Bacciagalupe

I'm currently riding on an 80s steel bike: lugged frame, downtube shifters, steel fork, steel handlebar, and so forth. The gearing isn't fantastic, 50-39T, 12-28T, and *cough* lovely Shimano Light Action componentry. I do some moderate paced group rides and occasional centuries, no intent to race.

I'm looking into newer bikes, and have basically ruled out aluminum frames -- too much road buzz. I test rode a Cannondale and an older Orbea Orca (06) and am considering an '08 Onix TDF. Cannondale rode nice but aesthetically, I'm just not feeling it. One odd thing is, the Onix is sized at 51 and 54; normally I'm a 52.

Any thoughts on the Onix, or any other carbon bikes in the $2000 - $2500 price range that will feel about as comfortable as steel? And if the Onix is a good choice, any recommendations on sizing?

ggg300

Look ... ....

ridethecliche

If you tried the more aggressive Cannondales, give the synapses a try.

If you're looking for more comfort oriented bikes, check out specialized Roubaix, Fuji, and Giant.

Go for the feel, if your eyes feel great but your body feels sore, you're just going to end up staring at the bike.

acorn_user

You could get a really nice new steel bike for that money. Something like a Serotta or Casati Laser. Or a Marinoni. The list is pretty long. Modern steels are excellent, and lightweight enough. If you pushed the boat out, you could buy a Waterford and never buy another bike

SoreFeet

You can't compare a midrange steel bike to a high end carbon bike. There is a huge difference between Columbus SP/SL/SLX/4130/Reynolds 531/753/853/953...All tubing offer different ride characters. All carbon frames do is provide light weight at the expense of long term use. Your carbon will at some point be nothing but a plastic hunk of junk. If you want a feather for a bike get a carbon one. If you want long term enjoyment and highest resale value get a good steel frame.

Miller2

Cite your source please....

Bacciagalupe

FYI, the old steel is Tange 1. It was not a top-of-the-line steel road bike, more likely entry-level or midrange.

I'm *pretty* sure one of the Cannondales I rode was a Synapse, but it was out of my budget. Even the Onix is stretching things a little bit.

I hate to say it, but if there are so many new steel road bikes, why am I having trouble finding anyone who carries 'em in NYC?

PipinFan

I had an Onix TDF with upgraded full size crank set,Mavick Kysiriums ES all Ultegra and loved it,I used the bike for 8 months and sold it for a 2008 Orca,I'm 5.9' and about 165 pounds and the Onix was a heck of a nice bike I can get you a good price here in Florida and then you may have to pay for shipping to NY if you want,if interested send me a PM.

PD: Forgot to mention I had a 51 frame instead a 54.

PD: I think SoreFeet has sore feet of driving steel bikes :-)

kwrides

I just bought a brand new 07 Onix. It was much cheaper than you have listed because the 08's are coming out. I think the only difference is that the 08 has Ultegra SL and Mavic Aksiums, but I may be wrong. The 07 came with full Ultegra and Ksyrium Equipe's.

I love the 07 Onix. I only have about 100 miles on her, and was going to post some pics after getting another 100 or so this weekend.

I'm 5'11 and rode a 56" frame before, but with the Onix, I ride the 54 (like you said, odd sizing, so it goes 54-57). The 57 fit ok, but something just felt off, so the LBS had me ride the 54. Much better. Ride them and see which is best.

And seriously, consider buying a new 07.

bbattle

Trust no one but yourself. Test ride often and for as long as you can.

Bacciagalupe

That has crossed my mind. However, the shop I'm currently working with (and like) is out of the 07's. Other places are low on stock and still want $2400 for it. So, I might as well get the 08 -- if I like the fit & ride.


That is the goal. But I'd like to narrow my choices down a little bit so I don't waste everyone's time.


Pipinfan: how different is the Onix ride from the Orca? Oddly enough the Orca (06) felt a little stiffer and slightly bumpier than the Cannondale Synapse.


