|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#11
|
|||
|
|||
Tips on carbon fiber WSD bikes?
On Jan 1, 2:32*pm, landotter wrote:
On Jan 1, 1:43*pm, "Jean" wrote: I'm looking to replace my old road bike with a carbon fiber model. My criteria a women's specific design, comfy for all day riding, smooth riding, light weight, Shimano 105 components, and preferably a triple crank. Via the web, I've checked out the specs and reviews for following bikes: Cannondale (Synapse Fem 5), Felt (ZW5), Giant (Avail Advanced 2), Trek (Madrone 3.1WSD), or Specialized (Ruby Elite Apex). I was hoping y'all might have some insights into these bikes so that I could minimize driving all over the state (there are no local dealers for most of these brands) to do the final fit check-out and test ride. So here goes. Assuming equally good fit and tire size/psi - Do any of these bikes stand out as more smooth riding? *Do any of these bikes stand out as more comfy for all day long cruising? Does anyone have any idea how the weights compare for the same size bike? Thanks for any help trying to trim down my list of potential bikes. Jean Get fitted by someone who listens and doesn't set you up to race if you're not gonna race. If you're not gonna race, don't **** away money on a carbon frame, IMHO. You can get an aluminum Synapse with 105 for 1300 list, and perhaps a 2010 for even less. Carbon is 1100 more, which can buy stuff that truly affects comfort, like a good saddle, fancy bar tape or different bars, pedals, and a pair of Sidis. Also worth seeing if your future bike can take a 28mm tire, which at 90 psi is going to be the cheapest way to be both comfortable, and avoid pinch flats. Checking the catalogs here, I'd look at the Jamis Xenith Endura Series if a shop around you carries them. Full carbon, but with the ability to take 28mm tires, skinny fenders in the winter, and even a rack if you were doing a self supported century and wanted to use a trunk. Extended head tubes so you can get the bars set so that the drops are usable w/o being heroic. Whether or not you actually need a women's model, aka one with a shorter top tube, really depends on how leggy you are. Also, FWIW, you can get similar models from this company in steel and alu as well-- which all end up at around an acceptable 20lb, same as this carbon model. If you plan on crashing, the steel models can be bent back. |
Ads |
#12
|
|||
|
|||
Tips on carbon fiber WSD bikes?
"Jay Beattie" wrote in message ... On Jan 1, 11:43 am, "Jean" wrote: I'm looking to replace my old road bike with a carbon fiber model. My criteria a women's specific design, comfy for all day riding, smooth riding, light weight, Shimano 105 components, and preferably a triple crank. Via the web, I've checked out the specs and reviews for following bikes: Cannondale (Synapse Fem 5), Felt (ZW5), Giant (Avail Advanced 2), Trek (Madrone 3.1WSD), or Specialized (Ruby Elite Apex). I was hoping y'all might have some insights into these bikes so that I could minimize driving all over the state (there are no local dealers for most of these brands) to do the final fit check-out and test ride. So here goes. Assuming equally good fit and tire size/psi - Do any of these bikes stand out as more smooth riding? Do any of these bikes stand out as more comfy for all day long cruising? Does anyone have any idea how the weights compare for the same size bike? Thanks for any help trying to trim down my list of potential bikes. BTW, Madone -- or as we say, MadOne. The Synapse has a reputation for being soft. How you get a triangulated structure to be soft, I don't know -- except laterally through the BB. Anyway, if I were buying a bike, I would test ride it, even if it meant driving all over the state. Do you know anyone who owns these bikes, and can you borrow for a ride? All things equal, I would go for Specialized, Trek or Cannondale because of the warranty and dealer network. All three are manufacturing their mid-priced CF (or all their CF) in Taiwan, which is not a bad thing since they have the process dialed in. -- Jay Beattie. I doubt the Synapse's "softness" would be noticeable to me (118 lbs, and old enough to collect social security) - I'm not exactly a powerhouse ;-) . Thanks for mentioning the value of the manufacturer having an extensive dealer network, I had failed to factor that in. Jean |
#13
|
|||
|
|||
Tips on carbon fiber WSD bikes?
