Fifty Plus (50+) - New Bike Advices

Looking for new bike; have Raleigh Prestige; budgeting $4,000 $5,000 Max; Would like Carbon- I am 6'3" 225lbs; ride mostly with friends and tours; competitive but not racer. I seem to be in between Large and XL in Giant; would rather get better fit on something else. Ideas?

With that budget-go custom.

Easy Racers Ti-Rush.

With that budget-go custom.


I agree. Look at Waterford or Seven or Steve Rex.

Any suggestion on the custom ?

Look at both diamond frame bikes AND at recumbents! Try both before buying. There's lots to be said for the recumbents. I like the Bacchetta and Rans brands of recumbents.

For custom diamond frames, visit http://www.rivendellbicycles.com

They do cool work.

I agree with Far. You have a good budget. Check out the Rans and SWB bents. But then also check out a custom fitted bike. For example, a custom litespeed will only add $250 to $500 to price, and you'll get one tailored exactly to what you want. Only problem is you have to know what you want. Go test riding and riding. I'ld recommend riding at least 3 bents and 3 diamonds. Ride a CF like a madone, a TI TT like a litespeed blade and another, say like a litespeed ultimate. Then you'll be better equipped to specify want you want.

I can also tell you from experience that its not only the frame that makes the difference. Fork, stem, seatpost, wheels and tires can (cumulatively or alone) make all the difference in how a bike feels to you. So don't just concentrate on the frame. Think about the entire "package." The problem, of course, is that not many bike shops can afford to have a bunch of different highend frames in a bunch of sizes to fit people who want to try them out. If, for example, you find the "right frame" but the test bike has a stem that is way to long, you are not going to like the bike. As to the "custom" bike, remember you are at the mercy of the person fitting you to a bike frame that can't be changed if you don't really like it after a few rides. In fact, some writers on the subject opine that unless a rider is very experienced and has tried a lot of different geometries, a custom bike might not be the answer. So it may take some work (especially if you don't live in or near a bike crazy town) to find the right ride.

http://www.antbikemike.com/index.html
This guy is worth a look he can make bikes to fit. I been wanting one of his light roadsters for awhile.

This looks sweet-- pic
http://www.antbikemike.com/Big%20Bike%20Pages/clubracebig.html

In fact, some writers on the subject opine that unless a rider is very experienced and has tried a lot of different geometries, a custom bike might not be the answer.

Agreed. That's why I recommended 2 different road bikes and a TT bike for the different geometry. Before I'd drop 4 to 5k on a custom bike, I'll ride many different geometry bikes. I just don't trust a "custom" fit would give me the right geometry without more verification on what works for me and what does not. From initial ride of a CF bike, I found I might prefer a longer wheelbase. But this was only one ride, and I've learned it takes 2 to 3 rides before you can really believe first impressions on ride are accurate.

...its not only the frame that makes the difference. Fork, stem, seatpost, wheels and tires can (cumulatively or alone) make all the difference in how a bike feels to you. So don't just concentrate on the frame. Think about the entire "package."...snip... In fact, some writers on the subject opine that unless a rider is very experienced and has tried a lot of different geometries, a custom bike might not be the answer. So it may take some work (especially if you don't live in or near a bike crazy town) to find the right ride.

If this is the '2nd' bike, I'd agree that 'custom' might not do any better than a 'O-T-R' bike; unless you have real body anomalies. At 6'3" and 225, you would seem to be an avg american big guy - but that doesn't take into account leg (especially tibia/femur length relationships) & torso/arm lengths, or other anomalies - things you didn't list in your post.
RockyMtnMerlin is right on, the 'package' is it. At 225 lbs, wheelz would make a huge difference. I'm not sayin you need motorcycle spokes, but the construction type might have benefits while still keeping overall wheel weight down.
Whatz 'wrong' with the Prestige - seems like a nice bike? Just want something new?
In any case you don;t mention whether you;ve gone thru a 'fit' session yet. I'd do that NOW, 1st, before anything else. Then 'conform' and 'tweak' the Prestige til you got it >just right< and then go bike-sluttin around a lot before you get the next machina.
Bents? Dependz... I've never seen a 'bent' up in the 'hills' around here. Not sayin it doesn't happen - I've just never seen one up where the air starts thinin. So if you're in mostly flats or rollin, prolly a good consideration. If you climb mountains, or live where 'flat' is a 4letter word, I'd consider that a big part of a next purchase.

Cyclezen, I appreciate your input; good advice! My wheels are Krys. SL and they have supported me without problems. I am relatively happy with my Prestige- However, it started out as Supercourse with 105 components- frame had small fracture in it so Raleigh upgrade to Prestige w/carbon forks- better- However I really want better components than what my Supercourse had. My friends who have upgraded from alloy to carbon (similar to my size) really like their carbons- so I just have the itch for new bike. Mostly flat and rolling hills- less than 10% grade.

