My imaginary bike list

DonDaddyD

Today was such a lovely commute I've sat at work and thought about nothing except bikes. It was so all-consuming that I've even written a list of potential bike's I'd like to get.

There is reason to this, whether this year or next I hope to purchase a 2nd bike. If I do so this year it will be because I want to utilise my employers cyclescheme (www.cyclescheme).

Writing the list also helps identify the following questions:
Thoughts and opinions of Dolan bikes, what shops can source a Dolan bike is that shop with cycle scheme?
Is Ribble with Cycle Scheme?
What is the verdict on Condor bikes and Cannondale?
Those with an idea of my fitness level, do you think I'd be better off getting a Single Speed this year and buying a bike circa £999+ next year? If so what SS should I consider?

The list:

Ribble Sportive Racing
Dolan Mythos
Kiron Scandium
Cinelli Man Machine

Any thoughts, opinions or suggestions related to the bikes or the bike I should/could get would be much appreciated.

chuckcork

Lucky basteward.

I'd love to have a job and be able to stare off into space and daydream about what a lovely trip into work I had and what I might get via my employer!

alfablue

Both Ribble and Condor do Cyclescheme. Ribble nearly got my voucher but they were rude and disinterested on the phone, and as an afterthought mentioned that there would be a £50 surcharge for using the scheme - sale lost!

Condor on the other hand were extremely helpful and I love their bikes! Stylish and individual, Italian frames.

alfablue

The Kiron Scandium is Wiggle only, and they don't do Cyclescheme, also, the Kiron was a limited production run and there are no more until further notice.

lost_in_thought

I like the man machine... mostly because I enjoy the fact that it is called a 'man machine'! I realise this is not a good reason to buy a bike...

As for SS versus geared, riding a SS definitely had a big positive impact on my fitness over the past year, and it may well do the same for you.

I personally don't see the point in spending a lot of money on a SS, I don't quite see what you're paying for especially as it's a machine to improve fitness, so would recommend something bowery-esque. I'm sure others will fill me in on why it's worthwhile though!

Would you like to borrow the Bowery for a fortnight while I'm in oz? I think you and I are of similar height...

_Brun_

lost_in_thought wrote:

Would you like to borrow the Bowery for a fortnight while I'm in oz? I think you and I are of similar height...

Ooh, you're in a generous mood today. Can I borrow the TVR? We're of quite dissimilar height but I can promise to return the seat to it's original position.

lost_in_thought

_Brun_ wrote:

lost_in_thought wrote:

Would you like to borrow the Bowery for a fortnight while I'm in oz? I think you and I are of similar height...

Ooh, you're in a generous mood today. Can I borrow the TVR? We're of quite dissimilar height but I can promise to return the seat to it's original position.

Shut it Broooon.

DonDaddyD

chuckcork wrote:

Lucky basteward.

I'd love to have a job and be able to stare off into space and daydream about what a lovely trip into work I had and what I might get via my employer!

You know I was going to write something in anticipation of this kind of post.

In times of economic downturn Public Sector (NHS) is the safest haven despite being paid less than private sector counterparts.

I like the man machine... mostly because I enjoy the fact that it is called a 'man machine'! I realise this is not a good reason to buy a bike...

As good a reason as I can find. It also looks damn nice saw one (frame only) in a LBS once.

I personally don't see the point in spending a lot of money on a SS, I don't quite see what you're paying for especially as it's a machine to improve fitness, so would recommend something bowery-esque.

I agree and probably would just buy one as oppose to tying myself to cycle scheme I'd even stick mudguards on it.

Would you like to borrow the Bowery for a fortnight while I'm in oz? I think you and I are of similar height...

You would do this? Wow, thanks! Is your Bowery a large and when are you going to OZ? (Would need to swap pedals - seat post).

biondino

The Cinelli looks purty but £1700 for a bike with Veloce - I wouldn't, personally.

lost_in_thought

DonDaddyD wrote:

Would you like to borrow the Bowery for a fortnight while I'm in oz? I think you and I are of similar height...

You would do this? Wow, thanks! Is your Bowery a large and when are you going to OZ? (Would need to swap pedals - seat post).

