Bike Forums - Shocked

OK, the weather was great for riding in N Texas this last weekend. I got to take my new bike out a couple times and play with setup. Here is how it compares to my previous bike.

1. Weight: My Diamondback is about 28lbs, Mericer is 16-17lbs. I don't have a good scale so these weights about approximations. That being said the difference is very noticeable, mostly when I have to carry the bikes :)

2. Saddle: Diamondback had a gel saddle similar to one you my find on a comfort bike, and it was comfortable. Mericer comes with a generic saddle with chrome rails, I was questioning how it would feel. The first few miles took some getting use to, I could feel more of the road in this saddle. After ridding on it a few times I didn't few sore or numb, I will get use to this type of saddle just fine.

3. Shifting and Gears: Diamondback was a 24 speed with full Sora components, Mercier is 20 speed with Ultegra. Most noticeable was that I was able to shift while in the drops, for those that have used Sora know you have a thumb shifter on the inside of the hood. Second the gearing is different, going from a triple where big ring is 52T to 39T-53T compact. It was a change for me not being able to grab that third ring on a huge climb :) , it is mostly flat where I ride. The Ultegra components shifted fine and smooth but so did my Sora, never really had a problem them.

4. Braking: With new pads and clean rims I was impressed how well I stopped, but that is pretty much a given, but worth mentioning.

5. Wheels: Coming from heavy Shimano rims that where a bit out of true, it was nice to ride on some wheels that rolled smoothly, I know this doesn't say much other then true wheels ride better. Second the PSI had in the my old bike was about 100 PSI, these new tires I run about 125 PSI, that is a huge difference, I could really fell the road.

6. Ride: I just assumed (since I was told, but never verified it) my Diamondback was a 56cm but it does have a longer top tube and I had a much longer reach to bars and hoods. It was much more comfortable to have more bend in my elbows. Secondly I could ride in a straight line some much easier, I could put my bike on the white stripe of the road and ride it forever, even riding without my hands on the bars (I did this when no cars where around), again probably more about the size and fit of the bike. When I wanted to turn I was impressed with how quickly it would respond and being closer to the front wheel may have added to that.

7. Pedals: The Mecier came with VP-R61 I know nothing about them and wasn't going to even mess with them until I got some time on my bike. I current use eggbeaters and am happy with them. Any input on the VP-R61 pedals would be appreciated.

8. Improvements or changes: Only thing I'm going to add to the bike is some carbon bottle cages and a wireless computer. Haven't flipped the stem yet, sorry.

All in all this review is more about a having a new bike vs old, (you could also say well maintained bike vs non maintained bike as well, which I think speaks volumes for regular bike maintenance) then it is about names of the bikes. I enjoyed riding my old bike and may turn it into a commuter. however the pleasure of riding my new bike is beyond words. I have no problem recommend BD's to anyone base on my experience, for those that are coming from similar riding backgrounds as myself. But bike fit and maintenance can't be stated enough based on this experience.

I hope someone that is looking for a new bike finds my experience helpful.

Thank you to all that shared in my excitement and have a happy and safe holiday season.