Originally Posted by
CHAS
The Bacchetta aluminum frames are known for having plenty of flex and a smooth ride. They are not like the Alan frames of years ago.
??? My memory must be playing tricks on me. Seems to me that Alans (and Vituses. or is it "Viti"?), with their small-diameter, bonded tubes, were known for their almost excessively soft ride. I test rode one a couple decades ago, and was very much impressed with the ride comfort.
OTOH, I had a second-generation (pre-CAAD) Cannondale aluminum crit bike for a couple years, and I was on intimate terms with every bump, crack, and irregularity in the pavement within 20 miles of home. Great for those 45 minute races, though...
Also, I'd be a little concerned about an aluminum frame with "plenty of flex". Aluminum is one of those materials that has absolutely no fatigue threshold: if it flexes, it WILL break eventually. Titanium is better in this regard, and steel even better. FWIW.
Scott P
Bend, OR