Road Cycling - Help me decide on a new bike - BMC/Cervelo/Pinarello

Currently riding a 2005 Trek 1400 - only upgrades being decent tyres and saddle. Its been ok but the wheels creak whenever I am out of the saddle and they are fairly crap in my view. So am starting to think about a replacement and want to keep the budget to around US$3,000. I am in Australia so we pay a little more but I figure the shipping hassle and after sales service cancel the saving I might make.

I dont mind riding a full aluminium bike and being on the heavier end of the stick (210lbs) I am looking for something that is stiff. Prefer not to get a Giant or a Trek - nothing against them - just want something a little different.

Have been doing my homework and looking closely at these three which are roughly in the same price range:

1) BMC SL 01 built with Integra and Campag Scirroco wheels (or Zondas if I can make it fit the budget)
2) Cervelo Soloist Team specced per the std off the shelf
3) Pinarello Galileo specced per the std off the shelf

I will transplant my Fizik Arione from the Trek and for the Cervelo and Galileo I see they both use OEM cranksets which does concern me and also the wheelsets give me concern. I dont want to have another crap set like the Bontrager Selects so opinions on these are important to me.

Leaning toward the BMC or the Cervelo at the moment.

They're all great choices. I'm in the process of getting a BMC myself (a Streetfire SSX); they are f'ing fantastic bikes, even the low-end SSX. Rides like butter, it does, but I don't think you can go wrong with any of the three.

I'm a fan of Cervelo, but to each his own.

Here's a question that must be asked: Have you got any saddle time in any of the bikes you're mentioning?

I think bmc's are damn cool, and have a nice rare factor, as they a dime a dozen, even here in big nyc. However, I don't have any bmc dealers in my state to test ride/buy, and my lbs carries cervelo, so that is the way I am currently leaning.

Those are all great bikes. The BMC (wow did their website improve) and the Cervelo have that functional flare whereas the Pinarello has that sexy Italian thing going for it. Just pick what feels right to you, and I agree with SaabFan, you need to to try to get some saddle time.

I've been really pleased with my Cervelos, and the soloist may offer a little more versatility and has the aero factor. If your budget was $8000, I'd say don't worry about your weight and get a BMC Pro Machine or a completely tricked out R3, but the stuff doesn't grow on trees.

Have fun in your search and let us know what you end up with.

If you are interested in the BMC, find out where in Bangkok Cyberpop got his DA, Cosmic Carbone SL, equipped Pro Machine for $4,700.



...it's cheaper than in the US. I paid around US$4,700 - everything is brand new.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=231049

http://aycu09.webshots.com/image/6448/2001085046668506615_rs.jpg

the BMC is HOT, but my advice is to get the bike with the BEST WARRANTY - which would mean rethinking Trek, and Giant, as well as adding Cannondale to that list.

ymmv

the BMC is HOT, but my advice is to get the bike with the BEST WARRANTY - which would mean rethinking Trek, and Giant, as well as adding Cannondale to that list.

ymmv

Seeing as how I've been doing some homework in this realm, I thought I'd add this info from Competitive Cyclist:


Colnago -- You get a four-year warranty from manufacturing defect. The first two years are covered by Colnago themselves, then the next two years are covered by the American importer Trialtir USA. Once you receive your new Colnago frame, you will need to make sure to U.S. mail the appropriate documentation both to Colnago Italy and to Trialtir in order to activate the warranty coverage. There is also a dealer stub that must be sent to us in order to comply with the warranty regulations -- don't neglect to send it to us! All documentation will be included with your frame. We will fill out all serial number information for you and we'll affix our dealer stamp where required.

Pinarello, Pegoretti, Eddy Merckx, and Opera Bike: Two year coverage from manufacturing defect, and one year coverage on the finish. You can activate the warranties for these frames on-line by clicking here.

Look: Five year coverage from manufacturing defects, and one year warranty on paint and finish work. All registration material is included with the Owner's Manual that will come with your frame/bike.

