Contemplating a Road Bike Purchase
I currently have a 2006 Cannondale Synapse - not sure the exact model, but it's an aluminum frame with carbon fork and seatpost, triple crank, 9-speed 12-23 cassette, and Shimano 105 components. I bought it for around $1300. It's the red-headed stepchild to my tri bike baby - the Chevy Cavalier parked next to the Porche - the can of tuna next to the caviar. Meaning, it gets the job done but I kinda hate it.
I want a new road bike because sometimes the tri bike isn't appropriate for the fun riding I want to do, I want to be able to swap in my PM wheel, and I really, really want the compact crank and 12-27 just like my tri bike.
I don't think I want a carbon frame though. I don't ride the road bike enough to justify the extravagance and I'm definitely gun-shy about carbon's fragility (reference a certain June post about a destroyed carbon Scott frame...). I think I'm fine having a workhorse kinda bike. Also, my savings account is seriously scarred from all of this Ironman training and I'm not shelling out $3000+ for another bike.
So my first request to the peanut gallery is, please validate my desire for an aluminum frame and reassure me that I'll be perfectly happy with better gearing but not carbon.
Then, recommend some brands you think I should check out. I'm finding it hard to find compacts and at least 105 components without having to also upgrade to a carbon frame. I could go for the Cannondale Synapse 5 (and I do enjoy my current Cannondale). Other thoughts?
Comments
I've been very happy with my Felt F75. I paid $1400 several years ago for it. It's aluminum with carbon fork/stays/seatpost. It has Ultegra 10-speed components and an FSA compact. I really enjoy riding it. I also have a Cervelo P2C which is my Porsche.
That's what I thought, but one LBS guy said that unless I was married to the frame I should sell my current bike and get a new one entirely. IDK, a new Ultegra set is, what, $1000? Plus a couple hundred for labor? So I'm looking at a savings of a couple hundred...but then I also miss out on the opportunity to sell the bike for a couple hundred, and it's even. Would welcome other thoughts though...
Never ever listen to a LBS...
All you need is a RD and Shifters, everything else is compatible. Assuming you will be using your PT wheel, otherwise you need a second 10 speed cassette as well. You do not need a new FD, but if you want everything to match they are cheap.
For the deal look for Ultegra 6700 or Dura Ace 7800 (last years model). The current Shimano 105 is 10speed, or switch to SRAM as the Rival line is awesome and very inexpensive.
Here is Rival Shifters for $279 and a RD for $59: http://www.performancebike.com/bike...yId=400022
Otherwise check out Pro Bike Kit and Wiggles in the UK as they have awesome deals on components and free shipping to US.
Installation is very easy...the come with manuals and there are tons of videos on line.
P
Road bikes are fun no quesiton about it. I switched out my Serotta CXII from a tri set up to road set up. I just couldn't bare the thought of selling it. Steal is real. I would probably keep your current frame.
I can't remember the actual cost, but it was under 1000 to do the entire switch from 9 speed to 10 speed and I was switching to STI's etc. Basically and entire groupo need to be purchased. I don't have the knowledge to do that kind of work, so I purchased directly from the LBS and had them do the build. I got a huge discount, because I hang around the shop alot and have developed a relationship with a lot of the guys at the shop. It pays to be a repeat customer. So it may be a little more, I went with Ultergra in most cases, 105 on the front derailuer.
Suzanne, don't over look the used bike market on ebay. I know you could get a $4k bike for under $2k which might be $1-1.2k after you sell your current bike
aloha,
Paul
I second what P said--think about contact Todd at TT Bike Fit. Fit is where to ALWAYS start. He can do that, and has the line on Kestrals. I'm encouraging Keith to do the same since he needs a new bike too.
After what happened to my husband, I would not buy a used bike. Used to sound like a great idea, but you never know what the real use and mis-use is. Bad enough, what happened to to Keith was with a new bike purchase. I know, no gurantees anywhere...
If you want to lighter road bike, you could upgrade to lighter wheels...and components.
Speaking of components, you don't have to replace the entire drive train unless you are switching from say...Shimano to Campy. By all means get a new compact and chain. But if you don't think the shifting is quite as crisp, then maybe just a tune-up or new cables will fix it.
If you simply don't like the look of it (and I totally get that!), then perhaps a new frame and fit are in your future.
I've had my road bike (Klein Quantum---a Klein when it was made in Chehalis, WA before Trek bought it) for 10 years. It fits beautifully; and I love it so much. I've changed the cranks to compacts, have had several sets of cassettes and chains, upgrades the shifters and front derailleur, and have a new set of wheels (those were my engagement "ring"). The only beef I have with it is the paint is chipped in many places. My next step will be to have the frame repainted.
If the frame fits, and you like the frame, don't get suckered into buying a new bike just to get upgraded components. Those things are consumables anyway- they are meant to be replaced once and a while.
PS- Hobbs will be getting new handlebars next year. Just another step in the upgrade path of an aluminum frame that works well for me.
My current Cannondale actually fits quite well - the issue for me isn't discomfort. The big revelation upon getting a tri bike was the shifting - suddenly instead of having zero "sweet spots" I had about ten.
I'm kind of leaning toward keeping the frame - I just can't wrap my brain around having another carbon frame to worry about!
I could install everything for you if you wanted (no charge!). I'm a pretty good mechanic--I haven't had anything done in a shop for years apart from my Bayonet headset on my Felt tri-bike. Full Ultegra groups go for ~$850 on ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Shimano-2010-Ultegra-6700-Group-set-39-53-34-50-/270620534246?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories
If you want to buy a new bike, I'll convert that one to a fixie for you--I just did that with my 23 year old Cannondale.
@ Keith & Suzanne
I will be making some road bike upgrades in near future ( to allow better switch between tri & road bikes with my new power meter wheel) . Suzanne, maybe if you go with a component up grade, perhaps Keith could give us Both some lessons/assist us in mechanic skills.
It will be a Mid Atlantic drive to Lake Placid Reunion
I promise to stay awake during any lectures as long as it is not NPR voice
It will be a show one, do one, teach one kinda thing, well sort of...just don't teach it in Greek, Keith
One of my goals this year is to really learn bike mechanic/basic maintenance skills. It would be cool to have some one guide me so I don't pull all my hair out, say lots of bad words and wind up in bike shop spending more money.
Just sayin.......