Hmmmm, the deliberation is killing me

S2driveruk

Got measured up last night using the system from bikefitting.com in a local specialist - all very enlightening and can recommend AW Cycles in Reading (Dennis).

It looks like I am a good shape for:

Trek 1.5 (2008)
Giant Defy 3 (2009)
Bianchi Via Narone (2008) Shimano

Any thoughts?

I am still quite taken by a Boardman Comp, especially after riding a relatives hybrid last weekend, felt great.

However, like the look of a Scott Speedster s40 or 50, spesh allez/allez sport

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelp, what would you go for and why...seems its pretty much a girly choice...i.e. which colour do i like :roll: As a product manager, i can just pick it like that, has to be fully reasoned in my mind...kit versus weight versus price.

Cheers
David

Jez mon

Well if there's not really one that screams buy me, then get the cheapest and spend the rest on some kit!

thedaffodilfish

Is this a first road bike? I don't know the spec on any of these off-hand, but I imagine for a first road bike they'll all prolly be a decent base for upgrading later.

the best thing is to just try them out - go for a test ride and that'll give you a better idea of how the geometry etc of each suits you better. Even if one of them has a better groupset, it's really worth it if it just doesn't feel right when you're on it.

I have a thing about Bianchi's.I think they're great and I always get a happy feeling inside when I see someone cycle past, esp in celeste livery. However, when I eventually decided to get myself a road bike, I test rode about 4 other bikes and then to my dismay realised that for some reason I didn't want a Bianchi after all They still make me smile though

So go and try them out is my advice.

Kirklet

Boardman Comps have had nothing but good reviews. So good that I went out and bought one, best thing I ever did 8)

giant_man

Good to see you got yourself measured for your first bike, so many don't bother and regret it afterwards with a bike that's too big for them.

Well done and enjoy riding your first machine. Out of the three mentioned, which ever one suits you the most and feels the most comfortable for YOU.

st68

i ot 2006 nirone 7 its a nice bike

alwaysOTB

I'm in exactly the same position as you.........it's so hard to choose!

oxymoron

alwaysOTB wrote:

I'm in exactly the same position as you.........it's so hard to choose!

+1

Think im gonna get a Focus Variado 2008. Simply because I dont have to deal with the muppets from Halfrauds and the Focus seems to have a full 105 set.

marcthehammer

Good luck with your choice.
Ive got the scott s40 so naturally im gonna say get that one. Its a great looking bike and handles really well. Ive got the tripple but didnt realise till i got it home,DOH But i will say the scott has no room for mudguards so you have to use clip-ons. Mine are good and havent come loose but i know some people on here dont like em.
And if your gonna want to do some touring the scott doesnt have rack points either but this can be overcome with a different skewer.

feel

Its easy - you consider frame material, geometry, group set , price, reputation of the make and selling shop, whether it has fixings you need for mudguards etc and then just buy the sexiest beast that floats your boat. 8)

S2driveruk

Cheers, I went to a local halfrauds for a looksy at the boardman comp and its a really nice bike......also the kit on it is good too, The Tiagra/105 combination is goodfor the money, as the Trek and Giant had Sora shifters which i cant work out how you flick on the drops?!?!

Yeah, was really pleased i got measured up.....well worth the cost (£50 which would be refunded off the price of the bike) and learnt a bit more about my makeup - would fully recommend to other newbie roadies :-)

Seems easier said than done to test bikes from my recent experience, never seem to have one or one in the right size to try...am i missing a trick?

David

thedaffodilfish

S2driveruk wrote:

Seems easier said than done to test bikes from my recent experience, never seem to have one or one in the right size to try...am i missing a trick?

David

Just phone them up, tell them you want to test ride a couple of bikes and ask when is the best time. If they don't have any in the right size, or not fitted with pedals etc I'm sure they'll sort it out fairly quickly. Especially if this is the lbs where you got fitted and they're guaranteed a sale. you may have to wait a week while they get the right stock in but it's worth it.

And you'll need dry weather - I don't imagine many shops would be happy for you to take a spin in the wet. Good luck with that!

S2driveruk

so, after much debate, deliberation and internet searching looking for a good starting bike, i ended up going for this



From the moment i saw the pics I wanted it......2006 Via Nirone Alu Carbon Veloce :twisted:

Great condition, even better spec and its a Bianchi which i hankered after ever since i started my search.

Only had a relatively short ride today as life got in the way but initial impressions are that is feels alive, fast and really supple over rutted surfaces. Look forward to piling the miles on it over the coming months 8)

Cheers
David

feel

S2driveruk wrote:

From the moment i saw the pics I wanted it......


David

that is the very best reason for buying something - hope you'll be very happy together

pdrolo

looks a very nice bike ......and they threw in a camper van as well !