Newbie - Would appreciate some advice on a bike. . . .

RC21

Hi all,

This has probably been asked a lot (I did a search), read the forums and went to a bike shop for some advice to which I am now totally confused as to which bike would be best for me.

I had started commuting to work (in London) on my cheap mtb which is a 16-17 mile round trip. It was a bit of a slog and I gave up when it got cold and rainy. I've now decided to get back in too it and do it properly.

My work is part of the cycle scheme so I was hoping to get a bike and some gear to
protect me from the elements. After reading up on here I had decided to get a road bike like the Giant SCR 3.0 and had enquired about it's cost at a couple of shops, but when talking to them about what i wanted from the bike, like: I wanted some mud guards, panniers (Altura Dryline 32 Panniers) - They advised me that the bike (especially the wheels because of the potential extra weight) wasn't the best bike for the job. They also said that as I previously used a mtb that I probably wouldn't like the ride and seating position and would be better off with a hybrid or commuter bike and suggested:

The Marin Belvedere
http://www.marin.co.uk/2008/bikedetail.php?ModNo=3817

It looks okay but what do you think? I essentially have £800 - £900 to spend (I actually only have £450 but I get approx 50% back on the cycle scheme) but I don't want to spend it if i don't have too, but, I would like a decent bike.

Would you recommend anything else?

What do you reckon to the more expensive Marin bikes:

Marin Point Reyes - I could do a bit of off roading:
http://www.marin.co.uk/2008/bikedetail.php?ModNo=3816

Marin San Anselmo:
http://www.marin.co.uk/2008/bikedetail.php?ModNo=3854

I'm not loyal to Marin by the way, they just look like nice bikes.

Thanks for any help and advice.
Regards, RC

Random Vince

it is a fair bit of a change from road bike to mountain bike or vice versa, i nearly fall off the mountain bike if i've ridden the road bike lots (quite regular then)

if you've got a mountain bike and want to do off roading then do it on that, i'd say try a road bike, a good bike shop should let you ride one or at least have a go on rollers to see what you think of the positioning on the bike,

personally i love it and had not ridden a road bike since borrowing a kid's bike on a campsite 14 years ago, and didn't get on one until i'd restored my dad's old bike.

anyway, back to somewhere near the initial point.

a flat bared road bike such as a scott speedster might be more to your liking than a full on road racer, but it might not, you might like the road bike positioning.

they are kind of right in that if you're going to be carrying a lot of weight then a more touring based bike would be better, but they still come with a racing bike feel and positioning, all be it slightly relaxed from your £1000 light weight racing machine that LBS's have hung on the wall.

marin make fantastic bikes generally.

dan..

I made the mistake of wandering into a bike shop and (essentially) buying the first thing I tripped over with minimal research (I moved house on short notice and needed something to get me to the office).

Since realising I actually quite enjoy cycling, I had a read up, tried a handful of different bikes and have learnt there's a huge range of different styles, and that small things can make a surprisingly big difference.

So just go and try some bikes, as many as you can. By all means follow the advice of your local bike shop, but if you fancy a road bike - go try one out!

DavidTQ

I use the Giant SCR 1.0 for commuting and have done for most of last year, with full panniers racks etc etc, The SCR frame is more than adequate for commuting use its not the delicate knock kneed beast your local shop is suggesting.

I find the SCR position far more comfortable than the hybrid I had before it. The bikes faster and the difference to the ease of cycling is incredible. Funnily enough two of my local shops DID recommend road bikes for commuting. The scr range is designed with comfort in mind, its got the compact geometry the carbon forks, the curved "slight suspension" seat stays and on the 1.0 its got a carbon seat post.

My bike can more than take the weight of triple panniers no problems whatsoever. Did the shops in question have the bike in stock, or were they recommending what they had in?

Get some test rides before you buy anything. You need to make up your mind. The SCR range of bikes are not the thin delicate framed racers of yore take a look at one in the flesh and see where you think it would be weaker than a hybrid... IF the wheels were to cause a problem you can get respectable shimano ones to replace them that would be more than up to the job. I dont expect you would find a big problem with the wheels, my standard wheels are still perfectly true after 2000 miles with triple panniers!

Honestly a road bike is the way to go to keep you cycling every day, It makes the job so much more doable.

