Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Should I get a road bike?

I have been lurking in these forums for the last few months. I am 6'1" and around 245 lbs and wanted to get into biking to lose weight and get some energy. About a month and a half ago, I went to the LBS and purchased some bikes.

I picked up a Trek 7100 hybrid for myself. The bike has been great for the past month and a half. I ride everyday, taking Wednesdays off. I generally do 10-15 miles each weekday and then 20 miles each day on the weekend. I'm not a speed demon and average 12mph. I can get up to 16-18 on flat surfaces but the local trails here have a quite of bit of grades which slows me down.

My nephew has been riding with me on his BMX. 20+ miles on a BMX is quite a haul and I was considering passing my Trek 7100 hybrid to him and picking up a new road bike.

I only paid $300 or so for the 7100 and found that the entry level road bikes are much more expensive.
I can pay up to a $1000 or so. Since I am just starting out, anything more than that would probably be wasted.

I do not necessarily need a new bike. The Trek 7100 is great and I am very happy. Should I keep the 7100 this season and maybe purchase the road bike in the offseason or perhaps look for a deal on Ebay? Or pick up new road bike now so I can enjoy it this season?

At 245 lbs, would I be comfortable on a road bike? When I lean forward on my hybrid, the belly gets in the way and it's somewhat uncomfortable. Should I follow my goal of dropping 20-40lbs and perhaps get a road bike then?

Im, 231pnds and am quite comfortable on a roady
Its up to you if you do 99% of your riding on road I say YES it will increase your speed and enjoyment
+ you can do some good for your nephew
Ebay is good but make sure you "size" each brand of bike first as the all differ
good luck

When I started out on my dad's old road bike last summer I probably weighed just about what you do, maybe a touch more. It could be a bit tough on the back but it got better as I got used to it and lost more weight. This spring I bought myself a new bike and had it properly fitted (+1 to that) and I've had zero problems (also I'm down to 196). Think about a CL find for this summer, get a taste for it before you dump a bunch of cash into a new bike. Hold on the the 7100 (and let your nephew borrow it if you want) to leave your options open.

The Roadies have a pretty useful sticky thread going over in their little world.....

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=268941

My return to biking a couple of months ago was brought about on a Mt bikie. My riding days from 20+ years ago and nearly 100 lbs (pre-return to riding) was all road stuff. I had some concerns about the survival of a bike with me on it. I have found that with 36 spoke wheels, I have little problem, and much more enjoyment on a Roadie.

My suggestion, head to your LBS, or one that does, and rent a road bike similar to what you think you might want. Ride it like you stole if for the afternoon and reflect on the day.

You don't have to spend a grand on a road bike, unless you just want to, to have a reliable and serviciable ride. You can always go with a nice entry level bike and upgrade and add shwag as the desire an denaro comes about.

One thing to consider is if you think you will ever commute. If so, I'm not sold on a pure Roadie being a good answer. You might think about a touring set up, and get the best of both worlds if commuting is a possibility.


Of course, there is my approach.....I'm apparently trying to turn my game room into a mini LBS showroom with one of everything for specific use:D

I think I would stick with what you have for the time being and maybe help your nephew who's riding the BMX bike find something that's a little more suited for the long haul.

Ride the wheels off what you currently have, you have a nice bike. One upgrade Id consider doing is swapping the suspension fork out for something ridgid, that would get you a step closer to a "true" road bike.

Also, since it will be your first roadie purchase, Id recommend buying at a good LBS that can steer you in the right direction for fit, proper frame size and price.

I have been lurking in these forums for the last few months. I am 6'1" and around 245 lbs and wanted to get into biking to lose weight and get some energy. About a month and a half ago, I went to the LBS and purchased some bikes.

I picked up a Trek 7100 hybrid for myself. The bike has been great for the past month and a half. I ride everyday, taking Wednesdays off. I generally do 10-15 miles each weekday and then 20 miles each day on the weekend. I'm not a speed demon and average 12mph. I can get up to 16-18 on flat surfaces but the local trails here have a quite of bit of grades which slows me down.

My nephew has been riding with me on his BMX. 20+ miles on a BMX is quite a haul and I was considering passing my Trek 7100 hybrid to him and picking up a new road bike.

