Considering a new bike, help me choose
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Considering a new bike, help me choose
So I've decided to get a new bike this spring and need some expert advice. I'm soon to be 57 and am in pretty good shape. I did a lot of riding in the 80's and 90's, mostly fast club rides and century rides. I just started riding again last spring, after a 10 year or so hiatus, and am having a blast. I currently ride my 1987 Cannondale SR500 105. I love this bike and probably have put close to 50,000 miles on it. I bought my older son a Trek 1.5 for his birthday last year and I couldn't believe how smooth and comfortable it rides.
Most of my rides will be with one or both of my boys (19 and 22), so I have my work cut out for me. I don't want them waiting on the old man too much. I'll also do club rides and would like to complete a couple of centuries, my goal is sub 6 hours. I have a lot of lower back pain and because of this I spend most of my time in the drops.
As a concession to age I've been looking at carbon frame bikes with a relaxed geometry. These bikes are fairly expensive (for me) and want to make sure my money is well spent. I don't want to start a flame war, or have this thread be a primer on carbon vs. aluminum, but I just want some assurance that carbon frames are as durable and trouble free as my aluminum frame Cannondale has been.
So I've been looking at these bikes, mostly carbon bikes with the newer Ultegra groups, the outlier is a Bianchi with the Veloce group. I don't want to spend too much over $3k. When the weather gets nicer here in the northeast I'll be in heaven test riding these bikes. For now help me with my list and tell me what you think of my choices so far.
Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3 Ultegra https://www.cannondale.com/can/catalo.../category/916/
Bianchi Intenso Veloce https://www.bianchiusa.com/bikes/road...eloce-compact/
Trek Domane 4.7 https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...ne_4_7_compact
Specialized Roubaix SL4 Comp https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bik...-compact#specs
I don't know much about the Veloce group on the Bianchi, but that bike just looks pretty. I'd also consider these same carbon bikes with the 105 group as it seems you get a lot of bang for your buck with it. I just don't want my new bike to have older tech on it. This will probably be the last bike I'll purchase. I'm not thin skinned so tell me what you really think!
Tom
Most of my rides will be with one or both of my boys (19 and 22), so I have my work cut out for me. I don't want them waiting on the old man too much. I'll also do club rides and would like to complete a couple of centuries, my goal is sub 6 hours. I have a lot of lower back pain and because of this I spend most of my time in the drops.
As a concession to age I've been looking at carbon frame bikes with a relaxed geometry. These bikes are fairly expensive (for me) and want to make sure my money is well spent. I don't want to start a flame war, or have this thread be a primer on carbon vs. aluminum, but I just want some assurance that carbon frames are as durable and trouble free as my aluminum frame Cannondale has been.
So I've been looking at these bikes, mostly carbon bikes with the newer Ultegra groups, the outlier is a Bianchi with the Veloce group. I don't want to spend too much over $3k. When the weather gets nicer here in the northeast I'll be in heaven test riding these bikes. For now help me with my list and tell me what you think of my choices so far.
Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3 Ultegra https://www.cannondale.com/can/catalo.../category/916/
Bianchi Intenso Veloce https://www.bianchiusa.com/bikes/road...eloce-compact/
Trek Domane 4.7 https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...ne_4_7_compact
Specialized Roubaix SL4 Comp https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bik...-compact#specs
I don't know much about the Veloce group on the Bianchi, but that bike just looks pretty. I'd also consider these same carbon bikes with the 105 group as it seems you get a lot of bang for your buck with it. I just don't want my new bike to have older tech on it. This will probably be the last bike I'll purchase. I'm not thin skinned so tell me what you really think!
Tom
#2
Senior Member
I looked over the Domane and it is a fine bike. The Roubaix also has a dedicated following. I don't know anything about the others. I doubt you'd go wrong with any of them.
You'll have about twelve people tell you to get the bike that fits, but you probably realize that anyway.
You'll have about twelve people tell you to get the bike that fits, but you probably realize that anyway.
__________________
Momento mori, amor fati.
Momento mori, amor fati.
