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Post by plasticniki on Jan 11, 2017 13:52:59 GMT
www.decathlon.co.uk/ultra-700-af-road-bike-105-id_8324331.htmlRidiculous bargain, right? I'd take an XS. My Triban 3 is still going strong but I can't help but feel I should buy this as an upgrade. I put in nearly 10,000km last year (nearly all on the Triban), ride every weekend with a club, and am starting to feel the restrictions of riding a cheap (but awesome) road bike. My reservations are that is has a 11-28 cassette (I know it's easily swappable) and the weird position of the rear brake. Thoughts?
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Post by phred1812 on Jan 11, 2017 14:18:54 GMT
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Post by plasticniki on Jan 11, 2017 14:26:39 GMT
I guess the real issue is I don't have that kind of cash right now (my boyfriend and I are in the process of buying a flat) and I'm the exact type of person who wants to get maximum bang for my buck. I'm also not *that* bothered about a carbon frame -- I know I'll buy one at some point in the future, but that moment isn't now. Alongside this is my boyfriend's concern that in a year or so I'll want something new. Argh. I guess N+1 is always present.
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Post by r0b1et on Jan 11, 2017 15:26:51 GMT
www.decathlon.co.uk/ultra-700-af-road-bike-105-id_8324331.htmlRidiculous bargain, right? I'd take an XS. My Triban 3 is still going strong but I can't help but feel I should buy this as an upgrade. I put in nearly 10,000km last year (nearly all on the Triban), ride every weekend with a club, and am starting to feel the restrictions of riding a cheap (but awesome) road bike. My reservations are that is has a 11-28 cassette (I know it's easily swappable) and the weird position of the rear brake. Thoughts? Why is the BB weird and the seat stay not? Both are pretty standard now. BB makes much more sense unless you ride through foot deep puddles. also, your T3 started with a 12-25 - so had less extreme ratios either end. Just buy it! Both concerns are total non-issues
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Post by r0b1et on Jan 11, 2017 15:51:21 GMT
Also, note I race on Alu. Cheap carbon is likely worse (less stiff, heavier) than higher end alu.
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Post by Rocket on Jan 11, 2017 16:23:58 GMT
plasticniki what restrictions? Fit some decent wheels and a 105 5800 groupset and it will be as good as anything out there. I certainly don't find my 3K Canyon Aeroad significantly better in any respect. The gains are very marginal. If you don't want to go touring then get the Ultra AF (it has no rack mounts) and sell the T3 for say £100 as you won't get 105 5800 and decent wheels for £450. Will a 34/28 low gear get you up the hills you ride?
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Post by r0b1et on Jan 11, 2017 16:28:30 GMT
The 650c wheels are probably a genuine restriction.
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Post by plasticniki on Jan 11, 2017 18:18:41 GMT
The 650c wheels are probably a genuine restriction. Yeah. Currently got the Vision Team 30 on there and they won't take an 11 speed cassette.
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Post by chas on Jan 11, 2017 20:47:55 GMT
You're fortunate needing an xs, there are more of those left than the other sizes (the online stock may be slightly different to what's available to the stores) which gives you a little more time to decide. I would suggest trying one in a store and if you like it just buy it, I think you'd have to pay a lot more to get anything better and you get a lifetime warranty on the alloy frame
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Post by plasticniki on Jan 11, 2017 21:57:55 GMT
You're fortunate needing an xs, there are more of those left than the other sizes (the online stock may be slightly different to what's available to the stores) which gives you a little more time to decide. I would suggest trying one in a store and if you like it just buy it, I think you'd have to pay a lot more to get anything better and you get a lifetime warranty on the alloy frame Online it's only showing that the xs is in stock in Edinburgh
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Post by chas on Jan 11, 2017 22:05:35 GMT
We've got a couple in Giltbrook and there were plenty in the warehouse when I ordered them. If you ask your local store they'll be able to get one in for you with no obligation, space means that most stores can't keep every size of every model.
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Post by plasticniki on Jan 12, 2017 10:23:15 GMT
We've got a couple in Giltbrook and there were plenty in the warehouse when I ordered them. If you ask your local store they'll be able to get one in for you with no obligation, space means that most stores can't keep every size of every model. That's good to know -- thanks. 80% sure I'm going to buy it now given people's advice.
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Post by phred1812 on Jan 12, 2017 12:15:44 GMT
Also, note I race on Alu. Cheap carbon is likely worse (less stiff, heavier) than higher end alu. Absolutely agree but quality carbon is lighter and stiffer than the best alu. That's why you never see alu bikes in the pro peleton. I would never criticise anyone for buying a bike with an alu frame. For most people the difference in performanance is marginal and spending hard earned cash on a bike is not everyone's priority. The Orbea bike I highlighted allegedly has the same frame as used by some pro teams last year and the finishing kit isn't too bad either with plenty of scope to upgrade to create a top end machine if one has the funds and inclination to do so.
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Post by Rocket on Jan 12, 2017 13:55:24 GMT
I believe the reason you don't see aluminium bikes in the pro peloton is that manufacturers make more profit from selling carbon bikes. The best way to convince people to buy a product is to have all their heroes use said product. I can understand that an aero bike needs to be made from carbon as the shapes are not doable in aluminium but the likes of a climbers bike can be made from aluminium. The UCI have a minimum weight limit so there is no problem with an aluminium bike being heavier than a carbon bike. It's a classic marketing con job that I used to see a lot when I was racing cars and bikes. Braided brake hoses and wavy discs anyone? I'd be surprised if any of the major teams actually paid for their bikes as part of their sponsorship. The manufacturers want people to ride their carbon bikes as success sells. I do have a carbon bike myself but it's an aero shape.
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Post by Radchenister on Jan 12, 2017 14:02:50 GMT
Wrong time of yearly cash flow cycle here, or I'd snap one up - that's bonkers cheap, I like that bike, seriously practical and dead solid performance. My carbon has flexier parts than the T3 in places, bike design isn't all about stiffness, too stiff in the wrong spot and after several hours it'll have rattled you to bits.
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