comfort bike solutions
05-09-05, 07:05 PM
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comfort bike solutions
Hi Folks
I would love some advice.
My goal is to have two bikes: one for training and maybe racing if I get the courage. I am getting a Cervelo Soloist for this one as it will allow me to train in an aero position as well. The second bike is to be for long rides, group riding, centuries,etc. I have a Giant TCR carbon bike with Campy Record that is a very smooth ride, however the gearing is not what I want for long climbs (it has 53/39 and 12-25). My dilemma is this: should I make this my comfort bike (install 13-29 cassette and/or a compact crank, replace 700x20 tires with 700x23 or 25, put on my brooks saddle, flip the stem upward), or should I sell it and get the Lemond Versailles that I have been reading is so comfortable, and get it with a triple or compact crank. The Giant is very smooth, light, and really flies up hills, however its geometry and short wheelbase concern me for long rides (haven't done>35 km yet). On the other hand the Lemond is set up for comfort but would I miss the lightness and acceleration of the Giant, or would it be close enough.
This is directed particularly to anyone who has ridden both, or who has a lot of time on one or the other and can give me their thoughts. thanks very much
I would love some advice.
My goal is to have two bikes: one for training and maybe racing if I get the courage. I am getting a Cervelo Soloist for this one as it will allow me to train in an aero position as well. The second bike is to be for long rides, group riding, centuries,etc. I have a Giant TCR carbon bike with Campy Record that is a very smooth ride, however the gearing is not what I want for long climbs (it has 53/39 and 12-25). My dilemma is this: should I make this my comfort bike (install 13-29 cassette and/or a compact crank, replace 700x20 tires with 700x23 or 25, put on my brooks saddle, flip the stem upward), or should I sell it and get the Lemond Versailles that I have been reading is so comfortable, and get it with a triple or compact crank. The Giant is very smooth, light, and really flies up hills, however its geometry and short wheelbase concern me for long rides (haven't done>35 km yet). On the other hand the Lemond is set up for comfort but would I miss the lightness and acceleration of the Giant, or would it be close enough.
This is directed particularly to anyone who has ridden both, or who has a lot of time on one or the other and can give me their thoughts. thanks very much
05-09-05, 09:23 PM
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Originally Posted by jeffreyleigh
Hi Folks
I would love some advice.
My goal is to have two bikes: one for training and maybe racing if I get the courage. I am getting a Cervelo Soloist for this one as it will allow me to train in an aero position as well. The second bike is to be for long rides, group riding, centuries,etc. I have a Giant TCR carbon bike with Campy Record that is a very smooth ride, however the gearing is not what I want for long climbs (it has 53/39 and 12-25). My dilemma is this: should I make this my comfort bike (install 13-29 cassette and/or a compact crank, replace 700x20 tires with 700x23 or 25, put on my brooks saddle, flip the stem upward), or should I sell it and get the Lemond Versailles that I have been reading is so comfortable, and get it with a triple or compact crank. The Giant is very smooth, light, and really flies up hills, however its geometry and short wheelbase concern me for long rides (haven't done>35 km yet). On the other hand the Lemond is set up for comfort but would I miss the lightness and acceleration of the Giant, or would it be close enough.
This is directed particularly to anyone who has ridden both, or who has a lot of time on one or the other and can give me their thoughts. thanks very much
I would love some advice.
My goal is to have two bikes: one for training and maybe racing if I get the courage. I am getting a Cervelo Soloist for this one as it will allow me to train in an aero position as well. The second bike is to be for long rides, group riding, centuries,etc. I have a Giant TCR carbon bike with Campy Record that is a very smooth ride, however the gearing is not what I want for long climbs (it has 53/39 and 12-25). My dilemma is this: should I make this my comfort bike (install 13-29 cassette and/or a compact crank, replace 700x20 tires with 700x23 or 25, put on my brooks saddle, flip the stem upward), or should I sell it and get the Lemond Versailles that I have been reading is so comfortable, and get it with a triple or compact crank. The Giant is very smooth, light, and really flies up hills, however its geometry and short wheelbase concern me for long rides (haven't done>35 km yet). On the other hand the Lemond is set up for comfort but would I miss the lightness and acceleration of the Giant, or would it be close enough.
This is directed particularly to anyone who has ridden both, or who has a lot of time on one or the other and can give me their thoughts. thanks very much
I think it needs an adjustable hi-rise stem,brooks saddle, and some albatros bars(see www.rivbike.com) Maybe a basket to hang off the front too.
05-09-05, 09:29 PM
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Originally Posted by seely
Rack and panniers with a kickstand would be nice too. Wonder if anyone makes a CF kickstand?
05-10-05, 12:22 AM
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Campy or bust :p
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Jeez... I'll give you $50 for that Giant TCR since you're not really "using" it per se. If you can't appreciate a TCR composite with Campy Record, what makes you think you're going to be able to make full use of a Cervelo Soloist?
05-10-05, 12:23 AM
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Campy or bust :p
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Originally Posted by seely
Rack and panniers with a kickstand would be nice too. Wonder if anyone makes a CF kickstand?
05-10-05, 01:49 AM
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Why worry about getting a more comfortable bike if you don't even know if you're going to be uncomfortable with the one you already have? Riding posture, bike fit (including setup), and finally the bike itself all factor in to comfort. The bike is just one of those factors. Make sure your bike is set up correctly for you, focus on correct posture, and roll some pavement underneath you for a while. If you're still uncomfortable, then worry about changing the bike's setup or changing frame geometry.
