Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Help me decide what I am saving for...

Looking at a few different options but am open to more...

What do you think?

Cannondale CAAD10 - 5
http://www.cannondale.com/2012/bikes/road/elite-road/caad10/2012-caad10-5-105-20093

Giant Defy 1
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/defy/9014/48853/

Trek 2.1
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/sport/2_and_1_series/2_1/#/us/en/model/details?url=us/en/bikes/road/sport/2_and_1_series/2_1

Jamis Ventura Race
http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/road/ventura/12_venturarace_spec.html

Fuji Roubaix 1.0
http://www.fujibikes.com/bike/details/roubaix-10-usa2

If there are any you feel are worth looking into, let me know - I am open to suggestions. I am also of the mindset that I will need to build some better wheels than what is provided on most of these bikes...already considering that into my budget.

I was looking at relaxed geo bikes in this price range, when a salesman asked me to ride a trek Madone 4.5. For riding on oil and chip roads the damping of carbon was worth the extra price.

I don't know any of those bikes well enough to comment, but I'm curious about this:


If there are any you feel are worth looking into, let me know - I am open to suggestions. I am also of the mindset that I will need to build some better wheels than what is provided on most of these bikes...already considering that into my budget.

Are you budgeting for lighter wheels, or stronger ones? What do you mean by better? If durability is what you're after, unless you plan to sell these the day you get your bike, you might want to think about riding them until they give you more trouble than they're worth, to get your money out of them. I suspect that wheel problems aren't always as severe as people make them out to be, especially if you ride a road bike the way most people do, eg avoiding potholes and the like. I'm not saying they'll last forever, but if you can put off buying a hubset and spokes for a year...

Giant Defy rocks!!! You will love it. If you want to give mine a spin, you are more then welcome to. It is amazing and there is a great giant dealership close by in NJ.

First, the Cannondale you mentioned is a full-on race geometry while the others (with the possible exception of the Fuji - I'm not sure about it) are more or less relaxed or "endurance" geometries. If you want to consider an apples-to-apples Cannondale, you might look at the Synapse. They're all nice bikes, though I don't have any first-hand experience with the Fuji. They're going to be more similar than different. Ride them all and buy the one that speaks to you.

You might also consider the Felt Z85 and the Raleigh Revenio 3.

If you are a big guy, I'd pass onthe Trek alum frame. As much as I like the fit of a Trek and my Lemond, the alum frame was not OS and flexy under power. My Lemond was similar in size and design. I didn't stand on it for that reason. I could feel the flex and hear the chains sway into the derailleur cage. Frame popped after 3 years and 13,000 miles. Comfy but flexy under me at 230 lbs.

But then again, lifetime warranty, I've been upgraded to a much better frame after 2 broken aluminum area frame snaps. :thumb:

Get a frame with a big BB area with OS tubing. :thumb:

The carbon frame on my new Madone is huge and it doesn't flex.

I got my 2012 Trek Madone 3.1 all carbon for $1675, so maybe it is in your range?

I'm in the same boat as the OP.

I test rode a Giant Defy 2 today. Loved it. Now all I need to do is decide whether or not to drop the extra $200 on the Defy 1. I want to try the Felt Z85, but the closest dealer is 70 miles away.

OP: What do you ride now, and what do you like/not like about it? I was also looking at the CAAD10 5. But I'm trying to get away from such aggressive geometry. My current bike, a '93 Specialized Allez has me too stretched out, and gets uncomfortable after about 2 1/2 hours in the saddle. Too much weight on my hands, so my hands, wrists, neck, and shoulders feel pretty wrecked after a long ride. I really WANT to like the CAAD10 5, because it's freakin' awesome. But it's just not the bike for me. The LBS didn't have the Synapse 6 in stock. He recommended the Defy over the Synapse anyway.

There are too many options in the endurance/comfort road bike category. It's overwhelming... but I really liked the Defy.

Thanks for the replies so far guys...I appreciate it.

