Road bike beginner

Hi @Bouncetastic - apologies for the long post...

Bouncetastic wrote:

OK. I'm actually female which may help understand the complete lack of knowledge

?

You’re new to road biking and fairly new to biking in general: that explains the lack of knowledge. You’re already asking sensible questions, though, which puts you light years ahead of many(/most) internet commentards…

I’ve said it before, but it bears saying again: the perfect bike for you, or for anyone, is the one that makes you smile the most. It doesn’t really matter what it is about the bike that makes you smile – it’s the smiling that matters. Bikes that make you smile are bikes that you grab to go out for a quick spin even when you don’t really have the time. They’re the ones you long to spend hours on having mini-adventures at the weekend. They get you out riding even when you’re feeling a bit like sitting in on the sofa watching rubbish telly in front of the fire.

‘Feminine Geometry’ is largely marketing guff. It is true that, at a population level, women tend to have slightly longer legs relative to their torsos than men do, but there is much more variation in geometry across bikes than there is across humans. I know many women (including my wife) who ride and love “men’s” bikes. Don’t assume that just because it’s labelled as specific for a gender that it will (or won’t) be ideal for you.

I’m not sure that Evans are right about the Arkose not fitting your riding pattern, based on what you’ve said so far – my wife has just test-ridden one (the Arkose 3) and loved it – although it is moderately heavy (10.4kg, I think). @davel is right in saying that you’re generally going to get a lighter, quicker bike (although the main determining factor in the quickness of a bike is the engine and the overall system weight)– but to counter that, CX/all-purpose bikes tend to have a more comfortable riding position and a more ‘relaxed’ and stable geometry. When you’re starting out, that may be more important.

So, check out the Fuji. If you grin like a loon, it’s probably the right bike. If not, try another. You only get a 15 minute test ride with Evans – not really enough – try to take someone along to chat to about how the bike feels. If you can, find a hill and go up it and down it. Try to take notes as soon as you’re done. If they have another bike in store that is approximately what you’re looking for and in your size, take that out too, if only for the comparison. Order in another if you’re not ecstatic with the ones you try – you can always come back to them. Don’t let anyone else tell you that a bike is or isn’t for you – only you can decide that.

Enjoy the process. Buying a new bike rocks!

I wouldn't go for the Fuji, not convinced by the mechanical disc brakes on it. Better off with a higher end rim brake. 

Are you stuck with Evans for some reason? I've ordered online using cyclescheme before and had the bike delivered. It's nice to be a able to test ride a bike, I get that, but all you want is a relaxed geometry bike in a certain frame size. The rest of the fit can be dialed in after. I'd rather shop around for a great discount on a tidy bike + get cyclesheme on top of it. And places will do it.

Just having a quick look, two class carbon bikes:

Cool frame, hydro discs,

https://www.rutlandcycling.com/376584/products/giant-defy-advanced-2-201...

Cute frame, Ultegra rim brakes

https://www.rutlandcycling.com/318899/products/2016-specialized-amira-sl...

Bet there's tons of cracking deals around. 

It's your money, but I'm tight with mine. If I'm going to throw a gran dat something, it better be really worth it. To be frank, your Fuji isn't worth it to me. 

This time last year I was shopping for the missus' first bike and I made a mistake. She liked the bike for a month, then started to realise it was pants. Mid summer I was buying her a new bike. Get a good carbon bike on sale with 105 level rims brakes or up. Or hydro disc brakes. You can actually get it. Just look around. 

If you want I'll have a look at the weekend for a cracking deal if you're not tied to Evans. Need your height and inseam though.

Yah I'm pervy like that.

Oh and to be clear, you don't need a 'women's bike'. I got the missus a 'women's bike' and it was pants. She's on a 'bike' now. Fits great, loves it. Yes, at the start the position may seem aggressive on some bikes you jump on, but you will very quickly progress and it becomes normal. Do not doubt that. Buy for where you want to be, not where you're at now. 

Evans currently have the 2016 Pinnacle Arkose 3 Womens Adventure Road Bike available in Medium which may just fit you. You could always ask to get it sent to store to see if it does, Evans are very good on this front.

It is increadibly well equiped and come in at only £950.00, that would leave you with £185 to spend on accessories and upgrades (Trade in + savings + voucher) which is really easy to do once you start looking.

