Need your advice about an upgrade to a full carbon frame.
 

I was presented with a good deal at my lbs. They are selling a 08 cervelo soloist carbon frame in new condition. I currently have a giant tcr alliance (alu/carbon frame) rival group and im planning on switching the parts over to that frame. Basically my question is will this be a good move? I havent looked at alternatives at the moment but cervelo appeals to me in a lot of ways. I like all the qualities the s2 has and will probably last me years. I plan on racing so the stiffer s2 would definitely be a benefit. Also, do you think there will be any incompatiblity issues with the transfer of components?

Thanks

As a purely practical matter the new frame won't matter at all.

^^^+1

You probably won't notice much in terms of performance gain, if any. But if the allure of Cervelo is getting to you, then by all means do it. Its a great frame!!

^^^
Yep - do just because you want to and the bug has bitten.

As for compatibility - don't have us do your research. Go find back to the store and look yourself. I think the S2 uses a proprietary aero seatpost, so that should be included. I also think it uses a braze-on FD, and the Giant likely has a clamp-on so that would be a new FD. Does the Cervelo come with the headset? If not yet another extra purchase. Finally, depending on where the cable stops are your current cable set may be too short and you would need a new cable set. If too long then you can just cut it down.
Otherwise no issues.

Ugh, I just spent 4 minutes stating the obvious.

Would you guys agree that i would benefit more from a wheelset upgrade rather than the frame? Is the mavic ksyrium sl a worrhy upgrade?

At retail, no.

I love my Mavic ES (almost same as SL), but had I been looking at full retail I would have bought the Reynolds Assault or Soul C-50.

Thanks teterider! I did my researh as well and i just wanted to be sure i didnt miss anything. I will probably have a talk with my mechanic regarding the matter. Im still undecided if i should bite the bullet. Going with the frame will definitely stop me from thinking about the bike. Cervelo has hotten me allured!

That is a great bike and a friend of mine has put thousands of miles on it and plans on riding for many more. I'm generally pro carbon because of what it has done for my riding. I was generally shortening my rides on my aluminum bikes as I got older because I just wasn't comfortable on them anymore. Once I switched to carbon, I found that I could ride all day and be happy. And yes, I have the same feeling with steel for all of you who will protest this comment.

I love my Cervelo RS. It's a very fast bike, lots of fun to ride. The carbon absolutely smooths out road buzz, but not all of it.

How good a deal are you getting on the frame?

From a practical standpoint, upgrading components that aren't broken does not make much logical sense. This isn't a logical sport for many, and reading messageboards makes it worse. If you truly believe that spending the money will increase your riding enjoyment, go for it. If not, and the money is burning a hole in your pocket, just buy the part, brand, etc, that you find the most appealing. Don't worry about trying to justify it, because you typically can't.

I wouldn't race on a soloist. The chances of crash are extreme. Upgrade some components. Wheels, rear deraileur, stem/seatpost in that order.

Chances of crash are extreme? What does that even mean?

Get it, then rebuild the Giant as cheaply as possible for a rain/commuter bike.

Save your $$$

Race on your old frame.

You won't be any quicker on the new frame, more than likely slower because of fear of wrecking it!

Thanks for the advice guys! Im probably going to save my $$$ for now and later invest in some good wheels. Maybe let a few months past by and see if i really need a major upgrade. Ill probably have to quit going into my lbs so i will no longer be tempted lol. But damn those cervelos and tcr advanced look good!

While were on the topic of frames, incase i do upgrade do you guys recommend a Giant tcr advanced frameset? Money and logic aside. Ive done my research and it seems to be a good contender. Also, ive been looking at the Advanced SL the next up and the r3 frame. Both to me offer what i need but a higher price tag. Let me know what you guys think.