Isaac - I knew you were going to come at me with Giant so I already put that in the anticipated responses :p

Just to give you some more background on me...
just a hair under 6' with longer torso than legs (wear a 30" inseam) - I currently weigh 300 lbs - by the time I buy the road bike, I expect to be 275 or lower as a result of the weight loss that comes from the gastric bypass procedure I had earlier this year

As far as the wheels, I am always hearing more spokes, more spokes, 32h or 36h wheels / rims - I was looking at DT Swiss TK540 rims and Shimano Ultegra 6700 hubs - based on the best prices I have found so far, I figure no more than $450 to get the parts and have the LBS build the set for me.

Craig - thanks for the info on the Cannondale...I didn't realize the geometry was different on the CAAD10 compared to the Synapse. I only started looking at the CAAD series because my LBS had a sale on them CAAD10 5 was $1200 this weekend and that is where I figured would be the $$$ number to be around - so I started looking for bikes in that range.

But as far as the budget goes, I wanted to keep the bike purchase under $1500 where possible but I also understand that it is better to buy good now instead of trying to upgrade components later - I am saving for this bike so I won't pull the trigger until I have enough funds and the funds are coming in waves as I get rid of my old clothes on eBay (you'd be amazed at what 5-6XL clothing goes for).

I currently ride a Trek Navigator 1.0 - Isaac was kind and called it a mountain bike...oh no, it is a recreation bike at best and built for comfort, not so much for speed.
I am looking to a road bike because, while I love the Navigator, it just is not the right bike to do 20+ mile rides on with a group on C/C+ rides - I went out with a few folks (Isaac being one of them) and found on hills, the bike was too heavy and didn't let me get the power down the way I wanted and on the straights, just isn't geared to keep up with those riding @ 17-20MPH. I want to do more of these longer distance rides and not just the 10 miles I do for recreation around the neighborhood and park - I feel a road bike will allow me to do that.

I just went through this 2 months ago and rode 3 of those mentioned, Defy, Caad10, and Jamis Race. My dealer carried all 3 and I was sold on the caad10-5 after riding, it just felt fast and light and my past bikes were cannondale mtn. The roadies on my local MUP kept whizzing by me on my hybrid and I decided I wanted fast. The caad10 is fast but the motor still needs work.
The other reason is I wanted an endurance bike for long rides, the caad10-5 is more for racing but I have taken it on a century with no ill regrets. For 1300 bucks I got a lot of bike at 18.00 pounds stock (56cm) and so far I am really happy with my choice, well, except the color. The stock wheels were holding up well until I put my chain in the spokes, my fault. I was nervous about he rs10 spoke count but they held up really good for 700 miles, no problems except aforementioned.
Clyde at 6 ft/225

phly: now.... I didnt want to persuade you..... :) more like an excuse to go WITH you when you go to the Giant store in which I might just need to pick something up.............. :) Did I mention I have a truck that can hall four bikes? just sayin..... :)

now just remember, I will be buying in DE - there is tax free purchases here (and on a $1500 bike, that adds up!)

You negelcted to see that I have a BIGGER truck than you do :p
LOL

phly: great. So I will ride with you to the bike shop! :)

count on it!

LBS moved and is running a raffle at their new shop...
The prize, a Cannondale CAAD10 5

A free bike would be a GREAT start of the holiday season. Drawing is on 11/13 at end of the day.

Keeping fingers crossed!

Have you looked at the Fujis and Scattantes at PB near the hospital? They have some carbon frames with 105 components for $1200, could be less now. Many of the name-brand bikes are made by the same manufacturer. Could be worth looking into if you want to get the most for your money.

green: he is getting a giant. Cant you read inbetween the lines?

:)

If you are open to suggestions, here is one:

Build up your own bike. As you move toward your weight goal, hunt for parts for the best bargain. Figure out what component groups you want, and start deal shopping over the winter. At the end of the day, there is very little as satisfying as riding a bike that you individually selected all the pieces on.

And this makes even more sense if you know you want specific wheels. Don't drop money to the OEM on wheels you don't want, even if they are not expensive. Get what you want once.

Green,
I was in Performance Bike last Friday checking out their jerseys and how the sizing was (wound up getting Falconi jerseys from Love2Pedal - Hi-Viz yellow - NICE) and the store was empty except for me and the two guys working there...they were trying to push everything I glanced at down my throat. Looking at the bikes on display would have kept me there even longer (and my wife was at the mall wondering how long I was going to keep her waiting). I will have to go back and check them out.

