Off Topic Cycling

Just wondering if any cyclists out there?

Been cycling to work for over 2 years now and could never go back to driving.

Just to ward of any criticism to start with - I stop for red lights, obey the rules of the road and do not cycle on the pavement except where there is a permitted cycle lane shared with pedestrians. The main hazard to me is idiot pedestrians who step out in the road with out looking, with ear buds in and looking at their phone. Possibly survival of the fittest / most intelligent in action?!

I'm about to buy first road bike and wondered if any experience out there worth sharing. I am down to a choice between a Canyon Endurace CF 7.0 and the Ribble Gran Fondo. Both have the 105 group set and very similar price and other spec. More drawn to the Ribble since assembled in UK and easier to send back if I'm not happy.

Any shared experience welcome please.

 

Not a real cyclist but a Question, what difference does it matter where the bike is made, cant you take it back to the store you bought it from?

 

I'm a huge Tour de France fan.

 

When I was working I cycled to and from work all year. Great way to keep in reasonable shape, because before or after a long days work it was hard for me to go out again to exercise. It was also a cheap way of getting to work and it didn't pollute. Now I'm a pensionist and spending a lot of time where cycling other than in a gym is too dangerous, I do other stuff, but i miss the cycling.

 

Thanks. The specific ones I mentioned are bought on line and both come with a 30 day return policy (for a fee). Ribble do have stores in Preston and Birmingham but not London. Probably just a physiological thing but feel easier to return to UK than Germany. In practice, it probably isn't.

 

As a life long runner - now jogger with aching bits - I used to look down my nose at the cyclists until I started cycling and cycling up hills!! Nuff said.

 

I cycled to work for my last two years of working - Isle of Dogs to Spitalfields, so not the longest of journeys (4 miles each way) but much better than the bus, DLR or Overground. Trek 7.3 Hybrid with a rack and panniers. Still have it and still ride it, but it's no longer a daily thing and it isn't my passionate hobby, so I don't go out that often for "rides in the country". It's a nice way to get around if I'm not in a hurry and I'm not carrying too much.

I used to have a key for BarclayBikes (I moved to Dorset before Santander took over) and use those whenever I could, too.

 

As RTID have been a lifelong runner but have not really got into cycling. Has grown immensely around these parts thanks to the Tour Of Britain coming across Dartmoor and using the 4mile hill out of Bovey Tracey to Haytor as part of the route one year and two stage finishes in the last five years. Now every Saturday morning when I go to Bovey for the Parkrun there are lycra clad groups starting the ascent no doubt out for a day across the moors. Fair play to them, but it would kill my quads, I'll go for a run in the mud instead!
There is a 'race' called the Dartmoor Classic in a couple of months, 60 or 100 mile routes which covers a similar route, I suppose akin to a marathon on wheels.

 

I used to run a lot too RTID but into my 50's my leg muscles seized up running in cool climates. Cycling remains manageable.

 

Difficult choice RTID

I have a Canyon mountain bike bought direct and although I had to wait a while for it, it was great value and I still love riding it. Canyon customer service did go through a dodgy spell but seem to be back to getting good reviews now

For the road I have a Rose Xeon CDX with electronic gears. Wasn't cheap but outstanding value. Rose are another direct sale outfit from Germany. Doing my first 100 mile sportive of the year on it on Sunday - probably prove to be less painful than my visit to LR on Saturday!

 

Good luck for Saturday!

I've just worked out that the Canyon has a sports geometry and the Ribble a more relaxed one. Comfort is important for me so Ribble probably better option.
Good luck again.

 

I do not know the bikes that you speak of but am a cycling commuter of 5 years now - the climate in Melbourne is very good for it and I can get to work faster than driving and on par with the train time. I concur with RTID, comfort is key and recently upgraded from a Focus Planet 2 (German made flat bar urban bike that is great fun to ride) to a Cannondale Caadx Ultegra (cyclocross bike). I looked at many options but chose a more relaxed geometry for my size - 6'4" and not wanting back issues at my age (56) - CX bikes are a little stronger too I found. I changed the tyres from Rapid Robs to a less rugged type - Bontrager R3 (32cm slicks) as I mainly ride on roads now and kept the other bike for gravel tracks on weekends. I’d never realised what difference the tyres made and although 32cm is wider than average road tyres, they still roll well are so comfortable.

Have come along way from a 5 speed Vanguard racer as a teenager, I'm sure it cost my Dad 30 quid max.

 

I have not owned a car for over four years now and I do not miss having one.

Where I live in Reading and I'm sure Uber_Hoop will back me up on this it's not the the best place for driving.

Like many I just can't stand being at a standstill in a tin box 1st thing in the morning, definitely not the best way to start the day and be in a positive mood for a hard days graft at work.

I have a choice of getting the bus if it's raining or cycling and walking to work. For me the cycling is my favourite option on a nice day. I'm not polluting the environment, it costs me nothing and keeps me fit. I also go out running and often participate in 10k's and half marathons.

I feel much more awake and motivated for a hard days slog having ridden the bike and not stressing about gridlock every morning in a tin box.

I do have the option of taking home one of our new fleet of company vans but only use this privilege when needed.

 

I haven't owned a car in NYC for 35 years but riding a bike here is a no no. I take the bus

 

I'm recently retired and now have the luxury of a 30-40 mile ride every other day. Like you, I started out with a commute and then really got the bug. You should try and buy the best bike you can afford IMO. For a combination of commuting and other road cycling I recommend you consider one of the many 'adventure' bikes now on the market (aka Gravel bikes). They combine speed and excitement with a bit more comfort than a full on race bike. I have a Specialized Diverge for touring which would be ideal for a 10-20 mile daily commute as it comes with all the mounts you need for mudguards, panniers, etc. Off to the game (sans velo I'm afraid).

 

I was a marathon runner and then got into triathlons after an Achilles injury. That was my first serious foray into cycling given that in any length of tri the bike leg is min 50% of the race. Now that I wore out all the cartilage in my right knee, running is done. So it’s pretty much cycling and the odd swim now. During the week I do spin classes but the proper ones with cyclists as instructors that focus on technique / strength building etc - not the happy clappy aerobics classes that jist happen to be on a bike. No criticism if that’s your thing but it does nothing for the cycling techniques you need outside
Live in London & havrnt had a car for 18 months. Finding relatively quiet roads is a challenge as the battle that wages on the streets between cars and bikes is a bit hairy. Had a Cervelo tri bike big good value are the Trek road bikes. Only been back here less than a year so haven’t checked out UK made options but would imagine they are great options. Good luck and enjoy

 

I would be interested in your opinion of this one.

https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/ribble-sportive-racing/

 

I have an Orange P7 and have had for 14 years. I mainly go off road when I meet up with friends in Wales and North East. Snowdonia is fav. Do not cycle on roads.....have had too many near misses when younger...

 

Yep. The near missed are a problem. Just have to be very alert and defensive.

 

Hi RTID

Good to hear you're on the bike!

With a 105 groupset, you have good mechanics irrespective of which brand you go with. Really, outside of the groupset, it's really down to what feels (and looks!) right for ya.

I've a Giant and a Planet X road bike. Recently bought the carbon Planet X on line from the UK. A mix of Ultegra and 105 groupset. Typically for me, issues with the rear dérailleur and now I've got to deal with overseas to get the issue sorted. So, as you are UK-based, perhaps deal locally in case you do run into a rare issue like I have. :-(

Good luck with it!