Cervelo: Lifetime coverage from manufacturing defects, and one year warranty on paint and finish work.

BMC: The SLC 01 and SLT 01 have a three year warranty against manufacturing defects, while the SL 01 and Streetfire have a five year warranty from defect.

Read: Cervelo just climbed the list a notch or two...

Read: Cervelo just climbed the list a notch or two...

maybe, but check the R2.5 recall thread (if you haven't already). seems cervelo like to choose when they honor the warranty. after the recent thread about the clear coat issues on six13's, c'dale seems to uphold it's sparkling rep vis-a-vis customer service.

Read: Cervelo just climbed the list a notch or two...


Factoid: BMC has never raced their carbon frames in Paris-Roubaix, they use the aluminum ones.

maybe, but check the R2.5 recall thread (if you haven't already). seems cervelo like to choose when they honor the warranty. after the recent thread about the clear coat issues on six13's, c'dale seems to uphold it's sparkling rep vis-a-vis customer service.

Wow--thanks for bringing that up. I had actually missed that thread. Certainly not a great thing. I think there's a component of self-preservation there because it's a small company and a big recall like that had to hurt pretty bad financially. It would seem, though, that companies in a market as small as uber-high-end road bikes really can't afford to do anything that sullies their name.

Maybe Cervelo went back down the list a bit... :rolleyes:

maybe, but check the R2.5 recall thread (if you haven't already). seems cervelo like to choose when they honor the warranty.

Wrong again, botto.

EVERY 2.5 has a full lifetime warranty to original owner honored by Cervelo. The recalls are for a subset of bikes, regardless of original ownership. The other frames don't need to be recalled. But, if any 2.5 breaks, even outside the recall numbers, Cervelo replaces it with an R3 to the original owner. So don't make stuff up based on your lack of understanding.
I don't know of any frame manufacturer that does this.

I think it takes huge bocce balls to charge $4000 for a frame and warranty it for 24 months.

So don't make stuff up based on your lack of understanding.



Its a LAWYER, he's lying, he's paid to lie.


Also , Basso gave DNA samples voluntarily to clear himself.

Pot. Kettle. Black. Fred.

Pot. Kettle. Black. Fred.

OK. Lawyers don't lie.

Keep posting "information" you made up for your agenda.

Why not just admit you're wrong instead of acting like a teenage immature twit?

OK. Lawyers don't lie, you don't have your head up your ass.

Keep posting "information" you made up for your agenda.

information I made up for my 'agenda'? what exactly is my agenda "Doc".

I'm not the one who claimed Basso gave DNA samples, when he didn't. Nor do I have I made some irrational claims that 'all lawyers lie'.

Nor do I claim to be Doctor. when I'm not. :rolleyes:

I think bmc's are damn cool, and have a nice rare factor, as they a dime a dozen, even here in big nyc. However, I don't have any bmc dealers in my state to test ride/buy, and my lbs carries cervelo, so that is the way I am currently leaning.

There are two BMC dealers in NYC, Altheus at 113 4th Ave, and SBR Multi Sports at 203 W. 58th St (both in Manhattan.

For the OP: ride them. Find shops near you and ride ride ride as much as you can. That will tell you which to get.

EVERY 2.5 has a full lifetime warranty to original owner honored by Cervelo. The recalls are for a subset of bikes, regardless of original ownership. The other frames don't need to be recalled. But, if any 2.5 breaks, even outside the recall numbers, Cervelo replaces it with an R3 to the original owner. So don't make stuff up based on your lack of understanding.
I don't know of any frame manufacturer that does this.

You beat me to it.



I think it takes huge bocce balls to charge $4000 for a frame and warranty it for 24 months.

:lol:

I'm not the one who claims that Basso gave DNA samples, when he didn't.