And a general question.... Am I correct in picking up a noticeable difference in ride quality between full carbon and a carbon-alloy mix? Or should a bike with carbon fork + carbon seat-stays + alloy tubes pretty much feel the same, even over long distances, as full carbon?

ridethecliche

You must have been looking at some really expensive synapses at that price. The CAAD9 I got was just a little over half the price of the onix...

ericcox

Different carbon bikes will feel different, as will different mixed bikes, different ti bikes, and so on. The design has a lot to do with it. The '06 Orca was similar in design in some ways to the Onix, but used a different grade of CF and a different layup. The Onix is not quite as stiff.

I have an '07 Onix TDF that I love. And like others, I am in a smaller size than I have ridden in other bikes (a 51 in the Orbea vs. a 54 Fuji and an older, more relaxed 55 Bianchi steel bike). I'm a little shorter than PippinFan at 5'7.5" (I usually claim 5'8"). On so many bikes now, it is best to delve into the geometry graphics to make a meaningful comparison (my now-sold 54 Fuji and the 51 Orbea have top tubes within 5mm of one another).

There are, however, myriad options at that price point and just below. Ride as many as you can, and pick the one you like best.

Bacciagalupe

The carbon Synapse was $2700 on sale, maybe $3000-$3300 new, out of my price range though. Full carbon, either full Ultegra or an Ultegra / Dura-Ace mix. Tons of stopping power and actually rode nicer than the 06 Orca, which I thought was a little weird.

The rumor mill is now proclaiming there will be an Onix with 105 for $1800 or so, which would be sweet. But I'll believe it when I see it.

arshak

Torelli sells nice italian made steel frames and Curtlo here in Seattle can make a custom frame for you for about $755.00
https://www.curtlo.com/pricing.html.

ggg300

wow...

PipinFan

Bacciagalupe... there is a BIG difference in between an Onix and an Orca,that's why one cost about $2.400 and the other one about $5.400,there is a BIG gap in quality and components,one bike (Onix) is at least 2 pounds heavier than the Orca,the Onix is a flexi frame and the Orca is much much stiffer,I enjoyed my Onix a lot but after riding this Orca there is a BIG difference as I stated before,now I upgraded my Onix with full size crank set and with kysiriums Es wheels to make her lighter and faster which I did,my Orca has full DA and same wheels.

Remember that between the these 2 bikes there is another wonderful bike,the almighty Orbea Opal which is a heck of a nice bike also,I just wanted to go to the top with the Orca and that's it,I may buy another set of wheels (Rolf) very light ones for speed and I will be set,I just ordered a new set of Keo Carbon pedals and this thing is getting better I don't have experience with any other bike because I prefer the Orbea's,I hope this helps.

Bluetick

I just got a new 2008 Onix TDF, it comes with with full Ultegra SL and Mavic Aksiums. I put gell bar tape on before it left the shop, way better than the stock tape. Mine is a 60CM, with Ultegra pedals and a CF bottle cage it weighed 19.4lbs. I got it for $2500. I am really liking the bike. No regrets. 2008 is same color as the 07

acorn_user

Why is it so hard to buy linen pants/trousers? I mean, they are clearly superior to cotton since they dry out faster and don't get hot. They are even lighter!

Most big brands find it easier to buy aluminium and carbon frames from their oems in the far east. Those plants are set up for it. Aluminium and carbon are pretty good frame materials, but steel has it's own advantages. If you want to try a road steel bike, find a Bianchi dealer and try out one of Bianchi's range. Lemond have also been into steel, as have Jamis. Have you looked at RA cycles yet?

Incidentally, only one of the bike shops here has steel road bikes (as opposed to touring bikes), but a number of the store owners ride steel.....

PipinFan

Bluetick.. you will enjoy your Onix,I really loved mine I love the shape of the frame and now with Ultegra SL should be even better next you'll see my ex-Onix with my new Orca..but I'll tell you that the Orca is a marvelous Bike.

kwrides

Thanks PipinFan! You just helped me! I was thinking of upgrading to the ES wheelset for my new Onix (which is identical to yours), but wasn't sure how the red hubs and spoke would look. They look great. Sold!

BTW - what kind of carbon cages are those? I like the "Swoopy" look.

PipinFan

Here you have... you will not find a better looking water cage anywhere Man ..and this cheap !!

https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4342