epicycle

I wanted to drop a post to say hi to everyone. I used to read these forums back in 2001 (see my join date) but stopped. Anyhow, I'm back and with a vengeance. I've caught the cycling bug again and it's not shaking in the least. I think it helps I've dropped 110+ pounds in the past 16 months and I'm at a weight that I can get the bike of my dreams.

I've always been an avid road cycling watcher ... The US criterions used to be run in my town of Downers Grove IL (the idiots lost them this year due to funding) until this year and I'd always attend. I've always watched the Tour de Lance (France), went to Tour de Georgia a few years back, etc.

Again, always a watcher never a road bike owner (due to my weight). I know I could have gotten some kind of road bike but always set some goals I had to reach before dropping the coin. I didn't want to be constantly repairing it and couldn't justify spending cash with a perfectly fine mountain bike with road slicks. Needless to say until I actually learned how to lose weight and keep it off recently I had never reached my goal of 250 pounds (I'm 6'2" with big shoulders).

So here I am about 35 pounds from my goal weight and researching the heck out of bikes. I figured this was the right place as I'm still a Clydesdale and even if I get below 250 I don't see myself getting below 200 ever.

I've been digging through the archives and taking notes on saddles, rims, and more. I've also dug into the Carbon vs The World postings, man there are some heated discussions there. I honestly didn't feel like I learned a ton other than a lot of opinions (sorry) but they were fun reads. I couldn't separate the theory from the reality of the Carbon for Clydesdale debate. Has it gotten any clearer in the last two years? Are there any good comparisons / articles I can read with good research that aren't one sided or industry sponsored? So many of he links in those postings are dead or 404's it almost makes them nothing but opinion fodder.

I ask about the Carbon bikes not to reignite the debate but because those are the bikes that are drawing the most attention from me. I like the Trek and Specialized carbon bikes in the $2000-$3000 range but don't want something that isn't going to get me at least 10 years service. The rumors of failures concern me but I'm an engineer (of the computer kind) and know there are failures on all frames. Heck I've nuked a high end aluminum frame myself, thankfully covered under warranty.

I'm also interested in (sounding shallow here) a bike that has some visual appeal to it. Obviously a lot of the Treks have some of that but it seems like so few non-carbon bikes have nice graphics. Ti is certainly an option but why are they all just brushed metal?

I usually ride 20-30 miles in an average ride and that's paved roadway. I'll keep my mountain bike for the limestone paths around there. I'm planning on doing some tri's in the future (starting next year hopefully) and want to do some centuries as well, as I can fit them in with two kids which is always a challenge. I also need to be able to toss on a kid trailer as needed for some family riding fun. Finally there is a really active riding club near me that I'm going to start riding with so group rides of 2-4 hours will be the norm in the fall and into next year as well.

So, do you have any suggestions on bikes or links on carbon/metal research I can dig into? I'd also love your input on the ideal buying time to maximize my purchasing power. My goal is to hit my weight goal around the end of August which I think would be a good time to buy this last years models to make room for next years but I obviously could be wrong.

Thanks for the help! Cya around the forums.

InTheRain

I think carbon bikes are fine. I've only heard of carbon failures... I've never seen one. 80 percent of the people I ride with ride a carbon frame - no failures. With today's carbon frames, I think you will get your 10 years of serviceability and you won't experience failures any more frequently than you might with aluminum or steel.

As for a bike recommendation, I prefer the "performance road" category of bikes. This category includes the Specialized Roubaix, Cannondale Synapse, Felt Z-series. I'm sure Giant, Trek, and the others have bikes that fit in this category... I'm just not familiar with them. These frames are designed for comfort and long days in the saddle. However, they are race bikes and you'll see these frames raced on the pro circuit in races where there are sections of cobblestone (Paris-Roubaix.) Go give them a ride, compare them to standard race frames.

