I get a lot of emails - I think that such sensible ones are slightly over a dozen weekly. A dozen or so messages on the Internet. There are mainly questions about routes, equipment and logistical issues. I try to answer all of them, but unfortunately this is not possible, especially when the sun is outside - I would have to take some time out of work, sport or sleep.

From time to time, however, I get a slightly different mail from everyone - the one I should respond to, but such an answer would require slightly from an hour spent at the computer. I do not plan to set up a corner of the "Letter of the reader", but this time I made an exception - of course, after prior consultation with the author. First of all, perhaps one of you would like to express an answer to some of the questions asked here, but secondly, more important ...

Thanks to this e-mail I understood a few things ... or maybe I remembered. Above all about priorities and what is important in the hobby. For the last three months, I have been looking for the perfect timing for myself - it turns out that finding anything meaningful to a man of 188cm and with the drive of 11s borders on a miracle. I am looking after these stores, websites, tests, reading things, opinions, tests and, as always, I have lost myself in it. As in the case of buying anything else - a phone, a computer, a camera ... I remembered my entry (and then a similar entry przemekzawada.com), which he mentioned, to be guided by their own taste, and technical issues shed a bit on the side.

From today, the following emails will always stay in my head and I would like them to stay in yours too.

... aha. Do not believe anonymous people from the internet! As I read some reviews, I immediately think about appointment of an oncologist

(I also created a new blog section available from the top menu: Blog-Notki. I will post entries there, just like the ones that will not appear on the main page, because it's a shame;))

mail:

Hello,

I found your blog when I was looking for information on Aeroda and Ultimate. By the way, I learned, reading other texts (not all) that you tested or rode on many different bikes, including wheels and almost any accessories. Therefore, I would like to make contact with you and talk about certain road issues, I think it's best to call. First, however, I will write what is the matter with my intention of buying a new road bike (not without doubt, of course).

For several nice years, and maybe a little longer, I rode on the common, home-made Romet, or Romet Sport. Strangely enough I was riding on it. I did not think about buying any other bike. I did not understand a bit, maybe even criticized, very high prices of modern motorboats (in the price of used and even new cars). To my surprise, this battered old Romecik (worth 500 zlotys?) Stole me from behind the house (from the back, obscured part of the private courtyard). Someone must have lurked on him. It was quite a shock and it was a pity to lose this bike. I drove it mainly around the city (Tri-City) and some after Kaszuby (trips to the lake - 30 km one way). After a strange theft, having nothing to ride on, my father gave me a used highlander. At the beginning I was ill, very slow and sluggish. After a long time I got used to it and began to overcome even 80-100 km of the trip. Interestingly, the highlander managed well. I did not have any problems with him. It was only in the cross that some of me sometimes looted, but it was not bad. Until I made the decision that I needed a new, good road. I was searching a bit on the net. It was engaging, so I fumbled deeper and deeper, reading various forums, articles, etc. It was nice. I will not count the hours I spend on this. I think moderately, just right. And my first conscious and intuitive choice was carbon Ridley Fenix (for about PLN 6,000, probably for Shimano 105). A bit because it is a Belgian company, and bikes there is a national thing, maybe even a holiday. It is also a country known for bad roads, mainly pavements, so Ridley's frames are properly adapted, strong and durable. At the beginning, I did not pay attention to weight, just as it was. 8-9 kg did not scare me at all. I was aiming for a comfortable Enduro bike, also for gravel or grass roads. He caught my eye quickly enough Trek Domane with the IsoSpeed ​​vibration damping system. The price is PLN 12-16 thousand. He also interested me Specialized Roubaix (bicycle 2017), with the new Future Shock damping system (spring in the steering wheel) and praised BMC Roadmachine. 

Burying on, mainly on forums, people complained a bit about Grand Fondo bikes, they are a little too heavy, silted, slow, not stiff, too much power loss, etc. Generally nice bikes, but as spare ... second or third even, as someone can afford it. What a classic racer, it's a racer, feel more power, drive sharpness, racing or speed. Anyway, you have criticized Canyon Endurance in your blog for something that is clearly missing. I have read similar opinions on various forums about this type of bike. So I focused more on classic racing cars. 

The bicycles that interested me the most are:
– Specialized Tarmac
– Trek Madone
– BMC Teammachine
– Scott Addict
- and, of course Canyon Ultimate
- and recently also Rose X-Lite (Four or Six), because of the best price (I think).