Yeah, sure, I won't be using it and I trust you to take care of it and give it back!

However, it's a medium, (I think) and I am not going to oz for a few weeks... depending on whether I can switch the sprocket for a bigger one or not you can borrow it before I go away. Apparently I'm not allowed to mash at the minute... :oops:

roger_merriman

what's the 2nd bike for? another get me to work bike or sunday best? sportives etc?

Bassjunkieuk

Hmm, nice choices! So far the only problems I can see with your choices is that the Man Machine is about £700 over the usual cycle2work/cyclescheme voicher limit!
Tis a nice bike with a good set of wheels ;-) I always find it quite amusing when bikes costing this much have them!

A SS would be a good way of building up fitness and developing a good pedalling technique, it could also in theory become your "winter hack" or the commuter and as there aren't any mahusive hills to climb betwixt Wombledon and Camberwell I don't think dropping 23 gears will be to much of an issue!

My imaginery bike list is so far stocked with quite a bit of exotic Italian carbon fibre, including the Prince I saw at GB Cycles - yes it costs as much as a small new car - but I am sure I'd have much more fun!

On a more practical level I think I'd shoot for one of the £1K Focus Cayo's, they get decent reviews about ride quality and the such but I think I'd prefer to test ride a bike in that price bracket first so I'd have to try out some first, but something from Planet X or even Cervelo would go down nicely!

Also DDD, if you do go with cyclescheme it appears GB Cycles take the vocuhers, haven't checked on DeVer tho!

greg66_tri_v2.0

_Brun_ wrote:

lost_in_thought wrote:

Would you like to borrow the Bowery for a fortnight while I'm in oz? I think you and I are of similar height...

Ooh, you're in a generous mood today. Can I borrow the TVR? We're of quite dissimilar height but I can promise to return the seat to it's original position.

Out the way midget-boy.

I am of a similar height to you, l_i_t (although, as you may have noticed and I'm too much of a gent to point out, slightly taller). I'd be happy to "look after" it for you.

Think Ferris Bueller's Day Off. The airborne bit.

Bassjunkieuk

Greg66 wrote:

_Brun_ wrote:

lost_in_thought wrote:

Would you like to borrow the Bowery for a fortnight while I'm in oz? I think you and I are of similar height...

Ooh, you're in a generous mood today. Can I borrow the TVR? We're of quite dissimilar height but I can promise to return the seat to it's original position.

Out the way midget-boy.

I am of a similar height to you, l_i_t (although, as you may have noticed and I'm too much of a gent to point out, slightly taller). I'd be happy to "look after" it for you.

Think Ferris Bueller's Day Off. The airborne bit.

You sure you'd be able to get in?

greg66_tri_v2.0

Simple fact here.

No "man" can ride a bike that calls itself the "Man Machine".

Best case: it's a play on Mean Machine. Think Burt Reynolds' moustache in a prison environment. Not a good thought.

Worst case: it's there to make a man out of you. WTF were you before?

Next thing you'll be telling us how much you've been daydreaming about "riding" the Woman Machine. And asking for employment law advice. And police bail.

Mark my words.

greg66_tri_v2.0

Bassjunkieuk wrote:

Greg66 wrote:

_Brun_ wrote:

lost_in_thought wrote:

Would you like to borrow the Bowery for a fortnight while I'm in oz? I think you and I are of similar height...

Ooh, you're in a generous mood today. Can I borrow the TVR? We're of quite dissimilar height but I can promise to return the seat to it's original position.

Out the way midget-boy.

I am of a similar height to you, l_i_t (although, as you may have noticed and I'm too much of a gent to point out, slightly taller). I'd be happy to "look after" it for you.

Think Ferris Bueller's Day Off. The airborne bit.

You sure you'd be able to get in?

Yeah.

It's the getting out that's the problem.

That, and getting onto the brake in a hurry. Might have to steer round things I'd otherwise have to slow down.

Would that be a problem?

Bassjunkieuk

Can't see why that's an issue then G66! At least you can get it to give it a drive around! Maybe if you ask nicely LiT might let you out on one of those airfields or her country estate for a "proper" drive around :-D

lost_in_thought

Boys, boys, boys, calm down.