Shadowduck

I started out commuting on a hybrid then bought an old second hand road bike as a backup - it was an absolute revelation! I've since been using the road bike as my main bike and the hybrid (which cost three times as much) just sits in the garage, wish I'd never bought the thing really. I've now ordered a much better road bike (which I pick up at the end of this week - woot!) that will be a bit more suitable for longer distances and I don't see me going back to anything with flat bars for use on the road.*

As others have said, find somewhere that will let you test ride a few bikes and choose based on that. It's entirely possible you won't like the road bike, not everyone does, but to say they're not suitable for commuting is very dodgy advice - sounds like maybe they wanted you to buy what they wanted to sell, rather than what's right for you!

*Off-road is a different bucket of whelks, of course.

RC21

Thanks for all the help and advice guys - very much appreciated.

I've been finding it hard figuring what bikes, components and functions would be the best for what I need, there's so much out there it's a bit overwhelming.

I'm going to pop down to the bike shop and have a go on a couple of bikes, the Giant SCR 3.0 being one of them (Is it worth paying the extra for the SCR 2.0, 1.5 and 1.0?) - Is there any other bikes I should look out for that you would recommend?

Thanks again.
Regards, RC

DavidTQ

SCR3 is the beginning of the range, I actually ordered that originally, just to get that comfort frame and the perfect fit with plans to upgrade to dura ace gearing and expensive wheels later. Ended up the shop couldnt get the scr3 in (I brought the end of the original 2007 year line up at a discount) so I got the SCR1 instead.

The scr3 will have the basic comfort and speed of the whole range. The sora gears are servicable but not as user friendly, smooth or durable as higher end models.

The scr 2 adds tiagra gears which have far better shifters and more durable gearing, the brakes are upgraded as well Im not sure but I think the wheels may be lighter on the scr 2 meaning you accelerate quicker and go up hills better. The scr1 has 105 gearing, which really is so smooth on the shifting compared to the sora, really makes shifting gear a joy, the brakes are excellent in my opinion at 105 level. the SCR1 also has the carbon seat post which may add to comfort, it also has lighter weight wheels again and probably a slightly more expensive saddle.

Personally im very glad I went with the scr 1 in the end, if I had the scr3 I know I would have been wanting to upgrade bits before long, the scr 1 rides so well that I havent felt the need to spend money upgrading the bits. You do get what you pay for with the giants, theres no designer tag price hikes, its cheaper to buy the best to start with than it is to upgrade to the same spec later. The entry models are GOOD, the higher models are better. Best thing you can do is ride them to compare.

Other bikes to consider specialised, trek, focus planetx carbon if you reallly want to blow the whole budget on one VERY nice bike . Even reviewers in bike magazines have difficulty picking a winner between giant, trek and specialised, it comes down to personal preference once youve tried them really.

RC21

Thanks all, I still haven't made it down the shops but I'm looking to trail these and then make up my mind:

Giant SCR 3.0
Giant SCR 1.5
Specialized Allez Triple
Specialized Allez Elite
Specialized Tricross Sport

What do you reckon - anything else I should consider or get rid of from the list above?

Thanks
RC

DavidTQ

Thats a good range of bikes to test, gives you a feel for the difference between manufacturers and upper lower end models of the same type.

RC21

Thanks DavidTQ - it's good to know when you're on the right track

Thanks again.
RC

chronyx

Where are you from? I have an SCR 2 you're welcome to try out. As said above I thought it worth paying the extra now and save the hassle upgrading from the 3. I can't stretch as far as a 1.5/1 though.

Trudester

Hi,

I don't mean to confuse you even more but I chose the Giant FCR 2 last year when shopping for a new commuter. Has all the benefits of a road bike and comes with flat bars giving you a more upright riding position (which I prefer as I can keep a closer eye on the traffic!).

Happy shopping!

woodford2barbican

I have not read the other posts as there is a fair amount of advice in them!

But I will just add my two pence worth.

Go for a road bike of some description, with drop bars and the ability to take a rack and mudguards.

Over 16+ miles you will get very wet and cold if it rains, and a rucksack will start to cause you problems with your shoulder & lower back muscles.

Panniers really are worth it. Geeky and not very sexy maybe, but it is liberating to ride with nothing on your back and you can also carry more stuff. But be careful that you do not carry too much!

(See a recent post about what someone recenlty found in their panniers!)

