Carbon Frame vs better components
12-04-16 | 08:22 AM
#51
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This is good info. I know I plan to ride a lot so I'll keep this in mind in the event I find my rides constantly uncomfortable or I have aches and pains, after try to adjust myself. Luckily, the place I'm getting my bike from said they'll do a more extensive fitting for me, other than the "eye balling" another bike store said they'd do.
As for an expensive fitting ... for new riders or riders who don't ride much, an expensive fitting will likely be worthless because they will adjust and change their riding positions as they ride more.
I have been through a really rough year of injury and illness and bikes which I had set up perfectly are now uncomfortable because I have lost strength, flexibility, and endurance in various parts of my body, I have a few still-healing injuries, and I have gained back some weight.
if I got a $300 Retul fitting now, I would (hopefully) be a completely different rider in a month or two ... and a moth later, and another month ....
Things like different limb lengths and such, and the finer points of under-cleat spacers, cannot really be done by trial and error ... but stuff like saddle and bar positioning ... one can look online and find all kinds of info about ways to set up a bike. Try things.
I have been through a really rough year of injury and illness and bikes which I had set up perfectly are now uncomfortable because I have lost strength, flexibility, and endurance in various parts of my body, I have a few still-healing injuries, and I have gained back some weight.
if I got a $300 Retul fitting now, I would (hopefully) be a completely different rider in a month or two ... and a moth later, and another month ....
Things like different limb lengths and such, and the finer points of under-cleat spacers, cannot really be done by trial and error ... but stuff like saddle and bar positioning ... one can look online and find all kinds of info about ways to set up a bike. Try things.
12-04-16 | 08:31 AM
#52
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I ended up ordering this Dolce E5 Elite. Decided to go with road bike over hybrid. I'm certain this is the way to go. I really liked the Dolce Evo, but the LBS said they couldn't order it...hmm. That's fine, the E5 was in my price range.
From the listed specs are there any recommended changes I should make? I know it doesn't have the 105 components, but from what I read, Tiagra isn't that bad. I am, however, researching the clipless pedals. I'm not trying to go for over kill as a newbie, but I don't think there is anything wrong with doing it right from the start...unless, there is better advice. Thanks again!!
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bi...lite-e5/118404
From the listed specs are there any recommended changes I should make? I know it doesn't have the 105 components, but from what I read, Tiagra isn't that bad. I am, however, researching the clipless pedals. I'm not trying to go for over kill as a newbie, but I don't think there is anything wrong with doing it right from the start...unless, there is better advice. Thanks again!!
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bi...lite-e5/118404
12-04-16 | 08:46 AM
#53
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From: TC, MN
Bikes: R3 Disc, Haanjo
I wouldn't make any changes to it until it becomes apparent that you need to make a change. For now, I'd make sure that you have the things that you'll need to keep you safe and comfortable on the rides and keep you on the roads - apparel (helmet, bibs/shorts, jersey, shoes), lights, spare tubes, pump/CO2, mini tool, pump for the home/garage (you'll want to top off before each ride).
On the subject of clipless - most here would probably encourage you to try clipless, as would I, but it's up to you. You can either go two-bolt, which accommodates shoes that can be a little more walkable and (in general) are favored by mountain bikers and commuters, or you can go three-bolt which tend to give you a larger connection platform and tend to be favored by road cyclists. Either may feel a little awkward at first, and will take a little practice to get in and out, but it'll feel natural in no time.
On the subject of clipless - most here would probably encourage you to try clipless, as would I, but it's up to you. You can either go two-bolt, which accommodates shoes that can be a little more walkable and (in general) are favored by mountain bikers and commuters, or you can go three-bolt which tend to give you a larger connection platform and tend to be favored by road cyclists. Either may feel a little awkward at first, and will take a little practice to get in and out, but it'll feel natural in no time.
12-04-16 | 10:00 AM
#54
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Prague, Czech Republic
Bikes: Time ADH01, Merlin Extra Light, Orbea Orca, Ritchey Outback,Tomac Revolver Mountain Bike, Cannondale Crit 3.0 now used for time trials.
I would probably support the suggestions for better components on the quality aluminum frame. Once you really get yourself hooked on cycling, then go for a good carbon bike with mid to upper mid components, such as Ultegra or Sram Force or Campy. To the OP, have you test ridden both of the bikes that you are considering???
12-04-16 | 03:59 PM
#56
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I didn't test ride the carbon bike, but I did end up buying the Vita Elite...it's very nice, but from my little experience, I have little to base that on. I can say It was a noticeable upgrade from the Vita Sport. I enjoyed it.
