capecodcowboy

I am a forty something newbie biker wanabe who is looking to make the leap from my Trek hybrid 7200 to a REAL road bike. I like the idea of a Ti bike but not sure I can justify the cost! I like the geometry of the new frames as I have had back surgery and would like to be more up right in the saddle. The bikes I am looking at are the Cannondale Synapse Alloy 2, SPECIALIZED Roubaix and the LITESPEED Firenze. Any feed back as far as comfort and rideability please let me know... Thanks, Mike from the Cape

cuda2k

Lots of people I know who have ridden the Roubaix like it a lot. Don't overlook the comfort of steel when looking at bikes. I'm not really up to speed on who still builds a steel roadie these days, but if you're looking to take a little bite out of the road buzz. A good quality carbon fork is also important.

Secondly, Welcome to BikeForums!

big john

I don't think the alloy Synapse is what you're looking for, maybe the carbon one. I just got a steel Gunnar and it really works well on rough roads, it's the Sport and has a little more upright position and longer wheelbase than a race-type frame. If money is tight, a friend has a steel Jamis that he loves and it was pretty cheap.

sloegoe

Look at my thread on the IBEX Classic 5600. I'm telling you it is awseome, it has a little more upright posture than a new breed bike and for the money CANNOT BE BEAT.-Steve.

RonH

Jamis makes quality steel bikes with a carbon fork.

capecodcowboy

Thanks, I will check out steel! SEROTTA or maybe BIANCHI? Keep the suggestions coming as I really want to research all I can! I am a 5' 10 1/2" and I am what you would call a clydesdale. 225lbs I was a Lot heavier (100lbs+) a year ago and could not ride more than 5 miles. Now I am up to 80 miles on Saturdays and look forward to all day rides. I still think Ti maybe the answer but the cost may nix that idea!

big john

I think a steel Serotta wil cost as much as some ti frames. Sometimes you can find Litespeed ti frames on clearance at Colorado Cyclist. Another Bike Forums member, (lsits), has a steel Bianchi and loves it and I think it looks great, too. There are several nice hand made steel frames in the neighborhood of $700. You can also find complete bikes for around $1000. At your weight, just be careful of the wheels.

capecodcowboy

North Dallas! I grew up in Irving as a Kid! I am still a Texan at heart, Unfortunately my arse is in Massachusetts!