What do you think of my logic?
 

I got a mountain bike in 2002, which I enjoyed and still have.
Recently I bought a vintage Univega and put more than $500 into restoration.
After going on a ride with a friend who has a Trek CF road bike I started researching the market for an all carbon road bike.
Luckily (maybe?) the one I finally would have liked to buy was sold out.
That gave me pause to think about what I really needed.
I realized that:
I never rode my mountain bike on mountain trails, nor over stairs and such.
I would like to ride on country roads without risking to puncture the skinny slicks of my Univega.
I really love my EZfire triggers on the Lance MTB and resent the fact that road bars pretty much limit me to expensive brifters or bar end shifters, due to the fact that reasonably priced triggers only fit on flat bars.
Ergo:
Why not get a road bike with a flat bar and sturdier tires?
For my type of riding I would prefer a more upright position and softer ride.
So, I arrived at the hybrid market - road bike with flat bar and fatter tires.
Almost went for this one: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ury_pro_xi.htm, but they were sold out.
So I started to think again - what did I need, rather than want.
I *wanted* a CF frame.
But all I *need* is a comfortable ride.
I read that an aluminum RB usually is riding stiffer than a 12K CF.
But that can be tempered by the extra air I am sitting on with fatter tires.
So I clicked the buy button on this one:
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...fe_latte_x.htm
saving $900 in the process over the sold out Century Pro.
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=212723

The alu/cromoly fork frame should be forgiving enough on the fatter tires.
Can I get some feedback on my logic?

Makes sense tio me. I have 3 aluminum bikes. The one I ride the most is the least expensive one, a hybrid equipped with a cromoly fork.

If you don't mind used, I would look for a Trek 7XX series, Specialized Crossroads, or something similar. IMO steel gives a much nicer ride than aluminum. A bit heavier, but if comfort is your top priority can't go wrong with steel.

Thank you , that adds to my confidence that I made the right decision! Could you please post a picture of your bike, or describe the model?

Would not have minded at all. Which is the reason I bought my Univega and put $500 of upgrades in it. This Specialized would have been fine, as long as no crazy bidder comes in late: http://cgi.ebay.com/Specialized-Cros...d=251632809577

Like your Univega, it's an older bike (1998 Cannondale H300) that recently received many improvements (new wheels, drivetrain, and many parts salvaged from a broken frame). I wrote all about the upgrades in a thread here.

Before
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/r...h/IMG_2681.jpg

After
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/r...e/DSC00442.jpg

Latest picture
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/r...e/DSC03087.jpg

Now you have to post pics of your Moto B when you get it! :)

I've been in the saddle as long as 12 hours on this one; as you've said the right tires make a big difference. Very plush, and I cruise at 15mph. Not all Al is created equal, and between the saddle, post, bar, wrap...arguing Al is inferior riding to CrMo or CF statement is a little silly. And, with a CF or CrMo fork, the differrence are even less.

My preference is for steel and I'll likely end up with a 15lb CF someday, but I don't hesitiate to jump on any of my 3 Al bikes for long rides.

"I've been in the saddle as long as 12 hours on this one"

Saddle is the key word here. The Brooks must help a lot on rides that long!

12 hours at 15mph is 180 miles!

Never said aluminum was inferior so please don't put words into my mouth. I have a sub 15lb aluminum road bike that is the stiffest and liveliest of the 13 bikes I own. While the ride is comfortable it is not the bike I would pull out for a 12 hour cruise. Obviously a bike is made up than more than just tubing material. Geometry and quality of build are key; as well as correct fit, contact points, and tires. Bikes are pretty simple machines on the surface, but a quality ride requires everything to come together for the type of cycling that one intends. And of course all of this is subjective as there are really no wrong or right answers. What is best for me does not mean it will be for someone else.

Congrats on the fancy aluminum racing bike, but that's not what we're talking about here. Sorry you aren't man enough to spend the day on it. Maybe you should have thought about that before purchasing.

Please, man on enough for you any day of the week. I've been on it all day, but I have other choices that I can make. Don't hate because you only have the one POS to choose from.

I'm flattered, but I don't swing that way.

If that's what you read into that I am wondering.