Picked up my Kuota Keble today....
bristolpete
Posts: 2,255
Howdy doody,
So I collected the bike. In a word lovely. Very understated - a lot less bling than the Bianchi I was thinking about - but just a solid wonderful cycle. I decided to put all my money into the frame and went for 105 which suits my style and shape - naturally, I can and will upgrade in the future. The Fulcrum 7's are ideal at the moment and again, about bringing the bike in on budget.
Did about 18 miles this afternoon and noted some interesting points. First up, I am sure these upgrades are some sort of biking placebo but the return was there - much quicker uptake on the 105, speed, comfort, lack of noise and so much better climbing a hill - totally different, literally just went up them - when I rose out of the saddle to tackle a hill the whole thing just leaps forward which is nice. Of course, my Merida served me well, but all of this bodes well. Came home, chilled out and did not feel 'shattered'.
Need to look at the shape over the coming days as left leg seems further back when clipping in - you know the score, it becomes second nature on a bike so that will come with time. Need to recalculate my cadence as running two cranks over three at the front and whilst I will miss the granny ring, I think that it will help in the long run.
Overall very pleased and will be doing Bristol > Weston > Bristol on Tuesday.
A rather pointless video here,
http://vimeo.com/5339570
but more about playing with my 5D2 for a shoot this weekend.
Finally, as ever a shout out to www.stradacycles.co.uk who hooked me up with the bike. A top top bike shop if ever there was one.
Pete.
So I collected the bike. In a word lovely. Very understated - a lot less bling than the Bianchi I was thinking about - but just a solid wonderful cycle. I decided to put all my money into the frame and went for 105 which suits my style and shape - naturally, I can and will upgrade in the future. The Fulcrum 7's are ideal at the moment and again, about bringing the bike in on budget.
Did about 18 miles this afternoon and noted some interesting points. First up, I am sure these upgrades are some sort of biking placebo but the return was there - much quicker uptake on the 105, speed, comfort, lack of noise and so much better climbing a hill - totally different, literally just went up them - when I rose out of the saddle to tackle a hill the whole thing just leaps forward which is nice. Of course, my Merida served me well, but all of this bodes well. Came home, chilled out and did not feel 'shattered'.
Need to look at the shape over the coming days as left leg seems further back when clipping in - you know the score, it becomes second nature on a bike so that will come with time. Need to recalculate my cadence as running two cranks over three at the front and whilst I will miss the granny ring, I think that it will help in the long run.
Overall very pleased and will be doing Bristol > Weston > Bristol on Tuesday.
A rather pointless video here,
http://vimeo.com/5339570
but more about playing with my 5D2 for a shoot this weekend.
Finally, as ever a shout out to www.stradacycles.co.uk who hooked me up with the bike. A top top bike shop if ever there was one.
Pete.
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Comments
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Hope you enjoy the new bike.
Coincidentally, I'll be collecting a Kebel tomorrow morning - mine's the natural finish - but I expect that won't help propel me up the hills.
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Kuota's, mmmmmmmmmmmmm luuuuuuuuurrrrrvvvvley bikes.
Enjoy.
Tail end Charlie
The above post may contain traces of sarcasm or/and bullsh*t.0 -
I was close to starting the buying process for the Kebel a couple of weeks ago and bottled it. Went back today and had a long long look, and had a ride on a Felt something [approx £2300] but didn't like it at all.
Took the Kebel out hoping for an epiphany but found it disapointing; this was on a frame that roughly maps to a 56cm, with Ultegra SL g/s. It was nice, but it felt a bit too small and just didn't feel like the leap up that I was hoping for from my 3-y-o 56cm Scott S20 that I live on. So I took the Kuota Kharma out for a spin, and that just felt a stack better - smoother, better position, just nice. I'm v tempted to go for the Kharma but up the spec to Ultegra SL from 105. It was the nicer bike to ride of the Kharma v the Kebel. Am I missing something? I'd set my sights on the Kebel and tbh don't fancy dropping down a peg but equally there's no point buying the more expensive bike if it's not right for me. Gawd help us.
Any opinions? We've agreed on a proper fitting before I finally decide but it was more than just size, the Kharma felt nicer than the Kebel.
This is mainly commuting, 21 miles each way 2, 3, 4 times a week, and occasional weekend 50 - 100 mile excursions.0 -
I'd have to say - go for the bike you like best. There's no divine rule that says more expensive bikes feel better, so trust your instinct.
So many variables - all the contact points for a start! I'm sure both frames are pretty good though. I was actually looking at a Khama today, whilst picking up my Kebel.
It's good that you are getting a proper fitting done - personally, I'd get an idea of bike fit first then choose frames based on size, purpose, budget - just to narrow down the choice.
If you go for the Khama, why not invest the saved money into a good quality set of wheels?0