Roll,
I thought about it...but I have decided against it for now. Next bike will be a project...this one will be off the shelf (and as was suggested, I will try the wheels that come on it and see how they hold up)

Craig,
Looked at the Felt Z85...EMS is a dealer but don't seem to carry any (either online or in my store), 2 other dealers in my state, with one being an hour away. I will keep them on the list...in that regard - for a couple $$$ more, the Z6 looks like an affordable carbon option - thoughts?

phly:

Here is a suggestion (I heard thos from a mechanic that works at my local REI bike shop): When you find a bike you like, ask if they have it broken down and in the box. Push for it actually. Then ask if you can help put it together.

This is an awesome suggestion by the REI guy because you would learn sooo much.

Wish you could be there with us today riding. Should be a good ride. The hills will kill me.

You going with us next saturday? We are going to ride and then catch a bike maintance class. You are more then welcome to join us.

When you get back, please send details on next week's ride...didn't see anything on that yet

We will. We will be riding later in the day and then hitting a maintance class from 6 to 8 pm. if you would like to go, let us know. I will have jim d send out info.

I just tried out a CAAD10 5. Oh my.
Phlydude, try the CAAD10 5.

I went to the LBS to decide between the Giant Defy 1 or 2 and put one on layaway. The salesman suggested I try the CAAD10.

Phlydude, try the CAAD10 5!!!

Looked at the Felt Z85...EMS is a dealer but don't seem to carry any (either online or in my store), 2 other dealers in my state, with one being an hour away. I will keep them on the list...in that regard - for a couple $$$ more, the Z6 looks like an affordable carbon option - thoughts?

The Z6 is a nice carbon bike, but whether you'd like it or not depends on whether you think going with a Tiagra drivetrain is a worthwhile tradeoff for getting a carbon frame. I've ridden both, and while they're each nice bikes, I'm not a fan of Tiagra brifters. But that's me. YMMV.

Yeah, I have heard a lot more bad about Tiagra than I have good...wanted to go 105 or better.

Burglar, I saw it and it is a nice bike...LBS is doing a drawing this weekend for one so my wife and I are both going to enter for a chance to win it. It would be nice to get a bike gratis and have the $250 or so I've saved so far for other gear

I just tried out a CAAD10 5. Oh my.
Phlydude, try the CAAD10 5.

I went to the LBS to decide between the Giant Defy 1 or 2 and put one on layaway. The salesman suggested I try the CAAD10.

Phlydude, try the CAAD10 5!!!
Just curious, what are they charging you for it? LBS had it for $1199.95 (and I live in a sales tax free state so that is the OTD price before service plans)

Just curious, what are they charging you for it? LBS had it for $1199.95 (and I live in a sales tax free state so that is the OTD price before service plans)

Yeah, pretty close to that here... within a few bucks. I was trying to keep it at 1k plus tax, which would get me a Defy 2. But the Defy 1 and CAAD10 both felt so much nicer than the Defy 2 that I'll find a way to scrape up the extra cash. I started a CAAD10 or Defy 1 thread in the road bike section. It was supposed to be easy... I was going to go in, try the Defy 1 and 2, and put one on layaway... then the salesman suggested I try the CAAD10. Now I can't decide between the CAAD and Defy 1.

OK - just found something in the Road Bike side
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/frame/2011-bmc-street-racer-sr02-shimano-105-complete-bike-8902.html

Thoughts?

Now not being able to ride it is a negative before buying BUT if I do all the measurements right, I shouldn't have a problem...

Phly: I am a big supporter of buying bikes locally because of sizing and fitting issues. I would be affraid that if I bought one online, it might be tough to get the fit right, etc.

You riding with us on Saturday?

I didn't see the email from Jim yet...I will check it when I get home - it has been a busy weekend!

let me know if you didnt get it and I will email it to you. Awesome ride Saturday is going to be.

OK - just found something in the Road Bike side
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/frame/2011-bmc-street-racer-sr02-shimano-105-complete-bike-8902.html

Thoughts?

