I’m looking to get back into cycling, having not ridden regularly for quite some time. My current road bike is 25 years old, with a steel frame and gear levers on the tube, so needs upgrading! However, I’m a bit out of tune with modern specs (rim v disc brakes, Shimano Claris v Sora v 105 etc etc). It is a road bike I am looking for, which I will use for shortish weekend rides (probably 20-30 miles) and a bit of commuting. I don’t want a sluggish tourer but equally I have no plans to go racing on it. So a nice balance of comfort and speed. With Cycle to Work, I have a budget of up to £1000 (although I understand that the cap has recently been lifted so may be able to stretch a little further). However, I am limited to buying from Evans Cycles as that is who my employer’s scheme is with. Just looking for suggestions / advice on sensible spec, makes or models. Cheers.

Do you want a drop handle road racer or a straight handle hybrid?

Personally, if it were me I'd go with something that's described as an adventure/touring bike. They're a bit comfier and more robust than a full on road bike and can take larger tyres. I'd go for disc brakes and try and get Tiagra (Sora isn't bad but not quite as good, 105 would be out of your budget).

This is what I'd buy for a grand from Evans https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-ar ... e-EV339947" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
However, be sure to try it, and preferably try two sizes of the same bike to see how comfy you find it.

What Area are you from?

aggi wrote:Personally, if it were me I'd go with something that's described as an adventure/touring bike. They're a bit comfier and more robust than a full on road bike and can take larger tyres. I'd go for disc brakes and try and get Tiagra (Sora isn't bad but not quite as good, 105 would be out of your budget).

This is what I'd buy for a grand from Evans https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-ar ... e-EV339947" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
However, be sure to try it, and preferably try two sizes of the same bike to see how comfy you find it.

Thats a nice bike......for the money

No Ney Never wrote:Do you want a drop handle road racer or a straight handle hybrid?

Drop handle

tim_noone wrote:What Area are you from?

Chorley

aggi wrote:Personally, if it were me I'd go with something that's described as an adventure/touring bike. They're a bit comfier and more robust than a full on road bike and can take larger tyres. I'd go for disc brakes and try and get Tiagra (Sora isn't bad but not quite as good, 105 would be out of your budget).

This is what I'd buy for a grand from Evans https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-ar ... e-EV339947" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
However, be sure to try it, and preferably try two sizes of the same bike to see how comfy you find it.

Thanks. Are mechanical disc brakes better than rim? Appreciate this one is hydraulic.

I would always recommend buying a retailer’s own brand as they generally provide better VFM. Evans brand is Pinnacle but to be honest, I am not too familiar with them in terms of quality (although it is only the frame as all other components are from Shimano etc).

I would advise looking at an adventure/ gravel bike which are a bit more robust and with bigger tyres which you can use off-road (tow paths etc) should you want to get off road.

The spec of sora/ Claris/ 105 etc dictates the difference in price in bikes of the same model. All are perfectly functional for the type of cycling you are describing.

Edit - aggi can clearly type (and probably cycle) a lot faster than me!

kaptin1 wrote:Thanks. Are mechanical disc brakes better than rim? Appreciate this one is hydraulic.

Depends on the calliper. Sorry, that probably doesn’t help much. Discs do have some advantages (generally better in wet, not affected by mud etc on the rim, no issue with rim overheating and bursting a tube) but in normal conditions, cheaper discs are no better.

kaptin1 wrote:Chorley

Was thinking routes for you getting back into it... not familiar with chorley area.from a personal pov. Im avoiding roads and onto the canal at salterforth over to Burnley along the way theres the tarmac cycle track at Barrowford where you can blow the cobwebs away at speed and in safety.

The Pinnacle looks good. Just to throw one more in the mix, If you think you're going to mostly be on the roads

https://www.evanscycles.com/cannondale- ... e-EV360796" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The Synapse is an 'endurance' bike designed for comfort over long distances but they're still speedy. Will take up to a 32mm tire so you could do some light gravel.
You'd probably be a tiny bit quicker to and from work on this, those minutes add up.

