New Bike, Which One?

[bob24250]

Quite a few things have gone right for me this summer. Since I just got a new job, the boss has decided to allow another bike in the house next spring. I've decided to get a new road bike, but would like some advise. I understand that fit is foremost important. Here are the parameters I have to work with.

1) $2-3000 budget
2) I do not race, I really have no ambition to race
3) All this summer I have done 80% road riding typically 1-3 hrs in the saddle. I prefer 2-3 hrs in the saddle at 15-20 mph than short fast rides.
4) I would like to ride at least 1 century a year, probably more if I like them
5) 6' 0" 240 lbs---What kind of material should I look at Carbon, Ti, steel, Al?
6) I am looking at an Ultegra group, with high miles should I look at Dura-Ace or Campy instead, or maybe 105 will work.

Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Bob

[Big Game]

Bob -- check out my C'Dale I have for sale in the bikes for sale section... R5000...full dura-ace...the auction is ending soon.

I'm 6'0" as well.

Now to answer your bikes in a non-baised way:

Carbon fiber and aluminum both have a limited shelf life..don't plan on it lasting you more than five years if your ride seriously.. Aluminum fatigues, and with carbon fibers, bosses separete from the frame. The C'dale bike I'm seeling is really zippy and accellerates quickly. But it is a race bike, so it might not be what you're looking for.

Steel and Ti are the most durable, but are usually heavier. Steel much more so. Both both have a great supple feel for more casual riding. Ti is really expensive and handmade custom steel bikes from Richard Sachs, Strong, IF are really sweet but pricey too. There are more inexpensive steel frames out there. (Surly comes to mind)

Your wheelset is real important. I think for strength/weight the Mavic Ksyrium SL's are the best wheelset out there. I would rather have a 105 group and the SL's than Dura-ace all around.

[Dino Sore]

Bob,

Here's a recent thread on frame materials from a local club I belong to:
http://www.easternbloc.net/forms/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1328

I have a personal preference for steel frames and Campy components, but its hard to find an off-the-shelf bike with that combo. I had to put one together (Bianchi XL Boron frame with Campy Chorus).

I think Campy makes more ergonomic sense than Shimano, and the mechanics will tell you that Campy is more serviceable.

As you mentioned in your post, fit is critical. Frame material may not be such a big deal when you're looking at frames from the better builders. At your price range, you should be able to find something pretty nice.

[ArmOnFire]

My $0.02's

I'm 6'3" 215lbs., and I have 2 road bikes;
-1 is aluminum (Trek)
-1 is steel (Pinarello)

The Aluminum bike gathers dust.
The steel bike is so much better, and it has Campy components, Shimano stuff is nice, but IMHO, it doesn't come close to Campy.
Try both out and see what you like, but you don't have cables in your face, and you can shift thru multiple gears with one lever stroke on Campy.
I try to do at least one century a year and the steel bike is more comfortable, also feel better on rides around 40-60 miles.

I think for riders our size you need a steel bike, you get the idea.

Like you stated, fit and feel are most important, so test ride, and go from there.

Good luck,

Dan

[C.P.]

Steel is real!
A few years ago I purchased a Litespeed classic TI frame, and rode it for a season. I sold it before the end of the fall, and went back to a high end steel frame (Croll) - TI had too much BB flex for me (I'm 215-220lbs).

If you haven't had a fitting session, I highly recommend doing that too. You can ask to keep the measurements/fitting info for all your future bikes. (Gotta have more Bikes!)

I run shimano right now, and have run campy on the litespeed. I like the clean bar controls and shifting of the campy (cable routing) and liked the components better overall, but have recently found a new hand position that I use on longer rides with the shimano resting my wrists on the bar and holding the cables. To each his own I guess.

Do a Lot of test rides if you can...

CP

[bdee]

If you have a road bike now, have you thought about buying a nice 'cross bike? Litespeed makes a real nice Ti one in that price range (called the Blue Ridge) and they are super versatile. Might add a new dimension to your overall riding experiences. Nothing beats exploring random trails and dirt roads on a road ride.

[ArmOnFire]

Posted by: bdee Posted on: Today at 02:30:23pm
If you have a road bike now, have you thought about buying a nice 'cross bike? Litespeed makes a real nice Ti one in that price range (called the Blue Ridge) and they are super versatile. Might add a new dimension to your overall riding experiences. Nothing beats exploring random trails and dirt roads on a road ride.


Ooh, ooh, I have been debating if I should get a cross bike or a 29" SS rigid. I like to ride road in the winter and this would be a great bike for those journeys onto the un-paved roads and trails you just happen to spot on road rides.
Sorry to de-rail this thread, but the cross bike mention sparked this response.

[Sci Teach]

I'm also in the 200-210 lb realm.....and test rode a number of frame materials before I settled on my steel frame. I like the 30-50 mile rides, and the frame keeps it comfortable, even on the not so nicely paved sections.

If you have the need for something a bit different but still get the ride quality of the steel, check out the Ti/carbon "spline design" that Lemond has on the '05s. Rides/has the strength a lot like steel, without the carbon fatigue in the high stress zones.

I hear you about the cross bike, Dan...the cross bike does get the ride juices flowing for the sudden off road exploration in the midst of a ride...very tempting. The are a number of decent but not-to-expensive frames ou there.

[ridemore]

I have a specialized Allez, it's al with some cf the, bike is fairly stiff and comfortable except for the normal saddle issues the components are not the greatest it has sora front and tiagra rear derailuers which have some shifting issues under heavy stress but eaisly fixed pretty cheap with 105's, you don't really need ultegra unless you are going to race. but keep in mind I prefer rides of about twenty miles but hard so I can barely walk after, don't the bike for long hauls. hope the info helps.

P.S. the price tag with addition of crank bros clipless was 799.00

[bob24250]

Great info...thanks guys. Is anyone out riding Carbon? I was looking at the Specialized Roubioux Elite. I have heard that Carbon will last a long time, but with the pounding my extra weight would put on the bike, I want to make sure it will last.

And the cross bike is not out the window either Bdee. If I can't find a road bike that fits or feels right I may start leaning that direction. Kinda surprised there are so many Campy fans out there too. I may spend the $$ to go Campy Chorus.

[Dino Sore]

Kinda surprised there are so many Campy fans out there too. I may spend the $$ to go Campy Chorus.


Also check out Campy Centaur. There's an interesting review that I just saw on www.cyclingnews.com

[pk]

Carbon's come a long way. Mine's 61cm and it's plenty stiff yet incredibly comfortable for centuries. Light and fast too!

pk

[guitarsark]

I have a personal preference for steel frames and Campy components, but its hard to find an off-the-shelf bike with that combo.



i just bought the lemond sarthe. steel w/ campy. check it out on lemonds site.