As for what kind of bike, look at the Dawes Discovery, but as reccomended above the Giant SCR sounds pretty good. Ridgeback / Genesis also do some good bikes that will fit the bill at a decent price point. (Sub £500 I think.)

This might be of interest, http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=86813 £499 and comes with rack and mudguards.

Anyway, whatever you decide - stick with it and never get so upset by the behaviour of other road users that you loose the plot!

RC21

Chronyx - Thanks a lot for the offer. I live in central London so Surrey may be a bit to far out. But thanks again, that's very generous of you!

Trudester - Thanks for the good advice, I thought about a flat bar but I'd come to the conclusion the rounded bars would be better for me in terms of riding position.

woodford2barbican - Again, good advice - thanks! I do plan on getting panniers for the exact reason you said; a bag hurting your lower back. I currently get this on my MTB

Thanks again to you all for the help - I feel confident I'm going in the right direction and will be getting something decent

I'll update this thread and let you know how I get on with the bikes

Cheers.
RC

tardington

(See a recent post about what someone recenlty found in their panniers!)

Hmm!

I wouldn't mind the drop bars, but the guy in my LBS basically said No, not if your commuting...

The giant SCRs look lovely though (saw one yesterday)

BTW a few times people have mentioned 'triple panniers' - what does that mean, exactly? :oops:

Shadowduck

tardie wrote:

I wouldn't mind the drop bars, but the guy in my LBS basically said No, not if your commuting...

He didn't have a shop full of hybrids he was trying to shift by any chance? :roll:

Joshua82

Does anywhere in London rent bikes?

sem69

I am in the same position – I commute in London 9 miles each way, had a very old mountain bike and found it too heavy and slow. After loads of research (forums, internet and magazine reviews, bike shop advice, trying bikes out) I went for a Giant SCR2 and it's perfect for what I need and I love it! I got the 08 model for £490 from my LBS... it has tiagra gears so well worth the money, and can take a rack and mudguards if you need them. (Haven't fitted them to mine yet, but think I will fit a rack at least to get the pack off my back).
I'd say definately go for a road bike you won't regret it, and the SCR2 is a good compromise between the entry level scr3, and the more expensive 1 and 1.5.
I also tried the Specialized Allezs, which are probably the closest alternative to the SCRs, some seem to think they are better but you do have to pay more for the same level of componants.
Anyway, enjoy whatever you go for!

RC21

Thanks Sem69 - I'm leaning towards the Giants because of the good things I've heard about them on here - just out of interest what Bike Shop did you use to trial the bikes?

Thanks
RC

sem69

I tried a lot in Evans, they only need to keep your debit/credit card. Also Cyclesurgery, but you have to pay for the bike and then get refunded when you bring it back. Cyclesurgery do Giants and Specialized, so you can compare the two. You can probably still get 2007 SCRs on the internet for about £100 less than the 2008 models.
Try
www.tredz.co.uk
www.paulscycles.co.uk
www.devercycles.co.uk
I went for a 2008 from my local shop in north london as they had a 10% off sale, and I can take it back for adjustments, free first service etc.

reefman

I bought an 2007 SCR Ltd (changed name to 1.5 for 2008) for £430 off of the internet.They retail for £650.
I use it as my winter/training bike
They are fantastic value,very comfortable and I would describe the frame as tough,but light.
I am pretty certain they are the same frame as on the FCR Hybrids.

I have moved the original Alex wheels and Kenda tyres over to my Audax bike which is my daily commuter,they hold up well to rural potholed roads with a pannier, I weigh 11 1/2 stone (16 mile commute in the dark).

Winstanley bikes have a load for sale at the moment.

Follow eveyone elses advice , for the £50 so you'll save on an SCR 2 or 3 you'll spend twice that upgrading it to 1.5 or ltd spec.

Good luck

tardington

Shadowduck wrote:

tardie wrote:

I wouldn't mind the drop bars, but the guy in my LBS basically said No, not if your commuting...

He didn't have a shop full of hybrids he was trying to shift by any chance? :roll:

I know, now I think about it, it was an odd thing to say...

I am liking the Giant SCRs as well.

Also, for some reason I've taken against Specialised bikes. I'm not sure why. :?

RC21

I managed to test ride the Specialized Tricross Sport (54 cm) and a Specialized Tricross Comp (56cm) this weekend (I can't afford the Comp but it was there )

I didn't really think either of them were that special and could no way justify the £500 difference in price for the Comp - They said they had the Specialized Allez Elite when I called them but it was still boxed and hadn't been built when I turned up. I've had to put a deposit down for them to build it for me so I can trial it next weekend with no obligation to buy.