Nor do I claim to be Doctor. when I'm not. :rolleyes:



Look, w*nker, gasterbator or whatever, I'm sorry if I speak a few languages other than english and can read newspapers that do not publish online. The Basso story was publ;ishe din Spetember 29th La Stampa, in italian, not online.

Factoid: BMC has never raced their carbon frames in Paris-Roubaix, they use the aluminum ones.

I thought their big selling point for the R series was that Fabian Cancellara raced the R3 at Paris-Roubaix. At least that's what they advertise--is that really BS?

I thought their big selling point for the R series was that Fabian Cancellara raced the R3 at Paris-Roubaix. At least that's what they advertise--is that really BS?

BMC raced its Streetfire SSX all-aluminum frames in Paris-Roubaix. You're thinking of Cervelo.

I thought their big selling point for the R series was that Fabian Cancellara raced the R3 at Paris-Roubaix. At least that's what they advertise--is that really BS?


Cancellara did ride the R3 (and won), it's made by Cervelo.

Maybe you just misread it, but BMC is not a Cervelo. BMC's carbon ride is the Pro Machine.

f

Look, w*nker, gasterbator or whatever, I'm sorry if I speak a few languages other than english and can read newspapers that do not publish online. The Basso story was publ;ishe din Spetember 29th La Stampa, in italian, not online.

sticks and stones will break my bones... yada, yada, yada

do you kiss your mother with that mouth? probably http://forums.roadbikereview.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif

if your tidbit of information was legitamte, then we'd have heard of it by now. FACTOID: we have not.

by the by - it's such a relief to know i'm not the only person who can speak a second, or maybe even a third language . http://forums.roadbikereview.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif

I thought their big selling point for the R series was that Fabian Cancellara raced the R3 at Paris-Roubaix. At least that's what they advertise--is that really BS?

Re-read.

Cervelo is the first CF frame to win Paris Roubaix.

BMC does not enter their CF frames at Paris Roubaix.

Or, just ask Botto, he'll make something up that sounds nice.

Look, w*nker, gasterbator or whatever, I'm sorry if I speak a few languages other than english and can read newspapers that do not publish online. The Basso story was publ;ishe din Spetember 29th La Stampa, in italian, not online.

Can we keep this on-topic? I know it's the internet, but there's no reason to be dicks to each other.

sticks and stones will break my bones... yada, yada, yada



Kids on forums is annoying, I thought there was a minimal age. This little tool is following me around the threads posting stupid remarks and wasting my time.

botto, PM me if you have some problem with reality. Otherwise, step off.

Kids on forums is annoying, I thought there was a minimal age. This little tool is following me around the threads posting stupid remarks and wasting my time.

botto, PM me if you have some problem with reality. Otherwise, step off.

PM's like this one you just sent me? \/


Where exactly are you from?

you come across as one stupid ****.

Do you even own a bicycle?

:roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:
:roflmao: :roflmao:
:roflmao:


cool, my first use of the "ignore" button, and it works flawlessly.

Par for the course, considering your history of ignoring the facts.

cool, my first use of the "ignore" button, and it works flawlessly.

Back to the point of the thread.

The one major concern for a Cervelo is the fit. They use a bizarre fixed angle of seatube and head tube for all sizes, which they attempt to justify on the website. However, this means that at larger frame sizes, the top tube gets very long. On my 61cm, I need to push the seat all forward to get proper setback, and I need a 2cm shorter stem. This may not work for all.
I recommend the Cervelo stock setup, but swap the wheels for Zondas if you can, the Vista hubs are not very good.

I'd suggest Cannondale over Pinarello.

Re-read.

Cervelo is the first CF frame to win Paris Roubaix.

BMC does not enter their CF frames at Paris Roubaix.

Or, just ask Botto, he'll make something up that sounds nice.

Duh--sorry. My mis-read. My brain clearly isn't up to parallel-processing today. :D

Duh--sorry. My mis-read. My brain clearly isn't up to parallel-processing today. :D


That's what non-clinic days are for. Park yer brain and read BF.

