Comfort and speed

[hotbird]

Help! I have been riding a Novara Strada (steel) for the last decade and am ready to upgrade. Thought I wanted carbon frame but test rides on Trek Madone 6.5 and Orbea Orca have been "rough' with significant vibration. Really disappointed as both bikes are highlly rated.

I typically ride a couple of hilly centuries a year and enjoy 50+ mile weekend rides (rolling terrain) almost every weekend. Any recommendations?

[Bacciagalupe]

Keep in mind that bikes like the Madone and Orca are designed for racing rather than comfort. Carbon tubing for race bikes is often formed specifically for stiffness rather than vertical compliance, and the geometry is also set in a fairly aggressive position. All of which makes for a faster but less comfortable bike.

As for recommendations, I guess that depends on what issues you have with the old bike other than getting bitten by the Upgrade Bug. ;) At any rate, assuming you're looking for something that's carbon and a reasonable blend of speed and comfort:

Specialized Roubaix
Fuji Roubaix
Giant OCR Composite
Jamis Eclipse
Felt Z15, Z25
Cervelo R3

You might also consider titanium (Seven Cycles), high-end steel (Waterford, Mercian, IF), or midrange steel (Lemond Sarthe), depending on your budget.

[bobbycorno]

Keep in mind that bikes like the Madone and Orca are designed for racing rather than comfort. Carbon tubing for race bikes is often formed specifically for stiffness rather than vertical compliance, and the geometry is also set in a fairly aggressive position. All of which makes for a faster but less comfortable bike.

As for recommendations, I guess that depends on what issues you have with the old bike other than getting bitten by the Upgrade Bug. ;) At any rate, assuming you're looking for something that's carbon and a reasonable blend of speed and comfort:

Specialized Roubaix
Fuji Roubaix
Giant OCR Composite
Jamis Eclipse
Felt Z15, Z25
Cervelo R3

You might also consider titanium (Seven Cycles), high-end steel (Waterford, Mercian, IF), or midrange steel (Lemond Sarthe), depending on your budget.

also, Trek Pilot.

SP

[bobbycorno]

also, Trek Pilot.

SP

and, oh yeah, if you're considering contemporary steel, Gunnar Roadie, Crosshairs or Sport. I've got a Roadie and a Crosshairs and love 'em both. Smooth, fast, and very reasonably priced. Made from the same materials in the same factory by the same people as Waterford for way less $$$ (Gunnar is Waterford's economy brand).

SP

[dewaday]

Two more to consider.

Cannondale Synapse series
Bianchi C2C series

[Spookykinkajou]

Help! I have been riding a Novara Strada (steel) for the last decade and am ready to upgrade. Thought I wanted carbon frame but test rides on Trek Madone 6.5 and Orbea Orca have been "rough' with significant vibration. Really disappointed as both bikes are highlly rated.

I typically ride a couple of hilly centuries a year and enjoy 50+ mile weekend rides (rolling terrain) almost every weekend. Any recommendations?

Serotta has a really nice non-custom called the Fierte that is excellent riding and less aggressive than the two you mentioned. it is primarily steel with a carbon rear.

[mattm]

if you're willing to drop big bucks on carbon, there's also new steel that's good - davidson custom bikes, vanilla, etc.

i'm riding a ciocc "com 12.5" steel bike, and love it! - definitely lighter, and much stiffer than my 2005 bianchi eros was.

[(BB)]

Also be conscious of the role that the tires and wheels play in the vibrations you feel. I'm pretty darn sure the smoother ride of my "rain" bike Vs. my "fast" has more to do with 90-100psi Vs. 115-125psi than frame composition.

[hotbird]

Thanks to all for your comments. I ended up getting the Orbea (close-out on '07 Orca that I could not pass up). No regrets! Wonderful hilly 60 mile ride yesterday on an absolutely magnificent machine -- with slightly less air in the tires!

[banerjek]

Help! I have been riding a Novara Strada (steel) for the last decade and am ready to upgrade. Thought I wanted carbon frame but test rides on Trek Madone 6.5 and Orbea Orca have been "rough' with significant vibration. Really disappointed as both bikes are highlly rated.

I typically ride a couple of hilly centuries a year and enjoy 50+ mile weekend rides (rolling terrain) almost every weekend. Any recommendations?
What kind of tires do you ride? They make a huge difference in comfort as do gloves. For hilly centuries, I'm not a fan of steel.