Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - I need your help with buying a new bike

I came to an agreement with my better half about buying a new bike. We have a baby on the way and our deal, which I think is more than fair, is that once we purchase all the primary baby gear, I can get a new bike.

I've started doing research, but am quickly getting overwhelmed. I am hoping that some of you can help. I know I need to ride the bikes to see which one feels and fits the best, but I am hoping to narrow my list down to 4 or so bikes.

Here is what I know:
1) I want at least 105 level components
2) I can potentially spend up to $2k, but would prefer to keep it closer to $1500. If there is a really compelling reason, I'd certainly spend the money.

Here is the list so far:
Bianchi Via Norone 7 $1699
http://www.bianchiusa.com/09-bicycles/09-c2c/via-nirone-7-alu-carbon/09-c2c-nirone-c-105-mix-comp.html

Trek 2.3 $1809
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/2_series/23/

Cannondale Synapse $1329
http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/09/cusa/model-9RAS5C_9RAS5T.html

Cannondale CAAD9 5 $1399
http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/09/cusa/model-9RA95D_9RA95C.html

Cannondale Six 5 $1759
http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/09/cusa/model-9RCT5D_9RCT5C.html

Cannondale Six carbon $1799
http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/09/cusa/model-9RSX6C.html

Specialized Roubaix $1900
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=39267

Specialized Allez Elite $1550
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?sid=09Allez&eid=115

Jamis Ventura Race $1350
http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/road/ventura/09_venturarace_spec.html

Jamis Ventura Elite $1850
http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/road/ventura/09_venturaelite.html

All of them have at least 105 components, one is carbon fiber, some have carbon fiber seat stays. I am not even sure I want carbon.

This will be the bike I use for group rides and events. I currently weigh 180 pounds (clyde for life) so the wheels shouldn't be an issue.

What do you think? Any other bikes I should be considering? Thanks for the help.

Are you looking for a triple, or a double front chainring? That might help you narrow it down a bit. Some of the bikes you are looking at have option for both. One of my favorites is this

Salsa Casseroll Triple
http://www.salsacycles.com/casserollComp08.html

The Salsa is a steel frame, for a more comfortable ride. It is available for $1496 at my LBS.

Good luck with your purchase and more importantly your new addition.

I currently have a Jamis Satellite, which is a triple and is steel. So I certainly want a double and something more race oriented.

I am planning on turning my Jamis into a commuter and occasional tourer.

Take a look at the Giant Defy and Defy Alliance. They are the performance series of Giant road bikes.

don't forget http://www.feltracing.com/09-catalog/road/f-series/09-f85.aspx

http://www.ouac.com/locations.aspx :)

Then determine your budget for a bike.

http://www.ouac.com/locations.aspx :)

Then determine your budget for a bike.

I am hoping the parents will also want to spoil their first grand baby so that we won't have to get as much :lol:

I'd suggest you decide whether you want racing geometry or comfort/endurance geometry, then go from there. The Cannondale Six and CAAD bikes, for example, are quite different in terms of comfort/handling than the Cannondale Synapse. Expect a bike with racing geometry to have a longer top tube, shorter head tube, and shorter wheelbase than a comfort/endurance bike.

Personally, I'm a big fan of the Specialized Tarmac (=racing) and Roubaix (=endurance) bikes. If I weren't riding a Cervelo RS, I'd probably be on a Roubaix... or maybe a Tarmac.

Hehe, I just went through the same ordeal that you are going through right now. I wanted around the same thing, my budget was about 1900 and I wanted at least 105 componets. I narrowed my list down to the:

Cannondale CAAD9 5

Orbea Gavia - http://www.orbea-usa.com/fly.aspx?layout=bikes&taxid=57&pid=158

Felt F75 - http://www.feltracing.com/09-catalog/road/f-series/09-f75.aspx

Kona Zing - http://www.konaworld.com/09_zing_u.cfm

I am going to be ordering a 2010 CAAD9 5 for a few reasons. My LBS is a Cannondale/Trek/Giant dealer and if i wanted any of the other bikes, the closest dealer is about 45 miles away. I also wanted a little bit more race geometry. The folks at my LBS also told me that the Aluminum frame of the CAAD9 rides a little bit like a carbon frame, it absorbs a little bit more of the road bumps.