To the orginal OP:

Please ignore the negative comments being made about the Cervelo warranty. The argument they are making has nothing to do with the validity of the Cervelo warranty. They have excellent customer service and interaction, and they stand behind their product with there warranty just like any other self respecting bike company.

Their argument has to do with a particular model (R 2.5) that Cervelo produces that is thought to be faulty by design which is debatable at best. They recently issued a recall for 650 units that contain a defect that has nothing to do with their warranty. They just want the frames off of the street, no matter how far down the line the bike is in it's ownership. This recall is with USCPC and isn't covering the whole population of R 2.5s. Some people just think that the warranty should expand past the BOLD print because they haven't grasped the concept of risk assessment.

Sorry to get on that tangent. But don't discount Cervelo. Their warranty is upper tier. Additionally, don't discount Pinarello or BMC for theirs either just because it's not lifetime. People these days consider warranties away to upgrade their products when they want to. Companies are not blind to this nor are they unrealistic about the expected duration of their product. You've selected some great bikes from some great companies and in the end it's what feels best to you. Just don't listen to naysayers who put a product, when most of the time, they don't even own one.

I'm a fan of Cervelo, but to each his own.

Here's a question that must be asked: Have you got any saddle time in any of the bikes you're mentioning?

Nope I dont - aside from my bike have tried out a mates GIANT TCR Euro and didnt like it at all - felt dead to me. I have seen precisely one BMC on the road and no Cervelo or Pinarello 2006. So very interesting in opinions. Think I have three that are at a sensible point on the price/performance curve. Worried about stiffness in the frame (prefered) and quality of the wheel set followed by any OEM swaps on the groupset.

Planning to visit the LBS that stocks the Vervelo this weekend - very interested in the quality of the cranks and the wheels. Checked out the Pinarello and concluded that the wheels and OEM components are ok but probably driven by price point. It is therefore ranking third on the list.

If you are interested in the BMC, find out where in Bangkok Cyberpop got his DA, Cosmic Carbone SL, equipped Pro Machine for $4,700.



My LBS has that frame hanging up - I have fondled it and boy is it hot! Shame that the price tag is A$4,000 (rougly US$3,000) If money was no object it would be a no brainer. Funnily enough they have a frame in the now defunct Phonak team colours! Maybe that will become a collectors item :)

Can we keep this on-topic? I know it's the internet, but there's no reason to be dicks to each other. Thanks - I am looking for advice here not *****ing that is off topic :)

Would you consider buying a bare frame and having a LBS do a build for you? Should come out comparable to the off-the-shelf bikes price-wise, if you keep it reasonable - but let you choose your own stuff, therefore removing shoddy equipment spec (wheels and crank like you mentioned) from the picture. You're in a price range where a LOT of manufacturers are making cuts on equipment spec to keep the total dollar value down, which is a shame, since many of these frames are top-notch.

Would you consider buying a bare frame and having a LBS do a build for you? Should come out comparable to the off-the-shelf bikes price-wise, if you keep it reasonable - but let you choose your own stuff, therefore removing shoddy equipment spec (wheels and crank like you mentioned) from the picture. You're in a price range where a LOT of manufacturers are making cuts on equipment spec to keep the total dollar value down, which is a shame, since many of these frames are top-notch.

Actually, for the Cervelo Tem soloist, it's just a matter of the wheels.

I've gone further to upgrade-ebay-ugrade-ebay a few times. Now I'm on carbon everything and Chorus, but they only really important change was the wheels, the ISIS bottom bracket (TruCrapTiv) and saddle. I regret not keeping the original aluminum crank.
If you truly want your own bike, build from scratch.

but you can't argue with success for a $1100 frame:

- Liège-Bastogne-Liège,
- Paris-Nice (twice),
- Critérium International (twice),
- Tour de l'Avénir,
- Tour Méditerranéen (twice),
- Tour de Qatar,
- Bayern Rundfahrt.