Congrats on the weight loss. I think you're going to love the feel of a nice road bike.

exile

I really can't comment on the Carbon v. Aluminum v. Steel debate as I've only had Steel bikes (except for a Trek Y-foil I had for a couple of months). And like you it seems a lot of it is opinion based or biased.

With that said I think the best thing to do is buy a bike now for the type of riding you will be doing. I would probably ask around at different shops or maybe find shops that others think are clyde freindly. From my understanding almost any bike would be fine for your weight though some might suggest having wheels built if you find you are breaking spokes and such.

Until you feel you will actually enter a race or event I wouldn't worry to much about bikes made for speciality purposes. Before the season begins or after the season ends I usually see used ads for these bikes in my surrounding area.

Also congratulations on your weight loss and renewed interest in cycling.

10 Wheels

OP you are over thinking the whole thing.
Get a LHT to start with and go Ride.

Hill-Pumper

A carbon bike will do most of the things that you want to do with the exception of pulling a trailer. Carbon bikes really are not meant to be clamped on. Your mountain bike probably is a better choice then a road bike for such duty anyway. I have a bike that is two thirds carbon and I ride it for centuries and it does quite well for that purpose. Most of my road riding is done on my cross bike though. It has provisions for racks, and has a sturdier wheel set. I sometimes ride it in gravel without a second thought. It is a tank, but I like the fact that I don't have to worry about getting a ding in it. Anyway, welcome back to the biking world, and congrats on the weight loss.

epicycle

I didn't think of the trailer pulling with a carbon, thanks for the heads up there. Like you said I'll just use my mtn bike for that.

epicycle

I didn't think I was over thinking an introduction and rfc I'll be sure to be less wordy in the future.

I'll look into the LHT, like I said I just want to make a solid decision and since I have a bit of time I figured I'd ask the people most familure with Clyd riding.

mtalinm

epicycle, thanks for your post and also for your comments on my other thread.

I am heavier than you and am loving the Specialized Roubaix I picked up on CL a couple of weeks ago. Various people had me scared sick w/r/t carbon frame and not having a special set of wheels built, but the first hundred or so miles have been a total blast.

I used to say "at my weight, who cares how much the bike weighs?" but now I think every little bit helps.

btw, you may be stronger than me but I find hills to be the worst since, compared to my skinny friends, it's like I'm pulling 100# of extra weight. so a really "low low" gear has been priceless on the inclines. So, I would consider a triple instead of a compact.

spthealien

Carbon seems a ton stronger today than it did before--and even stronger at the price point you're looking at. I have heard that the more expensive carbon bikes are weaker and lighter, so watch out.

I have been on my all carbon Giant Defy advanced. Not only did it aesthetically appeal to me, I really liked the ride better than the other carbon bikes I've been on. It seems very "alive" as opposed to the "deader" feeling I got on the Trek and especially the Specialized road bikes.

I bought it when I was around 280 (before the additional water bottles, spandex, helmet, computer, saddle bag, tubes, Big Mac). The 2009 model I got has Mavic Aksium wheels which seem pretty strong. They've not needed truing yet. However, I wouldn't get carbon wheels ever. I'll stick with good ol'aluminum.

redvespablur

Hi, 6'4'' 245. I have a Surly Cross Check and a Specialized Allez (mid 80s steel). I have a steel Marinoni Sportivo on order at LBS that will replace both of these. For lower mid 2K I am getting a custom built north american made road bike with 10 speed Campy Veloce and a low end Campy wheelset. I am hoping it lasts as at least as long as the 25 year old Allez (love it but pretty thin tubes for masher like me - so a bit noodley). The Sportivo is made with Columbus Spirit tubing and seems much stiffer while still providing a little spring and hopefully longevity.

When I get I will follow up with review. For what you want to spend custom from someone might be a reasonable idea.

Good LuckSportivoExpress..jpg

like this but with steel rear triangle

TrojanHorse

*Gasp*

(sucks air through teeth)

I guess if you want to look like a parrot in a blender then by all means...