My maximum planned budget is somehow up to PLN 15-16 thousand, with hunting for 20% discount, off-season or promotional. So, ultimately, some 12-13 thousand. zł.

Giant, Merida, Felt, focus, somehow I was less interested / convinced. I do not like Italian legends, because for me they are too variegated in painting and too expensive. Similarly, the legendary Look, for me the way of painting them is absolutely unacceptable (of course the taste of taste). It prefers only a black bike, preferably black and black. As few strips, decorations, inscriptions, goodies, etc. Because of the design, I like Canyon the most, and in addition it is one of the most praised frameworks on the market and cheaper than the top constructions of the competition. Therefore, I would rather give up Specialized, Trek, BMC, and even Scott. Maybe it's better bikes, but I'm not looking for the best, lightest, fastest, dearest one, because I do not need one. I travel very amateurly, but a good bike just dreams of me (at the most favorable / affordable price). Currently my favorite is Canyon ... Ultimate or Aeroad (about which I read a lot). Other Aero bikes do not interest me, too bizarre, expensive, demanding, uncomfortable. Aeroad is supposedly the most friendly, pleasant, comfortable Aero bike. Panda and you also praised him very much ("Endurance and Aeroad on the Tatra Walls"). Aeroad looks quite classic / normal and really cool. I like it very much. And I have a dilemma. Reason suggests a more universal Ultimate, and heart / intuition like a slightly more predatory Aeroda ... I think :). Your second contact with the Aerodem ride in Berlin was much less enthusiastic, even critical, maybe because of the weather, cold, etc. I'd like to learn more about the pros and cons. Or maybe you can recommend me other bikes that I could be interested in. You have a lot of experience here. That's right?

I have a lot of time to decide. I will buy the bike more after this year's season (next year). I aim at one that is to serve me for many years of fun and the smallest possible trouble. The fewer defects, the better. Important to me - operation economy, not performance. I am looking for a durable frame for our Polish, holey roads. Similarly with wheels and accessories. I also have to go down the field paths to get to different Kashubian lakes that I love. Of course, I do not slow down on the skimmers - the ride is careful and slow. There are not many such roads in my drive, but they are. Definitely more asphalt. 

Speed ​​Aeroda, and more probably the feeling of its greater speed ... look, fun and aggressively low position may appeal to me. I like to drive a long stretch of road quickly, maintaining a constant and fast pace that I am racing with myself. I have read that the disadvantage of Aeroda is the perceptible nervousness and uncertainty in overcoming fast / sharp bends and sometimes the side wind is a pain. Then you get the impression that this bike seems to be losing full grip, driving confidence. In general, Ultimate collects slightly better reviews, ratings and ratings from Aeroda, although this is probably a difficult choice. In independent tests, Aeroad was faster by almost 5 minutes than other light bicycles at a distance of 50 km varied road (slightly hilly). On YouTube, I saw climbing the Aeroda on some mountain (in the Alps?). The dude came in first and waited for other friends on light bikes for 5 min. Climbing lasted over an hour. This is more or less the measurability of the faster driving Aerodem. Cool for me. I do not know if it will not be too uncomfortable after a 100 km drive. Apparently not. I'd like to talk to you about Aeroda and Ultimate, because you've tested both of these bikes, and many more.

Initially, if I had to opt for Ultimate, it is either a cheaper version of SL (then only on discs and rather carbon wheels than aluminum) or the cheapest SLX on jaws with aluminum or hybrid wheels (aluminum-carbon). Canyon puts on Cosmic. I do not know if it's right.   
Aeroad is only with shields, because of the carbon wheels, which are not very suitable for the jaws. The aluminum wheels for Aeroda do not really match (I think so). And probably not aim at high cones, only to 35-45 mm max (due to the side wind). 55 or 65 mm cones will probably be too high and uncomfortable for me. I also learned that for the year 2019 Canyon introduces the Aeroda SL model, a proportionally cheaper frame as it is between SL and SLX in Ultimate (PLN 5,000 difference). I think it will be an interesting proposition and within my fixed budget range. We'll see.

In principle, I would prefer to fold the bike from the parts, but unfortunately it is a more expensive option, so it's rather off. In a sense, this is a topic for discussion / consideration. 

