which bike to get - any advice?

Following on from Adam Lea's message. . .

Quoted message said:

I have decided to buy myself a nice road bike that folds and I have my eyes
on an Airnimal Chameleon. I am a bit lost as to which model to get. I want
something that is fast and light and enjoyable to ride but there is a 400
pound difference between the adventure and the performance sport model. The
performance sport model is right at the top end of my budget but it is not
clear to me what extra I am getting for the extra 400 pounds and whether it
would be worth the extra money for what I am using it for (commuting,
occasional leisure rides). Should I get the adventure model now or would it
be worth me saving up a little more and getting the performance sport?

Thanks

Adam

Test ride and find out. If you're spending serious dosh then do the
obvious thing : Try before you buy. While you're at it try some others.

BTW you might also want to check the 10 year into the future
availability of spares. If there is only one dealer/importer then what
happens if they go out of business in the spring?

--
PETER FOX Not the same since the bookshop idea was shelved
[email hidden]
www.eminent.demon.co.uk - Lots for cyclists

Adam Lea said:

I have decided to buy myself a nice road bike that folds and I have my eyes
on an Airnimal Chameleon. I am a bit lost as to which model to get. I want
something that is fast and light and enjoyable to ride but there is a 400
pound difference between the adventure and the performance sport model. The
performance sport model is right at the top end of my budget but it is not
clear to me what extra I am getting for the extra 400 pounds and whether it
would be worth the extra money for what I am using it for (commuting,
occasional leisure rides). Should I get the adventure model now or would it
be worth me saving up a little more and getting the performance sport?

Perhaps it depends on your preferred riding style?

i went through teh same thoughts when i was buying my Bike Friday - should I
go for the new World Tourist or the more sporty Pocket Rocket.
I went for the sportier bike as i like a zippy feel rather than a more sedate
ride. It 'feels' fast - even if the legs are not ;-)

I would very strongly advise that you try out both bikes if possible as ride
quality will vary tremendously.

John B

Adam Lea said:

I have decided to buy myself a nice road bike that folds and I have my eyes
on an Airnimal Chameleon. I am a bit lost as to which model to get. I want
something that is fast and light and enjoyable to ride but there is a 400
pound difference between the adventure and the performance sport model. The
performance sport model is right at the top end of my budget but it is not
clear to me what extra I am getting for the extra 400 pounds and whether it
would be worth the extra money for what I am using it for (commuting,
occasional leisure rides). Should I get the adventure model now or would it
be worth me saving up a little more and getting the performance sport?

AFAICT the main differences between Airnimal Chameleon models are the
componentry they're fitted out with. The basic frame is, I believe, the
same, but the more expensive models have whizzier transmissions, lighter
forks etc.

For commuting and occasional leisure rides I'd think there's a good
chance that the extra cost of the much sportier setups may well not be
worth it: you're still getting perfectly acceptable kit with the cheaper
models and it will get you where you're going, but you'll only be able
to go fast, rather than a wee bit faster than that.

If you're sticking to the roads then the Adventure gives you cross-tyres
you don't need and flat bars that won't help with on-road performance.
The Sora Companion would probably be a better bet for a sporty road
offering that keeps the budget down. Higher up the pecking order
there's the decision whether to get the triple or twin derailleur
versions: triples will give you more flexibility, but at the expense of
weight: you choose, you lose! ;-/

And as everyone else has said, try before you buy. Aside from getting
to know the machine in question and how it suits you, you'll be able to
talk first hand with someone who knows them really well which may well
help to focus on the right answer for you. And while you're at an
Airnimal dealer it may pay you to try the Joey: not as nice as the
Chameleon on paper, certainly, but if it /does/ do what you want then
it'll save you mucho cash!

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

Peter Fox said:

BTW you might also want to check the 10 year into the future availability
of spares. If there is only one dealer/importer then what happens if they
go out of business in the spring?

They are made in this country, in Cambridge. Airnimal are not a large
operation, but they seem to be doing OK.

Mike

"Adam Lea" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I have decided to buy myself a nice road bike that folds and I have my eyes
on an Airnimal Chameleon. I am a bit lost as to which model to get. I want
something that is fast and light and enjoyable to ride but there is a 400
pound difference between the adventure and the performance sport model. The
performance sport model is right at the top end of my budget but it is not
clear to me what extra I am getting for the extra 400 pounds and whether it
would be worth the extra money for what I am using it for (commuting,
occasional leisure rides). Should I get the adventure model now or would it
be worth me saving up a little more and getting the performance sport?

Start with a a Litespeed Ghisallo with Record gruppo and similar specced
finishing kit.
Then start changing things for cheaper bits until you get to what you can
afford!