Fully Focused

Done about 35 miles on the Focus Cayo 2.0 test bike to date. I've now got it well set up for me and it is a lovely, lovely ride. I thought about using it today when I went out with the family but that would have meant leaving it on the car for 3-4 hrs and chancing the weather. I decided to take the Travelmaster instead for a 15 mile return cycle from Hollingsworth Lake.

The bike will be packed up and returned next week. If I continue using it it's going to get scratched or blemished and then I would have to keep it. I think it may well be the bike I get in the end but I want to try a few out first and anyway, I can only spend what I lose - 1 kg = £100.00. So far I can only afford £300.00.

A few things have been confirmed. I know I'm more than happy with a compact ring rather than triple and have got used to integrated brakes and shifters. I've also found the correct position for the handlebar for me (it's a small sweetspot!). For the next test bike I'll choose one with 105 groupset rather than Ultegra. For the fun/club riding I intend I very much doubt, for me, that Ultegra is worth the extra premium. But I'll see!

Focus Cayo 2.0: Initial Impressions and Test Ride

Well Wiggle have lived up to their normal, great reputation. The bike was delivered on Saturday - two days earlier than expected. It came well packed but was ready assembled bar putting the handlebars on and adding some pedals. It looks great and tips the scales at 8.4 kg. I had one short ride on Sunday evening to set up my position and then did a few miles tonight.

The last time I had a road bike was as a teenager - 24 years ago. I am familiar with dual position, 'safety' brake levers and having the gear change levers on the downtube. Getting used to combined gear and brake levers on the drop bars and using SPD pedals is ensuring I am taking it quite cautiously at the moment. The brakes/shifters are very slick in action (Shimano Ultegra) but just don't feel second nature yet.

I am finding the drop position OK but am used to being more upright so know this will feel strange for the moment. Some reviewers say the bike has a 'race' rather than the slightly more relaxed 'sportive' geometry. I have no comparison to make at the moment but know if all the bikes I try are similar to this I will be using the hoods and tops for most road riding and keeping the drops for when really needed.

Anyway, onto tonights ride. I followed a route I am familiar with which includes a longish incline (the A56 through Whitefield). The bike handled the road surface really well. It delivered good feedback and the steering is very responsive. The carbon frame really damps down the crap that passes for roads around here - I generally try and avoid potholes, drain covers, etc but some just have to be ridden across. I expected to be shaken to bits and was amazed not to be.

On the climb up the road on my tourer/commuter (Santos Travelmaster 2.6 Alu) I normally settle in at 8-9 mph at the steeper start and then manage 11 mph on the longer section as the angle lessens. I was concious not to go 'hell for leather' and then try and compare performance/speeds, so I kept some power in reserve and settled into a comfortable cadence. The bike felt quicker but the speedo confirmed it as I sailed up the steep section at 12-13 mph and the faster section at 14-15 mph. Going downill was more comparable to the Santos at 22-25 mph, which is not a surprise really. 

I am hoping to get a ride of 20 miles or so at the weekend if the weather stays nice. This will really give me more of an idea if I am going to find it comfortable and a definite possible for the road bike I will finally get. As it is at the moment I really like it though.

Time For Focus

I've been having lots of fun over the last few days looking at what I can get for my money when I hit target and splurge on buy a new bike. I have scoured several cycle magazines and many cycle related websites. The bikebuilder site from Preston based company Ribble is a great find. You can choose from several Ribble frames and spec them as you want - opt for a less expensive groupset and upgrade the wheels and tyres, etc. 

This has been an education in itself and the bikes also get some brilliant reviews. I have been basing my choices around a Ribble Sportive Bianco. I like the look of the bike but would really want to test ride one before I could consider buying. As Ribble is a web based company (although they have a shop/warehouse in Preston) the chances of doing so are going to be limited to say the least.

That's the problem with buying from t'internet I suppose - you are relying on the opinions/advice of others. Or is it? Wiggle is an internet based company and I've used them a lot for various small cycle related  items. Their service is excellent and prices very competitive (I declare I have no connection to them apart from being a satisfied customer).

I was browsing through some of the bikes they offer and found I could buy one, have it delivered, test ride it for up to 30 days, return it (for free), get a full refund and then do it all over again with a different model - the 30 Day Test Ride. Brilliant! They want it back clean and with only normal wear and tear but that is the least I can do. So, I have ordered one. An Ultegra specced Focus Cayo 2.0. It should be here next week. Really quite excited.

This is purely in the interest of research you understand. I am not going to make a final decision until I have tried a few different bikes and will not make a final purchase until I hit target. But you can't be too clued up really can you?

A Focus Cayo 2.0 compact