Cycling UK Forum

Just been along to Evens to try out the bikes. Only tried the Trek and Specialized but the latter ticks most of the boxes. Big problem I have is short legs and long body, and the sloping cross tube of the Specialized means I can have a slightly bigger frame to fit my body length. The Trek is a lovely bike but the fit is just not quite right. When I bought my MTB I had the same problem and ended up with a GT which has proved to be a great bike.

I must say though, always thought all the fuss about road bikes was just nonsense, but just riding round the car park I certainly noticed the difference, and now wish I'd moved onto the road ages ago.

This sounds like a non issue to me. What is wrong with cycling with one pannier? I often just have one, as it's enough to carry what I want. As for a balance issue, again this is a non issue, as unless it weighs a lot, you are not going to notice any real difference.
And finally stopping to tell him the error of his ways...well if you did that to me I'd tell you where to go . How would you like it if some one stopped you to tell you the error of your ways in what you dressed in?

Well I have decided to keep the MTB and go for a road bike and have narrowed it down to a possible 3.

Specialized Allez Elite
Trek 1.5 Triple
Scott Speedster S30

They are all the same price and have pretty much the same spec. though the Allez Elite is only a double.

If I may, can anybody point me to which one may be the best choice. I will try all three if I can, but as new to road bikes I'd like to know a little about what I am looking for.

Many thanks, Steve

Thanks BigT.

Does the Trek 1.5 take a rack though? For me this is more important than mud guards

Thanks for the replies

Been having a hunt around and the Tricross Sport certainly looks good, though the thought of having to get an extra set of wheels does put me off a bit, especially when I look at my current set up on my MTB, having semi's on it already, and actually realising I tend to have the suspension set on lockout anyway. At a price of around £850 plus the wheels it doesn't leave much scope for extras, though I haven't dismissed it yet. A friend of mine has recently bought one and is about to use it for a LEJOG.

Going along the lines of keeping the MTB and having a separate road bike, I have been looking closely at the Specialzed Secteur Sport. It does come with an inferior groupset, however at around £650 I would have scope to upgrade. Looking at the promo stuff and one or two reviews, it seems to tick a number of boxes, ie comes with a triple chainring, can accommodate a rack, and appears to be designed for long rides. Also appears to be capable of taking some rough roads, though obviously not off road. Only downside I can see is it wont take mudguards, but then thats not the end of the world for a fair weather cyclist like me. I tend not to go out if it's wet.

Can anybody recommend this bike, or pass comment on it?

Many thanks, Steve

I believe the cycle to work max is £1000 so that will be my max, though I would prefer not to use it all on the bike, and have some left over for accessories....

Wesh-Laurence wrote:

Si wrote:So, given that it seems that many buses do let you on with a folded folder, why won't they let us on our trams with an unbagged but folded folder? gggrrrrrrr!

Southern's policy is to allow folded bikes on the train at any time, with no mention of bags. It is normal bikes that have problems, especially during the AM and PM peaks where it can get confusing. Outside these times you shouldn't have a problem.

Hi all

I have the opportunity with the cycle to work scheme to replace my ageing GT MTB hard tail, but I am a bit confused as to what might be a good replacement. I have been cycling for about 5 years now, mainly keeping off the roads, but I want to move onto the road more and go exploring, and maybe even join a local club. But at the same time I enjoy off road so looking for something that will cater for the lot, as I can only afford to have one bike. Also my normal commute to work involves both road and off road riding. I have looked at the possibility of keeping my GT, though it is needing some work on it, and buying a road bike, however they don't seem to have the facility for attaching racks and mug guards for possibly light touring. A cyclocross bike is another possibility, but I wonder how these will be received in the cubs, and if they are of any use for sportives etc. that I may like to get involved in, in the future. One big restriction that also concerns me, is my company use Halfords for the cycle to work scheme, and they don't appear to have a very wide range of suitable cycles on offer.

Many thanks for any advice...

I think it is about time that every one who uses the road realizes that the Highway Code is relevant to them regardless of weather they are cyclists, motorists, pedestrians or what ever As a cyclist I always try and stay within the code, stopping at red lights, pedestrian crossings etc.
The other evening I was at a pelican crossing trying to cross. The lights went red so I looked and proceeded to cross checking as I went on my merry way. Just as well I kept looking. I had noticed in the dark a lycra clad cyclist, decked out in yellow and lit up like a Christmas tree. Nothing wrong with that you might say. However it was obvious to me he was making no attempt at stopping, or even slowing down for the lights. My reaction as I was only two steps off the kerb was to stop so I wouldn't get hit. He then stopped suddenly with such force that his rear wheel left the ground and he almost went over the handlebars. Once I was sure he had stopped I carried on my merry way, only then to hear this idiot start swearing at me for having the gal to cross in front of him. I tried to remind him that red light applied to him as well and the the abuse from him just got worse. It all then turned rather nasty.
Is it any wonder that cyclists get a bad name, not only with drivers. If we all kept to the rules it would make life safer and more pleasant for everybody. If you break them then don't expect any sympathy.

Hi all

Can anybody tell me if cyclists are permitted along any of this path, especially in the Loxwood area. On the OS maps it is shown as a Leisure Path but the only information I can find is for walkers.

Many thanks.