Sorry CB, had no idea. In that case I would back

up what's said further down regarding avoiding Halfords and using someone like Evans. Having said that its a shame not to use your local bike shop because the back up you'll get etc although you need to go to one that's involved with the higher end market. Again further down there's talk of Crom Moly/Carbon frames etc. Always invest your money in the frame first and foremost (every other part of the bike will wear out over time but hopefully the frame will remain in one piece). Some manufacturers 'jazz' up poor quality frames with slightly better componentry and then charge accordingly. Wherever possible buy the best frame and ideally if you can't go full carbon then try to get an alloy frame with carbon forks. Carbon forks reduce much of the road vibration and again make it less tiring. You're lucky, some superb hills in Lancashire for cycling. Norfolk is excellent for cycling too but I've found it unhelpful in preparation for Alpine climbs. Hope it helps and apologies because I confess I'm a cycling bore!

Posted By: Chopper, Aug 23, 14:29:46