I absolutely love my CAAD9, I bought the cheap CAAD9-7 and upgraded the bike to SRAM RIVAL. Added new bars and stem as well as upgraded wheels. I was able to get the bike exactly how i wanted it for about $1800.

At 255lbs I currently ride and recommend the Specialized Roubaix, I love the way it rides, I had to change my rear wheel but at your weight it should be fine, they are very light. I do not like the 105 derailer it can't seem to handle my weight under preasure. ECB1

Well I just got back from meeting a frame builder here in Tucson. A friend of mine had a custom bike built by him nearly 25 years ago.

He said he could build me a bike with full ultegra components, Ritchey Carbon fork, stem, handlebars, seat post.

He said the bike would build up around 16-17 pounds and cost $2k.

What do you think about that option? Seems really cool to know the person who made your frame plus the bike was built to fit me.

I absolutely love my CAAD9, I bought the cheap CAAD9-7 and upgraded the bike to SRAM RIVAL. Added new bars and stem as well as upgraded wheels. I was able to get the bike exactly how i wanted it for about $1800.

The 2010 CAAD9-4 comes with SRAM RIVAL parts group now and is 1799 msrp.


Having a bike custom built for you seems pretty cool for the price and the parts it seems like a good value, I've never talked to a custom builder so I'm not much help on that front hehe

He said the bike would build up around 16-17 pounds and cost $2k.

I, personally, don't think it's possible to build a fully-custom steel bike with Ultegra components that weighs 16-17 pounds for $2000.


What do you think about that option? Seems really cool to know the person who made your frame plus the bike was built to fit me.

Is the bike really built to fit you? How much time does the frame builder spend measuring you?

The reason I ask is because I've met quite a few frame builders since I TIG-welded my own mountain bike frame. Generally, they seem to be welders and machinists first and foremost. The better guys may know something about bike fitting, but not everyone does. Personally, I tend to think you'll save money by buying a production bike.

Look to custom if you just can't find anything with the fit or features you need...

I, personally, don't think it's possible to build a fully-custom steel bike with Ultegra components that weighs 16-17 pounds for $2000.

He builds his bikes in aluminum with carbon forks. So that is why it could be so light.

Is the bike really built to fit you? How much time does the frame builder spend measuring you?

I guess it is more of a semi-custom bike. He has frames he has made in half cm sizes. So 56 56.5 and 57. And then each frame size has a few top tube lengths in case you have long arms or something.

He does do fully custom bikes, but they are more $$$.

The cranks, stem and steerer are all set for me. Seems like it would be better to have it fit properly the first time rather than buying a new stem and whatnot to get it to fit after I purchased a bike from a ship right?

Generally, they seem to be welders and machinists first and foremost. The better guys may know something about bike fitting, but not everyone does.
[/QUOTE]

He has been in the racing scene for a long time here and has coached the local college team. I think he also worked with a pair of Olympians on a tandem. So I think he knows a fair amount about fitting people well. You raise a lot if interesting points though.

I'm more confused than when I started :crash:

ride all you can and buy the one that is most comfortable, of course that is kind of hard with the custom. Like someone else said, you may want to try the more relaxed frame such as the Felt Z series then compare it to a more race geometry.

Giant Defy 1

If your spending close to 2k , u should have no issues getting a carbon bike with 105... wait a few more weeks till all the 2010 bikes start rolling in and the dealers being to push there 09 inventory with big incentives.
Its pretty normal to see discounts on Specialized gear of upto 20-25% off msrp

Bottom Line, all the bikes you listed will suite your needs quite well... Ride as many as you can and pick the bike that you feel the best on

