nun

All my bikes are steel, but as my contribution to economic recovery I thought I'd come into the 21s century and buy a carbon bike. I plan to use it for centuries and very light credit card touring. I've looked at Specialized Roubaix and Bianchi C2C Infinito and like the combination of carbon frame with relaxed geometry, but what would you recommend?

Barrettscv 

You might also consider this: https://pedalforce.com/online/product...ducts_id=20501

...and read this: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...th-rack-mounts

nun

Maybe I should have left the cc touring bit off. I don't need any racks etc, just looking for a comfortable carbon bike for day long riding. I didn't post on the road forum as comfort is more important to me than flat out speed or a really aggressive riding position.

Barrettscv 

OK: https://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...ura3_spec.html

The long-reach brakes accept 700x30 touring tires or 700x28 and fenders, if needed. Other than that, It's a 17lbs elite sports bike.

"Xenith Enduras use the same top-level manufacturing techniques and materials as our award-winning Xenith Competition series. But Enduras roll on slightly stretched wheelbases, with marginally less aggressive cornering geometry, for more stability and a little extra ride comfort. And the head tubes are slightly longer, for less drop to the handlebar and a more upright posture that trades away just a little bit of aerodynamic slickness (which is still there for you in the drops) for a big payoff in reduced neck and back strain for those long-mileage days.

Superlight wheels—which any racer will tell you are the most critical speed component—and the combination of compact cranks plus 11-28 or 32 tooth cogs gives you a big boost on climbs, with plenty of go-power to whoop it up on descents, where you'll make the most of the Endura's incredible handling manners and really appreciate the superb road feel of that full carbon hollow-crown fork."

MNRon

My new version of what you're looking for:

https://www.cannondale.com/bikes/road...-ultegra-16652

groovestew

One of the faster guys in my randonneuring club rides a Roubaix and really likes it, particularly the Zertz inserts.

valygrl

Scott CR1 SL

nun

Thanks, this is giving me lots of bikes to research

Richard Cranium

Instead of wondering about frame material - understand that the most important aspect of any long distance bicycle is weather or not it will accommodate a 28mm or 32 mm tire. All else in secondary.

If you are skinny - and know you will ride 23 or 25 mm tire disregard my remarks.

Homeyba

I'm 210-220lbs, can I disregard them too? As far as I'm concerned, if you have a good quality frame and wheelset you don't need the crutch of fat tires. In actuality, it's just another (more expensive) way to skin the cat.

nun

I ride 28mm or 25mm tyres on classic steel frames so 25mm will be good on the carbon

Richard Cranium

Many of the newer bike-makers are attempting to maximize frame performance by designing frames with almost no room around the seat tube and or fork. In most of these cases if the wheel loses any "true" - you're pretty much screwed.

Since you mentioned CC touring - I would think it is a consideration. But I've seen it all - carry on.

NoTrail

I ride a 2010 Specialized Roubaix with slightly stronger (aka heavier) wheels than came with the bike. This is mainly because I'm 6'4" and about 240. But I recently did a CC tour from Seattle to San Francisco (about 1,100 miles) on it with 23mm tires and it was GREAT. Averaged about 100 miles a day.

Last year I took the same bike on a 700 mile trip (also 100 mile days) but with 25mm tires. I can honestly say I didn't really notice a difference. The Roubaix is an amazing ride for long day trips too!!

njkayaker

Or...

https://www.volagi.com/bikes

nun

That's part of why I asked my question. I'm interested in a carbon bike to see how it rides, but want clearance for at least 25mm tires, and a relaxed geometry. Seems there are 4 or 5 that meet those specs. Throw on some saddle loops for a small Carradice saddlebag and I'm ready to cc tour too.

Aushiker

Hi

I have a Look 555 (photo) and would if I was replacing it, go with a Look 566. It is designed for long-distance riding such as you interested in; I am comfortable riding 200 km plus on mine.



Regards
Andrew

liong71er

i ride supersix 3 cannondale..prety much for everything.except cyclo.

znomit

For CC tours you can carry everything you need in a seat bag and handlebar bag.
Run MTB shoes/pedals if you're going to be doing a bit of walking.

mtalinm

I use an entry-level Specialized Roubaix for centuries. I'm heavy, so my rear wheel is on a Velocity Dyad rim where 25mm tires are the smallest you can go. frame is fine with them. love the comfort of the frame for distance. now just need a Brooks saddle

ConstantRider

I have a 2005 Specialized Roubaix (I believe Specialized has redesigned the frame somewhat since then.)

As a century and double-century bike, it's great -- very comfortable for those distances.

Per Richard's remarks, I was able to fit a pair of 28mm Panaracer Paselas on it once, but it was an extremely tight fit. I usually use 25mm Conti 4000s on it.

Worped

I ride a Cervelo RS w/ 23mm tires for all of my long distance stuff. I've been pretty surprised, actually.

akansaskid

My 2009 Roubaix Pro has 25mm tires, a Jandd Mountain Wedge III seatbag (big!), a small handlebar bag, a full-frame pump, and a Brooks B-17. It's entirely configured for century rides. That big bag is handy in the winter to hold the layers as you warm during the day. As a whole, the bike is a lot more comfortable than my old steelie with 32mm tires.

Trek Al

I bought a Trek/Gary Fisher Cronus last week. Will be my around bike replacing the Trek Pilot that meet a fatal accident. It should work great for centuries and brevets. It will take fenders or 28 tires.

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...onus_compact/#

nun

The Eddie Merckx EMX-3 also looks like a relaxed carbon bike

cccorlew

Like many, I can tell you about my bike, but not in relation to every other bike out there.

I love my Roubaix Expert. I had a Bikes Direct bike, then a Kesterl RT700. I did centuries and double centuries on them, but getting the Roubaix was a huge step up. It leaves me less beat up by a real margin.

I spent a month this summer doing supported tours on it (Oregon Gorge and Tetons/Yellowstone) as well as some ill-considered off road riding (rocks and 23mm tires...yikes)

The bike was wonderful.

Downside: That carbon seat post that may contribute to the comfy ride is not appropriate for a seat post rack. I'd have used one otherwise. I used a regular (but large) seat bag and stuffed my pockets.