Lets Talk Road Bikes.

tim cronk

I'm in the market for a new road bike and looking for feedback from all the gear heads, bike collector's , wrench's , and those that just know road bikes.  I really don't know anything except what I have read.  While I grew up on a bicycle as a kid I have only owned one road bike and 2 tri-bikes.

My last road bike was an Aluminum Trek 2300 which I found to be extremely uncomfortable over time with most of that in the hands and wrists.  When I started riding my Tri-Bike I never went back to the road bike , it was just that much more comfortable.  I'm ready to try another road bike for a change of pace and to better handle area's of not so nice roads, traffic, climbing descending , and group rides (where tri-bikes are not allowed or welcome).  

 I won't be racing this bike and comfort is the number one priority.  I understand bike fit importance but have also spoken to fitters and seem to believe stack/reach parameters on road bikes are less of an issue.  IOW most road bikes will fit most people if they choose the right size.

My main Question would be regarding endurance type bikes like the Trek Domane or the Specialized Roubaix with their more relaxed comfort fit and bells and whistles road absorbing ride vs.  the more traditional race road bikes from these manufacturers.  Being the racer that I am , I can't help but be more attracted to the aero race bikes from these manufacturer's , Felt , and Blue (we get a deal thru EN on Blue and their new road bike is pretty nice looking and reasonable and fit is included with ttbikefit.com)....  So keeping with the comfort is number one priority would an aero road bike with wide wheels and 25c tires be comfortable enough?  Are the bells and whistles of those endurance bikes really that nice?

Bike Must Haves --  Comfort , Electronic Shifting , fit 25c tires , fast and light , priced under 5k 

Nice to Have w/initial purchase --- Compact Gearing ,  Ultegra 165mm crank length (easy to add Stages PM and be interchangeable with other bikes), reasonable wide wheels with aluminum brake tracks.  In general , spec'ed without needing a bunch of replacement.

Also would it be worth doing a custom build?

Please feel free to offer up any and all thoughts, guidance, suggestions, what I would do type info!     Thanks all!

 

Al Truscott

Tim - I don't know much about specific road bikes, but given that we both are spending MUCH more time on our TT bikes than our drop bars, and that we both value comfort over oner factors in a road bike, here are a few thoughts:

• You;ve got decades in front of you, and you;ve said you don;t know how much longer your tri career is going to last - you could very well find the two of you starting to have fun with your fitness by taking cycling vacations, or doing extended one or multi day touring rides.
• Given that, you might find the following things worth considering. First, longer chain stays, makes for a more relaxed fit, descends rock solid (long wheel base), and allow for
• Self-supported touring options, which means places to attach panniers - on the dropouts, behind the top of the seat tube, on the middle of the forks.
• Round tube steel or titanium allows for S&S couplers, to make traveling with a bike on planes so much cheaper.
• OTOH, maybe you;re going to become a roadie? Entering races, etc. Then you;re looking at an entirely different bike, of course.
• Remember, you can always "custom build" a bike from a stock frame, with whatever specific components suit your fancy.

 

harrast

Tim, here's my story: I wanted to get into a road bike for many of the same reason you do--ride with the locals, marginal road/trail conditions, more relaxed rides, etc. My strategy was to look for a good bike package on eBay so that I could get into it with a reasonably low cash commitment. Later, if things worked out, I could move forward with all the bells and whistles. I ended up buying a Blue Axino carbon bike with SRAM Force components for about $1,250 delivered. The bike had been used as a "mock up" for photo shoots by Blue and was essentially unused. The bike is very comfortable to ride due to the construction of the seat stays with a slight bow to absorb vibrations. It's not a super racing bike, and it's not designed to be super aero, but it has served a great purpose in letting me access another dimension of cycling. My thoughts.

