A nippy road bike for someone incredibly wrinkly

Moaner

I have a Van Nic Amazon light tourer that I use for my 30 mile commute and general thrashing around the lanes at weekend. This is a Ti bike with mudguards, open pro rims and 23mm GP400s tyres.

I really like the VN, so I plan to keep it for when it’s wet or I need to use panniers. What I would like to do is get something faster for fun rides out. I’m a 56-year old git so I need something with relatively relaxed geometry, but I could manage something a bit more aggressive than the Amazon.

I'm 5' 9 and weigh 11 stone 10. I had a fitting service when I got the VN and it was money well spent. I think Ti is great, but haven’t ever owned a carbon or steel bike and am open-minded. Not interested in alli though.

I’d very much appreciate views on whether I could get much of a speed gain without going for a racing bike (that would just hasten the arrival of a zimmer frame).

Also, any suggestions on what bike to go for? No budget really, could imagine 4k ish.
Thanks very much.

skyd0g

Why not the VN Zephyr (as you are already pleased with the VN Amazon) - described as a 'comfort racer'?

...potentially, a 'racy' carbon framed bike may be stiffer than you'd feel comfotable with over distance?

pianoman

Or even the VN Yukon?

That's one of the most all-round bikes you could hope for, I would have got one if I was not bothered about going ultra-fast and wanted to do Audax events, but I wanted something aggressive for fast riding that would also handle training, sportives and time trials. So I got the Chinook

Moaner

Thanks for these thoughts - much appreciated.

I'll be keeping the Amazon so I started off on the basis that ought to try a different make - but you've got me wondering about that now.
I think you're probably right that I ought to avoid a carbon racer. In your view would I see a significant difference moving to one of the other VNs?

On the other hand I have a bit more cash to splash than I had when I bought the VN, so maybe that opens up other Ti options that I ought to think about?

skyd0g

I'd suggest it may be worth contacting Van Nic directly (or a trip to your local VN stockist), telling them what you have currently and what your requirements are. As they also have a 'tailor made' option on their range of bikes, I'm sure they can sort something specifically to suit your needs.

It would also be worth road-testing a couple of carbon bikes at the same place to see what you'd be gaining or losing over a Ti steed of similar spec.