Speed on the flat is governed by the engine and how aero you are, the only free speed you can buy is a set of aero wheels
Climbing is all about the engine and your weight or to be precise your power to weight ratio
the speed difference (flat or climbing) between a $2k bike and a $10k bike (other than the wheels) is minimal.
With $2k or $10k it is still the choice between:
Stiff, aerodynamic frame that responds instantly, but can be challenging riding long distances. Scott Foil, Avanti DR, Gaint Propel
Race geometry frame, still a quick handling bike, a little more compliant, the medium range option. Scott Addict, Avanti SL, Giant TCR
Endurance frame, built to be comfortable on long hauls, not as sure handling under pressure as the others. Scott Solace, Avanti Cadent, Giant Defy.
I would not be hung up on which frame is right for you, just go ride a lot of different bikes.
I would not be hung up on a certain brand or model. I would pick the shop first, level of support, doing a fit, willingness to swap out components etc. The getting the right style of bike for you.
About the only must I would say is compact or semi compact cranks, they make the big climbs, just a bit easier.
I would also suggest avoiding disc brakes, only because if you like going fast, you should really try racing. A $2k bike is as raceable as $10k bike, even more so.
Looking for bike $2000 or under, for good climbing and decent speed on flats
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Re: Looking for bike $2000 or under, for good climbing and decent speed on flats
Postby nickobec » Wed Apr 27, 2016 12:57 am
my blog Nick Cowie, member of Peel District Cycling Club
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Re: Looking for bike $2000 or under, for good climbing and decent speed on flats
Postby looseleftie » Thu Apr 28, 2016 8:42 am
Again thank you to all contributors here..
Mmmm some sound advice here... I think I will find the shop first (I have my Avanti down the road), like NickoBec has suggested.. I have a choice of a couple of bikes there, and if possible see if I can have a ride on them first..
I noticed that a bike I was looking at has an unusual gearing set up! Or is this common? Can anyone clarify why this bike is set up like this, as I am confused a little..
The bike a Avanti Corsa SL 1, it has been described as a climber, yet has 53/39 and 11-28 at the back... I would have thought perhaps, the front rings would have been compact or semi?!?. Also trying to find the weight of this bike also? Very hard to find, let alone any user reviews of bike..
I believe I became rather bogged down with this bike, and that.. Whatever bike I will get will be an improvement from what I currently ride, so it's going to be a win win scenario regardless of which bike..
Mmmm some sound advice here... I think I will find the shop first (I have my Avanti down the road), like NickoBec has suggested.. I have a choice of a couple of bikes there, and if possible see if I can have a ride on them first..
I noticed that a bike I was looking at has an unusual gearing set up! Or is this common? Can anyone clarify why this bike is set up like this, as I am confused a little..
The bike a Avanti Corsa SL 1, it has been described as a climber, yet has 53/39 and 11-28 at the back... I would have thought perhaps, the front rings would have been compact or semi?!?. Also trying to find the weight of this bike also? Very hard to find, let alone any user reviews of bike..
I believe I became rather bogged down with this bike, and that.. Whatever bike I will get will be an improvement from what I currently ride, so it's going to be a win win scenario regardless of which bike..
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Re: Looking for bike $2000 or under, for good climbing and decent speed on flats
Postby northvegas_12 » Thu Apr 28, 2016 10:23 am
Give the bike store a call and ask about the weight? They should be compliant and help you with any questions etc if they want the sale.... I was unsure about the Focus and hit the store with a heap of questions etc and about weight, he called me back with an exact weight.looseleftie wrote:Again thank you to all contributors here..
Mmmm some sound advice here... I think I will find the shop first (I have my Avanti down the road), like NickoBec has suggested.. I have a choice of a couple of bikes there, and if possible see if I can have a ride on them first..
I noticed that a bike I was looking at has an unusual gearing set up! Or is this common? Can anyone clarify why this bike is set up like this, as I am confused a little..
The bike a Avanti Corsa SL 1, it has been described as a climber, yet has 53/39 and 11-28 at the back... I would have thought perhaps, the front rings would have been compact or semi?!?. Also trying to find the weight of this bike also? Very hard to find, let alone any user reviews of bike..
