DropDeadFred

We see all these threads about people pining over the same ole' thing...should I get THIS bike or THIS bike...and then we get the same ole' responses...I love my choice blah blah blah...but we all know that deep down inside somebody made the (expensive) choice and inevitably might have bought the wrong bike, or love their bike but might not love everything about it...thats what I want to hear. For some we got a bike thats too stiff or too noodly...too heavy or just lacks something that makes you smile when you ride it.

I thought I loved my old bike, that is until I bought my new bike. My old bike technically has a better carbon modulous or some crap like that but to me it always lacked that something when I hammered on it that I get from my new bike. I wouldn't admit it, ever, until I started justifying buying a new bike. I lost power and could never crank down and get anywhere quickly...it climbed great and was smooth...but I honestly am glad to see it gone.

My new bike, so far, impresses me all around...the only thing I wish it had was a zero offset seat post, I liked my 7800 more than my current 7900 as well.

Please share, be honest.

wi.flash

Amen.

What was your old bike? What is your new bike?

DropDeadFred

I had an 09 Orca

new 2012 Orca

Muffin Man

Mine is a tad bit big for me... but i dont wwanna buy a new stem to make it better, i wanna trade for one....

Fox Farm

So I am riding an 09 Orca and like it with the exception of the very tight clearance at the rear brake bridge. I have trouble putting my Rolf tubular wheels on it because there is no room there! Tell me what you have noticed different in ride characteristics between the 09 and 12. Yes, the chain stays and seat stays look different. But how different does the bike feel?

DropDeadFred

the chainstays on the 09 are tight, my garmin speed/cadence sensor had to have the arm flipped up (looked like a goose) because the clearance was so low. The first thing I noticed on the new bike was it was more responsive, cornered better, not like an sl4 (which I think corners like a dream but feels like a rock). The 12 maintains its smooth ride but is loads stiffer and responds right out of the gate, sprinting is better and the overall ride quality is smooth, the smoothest bike I've ridden though is by far the Madone.

55/Rad

I've had many bikes that I didn't like as much as some of the others.

DropDeadFred

thats the point. Seems like people don't like telling others about their current bikes though. lol. Its only after they get rid of it they are willing to inform the rest. i figure an honest thread like this might answer more questions for people considering new or used bikes.

hhnngg1

Man, if this statement doesn't scream PLACEBO EFFECT, I don't know what does.

But glad you like your new ride. Nuttin wrong with that, but at least man up and just admit it straight up without resorting to excuses like "lost power" on a 2009 Orca, which is clearly a good enough bike that you're not losing any power compared to a 2012.

JoelS

I can say, without any reservations, that I believe him. I had a bike where I experienced the same thing. On any given climb, higher HR, slower speed, more effort than on my BMC. That PedalForce RS frame just didn't cut it. Very poor power transfer. For the record, similar wheels and same groupset on both bikes. And yes, everything was properly adjusted - including hub bearings. I sold that PedalForce to someone that really likes it. It was a huge upgrade for her.

hhnngg1

I'll see the powermeter data, then I'll agree. Until then though, it's pretty much known that getting a significant jump in performance by switching bikes already in the true drop-bar road class is highly suspect, as it's already 98% rider. Yes, different frames have different geometry which may feel different for the power transfer, but that's not a matter of a better bike, but a better fit.

JustinNY

Id imagine most people incorrectly associate a better fit with a better bike

dgasmd

There was a thread started a while back called The Review Thread, which was supposed to be for people to review things they bought and objectively (oxymoron in the 41) try to say what and why they did or did not like something. I think after a while, I am the only one that has added anything to it. Look it up.

DropDeadFred

you've lost it, I've got almost 900 miles on my new bike theres no placebo effect here. That 2009 was loose feeling comparatively. I can hope on my friends sl4 and definitely tell the difference in stiffness between his and mine. If you can't feel the difference between two frames then you are out of touch with your senses. Sprints on this bike are faster from the start than they were on my older bike. the frame flexed unbelievably, the chainstays were extrememly narrow to the point they rubbed when I hammered (it wasn't the wheels, they were solid)

DropDeadFred

they are 2 completely different bikes, with nothing in common other than the name....

anyways, you're digressing from the point. Post about what you don't like about your past or current bike or move on.

canam73

Well since bikes aren't wives you can have more than one. So I am honestly happy with my harem.

dstrong 

Last weekend I visited my brother in CA. I rode his 7-ish year old Trek 1500 that was a bit small for me on a 40 mile/5,600' ride in the Bay Area. Part way through the ride he asked if I was hating the ride and I told him I really couldn't tell much difference in the ride between the 1500 and my Reynolds 853 and my CF bikes. The one thing I noticed was that it was more difficult to get the 1500 to go faster once you got in the 15 - 20 mph range...it seemed to take more power. But from a ride comfort standpoint, I was surprised that I didn't get that harsh buzz feeling I always hear about. As a matter of fact, at one point I was following my brother and we went over 2 consecutive pot holes...I expected to have my fillings jarred loose but was surprised how well the bike handled them.

Between my bikes and the 1500 there are minor differences...but nothing so dramatic as I often read here on BF.

HMF

I have a Caad10. It's red. I wish it were matte black.

*sigh*

DropDeadFred

I often wonder if people love or hate their color...did you buy used or new?

HMF

Okay, no, I'll put down a real complaint. I wish the fork had more clearance. 25c Michelins on a 19mm wide rim don't fit.

HMF

New. But "the red one" was the one in my price range.

WHOOOSSHHH...

That's exactly what my wife says to me all the time!

alexaschwanden

I kinda wished the caad10 was one color ,instead of 1/4 one color and 3/4 another color, it's kinda weird.

Seattle Forrest

I don't like the fact that I have to work for a living. I'd ride my bike a lot more if somebody else paid my rent and other expenses.

Gluteus

I ride a Specialized Roubaix; everything feels right and rides better that any bike I had before.
I have to admit that I would prefer a bike with a more classic look without the "zerts".

Not a deal breaker for me.