Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 9,625
Likes: 40
From: South of Raleigh, North of New Hill, East of Harris Lake, NC
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Specialized Roubaix, Giant OCR-C, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, Stumpjumper Comp, 88 & 92Nishiki Ariel, 87 Centurion Ironman, 92 Paramount, 84 Nishiki Medalist
Why do I get the feeling this is going to be one of those "no right answer" threads.
That said, I have two built up steel framed bikes and two CF bikes. Lord knows I really love the 01 Bianchi Campione I have and I swapped out the mediocre CXP21 with Campy hub wheelset for a set of Mavic Ksyrium Elites to give it every opportunity to be fast, but it just doesn't deliver. I've compared it riding with the same groups to both of my CF bikes and the CF is always faster. I made the same comparison with a vintage Nishiki Prestige that I rebuild with aero, bladed wheels and Shimano 600 STI shifters with the same result. As for ride quality, I don't feel much difference between the four bikes or at least I can say they are all comfortable.
So I'm going to stay with the CF bikes for club rides where I'm trying to keep up with a reasonably fast group.
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