Road Cycling - Best Ride ... TT & Distance

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kip2714
10-21-04, 10:22 AM
Presently, I ride a 2000 Specialized Allez Sport with a 105 groupo. It can be a rather harsh ride and after having put in a lot of time on the saddle this year, I'm sore. I would like to put some added focus into Time Trialing this next season as well as some charity rides with mileage between 60 and 160 miles. So, I am wanting something that performes well in a TT environment as well as something that is much more comfortable over the long haul.

So far, I've been looking at a Kestrel Talon and a Litespeed Solano. The Talon is less expensive by a few hundred dollars. But the thought of owning a Ti bike is extremely appealing. The Solano feels like it ascends better and is slightly more comfortable than the Talon. But in the flats, the Talon really gets it. If I was only looking for a bike that offered performance and comfort on long rides, I'd go with the Solano hands down. But, what will my experience be in a TT on the Litespeed?

Additionally, should I be at all concerned about the usable life of the Talon versus that of the Litespeed? This will be my ride for at least the next 5 years.

If anyone has a similar interest in both TT and Distance rides, I would love to hear what you think.

jbhowat
10-21-04, 12:28 PM
In a TT bike, I would say stiffness and position are most important. Weight makes little different while you are moving. Unless you are talking about hill TTs, then it is a bigger factor. I believe most of the Pro peloton's TT bikes are quite a bit heavier than their climbing bikes....
barleyrocket
10-21-04, 12:43 PM
To offer my opinion from what I've read and what I've experienced, Go with the one that you are more comfortable on. I own a road bike (cervelo R2.5) and a TT/Tri bike (cervelo P2K) and am about the same speed on either. I would think if you only have one it should be the one you are most comfortable on for the most evironments you are going to be riding in. An aero frame will speed up your time but only something like 1 minute over a 40K TT. Aero body ( which you can get on the lightspeed I would think) makes a bigger difference and would be better over varied terrain. The Talon is a great bike though and many people have that as their sole bike for everything they do. It's just a matter of comfort. Go with what is most comfortable.