Bike for racing.

FISHER_SE
FISHER_SE Posts: 7
edited August 2013 in Road buying advice
Hello all, I need abit of help in choosing a bike. I'm hoping to get into racing next season (probably mostly crits) & wanted to get a new bike as the one I currently have is a cheap one for commuting. I'm torn between two at the moment.

1st is the Bmc Streetracer. I really like the look of this. It's aluminium which might be good for all the 4th Cat crashes :?
I'm abit worried about the triple tho.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bmc ... 072#select

2nd is the Battaglin Pro Team. I dont know much about the brand. I like the idea of a carbon frame but for speed rather than comfort, but I'm not sure how much difference it would make compared to the alu one? I also like that it has Fulcrum Racing 5s on. I would probably have to upgrade the bmc ones.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/battaglin-pro-team-105-2013/

Thanks in advance.

Comments

  • sloppyschleckonds
    sloppyschleckonds Posts: 8,019
    Buy something that you can afford to replace if you do crash. Or have a dedicated race bike.
    I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles
  • iPete
    iPete Posts: 6,076
    What he ^ said.

    I built my own, see blog but bsically something you can afford to crash.
  • FISHER_SE
    FISHER_SE Posts: 7
    Cheers for the replies, i couldn't really afford to crash either, but im guessing the Bmc would come off better in a crash? Id rather not have to replace a whole frame. Also im hoping to be up the road before the crashes come :wink:
  • iPete
    iPete Posts: 6,076
    Managed a solo lap on my first race, you can't outpace the pack, well unless you truly are a beast :D

    Is it going to be your only road bike? You'd have to have a bad one to total everything, so if you have a spare bike for to train on it gives you time to replace anything broken, source a second hand frame etc.

    All worst case stuff.
  • alihisgreat
    alihisgreat Posts: 3,872
    Get a bike with a standard double.
  • FISHER_SE
    FISHER_SE Posts: 7
    Think id be lucky to stay in the group for a lap. :) Going to train properly this winter.

    I have my one i ride to work which i will probably use for a winter trainer. The new one will be just for Racing and nice weather rides.

    Do you think there will be a massive performance difference between the carbon & the Alu frame?
  • iPete
    iPete Posts: 6,076
    No none, get the stiffest frame regardless of material IMO. It'll be easier to find a stiff alu vs carbon at this price point.

    But I would avoid the triple in this case. Unless you are in a rush or using cycle to work, build up something yourself over the winter?
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    For starting out racing, you want something tough and reliable and if the inevitable happens it won't break your heart or your bank balance. It's nonsense that folks think they need carbon wheels and power meters to start racing when it's down to the legs and lungs of the rider - once you move up the categories, worry about investment in kit. A good winter's training using a structured programme will yield far more benefit than two grands worth of kit.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • petemadoc
    petemadoc Posts: 2,331
    You see all sorts of bikes in races. Some guys rock up on 5 grand Cervelo and some on a cheap hack.

    All you need to start is something well set up with sharp gear changes and make sure it's well maintained. Probably best to swap out the rubbish stock tyres that most bikes come with though.

    The Battaglin looks the business, Wiggle still have some of those Basso bikes at silly prices too.

    I race on a compact chainset, compact or double is fine.

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