Planning to go Carbon - thoughts, comments and advice
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Planning to go Carbon - thoughts, comments and advice
OK folks, planning ahead to the end of the year when I am hoping to go to a full carbon frame bike.
Have set training goals to reach a milestone by end of year and the reward (if successful) will be the new bike. Currently on a 2008 CAAD9-5 (105/Ultegra/compact) which I am happy with, but perhaps will get fit double checked (on a 54, might be better on a 56. Have short legs/long torso, 6ft) or have a play with some different drop bars - a compact (less drop) might suit me. I think I'd be a 56cm TT on the Giant/Trek range after looking at the charts.
Basic plan is to go to a full Ultegra bike (compact) or Rival (compact) on a carbon frame. Wheels TBC, but I'd like to custom make my own.
Production bikes that would seem to fit the bill are:
Cannondale - Six Carbon 3 and Synapse Carbon 3 (but not full Ultegra as sold). Can anyone describe the difference between the Six and Synapse geometry? I'm presuming the Six is more 'racy' and the Synapse is more 'training/touring'.
Giant - TCR Advanced 2 and Defy Advanced 2. Both full Ultegra. Presume a similar situation on frame differences as per C'dale models.
Trek - Madone 4.7. Full Ultegra.
any other suggestions?
Other Options:
- Pedal Force RS2 build with Ultegra. Pro - cheaper, lots of BF love. Con - paint job doesn't look as nice! Other Opinions?
- Buy cheapest Cannondale model with correct frame, part lower spec running gear out, rebuild with full Ultegra.
- Find other frameset option (new or ebay), build up from scratch.
So folks, your thoughts please!
Should I just get a production bike and love it as it is, or do I fool about building exactly what I have in my imagination?
Have set training goals to reach a milestone by end of year and the reward (if successful) will be the new bike. Currently on a 2008 CAAD9-5 (105/Ultegra/compact) which I am happy with, but perhaps will get fit double checked (on a 54, might be better on a 56. Have short legs/long torso, 6ft) or have a play with some different drop bars - a compact (less drop) might suit me. I think I'd be a 56cm TT on the Giant/Trek range after looking at the charts.
Basic plan is to go to a full Ultegra bike (compact) or Rival (compact) on a carbon frame. Wheels TBC, but I'd like to custom make my own.
Production bikes that would seem to fit the bill are:
Cannondale - Six Carbon 3 and Synapse Carbon 3 (but not full Ultegra as sold). Can anyone describe the difference between the Six and Synapse geometry? I'm presuming the Six is more 'racy' and the Synapse is more 'training/touring'.
Giant - TCR Advanced 2 and Defy Advanced 2. Both full Ultegra. Presume a similar situation on frame differences as per C'dale models.
Trek - Madone 4.7. Full Ultegra.
any other suggestions?
Other Options:
- Pedal Force RS2 build with Ultegra. Pro - cheaper, lots of BF love. Con - paint job doesn't look as nice! Other Opinions?
- Buy cheapest Cannondale model with correct frame, part lower spec running gear out, rebuild with full Ultegra.
- Find other frameset option (new or ebay), build up from scratch.
So folks, your thoughts please!
Should I just get a production bike and love it as it is, or do I fool about building exactly what I have in my imagination?
Last edited by JonnyHK; 01-20-09 at 03:55 AM.
#2
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I'd buy a Specialized Tarmac or Roubaix before any of the other production bikes you've listed. Felt has the F-series (racey) and Z-series (comfort) bikes, some of which are available in carbon. The Cervelo R3 or RS might also fit the bill. There are probably a zillion other choices...
#3
Chases Dogs for Sport
If I had a couple of extra thousand lying around, itching to be set free, I might consider a Trek or Specialized. (Someday, I probably will go that way again.)
More likely, though, I would go with a Pedal Force frame and components. It's a high-performance frame, it's much less expensive (upgrade to Dura Ace!), and there's the relationship with a bike that comes from selecting each component and putting it all together yourself.
