Well that was an interesting afternoon....

[PaulK]

Hi All

Firstly thank you all soo much for your assistance in the advice and comments given in relation to my previous post re my search for a new bike.

As discussed i am somewhat limited by budget (for an aluminum frame and 105 group-set which was what i was looking for.)
This was narrowed down to the Trek Domaine which i rode in a couple of sizes and whilst on the hoods it was fine dropping down my body felt somewhat "Forced" into that position, but i was discounting this somewhat as i wasnt sure i would regularly be taking that position.

So i visit a third and IMO much more professional shop where i was measured and sized for about 20 mins before even getting on a bike..!
so i tried a few and yeah they were good then the guys said they had an older gen (2022) Trek Emunda SL5 which id not considered as its in the race type category. With a Carbon frame + Pedals + Tape re-wrap (with more padded cork tape) £2200.

They flipped the stem to bring the front up a little and whilst a race bike it felt just like the Domaine, super comfy to ride and much better to get in to the drops + the saddle felt better than the Domaine which i would of replaced for sure.
Feels like a no brainer !
The one thing leaves me wondering, Is the tyres which are obviously narrower than its cousin on the Domaine and again UK roads are NOT great so i don't want to be permanently in the shop getting my wheels trued.

Again thoughts from anyone who runs similar diameter tyres on UK roads. ?
N.B I've Heard going tubless tyres can make it a bit more cushioned but not sure if that's marketing..?

ATB
Paul

[Jdsk]

Previous discussion:
viewtopic.php?t=160179

which includes the value of mudguards and not wanting a rack: the obvious questions for a more race-type bike.

What width are the tyres on the Emunda, and do you know what it will accommodate?

Jonathan

PS: It would be much better to add this to the previous thread so that everyone can see your requirements.

[PaulK]

Hi there

Original ramblings were here.
viewtopic.php?t=160179

Wont be adding extras racks etc.. and re mudguards if any i would add one of those that lightweight jobbies that attaches to the seat post.

Stock tyres are 28mm

p

[ed.lazda]

I ride on 28mm tyres most of the time on UK roads. Tubeless on one bike, tubed on the other. They seem up to the job.

[roubaixtuesday]

The one thing leaves me wondering, Is the tyres which are obviously narrower than its cousin on the Domaine and again UK roads are NOT great so i don't want to be permanently in the shop getting my wheels trued.

I don't think a size in tyres make much difference to wheel robustness.

Comfort yes, and opinions vary on efficiency, but not really robustness IMO.

No idea what the wheels are like on your new bike, but generally road bikes do tend to come with light but not very robust wheels.

[Cyclothesist]

It all depends on what sort of riding you're planning. If you're sticking to roads 28mm is fine. It'll cope with short sections of dry good surface unmetalled tracks too. Anything worse than that and you'll be wanting wider tyres. According to a Road.cc review of the same model there's 6mm frame and fork clearance around a 28mm tyre so I'd be wary of trying to squeeze in a larger tyre.

[KM2]

The tyre width necessary will depend on the quality of the tyre. If you have a supple sidewall tyre , the tyre will be more comfortable. 90 psi is a max for me, usually much lower.

[Pendodave]

A couple of things that occur to me.

28mm is fine for UK roads and gentle off road. Its what I have. However, I think that a wide tyre would be more comfortable and allow more flexibility if your tastes change. Unless I had a whole quiver of options in the shed, I'd want at least 32mm on a general purpose road bike if i was buying new now.

Gearing - when I got my bike, it had 50/34 and 11/28. Once I went anywhere slightly hilly I found I needed 11/34 on the back. I had to buy a new cassette and new (long cage) derailleur (and a chain whip and other bits to fit it. It might be worth a chat with the shop to see if they'd bung something on to save the time and trouble.

[PaulK]

28mm is fine for UK roads and gentle off road. Its what I have. However, I think that a wide tyre would be more comfortable and allow more flexibility if your tastes change. Unless I had a whole quiver of options in the shed, I'd want at least 32mm on a general purpose road bike if i was buying new now.

Gearing - when I got my bike, it had 50/34 and 11/28. Once I went anywhere slightly hilly I found I needed 11/34 on the back. I had to buy a new cassette and new (long cage) derailleur (and a chain whip and other bits to fit it. It might be worth a chat with the shop to see if they'd bung something on to save the time and trouble....

Yes i would of ideally wanted 32s I've mailed TREK to check on options.
TBH i don't think its a deal breaker tho

Yes have discussed the rear cassette looks like i can grab another for just a few pounds and a new chain.

I will be seeing how it goes to start before throwing myself at hills but i think first its me that needs to improve !

[Cowsham]

I will be seeing how it goes to start before throwing myself at hills but i think first its me that needs to improve !

So you've gone for the plunge and bought yes ?

[PaulK]

Indeedy....
Deposit down picking up next week.

Ive just found a product InvisiFrame like a clear wrap to protect paintwork from dings and scratches looks like its a worthwhile investment.

P

[Jdsk]

...
Ive just found a product InvisiFrame like a clear wrap to protect paintwork from dings and scratches looks like it's a worthwhile investment.
...

https://www.invisiframe.co.uk

As they (almost) say: helicopter tape is also available:
search.php?keywords=helicopter+tape

Jonathan

[Pendodave]

Serendipitously, I was thinking of frame protection film/tape earlier today.
Saw that it's possible (at a cost) to get model/size specific tape (ridewrap). I wonder what the best bang/buck solution is?

[Jdsk]

28mm is fine for UK roads and gentle off road. It's what I have. However, I think that a wide tyre would be more comfortable and allow more flexibility if your tastes change. Unless I had a whole quiver of options in the shed, I'd want at least 32mm on a general purpose road bike if i was buying new now.
...

Evening all

So Ive got my new Trek 2023 Émonda SL 5 in a stunning blue paintjob whilst i may eventually change out the wheels to begin with they are fine.

Was thinking though are some tyres more puncture resistant than others ?? (I'm assuming those it shipped with are super basic).
Would also like to go to the max recommended tyre size of 28mm (over the 26mm shipped).

Seems like the choice is endless ! Looking to ideally increase ride comfort a tad while still being able to maintain a fair clip.
Something worthwhile doing ?? Whats recommended.

How important is puncture resistance?

Jonathan

[Brucey]

Gearing - when I got my bike, it had 50/34 and 11/28. Once I went anywhere slightly hilly I found I needed 11/34 on the back. I had to buy a new cassette and new (long cage) derailleur (and a chain whip and other bits to fit it. It might be worth a chat with the shop to see if they'd bung something on to save the time and trouble.

if you need lower gears on a bike with a 'compact double' then not only is it possible to change the cassette, but it is also possible to do something with the chainrings. A 33t chainring is usually possible (because they just aren't trying) and it is also usually possible to fit special 46/30 rings, provided you are happy to deal with a chainline that is moved leftwards a few mm.