Well I finally took the plunge and purchased a "roady".
Went looking for new and gauged my frame size but couldn't afford new so started looking used. Managed to pick up a full carbon 2012 Orbea Onix running 105 gear for a fraction of a new bike running inferior componentry etc. I understand the risks buying carbon 2nd hand but the previous owner was incredibly fussy and the bike although travelling approx 1600kms and could pass as a new bike - I'm scared to scratch it! Sure there are lighter bikes etc but this fitted my budget and it will be a while before my abilities push the limits of this combination.
Can't believe how easy it glides compared to the MTB and is surprisingly comfortable after my initial 30km outing this morning just to give it a shake down.

This reminds me.. if anyone is on Strava. Feel fee to add me etc..
http://app.strava.com/athletes/1190778

Looks like you have made a good choice Paul. There's nothing wrong with 105 gear and the frame at 1600km is a baby. My C6 Malvern Star frame was new in May 2013 and has now done over 7000km...still looks and rides like new!!
 
I like the modern drop style of the bars...they are like mine on the C6. It looks like a great bike, it will definately be a good 'sorting' bike, to work out if you are going to be serious enough about riding to invest big$$.
 

evobda2
This reminds me.. if anyone is on Strava. Feel fee to add me etc..
http://app.strava.com/athletes/1190778

Done;)
 
There are some awesome mountains down your way Evan...fantastic training for endurance climbing events!!

added on strava evan and phil what is your name so i can add you
im sure you will guess who i am
 i also picked up something similar... 2000ks it clicked last week, got it mid october..
6.5kg fully built pedals garmin the lot in a 56..

 
 
 
 

Nice, the weight adv must be in the frame...mines bang on 7kg ready for the road.
 
I've just sent a follow request...
 
Cheers,
 
Phil.

whats with all these large Km totals, You roadies have issues! Try this on...anything over 1 minute is classified as an endurance event...fell in love with the track in the UK and haven't looked back!
My ride, never seen the grime of the road!

 
JP
 

Awesome JP!!
 
Endurance riding is very satisfying...my biggest to date is Fitz's Extreme 256k last October.
Im currently on the lookout for a track bike to hit the boards with. Im doing the ACE250 in a few weeks then I plan to scale back the endurance work and concentrate on road/crit/track racing.
 
Cheers,
 
Phil.

Yeah been there, well not all the way there but close enough. But once I could hit the bar before the rest of thee team had finished (lead out for team pursuit) I was hooked!
 
JP

Phil

evobda2
This reminds me.. if anyone is on Strava. Feel fee to add me etc..
http://app.strava.com/athletes/1190778

Done;)
 
There are some awesome mountains down your way Evan...fantastic training for endurance climbing events!!

Oh i think your looking at the Thredbo stuff this week. Just got my GPS watch working again.
I live in Sydney though. I tend to steer clear of the uphills if i can, more into the mtb enduro/downhill events.