Wouldn't it be wise to first get back into the swing of cycling again with your old bike - if it's OK - and then when convinced you will keep it up, invest in something better?

Hipper wrote:Wouldn't it be wise to first get back into the swing of cycling again with your old bike - if it's OK - and then when convinced you will keep it up, invest in something better?

Good advice...... know lots of guys buying on the Bike to work scheme. The chats generally how expensive it is Then its dispatched to the shed.

Hipper wrote:Wouldn't it be wise to first get back into the swing of cycling again with your old bike - if it's OK - and then when convinced you will keep it up, invest in something better?

Yeah you’re probably right, albeit I have already been out on it a few times already. I did enjoy blasting past a few slower riders on much more expensive bikes on the weekend, along with a cycling club, which didn’t go down too well with them as clearly not the appropriate etiquette! Anyway, just researching my options at this stage and then if I decide to take the plunge I know what to go for. Thanks for the input.

modern hybrids pretty comfortable and pacey kaptin. Like you I had a break from cycling and was set on getting a drop handle but riding position on a modern hybrid along with hydraulic disk brakes made the decision easy for me. Much more pot hole friendly as well which is a big modern day factor now. Mine is just a gt which was £550 6 years ago. Very reliable and tough.

kaptin1 wrote:I’m looking to get back into cycling, having not ridden regularly for quite some time. My current road bike is 25 years old, with a steel frame and gear levers on the tube, so needs upgrading! However, I’m a bit out of tune with modern specs (rim v disc brakes, Shimano Claris v Sora v 105 etc etc). It is a road bike I am looking for, which I will use for shortish weekend rides (probably 20-30 miles) and a bit of commuting. I don’t want a sluggish tourer but equally I have no plans to go racing on it. So a nice balance of comfort and speed. With Cycle to Work, I have a budget of up to £1000 (although I understand that the cap has recently been lifted so may be able to stretch a little further). However, I am limited to buying from Evans Cycles as that is who my employer’s scheme is with. Just looking for suggestions / advice on sensible spec, makes or models. Cheers.

The best advice is go and speak to the expert at the shop you can buy from.

He will know what bikes he can cut you a deal on also.

Best advice would be not to bother. Anyone venturing out on a bike in the UK, especially England, is on a suicide mission.
The roads are in poor condition, over crowded, narrow and the weather is lousy

Well you’ve already said you enjoyed blasting past some other cyclists so don’t waste your time with a hybrid or gravel bike.

Are you sure you can only use Evans Cycles? If it’s a national scheme I doubt the government would allow one company a monopoly on it.

Your company should be able to sign upto any bike scheme they wish should they be willing to spare 20mins to fill out the appropriate online form.

Remember you can buy your helmet, shoes, lights and other bike equipment on the scheme at the same time you get your bike, you can save a few hindered £££ if you do it all at once.

Quickenthetempo wrote:The best advice is go and speak to the expert at the shop you can buy from.

He will know what bikes he can cut you a deal on also.

Don’t take the advise of an employee at the likes of Evans or Halfords, most people who work in these superstores have no interest in bikes at all.

SirAlec wrote:Don’t take the advise of an employee at the likes of Evans or Halfords, most people who work in these superstores have no interest in bikes at all.

I didn't realise Evans was a Halfords type superstore sorry. I'm not that much into bikes but it sounds like a local shop haha.

Top Claret wrote:Best advice would be not to bother. Anyone venturing out on a bike in the UK, especially England, is on a suicide mission.
The roads are in poor condition, over crowded, narrow and the weather is lousy

Mostly Correct.... Post 11

Right:

Go onto Paul’s cycles - get Evans to price match the Cannondale Supersix Evo 105 @ 1,299 (1,799)

Then put the extra in,

You don’t want anything less than 105 (it’s bombproof) and this is wildly acknowledged as the best frame of the last few years.

You can’t do better for the money.

tim_noone wrote:Mostly Correct.... Post 11

You are definitely taking the safest and best option

SirAlec wrote:Don’t take the advise of an employee at the likes of Evans or Halfords, most people who work in these superstores have no interest in bikes at all.

