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05-23-04, 08:59 AM
I've been looking at new road bikes, and being new to the sport, I haven't rode many different types of bikes. Honestly, I've rode my older steel ride and a carbon bike. I've yet to try out aluminum. Maybe once I'm closer to making a decision, I'll swing by one of the shops and try one out.
Anyways, I hear and read that al is a harsher ride, vibrates more and is just overall, for racing. Steel is supposed to be smoother and more flexing(?), but it's also heavy (although newer steels are still lighter than my 80's Centurion).
Ti is supposedly stronger, lighter and smoother and both, but it's not in the budget right now.
I've yet to hear/read much on carbon. From those I've talked to, it's 'in-between'. It's pretty vibration absorbent, but still has a stiff feel.
I just need something pretty strong, since I'm 6'3" and 210 lbs. I'm going to be doing more short touring than racing (if I race at all?!?!). Here in NC, there are some good smooth roads, but there are still some rough ones that can shake ya teeth loose.
As I study the websites and talk to other riders, it seems most companies make their touring bikes out of steel (Trek, Specialized) but I also notice that other companies push aluminum as well (Cannondale, Specialized, Giant)
Overall, I'd like a strong bike first, but smoothness and weight would also need to be considered. Most of my rides are 20-40 miles, so maybe strength is not as critical as I percieve, but I do want this next ride to last 4-5 years under weekly (at least 2-4 times a week) abuse.
Anyways, I hear and read that al is a harsher ride, vibrates more and is just overall, for racing. Steel is supposed to be smoother and more flexing(?), but it's also heavy (although newer steels are still lighter than my 80's Centurion).
Ti is supposedly stronger, lighter and smoother and both, but it's not in the budget right now.
I've yet to hear/read much on carbon. From those I've talked to, it's 'in-between'. It's pretty vibration absorbent, but still has a stiff feel.
I just need something pretty strong, since I'm 6'3" and 210 lbs. I'm going to be doing more short touring than racing (if I race at all?!?!). Here in NC, there are some good smooth roads, but there are still some rough ones that can shake ya teeth loose.
As I study the websites and talk to other riders, it seems most companies make their touring bikes out of steel (Trek, Specialized) but I also notice that other companies push aluminum as well (Cannondale, Specialized, Giant)
Overall, I'd like a strong bike first, but smoothness and weight would also need to be considered. Most of my rides are 20-40 miles, so maybe strength is not as critical as I percieve, but I do want this next ride to last 4-5 years under weekly (at least 2-4 times a week) abuse.