Comfort Road Bikes
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Comfort Road Bikes
I have started to look for a new bike. I have been looking closely at comfort bikes like the Felt Z series, Cannondale Synapse series, etc. due to the fact i have a very bad lower back problem. I was wondering if ya'll could give anymore suggestions and opinions on other brands and what geomerity i need to look at. I want something that has me sitting more upright, comfortable to do a century but is also fast. All thoughts are welcome. I know i need to test ride them but i also like to hear personal experence. If it helps I am 6' 2" 220 lbs and i Ride about 50-80 miles a week on hilly terrain
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The Trek Pilot & Specialized Roubaix are in this class as well. I love my Synapse, but I only test rode it against other Cannondales, so I can't say how it comapres to other comfort-oriented bikes.
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I have a bad back which doesn't mean we have the same issues. I find leaning forward to be more comfortable that being upright. My concern with the upright position is that when you hit a bump it puts more stress on the spine/discs which is my problem. When I'm bent forward bumps jump make my butt go up and down. I haven't tried any comfort bikes but I have tried adjusting my bike and learned what's is working for me.
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I ride a Trek Pilot 5.something - it's carbon and has good components. I bought it because my aluminum bike was beating me up so badly, I didn't like to ride much. Stretching and switching to carbon saved my cycling life. Now my annual mileage continues to grow and I am looking forward to getting outside soon.
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The LeMond geometry provides for slightly more upright position than some other brands.. Cannondale, etc.... my Tourmalet is exceedingly comfortable and I've never experienced back pain following a ride....
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For Specialized, priced below the Roubiax is the Sequoia. The new design looks to be even more upright than previous models.
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Another vote for Specialized here... the Sequoai for under $1000 (probably under $700) and the Roubaix for a full road bike.
The Roubaix is a great machine for comfort cycling. Carbon everything, zertz inserts... Specialized has even released special tires on the Roubaix now are specifically designed for comfort cycling (slightly wider slicks.)
The Roubaix is billed specifically as a long-distance road bike. Not a touring bike of course, but a high-end road bike with a focus on comfort instead of racing. Basically you get a few fatter parts, a frame with some flex, fatter tires, and slightly more upright posture. It's still a fine roadbike at any rate, and something you could race.
If you are looking for a fully FULLY upright bike that is still relatively fast the Trek "FX" (try the 7.3) series are great as well. If being upright is your only concern I can't think of a better fit than a high-end trek f.x... they are billed as hybrid bikes but you can get one with high-end shimano on it, the only difference between it and a road bike is the upright posture and the wider tires (easily replaced)
The Roubaix is a great machine for comfort cycling. Carbon everything, zertz inserts... Specialized has even released special tires on the Roubaix now are specifically designed for comfort cycling (slightly wider slicks.)
The Roubaix is billed specifically as a long-distance road bike. Not a touring bike of course, but a high-end road bike with a focus on comfort instead of racing. Basically you get a few fatter parts, a frame with some flex, fatter tires, and slightly more upright posture. It's still a fine roadbike at any rate, and something you could race.
If you are looking for a fully FULLY upright bike that is still relatively fast the Trek "FX" (try the 7.3) series are great as well. If being upright is your only concern I can't think of a better fit than a high-end trek f.x... they are billed as hybrid bikes but you can get one with high-end shimano on it, the only difference between it and a road bike is the upright posture and the wider tires (easily replaced)
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https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...743&highlight=
I posted a list in response #16.
I posted a list in response #16.
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The Cervelo RS (more upright version of the R3) i think would be a part of this group
I love my Carbon Synapse FWIW!
I love my Carbon Synapse FWIW!
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OP - like someone else further up the thread, I had fairly serious disc problems in my lower back, but my position on the bike - properly stretched out/not a 'comfort-bike position - actually alleviated the problem to a great degree. I only hope you have the same experience.
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I have a bad back which doesn't mean we have the same issues. I find leaning forward to be more comfortable that being upright. My concern with the upright position is that when you hit a bump it puts more stress on the spine/discs which is my problem. When I'm bent forward bumps jump make my butt go up and down. I haven't tried any comfort bikes but I have tried adjusting my bike and learned what's is working for me.