Satish Punna

Last month I got a cervelo s3 with ultegra di2. I really like the bike.  It is aero, light, and comfortable (has the seatstays from the R3 but downtube/top tube and forks from S5). I can keep up with some friends on their TT bikes.  I was cross-shopping the felt ar2 but it was more expensive and limited availability. My bike came with 172.5 cranks, 'midcompact' 52/36 chainrings. It was well under 5000 and my price included garmin vectors. 

Keith Wick

When I bought my road bike last year, my bike guy basically made an + across a piece of paper and had weight, stiffness, aero & one other thing I can't remember. He then placed bikes all over this + sign with different circles, indicating where the bike landed. It was a great visual in terms of figuring out what's an all around bike vs a "very fast, yet not comfortable bike, etc. I then test road some and was able to see some of the things he was talking about. In my opinion, you can't compare your old aluminum trek to anything carbon--just so different. What I discovered is the cervelo aero road bikes are very stiff and not very comfy when you think of long days. Specialized felt different to me with the tarmac being stiff and rougher than the Venge (I bought the Venge). I previously had a Roubaix, which was good, but doesn't corner nearly as well as the Venge. The Trek's were great bikes, but a little more than I wanted to spend--plus I liked the aero of the Venge.

Overall, see if you can figure out where these bikes fall in what you hold most important, knowing that some of the aero bikes are really comfortable over long distances, while others are not.

John Withrow

Tim, you know that my stock answer is going to be "Buy on eBay and get MUCH more bang for your buck". For under $5k you will get a kick azz bike!

I'd say do NOT get an aero road bike. You don't need it. Any time you need aero you will be on your tri bike. And the aero bikes are 2 things that you don't want: 1) heavier and 2) stiffer (harsher ride).

If I were you, I'd look for a "climbing" bike (like the Cervelo R3 or R5, but these may be above your price point with Di2) or any similar bike of any brand. These will give you much of the comfort of some of those "touring" bikes you mentioned, but they will be lighter and "punchier". Let's be honest, you are gonna go out with some Roadie buddies and race them up hills whether you'll admit that to Heather right now or not. Especially given your size and FTP, every pound will matter so go with the Dura-Ace Di2 if at all possible. It's a full pound lighter than the Ultegra stuff. I have a Cannondale SuperSix with Ultegra Di2 (which I TOTALLY love) that I got "new" from old stock on eBay for $2,400... But I'm ~60lbs heavier than you, so the 1lb extra on the components is almost irrelevant for my big azz. If I were to do it again, I "wish" I had just sucked it up and got the EVO SuperSix with D/A Di2. I still get bike envy every time I see my friend riding that exact bike.

Regarding wheels, probably not worth paying up for good wheels. You already have a stable of wheels and you won't be riding your tri bike and road bike at the same time...

Regarding Crank length, you'll likely need to sell the crank that comes on your new bike and replace it with whatever works for you (unless a LBS will do that for you).

I think there is VERY LITTLE to NO benefit in getting a custom build.

Re: Al's comment: [Self-supported touring options, which means places to attach panniers - on the dropouts, behind the top of the seat tube, on the middle of the forks.
Round tube steel or titanium allows for S&S couplers, to make traveling with a bike on planes so much cheaper.] Although I agree and he makes some very good points, save this option for your other new bike if you want to get into touring stuff later. Most road bikes in your size will break down into some very small cases since you are pretty good with a wrench.

This is one is obviously not your size, but will give you an idea for what you could "sort of" get in your price range: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2012-Cannondale-SuperSix-Evo-Hi-Mod-Shimano-Dura-Ace-Di2-Components-Size-58cm-/291167850852?pt=US_Bicycles_Frames&hash=item43caf4d164

Again, not your size... but: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2012-Cannondale-Hi-Mod-Evo-Di2-Dura-Ace-10spd-w-Zipp-303s-56cm-/141317180369?pt=US_Bicycles_Frames&hash=item20e7290bd1

