Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Enable me, Soma Smoothie ES riders

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PatrickVA
03-20-07, 02:50 PM
Smoothie ES owners please chime in... I'm this close to ordering an ES frame to build for a distance bike. It'll be for regular unsupported, solo 50-100 mile rides, and some brevets or a randonneur series. I'll keep my current road bike (carbon Fuji) set up for shorter, quicker rides or supported group rides. I do the longer rides on the Fuji now, but want something I can set up and dedicated to it.

I have a lot of the parts to get me started, but it's still a big decision budget-wise. It'll also be without a test ride.

I just need a little push... is there any deal-breaker reason why I should or shouldn't order? Assuming decent components, is it a wise choice for distance/rando bike?

Bekologist
03-20-07, 05:17 PM
Do it! the Soma Smoothie ES frames are SWEET.

wise choice, heck yes. affordable steel frames? yeah. check the website maybe you can still get a mispainted one for a hundred bucks cheaper.....

here's a Soma Smoothie ES hiding under a misapplied decal job. dang frame is made with PING! to it.
PatrickVA
03-20-07, 06:38 PM
Thanks, this is exactly what I need to hear. What did you build yours with? And how much did it end up weighing?

PatrickVA
03-20-07, 06:45 PM
Also, anyone know the best price out there? I've found $300 plus $90 for the fork. The only mis-painted frames I can find are 56 and up (I'm a 54).
Bekologist
03-20-07, 07:56 PM
ultegra, external bottom bracket, BUT I went with the steel fork (PIG!) and a Brooks, and a Salsa stem, making it a bit heavy.

If its weight you're concerned about, go with the carbon fork from IRD that takes the long reach brakes.

I think Soma mostly distributes thru Merry Sales, not a lot of cut rate prices on their frames as they are pretty small volume.