New Bike Advice

[SimonJOsborne]

[quote="A J C"]Keep them then maybe upgrade to Dura Ace wheels later on, ask Sylv about them...

[-Adam-]

Stay with shimano, please!!!

I had look pedals but didnt like them much.

Have Ultegra pedals from '05 and have no problems with them! And im sure the new ones are even better...

[SimonJOsborne]

Never tried SPD-SL's.

[Robh]

I'll second Dauphin, was there in Early April for a bike fit for a new frame. For the first session I was there for 1.5hrs. Very thorough guys!

Rob

[-Adam-]

Simon, they are more or less the same design as Look, but i just prefer the Shimano offering. I think your foot is closer to the pedal axle which is a good thing, more direct power transfer...

[John Sheridan]

re gears:

one more thing to consider - 53/39 + 13-29 is available with campag 10 speed and works with a short cage derailleur. 39/29 isn't far off what a triple will do for you. I've got that range on my bike and it's gotten me through 3 etapes and I'm definitely not a mountain goat.

[SimonJOsborne]

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

[Jon H]

I don't claim to be some kind of bike fitting guru, but I can't see how these guys can state that you need a 608mm or 595mm top tube, when the top tube length is just one number making up the bike geometry as a whole package. Unless (and this may be a bit cynical) they have a bike of that size they're planning on selling to you.

I would be more impressed with the bike sizing service if they came up with dimensions for saddle height and layback from the bottom bracket, and saddle to handlebar reach and drop, and crank length. Those are the important dimensions because that covers the points where you make contact with the bike. Then within that framework a variety of bike sizes (within reason) would fit you, with differences in the top tube length, frame angles, head tube height etc being adjusted with saddle position, head tube spaces, stem length and angle etc.

[SimonJOsborne]

After he put my details into the computer it did come up with a bunch of dimensions around the entire frame geometry including saddle height, crank length etc.

But according to GB because I have a small torso and back (for some who is 6'4" anyway) I shouldn't need a bike that is as big as you would expect. So hopefully next Saturday I will be able to find the right size in practice when I ride some bikes. I am concerned about getting it right. How much will I find out from riding the bikes, even the test bike for an hour or so? Sometimes I find aches or pains don't manifest quickly.

I am not sure why they focused on the top tube length, but when they were talking about different frames this was the key dimension they were discussing.

And I am definitely not going to buy anything unless I am comfortable on the bike, and it's in my price range. I think my choice is going to be restricted by size.

[Marek]

Simon,

I am 6ft 5in and I have long legs, my saddle height is 87cm from centre of crank to top of saddle. The reason why they look at the length of the top tube is to make sure that you are comfortable in terms of not having to lean too far forward, but making sure you are stretched enough.

I would recommend a visit to Dauphines, they won't mess you about and they will find something that fits you in terms of price and the like.

I have heard though that Specialized are a good bike for the taller rider.

Cheers

Marek....

[SimonJOsborne]

[quote="Marek"] The reason why they look at the length of the top tube is to make sure that you are comfortable in terms of not having to lean too far forward, but making sure you are stretched enough.

[Robbie Dread]

Go to Dauphin's on box hill mate best cycle shop in England,they do the best bike fit and right prices too for bikes

[Dombo]

[quote="SimonJOsborne"]

Why do I have to keep seeing all these fantastic looking bikes somewhat out of my price range? And why is it I start thinking well it's not that expensive

BTW anyone know of any decent bike review pages?

[-Adam-]

Google is the way forward simon, thats what i did when choosing new wheels.

[url]http://www.pezcyclingnews.com[/url]

Another website that has a few tests here and there, same as

[url]http://www.cyclingnews.com[/url]

Just dont get distracted by

[img]http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/babes/babes07/giro07-miss7.jpg[/img]

if you do visit Pez!

[-Adam-]

No but they coukd show how refreshing their mineral water is and have a wet t-shirt competion!