"Mike Jacoubowsky" wrote in message m... "Jean" wrote in message ... I'm looking to replace my old road bike with a carbon fiber model. My criteria a women's specific design, comfy for all day riding, smooth riding, light weight, Shimano 105 components, and preferably a triple crank. Via the web, I've checked out the specs and reviews for following bikes: Cannondale (Synapse Fem 5), Felt (ZW5), Giant (Avail Advanced 2), Trek (Madrone 3.1WSD), or Specialized (Ruby Elite Apex). I was hoping y'all might have some insights into these bikes so that I could minimize driving all over the state (there are no local dealers for most of these brands) to do the final fit check-out and test ride. So here goes. Assuming equally good fit and tire size/psi - Do any of these bikes stand out as more smooth riding? Do any of these bikes stand out as more comfy for all day long cruising? Does anyone have any idea how the weights compare for the same size bike? Thanks for any help trying to trim down my list of potential bikes. Jean Jean: I can only speak to the Trek Madone, since that's what I sell. The new Madone 3.1 is a pretty nice machine, and I really like the fact that it's one of the few that still has real live eyelets on the rear dropouts, making it easy to attach a rack or fenders. The spacing is wide enough between the chainstays to easily accomodate a 25c tire (it comes stock with 23), and has a classic road geometry, nothing so short that you can't ride it all day comfortably. Trek has been pretty good about keeping chainstay length reasonable, which helps not just with stability when descending, but also with shifting as well. I'm not at the shop right now so I don't have a weigh handy, but it's actually an ounce or two lighter than the higher-end Madone 4.5. Keep in mind it's available in a compact-crank version only, no triple. If you need really low gears, the rear derailleur can be changed to a long cage version and you can install an 11-32, 11-34 or even an 11-36 in the back. Ultimately, what really makes the bike the *right* bike may be finding a dealer who understands your dreams, how you'd like to ride, and can fit it properly to you. Fit is *really* important. Hope this helps- --Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles www.ChainReactionBicycles.com Thanks for the info. The issue of whether or not the bike can accommodate wider (25c) tires is important to me, since I think tire size is probably the major determinant of "comfy riding". If the rear derailleur and freewheel are changed as you indicated to get lower gearing, is the shifting likely to be "really annoyingly slow" or would it probably be "just a tad slow, but acceptable"? Thanks again Jean |
#14
|
|||
|
|||
Tips on carbon fiber WSD bikes?
Jean wrote:
"Mike Jacoubowsky" wrote in message m... "Jean" wrote in message ... I'm looking to replace my old road bike with a carbon fiber model. My criteria a women's specific design, comfy for all day riding, smooth riding, light weight, Shimano 105 components, and preferably a triple crank. Via the web, I've checked out the specs and reviews for following bikes: Cannondale (Synapse Fem 5), Felt (ZW5), Giant (Avail Advanced 2), Trek (Madrone 3.1WSD), or Specialized (Ruby Elite Apex). I was hoping y'all might have some insights into these bikes so that I could minimize driving all over the state (there are no local dealers for most of these brands) to do the final fit check-out and test ride. So here goes. Assuming equally good fit and tire size/psi - Do any of these bikes stand out as more smooth riding? Do any of these bikes stand out as more comfy for all day long cruising? Does anyone have any idea how the weights compare for the same size bike? Thanks for any help trying to trim down my list of potential bikes. Jean Jean: I can only speak to the Trek Madone, since that's what I sell. The