Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Thoughts on "race sport" bikes

I'm looking for a bike with hopes of riding longer distances, and wanted your guy's thoughts on "race sport" bikes. I'm 41, 6'3" and 225 lbs and first thought was to get a tourer, but decided I wanted something a little more aggressive, but not as aggressive as a race bike. I want something a little more relaxed fitting. I was thinking a Cannondale Synapse, Surly Pacer or a used Waterford RS22 or Merckx MX Leader. I just thought I'd throw it out there for you guys on your thoughts on these bike or maybe someothers I haven't thought of.

Thanks,
Mutt

if it was me id look into a nice ti framed bike, you can even go with custom geometry to really get the ride perfect. My ti bike is light, fast and comfortable for long rides....i love it

independent fabrications, seven cycles and a buch of other guys make some amazing bikes.

if you wanna go a bit cheaper the felt z series bikes have a more comfortable riding position but still have aggressive angles so they are very raceable...actually alot of the slipstream guys have raced the z series frames over their f series (more racey)

A lot of people comment on how well behaved but "zippy" the Specialized Roubaix is. I took one for a ride the other day and I'd have to agree. I think that bike with fender clearance would be great for what you described. A little research turned up the Specialized Sirrus Pro which has almost the exact same geometry as the Roubaix, fender mounts with clearance for 32's AND is carbon!!! Change out the flat bar for a drop bar and your in business. It's an option...

Jamis (http://www.jamisbikes.com/) makes some steel bikes that may be better for longer rides. I've only read good things about the steel frames from them. Specifically the Quest, Satellite and Aurora.

I'm looking for a bike with hopes of riding longer distances, and wanted your guy's thoughts on "race sport" bikes. I'm 41, 6'3" and 225 lbs and first thought was to get a tourer, but decided I wanted something a little more aggressive, but not as aggressive as a race bike. I want something a little more relaxed fitting. I was thinking a Cannondale Synapse, Surly Pacer or a used Waterford RS22 or Merckx MX Leader. I just thought I'd throw it out there for you guys on your thoughts on these bike or maybe someothers I haven't thought of.

Thanks,
Mutt

I think that it might be helpful if you define, for yourself, "aggressive" and "relaxed". All too often these are just bike shop buzzwords that have more to do with perception than reality.

In terms of fit, "aggressive" and "relaxed" has more to do with frame size than anything else. If you want a more upright -- i.e. "relaxed" -- position, buy a larger frame.

In terms of geometry, I have never really understood "aggressive" geometry, even when making a living racing bikes. IMO, a bike should be neutral handling regardless of purpose. A bike that you have to think about and "reign in" is not useful or pleasant for a 45 minute criterium any more than it is for a three month tour. Angles of 75 degrees do NOT make a bike "fast" or "slow", any more than do angles of 71 degrees, so put that out of your mind if it's a concern.

And finally, there is simply "aggressive" in, well, "aura", I guess. Flashy graphics, ridden by ____ ____ in the Tour, made with a matrix of frog toes and elephant urine, whatever. This is fine if it suits you but is unlikely to be any faster than whatever carbon bike Performance has on sale this week.

So in your shoes I would simply look for a bike that is in my price range, has the features (braze-ons, etc.) that I want, doesn't include any super lightweight bits or ridiculous angles, and -- perhaps most importantly -- just tickles me.

HTH!

Depending on where you live, the Marinoni Sportivo (http://www.marinoni.qc.ca/Html/SportTouring.html) would be an excellent choice. I believe you can have the bike custom built for a small additional charge.

I think that it might be helpful if you define, for yourself, "aggressive" and "relaxed". All too often these are just bike shop buzzwords that have more to do with perception than reality.

In terms of fit, "aggressive" and "relaxed" has more to do with frame size than anything else. If you want a more upright -- i.e. "relaxed" -- position, buy a larger frame.

In terms of geometry, I have never really understood "aggressive" geometry, even when making a living racing bikes. IMO, a bike should be neutral handling regardless of purpose. A bike that you have to think about and "reign in" is not useful or pleasant for a 45 minute criterium any more than it is for a three month tour. Angles of 75 degrees do NOT make a bike "fast" or "slow", any more than do angles of 71 degrees, so put that out of your mind if it's a concern.

And finally, there is simply "aggressive" in, well, "aura", I guess. Flashy graphics, ridden by ____ ____ in the Tour, made with a matrix of frog toes and elephant urine, whatever. This is fine if it suits you but is unlikely to be any faster than whatever carbon bike Performance has on sale this week.

So in your shoes I would simply look for a bike that is in my price range, has the features (braze-ons, etc.) that I want, doesn't include any super lightweight bits or ridiculous angles, and -- perhaps most importantly -- just tickles me.

HTH!

Great post Six, thanks you put it in prespective for me. I guess the bike I'm looking for doesn't have to win me "The Tour" or even the club race for that matter. I'm 41 and don't feel the need anymore to be leading the pack of a lycra filled blur. I get all the speed I need at work so when I ride want to relax and decompress. I want a "soulful" bike (If that makes since to anyone) one that I can go out and enjoy a few quick miles or an all day ride where I can enjoy the outdoors and, maybe some light touring, and not just getting to the destination. I'm just getting back into biking and don't want to break the bank on a bike but I want something to enjoy, then maybe or maybe not get that money no object dream bike. Not sure if this post makes sense to anyone but that's kind of what I'm looking for. I guess I'm just going to try out a lot of bikes. Maybe some of you guys help me narrow it down if you can figure out what the hell I've been babbling about, lol.

Thanks
Mutt

There are a lot of very decent bikes for just riding, which in all seriousness is what the huge majority of us are doing. I think most of the bikes you mentioned in your OP would be wonderful, although I'd stay away from the Merckx. (I had one, and while it a wonderful tool for a road sprinter, it's a bit of a rough ride.)

I think the other suggestions would be fine too. Were I interested in modern "performance" bike with comfort and good manners, the Specialized Roubaix would be high on my list.

And if you don't mind a bit of DIY -- or know a trusted shop/mechanic -- an eighties "sport-touring" frame really offers an awful lot of value.

And you may even consider a cyclocross frame, which offers a lot of utility, stable/comfortable handling, and usually good clearance for fenders, bags, etc.

Have fun!

just got a pacer myself, and like it a lot!! a solid bike that has good clearance for sure. i did a 5,000 ft-gain ride today on it and it felt really nice.

it's not as stiff or light as my racy ciocc, but is much more comfortable over long distances, especially with 28's on it.