relaxed geometry bikes
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relaxed geometry bikes
I did a quick search using the phrase "relaxed geometry" but didn't come up with anything.
I was wondering if ya'll could help me compile a list of bikes that fall under the relaxed geometry category. I'll probably be switching from my Allez Elite in the next year or so, so I'm trying to narrow down my choices. Having been pretty pleased with Specialized, I was going to go with the Roubaix, but I figured I should look at other brands as well.
Any assistance is much appreciated.
I was wondering if ya'll could help me compile a list of bikes that fall under the relaxed geometry category. I'll probably be switching from my Allez Elite in the next year or so, so I'm trying to narrow down my choices. Having been pretty pleased with Specialized, I was going to go with the Roubaix, but I figured I should look at other brands as well.
Any assistance is much appreciated.
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bicycling magazine has reviews on plush or endurance bikes. They are not comprehensive, but should give you types of bikes you are looking for.
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Cervelo RS. It's expensive, but fun.
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I currently got a Felt Z series and it has worked well for me thus far. Nice and comfortable. I do have to mention I'm new to cycling and on the shorter side
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I have a Giant OCR-1, which I think is now the Defy. Yes, it's a comfortable (if Fredly) ride. I like it a lot.
The faster I get, the more I yearn for a racing frame, even though I have no intention of racing any thing or anyone, and all I do is ride around the countryside. But I'm starting to think that BF is like the Borg--you will be assimilated.
The faster I get, the more I yearn for a racing frame, even though I have no intention of racing any thing or anyone, and all I do is ride around the countryside. But I'm starting to think that BF is like the Borg--you will be assimilated.
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Specialized Secteur has same geometry as the Roubaix, arguably for greater comfort on long rides. Test riding one with the Apex group this weekend. Will try to post a ride report soon. Great ride so far.
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#14
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Cool, thanks for the recommendations.
A little background as to where I'm coming from. The Allez was my first real road bike and I was so starry eyed while looking, I didn't really look into the various types of road bikes. Last season, I did complete a century and an MS150 on consecutive weekends. I didn't have any problems, but I just feel like my Allez geometry is a bit too aggressive for my needs. (read: long rides vs racing). I've had a professional fit done, but even with it, I still feel a bit too forward and stretched out.
I completely forgot that Specialized was coming out with the Secteur, although since this'll be my second road bike, I think I deserved to move up a step monetarily. Now if only I can convince my wife.
A little background as to where I'm coming from. The Allez was my first real road bike and I was so starry eyed while looking, I didn't really look into the various types of road bikes. Last season, I did complete a century and an MS150 on consecutive weekends. I didn't have any problems, but I just feel like my Allez geometry is a bit too aggressive for my needs. (read: long rides vs racing). I've had a professional fit done, but even with it, I still feel a bit too forward and stretched out.
I completely forgot that Specialized was coming out with the Secteur, although since this'll be my second road bike, I think I deserved to move up a step monetarily. Now if only I can convince my wife.
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A couple more:
- Bianchi Infinito series
- LaPierre Sensium series
- Trek Pilot series - non-CF (I think they dropped the "Pilot" name and call it '2' Series and '1' Series)
I'm kind of in the same boat as you - looking to step up to an Ultegra CF plush road bike. After a lot of research I have it narrowed down to -- Giant Defy Advanced 1, Felt Z4, and Specialized Robaix Expert/Comp.
Now that the 2011s are all up on their web sites I have a little more research to do. I'm a little disappointed with the way Specialized positioned their Ultegra CF Robaix's for 2011 - $3.6K for the Expert model made with high quality CF ($3.3K last year). Giant and Felt both offer Ultegra models with high quality CF for around $3K. I guess Specialized wants to compete head-to-head against the Cervelo RS. I would think that a smarter way to do that would be to offer a better bike for less money, especially in this economy. I'm probably going to shift my focus to the Giant and Felt. Though I have not taken a test ride on a Felt yet.
Good luck, and remember - nothing beats a road test, make sure you ride as many as possible.
- Bianchi Infinito series
- LaPierre Sensium series
- Trek Pilot series - non-CF (I think they dropped the "Pilot" name and call it '2' Series and '1' Series)
I'm kind of in the same boat as you - looking to step up to an Ultegra CF plush road bike. After a lot of research I have it narrowed down to -- Giant Defy Advanced 1, Felt Z4, and Specialized Robaix Expert/Comp.