I think greg's issues with exiting the vehicle would only be worsened by any kind of airborne escapades... TVRs are not renowned for their structural integrity, and the doors open on a solenoid pop...

Ferris Bueller? I'm thinking more Thelma and Louise. You and brun would make a cute couple in headscarves. Me, I'm more a Bullit type. OK, not that cool. Dukes of Hazzard?

Anyhoo. My generosity does not yet extend past the Bowery.

greg66_tri_v2.0

lost_in_thought wrote:

Ferris Bueller? I'm thinking more Thelma and Louise. You and brun would make a cute couple in headscarves.

You should keep those homo-erotic fantasies strictly between you and your mental health therapist.

lost_in_thought wrote:

Me, I'm more a Bullit type. OK, not that cool. Dukes of Hazzard?

Bo or Luke?

Clever Pun

I like Condor bikes a lot, plus they will size you and get you an excellent fit and get you the bike you need to get up those 'hills'

cycle to work the entire grand and put some more down for something special saving loads of tax too

Bassjunkieuk

Clever Pun wrote:

I like Condor bikes a lot, plus they will size you and get you an excellent fit and get you the bike you need to get up those 'hills'

cycle to work the entire grand and put some more down for something special saving loads of tax too

I ddin't think you could top up the vouchers or does it vary by scheme or who it's with?
Unfortunately my employer doesn't offer the blasted scheme as they don't think the take up would be high enough, oh yes and as it's a bike to be used for commuting it also excludes all their "homeworkers".........feckers!

Clever Pun

Bassjunkieuk wrote:

Clever Pun wrote:

I like Condor bikes a lot, plus they will size you and get you an excellent fit and get you the bike you need to get up those 'hills'

cycle to work the entire grand and put some more down for something special saving loads of tax too

I ddin't think you could top up the vouchers or does it vary by scheme or who it's with?
Unfortunately my employer doesn't offer the blasted scheme as they don't think the take up would be high enough, oh yes and as it's a bike to be used for commuting it also excludes all their "homeworkers".........feckers!

yep my brompton was 1200, I paid the extra on my own with the voucher making up the rest.. it's not topping it up it's just additional payment to the shop. the tax benefit is only on the grand.

cjcp

Greg66 wrote:

lost_in_thought wrote:

Me, I'm more a Bullit type. OK, not that cool. Dukes of Hazzard?

Bo or Luke?

Neither were particularly cool. Their car was cooler, sure (but not that cool - it was orange FFS), but not them? Rosco's dog was way cooler. He carried the show IMO.

biondino

Clever Pun wrote:

Bassjunkieuk wrote:

Clever Pun wrote:

I like Condor bikes a lot, plus they will size you and get you an excellent fit and get you the bike you need to get up those 'hills'

cycle to work the entire grand and put some more down for something special saving loads of tax too

I ddin't think you could top up the vouchers or does it vary by scheme or who it's with?
Unfortunately my employer doesn't offer the blasted scheme as they don't think the take up would be high enough, oh yes and as it's a bike to be used for commuting it also excludes all their "homeworkers".........feckers!

yep my brompton was 1200, I paid the extra on my own with the voucher making up the rest.. it's not topping it up it's just additional payment to the shop. the tax benefit is only on the grand.

I did this too with the Focus. Easy peasy.

DonDaddyD

@Bass, My cyclescheme goes up to £1000 anything more than that and you have to pay the difference outright. DeVer does do cycle scheme but I'm a little underwhelmed at their current stock of bikes.

The Focus did get great reviews as good as the Boardman and Kiron. My only trouble with the Focus is last years model came with Ultegra (or maybe even Dura Ace) this years at the same price its 105 and even though most 105 bikes at that price range won't have a carbon frame knowing that the 08 model is better it is a psychological barrier for me.

@Biondino, I thought the same about the Man Machine groupset, its just that it looks so nice. Greg66 is right about the name though.

@roger merriman, the 2nd bike will be because I've always really liked bikes and now have the disposable income to get something I truly want. Also I would intend for it to be a summer, Sunday, beat Jash in a race, hopefully sportive bike.