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Yeah, thanks for the reply. I rode a buddy's 2013 Synapse, carbon frame with the 105 group. We traded bikes for a 25 mile ride. He couldn't wait to trade back, said my bike was very harsh. I guess since I've put so many miles on my bike I just don't feel it. Any of the bikes on my list are more than I need or deserve. Of course fit will be the most important part of the equation. Now that I've decided to pull the trigger I can't wait to start test riding.
Tom
Tom
#4
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You should also check out the Cervelo R3 with 11-speed Ultegra. I test rode one with 10-speed Shimano 105, and it rode very smoothly on rough pavement, but had the performance of my old road bike. It's a bit more expensive than your budget goal, but a very comfortable bike that doesn't sacrifice on performance. I test rode a Synapse at my LBS, and found it a bit too soft and slow handling for my liking. Unless you ride on extremely rough roads, you don't need that sort of bike. BTW, the new Ultegra 6800 brakes that are part of the 11-speed gruppo are fantastic.
#6
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All of the bicycles you mentioned are good, well made rides. At your price level you will have a very good equipment selection available from all of the manufacturers. For me it would come down to the LBS for each of the makes and how well they work with you in choosing which to buy and especially the one that fits you best. Of the bicycles you mentioned the Synapse and Roubaix are my personal favorites, but the Domane is no slouch, either. Find the LBS that works best with you and get the one which fits you properly and that the dealer will do a proper fitting as a part of your purchase. An LBS that will stay with you for all the things that come with serious cycling is a definite asset. All three offer an endurance (or comfort) type of ride in their geometry and construction/design, and they are able to do fast riding as well.
You certainly seem to be knowledgeable about ridng and about bicycles so doing the foot work and test rides should not be a difficult task for you. Just take your time and ride each you want to try out as much as possible, don't rule out other manufacturers, say Giant, Cervelo, as said, and others in your area. As a hard core CAAD 10 addict I will offer that each of the models you mention are available in aluminum frame offerings that are well rated in the tests I have read and by friends that ride them now. At your price point ot would be hard to go wrong if you do the research and spend some time to make the decision. Please keep us informed on your choice.
Bill
You certainly seem to be knowledgeable about ridng and about bicycles so doing the foot work and test rides should not be a difficult task for you. Just take your time and ride each you want to try out as much as possible, don't rule out other manufacturers, say Giant, Cervelo, as said, and others in your area. As a hard core CAAD 10 addict I will offer that each of the models you mention are available in aluminum frame offerings that are well rated in the tests I have read and by friends that ride them now. At your price point ot would be hard to go wrong if you do the research and spend some time to make the decision. Please keep us informed on your choice.
Bill
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I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
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I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
#7
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You say you have lower back pain and will therefore spend a lot of time in the drops? Most people think a more upright position is better for their lower back issues. I'm just wondering if riding in the drops is actually more comfortable for you. FWIW your '87 AL frame is nothing like current AL frames. I only say this because if you are limiting frame choice because of your experience with an almost 30 yr. old frame you should re-think it. My Masi ('06) is 7005 AL and has CF fork, seat stays and chain stays. It is IMO quite comfortable and handles really well. AL is also a hell of a lot cheaper than CF. If you were to find a good AL frame you could take the money you saved and upgrade components/wheels. I am currently researching for a new bike and am thinking of the new steel or AL as opposed to paying the price for CF. This is not to knock CF but just to say the options are greater than I think you think.
Last edited by bruce19; 02-15-14 at 09:48 AM.
#8
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In my research I found this information useful...https://www.brightspoke.com/c/underst...materials.html
I found this statement interesting...
"Like aluminum, carbon fiber bike frames are corrosion resistant, but they require a bit more tender loving care than a steel or aluminum frame. Although carbon is strong and stiff, a deep scratch or hard bump can compromise the structural integrity of a carbon frame, making it prone to catastrophic failure."
I found this to be a very interesting discussion about the actual effect of weight difference between the "new" steel and CF. It helped me decide on steel for my nest bike.
https://www.smartcycles.com/bike_weight.htm
I found this statement interesting...