Another bike to consider is the Felt F75. Aluminum with carbon rea, full carbon fork, and 105 components. They retail for $1569 for the '09s but I've never seen one sell for over $1300. If you can wait, Felt is actually dropping the price for the 2010 models and they look nicer than the '09s IMHO.The 2010s will probably retail for around $1300-1400. It could be less though. Here's a pic of it to give you an idea:

http://www.bikyle.com/images/Road2010/Felt_F75_2010.JPG

In all honesty, a CAAD 9 or Via Nirone would be my pick of the ones you've listed. Cannondale CAAD frames are stiff but with each generation, they are more compliant. The ride on the CAAD9 is actually quite nice. Hard to believe that it is an all-aluminum rig if you go by what the marketing nuts want you to believe about an aluminum frame. If you are into the "Made in the USA" thing, sweep up a CAAD9 now. Cannondale is now producing it's aluminum frames overseas as well.for 2010. The Synapse was already made there but now even their aluminum frames are going to be made there. Not a bad thing. Just thought i would point that out if the place of origin is a becomes a consideration.

Well I just got back from meeting a frame builder here in Tucson. A friend of mine had a custom bike built by him nearly 25 years ago.

He said he could build me a bike with full ultegra components, Ritchey Carbon fork, stem, handlebars, seat post.

He said the bike would build up around 16-17 pounds and cost $2k.

What do you think about that option? Seems really cool to know the person who made your frame plus the bike was built to fit me.

Think used. I paid less than 1/3 that amount for a nice steel Colnago Master Lite, full Ultegra, chrome lugs.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3352/3343526043_b39a24003c_o.jpg

I was in my LBS just yesterday and I'm looking at many of the same models as you. I think I'm going to end up going with the new 2010 Specialized Roubaix, they had a lot of the 2010 models in stock already. It looks like Specialized has dropped their prices for 2010 as well, the model I was looking at was $1799.

I don't have much advice to offer other than it appears several of the major manufacturers are dropping their prices for 2010, so it may be worth waiting until more hit your LBS.

So... did you make a decision?

I did. I ended up going with a frame from a local builder and I totally love it. I am doing a little work for trade on his Web site. It is an aluminum frame with Campy Record.

It weighs right at 17 pounds.

129069

That is a dang nice looking bike!

I, personally, don't think it's possible to build a fully-custom steel bike with Ultegra components that weighs 16-17 pounds for $2000.



Is the bike really built to fit you? How much time does the frame builder spend measuring you?

The reason I ask is because I've met quite a few frame builders since I TIG-welded my own mountain bike frame. Generally, they seem to be welders and machinists first and foremost. The better guys may know something about bike fitting, but not everyone does. Personally, I tend to think you'll save money by buying a production bike.

Look to custom if you just can't find anything with the fit or features you need...

I had a custom bike built in 1992, The frame cost me $2k final build price was $5k.

The build process consisted of a 2 hour measurement session and interview. What did i want to do with the bike, what components did i want, what could i afford etc. a week later i started a series of sessions on his Panasonic fit kit. basically this is an exercise bike that can be adjusted in any of the major dimensions. the first session was 2 hours of spin and adjust spin and adjust. the next three were 2 hours of spinning with an adjustment after 1 hour and another at the end. the 5th session was a 5 hour spin to verify the settings. Once the three points of contact were finalized I went away and a week later was called in to approve the final design. this was a full scale drawing of the frame & fork.

Once i approved the design the tubeset was ordered from True Temper (in my case, Bill also builds with Columbus and other tube manufacturers) 6 weeks later i got a call and my bike was a bundle of chromoly tubes laying on his shop floor. 3 weeks later I got a call inviting me to come in and watch the build so i spent the next 8 days hanging around the shop drinking lattes and watching Bill weld. Once it was welded up it was sent to the painter to paint. 2 weeks later i got a call to come in and do a final fit and delivery.

I started discussions about the bike in early December, the formal interview/measurement session was on Jan 5th Delivery was on April 9th. It's a facinating and frustrating process. Specially if you're close to the frame maker and have to wait while other customers also get service. On the other hand, I rode the bike for 10 years and put 80k miles on it.

Bikes Direct - Motobecane Century Pro - Ultegra with Mavic Askiums for 1495 shipped.

Nice looking ride!

From 105 to Record, I like the way you think:thumb: