Claude Butler Spectre

arc123chief

Hi All

I've seen a 2nd hand Claude Butler Spectre (2007) advertised on a forum elsewhere, so thought i'd come here and read the review......

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... ctre-10086

It gets an average rating by the looks of things, and mentions that it can be a bit cramped - however, it also says that this can be sorted out a little by changing the stem/bars.

So - I reckon I could pick up this 2nd hand Spectre for around £300. It's 4 months old, and looks fairly well looked after. My question is - Would a bike like this represent good value for money at this price?? An if so, how much would it cost to change the stem/bars to 'improve' the cramped ride??

Many Thanks from a Newb :-)

Andy

toasty

Sounds like a bargain, I'd give it a go first, some people like the slightly more cramped shape anyway. Changing the stem wouldn't cost a lot, between £5 and £30 or something would get you a new decent stem easily. You have to be careful though, go too long and the steering feels hideous, it's fitted with a 70mm which is short though, you might be able to get 90mm/100mm on there comfortably. You also might be able to get another inch by using a more laid back seatpost as well if you really need it.

All this is assuming the sizing is correct for you as well? If its too small it'll be a lot shorter, too big and it'll be a lot more stretched than normal but you might be too close to the top tube.

As I say though, give it a go and see if you feel cramped, a 20 second ride along the road and it should be apparent if it feels wrong.

arc123chief

Thanks for your reply Toastie. The bike is a 19" frame - I am 5'9" which I believe is 'about' the right size?

Well the bikes still or sale, so i'm gonna see if I can arrange a time to go and have a look and give it a go to see if it feels comfortable.

Cheers

Andy

toasty

Ah sounds good, if anything it's probably on the big side which might negate the short top tube. Good luck Looks like a bargain.

supersonic

Ideally you do need to test it first - it may be too big in which case it will be money wasted.

arc123chief

I've agreed a price (just under £300), but on the condition that it feels right when I have a test ride.

Might sound a bit silly - but how will I know if it's too big? Will it just feel uncomfortable/ not right? Haven't ridden mountain bikes for years, but I do remember my last bike been a 17" frame......

I doubt i'll be using it for anything serious either - the odd short commute and some blasts around the local woods I used to ride.......

Many Thanks

Andy

jayson

arc123chief wrote:

Might sound a bit silly - but how will I know if it's too big? Will it just feel uncomfortable/ not right? Haven't ridden mountain bikes for years, but I do remember my last bike been a 17" frame......

Theres no way to absolutely say how a wrong size bike will feel, only u can decide that for urself.

Things i would look for though include how stretched does it feel when sat on the saddle and reach for the bars, does the bike feel lively and flickable underneath u or does it feel somewhat barge like when ur steering and manouvering it etc. Ofcourse u must make sure u have adequate clearance over the top tube for the family jewels, around 3 inches is ideal but it will depend on how u feel.

Its always better to have a slightly smaller frame than a slightly bigger one for all of the reasons above regardless of the price.

Hope u get what ur lookin for