"Like aluminum, carbon fiber bike frames are corrosion resistant, but they require a bit more tender loving care than a steel or aluminum frame. Although carbon is strong and stiff, a deep scratch or hard bump can compromise the structural integrity of a carbon frame, making it prone to catastrophic failure."
I found this to be a very interesting discussion about the actual effect of weight difference between the "new" steel and CF. It helped me decide on steel for my nest bike.
https://www.smartcycles.com/bike_weight.htm
Last edited by bruce19; 02-15-14 at 10:03 AM.
#9
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I also have a ten year old road bike built around a MONOC frameset with full carbon fork and aluminum main frame tubes with carbon stays. I recently bought a new bike built on a Matrix full CF frameset, and it's noticeably smoother riding and more comfortable on rough roads, while still being stiff and responsive. The prices in CF frames has come down a lot and I think they are now worth buying for the added comfort they provide.
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Last edited by TejanoTrackie; 02-15-14 at 10:11 AM.
#10
aka Phil Jungels
Simple, buy the one you fall in love with!
#11
Senior Member
You deserve any bike you can afford.
If your children are going hungry at night because you blew your last few pennies on a Domane, that's one thing.
Live is too short to feel guilty about riding a lovely bike.
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Momento mori, amor fati.
Momento mori, amor fati.
#12
Banned
Domane with the seat tube isolation suspension would make the century rides a bit more comfy..
You eyeing the Carbon, or Aluminum framed version OK ?
the elastomer softens the usually stiff aluminum characteristic, and the Al version costs less.
You eyeing the Carbon, or Aluminum framed version OK ?
the elastomer softens the usually stiff aluminum characteristic, and the Al version costs less.
#16
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This is one of the steel frames I am looking at.....https://www.torelli.com/frames/mondon...a-leggero.html
OTOH this is not too shoddy.....https://www.torelli.com/frames/torell...ontefalco.html
Now to find money.
OTOH this is not too shoddy.....https://www.torelli.com/frames/torell...ontefalco.html
Now to find money.
#17
Senior Member
Thread Starter
You say you have lower back pain and will therefore spend a lot of time in the drops? Most people think a more upright position is better for their lower back issues. I'm just wondering if riding in the drops is actually more comfortable for you. FWIW your '87 AL frame is nothing like current AL frames. I only say this because if you are limiting frame choice because of your experience with an almost 30 yr. old frame you should re-think it. My Masi ('06) is 7005 AL and has CF fork, seat stays and chain stays. It is IMO quite comfortable and handles really well. AL is also a hell of a lot cheaper than CF. If you were to find a good AL frame you could take the money you saved and upgrade components/wheels. I am currently researching for a new bike and am thinking of the new steel or AL as opposed to paying the price for CF. This is not to knock CF but just to say the options are greater than I think you think.
The reason I'm limiting my choices to carbon frames are just for the increased comfort these frames seem to provide. From experience on my son's Trek 1.5, which is aluminum with a carbon fork, I know how much more comfortable these new frames are.
Freedomrider, I am definitely going to try out the CAAD 10. Do you think, coming from the bike I have now, the CAAD 10 will provide comfort close to the Synapse?
Tom
#18
Senior Member
Thread Starter
#19
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Tom
#20
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Tom
#21
Senior Member
In my research I found this information useful...https://www.brightspoke.com/c/underst...materials.html
I found this statement interesting...
"Like aluminum, carbon fiber bike frames are corrosion resistant, but they require a bit more tender loving care than a steel or aluminum frame. Although carbon is strong and stiff, a deep scratch or hard bump can compromise the structural integrity of a carbon frame, making it prone to catastrophic failure."
I found this to be a very interesting discussion about the actual effect of weight difference between the "new" steel and CF. It helped me decide on steel for my nest bike.
https://www.smartcycles.com/bike_weight.htm
I found this statement interesting...
"Like aluminum, carbon fiber bike frames are corrosion resistant, but they require a bit more tender loving care than a steel or aluminum frame. Although carbon is strong and stiff, a deep scratch or hard bump can compromise the structural integrity of a carbon frame, making it prone to catastrophic failure."
