Cannondale Touring Ultimate/Ultegra

Mentox
Mentox Posts: 3
edited March 2016 in Commuting general
I had a Dutch bike for about 15 years and replaced it in 2012 for a Hybrid https://www.evanscycles.com/jamis-allegro-elite-2012-hybrid-bike-EV148918. This bike has served me well but it is time for a replacement :cry:

I am considering buying the Cannondale Touring Ultimate/Ultegra: https://www.evanscycles.com/cannondale-touring-ultegra-2016-touring-bike-EV254005

I did have a test ride and the bike feels comfortable although it is not that quick with starting but once you are rolling it goes fast enough. I am new to drop bars and the streamlined position so deciding what bike to buy is a bit tricky.

I do commute to London for work and this is a short ride of 9km/5.6miles (227 round trips a year). However I do want to start with cycle holidays so that is why I am looking for a touring bike as comfort is more important on the long routes.

Does anyone have advice/opinions/experience on the Cannondale Touring?

Also would it be possible to swap the wheels for something thinner? I assume that the 700x40c are the main cause for the bike being slow at the start?

Thanks :)

Comments

  • Big_Paul
    Big_Paul Posts: 277
    It will seem sluggish because its a heavy bike, added to the fact that Marathon plus tyres are extremely heavy and dead feeling. You could fit lighter tyres but it's never going to be built for speed.

    Nice bike but I prefer steel for a tourer.

    But then again, I'm a total luddite.
    Disc Trucker
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  • Mentox
    Mentox Posts: 3
    Big_Paul wrote:
    It will seem sluggish because its a heavy bike, added to the fact that Marathon plus tyres are extremely heavy and dead feeling. You could fit lighter tyres but it's never going to be built for speed.

    Nice bike but I prefer steel for a tourer.

    But then again, I'm a total luddite.
    Thanks Big_Paul

    I know it will never become a race bike even with replacing the wheels because of the weight but as I am cycling in London I wont need much speed (if I want to kill myself I will look for other options than going crazy in London). Just getting to move quickly when the lights go green is my main thing or at least quicker than it is currently.

    Would you suggest that going for lighter wheels and tyres will improve it or will it be minimal and not worth the money?
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Better off looking for something lighter to start with!

    How about something like this, comes with rack and guard mounts
    http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXLDNRIV ... -road-bike
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.

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