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Original poster

Any cycling geeks around want to help me decide on a new road bike?

22 replies

nevergoogle · 07/08/2010 13:51

Yes, i know, DH is out, there are probably very good cycling forums but i like it here.

my bike was stolen in the alps and the insurance company have very kindly offered me a choice of replacements but from only one source.(is that even fair?)

anyway, i did have a specialized dolce which was ok, currently using a Giant ocr and loving it.

so, i'm looking at these...

Giant Defy 3 Triple 2010

Bianchi C2C Vian Nirone 7

Dawes Giro 500 2010

Forme Reve 2010 Anyone even heard of Forme?

So, if you are a cycling geek or are sat near one, give them a nudge and ask which they'd go for.

Thanks Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
nevergoogle · 07/08/2010 14:57

bump.

mumsnet vs cycling weekly?

cycling weekly are winning at the moment, you can't let that happen, can you?

OP posts:
ItalyLovingMummy · 07/08/2010 15:07

Ooh definitely the Bianchi, its very pretty. I did have a Trek hybrid, but sold it when I was six months pregnant with our DS. I do think Treks are a bit dullsville at the moment though. My DH has two Specialized bikes that are very nice, haven't looked at the latest ones though.

Original poster
nevergoogle · 07/08/2010 15:12

It's the prettiness of the bianchi that puts me off. would need to go for the red and black colourway to harden it up a bit IYKWIM. it is a nice bike though.

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Original poster
nevergoogle · 07/08/2010 19:07

actually think i like the bianchi the best now.

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ivykaty44 · 07/08/2010 23:15

here

I read about a bike last week - cant find th emag though - it was the cheapest of 4 bikes and the best, it was aorund your price range aswell. Not sure if it was in cycling weekly?

Thing is with womans shapes you need to be carefull with the angles of the frame.. best to get fitted out on the bikes when you get there and see what is feleing the most comfy for you

ItalyLovingMummy · 08/08/2010 08:40

Bianchi's are pretty, but not in a stupid pink girl bike way - I don't know if you can still get a pink Trek, but that was a bit silly for example. De Rosa's are good to look at if you just want white, red and black. I just don't like dull all black or all grey bikes though, in the rest of Europe they love their coloured bikes and team kits, but I do feel there is a tendency to be ashamed to wear colour and be on a bike in the UK, probably because of the attitude towards bikes here. I would definitely take ivykaty44's advice and get fitted as its important to get the frame right.

OhYouBadBadKitten · 08/08/2010 09:14

I would take a few out on a test run and see which one feels best after all you wouldn't buy a car without a test drive.

ivykaty44 · 08/08/2010 12:36

yes but buying a bike is much more like buying a house- you get to look and touch and feel - but you don't get to actually try it out until you have paid for it.

the next best thing is turbo trainers in the shop though and most places will these.

I would be interested in weight of bike and gears

It maybe worhtwhile waiting till September and getting next years models if you know for example they will have betters gears or forks etc

Original poster
nevergoogle · 08/08/2010 13:21

unfortunately i can't go for the trek (or a lot of others i'd like). The insurance have said i need to buy from the wheelies website (so no trying either).
the best bike in my price range in the focus reduced from £950 to £600 on wiggle at the moment. again, another bargain i can't go for. [grr]

it's looking like the bianchi is my best bet. i will replace the handlebars with narrower ones anyway, and the saddle too, so it will be more women's specific with my alterations.

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ragged · 08/08/2010 13:33

BikeRadar is my new fave cycling advice forum. Give it a look in?

Anyway, looking at your choices -- doesn't it depend what you want the bike for? TT, commuting, fun?

TTing: I'd think the Defy, check the weight, though.
Fun: I like the Dawes, but whichever bike is lightest if you do a lot of climbing.
Commuting: Dawes or Giant.

Overall I like the Dawes best (DH's old commuting bike was a Dawes Galaxy, now he has a Giant SCR 1).

I last owned a Bianchi 25 years ago, very whippy!!

MoshiMoshi · 08/08/2010 18:46

On colour the Bianchi. On form the Bianchi. I must declare my preference is prejudiced by my ownership of a Bianchi but I can honestly say it is the most fantastic piece of machinery to ride and fits my frame (all 5'2.5" of it) like a dream! Being built by Italians it totally fits small people.

Original poster
nevergoogle · 08/08/2010 20:38

have decided on the bianchi.

moshi, what size frame do you have? will get measured properly tomorrow but just out of interest.

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Original poster
nevergoogle · 08/08/2010 20:41

i mostly need the bike for going for long rides, i do about 60-90 miles a week purely because i like to. possibly the occasional 10m TT.

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MoshiMoshi · 08/08/2010 20:56

Ooh how exciting! Mine is either a 49" or 50" frame. Cannot remember and it is hidden under a cover. But lovely. Super mini.

ragged · 08/08/2010 20:59

I'd vote for Dawes on basis of comfort... but check the weight of each bike (I didn't see that on the links? Might find weight info on other websites).

MmeLindt · 08/08/2010 21:02

Ha. I was going to come and recommend the Trek that Ivykaty linked to. I bought one a couple of months ago and it is fabulous.

What I like best about it - it is a hybrid so great for tootling about with the kids (if I don't fall off like I did today) but also great for longer rides.

DH has a road bike, a really expensive one, but he takes my bike if he is going out with the kids. And he takes it when he goes on the big Alpine passes as it has more gears than his. He did Mt Ventoux recently and used my bike rather than his own.

Why are you only allowed from that company?

MmeLindt · 08/08/2010 21:03

And, yes. Definitely check the weight, make such a huuuge difference.

ragged · 08/08/2010 21:07

See my Bianchi was so whippy that I felt every bounce in the road. So bikes can get too light.... still, DH loves his Giant and it weighs little, too.

DrZeus · 08/08/2010 21:20

I've got a Specialized Dolce which I love. Very easy to ride and very light.

I got it off Ebay for around £300.

Original poster
nevergoogle · 08/08/2010 21:34

Hey mmelindt, fancy joining me for a ride when you're in scotland?

the insurance thing is complicated.according to the financial ombudsman i shouldn't really be limited in my choice of replacement. it's whether i can be bothered to argue the point.

good to see you lot are cycling too. tis great stuff.

the bianchi womens specific range has 'She' written in swirly writing on the frame. they can fark off with that.

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MmeLindt · 08/08/2010 21:48

Nevergoogle
Just this moment, I would be happy never to get on another bike again. Had a wee accident, bashed my leg and knee and am only getting through the day with strong painkillers.

I don't think I will have time anyway this trip, but have you seen the Scotland meet-up thread? Next Sat in Edinburgh.

Original poster
nevergoogle · 08/08/2010 22:04

oh dear, that doesn't sound good. can take a while to get over a fall off a bike. i've been lucky so far but have had some nasties off the mountain bike.

am going to have to wait and see about saturday, depends how the week goes. but yes, i'm pencilling it in.

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