I found this to be a very interesting discussion about the actual effect of weight difference between the "new" steel and CF. It helped me decide on steel for my nest bike.
https://www.smartcycles.com/bike_weight.htm
#22
Senior Member
Thread Starter
In my research I found this information useful...https://www.brightspoke.com/c/underst...materials.html
I found this statement interesting...
"Like aluminum, carbon fiber bike frames are corrosion resistant, but they require a bit more tender loving care than a steel or aluminum frame. Although carbon is strong and stiff, a deep scratch or hard bump can compromise the structural integrity of a carbon frame, making it prone to catastrophic failure."
I found this to be a very interesting discussion about the actual effect of weight difference between the "new" steel and CF. It helped me decide on steel for my nest bike.
https://www.smartcycles.com/bike_weight.htm
I found this statement interesting...
"Like aluminum, carbon fiber bike frames are corrosion resistant, but they require a bit more tender loving care than a steel or aluminum frame. Although carbon is strong and stiff, a deep scratch or hard bump can compromise the structural integrity of a carbon frame, making it prone to catastrophic failure."
I found this to be a very interesting discussion about the actual effect of weight difference between the "new" steel and CF. It helped me decide on steel for my nest bike.
https://www.smartcycles.com/bike_weight.htm
Tom
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As for your bike frame choice, riding these bikes, if possible, will tell you more than stats and articles IMO. Good luck. Also FWIW the Dura Ace that came on my Masi in '06 is not as smooth as the 105 that came on my Raleigh cross bike last year. It just keeps getting better.
#24
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You're using the wrong organ make your decision.
Just as choosing a wife by listening to your gonads is the best way to make a wrong decision, turning bike buying into an intellectual exercise is the best way to make the wrong decision there.
Riding a bike is not an intellectual exercise, but a physical one. Deciding between bikes should also be.
Look, the four bikes you listed are so similar they might be identical.
But, one of them will speak to you on a different level and intensity than the others. When one speaks to you as a lover, that's the one to buy.
The way you listen is to ride the bike. Again, riding a bike is a physcal exercise, so the purcahse of one should also be a physical exercise, not an intellectual one.
Take your brain out, give it wash, and hang it up home to dry, then take your body on a test ride. Ride each one. Go back and ride them again if need be. But I guarantee, one will speak to you.
And it won't do so from a specification sheet or an internet forum.
Just as choosing a wife by listening to your gonads is the best way to make a wrong decision, turning bike buying into an intellectual exercise is the best way to make the wrong decision there.
Riding a bike is not an intellectual exercise, but a physical one. Deciding between bikes should also be.
Look, the four bikes you listed are so similar they might be identical.
- They're all similarly equipped. The differing details between them are meaningless.
- Their geometry is similar.
- Their pricing is similar.
- Their intended market segment is identical, and your intended use if firmly in the center of that segment.
- Any one will give you the same bragging rights.
- Not a one will make you unhappy.
But, one of them will speak to you on a different level and intensity than the others. When one speaks to you as a lover, that's the one to buy.
The way you listen is to ride the bike. Again, riding a bike is a physcal exercise, so the purcahse of one should also be a physical exercise, not an intellectual one.
Take your brain out, give it wash, and hang it up home to dry, then take your body on a test ride. Ride each one. Go back and ride them again if need be. But I guarantee, one will speak to you.
And it won't do so from a specification sheet or an internet forum.
#25
Senior Member
Thread Starter
You're using the wrong organ make your decision.
Just as choosing a wife by listening to your gonads is the best way to make a wrong decision, turning bike buying into an intellectual exercise is the best way to make the wrong decision there.
Riding a bike is not an intellectual exercise, but a physical one. Deciding between bikes should also be.
Just as choosing a wife by listening to your gonads is the best way to make a wrong decision, turning bike buying into an intellectual exercise is the best way to make the wrong decision there.
Riding a bike is not an intellectual exercise, but a physical one. Deciding between bikes should also be.
Tom