I only paid $300 or so for the 7100 and found that the entry level road bikes are much more expensive.
I can pay up to a $1000 or so. Since I am just starting out, anything more than that would probably be wasted.

I do not necessarily need a new bike. The Trek 7100 is great and I am very happy. Should I keep the 7100 this season and maybe purchase the road bike in the offseason or perhaps look for a deal on Ebay? Or pick up new road bike now so I can enjoy it this season?

At 245 lbs, would I be comfortable on a road bike? When I lean forward on my hybrid, the belly gets in the way and it's somewhat uncomfortable. Should I follow my goal of dropping 20-40lbs and perhaps get a road bike then?

If the only problem is the belly in the way, then, yeah, go for it...... What you need to do, is get the dealer leave the steerer on the fork as long as possible, and to use spacers on it, this should leave the bars much higher then normal, for a road bike. As you lose the belly, gain some core strength and maybe lose some weight too, you move the spacers from below the stem to above the stem, a few mm at a time. A year from now, you get them to cut the steerer and remove the extra spacers.

A bigger concern then that, though is the wheels, if you have wheels with less then 32 spokes, then spoke tension becomes very critical. The heavier the rider, and the lower the spoke count, the more critical it becomes. A lot of road bikes are designed for guys of 145lbs (I can't imagine a guy 6'1 and 145lbs, not looking like someone in the final throws of a battle with Aids*) and the low spoke count wheels, are fine for them, not so fine for a 245lb rider, unless spoke tension is kept very close to ideal. This often isn't an issue for pro riders with their own team mechanics, who keep a collection of wheels, and can swap wheels every day, and re-tension the wheels coming off the bike. A lot of guys around here, get hand built 36 spoke wheels with double wall rims, they don't then have wheel issues, although that can mean spending $250 or more on each a wheel...... Some of those guys go for the heavy duty wheels right away, others use the factory wheels until those give problems (usually broken spokes, or cracked rims from the high tension), then get the HD wheels installed. Advantage for going with the HD wheels right away, is that the dealer might take the factory wheels as trade, or you can fleabay the factory wheels, to recoup some of the cost of the HD wheels....









* No disrespect intended for those who may have, be related to or know someone with Aids.

Go for it!!! I have a Giant cypress hybrid and now I'm ready for a roadie!!! If you ever ride any gravel trails, then keep your hybrid and let your nephew use it on your rides with him. If the ONLY type of riding you do is asphalt, then consider passing it on to him.

I'm keeping my hybrid because it does have a specific use in my arsenal--riding the C&O--its the perfect bike for that trail.

To get my nephew up to speed, I would probably purchase him a 7100 hybrid same as mine. I was considering the new road bike so I would not have 4 of the same model of bike. I also purchased 2 7100 WSDs for other family members when I got my bike. Occasionally, my nephew will take out one of the WSDs but I can tell he hates riding a "girls bike".

The road bike would give us a different type of bike to enjoy. Me and my nephew can even take turns on the road bike.

The trail I use is about 25 years old. It has some wear and bumps + there are a few wooden bridges to cross. I am hoping the tires on the road bike would hold up well. I do see other road bikes on the trail so I'm assuming it will not be a problem (unless they have upgraded tires).

If the entry road bike was $300-$400 like the entry hybrid, I would definately pick it up. Going to the $750-$1000 mark is weighing on my decision. But I do have the money and I enjoy biking immensely.

The reason for looking on eBay for a bike is because I did not have the best experience with my LBS. That day, I bought 4 bikes, 1 Trek 7100, 2 Trek 7100 WSDs, and a BMX. I walked out spending around $1300, which isn't bad for 4 bikes. After the bikes were built, they called me and told me to pick them up. I asked the guy about getting "fitted" for our bikes. I have read on BikeForums that going to the LBS and getting fitted for the bike is the right way to do things. The guy told me, "Dude, all we're going to do is raise or lower the handlebars and seat. You can do that at home." I felt that the service wasn't there with this LBS. I am hoping to have a better experience in the future.

The LBS I dealt with deals exclusively Trek. They said they can special order other brands but they have none in stock for me to test ride. There is a bike store on the other side of town that deals with Giant and Cannondale. I may pay them a visit to see what they offer.

I'm about 75% ready to get the road bike. I like my 7100 and I would hate the get the road bike and not enjoy it (because of the leaning). My LBS does not rent bikes so I have no way of trying one out.

