Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - New cyclist...need advice on choosing bike.

I am purchasing my first road bike, so far I have been riding a Caloi Pro my father gave me. I am 6'4 and about 215lbs. So far I have narrowed my search to two bikes. The Scott CR1 Team and the Specialized Tarmac Elite. The Scott CR1 is a 2007 and is about $300 cheaper than the Specialized which is a 2008. Both are carbon frames, both have Shimano 105 component set. The reviews for both bikes seem attractive...does anyone have any insight? I am looking to purchase within a few days for a long ride next weekend. Thanks for you help.

Have you ridden either bike? Why are you deciding between those two? (Sale at your LBS, I presume?)

Either way, taking a new bike out an a "long ride next weekend" doesn't seem the most prudent move to me.

Either way, taking a new bike out an a "long ride next weekend" doesn't seem the most prudent move to me.

+1

For the money, these are my best two bets. Is it not a good idea to take a recently purchased bike out for a 80 mile ride?

Not because of the new bike, but because the butt isn't used to the new bike. Different geometry as well, perhaps. It can either be great, or terrible if you do it. There is rarely a middle ground on this.

By the way, I'm prejudiced heavily in favor of the Tarmac :D Specialized makes a great bike and we need more pics in the CLyde Specialized Bike thread ;)

Completely agree. 80 miles on a new bike might be painful on the hind end. By the way, welcome to the forum and where are you from? I see jax in you name and wondered if you in Jacksonville?

Yes I am in Jacksonville, FL. I ride the Balwin Rail Trail a few times a week and am just upgrading my bike.

Are you looking at the Scott at Bikes Etc. ? Ride the trail every so often and I'm on the Southside. Might have to get together for a ride out at the trail one day. Nice hearing from another local clyde.

Unless you are a seasoned rider and already have 80 mile rides under your belt, I would be very surprised to see someone get on a new bike and ride 80 miles. But, each person is different and you may be fine. Does your bike shop want the bike back after 100 miles to check it out. Your cables will stretch, and things may need adjusted.

Have fun if you go!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm just curious, would taking his new bike on the ride be a safer bet if he put his old saddle on it for this ride? I know I would have a hard time leaving my brand new bike at home!

I'm just curious, would taking his new bike on the ride be a safer bet if he put his old saddle on it for this ride? I know I would have a hard time leaving my brand new bike at home!


If you put an old saddle on a new bike, the new bike will spontaneously combust into flames and melt into little carbon puddles right there in your driveway.

:eek: I'm glad I asked!!

If you put an old saddle on a new bike, the new bike will spontaneously combust into flames and melt into little carbon puddles right there in your driveway.

bwahahahaha