Question for lady cyclists

[Dallas]

Not as inadequate as those who can't spell, n'est ce pas?

Anyway, which bike should I get - Donna or Dolce?

(bizarrely, there's a range of 'wendy' knitting wool called Donna and Dolce)

The one that fits you the best and is the most confortable - is what I would go with.

What are you on at the min and do you know the weight differences between the models? If there isnt much in it I'd got for a saddle (adamo), lighter wheels and new shorts?

I have regretted pricey frame upgrades in the past that have shown little difference. If you are intending to carry on after this event and there is lttle difference in frame weight, why not complete the event and treat yourself the bike ... something to aim for when you are in pain?

[mudskipper]

The one that fits you the best and is the most confortable - is what I would go with.

What are you on at the min and do you know the weight differences between the models? If there isnt much in it I'd got for a saddle (adamo), lighter wheels and new shorts?

I have regretted pricey frame upgrades in the past that have shown little difference. If you are intending to carry on after this event and there is lttle difference in frame weight, why not complete the event and treat yourself the bike ... something to aim for when you are in pain?

At the moment I'm on a Specialized Sirrus Elite (old 2008ish model) so the Specialized seems like a good choice. Not sure about weight difference - neither website publishes it. I imagine the carbon frame must be lighter, but I can't try it before I buy. I'm thinking the Dolce as I can try it, and I like to support the local independent bike shops.

[DaveB]

Went to the bike shop today. Have decided that if I do get a place on the London 100 (should hear on Thursday) I'm getting a new bike.

Had a look at the Specialized Dolce - they had two models, the dearer (and nicer colours) being the 'sport'.

comme ça

Specialized Dolce Sport Equipped Triple 2013 Womens Road Bike | Evans Cycles - £765 in my local bike shop. They had 51cm and 57cm - the conclusion being that I'd probably be good on a 54cm.

I liked it a lot.

Have also been looking at this one - a bit dearer but good reduction on it, so feels like I'm getting value for money The downside of this one is that I can't try it - would have to buy it and hope, although wiggle are pretty good and I'm sure they'd take it back if I unpacked it and thought yuck. (And you get free haribo with a wiggle order )

Wiggle | Focus Ladies Izalco Donna 3.0 105 2012 | Road Bikes

Decisions, decisions...

Wiggle do a 30 day trial ride on their bikes. Ride it for a month and if you don't like it they will collect it and give a full refund. Wiggle Customer Services

Plus I now have new bike envy.

Edit: doesn't apply on bikes discounted by more than 15% so no use in this case.

[mudskipper]

Wiggle do a 30 day trial ride on their bikes. Ride it for a month and if you don't like it they will collect it and give a full refund. Wiggle Customer Services

Plus I now have new bike envy.

Oh wow, excellent. I'll give them a ring and check that, and I might just go for it

[DaveB]

Oh wow, excellent. I'll give them a ring and check that, and I might just go for it

Sorry, see the edit above. Doesn't apply to bikes discounted by more than 15% which I didn't realise till I actually read it.

[Dallas]

but I can't try it before I buy. .

really? then I'd walk and find a supplier who will - all bike shops near me - independents and chains will allow you 'round the block' or in a car park, they should fit you to it as well - take your shoes and pedals?

do your research on weight diffs and fit-for-purpose diffs in the frames - wiggle have a specialist who has helped me in the past (as long as items are in stock) loads of bike forums etc .... please do not buy anything without having a go 1st

would you spend 2k on diamond earrings without trying them 1st

when i bought my TT i wanted the Look frame - looked really impressive, i got on it and it was ok. Then they put me on a white and lime green felt - ugliest thing in the shop, I barely needed to pedal and he flew and is now Priscilla - the gayest bike have ever seen on my turbo in front of me...

[DaveB]

If you fancy a warm up for the 100 the London Classic is open for entries now. 35 miles or so around London including Pave sections and the steepest hills they could find.

The London Classic

Trying to work out if I can get in shape enough to do it on the Single Speed or just take the standard road bike.

[mudskipper]

If you fancy a warm up for the 100 the London Classic is open for entries now. 35 miles or so around London including Pave sections and the steepest hills they could find.

The London Classic

Trying to work out if I can get in shape enough to do it on the Single Speed or just take the standard road bike.

Ta - might look at that. Looking at the IOW Randonee, which looks nice. Might make a weekend of it - never been to IOW

[mudskipper]

really? then I'd walk and find a supplier who will - all bike shops near me - independents and chains will allow you 'round the block' or in a car park, they should fit you to it as well - take your shoes and pedals?

do your research on weight diffs and fit-for-purpose diffs in the frames - wiggle have a specialist who has helped me in the past (as long as items are in stock) loads of bike forums etc .... please do not buy anything without having a go 1st

would you spend 2k on diamond earrings without trying them 1st

when i bought my TT i wanted the Look frame - looked really impressive, i got on it and it was ok. Then they put me on a white and lime green felt - ugliest thing in the shop, I barely needed to pedal and he flew and is now Priscilla - the gayest bike have ever seen on my turbo in front of me...

Maybe wiggle will let you have a go - it just seems complicated because they don't have a high street presence. I'm not really interested in 'racing', just want a bit of oomph to get me round the 100 miles in 9 hours. I'll see if my local shop can get the 54 frame and give it a go.

[mudskipper]

OK, so when I was a permie I got my last bike through the cycle to work scheme. All very painless.

Looking at contractor equivalent, the advice seems to be to buy the cycle as a company asset. But there seem to be various hassles doing it this way - such as the fact that you don't automatically own the bike at the end of the year - you've got to get to 6 years before you don't have to worry about it.

Also, I can't hand on heart say most of my journeys will be to and from work - I do cycle to work a lot in the summer (if I'm still with current client) but wouldn't be using my shiny new road bike for lugging panniers with clothes and laptop through the woods.

More hassle than it's worth? Anyone done this?

Advice from NW here

http://www.nixonwilliams.com/images/...y%20Cycles.pdf