Triathlon - who rides softrides?

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View Full Version : who rides softrides?

trixie
10-04-04, 11:11 AM
anybody out there ride a softride? I wanna bike and can't decide between a Felt S22 or a softride qualifier. a little birdie told me that a softride will feel more like a cross between a road and a tri bike. was the birdie right, or smoking crack?

neuronbliss
10-07-04, 01:12 PM
I ride a Softride Rocket R1. I have it adjusted halfway between road and tt. You can adjust your position by raising/lowering the beam and moving the seat forward/backward. You pick your geometry. Plus, you get the aero advantage and shock absorption. I'll post a pic later tonight if I remember...

I have never ridden a Felt, so I can't help you with the comparision. The Felt is also a sexy bike, nice color (IMHO).

<edit>
I have an extra tube, levers and co2 taped under the seat to the beam. Selle Italia SLR saddle, Profile CarbonX aero wing, Profile AeroDrink, Ultegra, Speedplay X2 pedals, Mavic Cosmos wheelset.

http://tinypic.com/bykie
</edit>
trixie
10-08-04, 06:22 AM
thanks for the info, as soon as i find a dealer with a softride to test ride i can make a decision. I have tried out the felt, not only is it orange, but it feels nice, too.

Gonzo Bob
10-08-04, 10:44 AM
I have a '97 Softride Powerwing 700. I think it has the same beam as the Qualifier and the frame is very similar. The frame difference is at the chain stays - the Powerwing has a big fat bladed chain stay (like the Classic TT) while the Qualifier has a triangular configuration.

The geometry of the Powerwing 700 and Qualifier are between road and tri. The chain stays are a bit shorter than road but a bit longer than tri, the front-center is a bit longer than road but a bit shorter than tri, and the head tube is a bit shorter than road but a bit longer than tri. I ride it in a steep configuration (~78 degrees) and I think it works well for that.