Now that the 2011s are all up on their web sites I have a little more research to do. I'm a little disappointed with the way Specialized positioned their Ultegra CF Robaix's for 2011 - $3.6K for the Expert model made with high quality CF ($3.3K last year). Giant and Felt both offer Ultegra models with high quality CF for around $3K. I guess Specialized wants to compete head-to-head against the Cervelo RS. I would think that a smarter way to do that would be to offer a better bike for less money, especially in this economy. I'm probably going to shift my focus to the Giant and Felt. Though I have not taken a test ride on a Felt yet.
Good luck, and remember - nothing beats a road test, make sure you ride as many as possible.
Last edited by Kylerk; 09-05-10 at 07:55 PM.
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Look for bicycles described as "sport touring", "sportive", "audax", or "randonneuring".
I came up with a list of something like 150 of them when I was looking for my Marinoni Ciclo.
I came up with a list of something like 150 of them when I was looking for my Marinoni Ciclo.
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#17
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Try Bicycle World of Houston. They carry Felt, Giant, and Cervelo. Test ride there. See if the Cervelo RS accelerates just a tad better than the Roubaix.
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I plan on hitting all of the bike shops in Houston and trying every brand I find. Having now ridden a road bike for 2+ years, I know what to look for and don't plan on settling. I'd rather find a bike that fits me and my riding style right out of the box than buy a bike and try to get used to it or adjust it to fit my style.
Now, those of you that have bought a number of bikes, does it make more sense to pay less for a bike with lesser components and upgrade those or just go up to the next level, provided everything else is the same? For example, my Allez has Tiagra components, but I'd like to have 105 or Ultegra. I was planning on upgrading as I found good deals, but I don't know know if I should just save the money now and just buy the mid to upper level model.
Now, those of you that have bought a number of bikes, does it make more sense to pay less for a bike with lesser components and upgrade those or just go up to the next level, provided everything else is the same? For example, my Allez has Tiagra components, but I'd like to have 105 or Ultegra. I was planning on upgrading as I found good deals, but I don't know know if I should just save the money now and just buy the mid to upper level model.
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If you ride a short frame relaxed angles are more difficult to find.
At 52cm the seat angles are more vertical, the head angles are slacked. This is to avoid toe overlap when building a bike over a 700c wheel.
At 52cm the seat angles are more vertical, the head angles are slacked. This is to avoid toe overlap when building a bike over a 700c wheel.
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I'm riding a 54.
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The Trek Madones can now (2011) be had in "H3" geometry. That is Trek's secret code for "relaxed."
In their aluminium bikes, the Pilot is relaxed geo, IIRC.
In their aluminium bikes, the Pilot is relaxed geo, IIRC.
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I think I'd rather go for an upper level aluminum bike than an entry level carbon. Living in Houston, I don't have the need for the light weight of aluminum and I can probably get more bang for my buck. On the flip side, I could always get an aluminum frame and add components.
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At a 54 there should be no toe overlap issue. Not even on my 51, do I have toe overlap. If its long rides and no racing, then comfort, vertical compliance is important to you. Compare the comfort levels. The carbon should feel better than the aluminum. But make sure the comparison is with similar tire pressure and tire size.
This is your second bike and you should ask the dealer if you can upgrade as part of the purchase. That's where you will get the "deal". Eventually, you will end up with Ultegra anyways.
For the bike manufacturer, carbon allows the designer to make all kinds of configurations that may not be possible with aluminum, steel, or titanium. Its not just about riding at very high speeds. Its about handling, and the sweet spot. By that I mean the carbon will allow a rider who goes 18 mph to feel the difference. Add aero wheels to that and the bike just wants to go. On your long rides, you will feel a difference.
My budget may be different than yours. My third bike is a 2008 Cervelo RS and later on I had Rob Curtis (PSIMET) make me a carbon wheelset with White Industries hubs, Sapim CX-Ray spokes, etc. Its all enjoyable, race or no race.
This is your second bike and you should ask the dealer if you can upgrade as part of the purchase. That's where you will get the "deal". Eventually, you will end up with Ultegra anyways.
For the bike manufacturer, carbon allows the designer to make all kinds of configurations that may not be possible with aluminum, steel, or titanium. Its not just about riding at very high speeds. Its about handling, and the sweet spot. By that I mean the carbon will allow a rider who goes 18 mph to feel the difference. Add aero wheels to that and the bike just wants to go. On your long rides, you will feel a difference.
My budget may be different than yours. My third bike is a 2008 Cervelo RS and later on I had Rob Curtis (PSIMET) make me a carbon wheelset with White Industries hubs, Sapim CX-Ray spokes, etc. Its all enjoyable, race or no race.
Last edited by Garfield Cat; 09-07-10 at 02:24 PM.