Ouch! Sounds like you need to find a better LBS that's not good service. Another option that hasn't bee mentioned is putting skinnier commute tires on your hybrid, that will speed it up.
Theoretically you don't need a roadie. But when I got one it suddenly motivated me to ride farther and faster, there's something about it...

Another option, if you don't mind doin some wrenching yourself, is to get one from the infamous bikes direct. They have the Fantom CX for about $500. Looks like a pretty good setup, just swap the knobbies for slicks and you have roadbike. One of the great things about Cross Bike is you can run as fat of a tire as you want if you're concerned about the trails being rough.

Forgive me for posting here, as I am 5'6" and "only" 172lbs. However, I must give a +1 to seriously comsidering a road bike.

Last September I bought a Raleigh Venture comfort bike. I used it throughout fall and winter, but this spring switched out the fat, mountain bike like tires for high pressure slicks. That did indeed make a huge difference.

JUst recently I read in one of the threads in the 50+ forum about certain road bikes, such as the Giant OCR series, having a very relaxed geometry. I investigated and sure enough the OCR's even have an adjustable stem so that one can, if he or she wishes, ride almost as upright as on a comfort bike. Of equal importance, the OCR's have a second set of brake levers on the flat bar portion of the handle bar.

So, just yesterday I purchased and picked up my 2008 Giant OCR 3. For me, this rides like a dream, and while the really serious and seasoned riders might scoff at the Sora derailliers, they are a big step up from where I was:). The LBS even gave me $150 as a trade on the comfort bike, and let me switch out the pedals with clips for one without clips that iare $30 for the pair - great, great pedals - there are many small "spikes" that allow for terrific gripping power, and also allow you to pull up on the pedals.

Anyway, just my 2 cents - good luck with your decision!

Best regards
Barry,62
New Jersey

In between hybrids and racy bikes is the traditional road bike. The geometry
of the bike I have now is little different from the one I bought in 1970.

It will take a tire large enough to cushion rough roads, or be stable on dirt ( I am using 32c this year). But while it's not as fast as a racing bike, it's not slow either.
They also typically have eyelets for racks which allows commuting and lite touring.
With light wheels and tires it'll show some hustle.

Some examples of the breed are the Surly Pacer, Salsa Casseroll, Gunnar Sport, just to name a couple off the top of my head.

I have had many different bikes. This is the type I have been happiest with.

Neither, start lurking on Craigs List. You should be able to find a nice road bike, even a late model (a couple of years old or so) for about 50% of new.

Remember, the rule on how many bikes you should have is N+1 (just one more from the number you have now). Formula resets when you buy another bike of course. Right now I am at three bikes, plus five more in the flip/resell/donate category.

Once you have one bike, you can wait awhile for that special deal. No rush.

Craigs List is my favorite place to buy, no shipping, and if you are quick, some pretty good deals. Thrift shops and garage sales have the "best" deals, but pickin's can be few and far between.

Since you already have the hybrid, I would hunt for a road bike next, or a rigid mountain bike (that can be easily converted to road service).

Right now, my most comfortable bike is the Schwinn Crisscross that I picked up at a garage sale for $10 (cheaper than renting a bike...). I did have to replace the seat ($2 at Salvation Army). It has more relaxed geometry than my Trek SL1000 road bike. It is certainly heavier than the Trek for sure.

The other nice thing about used bikes is that you can flip them and get most if not all of your money back out of it.

Get a road bike dude. I had a MTB with slicks for a long time and was only riding on roads. You can go faster on a road bike, and I found myself rapidly increasing the distances I would ride (from 10-15 miles up to the mid 30's per ride).

Prices start dropping again in August. The problem is that you may save, say $175 on a $1000 road bike, but then you miss out on two months of riding it.

I want:

http://catalog.northcentralcyclery.com/images/library/large/surly_bk0658_07_m.jpg

I stopped by the LBS today and did some window shopping. My LBS deals all Trek so there wasn't much of a selection. The weight of these road bikes are incredible. I couldn't believe how light they were.

I have a short list of bikes that I'm looking at. Being a bicyclist for less than 2 months, I still know nothing about bikes (derailleurs, gears, etc.). The 3 bikes I'm looking at are first based on price and then color. Pardon my ignorance, but that's all I have to go on. :(

Trek 1.2 for $700 (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/road/1_series/12/)

This is the cheapest road bike they had. Looks nice and should do the job.