This one is not the EVO frame (actually it's the frame I have with a cooler paint job) and it is probably actually your size... It's the older 10-spd D/A Di2, but I think your tri bike is 10-spd, so you could easily use all of your wheels/cassettes, etc. http://www.ebay.com/itm/2012-50-cm-Cannondale-Supersix-w-Dura-Ace-di2-7970-NO-WHEELS-/221368629620?pt=US_Bicycles_Frames&hash=item338a993974

Or you could go with a brand new bike with 11-spd Ultegra Di2 with the EVO frame, Your LBS would likely match this price if you have a good relationship with them. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cannondale-Supersix-Evo-Ultegra-di2-11sp-Road-bike-racing-carbon-50-52-54-56-58c-/221464183629?pt=US_Bicycles_Frames&hash=item33904b434d

Dave Tallo

If I had to do it over again, I'd get a steel or ti Independent Fabrication.

(BTW, I currently have a steel Independent Fabrication).

GMAN 19030

Tim,

I just bought a 2014 Specialized Tarmac SL4 w/Ultegra 11-speed on Ebay for $1800.  The bike was never ridden and retail price was $3000.  It was quite the steal.  I bought a set of Hed Ardennes LT+ wheels (the + are the 25mm rims) and put some Continental GP4000S 25mm tires on it.  Total cost for wheels and tires was $900.  I plan on upgrading the shifters, RD and FD to Ultegra Di2 in the winter.  I'm getting fit on it next week.

So I second the Ebay comment from Withrow.

MattAaronson

When I went on vacation in Colorado several years ago I rented a Specialized Roubaix and it was awesome. VERY confortable. But no issue with massive climbing in the mountains. My usual road bike is a Trek Madone 5-series. given that my tri bike is actually pretty heavy, I just love getting on the Trek and accelerating...it is LIGHT and a lot of fun. I have done a lot of very long 80+ mile and Century rides on it and frankly despite not being "relaxed geometery" I have found it very comfortable (much more so than my tri bike) and great for those events.

One thing is that I wouldn't underestimate the importance of fit. I would have the bike professionally fitted like any other bike. It is worth the money and worth getting a $300 cheaper bike...

Rumpole

Have a spec roubaix and really like it. Rode a tarmac and roubaix and bought the roubaix (about 6 years ago). If I were going to buy one now, I would look at (a) the roubaix again; and (b) the cervelo r3. 25mm tires make the roubaix pretty comfy, and much easier over harsh roads than the TT bike.

Paul Hough

My Trek Madone 6.9 is 5 years old and is a TDF quality bike, though built before aero road bikes bloomed. It is an all day bike and I've gone 175 miles in 10 hours to test that. So good enough to race and very comfortable. But it is all carbon, so the couplers won't work and it is not designed for extended cycling trips. Tough choice to make!

tim cronk

Thanks for the interaction ... Lots of good stuff here...

More info on the type of use planned.... In NH I live on a 1 mile dirt camp road , I can ride in and out but usually choose not to... Local group rides a few miles from my house... Couple Grand Fondo's (Just found one in Vt that looks fun http://vermontgranfondo.com/ ..... Wintering in Tucson the roads just need a comfort bike , local group rides , Tour of Tucson (they dont allow TT bikes) Mt. Lemmon Gran Fondo.... So comfort remains #1 priority....


Price--- Is really not a limiting factor ... Just something I tried to put a line on since I tend to over purchase after research , kicking tires, and trying stuff out. Dont wanna say I wish I got that... I thought I may have been over doing it on my FELT DA2 but I gotta say I'm happy with that purchase .

Touring-- Well yeah I have decades to go and touring type rides are appealing I'm just not sure when? I'm kinda saving that type of riding and golf for when I get old ya know? Not done with the speed and actual racing sports yet , I can see 40k TT's , Ultra's as the addition to or progression from IM's? When I tour I would be more likely to go the supported route rather than the self support.... I also visualize a different bike altogether for that.

