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Post by jon_2_flats on Jun 22, 2013 20:51:24 GMT
have been thinking on and off about a road bike and although I may not get one for a short while I am trying to get some advice together. mainly, whilst looking at bikes I am seeing a lot of "compact" whats the idea of this? is it just a double ring instead of triple?
been looking at the trek 1.5 2013, the lapierre sensium 200 also seen some pinerallo but unsure about the make as this is my first venture into road bikes, and they sem a bit more expensive, just about to have a look on the canyon website to, any advice/opinions?
cheers jon
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Post by Tarbo on Jun 22, 2013 21:22:28 GMT
Can't offer any advice on makes but can explain the meaning of compact. First of all a compact has two front chain rings (number of gears on the front), as does a 'standard'. Obviously a 'triple' has three chain rings, but these are for girls Compact refers to the size of the front chain rings. On a 'standard' the inner chain ring has 39 teeth and the outer 53. On a compact, the inner ring has 34 teeth and the outer 50. These are the most common size chain rings but there are a few variations, but only by one extra or less tooth. As we know from mountain biking, the smaller the chain ring the easier it is to climb steeper hills. As most people who purchase road bikes use them for everyday use or sportives, the compact chainset has become popular as it's easier to get up the hills. As such, the majority of road bikes these days come with a compact chainset. For racing and time trials a standard chainset is more advantageous as this allows you to go faster before 'spinning out'. Hope this helps
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Post by jon_2_flats on Jun 22, 2013 21:26:20 GMT
thanks chris, that clears up that issue! looks like compact is the way forward then, as I need all the help I can muster on the hills! anyone care to offer any advice/opinions over the makes / models ive mentioned?
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Post by Oggy on Jun 22, 2013 21:26:49 GMT
Triple - Girls chainset Compact - Double 34/50 Std - 39/53
If its your first road bike you are prob best off with a compact. Pinerallos are very nice but you a do a premium for them, how much do you want to spend? Canyon are good value, as are the planet x's
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Post by Oggy on Jun 22, 2013 21:29:14 GMT
Ha ha, just seen Tarbs explanation of a triple to
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Post by jon_2_flats on Jun 22, 2013 21:38:29 GMT
yeah it would be my first roadbike, and just a way to get a few easier miles in than on the mtb each night!
as far as spending goes, I guess I want to keep it under a grand really, 800 would be a good point looked at the canyon roadlite al 6.0 but to be honest prefer to get something from a dealer on home turf in case of any warrenty issues, don't fancy having to deal direct with a german suppler in the event of any troubles
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Post by Oggy on Jun 22, 2013 21:44:05 GMT
defo the way to go to get easy miles in, you dont have to wash your kit every time either For around a grand, boardmans, planet x's prob worth a look
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Post by Oggy on Jun 22, 2013 21:46:27 GMT
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Post by jon_2_flats on Jun 22, 2013 22:08:54 GMT
hmmm, now that does look good value for a full carbon, thanks for that, could be a contender I think
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Post by Dan B on Jun 23, 2013 6:54:13 GMT
Ha ha, just seen Tarbs explanation of a triple to Yeah thanks fellas
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Post by campbell on Jun 23, 2013 13:21:31 GMT
For a grand, (or £800 if you look around) you can get a decent groupset. You want to avoid the basic entry level stuff such as the Shimano Sora. I have a Cannondale Tiagra Synapse - Synapse being the next one up from Sora and a huge improvement. I paid around a grand for it, but you can pick them up for less than that now.
Graham Weigh in Connahs Quay do some really good bikes - but they don't do finance so you need the money. Other than that, just sit on a few to see whats comfortable.
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Post by Ross on Jun 23, 2013 17:19:01 GMT
Dam i have a Triple chainset on mine.
I know many would not approve of such but have you had a look at the Boardmans, Honestly only rarely get them back with either Bottom bracket creaking on the BB30 or gears and brake cables stretching. After all the bad words have been said about them you have a local Halfords not far away so if something does break/go wrong just take it back and complain.
If i had the money i would buy one. Infact a mtb to
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Post by summittoppler on Jun 23, 2013 17:42:07 GMT
I've got a triple on mine but I hardly use it However when I have its been a lifesaver rather than pushing. At the end of the day the choice of gearing is determined by the type/area of riding you go. All good fun though and the tarmac definitely helps
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Post by rallybiker on Jun 23, 2013 19:27:13 GMT
John, get a bike with a triple! It's a godsend for trackling stuff like Pen y Pass type hills. A compacts ok if your a stick insect with bamboo light limbs
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Triples are for girls
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Post by Triples are for girls on Jun 23, 2013 20:05:18 GMT
It has to be a compact my friend, triple's are for really sad and fat people who eat too much and don't train properly but spend too much time in front of a computer telling people how slow they really are!
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