Now not being able to ride it is a negative before buying BUT if I do all the measurements right, I shouldn't have a problem...

Just a comment in favor of CC.. I bought a BMC Road Racer SL02 from them in very late September.. got it in early October.. could not dial in the fit.. It was a beautiful bike but I couldn't get comfy on it.. sent it back in early November.. return processed with no issues.

They were phenomenal to deal with. Being 6'3", my LBS would have to bring in any frame size I want to try, and then I would be stuck with it. In this deal, I am out $220 for shipping, but not stuck with a bike I couldn't get happy with.

And the BMC's are beautiful. I wanted to keep it just to look at, but judgement finally won out. :lol:

I received an email coupon for EMS for 25% off anything (with very few exclusions) in store or online...including bikes. They sell Felt bikes...that Z85 might be closer than the others (and looks to be a good, solid bike).
As long as it isn't a 2012 model, it is 25% off. That should bring the price to 899$ if the online price is correct.

Something to ponder...coupon is good through 11/22

Went and saw it tonight...I like it. They sized me for a 56 but I will go back this weekend and see the real deal. They didn't have a 56 assembled (and said they didn't have one in stock but their website showed that they did have one so I reserved it :p ) but they also had a 58 assembled as well. I will go back on Saturday and see if the 58 might be better suited for me. Just wearing Crocs the standover was 2-3" clearance but without pedals, it was hard to see if I would be extending my legs too far (although I guess the post can be lowered a little if that is the case)

So maybe I will get someone that isn't just a standard EMS employee and more geared towards bikes when I check it out.

phly,
Fit is the most important thing when buying a bike. There's a pretty big difference between 56 and 58 cm bikes, depending on brand it could be as much as 2CM in top tube length. I know that doesn't sound like alot but if you read posts from people who have gotten professionally fitted you rarely ever see them post about adjustments that big when it comes to cockpit length. I'm not sure how tall you are but I am 6'2 and I ride 58cm effective toptubes with 110mm stems.

If you are unsure of what size you need most fitters can put you on a fitting bike and dial in the measurements of the bikes you are lookin at so you can see how they feel. If you can't find one in Newark that will do this for you I know of one outside Wilmington off of 52 that will do it for you. I took another forum member there to help him figure out what size he needed.

Thanks Paisan...I am guessing that you took them to Garrison's Cyclery?

I am going to hit the other local Felt dealer and see what they have in stock...they listed the 2011 Felts (Z5,Z6 and F6) but sadly no Z85s.

BTW, I'm just a hair under 6' but I have a short inseam @ 30" for my height...I'm long torso'd.

I got on the saddle on the 56" they pulled out for me but without having pedals on it, it was hard to see how the leg/knee bend was on this particular bike.

I will check out a couple shops in Newark this weekend and see what they have too...there is a Bike Line where I bought my Hybrid and there is another shop that seems friendly enough that carries the Cannondales I keep mentioning seeing on sale throughout the thread :)

Phly,
Seat tube length (Leg/knee bend) shouldn't be the size you are looking at. That can be adjusted with Longer/shorter seat posts, so as long as you can get the seat to the required height and have enough post in the bike and good standover you're good to go. The one measurement you really need to be paying attention to is top tube length. The top tube will affect how long the reach is to the bars and is way more important because it affects your weight distribution on the bike which in turn affects the handling, and more importantly, your comfort on the bike. Unlike seatposts this measurement doesn't have alot of adjustment. If you get it wrong from the start it will always be wrong and you'll just be putting band aids on it after that with either super long or super short stems.

my .02: If you're going to spend the scratch on a new bike, take the time to make sure it fits correctly before you pay for it.

Yes I took him to Garrisons. I'm not sure how much he was charged but I do know that he didn't pay for a full fitting. However, any fitter that has one of the fitting bikes (looks like a stationary bike from the gym with knobs and dials all over it) should be able to dial in the measurements from the bikes and sizes you are looking at so you can do an apples to apples comparison. If the shop you're buying from has a fitter ask him to do that for you because they probably won't charge you.

Ok - sounds good.

