[Closed] Road bikes?

Gearing wise compact 50/34 front and 11-34 or 32 rear will get you (slowly) up  most alpine stuff. Make sure it fits properly though, really don't skimp on this or after 3 days out you'll be off the bike. Makes sure sit bones are supporting you not soft tissue (from memory you don't have a prostate to antagonise but the precautions apply to you too).

Good fit will also help with the downs.

I’m in Geneva and just about to sell/ advertise a medium Cannondale synapse Di2 disc with 50mm carbon wheels.

If you’re interested I’d be happy to change the saddle,stem and bars to suit.

could also stick on an ultegra 11-32 cassette.

im the original owner and it has done around 500 miles from new.

Old stock answer was head into a giant shop and try the defy that matches your price 🙂

Failing that Canyon....

Alps is generally less steep than the UK just goes on for longer, 34/32 is a fairly low gear for a nice road bike these days.

Depending on where you are take a wander round your local Trek/Spec/Giant stores and chat with the staff (weekdays are probably better) had a good long chat about bikes (good advice too) in the Manchester trek spot and offer of a test ride and sizing advice on an indoor trainer if I wanted it

Why not hire a bike out there, decide if you like road bikes, and then armed with a more informed opinion look when you get back in the sales ?

Lol.  No, I don't have a prostrate, well remembered.

The synapse sounds good, my instinct is that a medium would be too big.  I've just looked at the geo on the website though. Is it the 54?

I did go to my lbs and they tried to be helpful but said it was a difficult time of year as they were waiting for the new models to be released. Most seemed be be due out the week we are going.

I forgot to mention it must have disks.  I had enough trouble riding my Enduro down Alpine tarmac without cooking the brakes 😀

If your LBS is empty a decent sized evans would be worth a look just to get your head around sizing

I considered hiring but I'd rather take my own that I can set up properly before I go to make sure it is comfortable for me. I don't want to be riding all day on something that isn't quite right. My holiday is too important.

I looked at Canyon and I really liked one on Rose but delivery is estimated at four weeks which is when we are going.

You don’t have an email in your profile but if you mail me I can send you some details if you like.

I'd normally recommend what I have in full STW style, which is a Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc, that can usually be picked up for about £1000 (from £1500) but they don't seem to be knocking about at that price at the moment.  If I were looking now I'd be on Pauls Cycle looking at something like this

Then I'd budget for a decent bike fit too.  I've not ridden in the Alps, but I imagine any niggling fit issues will materialise quickly on the climbs there.

I looked at Canyon and I really liked one on Rose but delivery is estimated at four weeks which is when we are going.

Canyon have this thing called "Express Bikes" that are in stock. They have Ultimate CF SL 8.0 (ultegra), for 2.2k euros. They'll even knock 200 euros off it if you hold a racing license.

Old stock answer was head into a giant shop and try the defy that matches your price

That's the advice I took and I've been very happy with mine over the last 3 years. I'm the same height as you and ride a small which is a very good fit for me. It's perfectly comfortable for 100 mile rides and is plenty quick enough for me.

Oh, and Pauls Cycles has the usual selection of decent priced bikes. Synapse disc carbon for 1759gbp

I've found one of these in stock.  Any reason not to?  I would consider putting a longer mech and an 11-34 on it but otherwise it looks good.  I will see if I can get 10% BC discount as well which would pay for the mech, cassette and chain.

https://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductMobileDisplay?catalogId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=165710&productId=1252566&storeId=10001

For those of you that need closure on these things, I bought the Boardman for £1619 with BC discount 🙂

Cool, enjoy your trip to the alps.

Personally, I would've taken on and on up on his offer. But I feel like the kid in the Sixth Sense "I see on and on's posts".

I did fancy On and On's bike but it was too big for my stumpy little legs.

Story of my life 😉

Well the bikes still available.

Ill be moving from geneva to Dublin in Oct so postage will be available 😀

Trek emonda is a great light bike which climbs really well.  SL5 and upgrade the wheels. Improved my climbing ability no end.  Losing a stone off my midriff would no doubt have been a more effective and cheaper method of increased climbing prowess but nonetheless fantastic frame.

just realised I was late to the party😳 Boardman looks a great choice. 😊