@Clever Pun, I like the look of Condor bikes but am unfamiliar with the range/benefits. was generally trying to stick inside a grand but if its worth it then yeah, Cyclescheme the first grand and then pay the extra.

lost_in_thought wrote:

Yeah, sure, I won't be using it and I trust you to take care of it and give it back!

However, it's a medium, (I think) and I am not going to oz for a few weeks... depending on whether I can switch the sprocket for a bigger one or not you can borrow it before I go away. Apparently I'm not allowed to mash at the minute... :oops:

I absolutely would take care of it and will absolutely give it back (replace if stolen - I'd keep it indoors at night). I'd even give you my 'real address' so you can come round break my ankles if I don't.

My only fear is that its a medium and I had issues with my medium Giant M2. Are you planning a visit to the Mopeth before OZ, that way I could try the Bowery for size...

Clever Pun

DDD go to the store and have a look at the frames (before you get the voucher), see what you think

I paid as much into the frame as I could afford at the time

DonDaddyD

Clever Pun wrote:

I paid as much into the frame as I could afford at the time

That good huh?

What one do you have?

Bassjunkieuk

Well if it wasn't for the current economic climate and me taking loads of free training courses with my current employer I'd certainly be out looking for a job with a cyclescheme providing employer - after all most companies need an IT department so I just need to find one that ain't outsourced (or find an IT provider that does cyclescheme!!)

LiT: Don't bother changing the sprocket on the Bowery, if you can get from Ealing to London on it then I'm sure DDD can do the short hop he needs it for, if not you know what's coming next DDD!!!

:twisted: MTFU :twisted:

Speaking of which I believe the Bowery was setup for about 85GI, I know on my bike that 42x13 is just under that so you could get some practice of grinding rather then spinning :-) BD has tried it out (in the pi55ing rain) so he can attest to how easy/hard it is to ride!

lost_in_thought

Clearly I'm Bo... more exciting, better driver... and I'm not meant to talk about my therapy in public...

And CJ - the general lee was definitely cool. Definitely. Dodge chargers rock.

BJUK: the sprocket change was more for the benefit of my poor ankle - I don't think an 88" fixed gear is ideal for recuperative riding. If I can change it for a 16t or even a bigger one I'll ride it between now and when I go to oz.

DDD: I'll see if I can bring it to the Morpeth - depends if I can change the sprocket, but clearly if I change it I'l be using the freewheel side - wouldn't want to make it too easy for you by changing the fixed side!!

il_principe

My imaginary bike list:

1. Pinarello Prince... hang on a mo! Ahhhhh Pinarello....

2: A handbuilt SS from CircleACycles:

Like this:



Or this:





Or this:





Sigh.

[/list]

DonDaddyD

OK so £1000 - £1500 to spend and I'm still no closer to finding a bike. I don't just want a bike that'll do the job, I want something I can fall in love with. - I understand that this is entirely subjective and something that I need to see in person.

So far on the list I have:

Dolan - what is the verdict on these bikes, are there any London LBS that stock Dolan?
Condor - gonna take a trip to Condor
Ribble Sportive Racing - Nice bike though Ribble's customer service and delivery reputation is off putting.
Wilier Mortirolo - Not an Izoard and this would bother me.

I'm not too keen on what Giant, Specialized, Cannondale and Trek are offering at this price range, they all leave me a little underwhelmed.

Edit: Just phoned Italian Solutions and they told me that their Dolan Mythos is going down to 105 groupset for £1000 and the Ultegra will be going up to £1300 - which isn't that bad IMO.

Very helpful put me in touch with London Stockists (that do cycle scheme) said that based on my height (5'11) I would likely need:

52cm frame with a 57 top tube
44 Bar width
172.5cm crank length

I would also get a 50/34 compact with 12-25 cassette

I'm gonna get sized in person but does that sound about right? Also what's the verdict on Dolan's? Anyother suggestions at this price range?

(Also if Bass is reading this I'll be entering into 2-3 sportives - that have been suggested - on the 24th Feb).