More likely, though, I would go with a Pedal Force frame and components. It's a high-performance frame, it's much less expensive (upgrade to Dura Ace!), and there's the relationship with a bike that comes from selecting each component and putting it all together yourself.
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I've ridden a Cannondale Synapse Carbon with 105 for a couple of years now. It's very comfortable, even on longer rides, and it's done me very well. The only comparison I have is to a Specialized Roubaix; the roubaix is very stiff in comparison and I didn't enjoy the change, although it is faster.
To each their own, I suppose.
To each their own, I suppose.
#5
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I've ridden a Cannondale Synapse Carbon with 105 for a couple of years now. It's very comfortable, even on longer rides, and it's done me very well. The only comparison I have is to a Specialized Roubaix; the roubaix is very stiff in comparison and I didn't enjoy the change, although it is faster.
To the OP: you might also want to consider Look. Or figure out what your budget is so we can narrow the suggestions down...
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the look 566 is a nice looking frame and fitted with Rival group. They run $2500 right now at our LBS in town.
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If price is an issue, you can get a complete production bike for less than money that buying a frame and building it up. However, if you have a larger budget, you could go with a hand built frame and build up the bike but it would cost you more.
I like Calfee, Parlee and Crumpton frames,they are hand built frames that will last for as long as you want to ride them and in Calfee's case, they can fix anything that could possibly go wrong with one of their frames.
I have seen some good reviews of the Cannondale Super Six.
Here is a video review:
https://www.testrider.com/fly.aspx?la...layer&video=46
I like Calfee, Parlee and Crumpton frames,they are hand built frames that will last for as long as you want to ride them and in Calfee's case, they can fix anything that could possibly go wrong with one of their frames.
I have seen some good reviews of the Cannondale Super Six.
Here is a video review:
https://www.testrider.com/fly.aspx?la...layer&video=46
#9
Spin Meister
Because I ride one: Specialized Roubaix
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Does specialized own their own CF plant or do they contract out to the Taiwanese guys as well? If there are qualms about the pedal force paint job...you can always buy the frame unpainted and sent it off to get painted by a local shop like Spectrum Powderworks (they do liquid paint for CF frames I think)
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I've been riding a Synapse Carbon SL since late '07 and have no complaints whatsoever. Yes, they're marketed and have geometry geared more for touring, however it performs as a full on racing bike for those times when you get down in the drops. Highly recommended for the incredibly smooth and comfortable ride, and, as someone above posted, building it up with your own groupset or other parts just adds to the enjoyment of owning it (it did for me).
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The selection of bikes I listed are all available in my home town and are all about the same price. We're looking in the $2500-3000 USD range.
The Tarmac looks good, but is considerably more expensive (list $3700). The Roubaix frame is ugly (the fork and rear triangle - WTF is with those shapes?) and also expensive in comparason.
The Felt F4 looks fine and is equipped and priced about right, but not sure if there is a dealer in town.
Look (edit - just searched for the 566 and it does seem like a sweet deal) and many of the other frames listed (a Calfee bamboo would be really cool in this town! Have any of you seen how they use bamboo scaffolding in Asia?) are a bit expensive. I love the look of some of the BMC frames, but again too much $$$. Would certainly consider an old model frame if shops had any laying about, or perhaps hunt something on ebay once I had tested a few more things.
If I had to build up from a frame I would need to budget to come to a similar price point. Shimano Ultegra would cost about $700 (Rival a bit more depending where I get it), so a frameset would need to be between $1000-1500 to allow me to do this. The budget says the Pedal Force deal is way to go and I can get it custom painted here for about $250-300, but something the back of my head says to be wary of generic items of high value and a 'name brand' will have better re-sale later, more 'street cred'.
The Tarmac looks good, but is considerably more expensive (list $3700). The Roubaix frame is ugly (the fork and rear triangle - WTF is with those shapes?) and also expensive in comparason.
The Felt F4 looks fine and is equipped and priced about right, but not sure if there is a dealer in town.