The young lad at Halfords did me a change of tyres /tubes last week quick and efficient. Told me he didn't cycle though.

No idea why anyone these days buys new (once they have decided what they specifically want) before trying second hand as there is so much very good stuff out there to choose from.

It’s beggars belief to me why some people throw away or sell second hand especially those who want to keep up with the latest fashion, if you can buy something that you know you want from one of these fashion slaves (after doing the usual checks) it’s often that you can get a very good deal.

Also you will be buying from the person who owns and has used the item so you can probably suss out if he or she is telling porkies also better than a salesman who maybe on commission for selling.

I’d be looking at a Cannondale Synapse. Comfortable as it’s a Sportive bike.

What is your old bike?

CombatClaret wrote:The Pinnacle looks good. Just to throw one more in the mix, If you think you're going to mostly be on the roads

https://www.evanscycles.com/cannondale- ... e-EV360796" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The Synapse is an 'endurance' bike designed for comfort over long distances but they're still speedy. Will take up to a 32mm tire so you could do some light gravel.
You'd probably be a tiny bit quicker to and from work on this, those minutes add up.

Can't beat the Synapse as a good all-rounder - the Evo (mentioned elsewhere) is probably a bit too "racey" geometry for what you're looking for. Might be worth up-grading the gears from Tiagra to 105 though...

https://www.evanscycles.com/cannondale- ... e-EV360794" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Couple of hundred more will get you a carbon frame, but the Synapse is widely acknowledged to be the best alloy frame on the market.

Have you considered a Ribble.

Bamber Bridge bike company established in 1897.
Excellent value (all bikes are custom configures, so you pick your set up, allowing you to adapt to a budget, just start with the frame
Consistently excellent reviews of their bikes.
Delivery to your door.

Having one myself, I would highly recommend.

https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I collected my new Ribble this week.

Chain snapped first time out last night.

TheFamilyCat wrote:I collected my new Ribble this week.

Chain snapped first time out last night.

How much did you pay for that?

£1,100.

TheFamilyCat wrote:£1,100.

Buy cheap buy twice ......

Kaptin, to get back into cycling head onto the "Let's Ride" website.
You'll find various cycling groups varying from elite organised groups to 'ad hoc,'.
Check out the All New Bus Stop Bikers who do organised rides from various Lancs locations including from Astley Park gates
Evening summer rides range from 8miles up to 17 ish miles and Sunday rides longer. No one gets left behind

tim_noone wrote:Buy cheap buy twice ......

Indeed, which is why Ribble works well, its all configurable. You select the frame then build up your bike by choosing all the mechanical parts (including the group set, seat, seat stem, handlebars, pedals... everything). I chose above entry level Campagnolo set up for group set, so maybe a better quality chain to the one the other poster had. Not had a single issue with my bike and had it for just over 4 years.

Pearcey wrote:I’d be looking at a Cannondale Synapse. Comfortable as it’s a Sportive bike.

What is your old bike?

1994 Dawes Impulse, 531 Reynolds Frame, 14sp, runs on 23mm tyres so a bit of a bone shaker and rubbish on hills due to gearing!

kaptin1 wrote:1994 Dawes Impulse, 531 Reynolds Frame, 14sp, runs on 23mm tyres so a bit of a bone shaker and rubbish on hills due to gearing!

I’ve got an old Raleigh Record Sprint and love it. Think the old steely’s give a nice ride and still like going out on it. As for modern, I ride a Giant Defy Carbon.
The older bikes are going for good money now. Especially 531 bikes.

Pearcey wrote:I’ve got an old Raleigh Record Sprint and love it. Think the old steely’s give a nice ride and still like going out on it. As for modern, I ride a Giant Defy Carbon.
The older bikes are going for good money now. Especially 531 bikes.

Will probably stick the old one eBay when I get the new one. It’s in good condition. Any ideas what sort of price i’d be likely to get for it?

