In another thread I said Id decided to by a Cannondale (probably R800 road bike now).
I recieved comments like
"Why Cannondale"
"But Cannondale just doesn´t hit my buttons"
"Yeah why Cannondale? You said you wanted a Tri bike, there are many out there that are a lot better for the money"
1) Could someone suggest alternative bike for around £1200 or something as good for less money?
2) Why is my decision to buy Cannondale recieved with some distain?
Im new to cycling/Tri and deceided to buy a Cannondale becasue id heard off them, been told by others that they are good reliable bikes, I like the look of them (not a mahor thing but its importnant to like your bike I guess as it'll encourage me to get out on it.
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They have an excellant reputation for mountain bikes and there is no reason why this can't be transferred to the road bike market. It will just take time.
If you like cannondale then go for it. After all your the one who will be riding it.
Here's a suggestion - give some dealers a bell who are, or have been racing cyclists. Moreover, those who know about time trailing and triathlon. There's a lot about who will ensure that you are fitted correctly on a frame that will do the job. They can, and do help people. Also, if you go to them their mechanics will always help you out.
Some names that come to mind are Brian Rourke and Dave Hinde. People like that have years of experience.
If you are convinced you want a Cannondale, its worthwhile getting it through such a dealer for these reasons.
Oh a biggy - custom paint jobs are nice to look at, but are often expensive and really dont make the thing any faster. Good luck in your quest.
Good luck
Alan, ill take your advise seriously and will have a ring around. Also agree sizing is important.
The Cannondale im after (R800 maybe R1000) comes with a Optimo frame (same used by the Saeco team) so guess thats pretty good.
Wheels, I guess on a bike of that spec the wheels are good to. Oh and by groupset I guess you mean the gears/cogs? Again I think they are Shimano (ive heard of them to).
Lol paint job, funny you should say that but im connisdering paying an extra £200 for the R1000 as it comes in a nicer colour (plus John Smiths comments are a good referral).
Oh finally I keep reminding myself im only in it for the fun and personal satisfaction not to win anything so cutting edge wont make a great difference (yes a £300 bike would probably do just as good). Makes me laugh to about saving gramms here and there on bike weight, im 14 stone lol.
Im not rushing into my decision, will look around and also check out the dealers and websites some more.
Groupsets usually comprise of;
Chainset & Bottom Bracket
Brakes - Calipes / Levers
Hubs
Front n Rear Mechs (Gears)
Cassette (Rear Sprockets)
Headset
Chain
Seatpost
Pedals
The latter two are usually personal prefs from a wide variety of products. As you get into the sport you will find what suits.
and don't worry about buying a bike over the internet they are a brilliant company. Got mine inside a week by UPS
How much did it cost as well?
Thank you
Salford Rower: You'll be interested to know that if I'd bought the same spec bike in the UK it would have cost me £2,400 ish. The money I saved on the bike allowed me to buy a Concept rower. The bike (its a Lucky Strike MTB) weighs less than 23lbs is XTR throughout with nice wheels etc. Cost £1,500 two years ago but it will last a lifetime and it is a sheer joy to ride. Cycling mates used to tell me how good titanium bikes were and I thought it was hype. It wasn't. Pity I'm so useless on the rower.
I think you can get them in bike shops as well now but don't know what price differences are.
I always bang on about this cause I used a team bike for a week some years ago in the junior tour of Ireland and it wrecked my season.
Having access to many bikes on the market, ive ridden an 'airborne'and this was the flexiest. Its ok as an everyday bike with comfort in mind though as a race bike this is a No!No!
Nice day down here in cornwall. My coat has just floated down a river which was the main road!
Was reading Graeme Obree's book and looking at the machines (before old faithful) he was stuffing the opposition with. Fixed gear and upturned handlebars. Need I say more!
As the guy is quite new to racing I reckoned a stiff aluminium bike might be too uncomfortable. Don't know what airborne racing bikes are like but the MTBs are unbeatable.
Alan, Good point there's a lovely Paul Donahue 653 Campag record dream machine sitting in my garage. Rode it three times last year.
I have more or less decided to stick with a Cannondale, ill maybe ask for a test ride or something.
What exactly are the maon drawbacks of a stiff frame?
Oh, the good news is when I buy the bike and kit etc im taking a mate with me that has done Tri's and Ironman.
A sincere thank you for all your help and interest.
Best of luck.
PS I once had a really pimpy racing bike that I built myself and I liked looking at it so much I hung it on the bedroom wall so I could see it when I woke up. The wife wasn't too impressed. Oh, and I didn't ride it for a week cos it was raining and I didn't want to get it wet
not sure how long the forks will last though!
Giant road bikes are 'compact' which is a small frame providing ultimate stiffness in a very good price range!
Ive ridden compacts for the last 4 years and have taken one to 2 world 'Duathlon'champs and with access to many other brands i find the 'Giants' are not only more responsive than most, they are light on the wallet.