New bike advice

adambruntlett

So my C2W scheme is coming to an end and her indoors is encouraging me to get another bike as the 'C2W window' has just opened at the company I work for. I know, i can't believe it either...

The current bike is a Cube Agree GTC Pro 2014, which I have yet to touch upgrades-wise, but I'm getting itchy to replace the Fulcrum 7 wheels for something lighter or more aero. I commute 12 miles each way for work and then do 80/100 mile club runs at the weekend at an average pace of around 17/18+ mph, so am thinking of keeping the Cube for weekend rides and getting a CX bike for commuting (which will be better for winter riding - mudguards etc) but getting the shop to upgrade the wheels so that I can switch them over with the F7s on my carbon bike.

So, I'm looking for a 10-speed (I have old 105 on my Cube) CX bike with rim brakes for around £600 I'd think. Hopefully the kindly bike shop would allow me to upgrade the wheels for around £400 and 'top up' the price to the £1000 limit.

Any suggestions, or does anyone think this is a stupid idea?

trek_dan

There really aren't that many CX bikes around that still have canti brakes. The only one that springs to mind is the Ribble CR1 which you could spec with better wheels on the bike builder.

adambruntlett

Tanks. Doesn't necessarily have to be a CX bike, more a winter trainer. Looking at the Ribble 7005 now - any opinions on it?

navrig2

The point about disc brakes is well made.

The C2W scheme allows you to buy extras (lights, jacket etc) within the voucher and some retaillers will allow a top up so if you find such a retailer and a suitable priced CX you could:

1. Buy a disc brake CX commuter
2. Use the remaining voucher value to go towards your new rim wheels
3. Top up any shortfall.

Something like this:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/mekk-alpina-al-rx-20/

would leave you with a top of £150 for £400 wheels.

ai_1

If I was getting a commuter/winter trainer bike I think I'd be sure to get disk brakes. This is exactly where they're likely to offer the most benefits.

dj58

Something like this. http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXLDNRDAPEX/planet-x-london-road-sram-apex-urban-bike

ai_1

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19638239#p19638239]DJ58[/url] wrote:

Something like this. http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXLDNRDAPEX/planet-x-london-road-sram-apex-urban-bike

Yep, something like that!

adambruntlett

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19638239#p19638239]DJ58[/url] wrote:

Something like this. http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXLDNRDAPEX/planet-x-london-road-sram-apex-urban-bike

Thanks - was looking at the London Road last week, funnily enough, The only reason I was anti-disc brakes was that it would restrict me from switching wheels between commuter and weekend bike, but the improved braking would certainly be welcome in the wet.

Edit- just seen PX have a 10% admin fee with cyclescheme, dammit! Back to the drawing board.

navrig2

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19638416#p19638416]adambruntlett[/url] wrote:

Edit- just seen PX have a 10% admin fee with cyclescheme, dammit! Back to the drawing board.

A few places do charge an admin fee on the basis that their bike prices are very competitive, margins are slim and C2W charge for their admin of the scheme. Some are %age others are a fixed fee (Ribble were £60 IIRC).