Look (edit - just searched for the 566 and it does seem like a sweet deal) and many of the other frames listed (a Calfee bamboo would be really cool in this town! Have any of you seen how they use bamboo scaffolding in Asia?) are a bit expensive. I love the look of some of the BMC frames, but again too much $$$. Would certainly consider an old model frame if shops had any laying about, or perhaps hunt something on ebay once I had tested a few more things.
If I had to build up from a frame I would need to budget to come to a similar price point. Shimano Ultegra would cost about $700 (Rival a bit more depending where I get it), so a frameset would need to be between $1000-1500 to allow me to do this. The budget says the Pedal Force deal is way to go and I can get it custom painted here for about $250-300, but something the back of my head says to be wary of generic items of high value and a 'name brand' will have better re-sale later, more 'street cred'.
Last edited by JonnyHK; 01-20-09 at 07:54 PM.
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It was an 07 or an 08 [Roubaix] - and to be fair, I didn't put many miles on it as it was not mine. I just switched out with my dad for a while, and that was my impression.
My S2 arrives tomorrow though, and that will be it for the Synapse (for a while at least!)
My S2 arrives tomorrow though, and that will be it for the Synapse (for a while at least!)
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I'd buy a Specialized Tarmac or Roubaix before any of the other production bikes you've listed. Felt has the F-series (racey) and Z-series (comfort) bikes, some of which are available in carbon. The Cervelo R3 or RS might also fit the bill. There are probably a zillion other choices...
I also have a 55 PF RS2, which might be on the edge of being too large for me, but might be a perfect fit for the OP. It's a very nice ride.
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OK folks, planning ahead to the end of the year when I am hoping to go to a full carbon frame bike.
Have set training goals to reach a milestone by end of year and the reward (if successful) will be the new bike. Currently on a 2008 CAAD9-5 (105/Ultegra/compact) which I am happy with, but perhaps will get fit double checked (on a 54, might be better on a 56. Have short legs/long torso, 6ft) or have a play with some different drop bars - a compact (less drop) might suit me. I think I'd be a 56cm TT on the Giant/Trek range after looking at the charts.
Basic plan is to go to a full Ultegra bike (compact) or Rival (compact) on a carbon frame. Wheels TBC, but I'd like to custom make my own.
Production bikes that would seem to fit the bill are:
Cannondale - Six Carbon 3 and Synapse Carbon 3 (but not full Ultegra as sold). Can anyone describe the difference between the Six and Synapse geometry? I'm presuming the Six is more 'racy' and the Synapse is more 'training/touring'.
Giant - TCR Advanced 2 and Defy Advanced 2. Both full Ultegra. Presume a similar situation on frame differences as per C'dale models.
Trek - Madone 4.7. Full Ultegra.
any other suggestions?
Other Options:
- Pedal Force RS2 build with Ultegra. Pro - cheaper, lots of BF love. Con - paint job doesn't look as nice! Other Opinions?
- Buy cheapest Cannondale model with correct frame, part lower spec running gear out, rebuild with full Ultegra.
- Find other frameset option (new or ebay), build up from scratch.
So folks, your thoughts please!
Should I just get a production bike and love it as it is, or do I fool about building exactly what I have in my imagination?
Have set training goals to reach a milestone by end of year and the reward (if successful) will be the new bike. Currently on a 2008 CAAD9-5 (105/Ultegra/compact) which I am happy with, but perhaps will get fit double checked (on a 54, might be better on a 56. Have short legs/long torso, 6ft) or have a play with some different drop bars - a compact (less drop) might suit me. I think I'd be a 56cm TT on the Giant/Trek range after looking at the charts.
Basic plan is to go to a full Ultegra bike (compact) or Rival (compact) on a carbon frame. Wheels TBC, but I'd like to custom make my own.
Production bikes that would seem to fit the bill are:
Cannondale - Six Carbon 3 and Synapse Carbon 3 (but not full Ultegra as sold). Can anyone describe the difference between the Six and Synapse geometry? I'm presuming the Six is more 'racy' and the Synapse is more 'training/touring'.