Bike Races--- I said no bike racing meaning like crits and huge peloton crap.. that just doesnt interest me...How crazy are those Gran Fondo's??? I've done my share of "really" dangerous stuff and triathlon is still more than dangerous enough... Now having said that I would like nothing more than to be competitive in hill climbs etc.... And would love to own a 14lb Strava Dream Crusher bike....

Weight--- Which brings me to weight... I weighed my Felt DA2 with FLO60/Disc , minimal flat kit, pedals, and cages at a whopping 20.8lbs... So I think weight would really important as long as I meet #1 criteria of comfort , I would want to go as light as possible which also brings that price point back into play... Very hard to find any weight's listed on bikes????

Aero ---- Aero is appealing, I agree its not necessary..... I did not know the aero road bike frames were heavier....Certainly wouldnt come into play going uphill....

Relaxed fit--- The endurance bikes have a "relaxed fit" (more upright) Again I dont think this is a bad thing since its not a penalty going up and you can always ride in the drops... Which is kinda funny I can count the number of times on 1 hand the number of roadies I've seen riding in the drops....

Newest technology .... 11 speed also seems like a no brainer...

Without riding any of them yet I gotta say I'm leaning towards an Endurance Bike.... But I will definitely be test riding the race road bikes and the aero road bikes... I will also be getting a fit on the bike... Went with Todd at ttbikefit.com for my Felt and have been very happy....

Any feedback on the Cannodale Synapse? Or the Scott Solace?

Satish Punna

I still think you should consider the S3, You can put 25mm tires on it and David Millar rides one over cobblestones in Europe.  I think its one of the lightest aero bikes yet still has a stiff BB. 

Paul Hough

Tim - I had a Cannondale Synapse before I picked up my Trek. It was a great bike but it doesn't hold a candle to my Madone which is just as comfortable, but faster, lighter, and better handling. Test ride both!

Scott Alexander

To add to the confusion, I'm a HUGE fan of my Specialized S-Works (basically a high-end Tarmac).

Keith Wick

In talking weight, you are looking at 2.5 lbs. between aero bikes and non-aero. In terms of grand fondo, etc. it's really about finding a good group to work with. I just did the B2VT (formerly Harpoon Brewery to Brewery) and had a great group for the first 80 miles. It broke up at that aid station as people lost each other and I went out and didn't find a group for miles 80 to 105--solo, (glad I had my aero bike) and then found a good group to work with from miles 105 to 132. I was NEVER uncomfortable on my bike, even over some pretty rough roads through NH and VT. Go and test ride some bikes--they are all really good, comfortable, etc.

John Withrow

Tim- did you end up getting a bike?

tim cronk

@JW.... Not yet.... Waiting for Todd at ttbitfit.com to get back at me with some fit info.... Maybe test riding Felt Z and Scott Solace tomorrow... More questions will be coming in this thread.... I'm defintely more attracted to road and fast bikes.... But my goal is comfort.... But I am hung up on light too... My Felt Da is just under 21lbs with minimal flat kit and no bottles.... If I get a 15lb bike my w/kg on that bike will be .15 higher LOL!

GMAN 19030

Tim, the new Trek Emonda weighs 10 pounds in a size 56 so your midget version would probably be like 9.5 pounds.

And it's only $16,000.

Dino Sarti

Haha! I love the idea of the emonda. But, I am told by guys who know that it's "disposable". 1 little pothole or "basic" crash and it could likely be broken.

Not to beat a dead horse, but I will echo what Paul says. The Madone is an outstanding machine! Trek spent millions developing it during the "Lance Boom" and they have continued to refine it. Married to Schimano D/A, the thing is bullet proof. It is the most reliable bike in my stable paired with an ELSA in 165 with compact rings.

I have some exotic bikes and the Madone is totally my favorite. It's light, stiff, reliable and can be ridden all day. Especially if you go with the e2 head tube. The higher end models are made in the USA.

I have two Madones (the entry level from when I started out and the top end model from 3 years ago). They are both great.

Plus, both Spartacus and Jens ride for Trek. Done!

tim cronk

Yes I saw the Emonda.... I was waiting for Dino , Bob , and JW to get one and provide some feedback!

