New Bike Advice

[SimonJOsborne]

I am considering getting a new bike. This time I am trying to do more general research to get the right bike for me. In particular I am looking into frame size, gear ratios, crank lengths etc.

First things first I want to get properly measured up for a bike so I get the right size bike, and have everything else sussed like saddle height and stem length. Can anyone recommend a good place to get this done? Anything else I should bear in mind when sizing the bike?

Secondly I am contemplating switching from a triple (52/39/30) to a double (53/39). Obviously the big change will be fewer gears to choose from. And I do feel that I am gaining strength in my legs. But how much will I miss the granny on those 25% hills (not that I cycle on them much)? Also if I did go down the road of a double would it be worth specifying what cassette I go for as opposed to just going with the stock (12-25)?

Is there anything else I should be seriously thinking about? For instance if I get an 'off the rack' bike will I need to get longer cranks seeing as I am 6'4"?

All advice welcome...

BTW I am currently looking at a 2007 Trek Madone 5.5 SL. Mmmm

[Snoop Doug]

OK then (can't quite believe I'm about to offer advice but....)

For what it's worth you could do worse than let Sigma cycles in Kingston check you out. They do a fitting and measuring service costs around £35 which you get back if you order from them. Not used this service but heard v good things about Sigma. My personal preference is Pearsons in Sutton (thought about one of their racing steeds?? - good quality stuff!) not sure how hi tech their fitting facilities are.

Ditch the treble. Even I only have a double on the front and my max speed is, well, not very max! If I can get up Mont Ventoux on a double then you'll be fine - trust me on this bit.

Have fun

Escargosnoop

[Andrew G]

I would advise looking at building your own bike up in a good shop than buying off the peg. It needent be overly expensive but you get what you want, without compromising somewhere "to fit the price point". Don't get too hung up on an all carbon frame, with a carbon rear triangle you get most of the benefits from a carbon frame but with an aluminium main triangle you can have a very big bottom bracket juction (for power transfer). Current alu frames are very light, stiff and considerably cheaper than full carbon.

If you get a medium cage on the rear mech you'll be able to fit a larger cassette when needed. A "standard " 12/25 or 13/26 will be good for nearly all your riding on a 53/39 but if you want to do a lot of hilly rides / sportives you can get a cassette up to a 29 sprocket and fit it without changing anything else.

Cranks - minimum 175, maybe 180. Ask in a decent shop and they'll advise (I'm a 5'6" short-arse so use 170s )

Happy shopping.

Oh, and I forgot the most important thing...take your time. Don't know Trek prices but I'm guessing £1500-£2000. It's a lot of money and if you make a mistake it's either expensive to remedy or you ride around thinking, "if I'd only...". Get it right (as I'm pleased to say I managed) and every time you get on the bike is a joy.

[-Adam-]

Well im not really an expert on the bike front, but i have a Trek Madone. Its almost 2 years old now bless it but i love it! Handles great, descends like its on rails. And hey, lets face it, Lance wouldn't have ridden it of it was sh1t.

Not too sure on crank lengths though myself, have been pondering this one myself lately... So any more advice would be great.

I'll second Sigma Sport though as the greatest bike shop on the planet! They'll fit you up good and proper and as Snoop says will waive the cost of fitting if you buy from them...

Enjoy the shopping around anyhoo, so i take it its to show off to Antonia at L2P then...!?

[Elliot M]

rather than just ditching the triple for a double, why not consider a compact double? i'm about to do this.

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

I think crank length is a personal issue within reason. I used 170's for a long time, then switched to 175 for TT's and just couldn't get them round. I went to 172.5 and bingo, perfect. I'm 5'10"

It is generally accepted that longer legs adapt better to longer cranks, so 175's might suit. 180 might be pushing it a bit.

I believe "De Keiser" used to ride 182.5 to lever himself up the mountains.

If you're not racing, go compact, say 50,34 with 11-25 and you can climb the side of your house

[Alan M]

Suggest that you book a visit to cycle dauphin for a measurement and chat - take your existing bike and shoes 'cos it helps to have a benchmark and they may well adjust it for free if you need some changes. Expect to pay a bit more there for the bike but there is no charge for measurement if you buy from them. I guess I had a total of 3 hours attention to get size and component how I wanted them. They are very thorough and seem to be experienced and are ready to swap stuff around and try out different stem length etc. Go during the week if possible when it is quiet

[SimonJOsborne]

[quote="A J C"]
Enjoy the shopping around anyhoo, so i take it its to show off to Antonia at L2P then...!?

[Graham O]

Simon,

The only thing that I would say is wait until the end of the summer if possible. When next years kit starts to hit the shops, you tend to notice lots of bargains particularly on the Internet.

I would also avoid buying a complete bike if possible, as they are always built up with basic wheels. For me, after you have got a frame, the wheels make the biggest difference, so I would recommend not getting the entry level (£100) wheels. Zondas look really good for a good price.

Anyhow...Enjoy...

Ta,

Graham.

[carl f]

GB's selling zonda's for £225.00 bargain!

[quote="seanieh.ThePengeAvenger©"]Simon, what are you riding at the moment?

[-Adam-]

Hey hey,

Bontager Race Lites are quality! Had mine for two years and they run as good today as when they were first wheeled out the shop. Barely had to do anything to them.

I would rate Bontrager wheels over Mavic any day, Bontragers are built on DT Swiss Hubs and there more or less the best in the world. Mavic hubs on the other hand, well they are far less than perfect...

[SimonJOsborne]

[quote="A J C"]
Bontager Race Lites are quality! Had mine for two years and they run as good today as when they were first wheeled out the shop. Barely had to do anything to them.

[Stu Merckx Man]

adam how much are they?

[-Adam-]

I think the pair are approximately £200 but money well spent if you ask me.

They are obviously lower end wheels compared to the frame and Dura Ace equipment Simon but you could do a lot worse. Keep them then maybe upgrade to Dura Ace wheels later on, ask Sylv about them...