echotraveler

1+ Bianchi10 go visit a super sIx evo.

Try the tarmac and the venge too, have the experience.

Also the LOOK bikes super slick race bikes

headstrongpkm

If you're after light and fast try out the Cervelo r3 or r5, with the latter being more aggressive. They really felt to me one the more responsive bikes I've ridden compared to others in its price range. Of course YMMV. I dunno if they have Di2 models but they can be set up as such..good luck with purchase

lennyparis

Was thinking of Cervelo also. Don't know much about them, what is difference between R and S series?

pgjackson

What makes a bike "fast"? What about the design makes one bike inherently "faster" than another?

headstrongpkm

For the record, I only owned an R3, never ridden a S series model. From my general understanding, the R series bikes were made to be light and stiff (and comfort as well with the higher headtube), good for the type of riding that entails a lot of climbing and descents, whereas the S series is their "aero" bike range, generally more useful for those riding the flats. Obviously this is just a general idea.
FWIW I love the R3 and thoroughly enjoy riding it. Right off the LBS you can set it up to near 15-16 lbs with a wheelset upgrade, even lower with higher end groups (mine was SRAM Rival-specced). This translated to a faster, "livelier" and "responsive" ride (at least for me), which sometimes people describe as "twitchy", but I kind of dig those things. Some people do even say Cervelos are like the Porshes of the road bike world, and they made the type of bikes that I preferred (light,fast,cutting-edge frame tech). Again, my humble 2 cents. Hope this helps..

lennyparis

Any other thoughts on this for some direction? Thanks

marqueemoon

Leave a credit card and ID. Ride as many bikes as you can.

Go custom. Or not.

The more money you have to spend the more you can obsess about little stuff that doesn't matter that much.

sour

If price is no issue, and you want to ride before you buy, why limit yourself to what is local to you? Travel is cheap and there are lots of shops out there that cater to the high end market and have boutique brands.


-- mike

cafzali

Personally, I would advise you go with a Giant TCR Advanced SL0, as it has Di2 electronic shifting. The TCR line is a GREAT line. The price starts about $10,000. But if you want a great ride, this is it.

RobertL

Have you tried a H1 Madone?

RobertL

As you previously said "Marketing wins". Giant's marketing has won you over.

lennyparis

Is new Madone improved from 2 years ago?

RobertL

I haven't ridden one but the frame has Trek's new KVF shaped tubes and integrated brakes, both are supposed to save weight and be more aerodynamic.

coasting 

Trek and Scott are 2 of Giant's top 3 OEM clients. The other being Colnago.

coasting 

I like the look of Giants and Fujis and Treks. What's wrong with Trek since you have been happy with them before?

lennyparis

Feels a bit "big" for me if that makes sense
It is a 52cm which is right size
but i don't feel one with the bike
Don't feel i can really push the bike to its limits
Don't really feel in full control of the bike
When i get it going it moves pretty well

TerranATG

As others have said try them all. You can't really find the right one unless you go for a test ride and "be one" with the bike. On that point. A pro fitting would give you that control you seek. It made a big difference in my performance.

Like you I am 5'6" and I came from a older model Trek 2.3. It was my first road bike. After 3 years of hard effort and thousands of miles of riding I upgraded last summer to a Focus Izalco 1.0. Geometry was almost pinpoint identical except that the Focus has a more aggressive race geo. I ride a 52 and it fits perfectly.

You have to be open to try everything. I was a Trek fanboi but didn't like the paint schemes they had on their Madones. A good friend told me to check out the Focus brand. I'm glad I did.