Being stretched out over the bike does make it that the back has no strain on it and pain only comes in after more than 8 hours riding.
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I have a Specialized Roubaix (aluminum with carbon stays), Kestrel Talon, and Kuota Khan. The Khan is by far the most comfortable of the group. It has a fairly upright position and transmits very little buzz to the seat and handlebars. Kuota markets it as their top of the line comfort frame made with the same type of carbon as their top tier race bike, the KOM. It also comes in 14 sizes, so finding the right size without going custom is also easy.
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Bianchi Via Nirone. https://www.bianchiusa.com/08_c2c_nirone_ultegra.html
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It has this great comfort with performance and this together is hard to beat for anybody.
#16
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In 2005 Bicycling did a review of mid-priced "plush" bikes, which is what they call the category you're after (and at 53, that's what I was after too! I was having considerable lower back pain with prolonged climbing.).
The finalists:
1st place: Specialized Roubaix Elite
close 2nd place: Giant OCR C2
3rd place: Trek Pilot 5.0
All these were in the $2K price range. You can spend more and get better parts. Based on this and other articles, I checked out a 2006 Giant OCR C1 at a closeout price and am very happy with it. The local Specialized and Trek dealers are not into discounting much, the Giant dealer is, so I got a higher-end bike for my dollars.
The frame is absorbing far more road shock and vibration than my steel Trek. It took a few rides to get used to the more upright riding position but I like it now. The nice thing about Giant is that you get the same good carbon frame with the low end C3 (Shimano 105) as with the high end C0 (Dura Ace). And this frame uses the same carbon construction as the TCR series that Jan Ullrich rode for T-Mobile, with some very minor tweaks in geometry. With Specialized, the actual quality of carbon changes, and of course gets better, as you move up the price point.
Since initially reading this article, I noticed a lot of manufacturers are aiming at this market also.
One other thing: Bicycling has great articles on fitness, and I did some of the core exercises, which I think helped my back quite a bit. I did some climbing this week without pain, and I went out twice on my Giant and once on my Trek.
The finalists:
1st place: Specialized Roubaix Elite
close 2nd place: Giant OCR C2
3rd place: Trek Pilot 5.0
All these were in the $2K price range. You can spend more and get better parts. Based on this and other articles, I checked out a 2006 Giant OCR C1 at a closeout price and am very happy with it. The local Specialized and Trek dealers are not into discounting much, the Giant dealer is, so I got a higher-end bike for my dollars.
The frame is absorbing far more road shock and vibration than my steel Trek. It took a few rides to get used to the more upright riding position but I like it now. The nice thing about Giant is that you get the same good carbon frame with the low end C3 (Shimano 105) as with the high end C0 (Dura Ace). And this frame uses the same carbon construction as the TCR series that Jan Ullrich rode for T-Mobile, with some very minor tweaks in geometry. With Specialized, the actual quality of carbon changes, and of course gets better, as you move up the price point.
Since initially reading this article, I noticed a lot of manufacturers are aiming at this market also.
One other thing: Bicycling has great articles on fitness, and I did some of the core exercises, which I think helped my back quite a bit. I did some climbing this week without pain, and I went out twice on my Giant and once on my Trek.
Last edited by sunburst; 03-06-08 at 09:23 PM.
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Good point. I wonder if its because the baby boomers, the group that created the 70s bike boom, are hitting that point in their lives where their bods are aching a little too much. That generation grew up on bikes and are still heavily involved with the sport.
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Also look at the Serotta Fierte if you're ok with steel. That frame has comfortable, realistic geometry and taller headtubes. I also have back problems, and ride a Fierte for those reasons; and it's VERY comfortable. I'm 5'9" and went with a 56cm frame, brought the bars up a little with spacers and use a shorter stem to be upright a little more than I used to be.
The Gunnar Sport is similar, and the Gunnar Roadie is a little bit more aggressive.
The Gunnar Sport is similar, and the Gunnar Roadie is a little bit more aggressive.
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#20
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I am presently in the same boat (L5 disc impingement) and have been doing a little light riding as it is far more comfortable than walking, being driven in the car or taking the bus (which is the worst).