I unfortunately haven't found a shop that has Giant SCR's to test yet, i'll keep looking this week . . .

One thing that i'm really not certain about is what size of bike i should get as they both felt pretty good, but the guy in the LBS said I'd probably need the 54cm . . . .I'm 5 foot, 9 inches - what do you reckon to the sizing, how can I tell if it's the correct one for me?

Thanks
RC

secretsam

RC21 - I'm with you on the baffled by frame sizes front - I'm the same height and ride a large Sirrus - which is theoretically too big but fits me fine, though not much seat pillar showing...(it was a second hand bargain on FleaBay)

One possible way of deciding - check out the size they recommend when it's set up for you...is there a 'fashionable' amount of pillar showing? Does it look OK? Are you comfy, not stretching? Then buy the thing

And let us know how you get on, really fancy an SCR myself...

sem69

RC21 wrote:

I unfortunately haven't found a shop that has Giant SCR's to test yet, i'll keep looking this week . . .
RC

Try Cyclesurgery (Think you said you're in London?)
As for sizes, I'm 6' and have a large scr (55.5), so at 5'9" I'd say you'd need a medium in the scr or allez (54). As a rough guide, the handlebar should block your view of the front hub when you're sitting on it holding the bars, and you should have about an inch clearance between you and the top tube when you stand over it with your feet flat on the ground, but a decent shop will make sure it fits you ok.
Check out
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-GB/tec ... troad_new/
for Giant scr size guide

mccaffertyj

I am hoping someone can please help me. I currently use a Ridgeback Cyclone (Hybrid) for commuting and some cycling at the weekend. No complaints!

I have recently started going on longer journeys at the weekend (20+ miles). A few people have mentioned to me that I should start looking into a Giant SCR 2. My main concern is how robust bikes such as this are and if I would notice much of a difference between this and my existing bike. These longer journeys would only take place at the weekend.

I am taking one out this weekend for a trial however would appreciate any views.

Thanks in advance......

Mettan

mccaffertyj wrote:

I am hoping someone can please help me. I currently use a Ridgeback Cyclone (Hybrid) for commuting and some cycling at the weekend. No complaints!

I have recently started going on longer journeys at the weekend (20+ miles). A few people have mentioned to me that I should start looking into a Giant SCR 2. My main concern is how robust bikes such as this are and if I would notice much of a difference between this and my existing bike. These longer journeys would only take place at the weekend.

I am taking one out this weekend for a trial however would appreciate any views.

Thanks in advance......

Hi mate - yes, a Hybrid's perfectly adequate for shorter commutes and in particular where the road surface is not particularly great.

And yes, you'll probably enjoy your longer weekend rides on a Road bike as opposed to using a heavier Hybrid - Road bikes tend to be noticeably lighter (which reduces fatigue) - you'lll notice this whether you're climbing or on the flat, when you're accelreating and in terms of considerably less rolling resistance - Also, Road bikes will often put a 2-3 mph increase in your average speed, over a set distance relative to a Hybrid - this adds to the fun factor aswell - it's nice to be able to cover 20 or 30 miles in relative "ease", and Road bikes are well suited to this. And yes, Road bikes are robust enough for road riding - the frames and components can handle most situations and surfaces - you'll have to keep an eye on your wheels though if riding excessively on poor surfaces/pot holes and similar.

mccaffertyj

What are road bikes like to ride on if there is a strong side wind? Could you be easily "blown" off it? Sorry if this sounds like a silly question. I was cycling my hybrid today and could feel the power of the wind beneath me against the wheels. Thoughts entered my head "What would this do to me on a road bike".....

bennisonp

I am also looking to buy a road bike for the first time and looking for advice on the Giant SCR 2.0 - I'm trying to understand about the cranks.

The cranks are FSA 30/42/52 which I'm told will help me as i am more use to the cranks of a Specialized Rock Hopper that I mainly use for commuting now.

Would i really notice the difference and how quickly would my legs adapt to the normal cranks of a road bike?

The SCR 1.5 has Shimano Tiagra 34/50 would these dramatically affect my ability to climb hills? My daily commute is downhill in the morning and uphill at night!

Appreciate the open responses i see in the forum so far