Okay with less than six weeks until I attempt the etape du dales sportif in May.
Ive Come to the conclusion II need a new bike.
So any suggestions-preferably steel preferably off-the-peg and preferably with 0% interest available.
A big ask I know
If you're looking for something 'nice' then Mason? Whichever one of the resolution or definition is the steel one...
Ritchey?
Ps: you sure you wanna be changing frames before a big ride?
Fairlight Strael or Mason Resolution would be top of my list.
Thanks,
Max
Genesis Volare. Beautiful bikes.
Best mate loves his Ritchey
Kona Wheelhouse
Budget...?? It loads of cash then
https://ritte.cc/pages/snob-stainless-1
For a more modest amount look at Genesis
If it was me, I would be heading for the Ritchey as my first bike to try and then base others on the verdict from that. I would dismiss the Ritte as it is not a BSA bottom bracket which I feel is a mistake, especially on a steel frame, but that's just me.
Kona Roadhouse
Condor Fratello
I would get a caad12 or anything not made of steel tbh
Have a look at Spa Cycles and their steel Audax. Made from Reynolds 725. Good spec for about £1200. I've got one and it's all the bike I'll ever need..
EDIT - just looked at their site. Reduced to £990. With 105 groupo that's a hell of a bargain. You can spend an extra £100 and get a set of their handbuilt wheels as well..
If it has to be steel, then I'd second Ritchey and Kona. Kona made some lovely steel bikes, then stopped, then restarted (and I mean road not gravel or touring)). Whatever you choose, get something with more racy geometry. A nice handling 72.5-73 degree head angle. The Ritchey would also be a good choice, particularly with their carbon monocoque frame (300g) which goes some way to balancing the weight of the frame. Anything with 11 speed 105 and above, and an 11-28 compact or semi-compact.
Budget for better tyres and latex tubes. That will provide a big performance improvement.
Btw, why steel out of interest?
Condor Fratello Disc....
I've been admiring the Rodeo Labs Flanimal 4.0 of late, more gravel than road but i'd happily ride that on the road, beautiful bike especially in the creamsicle.
Have had many steel bikes, both custom built and off-the-peg.
Last one being a Ritchey Road Logic. Fantastic handling, well built, great ride, especially for the money... they're inexpensive.
Love my Rourke 853, from what i understand they also have ready built framesets, depending on your budget obviously
Best mate loves his Ritchey
I don't know if I'm P20's best mate, but I love my Ritchey
Budget for better tyres and latex tubes.
Having just bought some new tyres (Conti GP4000s II) that aren't yet fitted, what's the deal with latex tubes? Do they make a real difference?
Huge difference in ride quality and about 4W of free speed. They do, however require regular topping up as latex is not airtight (I usually over inflate on the first day, then they afe fine teh next day and need topping up the day after). Data here for your choice of tyre too:
Ta. They can't be patched though, right?
They patch much more easily than butyl tubes actually. The clue is in the vulcanising solution, which works really well on latex to dissolve and stick the patch. I've not used instant patches on latex though.
English, all the way. Enves. Dura Ace di2. Job jobbed.
Or a £200 Raleigh.
Budget may influence your choice.