My Twenty folder is really adjustable and I found that a forward position was far better than sitting upright and that my fixed mtb was even better as it offers the same slightly forward position, is faster and rides just as well, and the fixed gear also compensates for the intermittent weakness in my left leg.
My OT is intrigued with this as although he knows cycling can be part of a rehabilitation program he knows nothing of fixed gear bicycles.
My Twenty folder is really adjustable and I found that a forward position was far better than sitting upright and that my fixed mtb was even better as it offers the same slightly forward position, is faster and rides just as well, and the fixed gear also compensates for the intermittent weakness in my left leg.
My OT is intrigued with this as although he knows cycling can be part of a rehabilitation program he knows nothing of fixed gear bicycles.
#21
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I tried the Roubaix... very nice bike. I rode the Cannondale Synapse SL... the geomotry of the synapse gave me just as relaxed and comfortable position on the bike. However, I think the Roubaix absorbed the road buzz a little better, but I felt the Cannondale Synapse SL 2 (2007 model) was a better performer - climbed better, a little stiffer, a little quicker acceleration. I could ride either bike all day. I got a little better components with the Cannondale for the money.
I chose the synapse. Even though I like the comfortable ride of the Roubaix, I still have the desire to "kick it in" and sprint on occassion- the Synapse did that better and still gives me the comfortable position I desired.
here are the specs on the 2007 cannondale synapse sl 2: ( i got this for $2300 from my LBS - they are a specialized/cannondale/cervelo dealer)
https://www.cannondale.com/bikes/07/c...el-7RCL2C.html
It's basically an Ultegra bike. 17.13 lbs on the scale without pedals.
I chose the synapse. Even though I like the comfortable ride of the Roubaix, I still have the desire to "kick it in" and sprint on occassion- the Synapse did that better and still gives me the comfortable position I desired.
here are the specs on the 2007 cannondale synapse sl 2: ( i got this for $2300 from my LBS - they are a specialized/cannondale/cervelo dealer)
https://www.cannondale.com/bikes/07/c...el-7RCL2C.html
It's basically an Ultegra bike. 17.13 lbs on the scale without pedals.
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Don't forget sizing and fit. A larger-sized bike with a longer top tube and head tube will let you stretch your spine out when you're in the drops. This size & fit- a "french" fit as some call it- compromise aerodynamics and rigidity but it sure is comfortable .
Also, don't forget tires. A tire with a higher thread per inch (TPI) count will feel smoother than one with a lower TPI. I havethese and the ride at the tire's recommended 110psi and it make the ride of my aluminum bike not just tolerable but actually pretty nice. Don't get the wire bead version, though. Miserably difficult to get back onto the rim.
I've got a carbon Synapse, too, and it does balance comfort, sprinting/climbing power and road feel interestingly. Probably not the most plush of the comfort bikes but Cannondale wanted it to balance the above rather than to have to hear people complain that the bike feels "dead" or "noodly" .
Also, don't forget tires. A tire with a higher thread per inch (TPI) count will feel smoother than one with a lower TPI. I havethese and the ride at the tire's recommended 110psi and it make the ride of my aluminum bike not just tolerable but actually pretty nice. Don't get the wire bead version, though. Miserably difficult to get back onto the rim.
I've got a carbon Synapse, too, and it does balance comfort, sprinting/climbing power and road feel interestingly. Probably not the most plush of the comfort bikes but Cannondale wanted it to balance the above rather than to have to hear people complain that the bike feels "dead" or "noodly" .
#23
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I thought the Roubaix's were a little expensive, based on the components you get with them. I guess you have to be OK with paying a premium for the frame and the Zertz technology. I also didn't like that the cheaper Roubaix's had cheaper frames (and even the style was different - they didn't start to look sexy until you spent $3K!). Bicycling mag gave Giant some major points for providing the good frame with a 105 group for about $1800.
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FWIW I've got an 07 Roubaix comp, all carbon (not the Pro level frame) - a) it looks a lot better in person than on the website, and b) it rides really well - smooth enough, but also fast enough if you want to hammer. Don't know about the aluminum w/carbon seat stays option, but I can vouch for the Fact 6r version - I got an '07 for $1695 all carbon with 105.