PTW

Hi Boys 'N Gals,

I currently ride a Hybrid for the last couple of years, been looking at purchasing a new Road Racing Bike for the very 1st time, any advice / suggestions would very much be appreciated on what to purchase, I have a budget around the region of £1500, what would people recommend Carbon or Alloy??.......

I seem to like the following brands for the money, well they seem to give me more bike for the £££, although I don't know if this is a good thing???......Boardman, Ribble, Planet X, Focus......So many to choose from for a complete novice.

All advice / suggestions appreciated.

Many Thanks.

AORboyo
£1,500 will buy a lot of bike !

You wouldn't go wrong by first going to speak to the boys in the bike shops who are very friendly AND helpful ( even when they know you are from Port Talbot wheelers )
DEWI in rocky mountain cycles, Pontyclun
and
Forza cycles in Llantwit Major . Can't remember the owners name but I'm sure by the end of the day somebody well have that posted .

OR go to the Port Talbot wheelers club night on Friday evenings where there will be MANY cycling "anoraks" who can advise you .

You could also get in touch with Jeff Bruce,very helpful, who has sponsored our club for many years.

I'd definately recommed Carbon and agree with peter that value for money you won't go far wrong if you contact Jeff.

Give me a ring on 07976 601218 and I'll give you Jeff's number so you can arrange a meet at his workshop in Clydach.

Don,t bother with rocky mountain cycles, best advice is to have a word with JEFF BRUCE who can measure you up properly and give you other valuable advice on equipment ,for your budget. The other advantage is that he is local for any adjustments that might have to be made after a settling in period, a service you will not get from ribble ,wiggle or any other mail order place.

Allright Boyo. Right I agree with the boys of going to Jeff Bruce for a bike. BUT I would go to Rocky mountain cycles if you want a professional set up. Dewi now offers this service same as you get at a frame builder. It costs £100 which sounds a lot but at least then you could go to Jeff Bruce with your correct measurements where Jeff could then order everything in to that spec. Yes Jeff would set you up but he doesnt have a jig like other places. Do it propetly first time round and it will save you money in the long run. Good luck!!!!!

D,ont need a jig when you have got the experience that Jeff Bruce has got, why waste £100

£100 for a measure up?

Is it April 1st??

If the guys going to spend £1,500 on a bike £100 quid for a profesional measure up is chicken feed. Look at the money some of us have wasted in the early days of being in the club. I went through quite a few bikes myself, half the time listening to the boys on a Friday night club night. Get it done professional. Jeff doesnt have a jig so he cant possibly cover all angles. I was only giving the guy an option. He can go straight to Jeff if he likes. Although Ribble are cheaper and sell the same frames as Jeff, But Jeff would give a basic measure up and you can try diferent stems prior to buying. You havent got that with on line shops or most of the local bike shops.

In this era of S, M, L, XL bikes and girls frames I just don't think £100 is justified.

The decision on frame size will probably be made as soon as the 'professional' eyeballs the customer coming through the door. After that, it's a case of "the emperors new clothes" as far as I'm concerned but YMMV.

What ever you do dont go through ribble. Get some advice from Jeff or Forza cycles in Llantwit (Neil Craig).
There is only ever one key measurement and that is the top tube. You can get plenty of advice from the guys in the club. the pro fit guys know no more than your everyday elite rider. I'll give you advice for free

How tall are you? I'm selling a Rapha Condor pro team bike. full carbon, dura spec. DONT GO RIBBLE

Alfie wrote

In this era of S, M, L, XL bikes and girls frames I just don't think £100 is justified.

The decision on frame size will probably be made as soon as the 'professional' eyeballs the customer coming through the door. After that, it's a case of "the emperors new clothes" as far as I'm concerned but YMMV.

what does YMMV mean ?

I agree completely with Alf.

well hes got diferent bits of advice so up to the him now

Spoke to Brucy today and suggested he got a jig to give his pension a much needed boost. He replied in his usual quiet voice 'I've never ripped anybody off before and I'm not going to start now!' Says it all I suppose,why would a man who has built frames for the Welsh team in the commonwealth games and also a former Welsh squad mechanic not require a jig, even if it meant extra money coming in. The only conclusion I can come to is .........It's not needed. You may say I'm biased since I've bought all my frames from him in the last 16 years, but I wouldn't have spent that money if I wasn't completely satisfied with the fit of the frames, or, and this is very important, the quality of the indefinite follow up service I get from him. Money well spent!!
So, just to recap ------ Go to Brucy!
I also agree with most of the postings on on this subject.
P.S. Titus give me a call please.

whatever DAve, I'm cool with other peoples opnions. I'm sure Jeff will be pleased that everyone is advising the guy to go to him. Worth while telling the fella that Jeff also sells excellent quality cycle kit. My old club kit is still going strong which was purchased from him.

I would like to THANK everyone whom have gone out of their way with taking a little time with advice & HELP!!! on purchasing my 1st road bike, it's very much appreciated :0).

Muchas Graciias!!!

Don't be speaking that Spanish lingo on 'ere, or you'll be enticing Jugsy to start posting again!