Originally Posted by ElanaB
Hi, I'm looking to buy a new bike at my LBS, a Trek/Lemond/Giant dealer. I'm going to be using this bike for long distance touring (with a sag wagon, so I'm not carrying any gear) as well as for regular riding. I tested a Trek 5,000, whose fit I was not impressed with, and then rode a Lemond Versailles (men's version), which fit me a lot better. I want to spend under $2,000.
A few questions:
*Would anyone recommend riding just carbon over a mix of carbon and steel? I toured a lot last summer and experienced quite a bit of back pain, but then again I was riding an aluminum bike.
*I am thinking about upgrading to the Buenos Aires, because it has more ultegra components than the Versailles. It doesn't, however, have a women's model. I am 5'8" tall female...do any of the taller women out there really prefer the geometry of the Lemond women's models over the men's?
*I have heard some good things about the Specialized Roubaix Elite. Upon a bit of investigation, its components seem a step down from the Buenos Aires, but it's a carbon bike. Would anyone recommend this over the 2 Lemond models?
Thanks so much! Elana
I don't think you necessarily need a 'womans' bike - my gf is quite happy with the standard geometry of her bike, but of course your mileage may vary - I would test ride any bike before buying and make sure it feels right for you. If you are having back pain, I think the fit of the bike is more the culprit than the frame material. For your back pain, you might consider a more upright riding position. I think you'd like the ride quality of steel/carbon better than all carbon and will be happy with either Lemond.
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