Giant - TCR Advanced 2 and Defy Advanced 2. Both full Ultegra. Presume a similar situation on frame differences as per C'dale models.
Trek - Madone 4.7. Full Ultegra.
any other suggestions?
Other Options:
- Pedal Force RS2 build with Ultegra. Pro - cheaper, lots of BF love. Con - paint job doesn't look as nice! Other Opinions?
- Buy cheapest Cannondale model with correct frame, part lower spec running gear out, rebuild with full Ultegra.
- Find other frameset option (new or ebay), build up from scratch.
So folks, your thoughts please!
Should I just get a production bike and love it as it is, or do I fool about building exactly what I have in my imagination?
Here's my thought - by your own account, you are happy on your very nice and practically new bike. Why do you need a new one?
#21
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I've set a 2009 training goal in the Clydesdale forum (I'm 100kg now, want to be 90kg by end of year) and my reward will be some new bike bling. At 90kg I'll be happy to ride a plastic-fantastic!
There is a ton of climbing in this town (most of my rides are 20-50km long and have 2000-3000ft of climbing) and I'm jealous of the all the really light bikes that a lot of other lads have.
I also like to build stuff and tinker about, so building up a bike and making my own wheels is my alternative to watching tv.
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Put simply, I don't. But lets face it, 90% of the guys here don't need bikes as good as they have!
I've set a 2009 training goal in the Clydesdale forum (I'm 100kg now, want to be 90kg by end of year) and my reward will be some new bike bling. At 90kg I'll be happy to ride a plastic-fantastic!
There is a ton of climbing in this town (most of my rides are 20-50km long and have 2000-3000ft of climbing) and I'm jealous of the all the really light bikes that a lot of other lads have.
I also like to build stuff and tinker about, so building up a bike and making my own wheels is my alternative to watching tv.
I've set a 2009 training goal in the Clydesdale forum (I'm 100kg now, want to be 90kg by end of year) and my reward will be some new bike bling. At 90kg I'll be happy to ride a plastic-fantastic!
There is a ton of climbing in this town (most of my rides are 20-50km long and have 2000-3000ft of climbing) and I'm jealous of the all the really light bikes that a lot of other lads have.
I also like to build stuff and tinker about, so building up a bike and making my own wheels is my alternative to watching tv.
I haven't bought a new bike -- complete bike, that is -- for over a decade. I buy frames and build up the bikes myself (a Seven mtb among others).
I enjoy it. Like you, I have turned to riding and especially climbing to lose weight. I wasn't a Clyde, but I'm down to 180 from 190+ lbs. Great fun, great for fitness. Enjoy.
PS -- I'm going for the Pedal Force group buy for my next frame.
#23
Spin Meister
>I have turned to riding and especially climbing to lose weight<
But remember, exercise itself won't help anyone lose weight, unless less calories are also consumed than are being taking in. Exercise, somewhat ironically, just makes most of us hungrier, and most people will simply eat more food when this happens. Exercise has many benefits, but as it turns out, losing weight isn't one of them, unless we also learn to exercise portion control.
But remember, exercise itself won't help anyone lose weight, unless less calories are also consumed than are being taking in. Exercise, somewhat ironically, just makes most of us hungrier, and most people will simply eat more food when this happens. Exercise has many benefits, but as it turns out, losing weight isn't one of them, unless we also learn to exercise portion control.
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#24
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Have you seen the new group buy on Pedalforce?
$1300 for a full Ultegra RS2.
Jump on that, seriously. I would, except I'm too fat for that frame.
$1300 for a full Ultegra RS2.
Jump on that, seriously. I would, except I'm too fat for that frame.
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Was looking at the Roubaix and then the Giant TCR Advanced. Ultimately, fell in love with the 4.7 Madone and Santa brought that. Both the Specialized and the Giant were 105 for close to the same price I ultimately paid for the full Ultegra Madone. Can't wait for spring. You will not be disappointed.