Trek 1.5 for $900 (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/road/1_series/15/)

I asked the dealer about the spokes on the 1.5. He said that less spokes do not make a weaker wheel and that the 1.2 and 1.5 wheels will hold the same weight. He said there should be no issues holding up my 245lbs with the 1.5. I like the white version of this bike and would have the LBS switch the white tape on the handlebars to black so it will not get dirty. I really like the look of this bike.

Felt F85 for $1000 (http://www.feltracing.com/08/product.asp?catid=1504,1515&pid=8667)

I like the look of this bike as well. The yellow is different and unique. This bike would need to be ordered and I have no way of test riding one. The shop had 2 other Felts. One was a 2007 Z70 and I forget the other. They did not have an F85.

The bike shop has a Trek 2.1 (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/road/2_series/21/) for only $1099. Thats the price on the tag without any haggling. From the MSRP, it seems like a great deal. Although, I'm trying to get away from the blue/silver color. It is almost the same as my hyrbid.

I live in a smaller city and there aren't any decent bikes on Craiglist so I have to buy new.

Any thoughts or suggestions? I may take a ride to the other shop across town that deals Giant and Cannondale, but I would be happy with any of the bikes above.

I'm 290lb and I recently bought a Giant OCR1($800) to go along with my commuter Giant Cypress.

Even though the OCR technically fits me, I do find my belly being in the way. I've ended up stealing my riser from my mountain bike and put it on the OCR(http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B000FHBED0/ref=dp_image?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&img=MAIN&color%5Fname=x), makes the ride a lot more comfortable while still getting the speed benefits of the road bike.

Hopefully I'll keep loosing more of the belly and the riser can come off.

Dave

Ride all three of those you mentioned and buy the one that feels the best. I am 320 and on a road bike. Oh a pix time..here it is
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee203/cohophysh/IMG_0645.jpg

Yes, buy a road style touring bike . You'll ride faster and have more fun but at Clydesdale size, strength, comfort and fit are vital. A touring bike offers this.

I purchased a Novarra Randonee- a steel framed touring bike with traditional geometry. It has 36 spoke design, a strong comfortable frame built for loads, low gearing and 32c tires. Its fun to ride and definitely a step up from my hybrid bike. Check the touring forum for recommended bikes under $1000. The Fuji Touring $699 , Windsor $599, Raleigh Sojurn $1000, Trek 520 are all good choices.

I second the suggestion to look for a used bike. There are thousands of them out there for cheap.

Ride all three of those you mentioned and buy the one that feels the best. I am 320 and on a road bike. Oh a pix time..here it is
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee203/cohophysh/IMG_0645.jpg
Nice looking bike, although your kitty seems unimpressed (mine are not too impressed with my bikes either) :)

Don't get me wrong, because I mean no offense. Just trying to offer the opposite point of view than most of the posters. Seriously, you weigh 245lbs and you think a lighter road bike will make any difference? Trust me, the weight of the bike is not going to mean a thing. If you already feel that leaning forward on your current bike isn't comfortable, there's no magic formula that will make a road bike any more comfortable. In fact, it will probably be much worse unless you turn it into a hybrid by getting the handlebars real high. And if you do that, you're not really gaining anything, plus you seriously compromise the handling characteristics that are built into its frame. What's good about a road bike is the more forward more leaned over position (for more efficient pedaling). If you can't ride it like that, then all you would be gaining from a road bike is the curve and drop positions on the drop bars. Nothing wrong with that, because many touring road bikes are ridden like that, but I'm guessing based on what you said that you wouldn't be using the drops much anyway if your stomach gets in the way.

Look, I'm a lightweight myself, so I can't speak for the clydesdales, but I do have a bit of a stomach size problem due to having to be on prescribed steroids (not the anabolic kind), not to mention being 55 years old). You should consider just riding what you have and then later, once you are more fit and maybe leaner if that's what you want, then look at road bikes. Otherwise, you're just wasting your money trying to satisfy a craving for a new, flashier-looking bike.

The first thing you should do if you want more efficient riding is to replicate the road bike position on your existing bike by lowering the handlebars a little. See if you like it. If you do, that may be all you need, plus some barends for more hand positions to simulate riding on the hoods of a drop bar.

