suffered really poor customer service there so cannot recoomend it. Alf Jones Cycles (I think) is one for the roadies.

Posibly your best bet would be to pop in to Cycle Surgery at Snow and Rock at Eastham. THEY DO THE RTW SCHEME and will match genuine internet prices if you find better prices. Also when I bought my bike there, they gave me 10% of the value back in vouchers to spend in the store and they have knowledgeable bike techs and workshop on site + a large selection of bikes. Bet you come away lusting after a MTB or sleek and sexy roadie though

Happy shopping.
 Escher 25 Apr 2012
In reply to a crap climber:
> (In reply to carrot_boy (North East Wales MC))
>
> A lot of people seem to like Ribbles. I've never done much distance on one but I really don't get on with the way they ride. Also they look a bit too good on paper, suggesting that they save money on the frames to put better components on, though this may or may not be an issue for you. My advice is probably a little out of date as I haven't kept up with what's available for the past few years.
>

That isn't true for the Ribble's carbon framed bikes. They are rebadged mid end Italian carbon framed bikes which are half the price of the same spec Italian original. For example the Ribble New Sportive Racing is a rebadged De Rosa R848 which is about 2 grand for a 105 equipped bike(1 grand for the Ribble), the Stealth is a rebadged De Rosa R838 which retails for around 3 grand and won Bike of the Year a couple of years ago and the Gran Fondo (I think) is a rebadged Deda something or other. So they don't skimp on their carbon frames and they are expectional value for money. Stack 'em high and sell 'em cheap, you just can't get a test ride (though you can visit them for a fitting) and Ribble instead of De Rosa doesn't quite have the same cred but they aren't skimping on the quality. I don't know if that is true for their alloy frames. Internet buying can be a punt and fit is very important, but if a carbon Ribble fits you then you get a lot of bike for your money.

Obviously I have one and I love it, it fits me well and rides beautifully. It's absolutely true that people will recommend what they know and like, I only want to do that if it suits you but wanted to correct the assumption that they skimp on their frames, on their carbon bikes they do not, in fact the opposite.
 a crap climber 25 Apr 2012
In reply to Escher:

Thanks for the correction on Ribble frames, interesting to know. Do you know if they've always sourced frames from De Rosa? A very good mechanic friend of mine (used to work for a major team) had very little good things to say about their carbon frames, saying that looking inside suggested cheaper production (the finish on the inside of a carbon frame can often yield a few clues as to the build quality if you compare a high and low end frame).

Anyhow, it sounds as though there aren't any frame quality issues
 Escher 25 Apr 2012
In reply to a crap climber: I don't know how long they've been doing it, I bought mine last year and did a load of research then. As I'm sure you know 95% of carbon frames are made in a few factories in the far east so I guess they've sought a deal directly with those factories to use the same moulds and processes as designed by those Italian makes and to basically receive the exact same frames. I've seen and read nothing to indicate that they are nothing other than the exact same product, simply rebadged. The only difference I can ascertain is the cable stops and front derailleur mounts aren't quite as sexy as the Italian equivalent but the work just as well as the more elegant solutions.

If you aren't cynical about the large Ribble ads contributing to favourable reviews in the mags then they do, nearly always, get glowing reports. IMO much of that is because you are essentially testing a 2 grand bike in a 1 grand bike test and the Ribbles are alwasy going to seem better. In Cycling Plus' recent Bike of the Year test the Ribble New Sportive scored 3.5 out of 5 (about average to higher than average so was mid pack) but it was shod with better wheels and therefore cost 2 grand and went against other 2 grand bikes. So as I say it came out about middle of the pack. Which means if you are buying the same bike with budget wheels and getting it for a grand then you really are getting a pretty good 2 grand bike for half the money. That's how I interpret the mags attitude to the frame quality, that they aren't inferior copies of Italian makes but the very same article. There's many people on forums that seem to agree.
 peterd 25 Apr 2012
In reply to carrot_boy (North East Wales MC):

Last year I bought a Ridgeback Voyage touring bike, and have been very pleased with it; a very comfortable ride. I occasionally use it for commuting (18 miles each way). Might be just above your price range though, and some perceive touring bikes to be less sexy than 'road' bikes.
Bimbler 25 Apr 2012
In reply to carrot_boy (North East Wales MC):

A kona honky tonk fits your criteria well. Check out the reviews. Ultimately though choice is yours!
 IainMunro 25 Apr 2012
In reply to carrot_boy (North East Wales MC):

I just bought myself a Trek 1.1 which is their entry level road bike. Enjoying it so far, no carbon fork but a good set of components at a competitive price. Like others have said best to try a few models before buying. I also looked at the Specialized Allez which is a similar spec and price.

Iain
Bimbler 25 Apr 2012
In reply to carrot_boy (North East Wales MC):

Another thing to consider is how you carry any extra spare clothes, work stuff etc.

Personally after using a rucksac and then going to a pannier rack I'd never go back to carrying anything on my back again. Panniers make life so much easier and are more efficient and comfier... Also get mudguards.

Ps. My commute is between 20 and 30 miles. Also I dont think an Allez has mounts for a rack
 Steve John B 25 Apr 2012
In reply to Bimbler: Scott Speedster S55 got a good review at £700 on BikeRadar - you can get them for around £550 if you shop around. Has rack mounts and can take proper mudguards.
 johnl 26 Apr 2012
In reply to carrot_boy (North East Wales MC): The Revolution bikes from Edinburgh Bicycle Coop always seem to get good reviews http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ They seem to have a good range of different bikes that would suit your needs and well within your price range.
 Hat Dude 27 Apr 2012
In reply to carrot_boy (North East Wales MC):

My LBS in Leamington have a good offer on a Gary Fisher Lane, top end of your price range but would suit your needs ideally

http://www.johnatkinscycles.co.uk/sale2.html

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