Choosing the right parts on a Planet X - SL Pro Comp

willharris10

Hi all, this is my first post on this forum and I'm really excited to be able to get online with you all. So thanks in advance. I've read a lot of useful posts in other threads, but I need some help. My bike was stolen two weeks ago and so although I'm gutted, it's a chance to look at ordering a new one. I had a Specialized Allez Elite - double from 2001. I loved it but now it's gone it's time to replace it with something new. The Planet X looks like the best value and I'd really like a light bike with the 2010 Ultegra groupset more than anything. Though this time, a triple as I had a right pain getting up hills in Scotland doing Carlisle to John O'Groats last summer and this year I want to do the whole LEJOG in June.

So, my question is this. I'm getting measured at Sigma Sport tomorrow, so I'll have my dimensions, but how do you choose which components from the list on the Planet X website, are the right ones to specify? How can I know what the difference between stems is, other than from the weight and dimensions?

Any guides to components I could read? Or do any of you have any advice on how best to spec a Planet X?

All help greatly appreciated! Cheers, Will

STEFANOS4784

Welcome mate

Tricky qujestion as most of the options are very specific to how you like your bike to 'feel'.

How did you find the Allez? If that fitted then your best bet is to compare the geometry tables of both the spesh and the PX to try andd get the set up the same. Not a lot of help really but i ride a 54cm Cannondale with 130mm stem but my Kuota is a 57cm frame with a 90 mm stem, the Cannondale ends up a more aggresive position which is ok for me because i'm a skinny bugger and quite flexible.


Ok i'm starting to jabber now, there a lot more articulate people on here who, i'm sure, will be along shortly to try and answer your question.


What might help are things like your height? inner leg measurement? age? Fitness? Then people may be able to guide you through their own experiences.


Good luck and i'm sure you'll love the PX (everyone else seems to 8) )

STEFANOS4784

PS i also prefer the narrower bars on the Cannondale as it just makes the bike feel more close to me(if that makes sense)



Also i'm going home Later all, always a pleasure 8)

BrianTrousers

Phone Planet X and ask their advice. They're the most helpful people you'll come across in cycle retail.

STEFANOS4784

BrianTrousers wrote:

Phone Planet X and ask their advice. They're the most helpful people you'll come across in cycle retail.

That's what i was trying to say...... In a roundabout way :roll:

willharris10

Thanks chaps. I did ring them and you're right, they're really helpful. My only concern being that I can't get an Ultegra Triple which I really really wanted. Best I can do is get a compact and an 11-28 cassette, which will have to do and is what I had on my old bike. As for the rest, yes, they are brilliant at advising, so when I'm ready to buy, I will give them another call.

In the meantime, tomorrow I'm off to get measured up. :-)

willharris10

Ok, so the only options if I want a Triple, appear to be a Trek 2.5 (Ally frame, carbon forks) or a Ribble (carbon) so I'm tempted to take a closer look at the Ribbles. Any views online?

skyd0g

The Ribbles are very well rated and like the Planet X they are excellent value - is it the Gran Fondo or the Sportive that you're considering?

willharris10

In all honesty, I wish they'd provide a narrative on the site describing the differences between them as they all look alike to me. But it was the Sportive Racing that I was looking at. I've had my measurements done, so I know what to order (apart from being a little uncertain over stem length and handlebar choice. Advice needed on this please!

amyabcd

I have just bought the Planet X with the compact and the 28t cassette, going from a triple on my Dolce. I do not live in Scotland or anywhere else really hilly for that matter. (Midlands) I have found so far thet my new bike gearing is about the same as my Dolce which had a 30t front and 25t rear as the easiest gear.The new bike is livelier and lighter than my old one and it seems easier to climb on at the moment. What size cassette did you have on your old bike?

As for the spec list planet X were really helpfull and didn't seem to be overly pushy in trying to get me to buy the bike, they just seemed keen to talk to someone about cycling who was interested in their product (and wanted to buy). It was also a really exciting way to buy as you get a much more personalised bike from the outset.

If you are set on a triple I wouldn't blame you though as that is what I was used to and it taking a little time to find the right gear at the moment.

willharris10

Think I had a 34-50 and I upgraded my cassette to an Uttegra 12-28 or something like that. It was the best compromise I could achieve at the time. I still had to get off! So I'm thinking Ultegra Triple (30-39-52) and 11-28 Cassette should give me the biggest possible range of options :-)