There's absolutely nothing mystical about a road bike. If you get one and you end up having to ride the thing in the same higher position as you do your hybrid or whatever, then you are not gaining anything except the right to call it a road bike and to dream about racing through France and Italy. More fit and faster guys on hybrids and old mountain bikes will still be passing you if they were before, and then they we will all have to see more "I smoked a roadie" posts on here :-)

I'm 263, down from 272, since I bought my road bike 8 weeks ago. I am amazed by the performance and speed of a road bike. The last two weekends I rode over 70 miles each weekend. Road bikes are a lot of fun. It is important to be alert and careful when out on the roads is my only caveat. All things considered I find road bikes to be fantastic and a great way to lose weight.

Well it seems me and the OP have the same problem. I bought a my first bike - aTrek 7100 about 5 weeks ago and i find myself with roadbike fever. I have been riding my trek alot since i bought it, somewhere between 350-400 miles. I have genrealy been cruising around 12-13 mph and kept thinking how much faster i could be with a road bike but at 263 lbs speed isnt one of my top pirorities. I lowered the handle bars and added bar ends to it so its as close as i can get it. The problem is i am a 5'10", with a 29-30 inch inseam...very long torso, and i find the top-tube to short to really let me lean out into the bike. Which i am not complaing about since thats what a comfort bike is for. About a week ago i decided that i needed to start "pushing myself" harder. I went from going on a moderate bike ride to down right hard riding, i am spinning out gears i used to use only on a downhill. Now i try to keep my speed above 16 mph at all times and i find it pretty enjoyable and is helping with my roadbike fever, i still plan on getting one, but with my budget that may be a while, so until then i figure i have a great bike to practice cadence, speed, technique, climbing. Plus it gives me alot of time to really learn about road bikes, like i said i just bought my first bike a month and half ago. I need to ride alot more to know my weakness's, strengths, preferences to help me determine what i would look for in a road bike. I think my trek 7100 is a great bike its helping me figure out what i do and do not want out of a bike.

So i guess to answer your question, should you take the jump to a road bike? Its entirely up to you. I would love to take the jump, but in the meantime i am enjoying my 7100 while i really learn about the sport/hobby and what is really out there in terms of road bikes.

I've got several bikes spanning 30 years of cycling.
Just as there is no comparison in effeciency between my restored 81 Schwinn LeTour Tourist and my 91 23 pound Paramount PDG, there is no comparrison between the paramount and my new 17lb carbon fibre Moto IF.
At 222 lbs I truly worried about everything holding up wth the Moto.
Well,everything has and my speed and endurance are up substantially.
The caveat here is: Road Bikes are not geared for much besides the road. By road I mean asphalt and in decent condition.
IMHO is that the more effecient the ride the farther you tend to go and the faster,all of which should (but don't take my word for it cause I ain't lost diddly pound wise over the past 3 months and 2400 miles of riding)result in a loss in weight.
BTW Look at BikesDirect when you gind yourself in the market. I was pleasently supprised at their operation and very happy with the price.

I'm still looking and still haven't made a decision.

I'm really leaning towards the Felt F85 (http://www.feltracing.com/08/product.asp?catid=1504,1515&pid=8667). Love the color and it has 105/Ultegra components which is better than the Treak 1.5 I was considering.

My LBS only stocks Trek so I would not be able to test ride this bike. He said they can order the Felt for me though.

I've done some searching and seen very little talk about the F85. It's gotten pretty positive reviews, but not alot of people talking about it. You would think with the 105/Ultegra, it would be the best thing going for $1000.

I started on a hybrid too and recently bought a road bike. I love it, it's so much more fun than the hybrid. The acceleration and speed is just great. I used to weight 230 when I first bought the bike and it held me fine (even with 23 tires). Now I'm around 195.

Howdy fellow riding enthusiasts. I'm new to this site. As of tonight actually.

I just read the post from the 6' 1", 245 lb. gentleman. I'm 5' 11" and about 250 lbs. at the moment. My gaol is to get down to 200 lbs. by this summer. I've been vigorously walking about 3 miles a day in preparation for the big riding push this coming summer. I live in MI, so realistically we have a 7, at best 8-month riding season. I own a 1991 27", Schwinn Crisscross, (that I'm sad to say I haven't been on for the last two years..I know; shame on me). In all actuality this bicycle supports my rather "ample" frame really well. I've loved this bike when I bought it in Mar. 1991, and I still love it as much now as I did back then.

