Bike Frame Choice
Like many I am contantly dreaming of that new ride. I surf the forums, read the mags and talk to friends about the latest and greatest. It turns out that even if you have the $$$ that this task can be daunting. I am having more trouble deciding on a bike than I had buying a house or car. There are just so many choices....
Examining my race schedule for this year I have decided to go with a new road bike. A tri bike would definitely be beneficial on a few of the races, but overall I think replacing the current 3-year old Trek Pilot with something a bit newer is probably the better choice. So with that choice made (I think) I have been out testing and researching. I think I have the following short list of bikes I am considering (in no particular order):
- Orbea Orca
- Very nice bike, very mainstream.
- Orbea Opal
- A bit more traditional styling. A bit heavier and stiffer than the Orca. Seems to be built for the "crit" circuit so very rugged, but seems like it could be a very good all-around bike.
- Casati Laser Carbon
- I have not had a chance to ride one of these. However, they are completely custom hand-made bikes, right down to the paint job. The geometry is fine-tuned to each individual rider, so I am guessing that they will be very nice to ride. However, I am a little bit concerned about being a bit of a "Fred" if I were to come rolling in on one of these.
I was hoping that the haus might b able to provide some feedback on my choices.
Thanks, Pete
Comments
How do you know these will fit you?
Have you had a fitting to determine the proper frame size?
If not- I would recommend a fitting on one of those bikes that are infinitely adjustable to obtain the proper angles and comfort.
From there I would back track to find which companies make bikes that can accomodate the geometry you find most comfortable.
This is what I did this winter for a new road bike and 2 years ago for my tri bike. No regrets on either and I am more comofrtable riding than I have been in years.
Happy shopping!
I have spent my whole time working with a single dealer. so don't know if I would get something different if I tried some place else. I guess it might be worth the effort of checking out a few additional LBSs.
Thanks, Pete
Are they willing to order you any bike that fits? Try to make a deal for you if you like something they don't have?
Being a smaller, I had few choices, but they did search every company they could think of to see which fit my geometry.
Not many was the answer. I ended up going with what they had and recommended.
For saddles, they again did everything to help and I chose one they don't sell. But their advice was extrmely valuable.
You may have a huge range of choices.
That said, if you intend to put clip on bars on the road bike, then make sure the fitter is aware of this and has taken it into consideration as you may need a smaller frame to allow you to get low enough with the clip-ons. Also, make sure you stick with a road bike that takes a standard seatpost so you can get a forward post if needed to make it fit right with clip ons.
As far as the Orbea's ... I've heard nothing but good things about the Orca and Opal. They are not super bikes but they have a good reputation and look great in my opinion. The seem to be a very solid and light bike at a good price point. I'm hoping to be on an Orca at some point. One nice advantage is you can build it to your spec on their website and get it just how you want it straight from the dealer. In full disclossure they are providing me a Ordu to race on this year so I that may influence my opinion a little.
@Bob: Thanks for the tip. I will take a look at the difference between these two styles.
@Matt: I did make them aware of the fact that I would like the ability to add clip-on bars for such things as a TT. I am actually planning on trying the Tour of the Catskills this summer which has a 2.3 mile TT prologue followed by 2-days of hilly terrain. BTW, in your opinion what is a "super" bike?
By super bikes I meant bikes such as:
The point I was trying to make is the Orbea is not the lightest, stiffest, or most aero, but it is a very good combination of all of those factors and slightly less expensive then the top tier offering of many bike companies.