Road Cycling - Need help with a Flat-bar decision. . .

My first post, so here goes. Long story so I'll fill in details as you all reply (I hope!)

Choosing between a 2004 Fuji Royale and a 2004 Giant Cypress ST.

Fuji is, by spec, the better bike. However, if I want to test ride one, it seems like I basically have to buy one from a LBS who will have to order my size (23").

The Giant is not quite a roadbike frame (more mountain-bikish), but I liked the way it rode better than a Cannondale Road Warrior 800. I am used to commuting 10 miles a day to and from work on a Cannondale Mtn bike set-up with slicks and rack and stuff. I am very interested in a 700 size wheel and road bike transmission. Would like it to be lighter than my mountain bike, but does not need to be ultra-lite. Oh yeah, I want it to look cool too!!!!

Here's the question: Do I order the Fuji without test riding it (cost not an option) with a fear that I might not like the way it rides knowing that I could get the cheaper Giant bike (by $400) and know I'll be satisfied with the ride? Or do I have another option (like networking to find someone who has a Fuji locally that I can try)?

What do ya think?

You want to look real cool?
take a look at the Bianchi ALFANA, it's a fast, light rode bike with FLAT handle bars, what you want...
www.bianchiusa.com

The only problem is you have to shell out the dough!
Corsaire

www.feltusa.com

I have a 2002 Cannondale Warrior - like this one:

http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/02/images/sw700_02.jpg

I put some Shimano 700x23 R540s on it that came with another bike I bought. I also gave it a lower stem, carbon handle bars and a carbon seatpost.

I love it - it's fun to ride and really quick. Climbs are great since it's a triple or course and this morning I did 44 mph downhill without getting worried too much (might not be smart though, hehe).

Next week I'll upgrade the whole drivetrain to an Ultegra Triple ( if I don't run into any fitting problems). It's a great bike and even I'm riding a pure roadie most of the times I always come back to it.

I just got this bike:

http://www.ibexbikes.com/Bikes/2003/bikes_03CorridaLT_specs.html

It doesn't have the bar ends like the Bianchi or the Cannondale, but those should be easy to install, no?

www.feltusa.com
Thanks!!

Do you own one? How do you like it?

Thanks!!

Do you own one? How do you like it?
I like it alot.I'm also selling it.Got a new fuji.

I like it alot.I'm also selling it.Got a new fuji.
What new Fuji? The Royale?
Do you like the Fuji BETTER than the Felt?
Which Felt did you get?

Have a 2003 Felt SR 71 with around 1400 miles.Got a great deal on a 2003 Fuji Marseille that i mostly ride so i'm selling the Felt.I like the Felt but just dont have room in my very small garage that my wife keeps filling up with more xmas junk to box up and store year round.

i've test rode the fuji royale, or the one below it (same geometry, different components), and i have to say that i did not like it very much at all. i felt like it was either too upright, or the steerer tube was at too steep an angle....i dunno it just felt really jacked up to me, and i got to ride it for about an hour. i also kept feeling like i was gonna go over the handlebars every time i pulled the brakes.

compared to other fujis, i'd say this one felt about the same geometry-wise as their team pro...the one with the full dura ace. that one felt twitchy and weird to me compared to my other bikes. i've ridding pretty much the whole fuji line except for the mountain bikes. they just don't feel right to me. the royale is a nice buy, but you should DEFINITELY try to test ride one before you buy it.

i've test rode the fuji royale, or the one below it (same geometry, different components), and i have to say that i did not like it very much at all. i felt like it was either too upright, or the steerer tube was at too steep an angle....i dunno it just felt really jacked up to me, and i got to ride it for about an hour. i also kept feeling like i was gonna go over the handlebars every time i pulled the brakes.

compared to other fujis, i'd say this one felt about the same geometry-wise as their team pro...the one with the full dura ace. that one felt twitchy and weird to me compared to my other bikes. i've ridding pretty much the whole fuji line except for the mountain bikes. they just don't feel right to me. the royale is a nice buy, but you should DEFINITELY try to test ride one before you buy it.

Thank you so much for your insight! Do you have any Flat-bar recomendations? I'm kind of checking out the Felt SR71.

keseaman:

what feels right for me, might not feel right for everyone else. personally, if all you want is a bike with flat bars, but road geometry, and if you already have a road bike, just change the bars.

personally, i didn't like the fuji when i tried it out. you may feel differently. if you want to test ride one (which you should do), either try to find another shop that has one in stock or ask the shop to order it for you and make sure they understand that you might not end up buying it. the shop can send it back if it doesn't sell, or someone else will end up buying it.

maybe check out this bike (http://www.jamisbikes.com/bikes/04_coda_elite.html) from jamis, or the regular comp if you don't want disc brakes...

spcialized also has a few of the hardcore hybrids. check them out here. (http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkFamily.jsp?my=2003&sid=03Sirrus&JServSessionIdroot=ihd9o834xt.j27006)

i haven't had the opportunity to test one of the specialized bikes, but they look about the same as the fujis. and that FELT looks pretty nice too.

keseaman:

what feels right for me, might not feel right for everyone else. personally, if all you want is a bike with flat bars, but road geometry, and if you already have a road bike, just change the bars.

personally, i didn't like the fuji when i tried it out. you may feel differently. if you want to test ride one (which you should do), either try to find another shop that has one in stock or ask the shop to order it for you and make sure they understand that you might not end up buying it. the shop can send it back if it doesn't sell, or someone else will end up buying it.

maybe check out this bike (http://www.jamisbikes.com/bikes/04_coda_elite.html) from jamis, or the regular comp if you don't want disc brakes...

spcialized also has a few of the hardcore hybrids. check them out here. (http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkFamily.jsp?my=2003&sid=03Sirrus&JServSessionIdroot=ihd9o834xt.j27006)

i haven't had the opportunity to test one of the specialized bikes, but they look about the same as the fujis. and that FELT looks pretty nice too.
Its not just change the bars.Its bars,brakes,shifters,maybe stem,al the cables.

i'm aware...remember the thread where i was talking about putting risers on my pinarello?

you wouldn't have to replace ALL the cables...just the brakes...it's still cheaper than buying a new bike...