sprocket47

Background: I have a good quality steal touring bike and I ride 100+ miles per week between commuting miles and 20-30 mile weekend rides. I also do a couple centuries each year. I do not race and I'm a relatively strong rider with many many years of riding experience (mostly xc mountain and touring) and I'm tall/big 6'3 250+.

Question: I want a faster bike than my heavy touring bike, which I do love by the way and will keep if I ever make that loaded trip that's on my to do list. Anyway, what would best fit my needs? Aluminum, carbon fiber, titanium? What is strong enough for my size yet light and stiff enough to shave minutes off my commute and make me feel like a rock star rather than the old man I feel like on my current brown touring bike (boring)? Did I mention that it would be nice to have a wee bit of comfort? Not just an all out racing bike that will break my back half way through a centrury. I looked at the carbon Kestrel Evoke on bikesdirect for about $1300 (yes I know how to do my own assembly and repair) or an aluminum Specialized Allez in a similar price range.

Thoughts

umd

Maybe you need a "sportive" road bike

v70cat

Save your money and buy a high quality carbon bike with good components for $3,000 +/-

coasting 

hey i was going to say that!

sprocket47

I get that - I guess my real question is regarding what material would be best for the use i described, not necessarily a model. Carbon, aluminum. Pros and cons considering my size and need.

Thanks!

umd

Sorry it was just a perfect opening for an inside joke of sorts.

People will argue for each material, you probably can't really go wrong with any of them.

brianappleby

Cue the "its about the design not the material" comments....

but one thing to think about is that carbon will be a little more fragile than aluminum in terms of superficial damage. I would not lock a carbon bike to anything, because of the dings it'd get from other users, and it's more steal-worthy appearance.

CyciumX

I like carbon. That said... get aluminum and Mavic Open Pros laced to great hubs. Spend 1400 new or go 800 used and you got yourself the bike you want... the comfort will come from the saddle.

tuxbailey

Steel to Ti made a big difference for me and in my case it did reduce my commuting time. It is definitely "about the bike" for me. Not sure if it is because I enjoy riding more now or because my fitness level increased a bit since I was running during winter.

Having said that, the quicker acceleration and ease of hill climb must have made a difference.

Eclectus

I love uber-light-and responsive carbon for daily rides 20-100 mi. But I'm thinking about going back to Columbus steel for a pannier-laden cross-continent ride without SAG support. Ti and new alu alloys are great. If you want lightest, CF is best.

icyclist 

Of my various bikes, I love my carbon Specialized Roubaix (Expert). Overkill for commuting, perhaps, but as an all-arounder for someone who doesn't race, it's fast, and it's comfortable, whether for riding back and forth to work, or on centuries.

knobster

For the needs you're talking about, I'd go with (and have) a cross bike. Mine in particular is a Specialized Tricross Comp. Aluminum frame, carbon fork and seat post. Rides very, very nice. Put 700x25 or 23's and it's nearly as fast as a road bike, but you can easily add racks and fenders. Perfect for commuting and the occational dirt path

guadzilla

I'd pick carbon for your stated needs.

gumbii

how about a carbon bike with compact geography...? you sit slightly lower... or i forgot how you sit... but i hear they're more comfortable...

umd

:falcepalm:

compact geometry refers only to a sloping top tube and does not affect the rider's position.

AngryScientist 

this

https://www.competitivecyclist.com/ro...bike-6651.html

Beaker

Compact geography? What, like Luxembourg?

fogrider

wow, what are these responses...if you have 1,300 to spend, I would look on craigslist first. since you currently have something to ride, take your time. depending on where you live kind of determines the volume of good rides that show up on cl. you're a big guy and every material has its limits. carbon cracks, ti cracks, aluminum cracks. steel is durable, but heavy. with all this considered, I would go with ti...I have a bikes made of all of the above mentioned materials and scandium. I would say that ti is a good compromise...lighter than steel and tough enough to hold up to everyday use. sure there are super light weight steel frames now, but that is serious money. the other thing is a set of light weight wheels...you will feel the difference. good luck.