And so the saga begins...
I went to Sigma Sport and got fitted for a bike on Saturday. The print out said I needed a bike with a 608mm top tube. This seemed to rule out a lot of options for me, including a 62cm Madone (incidentally there don't seem to be any left in the UK anyway). So we started talking about Roubiax's.
I went to GBs after that for a chat. And it wasn't looking good on bike sizes, especially considering the time of year when all the larger bikes are out of stock. They said, as did Leon at Sigma, it would be helpful to see my existing bike.
So I went straight back with my bike at 5pm. First thing they said my bike was set up totally wrong, as the saddle was too low, and when the shorter stem was fitted for some reason it was turned up the other way (which I rectified later at home). And my bike was slightly too large for me. After sitting on a few bikes they reckon a 595mm top tube should work. So I am going to go back next Saturday and try riding a rather tasty Look KG486 and a Roubaix test bike. I get the feeling they would like to sell the Look but at £3300 its way out of my price range, even with a good deal I am sure. Must resist
And after pouring over the Specialized catalouge I quite like the look and idea of the Roubiax Pro, as it suits the kind of riding I like. It's a nice specced bike too, but I am not sure whether I would prefer a full Dura Ace groupset rather than the Dura Ace/Ultegra/FSA K Force crankset and bearings cocktail. Don't know much about Roval Fusees either. And if I am totally honest the price is a little more than I was anticipating but who knows maybe I can get a decent deal.
On the gears front I like the concept of a compact (which incidentally is stock on a Ruby) but looking at the ratios I just wonder if changing from a 50 - 34 is going to be a big jump. So maybe a 53/39 and different cassette is the way to go. Hmm more thinking needed.
I did a short ride on Sunday and I found the new riding position ok. Lower back is aching a little today though