Equipment… 
I will probably choose "trite / ubiquitous" Ultegra, supposedly reliable ... or SRAM Force or Campagnolo Potenza. Possibly more expensive Chorusif it's worth adding about 2 thousand zł. I do not think I need Di2. Comfortable, but also 2 times more expensive. I can adjust the cables and screws alone. I've been doing it for years in a cyclist and highlander. It's not difficult, slightly turn the screw to the left or right, run over a piece, check how it's spinning, etc. A few tries and you can catch the optimal settings. A dozen or so minutes of screwing, 1-2 times in the season :). That's why I do not measure much more expensive Di2. I prefer better wheels. 
You have spent a long time on the Campa equipment, and I would also like to talk to you about it.

Wheels ... 
If aluminum under jaws are widely praised DT Swiss (models PR 1600 or 1400 Dicut on ceramic bearings, including black and black OXIC), or Shamall Ultra Camps (or black Shamall Mille). Apparently, these black ceramic coatings for more effective braking will wipe over time ... rather quickly in wet weather driving, when fine gravel / mud gets on the rims and acts like sandpaper (similar to the carbon wheels under the jaws). The same applies, and even more so, Exalith in Mavice. For this blue blocks that clash 10 times faster than normal. On the forums they wrote that after 500 miles (2 weeks of driving?), The blue blocks could almost wear out, especially the front blocks (about 100 zlotys per pair) from wet driving (dirt). Here I have a dilemma whether it is worth to play, although the aesthetics of these black and black wheels make a great impression and perfectly match the black bike. Some write that braking is only slightly better, but also more squeamish ... others, that much better, almost comparable to the effectiveness of disc brakes. 

Carbon wheels (for discs) ... 
Probably not the most expensive Reynolds Assault (enduro) or alternatively Cosmic Mavica (catalog prices of both sets of wheels is about PLN 5,000 - per pair). Other types of coal Bora One, DT Swiss ERC 1100/1400 or DT Swiss PRC1100/1400 are too expensive for me at the moment and my budget. Zippy in general the most expensive, supposedly not worth the excessive price.  

Wheels are widely praised Fulcrumy and I see more and more often 3T. 
I'm curious how your aluminum works R-SYS SLR (only 1300 g). Unfortunately, the price is like for carbon wheels. Expensive ... but maybe it's worth it. I have no idea. I am willing to listen to what you have practical to tell about it.

I have recently spoken to Piotr * (name known to the editor) with Canyon and he highly praised the Cosmic wheels, carbon beneath the discs and hybrid under the jaws. He says that the least problematic wheels on which he rode ... that clearly / noticeably better than the best aluminum, even Zippów, which he also has. I do not know if he is telling the truth as a salesman.

Tires ...
I read the most good news about tubeless tires. Those who changed tubeless tubs very much, they praised and do not intend to come back to the tubs. The press also praises the most tubelees. It seems to be the future, however, and professional sport is still sticky, only because of conservatism, which is about to change soon. Apparently it is impossible to pierce a tubeless tire or thumbtacks, nails, broken bottle, etc. Cool ... unfortunately, I think they are twice as expensive (I did not check the exact prices). Ordinary tires supposedly have even the best turning parameters (this results from tests). The only drawback is the ease of piercing the inner tubes, catching slippers. I know it well from experience :). More and more new wheels make rims for the tire and tubelees (eg DT Swiss). At the beginning I will probably choose a tire, and I will exchange there for tubeless once. There is no great dilemma here. I would probably measure the thickness of the tires in 28 mm. Greater driving comfort and better rolling (up to around 35km / h). Above this speed, 25 mm tires are already better. I do not know what medium speed I will be doing on routes. For me, at the beginning 28 mm will probably be just. if it comes out in practice, it will be seen. Choosing the tires is the smallest problem. 

Steering wheel…
The integrated, all-carbon Aerococpit is much more appealing. It seems to be more comfortable than traditional, round steering wheels, although I've read that some riders do not recognize these integrated cockpits.

And finally the bike ROSE ...
It is probably the cheapest and cool, trouble-free option of modifying components. Although I like this bike less than Canyon, much less (but maybe I'm wrong). For now, Rose does not really convince me. But I take it into account only in terms of price and configuration. Canyon is a bit more expensive (the SLX frame itself is PLN 400 in relation to the top Rose frame), but Canyon is a top class on the world level. On average, it is classified in the first four, it has great tours that won. Number 1 is S-Works, then probably Scott Foil, Dogma, Canyon and probably BMC. Rose has never seen in the forefront. But maybe it's a bad suggestion / argument, especially for an amateur. I am curious how you like and love Rose, especially against the background of other bikes that you traveled. Very interesting. 