I have had the 2015 mens Pinnacle Arkose 3 for nearly 3 years and absolutely love it!

https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-arkose-3-womens-2016-adventure-road...

The issue I would have with the Hoy and the Saracen is that it does not have mounts for a pannier rack, but then again maybe you would not want to go down that route anyway?

That's a great bike. You could upgrade the bottom bracket to a higher quality version, once it starts to creak, easily done. I would certainly look at that bike for a fit and test ride

I would go with a bike with a threaded bottom bracket. Press fit bottom brackets suffer from creaks and clicking, which although a minor annoyance, it will drive you mad creaking with every pedal turn

This is what a threaded bottom bracket looks like, if you didn't know already

Its a real shame your budget is stuck at £1000  Because you can get some real nice bikes for ~£1500  

http://fairlightcycles.com/faran/?v=79cba1185463

lightweight steel frame, big tyre capacity, discbrakes decent groupsets(gears, shifters) threaded bottom bracket.  You could look at last years models with a higher spec that might be discounted, but I dont know if the 'cycle to work' scheme allows this

OK just to throw a bit of a curveball in at this point, then: I'd say this seems like you 'need' a road bike and already have a mountain bike, so I'd stick to road bikes and avoid CX/adventure/gravel.

This is on the basis of the following sweeping generalisations: road bikes at that price will tend to be lighter and quicker on the road than their equivalent 'do anything' rivals, and while the one bike to rule them all is useful, to be quick on the road and steady off it, you'll be swapping tyres at a minimum between those different pursuits. I'd get a road bike for your road use; fall back on your MTB for anything else. CXetc bikes are awesome for their versatility - I've got one as my current winter roadie/commuter/occasional CX racer, but I also have a MTB and 2 'summer' roadies and a TT bike, so it still fills a niche.

Agree with going for the relaxed geometry of an endurance bike - this basically means avoid aggressive/aero racers, which you're probably doing by default, because at a grand there won't be much choice and they'll be poor value in comparison.

The crank and especially the brakeset are a downgrade from 105. I've had Syncros wheels new on a Scott and was not impressed.Normally the Formula hubs are pretty basic and a rear on my wife's bike didn't survive one winter.

I suppose the following questions that should be asked to better assist:

What sort of route are you likely to be taking on your commute (Road/Park/Tow Path etc.)?

How much do you need to carry on your commute and how far(also what sort of hills)?

Do you want to only use this for weekend rides and/or touring too (even if it's only a few times a year)?

    I have the Cube Attain disc,but the 2016 model. This is my second Cube.

        I think this would make a great first road bike as you have the benefits of discs,but for me more importantly the through axle. This gives the front end a confident feel on braking and turning which i think would help someone new to the road.Coupled with a wide rim and decent 25mm Conti tyres it does feel very secure. The geometry is pretty relaxed so it doesn't feel like a bike you should be trying to push hard on all the time.

   The 105 groupset works as it should and the finishing kit is ok and not miles overweight. Over time people usually change such things as handlebars,stems and seats to suit their sizing.

The wheels are a little heavy,but this is where savings on spec are always made. The 32 cassette compensates for this on the steep stuff. Also the bar tape is a bit thin,but thats easily and cheaply sorted.

The sizings on Cubes seem a little odd,but this is where the shop should sort it for you.

My first Cube was great and is still going strong so if this one is the same i'll be very happy.

I agree that you might want to consider Cyclocross rather than a pure road bike, especially if your commute takes you along canal paths or through parks.

You could go for the Cube Cross Race 2017 Cyclocross Bike with 105 gearing and disc brakes which comes just under your £1k and gives you a bit extra to buy some more kit with your trade in discount.
£999.00
https://www.evanscycles.com/cube-cross-race-2017-cyclocross-bike-EV287846

If you are lucky enough to be a small lady (5'0-5'3") who could fit an XSmall bike then this could be for you! It's reduced from £1699 to £1099 which with the £100 trade in brings it just under your £1k maximum. An absolute bargain but only if it's the right size.
Genesis Croix de Fer 30 2016 Cyclocross
https://www.evanscycles.com/genesis-croix-de-fer-30-2016-cyclocross-bike...