Clifton CC

Hi.

I'm planning on getting a new bike within the next couple of weeks, I've got a budget of around £400-£600, just wondering if anyone has any recommendations of good brans and all that.

I was thinking about selling my undersized Vanquish but I'm thinking of keeping that for maybe a winter bike or just a backup.

Looking at this bike for a potential candidate for my next bike, seems best, thats if Campagnolo gears are good? The other ones around this price range seem to be sora.

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=87037

Then again its a compact that, getting tricky on choosing bikes.


Thanks
Willz.

Will am I right in saying that your existing bike was recently sold to you by Halfords?

If so, as it is (I understand) waaaaaaay too small for you it might be worth going back to them. I'd pleasantly ask to see the store manager, explaining that the staff have sold you a bike that simply isn't appropriate.You might be able to negotiate a deal around getting one of the Chris Boardman range which are supposed to be pretty good bikes for the price (although you do need to get the actual build checked as good components can be inexpertly put together).

If you have anyone who could tag along with you as an 'expert' (eg club member in full regalia?) to lend weight to your argument it might just work - it's got to be worth a try?

Will, there's an issue here which I'd ask you to consider, which is about ongoing support from the dealer who sells you your bike. You've already experienced what this is like - with Halfords - when it's poor quality. Buying a bike should involve expert support before buying (to get the size right) and after buying (to make sure it all works and is set up right, and any defects are sorted swiftly).

There are a number of small local bike shops, all of who give 10% discounts to club members and who will go out of their way to help you get a bike that suits your needs. They will do this because they're generally passionate about cycling and because they know many of the club members and want to maintain a good relationship. Prices may not always look like the big chains' bargain basement jobbies but a conversation with the owner will often result in deals being done. Why oh why go to Evans?

When I bought my original Cervelo I was new to cycling as a sport and bought it from a specialist dealer who put me on the BikeFit jig and sized the frame properly. I really, really recommend this - or at the very least getting eyed up by a VERY experienced bike salesperson.

[quote="Dr Dave"I'd pleasantly ask to see the store manager, explaining that the staff have sold you a bike that simply isn't appropriate.[/quote]

The fact that the brakes cannot be adjusted to not rub on the tyre is another "sale of goods, not fit for purpose" thing as well.

PhilBixby wrote:Will, there's an issue here which I'd ask you to consider, which is about ongoing support from the dealer who sells you your bike. You've already experienced what this is like - with Halfords - when it's poor quality. Buying a bike should involve expert support before buying (to get the size right) and after buying (to make sure it all works and is set up right, and any defects are sorted swiftly).

There are a number of small local bike shops, all of who give 10% discounts to club members and who will go out of their way to help you get a bike that suits your needs. They will do this because they're generally passionate about cycling and because they know many of the club members and want to maintain a good relationship. Prices may not always look like the big chains' bargain basement jobbies but a conversation with the owner will often result in deals being done. Why oh why go to Evans?

When I bought my original Cervelo I was new to cycling as a sport and bought it from a specialist dealer who put me on the BikeFit jig and sized the frame properly. I really, really recommend this - or at the very least getting eyed up by a VERY experienced bike salesperson.

I was thinking of going to see what Haxby cycles could do for me, but they dont do many bikes? I mean if I wanted a Giant bike they would not be able to sell me one since they are not a Giant dealer? I might go down tommorow.

When I get a bike I will need new pedals and a new speedo I think.

Dr Dave wrote:Will am I right in saying that your existing bike was recently sold to you by Halfords?

If so, as it is (I understand) waaaaaaay too small for you it might be worth going back to them. I'd pleasantly ask to see the store manager, explaining that the staff have sold you a bike that simply isn't appropriate.You might be able to negotiate a deal around getting one of the Chris Boardman range which are supposed to be pretty good bikes for the price (although you do need to get the actual build checked as good components can be inexpertly put together).

If you have anyone who could tag along with you as an 'expert' (eg club member in full regalia?) to lend weight to your argument it might just work - it's got to be worth a try?

Well I've tried, went to haxby cycles and nigel phoned halfords up for me and then passed me over, so far nothing seems to be able to do, but trading standards got back to me via email and said I should write a letter to them explaining that the bike is not fit for purpose so I should be able to get a full refund under that.

Arthur wrote:[quote="Dr Dave"I'd pleasantly ask to see the store manager, explaining that the staff have sold you a bike that simply isn't appropriate.

The fact that the brakes cannot be adjusted to not rub on the tyre is another "sale of goods, not fit for purpose" thing as well.

I'll write to them about that too.

Dave's right, and if you want I'll come to Halfords with you in my club gear, could go from college one day?

Alternatively if you wanted to spend quite a bit less, I've a trek bike I got from York Cycleworks 3 years ago for £500 and you can have for £250. We could go to Cycleworks or Cycle Heaven to check the fit?

Email me (mcarter@yorkcollege.ac.uk if interested in either of the above).

Michael

If you do want a Giant bike then I can recommend them. Mine was £525 and had similar spec to the one on the link, though has Shimano Tiagra rather than Campagnolo, and there is a triple chainset and 9-speed block. Also, it only came with normal pedals at first, so if you wanted new ones you would have to buy them on top of this, or else keep the ones you have.

As far as I know, you can get them from Fulford Cycles or Bob Trotter in York, or the shop in Tadcaster.

Cycle Heaven do Scott as their main brand of road bikes. Cycleworks do Trek. Cycle Sense do Giant. Talk to Nigel at Haxby and see what he can do too.

You'll be able to swap your pedals (simply put the original ones back on your current bike) so your current cleats/shoes still work. Bike computer likewise is a simple swap-over.