The reach on the bike was good - didn't feel like I was stretching nor did it feel like I was jammed up...I plan on going to the LBS that sells Felt and then also check out EMS when the bike guys are there.
Thanks!

I like the jamis, however you should also consider the specialized Secteur series, very strong wheels and 25mm tires.

If your 30" inseam is measured to the floor in stocking feet, then I'd guess that at 6'-0" your fit is going to be a little tricky. Your torso is long enough that you might feel a little cramped with the effective top tube length you'll get on a 56, at least without going to an unusually long stem. A 58 might feel better in that regard, and while the saddle height can be dropped to accommodate your inseam, the standover height might be an issue, though that might be mitigated a bit by the bike's sloping top tube frame design. Truth be told, there are so many variables in proper frame sizing, it's really hard to guess without being there with your own body, the bike in question and a knowledgable sales person.

And it's absolutely worth checking any other Felt dealers in the area. We have at least 2 dealers I know of here in Indy and one of them has prices that are routinely $150-$200 less than the other one.

If your 30" inseam is measured to the floor in stocking feet, then I'd guess that at 6'-0" your fit is going to be a little tricky....Your torso is long enough that you might feel a little cramped with the effective top tube length you'll get on a 56, at least without going to an unusually long stem. A 58 might feel better in that regard, and while the saddle height can be dropped to accommodate your inseam, the standover height might be an issue, though that might be mitigated a bit by the bike's sloping top tube frame design. Truth be told, there are so many variables in proper frame sizing, it's really hard to guess without being there with your own body, the bike in question and a knowledgable sales person.


I agree that a sloping top tube/compact frame design would probably be the OP's best bet if those are his true numbers.
It would give him a longer cockpit and lower standover.

Yeah, there are two Felt dealers other than Eastern Mountain Sports in my state (tax free DE!) but one is way downstate by the beaches and it is just too far to drive without knowing I am going to specifically buy something they may have.
I am going to hit the one today after work (knocking off early) but I already have the one reserved at EMS for the $899 price - I have until EOD Sat to pick it up.
If the LBS has the bike in stock and is willing to come within the price of a bike fitting (provided they offer a free fitting with the purchase of the bike) then I will buy from them.

But I still want to go back to EMS when they have their bike mechanic on duty to make sure that the 56 is the right one (provided the LBS doesn't verify) because they had a 58 as well on their rack on the side (looked like repair but was newly assembled)

If there is an REI close by, stop in to check out the Scott's they might have. The REI out here in my neighborhood has impressed me with the wrenches they hire and the knowledge. Plus, if you are a member, they are forever sending out 20% off member discounts. I am cheap and like discounts.

There is not one in my state and the closest one is over 1 hour away...that seals the deal for me...

I did manage to get a fitting on a bike at my LBS... I am a 58 apparently
However the LBS guy was pushing carbon down my throat when I told him I just wanted aluminum and wanted to keep the cost in the $1000 range. He kind of shrugged and said if I bought aluminum, I'd be back in a year to get carbon...perhaps but when coming from aluminum hybrid now to a road bike, I won't notice a difference!

SO I went to EMS, tried the 58 Z85 for size and after a quick once over and shifter adjustment, it is ALL MINE!! $899.25 OTD (sales tax free)
I will be taking it back to get a fitting when the tech comes back after the weekend and after I throw some pedals on it!

Pics to come...

(and thanks for all the assistance!!!!!)

...perhaps but when coming from aluminum hybrid now to a road bike, I won't notice a difference!

If you haven't ridden an aluminum road bike yet, you will notice a difference in how stiff they are. With the skinny tires, you will feel every single crack in the pavement. It will be bone-jarring at first, then you get used to it. Carbon gives you a more flexible ride, but they come at a high price.

I've never ridden a road bike before ever so it is ALL a learning experience to me!

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6213/6361446297_3fbec946f2_b.jpg

Now need some pedals and shoes...

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6235/6397878851_1c84fd45bb_b.jpg
Better pic

Congrats. Hopefully you will ride with us again soon.

I so wanted to ride this morning...last night's company just prevented me from doing it.

Depending on what the rides are on Sat or Sun, you very well see me (and watch me fall attempting to unclip from the pedals!) :)