Actually trying a selection of bikes is essential. When I packed in teaching I knew I wanted a new, good quality road bike. A local specialist bike shop -not somewhere like Halfords under any circumstances - were quite happy to spend time, advising, discussing and road-testing.
I treated myself to what seemed to be the perfect bike for me, a Cannondale super-six evo. Absolutely brilliant. Expensive, yes, but it's not going anywhere for a good number of years.
If you are/do get serious about cycling, get a good 'un.

South West Claret. wrote:No idea why anyone these days buys new (once they have decided what they specifically want) before trying second hand as there is so much very good stuff out there to choose from.

It’s beggars belief to me why some people throw away or sell second hand especially those who want to keep up with the latest fashion, if you can buy something that you know you want from one of these fashion slaves (after doing the usual checks) it’s often that you can get a very good deal.

Also you will be buying from the person who owns and has used the item so you can probably suss out if he or she is telling porkies also better than a salesman who maybe on commission for selling.

Main reason for buying new is the massive discount I effectively get through Cycle to Work scheme by paying out of my gross pay.

https://www.evanscycles.com/specialized_b" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Just get a Specialized Allez for 5-600 quid. I'll bet they're flooding ebay from part-time enthusiasts who quickly realised it takes effort to cycle.

Edit: LOAAAAAAAAAADS on ebay for 200 quid. A quick service and they'll be good as new. Some of them look like they've been ridden once.

Sleeping Cat wrote:Indeed, which is why Ribble works well, its all configurable. You select the frame then build up your bike by choosing all the mechanical parts (including the group set, seat, seat stem, handlebars, pedals... everything). I chose above entry level Campagnolo set up for group set, so maybe a better quality chain to the one the other poster had. Not had a single issue with my bike and had it for just over 4 years.

You’re not riding it properly if you’ve still got the same chain after 4 years!!

Danieljwaterhouse wrote:You’re not riding it properly if you’ve still got the same chain after 4 years!!

Me neither.....it's been on 8years to my knowledge.though I've had to change the tyres!

tim_noone wrote:Me neither.....it's been on 8years to my knowledge.though I've had to change the tyres!

Mine ******* snapped as I was getting upto speed, putting maximum power thru it and sent me over the handle bars.

Never ridden it the same since.

tarkys_ears wrote:Mine ******* snapped as I was getting upto speed, putting maximum power thru it and sent me over the handle bars.

Never ridden it the same since.

I'm not into the speed thing now....steady away though you can build up a good bit of speed down sawley brow....quite hair raising! Well it was for cricketfield claret who went over the bars into the hedge luckily. And not to badly Damaged... Don't think he's rode his since.

As they say, you gotta get back on again.

This wasn't speed, it was just accelerating quickly to beat a car to a junction. Happened right in front of this bird I fancy. Rather embarrassing, but I was quite manly when she asked if I was OK, for me to lick my teeth and say "they're all still there..." and walk it around the corner cool as a cucumber whilst genuinely thinking my arm was broken!

tim_noone wrote:Buy cheap buy twice ......

Not really, the actual chain is decent enough. On closer inspection this evening, the front mech hadn’t been set up quite right and was slightly rubbing (I did think it was a bit noisy when I was riding) and must’ve caught the link as I changed down.

Still very happy with the bike and spec for the price.

TheFamilyCat wrote:Not really, the actual chain is decent enough. On closer inspection this evening, the front mech hadn’t been set up quite right and was slightly rubbing (I did think it was a bit noisy when I was riding) and must’ve caught the link as I changed down.

Still very happy with the bike and spec for the price.

Kidding...ATB with it...

Very frustrating, was a bit naive in just assuming the set up by the mechanics would be perfect. Should’ve got off and investigated the noise.

Anyway, they’re sending me a new chain and I can adjust the mech myself so onwards and upwards.

kaptin1 wrote:Will probably stick the old one eBay when I get the new one. It’s in good condition. Any ideas what sort of price i’d be likely to get for it?

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 2328344857" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

That’s quite a lot to be fair. I would say £200 would be the average. Worth keeping it. You can never have enough bikes!