Big lad wanting his first road bike... Advice please.

JMRenouf

Surprised no-one's mentioned PX before now.

An SL Pro Carbon with absolutely top of the range shifters and mechs will be easily within your first budget, and not far out of your second.

I'm around 16st and my SL doesn't bat an eyelid. Model B wheels are also pretty light but bullet-proof.

kn0bby

FINALLY.....

I am allowed to order a bike tomorrow, £1000 is my limit.. I've pretty much set on a Focus Cayo 105 LTd from Wiggle.. I was looking at the Cube Attempt but I hear stock is an issue.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/focus-cayo-105-ltd-2011/

Any last options I should consider?

Cheers

Dave.

Xommul

Hi m8,

I just had a bike fitting ay Bike Lab in Richmond, London. Was a really worthwhile experience. They sat me down, we talked about my riding history, my goals, style of riding, budget etc.

Then they measured me all over, and gave me print outs of frames with measurements for different riding styles, i am in the sportive confortable/sporty section.

They then went through their recommended rands but couldnt find anything that fitted, im 6foot7 and 17.5 stone. I like that they didnt try to push a bike on me i wouldnt fit or couldnt afford.

You could tell the staff were very knowledgeable and enthusiastic.

In the end they looked at loads of brands and i suggested a few. I finally settled on Rose Carbon RS 4400, ts around 1800 quid. It is being shipped to the shop who will fit it to my specs. All that help for 75 quid - a bargain.

I would deffinately reccomend a fitting

xom

kn0bby

Thanks for the feedback. I think for your size fitting would be recommend, I don't expect many cyclists are your height.

I think I'm going to order from wiggle so I can take advantage of their 30 day return policy. least if it doesn't fit or is uncomfortable I can at least exchange it.

I'm now nearly under 16 stone so although heavy I'm not the 18 1/2 stone man I was. It's amazing the difference it makes.

Really going to start training hard once I get my racing bike. My trip to work is 17 miles each way and I plan to do that at least once a week once I'm used to the bike. I'd like to think I can do 17 miles in 1hr 20min or less, damn my bums gonna be sore!

Avanti Roman

kn0bby wrote:

FINALLY.....

I am allowed to order a bike tomorrow, £1000 is my limit.. I've pretty much set on a Focus Cayo 105 LTd from Wiggle.. I was looking at the Cube Attempt but I hear stock is an issue.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/focus-cayo-105-ltd-2011/

Any last options I should consider?

Cheers

Dave.

The Felt Z6 also looks a good buy from Wiggle at £1,080 but the Focus has better 105 shifters, is cheaper and looks nicer in my opinion.

I'd get the Focus.

Avezius

At the £1k mark - consider Ribble if you:

a). Like to get a lot of bike for your money (carbon frame, decent groupset)
b). Don't care much about "brands"
c). Don't mind a few weeks wait
d). Can live with "intermittent" communication

Especially if you are considering buying online without trying first (the biggest downside of a Ribble IMHO).

Have I mentioned I rode my GranFondo for the first time yesterday & it's awesome?

kn0bby

Hi Guys,

Thought I'd better update this thread....

Well I finally went for the Focus Cayo and i'm 100% certain it was the correct choice, its a stunning looking bike with a great spec.. Was a bit concerned I wouldn't find it comfortable but have been doing 15-20 mile rides no problems at all. Think i'm up to about 150 miles on it now, but the mileage is increasing every day, I try and get out and do 10+ miles every night.. with a 20+ mile ride at the weekend. Plan to up this soon but taking steady as I'm hitting that solid leg brick wall feeling some nights.. Really need to get used to stretching off properly.

The cycling has really helped drop the weight i'm seeing a steady 0.4kg weight loss a week, i'm now knocking on 15 1/2 stones door so thats nearly 3 stone i've lost since March.

Got myself some cycling shoes and pedal, really pleased with them. Finding more muscles in my legs I didn't know I had. I've already treated myself to some padded shorts, and might even get a jersey soon...

Thanks for everyones your advice, much appreciated.

Cheers

Dave.