Do i need a new bike . . . .??

paulg567

Hi all

I do a round trip 22 mile commute 2-3 times a week and often go for a ride at the weekends too.
I currently have a Bianchi Via Nirone 7 that has slowly been upgraded over the last 3-4 years to a 105 group set with Fulcrum racing 7 wheels.

Its a comfortable riding position and Ive mount a rack to carry a shirt etc.
The downsides of the bike are its a pretty harsh ride over our potholed roads.

Now looking about, Ive seen a Genesis Equilibrium frame set that I could swap all of the components over onto and sell the Bianchi frame. I love the look of it!

Now the 6 million dollar question is:
1. Would the genesis be that different from the Bianchi?
2. Should I?

ps trying to be rational, head not heart. . . . . . I Want it!!!

EKE_38BPM

I haven't read your post, but the answer is "Yes, you do need a new bike."
The answer to your question "What bike do I need?" is "You need a Planet X Kaffenback 2"


You're welcome.

leeefm

head says yes!

redvee

EKE_38BPM wrote:

Yes, you do need a new bike.

+1

No.12 here

http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/

veronese68

leeefm wrote:

head says yes!

Heart says yes.

Koncordski

Why are you wasting time asking silly questions when you could be on your way to pick it up?

menthel

That is not getting a new bike, just changing the frame. Buy a whole equillibrium and have 2 bikes. N+1 my boy.

rolf_f

1) No
2) Up to you.

The cheaper alternative would be to get wider tyres and reduce the air pressure a bit.

jonny_trousers

You might notice the extra weight of the Equilibrium, but it will be more comfortable than most aluminium frames. Your call.

cookeeemonster

I'd take a test ride of an equilibrium if I were you - Evans do this and you can take it for a good half hour or more. That'll tell you more than we can.

What tyres are you running on your current bike? I found 25mm ones to make a difference on my via nirone, I wouldn't use less than that any more (have gp4 seasons). Tyre pressure is the key here.

But of course, you do need a new bike regardless

paulg567

ah the old n+1 chestnut!
I've just split one bike to reduce down to 2, don't need more!

Good advice on the tyres, I just changed to 25mm Gp4000s and they are great tyres
On the other hand, I'm a bit bored with the bianchi and fancy something new! A new frame would allow me to swap my existing (excellent) set up over.

Decisions! perhaps it should be n+2?

elbowloh

Coming on Bikeradar and asking if you need a new bike is a bit like going on to an evangelist website and asking whether you need Jesus.

Kieran_Burns

Of course you do not need a new bike. Save your money and take your girlfriend / wife out shopping followed by a nice meal.

goonz

I havent read your post but the answer is yes.

The Rookie

I need a new bike

Please copy and paste that as your new thread title, there was one too many words in it.

there are ONLY 2 options here

Buy the Genesis complete as your N=!

or

Buy the Genesis frame, build using bits off the VN and then rebuild the VN as your N+1

There is no 3rd option.

mroli

Kieran_Burns wrote:

Of course you do not need a new bike. Save your money and take your girlfriend / wife out shopping followed by a nice meal.

Don't even jest about such matters..... Go buy a new bike in penance....

paulg567

As an alternative, just seen a good deal on a Kaffenback
Are they any good?

cookeeemonster

paulg567 wrote:

As an alternative, just seen a good deal on a Kaffenback
Are they any good?

Everyone hates them on here* but have you considered waiting a couple of months to see what the 2015 models have to offer? I'm thinking much bigger choice of road bikes with discs/mudguard mounts/more clearance for bigger tyres etc etc etc??


* may be a lie

paulg567

Yep, happy to wait for the 2015 range, but this years stock is currently being discounted
Why are kaffenbacks so unpopular?

SNMarine

Yes
apply the n + 1 rule

dhope

paulg567 wrote:

Why are kaffenbacks so unpopular?

They're not, you missed the small print

CookeeeMonster wrote:

Everyone hates them on here*

* may be a lie

FoldingJoe

Yes - you need a S-Works Tarmac SL4....oh, just so happens I am selling mine!!

paulg567

Good idea Joe!

The Kaf is £150
Can you match it for the S-Works?

singleton

What is this word - "need"?

Surely you mean "want"?

paulg567

There is a difference?

<reaches for the dictionary>

goonz

If you need to ask, then you shouldnt be on this site OP.

Kieran_Burns

paulg567 wrote:

There is a difference?

<reaches for the dictionary>

I WANT a really good dump.

I NEED a really good dump.


Apparently not.

paulg567

and who would have thought this would have turned into such a philosophical debate??

EKE_38BPM

paulg567 wrote:

As an alternative, just seen a good deal on a Kaffenback
Are they any good?

I bought a Kaffenback 2 about 6 months ago and I average about 100 miles a week. I ride on London's potholed roads, canal tow paths, loose surfaces, compacted gravel etc and the only problem I've had is a couple of visits from the p*ncture fairy and a broken spoke, but other than that, it hasn't missed a beat.

I bought it as a workhorse, not a show pony and it does the job well. For £150 it is well worth buying. If you like it, keep it. If you don't, sell it or strip the components and sell all the bits or strip the components and sell the frame to fund the purchase of a frame you do like. So many options.

goonz

Whose selling a kaff for £150? Ill take it.

paulg567

Check ebay

Planet X have a few sizes for sale at 150 notes each
and no Im not on commission!

Its tempting, but I don't have any wheel that would fit, so extra expense