LEJOG - Chris Boardman Team Carbon or Van Nicholas Mistral

virtualgeezer

Hey everyone,

I'm new this whole road thing, but I'm planning to do Lands End to John O'Groats in September 2010. Now I don't really fancy doing this on my Scott Mountain bike so i have a question.

I was pretty much set on getting the Chris Boardman Team Carbon (£999) as the reviews are great and it wasn't going to hurt my pocket too much. That was until today, because I read that Carbon Fibre although great for it's strength and lightness and it's ability to soften the bumps is possibly not the best thing for long distance riding and/or it's general long-term use, i.e if I crashed and cracked it I'm stuffed really!

Now I don't really want an aluminium framed bike (ride comfort issue and weight) so I am now considering a titanium frame and looking at the Van Nicholas Mistral for around £1500.

Can anyone verify if i'm making the right move away from the Carbon Fibre option, or should I stick with my original plan? Is the Mistral going to be a great move that I think it is or have you any other suggestions? All advice and information is welcome, and I look forward to your help!

Thanks

passout

I think carbon fibre would be fine for this although you might consider a sportive bike with a higher front end and shorter top tube giving a more relaxed / comfy position. The Specialised bikes are worth a look if this is what you go for - they are popular. Personally I don't like a very high front end though! Also consider the Planet X Ti bikes & their team carbon and the Ribble Carbon bikes. The two bikes you mention look good to me, although personally I'd go for the Mistral. Ti can be more durable but it depends on the bike and carbon fibre can be plenty tough enough.

Consider: http://www.planet-x-warehouse.co.uk/aca ... ve_18.html

virtualgeezer

Thanks for your thoughts 'Passout'. Funnily enough I took a look at the Ribble bikes but they offered so many options that I just don't have the knowledge to choose what would work for me.

So the carbon fibre isn't as bad as I was led to believe, phew! I was worried about the longevity of carbon fibre but I guess that's only a problem if you have a serious knock or chip.

I like the look of the Power-X Ti but they do't appear to sell a pre-specced version, and again choosing all the bits is a little daunting to say the least. So right now I'm swaying towards the Van Nicholas, I'm still open to ideas but I realise titanium is only made by a few select manufacturers. Any more thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Thanks again

cougie

I've ridden a carbon frame for the last 5 years or so - and its travelled round Europe in a soft bag with no damage. You would have to be unlucky to damage it enough to write it off. And you'd be just as likely to damage an aluminium frame the same way.

Are you taking luggage with you or will you be supported ? A nice carbon fibre bike wiill take a lot of the road buzz out of the ride - but you'd be better off getting rides on the bikes and see what you think. I cant see theres any rush to get a road bike - if you have your MTB you can ride that to keep fit until you know exactly what you need.

aberdeen_lune

I'm doing a JOGLE in June and I was swaying between using my carbon bike Orbea Orca or my Ti bike Van Nicholas Amazon. Now the Ti bike is very comfy Its soaks up the bumps it has a nice saddle Brooks B17 and I know it would be great for long distance. The carbon bike on the other hand is much faster, lighter and quite comfortable too.

So my advice would be first and foremost make sure you get a bike thats fits you. If you can get a good bike fitting session it's worth travelling for. Next consider what your carrying. On my JOGLE all my gear will be carried so I dont need a rack so I'm going for the Orca. If your carrying gear make sure you get a bike that will take a rack and use panniers. Next consider carefully your position a Spec Roubaix will be comfier than a Scott Addict for instance. A higher front end may be useful if your not used to a low position. Next consider your gearing. You may be better with a compact if youve not been riding a standard chainset for a few years. Next saddle make sure you get a saddle that suits you.

virtualgeezer

Very good point Cougie regarding not rushing to get a new bike, you're quite right. Also I will have to carry some stuff as I'll have 3 of the days unsupported, so I guess this probably means i'll have to go for more of a touring type frame to take the load. This is a real shame as I really fancied a full on lightweight road bike, and hate the look of tourers, but needs must! Actually I've started looking at Cyclocross frames such as the Van Nicholas Amazon Cross as they seem quite adaptive but you never know the more I research the more this may change once more.

Aberdeen_lune you've made many good points and good luck for June. I'll definitely get a fitting (except if I went for the Boardman as it's Halfords and we know how good they are), but when it comes to chainsets, crank sets etc i really don't have the knowledge to what my preference would be, so i will have to trust the shop selling it to me.

Either way I'm now very keen to get a titanium frame, it just makes sense for the long-term. Thanks for the tips guys.

sturmey

Have a look at the posts by Willharris10.
He has virtually the same requirements as you.
Uncanny.
Unless you ARE Willharris10 of course.
Pretending to be someone else.

bigpikle

you could also think a little differently about carrying stuff...

If its only 3 days you need to carry stuff, why not make up 3 boxes of clothes and stuff, and courier them to the hotel/B&B/place you are staying? It would also be possible to pre-arrange collection back again and really doesnt cost much, especially if it means you can buy the bike you really want

willharris10

sturmey wrote:

Have a look at the posts by Willharris10.
He has virtually the same requirements as you.
Uncanny.
Unless you ARE Willharris10 of course.
Pretending to be someone else.

No, he's not me. Though I'm reading this with interest

I did Carlisle to JOG last year in June and used my Specialized Allez Elite and it was fine. No need for a touring bike if you don't want to. Though I would have appreciated pannier points on the bike. As I didn't have any, I had to buy a seat-post clamped-on pannier set. A compromise but it worked really well.

I'm currently looking at the Cannondale Six as the replacement for my nicked Spesh. Titanium has to be considered though. More important than anything is that you love what you buy, so that you ride it, and you buy a bike that fits you, so riding it is enjoyable. WIsh there was a single bike that does everything, but I don't think that exists!