new Madone 3.1 is a pretty nice machine, and I really like the fact that it's one of the few that still has real live eyelets on the rear dropouts, making it easy to attach a rack or fenders. The spacing is wide enough between the chainstays to easily accomodate a 25c tire (it comes stock with 23), and has a classic road geometry, nothing so short that you can't ride it all day comfortably. Trek has been pretty good about keeping chainstay length reasonable, which helps not just with stability when descending, but also with shifting as well. I'm not at the shop right now so I don't have a weigh handy, but it's actually an ounce or two lighter than the higher-end Madone 4.5. Keep in mind it's available in a compact-crank version only, no triple. If you need really low gears, the rear derailleur can be changed to a long cage version and you can install an 11-32, 11-34 or even an 11-36 in the back. Ultimately, what really makes the bike the *right* bike may be finding a dealer who understands your dreams, how you'd like to ride, and can fit it properly to you. Fit is *really* important. Hope this helps- --Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles www.ChainReactionBicycles.com Thanks for the info. The issue of whether or not the bike can accommodate wider (25c) tires is important to me, since I think tire size is probably the major determinant of "comfy riding". If the rear derailleur and freewheel are changed as you indicated to get lower gearing, is the shifting likely to be "really annoyingly slow" or would it probably be "just a tad slow, but acceptable"? Thanks again Jean You've got a lot of assumptions in your thinking, e.g., wider tires being a "major determinant of comfy riding." If I were you, I'd consider looking at things another way - just go ride bikes and make sure that what you like best isn't thought of as some sort of "lemon" - and then enjoy whatever tickles your fancy. There's no reason you need to have a carbon frame, or a women's-specific design, or wide tires, or anything - you need the complete package to work for you, and focusing on specifics can cause you to lose sight of the big picture. IMHO, the bike you want is the one that, when you think of riding it, makes you want to get up off the couch and go out for a ride. And, as others have suggested, if you like the way your current bike fits and rides and are just looking for something lighter, that's a great place to start - measure your current bike, decide what, if anything, you'd like to change, and go from there. One thing to keep in mind is that, at your size, you can get away with things on a bike that wouldn't hold up for someone heavier, e.g., I'm a 150 lb. male, and I ride a custom frame that simply wouldn't work for a lot of heavier people, ditto my component choices, but so what? I'm the only one who rides my bike and I love it and it holds up great for me - what more does one need? Best of luck to you. -S- |
#15
|
|||
|
|||
Tips on carbon fiber WSD bikes?
On 1/1/2011 11:43 AM, Jean wrote:
snip So here goes. Assuming equally good fit and tire size/psi - Do any of these bikes stand out as more smooth riding? Do any of these bikes stand out as more comfy for all day long cruising? Does anyone have any idea how the weights compare for the same size bike? Clearly you're going to be doing racing if you're purchasing a CF framed bicycle, so "cruising" is the wrong word. No one buys CF for "cruising." A triple crank on a racing bike? As Mike said, the new Madone 3.1 doesn't even offer a triple crank. I'm sure you're aware that carbon fiber bicycles, while much more expensive than a steel or aluminum framed bicycle, do not last nearly as long. The frame, seatpost, and fork are basically wear items like tires and brake pads. See http://www.rideyourbike.com/carbonfiber.shtml |
#16
|
|||
|
|||
Tips on carbon fiber WSD bikes?
