The Final Cut
02-10-11, 08:16 PM
#26
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I test rode the Ridley a while back. I was hell bent on getting one with the Flandrien scheme. The Icarcus convinced me not to. I came away from my test ride very, very underwhelmed. It felt very sluggish and flexy, and I'm not a terribly heavy or powerful rider (160 lbs). The whole bike just felt a little dead.
I still have my '08 Allez and I love it to death. If I were in your shoes I would pick the Allez each time. It feels much more nimble and it's one of the best cornering bikes I've ridden.
But that Flandrien paint scheme is incredible looking IMHO... If you decide to go with the Icarus I would look into that paint.
I still have my '08 Allez and I love it to death. If I were in your shoes I would pick the Allez each time. It feels much more nimble and it's one of the best cornering bikes I've ridden.
But that Flandrien paint scheme is incredible looking IMHO... If you decide to go with the Icarus I would look into that paint.
02-10-11, 11:08 PM
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02-11-11, 06:15 AM
#31
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I have/had 3 Ridleys. Loved the Damocles and the X-Fire, was ok with the Excalibur.
Get the Ridley.
Get the Ridley.
02-11-11, 09:55 AM
#32
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I have a Tarmac, so I vote for the Specialized as well. However, I think you should ride both before you make a decision. Have you?? It's absolutely essential you make sure they both fit you! You don't want to be stuck with a bike you have to stretch to ride... No fun...
02-11-11, 10:07 AM
#33
At least I'm not a poseur
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I vote for the Ridley simply because the gap between the top tube and the brake cable on the orange bike would piss you off every time you picked your bike up by the top tube.
My Giant Defy has that same issue, but with the down tube. It's not in my way, but I effing HATE the way it looks with the cable like a whole inch or so away from the down tube. I am always scared that it's going to catch on something, but it never has.
Anyway, whatever. That's what I think.
My Giant Defy has that same issue, but with the down tube. It's not in my way, but I effing HATE the way it looks with the cable like a whole inch or so away from the down tube. I am always scared that it's going to catch on something, but it never has.
Anyway, whatever. That's what I think.
02-11-11, 12:24 PM
#34
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Not to add more confusion to your dillema, but the Ridley Compact with Rival just went on sale at Competitive Cyclist. It's worth a look, I've heard very good things about the Compact frame. It's a step above the Icarus at a $1500 price point with a better group.
02-11-11, 01:08 PM
#35
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I vote for the Ridley simply because the gap between the top tube and the brake cable on the orange bike would piss you off every time you picked your bike up by the top tube.
Not to add more confusion to your dillema, but the Ridley Compact with Rival just went on sale at Competitive Cyclist. It's worth a look, I've heard very good things about the Compact frame. It's a step above the Icarus at a $1500 price point with a better group.
02-11-11, 08:45 PM
#37
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see thats the thing why forget about the components? it does matter. as they are speced out now i would go with the ridley. especially if they are the same price. not that Tiagra shifters are that bad or even that 9sp will hold you back but if you can get more for your money then why not?
now if they have the same speced parts then i would go with the allez at the same price.
now if they have the same speced parts then i would go with the allez at the same price.
02-11-11, 08:51 PM
#38
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i change my vote get the Ridley Compact from competitive cyclist.. thats hard to beat for $1500. i wish i would have found that deal when i was looking for a new bike!
