Post # 1
Selling & buying.
At this time last year I was using five bikes. I don’t really need five bikes, but each had its intended usage and reason for being. In April I sold three of the bikes for various reasons.
Sold;
The 1973 Schwinn Road-race Paramount was one size too small. I like a nice vintage bike for local rides with the C&V crowd, but I need a bike that fits.
Sold;
The 1987 Trek 400 Sports/touring bike had seen too many salty & wet road miles and would need a rebuild soon. I decided to sell the bike to a local twenty-something. The bike was never the best winter-bike in any case.
Sold;
The 2008 made-by-Lynskey Planet X titanium road bike was a little small, a little too flex-ey and would need a new fork and cockpit to fit correctly. I decided that I would find a stiffer road bike that fits properly.
Keeper;
This left the do-it-all 2008 Soma Double Cross for 90% of my riding and the 2007 Giant Hybrid for utility needs. The plan is to rebuild the Soma next spring; it might get a new frame. The Giant would continue to be used as a utility bike.
I’ve been seeking a stiff and light road bike for local group rides and hilly century rides. If I could find a stiff road bike that fits, it would share fitness ride duty with the Soma Cyclocross bike. The Cyclocross bike and the utility bike will then both get fenders. Three bikes should cover all my future needs.
This August, I committed to buying a Pedal Force GC2 road bike on a group buy. The geometry of the GC2 is ideal for me with a 59cm virtual top-tube (perfect) and a 210mm head-tube (tall enough). The GC2 also has a few advanced features including an asymmetric head tube (upper 1-1/8" / lower 1-1/4") and a BB30 bottom bracket. I also like the paint free finish.
http://pedalforce.com/online/product...ducts_id=20494
"Designed for tackling fast and hard long days in the saddle, the CG2 features a full carbon frame, tapered head tube, BB30 bottom bracket, internal cable routing, and a balanced geometry for a confidence-inspiring ride. It is available in eight sizes so you won't need to compromise on getting the perfect bike fit.
•High modulus carbon monocoque construction with oversized downtube and bottom bracket junction for optimal torsional and lateral stiffness.
•BB30 bottom bracket - a new standard that is stiffer, lighter and narrower than traditional bottom bracket systems. BB30 shell adaptor available to allow use of a traditional crankset.
•Asymmetric 1-1/8" top & 1-1/4" bottom head tube for extra front-end stiffness
•Internal cable routing for a cleaner look and better aerodynamic efficiency.
•Race proven geometry combined with a slightly taller head tube for a comfortable fit and great handling."
It arrived today;
I'm really impressed by the girth of the down-tube and head-tube, they make the 34.9 seat-tube look undersized. I think you could remove the top-tube and the bike would ride normally. It will get built in the next two weeks.