On 1/3/2011 10:46 AM, Steve Freides wrote:
Jean wrote: "Mike wrote in message m... wrote in message ... I'm looking to replace my old road bike with a carbon fiber model. My criteria a women's specific design, comfy for all day riding, smooth riding, light weight, Shimano 105 components, and preferably a triple crank. Via the web, I've checked out the specs and reviews for following bikes: Cannondale (Synapse Fem 5), Felt (ZW5), Giant (Avail Advanced 2), Trek (Madrone 3.1WSD), or Specialized (Ruby Elite Apex). I was hoping y'all might have some insights into these bikes so that I could minimize driving all over the state (there are no local dealers for most of these brands) to do the final fit check-out and test ride. So here goes. Assuming equally good fit and tire size/psi - Do any of these bikes stand out as more smooth riding? Do any of these bikes stand out as more comfy for all day long cruising? Does anyone have any idea how the weights compare for the same size bike? Thanks for any help trying to trim down my list of potential bikes. Jean Jean: I can only speak to the Trek Madone, since that's what I sell. The new Madone 3.1 is a pretty nice machine, and I really like the fact that it's one of the few that still has real live eyelets on the rear dropouts, making it easy to attach a rack or fenders. The spacing is wide enough between the chainstays to easily accomodate a 25c tire (it comes stock with 23), and has a classic road geometry, nothing so short that you can't ride it all day comfortably. Trek has been pretty good about keeping chainstay length reasonable, which helps not just with stability when descending, but also with shifting as well. I'm not at the shop right now so I don't have a weigh handy, but it's actually an ounce or two lighter than the higher-end Madone 4.5. Keep in mind it's available in a compact-crank version only, no triple. If you need really low gears, the rear derailleur can be changed to a long cage version and you can install an 11-32, 11-34 or even an 11-36 in the back. Ultimately, what really makes the bike the *right* bike may be finding a dealer who understands your dreams, how you'd like to ride, and can fit it properly to you. Fit is *really* important. Hope this helps- --Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles www.ChainReactionBicycles.com Thanks for the info. The issue of whether or not the bike can accommodate wider (25c) tires is important to me, since I think tire size is probably the major determinant of "comfy riding". If the rear derailleur and freewheel are changed as you indicated to get lower gearing, is the shifting likely to be "really annoyingly slow" or would it probably be "just a tad slow, but acceptable"? Thanks again Jean You've got a lot of assumptions in your thinking, e.g., wider tires being a "major determinant of comfy riding." If I were you, I'd consider looking at things another way - just go ride bikes and make sure that what you like best isn't thought of as some sort of "lemon" - and then enjoy whatever tickles your fancy. There's no reason you need to have a carbon frame, or a women's-specific design, or wide tires, or anything - you need the complete package to work for you, and focusing on specifics can cause you to lose sight of the big picture. IMHO, the bike you want is the one that, when you think of riding it, makes you want to get up off the couch and go out for a ride. +1.5 |
#17
|
|||
|
|||
Tips on carbon fiber WSD bikes?
On 1/3/2011 10:54 AM, SMS wrote:
On 1/1/2011 11:43 AM, Jean wrote: snip So here goes. Assuming equally good fit and tire size/psi - Do any of these bikes stand out as more smooth riding? Do any of these bikes stand out as more comfy for all day long cruising? Does anyone have any idea how the weights compare for the same size bike? Clearly you're going to be doing racing if you're purchasing a CF framed bicycle, so "cruising" is the wrong word. No one buys CF for "cruising." There's probably a spot between racing and cruising where the CF comes in to play, especially if you don't like aluminum frames. I don't race any more but I tend to treat my road bike as workout equipment. I don't like aluminum frames. My CF frame was on sale for cheaper than an equivalent steel frame. I started by road testing an aluminum frame with carbon fork and ended up liking the full CF better. Last year's model was less than this years steel and rode better than the aluminum. YMMV. Generally though I agree with you that you shouldn't spend money on a hi-tech light frame to go cruising. Best suggestion is to take your pedals, if you have cleats, around to the LBS and try out some bikes. That's what I did and I ended up with a bike that fit me and I spend a lot of time on. |
#18
|
|||
|
|||
Tips on carbon fiber WSD bikes?
On Jan 3, 7:54*am, SMS wrote:
On 1/1/2011 11:43 AM, Jean wrote: snip So here goes. Assuming equally good fit and tire size/psi - Do any of these bikes stand out as more smooth riding? *Do any of these bikes stand out as more comfy for all day long cruising? Does anyone have any idea how the weights compare for the same size bike? Clearly you're going to be doing racing if you're purchasing a CF framed bicycle, so "cruising" is the wrong word. No one buys CF for "cruising." A triple crank on a racing bike? As Mike said, the new Madone 3.1 doesn't even offer a triple crank. I'm sure you're aware that carbon fiber bicycles, while much more expensive than a steel or aluminum framed bicycle, do not last nearly as long. The frame, seatpost, and fork are basically wear items like tires and brake pads. See http://www.rideyourbike.com/carbonfiber.shtml FYI: http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/fx/79fx/ Why is a carbon frame a "wear item?" IIRC, carbon frames have a much better fatigue life than steel or aluminum -- which is the usual failure mode for steel and aluminum. Not that I am running out to buy a carbon frame (not yet, maybe when the Super Six go on sale), but the frames do not just die. I have worn out steel and aluminum frames -- in fact, a half dozen. CF frames are more prone to mechanical damage -- cut tubes from chain suck, squirrels in spokes, hitting trees, etc., but I try to avoid those things. And as far as cost goes, high end steel goes for $2K- $3K frame alone, which I think is ridiculous, no matter how magical the Bohemian builder might be. It's f****** metal fab! Aluminum is the cheap and easy way to go, that's true. Jean can go buy the Nashbar Frame for like $90. In fact, she can get a couple spares. -- Jay Beattie. |
#19
|
|||
|
|||
Tips on carbon fiber WSD bikes?