Test rode the Scott Solace and the Felt Z today.... Neither one spoke to me... I did not find either of them a smoother ride than my DA2.... They both had 25c tires but they were mounted on skinny rims and were narrower than my 23c tires on wide FLO wheels ..... Defeats the whole purpose of a larger tire.... Couldnt stand the mechanical shifting on either bike but that doesnt matter since I will be going electronic.... About the only thing I really liked was how light they felt!

tim cronk

My stack/reach fit numbers from Todd are 52/37.... No big surprise , it just helps me fine tune the frame selections.... Having test rode another bike today, I can honestly say I will go a lot by feel.... Rode a 50cm Cannondale Supersix EVO Ui2 today , much better fit, feel , over the Felt Z and Scott Solace....Being a road bike it was spec'ed with compact gearing and 11-28, still 23c tires and wheels but plenty of room for FLO30's and 25's....The seat sucked... The Shifting and Brakes made my Felt DA2 with Di2 feel like a POS.... More to try out but its a contender.... Weighed the bike with pedals at 16lbs 9oz.... Still want lighter.....Electronic shifting is confirmed again an absolute must for me.

tim cronk

Just got an email from gearup.active.com Blue bikes big discounts. AC 1 with UI2 $2600. Screaming deal but don't want to buy just cause it's a good deal wanna make sure it's the right bike.

tim cronk

Test rode a bunch of bikes. Trek Domane and 2 Madone's, Specialized Roubaix , Cannondale Synapse , Giant Propel and Defy and I gotta admit none of them are speaking to me...

MattAaronson

You're a picky SOB. What "isn't speaking to you" and what are you expecting / desiring?

John Withrow

Posted By <a href='http://members.endurancenation.us/ActivityFeed/tabid/61/userid/1560/Default.aspx' class='af-profile-link'>tim cronk</a> on 06 Aug 2014 05:21 AM
Test rode a bunch of bikes. Trek Domane and 2 Madone's, Specialized Roubaix , Cannondale Synapse , Giant Propel and Defy and I gotta admit none of them are speaking to me...

Go try a Cannondale SuperSix Evo and a Cervelo R5... They will speak do you.

tim cronk

@John... I did ride a Cannondale Supersix Evo UI2 and so far I like that one the best... No Cervelo yet.

@Matt...I'm not really that picky and don't have issues making decisions.... I want electronic shifting, comfort, 25c tires , and in a light package! Just expected to get on some of these bikes and say wow this is nice? Just not happening.

Al Truscott

Posted By tim cronk on 06 Aug 2014 05:21 AM


Test rode a bunch of bikes. Trek Domane and 2 Madone's, Specialized Roubaix , Cannondale Synapse , Giant Propel and Defy and I gotta admit none of them are speaking to me...

Of course, the bikes are speaking to you. What are they saying? "Just go with price and component choice, Tim."

robin sarner

How about something cool like a custom carbon Calfee or custom titanium from someone?

Coach Rich

Posted By robin sarner on 06 Aug 2014 09:46 PM


How about something cool like a custom carbon Calfee or custom titanium from someone?

^This.^ My Calfee is 12yrs old. I've had this bike, and put thousands and thousands of miles on it, while everyone else around me has moved through 3-4 generations of bikes. I've been feeling the "need" to treat myself to something nice but I like the idea of putting something together that is 100% my own. Given my current timeline of keeping bikes, I'd probably have it until I'm 60+, or likely never sell it at all. 

Check out their show bikes here and custom customer builds here.  I would likely get a custom Dragonfly frame, buy everything piece by piece, and assemble it over time, so the bike is exactly how I want it and unique to me. Example below. 

 

The small details are important 

Dave Tallo

Posted By robin sarner on 06 Aug 2014 09:46 PM



How about something cool like a custom carbon Calfee or custom titanium from someone?

Independent Fabrication!   Don't make me say it twice!