And the conclusion about the carbon frames. I read that for the amateur better cheaper, heavier and supposedly thicker composites will be better. Top frames are made for performance, no one calculates their lifespan, so contrary to appearances, more expensive frames may be less durable. At Canyon, they told me it did not matter. In Ultimate I am a bit worried (probably wrongly) by the back, thin seatpost. In Aeroda it is clearly thicker. Aerod is supposedly suitable for rides on pavements, and Ultimate probably not very good. 
For now, I will drive mainly in Pomerania, i.e. slightly varied terrain, slightly hilly (though steep but short) and slightly winding. Will I ever ride the mountains? I do not know. Possibly. The same with amateur races. Now I do not think about it at all, and what will happen in the future, damn you know :) 

OK, that's probably so much at the beginning. I do not know if it makes sense to write back in detail on my email. A lot of topics for discussion and reflection. Maybe it will be better and faster, as if I could call you. Do you agree to provide your telephone number? Then, in a few conversations, we'll talk about brands, frames, brakes, wheels, accessories, etc. OK?

I forgot to add that I have 174 cm Growth and I weigh 70 kg. For me, the size of the frame is rather S. 
In Canyon definitely only S (they have a bit different sizes), and in tables of other companies I usually catch the size M. 
It is better to choose these lower values, go to the smaller frame, than the reverse. 

And this is my general digression, which was missing in the previous e-mail. I hesitate to choose a bike:
– light on jaws with aluminum or hybrid wheels (e.g. Ultimate SLX or Rose X-Lite SIXor something similar in the cheapest version),
– heavier on shields with carbon or aluminum wheels, maybe a bit in the direction of endurance a'la enduro (e.g. Ultimate SL Disc or Rose X-Lite FOUR Disc), 
– the heaviest Aeroad on the shields and with carbon wheels (Aeroad SL - probably will be heavier than SLX by 100-200 g unless).
- possibly heavier Aeroad on the jaws and with hybrid wheels (eg Cosmic).

In my case, each of these options is interesting and desirable :). Theoretically, it is difficult to decide which type of bike to hit ... 
- light, fast, more comfortable / comfortable, 
- is it a bit more comfortable, but heavier, a bit slower and for our uneven roads and small slopes on field paths (with enduro wheels), 
- but the fastest, the less compromising, the best looking one, for the fun and satisfaction of the inner call of instinct. :)

Hmmm ... a difficult choice, especially in theory. 

In the Aero tests it appeared that for this type of bike the weight is not so important. For a classic light bike to be faster or similarly fast, as Aero (on a varied, hilly terrain), it would have to weigh about 5 kg (about 3 kg less than Aero). I do not remember where I read about these exact coefficients in the tests.

I also read the opinion (in the test) that the Aeroad seemed a bit too light, as if inadequately weighted, that in fast corners it seems to lose its grip, causing a strange / uncertain impression that the wheels will rise slightly above the asphalt and fly off expensive. A heavier cyclist (90 kg or more) fits this bike more, and the lighter riders will have less control and confidence in fast downhill turns. 

The Aero frames are stiffer and therefore supposedly less comfortable on uneven roads. More bumps, vibrations, etc. feel more like a classic bike, more flexible and flexible, which dampens vibrations better. But somewhere I read that Aeroad Canyon is doing well on the pavements and the Paris-Roubaix races, the riders are just choosing Aeroda instead of Ultimate. Interesting ... Is it their conscious choice whether someone imposes this in advance, maybe the sponsor, in order to advertise their product in this way. I do not know…

I wonder what you had the impression of going on Aerodem.

And in the previous e-mail I wrote that I was initially interested in Trek Madone ... it's aero model. I was slipping and of course I meant Trek Emonda. 