On 1/3/2011 12:28 PM, Jay Beattie wrote:
On Jan 3, 7:54 am, wrote: On 1/1/2011 11:43 AM, Jean wrote: snip So here goes. Assuming equally good fit and tire size/psi - Do any of these bikes stand out as more smooth riding? Do any of these bikes stand out as more comfy for all day long cruising? Does anyone have any idea how the weights compare for the same size bike? Clearly you're going to be doing racing if you're purchasing a CF framed bicycle, so "cruising" is the wrong word. No one buys CF for "cruising." A triple crank on a racing bike? As Mike said, the new Madone 3.1 doesn't even offer a triple crank. I'm sure you're aware that carbon fiber bicycles, while much more expensive than a steel or aluminum framed bicycle, do not last nearly as long. The frame, seatpost, and fork are basically wear items like tires and brake pads. Seehttp://www.rideyourbike.com/carbonfiber.shtml FYI: http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/fx/79fx/ Why is a carbon frame a "wear item?" IIRC, carbon frames have a much better fatigue life than steel or aluminum -- which is the usual failure mode for steel and aluminum. Not that I am running out to buy a carbon frame (not yet, maybe when the Super Six go on sale), but the frames do not just die. I have worn out steel and aluminum frames -- in fact, a half dozen. CF frames are more prone to mechanical damage -- cut tubes from chain suck, squirrels in spokes, hitting trees, etc., but I try to avoid those things. And as far as cost goes, high end steel goes for $2K- $3K frame alone, which I think is ridiculous, no matter how magical the Bohemian builder might be. It's f****** metal fab! Most carbon frames have lifetime warranties these days. What makes me nervous about the CF bikes are all the warnings about torque. I just bought a roof rack and had to pay attention to details because of the CF that I wouldn't have worried about with my steel bike. |
#20
|
|||
|
|||
Tips on carbon fiber WSD bikes?
Jean wrote:
Mike Jacoubowsky wrote: Keep in mind it's available in a compact-crank version only, no triple. If you need really low gears, the rear derailleur can be changed to a long cage version and you can install an 11-32, 11-34 or even an 11-36 in the back. If the rear derailleur and freewheel are changed as you indicated to get lower gearing, is the shifting likely to be "really annoyingly slow" or would it probably be "just a tad slow, but acceptable"? If you switch to a fancy MTB derailleur and a fancy MTB cassette, then it will shift like a fancy MTB-- which is to say at least as well as a road bike (if perhaps a little noisier in the process). Chalo |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Trek carbon fiber frame with aluminum lugs and rear triangle, aKinesis carbon fork (threaded steerer tube) and a Shimano headset | [email protected] | Marketplace | 0 | February 19th 08 04:23 AM |
Sliding Carbon Seat Post in Carbon Fiber Frame | KnowWhen2HoldemKnowWhen2Foldem | Techniques | 11 | October 11th 07 05:20 AM |
Carbon fiber bikes | Chris Zacho The Wheelman | General | 6 | September 21st 05 12:01 PM |
Where are the old Carbon Fiber bikes? | Never Enough Money | General | 11 | September 16th 05 02:46 AM |
Question on carbon fiber bikes | Apophis | Marketplace | 7 | April 30th 04 10:32 PM |