Road Cycling - Any Buenos Aries or Klien Q-Carbon people out there?

I went to the LBS today to buy a new pair of shorts. Naturally, I took a look at the bikes as well. The Klien Q-Carbon caught my eye with the carbon fork and seat stays. The LBS guy says it really smooths out the bumps and, believe me, we have a lot of bumps around here. Then I took a look at a new Lemond Buenos Aries and asked the salesman if steel would even be smoother. He said it just depended on the riders' preference and that I should take a ride on each one and see for myself - great advice :D . Since it was raining, I couldn't take him up on his offer, so I was wonder if any of you had any feedback that would help me out. I'm not racing. I like speed, but comfort is just as important to me (getting older ;) ). There's only a couple hundred dollars in price difference. Oh, by the way, the shorts fit great!

I ride the 2002 Buenos Aires and couldn't be happier. When I was looking at bikes last year I rode nearly everything available in that price range. Including the 2002 Klien. I loved the looks of the Klien but I felt that the ride on the Buenos Aires was much smoother. As a side note the shop that carried the Klien was not very customer service oriented so that also factored into my decision as well. I also really liked the ride of a steel Bianchi, I don't recall the model. For me the Lemond geometry just seems like a good comfortable fit. I never compared weight between bikes because in all honesty I don't think there is that much difference. Anyway good luck with your test rides, I kind of miss going every weekend to the LBS and trying out different rides.

I am also on a 2002 Buenos Aires. I love the frame and fork. Switched everything else out to Campy since I bought it however. The frame has a great ride quality to it, very smooth. Deffinetly take them both for a ride, but my preference will almost always lean towards a good steel frame.

I have a '99 BA and love it. Easy to ride, fast.

I had a '99 BA and loved it. Like an idiot I sold it :(. I've never ridden a bike with carbon seat stays but I would buy another Lemond in a heartbeat.

Zack

Originally posted by slotibartfast
He said it just depended on the riders' preference and that I should take a ride on each one and see for myself - great advice

Great advice, indeed! I've ridden both carbon and steel road bikes, but not close enough together to gain an understanding in terms of which rides smoother.

Ride them both, and let the group know what you think. ThanX!! :)

I have a Q-carbon and it really does ride very smooth. I really like the bike. The only thing with the Klein is it comes with Tiagra shifters and wheels but I plan on upgrading the wheels anyway.

I'm looking at the B/A to and also the cervelo prodigy and both are sweet.

If you're looking for comfort on a road bike, check out the Specialized Sequoia. Suspension seatpost, carbon suspension fork, relaxed geometry, ergo comfort bars. There's even one with Ultegra... :D

Want steel for comfort.