I believe I became rather bogged down with this bike, and that.. Whatever bike I will get will be an improvement from what I currently ride, so it's going to be a win win scenario regardless of which bike..
Although any bike you get will be an improvement, you still want to get the bike you want! Why spend all this money on getting something you are only semi keen on... I become a bit obsessive when I am buying new things, constantly reading reviews, comparing etc. The misses hates it because I take so long to decide and just can't make my mind up quickly. When I am spending 3k on a bike (2k in your position) I want to know I am getting something that is decent and I am going to get a bang for my buck. But I guess each to their own...
It will be interesting to see what you go for!
- Lukeyboy
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Re: Looking for bike $2000 or under, for good climbing and decent speed on flats
Postby Lukeyboy » Thu Apr 28, 2016 10:32 am
The propel is good for long distance. Hills are its downfall.
- Mububban
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Re: Looking for bike $2000 or under, for good climbing and decent speed on flats
Postby Mububban » Thu Apr 28, 2016 1:40 pm
If you can accept the way the frame looks, the Giant Anyroad CoMax is my current "bloody good at everything" dream bike:looseleftie wrote:Hi,
I have a limited budget, and looking at getting first carbon bike thats great for hills, and can perform well on flats..Sadly have $2000 budget
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bik ... 966/76708/
Carbon composite frame, $2200rrp so will be cheaper in stores, endurance geometry so you're not totally bent over like a real aero bike, still plenty fast on the flats, comfy wider 32c tyres, light offroad capabilities. Sigh.....one day...one day...
Check out reviews of it, they are universally positive.
When you are driving your car, you are not stuck IN traffic - you ARE the traffic!!!
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Re: Looking for bike $2000 or under, for good climbing and decent speed on flats
Postby softy » Thu Apr 28, 2016 2:11 pm
Looks like a pretty good all round bike, only thing I am not keen on is the mechanical disc brakes. Store mechanics mutter under they breath with these. They only pull from one side and a number of them say they haven't been perfected yet. I would rather have callipers unless they are hydraulic discs. This is where 2k gets a little limited. you get a good bike but something has to be a compromise.Mububban wrote:If you can accept the way the frame looks, the Giant Anyroad CoMax is my current "bloody good at everything" dream bike:looseleftie wrote:Hi,
I have a limited budget, and looking at getting first carbon bike thats great for hills, and can perform well on flats..Sadly have $2000 budget
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bik ... 966/76708/
Carbon composite frame, $2200rrp so will be cheaper in stores, endurance geometry so you're not totally bent over like a real aero bike, still plenty fast on the flats, comfy wider 32c tyres, light offroad capabilities. Sigh.....one day...one day...
Check out reviews of it, they are universally positive.
Personally I like the sharper stiffer bikes, but no comfy and endurance with these. This is were you need to know what you want, otherwise there are so many bikes to look at and it gets confusing.
- nickobec
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Re: Looking for bike $2000 or under, for good climbing and decent speed on flats
Postby nickobec » Fri Apr 29, 2016 9:11 pm
I would say fairly normal, I am of the opinion that the crankset and cassette choice was influenced by the marketing team (even if it is my choice for climbing).looseleftie wrote: I noticed that a bike I was looking at has an unusual gearing set up! Or is this common? Can anyone clarify why this bike is set up like this, as I am confused a little..
The bike a Avanti Corsa SL 1, it has been described as a climber, yet has 53/39 and 11-28 at the back... I would have thought perhaps, the front rings would have been compact or semi?!?.
53/39 is "seen" as the choice of serious cyclists, even though the pros will move between that, semi compact and compact depending on terrain.
11-28 is a climbing cassette, in theory that is maximum modern short cage derailleurs can handle.
I am not a great climber, but 53/39 11-28 is all I need, but then again I live in WA were there are not many climbs longer the 5km as the worst are 2km at 8% maxing out at 12% for a few hundred meters
my blog Nick Cowie, member of Peel District Cycling Club
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