My problem is how to find a way to "safely ride" on the roads in an ever-increasing traffic volume situation. And the fears that's associated with that.

Does anyone out there have some suggestions? I'd appreciate that.

Thanks..........

Vic B.

I am 5'10", 28" inseam, 234lbs and love the Specialized Roubaix that I purchased a few months ago. You might also want to take a look at the Specialized Seqouia as many Clydes have raved about this one. I have ridden road bikes, mtn. bikes and recumbents and have found this bike (with a Selle Anatomica saddle) to be the most comfortable, and best a providing a great workout as well. It might be worth your while to look at another LBS to test out additional bikes. Demo, demo, demo....your size surely does not preclude your riding a road bike.
Enjoy...
Bob

I'm still looking and still haven't made a decision.

I'm really leaning towards the Felt F85 (http://www.feltracing.com/08/product.asp?catid=1504,1515&pid=8667). Love the color and it has 105/Ultegra components which is better than the Treak 1.5 I was considering.

My LBS only stocks Trek so I would not be able to test ride this bike. He said they can order the Felt for me though.

I've done some searching and seen very little talk about the F85. It's gotten pretty positive reviews, but not alot of people talking about it. You would think with the 105/Ultegra, it would be the best thing going for $1000.

It is a good bike. I ride a F-80 2006 model

Howdy fellow riding enthusiasts. I'm new to this site. As of tonight actually.

I just read the post from the 6' 1", 245 lb. gentleman. I'm 5' 11" and about 250 lbs. at the moment. My gaol is to get down to 200 lbs. by this summer. I've been vigorously walking about 3 miles a day in preparation for the big riding push this coming summer. I live in MI, so realistically we have a 7, at best 8-month riding season. I own a 1991 27", Schwinn Crisscross, (that I'm sad to say I haven't been on for the last two years..I know; shame on me). In all actuality this bicycle supports my rather "ample" frame really well. I've loved this bike when I bought it in Mar. 1991, and I still love it as much now as I did back then.

My problem is how to find a way to "safely ride" on the roads in an ever-increasing traffic volume situation. And the fears that's associated with that.

Does anyone out there have some suggestions? I'd appreciate that.

Thanks..........

Vic B.

The number one thing that helped me feel comfortable about riding on busy roads was my "Take-A-Look" helmet mirror. That and becoming more familiar with roads in my area that had lighter traffic and/or bike lanes. See if you can find a cycling map for your location that shows bike lanes, suggested routes and trails and go exploring.

Good luck!

Hi Vic, for best results you should probably start a new thread as your question doesn't really flow with the original posters topic. I would do it for you but I'm not a mod.

Anyways, the best way to deal with your fear of traffic is to get out there and ride in it. Don't jump right onto the busiest street you can find, start in your neighborhood or lacking that drive out into suburbia and ride around the calm streets to get used to the cars passing you. When you get comfortable with this head out into a buisier street. Wear a relective safety vest and buy a planet bike super flash, run this at all timesm even in the day as it's strobe is highly visable (and it's only 25 bucks). Ride predicably, don't weave back and forth and you should be fine. Hold your line but be considerate of traffic, let them by whenever possible. You won't win the battle with a 4000lb piece of metal.

Good luck :thumb:

I started out pretty much the same as you just last year but with a 7.3 Trekfx. Within 1 month I had a road bike and yes it made a huge difference on the lighter bike. I hear over and over again from skinny guys that what would you want a lighter bike for it's like they believe it's their sole domain. Get a road bike and you will love it. Don't worry about it if you hav eto rais ethe bar or flip the stem, once you loose some more and regain some flexability it can be adjusted again and believe me you should. AS your body changes your position cahnges. As for what brand all I can say is fit first, components second and hopefully the looks fall in line. Saying that I'd go with the Felt, great looking bike plus it has better components. I would spend the extra money to have at least Shimano 105 or Campy and Sram equivilent.

If you were to buy a recumbent, then you could benefit from the aerodynamic advantages of what is known as an aero-belly in 'bent circles!