I do not put that kind of confidence into your cycling feelings. By reading different forums, there are so many different opinions that you can sometimes get fooled. Even about the Camps group. Some write that the best, the most beautiful, the most precise, the fastest, the most durable and the most comfortable hand grips. Camps the best ... only Camps !!! Others have said that they rather do not see the advantage of Camp over other groups, and their durability is questionable, because Shimano will wear twice as fast, but parts to Campa also cost twice as much, so it goes the same. The same applies to SRAM. The same positive opinions as well as more negative ones ... that it is eg the most emergency group (stopping trolleys even), etc. People are generally very worried about Shimano. Yes, it's hard to cast anything, but everyone goes to Shimano and it's so common, boring, bland. Everyone would like to change Shimano to Srama or Campy. But you know, no one will spend a few thousand from each other just to change the appearance of the bike or satisfy the curiosity. Generally, I have not found a definite answer. It seems that the differences are quite small. Like the same disadvantages and advantages on each side. Polish forums are not too effusive in knowledge, and often quarrelsome about nothing. Foreign forums look much more specific and helpful. I did not read everyone, anyway. But I gathered a few pieces of information, which I arranged in my head, as it were. 

I theoretically think I would bet on Ultegra, which is promoted by all bicycle companies in the world. On this level, in ready bikes, Potenza and Force do not exist. It's surprising, so it's probably not just marketing, but mechanical knowledge, since all bicycle mechanics are putting on Ultegra. Competition is at a similar price, so it is not economic values ​​that are decisive. Unless Shimano gives bigger discounts on wholesale, that's why all brands build their bikes at Ultegra. In the upper SRAM group, Red is already competing with Dura Ace. But Camp can not be seen, only in the professional peloton. 

I do not have to stand out here and probably I will bet on Ultegra, although SRAM and Campa seem to me to be more comfortable, more ergonomic in grips (grips). And this can be a very important factor when choosing. Is decisive? I do not know that yet :)
Asking a technician from Canyon why there are no Potenza and Force in their offer, the answer was short. Ultegra is the least problematic mechanically ... i.e. it probably concerns the least warranty claims, I think. For me it's convincing, although I am very tempted to Campognalo Chorus, or cheaper Potenza (about 2 thousand zlotys). A large amount, so I have a dilemma whether it is worth adding so much and if the mechanical group needed carbon elements. 

I will gather different opinions, and with time I will make everything clear / transparently in my head, probably in a few months (I am still confused for now), my decision will be more certain, and consequently, calmer and without regret, that I could, however, choose something else. I have no experience to compare what works at the level of such bikes. I will not have such a chance in a few years or longer. Rather, I will not experiment and often exchange bicycles, wheels, accessories to see what works. Due to the fact that you have traveled on many bikes, wheels and almost any accessories, your opinion seems to me very interesting and concrete. Suggestions can be helpful, etc. But I certainly will not buy a bike that you recommend in the dark. I'll just look at him better. So you can calmly write / speak very honestly about your cycling feelings. I will listen to it willingly and put this knowledge in my head. It's also quite nice fun for me. Otherwise, I would not have rummaged about this bicycle topic, but bought the first, better, cheap bike, maybe in Decathlon. 

Foldable bike, however, comes into play as much as possible. I started to count on the calculator a bit and saw that the Canyon Ultimate SL Disc prices are INCLUDED. The offer, as in a normal store with all the margins, and maybe even more expensive. As if the bike consisted of its own from the cheapest parts purchased from various online stores. And this is the most expensive option. Here is an example:

Catalog price of the frame Canyon Ultimate SLX with the Aero cockpit costs PLN 11,800. Sometimes they lower it, on average by 10%.  
Catalog price of the frame Ultimate SL with the Aero cockpit costs PLN 6.800 (here they also lower the price sometimes). The difference is PLN 5,000 between SLX and SL. Really a lot. 

Bike Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 8.0 costs PLN 19,000.
Canyon Ultimate CF SL Disc 8.0 costs PLN 16,400 (exactly on the same components as above: Ultegra, Cosmic Pro Carbon wheels). The difference is only PLN 2,600and should be PLN 5,000. 
Building the same CF SL Disc 8.0 bike will cost you some PLN 16.600... which is around PLN 200 more than in Canyon. And where is the low price of a bicycle purchased directly from the manufacturer, without trade mark / intermediaries (about 20% less?)? And where is the lower price of the system bike (10% less?)? Therefore, it is clearly not worth buying this bike from the manufacturer, in addition without the possibility of any configuration. I prefer to build this bike myself, then I can think about different wheels, accessories, etc.

If you want, of course you can put my emails or selected fragments into a special entry. Maybe someone will write something about it, although I would not expect much. However, we can try. 
But I would also like to talk to you, about wheels, accessories (mainly Camps) and other cool bikes. And maybe problems with bicycles. I am curious how your Rose works, in your feelings and the R-SYS SLR Mavica wheels and its Exalitx braking system.