However, most advice I got on this thread was to give the drop bars a chance. That's what I went for...Dolce E5 Elite. I know I want to go down that route (longer rides, faster paces, etc). Instead of upgrading from hybrid to road bike once I've out grown it, I just went with road bike...then depending on how far I go, I'll upgrade to better components or better bike.
However, most advice I got on this thread was to give the drop bars a chance. That's what I went for...Dolce E5 Elite. I know I want to go down that route (longer rides, faster paces, etc). Instead of upgrading from hybrid to road bike once I've out grown it, I just went with road bike...then depending on how far I go, I'll upgrade to better components or better bike.
I would probably support the suggestions for better components on the quality aluminum frame. Once you really get yourself hooked on cycling, then go for a good carbon bike with mid to upper mid components, such as Ultegra or Sram Force or Campy. To the OP, have you test ridden both of the bikes that you are considering???
12-04-16 | 05:32 PM
#58
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Joined: Jan 2015
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From: 614
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot, Trek Domane
I didn't test ride the carbon bike, but I did end up buying the Vita Elite...it's very nice, but from my little experience, I have little to base that on. I can say It was a noticeable upgrade from the Vita Sport. I enjoyed it.
However, most advice I got on this thread was to give the drop bars a chance. That's what I went for...Dolce E5 Elite. I know I want to go down that route (longer rides, faster paces, etc). Instead of upgrading from hybrid to road bike once I've out grown it, I just went with road bike...then depending on how far I go, I'll upgrade to better components or better bike.
However, most advice I got on this thread was to give the drop bars a chance. That's what I went for...Dolce E5 Elite. I know I want to go down that route (longer rides, faster paces, etc). Instead of upgrading from hybrid to road bike once I've out grown it, I just went with road bike...then depending on how far I go, I'll upgrade to better components or better bike.
12-04-16 | 07:54 PM
#59
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From: Colorado
Bikes: 2018 Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 9.0 2016 Bombtrack Arise Campy build cross bike 2005 Fuji Outland Pro
So I am confused. Did you buy both the Vita and the Dolce or did you return the Vita to get the Dolce?
12-04-16 | 08:09 PM
#60
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Joined: Jan 2015
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From: Kota, Aichi, Japan
Bikes: 2011 Giant Seek R3, 2015 Specialized Allez Elite, 2017 Giant TCR Advanced 2
If Tiagra (4700) is really ergonomically the same as 105, then it will server you well. By far, that is what I appreciate the most after switching from Tiagra (4600) to 105.
12-04-16 | 09:34 PM
#62
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From: Vegemite Island
Bikes: 2017 Surly Troll with XT Drive Train, 2017 Merida Big Nine XT Edition, 2016 Giant Toughroad SLR 2, 1995 Trek 830
12-05-16 | 08:11 AM
#63
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From: Brisbane Aust
Bikes: Giant ToughRoad Giant talon
Carbon bikes on the other hand are notorious for failing. Yes they will last a lifetime, but only if you take extra special care with them.
"As robust as carbon composites can be, Chuck Texiera (a senior engineer at Specialized) pointed out that there are some threats that are easy to overlook. “The greater hazards are just maintenance, people taking things apart and overcooking clamping,” he said. “Also, travel is not very good on bikes.”
The key message here is to avoid any kind of impact or excessive local forces to preserve the integrity of the composite."
https://cyclingtips.com/2015/08/what...-carbon-frame/
The key message here is to avoid any kind of impact or excessive local forces to preserve the integrity of the composite."
https://cyclingtips.com/2015/08/what...-carbon-frame/
There's a very good reason why many "good" alloy frames come with composite forks instead of alloy.
Google "aluminium frame failure" one hit A 1995 mountain bike, a non threatening failure on an old cheap design. Another aluminium frame failure - Cycling UK Forum
Considering how long Aluminium has been on the market that says it all. Aluminium is a tried and tested material.
Last edited by coominya; 12-05-16 at 09:12 AM.
12-18-16 | 10:28 PM
#64
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So after all the great advice, I got the Specialized Dolce Elite. I don't have all the experience, but I can def tell a difference between this bike and the hybrid. I went from constant hand and arm pain, to none what so ever (thanks drop bars). This bike is also much lighter...not sure if that's because it doesn't have disc brakes. Oh, and the shifting...SMOOOOTH!! again, I'm still learning, but I can tell a big difference between this road bike and the last two hybrids I rode. I really am enjoying it and should be installing my clip less pedals in a couple of weeks.
Again, thanks for all the great advice!!
https://flic.kr/p/Qb9izk
Again, thanks for all the great advice!!
https://flic.kr/p/Qb9izk
