Being on the forum like Bikeszone can be hazardous! ya…. I mean it…… reading all those posts by the bloxxx road bikers and all… I had to get a road bike for myself …… there is a huge 44K + hole in my pocket now….haaaa ha… (but its worth it………!).
After beating the trails and the tarmac (in equal proportion) for couple of years on TREK 3700 mountain bike, was it time for me to move on in a different direction? there was no real need to move in different direction! But hey I already mentioned the hazardous effect of being a member of the cycling forum ……I convinced myself that this was the right time to move on in …..
Digging the posts on Bikeszone and the likes for a couple of months, I had LA Urbano, Firefox 2200 and 0050, Merida 880 24 and 901,Trek 1.5 and 1.2, Bianchi C2C Via Nirone on my short list
How TREK 1.2 won…….
My Budget – 45K to 50K
What I wanted in a road bike?
1.Pretty low gear ratios, because the terrain where I ride is all hilly and low gears would be good for touring.
2. Provision for racks and panniers
3. Frame size -50cms
The Selection……
1. The LA URBANO
Pros-price 21,000
Cons –Spec details not available no compact or triple option, no reviews available about the material and ride quality, was locally available only against the order
2. FireFox 2200 and 0050
Pros – Price 24,000 and 15,000 respectively
Cons – No Triple or Compact option, lot of riveiws on poor quality material and components, I had a look at 2200 at LBS it does look good, however the quality and the weight (the weight is almost near to my MTB))held me back…
3. Merida 880 24 and 901
The 880 24
Pros – Price 38,000, Triple 52/42/30 and 11-24, looks good, Merida quality, very good review on Bike Radar
Cons – No provision for racks
Pros – price 45000, Merida quality, good reviews
Cons – No Triple or Compact option, No provision for racks
4. Bianchi C2C Via Nirone
55,000 beyond my budget!
5. TREK 1.2 and 1.5
Trek 1.5
Pros – Price 48,000, compact 50/34, TREK quality, Carbon forks, light weight (9.25Kg)
Cons – no provision for racks
Trek 1.2
Pros – Price 41,425, compact 50/34, TREK quality, Carbon forks, light weight (9.625Kg), Provision for racks
Cons – Sora group set ….. but hey the other things fit my bill
Discussed with others on the forum (special thanks to RNair) and finally decided to go for 1.2,
Contacted Rohan (Bums On the saddle) and placed the order for 1.2, My friend Tulbir who works in Bangalore picked the bike from BOTS and couriered through GATI to Goa. The courier charges roughly 2000/- and no scratches or other damage in the transit. Thanks Rohan and Tulbir!
The bike was delivered on 19th september. Assembled the bike in 30minutes, only the front derailer needed little tuning, sadly could not go on test ride due to prior commitments. No ride on the following day (20th) it rained the whole day.
The maiden ride
Finally today morning I went out test riding and did 16Kms loop.
This bike reminded the good ol’ college days, when I rode the Atlas concord (Blue color single speed). The bike felt good and comfy! Fits me really well.
After cruising along for a couple of kilometers, enjoying the feel of light weight frame, slim rubbers and the drop handle bars I picked up the speed……………………………………..only to slow down . . . . after a kilometer to go over the bumpy potholed section and again……………………………….
I have not installed the cyclo comp yet, so do not know what top speed I reached. The bike really aaccceeelerrratttteeesss man! Not only I could pick up the speed quickly, but also I could hold on constant high speeed for much longer time compared to the MTB.
I rode the two steep climbs with ease (I would struggle climbing these on 3700 with much lower gear ratio).
My only concern is the Braking Power of this bike, I was really scared to go full speed on the slopes. After expereincing the phenomenal power of V brakes, these ones come across as very weak (any suggestions on increasing the Braking Power?)
Over all a good ride. I am already planning for a century ride, coming weekend!
Am I a convert (MTB to Road bike)?
Hell no! not an absolute one! Mountain bike for the thrill on the trails And road bike for speed on tarmac, I am gonna enjoy best of both the worlds….