Will

Before thought of brands think what is this bike for?
Will you be riding it to college?
Will you be riding it in the winter?
Will you be wanting to use it on long hilly rides?
Do you want to timetrial on it?
Do you want to have a try at local road racing?
If you can only afford 1 bike you will have to prioritise and then compromise

Remember you will continue to grow for a while.
Look at used as well as new.
Consider buying frame and componants seperatly
Whilst it is not perfect your present bike will be ok for the summer so don't rush into a new purchase.
Go somewhere you can take a bike for a decent test ride.

Helen

Hi Will

Agree with all the comments so far. Don't rush into buying a bike on line, I did with one of my bikes which I ended up changing components like stem , handlebars and seat post etc to make it fit better. The secomd bike I bought from a local dealer which was much better. Even though it wasnt custon built I had a chance to ride it before with full kti on to see if it was comfortable and a few measurments wer taken whilst sat on the bike. Touch wood I ve had no real problems with either bike but the second is more comfortable on long rides even though the differences are minimal. My otther bike just gets used in winter now or rubbish weather. I also got thrown i withe the price pedals, a mini pump and a seat pack which ottherwise would have been bought seperatley on line.

Jon

PS
However Will I would recommend a Bianchi having owned for the last 3 years.

Helen wrote:Will

Before thought of brands think what is this bike for?
Will you be riding it to college?
Will you be riding it in the winter?
Will you be wanting to use it on long hilly rides?
Do you want to timetrial on it?
Do you want to have a try at local road racing?
If you can only afford 1 bike you will have to prioritise and then compromise

Remember you will continue to grow for a while.
Look at used as well as new.
Consider buying frame and componants seperatly
Whilst it is not perfect your present bike will be ok for the summer so don't rush into a new purchase.
Go somewhere you can take a bike for a decent test ride.

Helen

Well I'd be planning on keeping my vanquish so perhaps I could use that in the wet? I am wanting a bike with a tripple chainset for hills, yes I do want to timetrial, might get some of those aero bars, I might be riding to college unless it is wet I can use my vanquish and maybe I would like to try road racing eventually.

If I buy new I'm interested in the Giant SCR2, carbon forks, its got a tripple chainset but I hear lots of people seem to have some problems with the cranks in them and the wheels on them apparently could do with changing.

MichaelCarter wrote:Dave's right, and if you want I'll come to Halfords with you in my club gear, could go from college one day?

Alternatively if you wanted to spend quite a bit less, I've a trek bike I got from York Cycleworks 3 years ago for £500 and you can have for £250. We could go to Cycleworks or Cycle Heaven to check the fit?

Email me (mcarter@yorkcollege.ac.uk if interested in either of the above).

Michael

Hi, that sounds good I would like to come and look at the bike some time? Also the halfords I got it from was in selby, I dont think halfords in york could do anything but I've been in and did not get very far, I hate going into big arguments are you sure its worth going in again?

I am leaving college today at 5 to 2 then going home, if it does not rain much I am planning on coming back to yorks and going up to haxby cycles to see what he has got providing I can make it in time, maybe I could come and look at the bike tonight or even tommorow?

Jon G wrote:Hi Will

Agree with all the comments so far. Don't rush into buying a bike on line, I did with one of my bikes which I ended up changing components like stem , handlebars and seat post etc to make it fit better. The secomd bike I bought from a local dealer which was much better. Even though it wasnt custon built I had a chance to ride it before with full kti on to see if it was comfortable and a few measurments wer taken whilst sat on the bike. Touch wood I ve had no real problems with either bike but the second is more comfortable on long rides even though the differences are minimal. My otther bike just gets used in winter now or rubbish weather. I also got thrown i withe the price pedals, a mini pump and a seat pack which ottherwise would have been bought seperatley on line.

Jon

PS
However Will I would recommend a Bianchi having owned for the last 3 years.

Yea I'm not going to buy a bike online, just using the link to show a bike I'd like, I want a bike in the next 2 or so weeks really.

I know my vanquish might do me through summer, really its been a good bike for a starter one, getting near 2000+ miles so far with nothing going extreamly wrong, but really Its time I want a better bike that is the exact right size for me and has carbon forks.

PhilBixby wrote:Cycle Heaven do Scott as their main brand of road bikes. Cycleworks do Trek. Cycle Sense do Giant. Talk to Nigel at Haxby and see what he can do too.

You'll be able to swap your pedals (simply put the original ones back on your current bike) so your current cleats/shoes still work. Bike computer likewise is a simple swap-over.

Seems like tommorow I should go around all these shops and get some quotes.

Arthur M wrote:If you do want a Giant bike then I can recommend them. Mine was £525 and had similar spec to the one on the link, though has Shimano Tiagra rather than Campagnolo, and there is a triple chainset and 9-speed block. Also, it only came with normal pedals at first, so if you wanted new ones you would have to buy them on top of this, or else keep the ones you have.

As far as I know, you can get them from Fulford Cycles or Bob Trotter in York, or the shop in Tadcaster.

Was yours a Giant SCR2?

Will, to save us chatting on this... have you got 5 minutes to chat? I can meet you wherever's good for you in college?

MichaelCarter wrote:Will, to save us chatting on this... have you got 5 minutes to chat? I can meet you wherever's good for you in college?

My lesson finishes at 20 past so I have 5 mins there if possible? where are you are you at LC? I can meet there,

I'll meet you in Duets on the ground floor at 20 past 12. In case you don't remember me from last night I'm in a red England Beckham shirt.

Michael

MichaelCarter wrote:I'll meet you in Duets on the ground floor at 20 past 12. In case you don't remember me from last night I'm in a red England Beckham shirt.

Michael

Where is Duets? Were you at the TT last night? I cant remember anyone really from last night.