Another newb buying question

darkstar01uk

Hi
I'm looking to buy a road bike - got into cycling for exercise after several years of couch potato (though used to be very fit) and I really enjoy riding my hybrid but now want to go further, faster, sexier... The exercise addiction has come back, I've been motivated enough to ride through the winter and I reckon now is the time to make a decision and get something ready for the warm weather.
I've got about £1000, and I think I need a triple as I'm in my mid-50s, don't have years of experience in my legs and do find hills hard. I'm used to a triple on my hybrid. I live to the north of Manchester so want to get out in Lancashire which has hills, I've noticed. Also I have a general liking for something "a bit different".
So at present my short list is - all triple Tiagra models
Orbea Aqua
Lapierre Audacio
Cube Peloton
Something Ribble
The Lapierre looks good in pictures, gets good reviews but I can't actually find one in stock or even to order anywhere. The Orbea is available through an LBS and looks good too.
Anyone tried all these bikes? Any other candidates?
Cheers

Dadmo

The most important thing, I'd say, is that you get a bike that fits you perfectly, so my advice would be to stick with whatever you can test at your LBS. And are you sure you want a triple? I'm the same age as you, and have found a compact double with a 12/25 cassette to be fine. Your terrain is hillier than mine (I'm in the South Downs), but I've managed 20% gradients OK with a compact.

arlowood

Hi Darkstar

Would reiterate the comments of Dadmo. I'm in my 60's and have ridden a triple for more than 20 years. Was really concerned about moving over to a compact crankset.

Took the plunge a few weeks back and upgraded from my triple Specialized Secteur to a Trek Madone with a 50/34 crankset and 11-28 cassette. Have really had no problems with the changeover - certainly have not found and more difficulty with the hills on my normal rides.

Just getting used to adjusting the cadence when i drop to the 34 ring - needs 2 or 3 upshifts on the cassette but no real problems.

In short - don't restrict yourself to triple only. Look at compacts with a reasonably wide ranging cassette (11-28 or 12-27) Some of the new Tiagra stuff goes up to 30 as the largest rear cog so watch out for those also.

darkstar01uk

Thanks for your comments, Dadmo and arlowood. I think another reason for buying a triple is that it removes an excuse. If I fail on a hill on a compact, I could blame the gearing and say "I would have made it if I had a 30:28 gear..."