Built as specced the Cervelo can be had for US$2,400. As a frameset only its US$1,500. So the gap for groupset, wheels etc is not very big. I need to see if the Cervelo delaer will give a credit for the stock wheels if I want to upgrade. That would make it more attractive.

The BMC SL 01 I can get as a 2005 model frame for US$759 (the LBS bought a heap of them and thanks to Floyds efforts they are heavily discounted now :o ). So I can build that up in full Ultegra with decent wheels for less cash. Might be able to spec it wiht Chorus for less than the Pinarello.

The Pinarello Galileo 2006 model is around US$2,800 here as specced so would blow out pretty quickly when I change out the wheels etc - but they did say they would give a credit for the stock wheels if I wanted to upgrade.

Any thoughts about Canyon F10? They sell direct but seem to have a great price 999euro for the frameset from Germany. It seems to about the stiffest frame, and light (sub 1000g/300g frame/fork). It is supposed stiffer than Cervelo's R3 but not quite as light.

It is an interesting thought. Anybody ride one?

The BMC SL 01 I can get as a 2005 model frame for US$759

It will be difficult indeed to finder a nicer looking, better performing frameset than this for $759. Some bright and shining day, BF participants will be able to score a < 1 kg carbon frameset for $275, but until then that is pretty nice.


http://images.competitivecyclist.com/images/products/bmc/2006/sl01_main.jpg

they hired good writers @ competitivecyclist, i think i'm gonna get the soloist, then i read the blurb on the SL 01, then I read the write ups on the close out pinarellos :( let me know what you finally decide on. I think in the end, I pick the one that looks best with my grande white cholocate mocha

btw, if you do go w/ the soloist would you get anodized black or csc red?

Well its now down to the Soloist and the BMC SL 01. The Pinarello has too many OEM parts and is more expensive than the other two. The two LBS which have the Soloist and BMC will let me mix and match the components so I can get a decent wheelset and go campag if I want to :) .

The 2007 Soloist is due out here soon and the shop selling it indicated that the new model will be 10% dearer than the current model. So I ask the shop guy what have they changed in the spec then? blank look from shop guy - so I think he was trying for the buy it now or lose it sale - therefore I will wait and see on that.

The other shop who had the BMC were happy for me to have a test ride and if I wanted to go Campy Centaur recommended I wait till the 2007 model is available here in a month or so. Much impressed that they were prepared to offer good advice and allow me a test ride instead of trying to rush the sale.

The BMC is definitely the prettier of the two - the Cervelo in black is not that exciting. Weight wise they are very similar.

You have to see the Cervelo in person, the frames are not painted, it's some ultra-tough satin anodizing.
It actually stands out among the Easter eggs.
I think you can get a Soloist frame for ~$1100.
From what I heard, the 07 frame is completely new, and a lot more than 10% more expensive.
It was supposed to be released this month, but with Cervelo, that could mean March 07.

I don't know if this has been mentioned, but I know the Pinarello warranty sucks, two years, then the big fungulo. BMC is 5 years only. The Cervelo is life.

The SL 01 is distinctinve, but it is a kinda heavy frame, with a not so stiff BB.

The SL 01 is distinctinve, but it is a kinda heavy frame, with a not so stiff BB.

According to here (http://www.excelsports.com/new.asp?page=8&description=Soloist+Team+Frameset&vendorCode=CERVELO&major=1&minor=1), the Cervelo Soloist Team is 2.98 lbs for a 54 cm frame; according to here (http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=PRODUCT&PRODUCT.ID=1836), the BMC SL01 is 2.87 lbs for a 54 cm frame.

to the OP: I'm not trying to discount the Cervelo, which is an amazing bike in its own right, but just pointing out that both bikes are great. We're just a bunch of weirdos on the internet shouting at you, and you need to ride these yourself to see which you like.