I got this one built by Steve Rex for a total (complete bike) of around $3k. I had trouble finding something to fit (I'm 6' 5" tall). The price is pretty good for a custom. I picked the Campagnolo Veloce 10-speed group with Velocity Deep-V rims. It's not too shabby!

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d194/ebuckle/new_rex.jpg

I'm thinking a Pegoretti Big Leg Emma. It's steel but will last forever. But you do mention carbon. What about a Colnago C50? You'd probably need to run Campy centaur to match your budget, but there's nothing wrong with that at all. Yet still, that Pegoretti...

I'm thinking a Pegoretti Big Leg Emma. It's steel but will last forever. But you do mention carbon. What about a Colnago C50? You'd probably need to run Campy centaur to match your budget, but there's nothing wrong with that at all. Yet still, that Pegoretti...

Here's a portion of the article on the comparison between Cervelo R3 and the Colnago C50

Testrapport Cervelo prototype december 2005

Date: 12th december 2005

Location: Maasberg in Elsloo, Netherlands

Surface: first part steep, 10-12%, small cobbles 10x10cm, length 100m, last part 2-3%, big cobbles 20x20cm lenght 700m

Weathercondition: cold and wet

Testrider: Karsten Kroon

Sportsdirector supervising: Tristan Hofmann

The plan was to test the Cervelo by comparing it to a Colnago C50, as far as I know one of the best bikes for cobbleclassics. What we did is that I went up the climb about 9 times, Tristan following in the car, switching between the Cervelo and the C50, using the same wheels every time. The first 2 times I did it with tirepressure 8 bars, the rest with 7 bars. The most important thing I can tell you is that the Cervelo was a lot better than the C50 on the steep slippery part. The Colnago bounced a lot more, loosing grip and thus speed. So the back of the Cervelo is really good (and the bike is LIGHT).

Try this bike http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=PRODUCT&PRODUCT.ID=143

The way this rides will just blow you away. I can't believe that this frame and fork ride so well. Remember that the "size" is center to center. I normally ride a 61 but the 60 I have fits me perfectly.

From Competitive Cyclist the frame and fork runs about $800 and is WELL worth it. It uses a 1" seat post and the ONLY one for us fat guys to buy is the Thompson Elite. The American Classic bends eventually under our weight. And the Look post is a pain in the butt to get to stay in one position.

I finally decided on a Storck C1.1-Durace components- Love it! Very stiff! Cannot wait for a long ride. Only have about 150 miles on it so far.

Others have already said it but fit is pretty important, regardless of the type of bike you buy. You may not notice it on the shorter trips but if you have a good fit you can ride for miles and miles pain free.

I'm personally a big fan of Carbon. At a minimum I'd go for a carbon fork and seat stays. However my first choice is also a carbon frame. I've seen some of the Colnago's and they're beautiful bikes. My budget was much less and I ride a Trek Madone and have been very pleased with it. I'm 6' 1" and ride the 62 but have a shorter stem at 100mm to keep my reach where it needs to be. Standover height is no issue as I have been blessed with long legs and also longer than average arms.

For me, the slightly longer wheelbase lets me feel like I have a little more bike under me for some of the mountain descents I do from time to time. Good luck shopping!! That is a lot of the fun of buying a new bike!!

I got this one built by Steve Rex for a total (complete bike) of around $3k. I had trouble finding something to fit (I'm 6' 5" tall). The price is pretty good for a custom. I picked the Campagnolo Veloce 10-speed group with Velocity Deep-V rims. It's not too shabby!

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d194/ebuckle/new_rex.jpg

I'll be visiting his shop in the next week or two to speak with him about a possible custom bike. Went late last week, but they don't open until 11 or 12. I was just too early. What type of steel is your bike and how do you like it? I love the looks!!!

I finally decided on a Storck C1.1-Durace components- Love it! Very stiff! Cannot wait for a long ride. Only have about 150 miles on it so far.

nice cosmetic look (on their website). I like the simple cosmetic, although black is a bit overdone these days.
So which 'size' did you go with?
One thing noticed is the VERY short toptube lengths they use, prolly the shortest I;ve seen anywhere. Add some serious steep seattube angles. Add on the really short stem that they show on their site photos and you have a real possibilty of feeling cramped, even/especially on the big sizes. If you eventualy get that feeling, consider a longer stem. In the large frames sizes,with these angles and TT length a 130 or 140mm would not be unusual.
Got Pics?

Thanks for the stem advice. I purchased the 59cm- I am 6'3" and do not feel cramped; however, have not ridden long distances, yet. Will have pics soon!

I'll be visiting his shop in the next week or two to speak with him about a possible custom bike. Went late last week, but they don't open until 11 or 12. I was just too early. What type of steel is your bike and how do you like it? I love the looks!!!

Sorry I took so long to reply to this! The tubing is a combo of Columbus Spirit and Dedacciai Zero...

Thanks! It is pretty nice-looking, if I say so myself! Steve is an artist.