Nice people thread part 4 - sugar and spice and all things

Generali

neverdespairgirl wrote: »

He's definitely not spending £5k on a bike, that's for sure (-:

Although he's pretty handy with his own - he's had it since he was 14, and he reckons only the frame is now original. He can and does replace the things such as gear cables, brake pads, wheels, etc.

The trouble isn't so much the doing of the maintenance as that is relatively easy. It's the quantity.

He might consider a cyclocross bike if he's going to ride a lot in London, eg:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/giant-tcx-2-2011/

This is the newer version of what I ride:

http://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/latest-bikes/road-bike/giant-bicycle-inc/ocr-3/prd_290528_5668crx.aspx

Boardman bikes are meant to be excellent value.

neverdespairgirl

the racing bike won't be for general cycling around London, he'll use his normal one for that. He does about 80 miles a week, and also runs 5k 2-3 times.

Generali

neverdespairgirl wrote: »

the racing bike won't be for general cycling around London, he'll use his normal one for that. He does about 80 miles a week, and also runs 5k 2-3 times.

He might want to take a look at that Giant then. It's a good price and, for me, the frame 'geometry' works well.

The best thing is to get round the bike shops and try stuff. There used to be a very good bike shop on the Greys Inn Road. As a lawyer I would guess you know where that is!

neverdespairgirl

I do indeed know - I also know it's Gray's Inn lol

There's also a good shop on Proctor Street.

Generali

neverdespairgirl wrote: »

I do indeed know - I also know it's Gray's Inn lol

There's also a good shop on Proctor Street.

I don't know the place on Proctor Street but there is also a good one in Leyden Street nr Petticoat Lane.

neverdespairgirl

I'll mention that to himself, don't know that one (he might, but he's doing a trial in Bury St. Edmunds, so I can't ask him)

Generali

neverdespairgirl wrote: »

I'll mention that to himself, don't know that one (he might, but he's doing a trial in Bury St. Edmunds, so I can't ask him)

They've got good mechanics. They managed to fit a panier rack on a bike with disc brakes which was impressive.

wotsthat

Generali wrote: »

Boardman bikes are meant to be excellent value.

+1 from me. I've always been a follower of Chris Boardman and have wanted one of his bikes since he started with them but couldn't afford one. Eventually I bought a Team Carbon Pro last year - it's great.

Lightweight, comfortable and fast. I'd definitely go for a carbon if you can. I read a review on the latest Boardman bikes a couple of weeks ago that use aluminium frames. They got a good review but said for longer distances they were not as good as the carbon versions.

I know a few people who also rave about Planet X bikes.

Wheezy_2

Generali wrote: »

They've got good mechanics. They managed to fit a panier rack on a bike with disc brakes which was impressive.

Why is that impressive? Don't they make pannier racks specifically designed for disc braked bikes?
Not that I'm a pannier rack specialist or anything...

Aaaahhh...finally some sunshine. Feels good after all that November weather we had recently.

Go sun...go...shine on those toms, peppers and gherkins...

Generali

Aluminum frames don't flex much which makes them uncomfortable for distances. Carbon fibre forks take out the worst of it though as will a cf seat post.