Endurance vs Climbing Bikes
06-13-20, 07:04 AM
#27
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I picked up a Trek Domane a few years ago and have really enjoyed it. I'm considering picking up another bike and wondered about the point at which someone should be looking into a different style of bike, especially with respect to climbing. Where I ride in the Texas Hill Country, I generally cover roughly 500-1000 feet of elevation each hour. It's certainly not the mountains by any stretch, but I've wondered if the next bike should be something like an Emonda. Obviously, there are a lot of other variables in play, but at least with the style of bike, is there any general wisdom on when a lighter machine becomes better?
I have a 60cm 2015 Domane 6.9 disc that weighs 16.8lbs.. A 2020 Emonda SL7 weighs 16.76lbs (for a 56cm) and costs over $5k.
06-13-20, 10:37 AM
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Ten pounds takes about 8% more effort to get to the top of the hill at the same speed. But if I don't worry about the speed, it's exactly the same.
Heavy wheels can feel significantly different compared to light ones. But a 6lb frame doesn't not feel appreciably different from a 2.2lb frame-- once it has a 200lb meatsack suspended over it. IME.
Heavy wheels can feel significantly different compared to light ones. But a 6lb frame doesn't not feel appreciably different from a 2.2lb frame-- once it has a 200lb meatsack suspended over it. IME.
06-13-20, 10:53 AM
#29
Non omnino gravis
06-13-20, 10:55 AM
#30
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Aside from the 2-3 pounds of extra heft, the Domane geometry is... stable. Losing the weight and going to a more responsive geometry would drastically alter the character of the ride, 'specially any time you're out of the saddle.
06-13-20, 12:06 PM
#31
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I bought my Domane to be my winter/rain bike. In that roll, it has been perfect. It is a little less responsive in the roll of a fast group ride bike. You can feel the extra weight accelerating and climbing especially when you are tired. It is, however, great bike for long steady rides. I have the Ultegra 8000 group on it and can ride a 36 tooth cassette.
06-13-20, 12:16 PM
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I bought my Domane to be my winter/rain bike. In that roll, it has been perfect. It is a little less responsive in the roll of a fast group ride bike. You can feel the extra weight accelerating and climbing especially when you are tired. It is, however, great bike for long steady rides. I have the Ultegra 8000 group on it and can ride a 36 tooth cassette.
06-13-20, 12:24 PM
#34
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Yup. I went from a Domane SL5 Disc to a Cervelo R3 Disc - very real difference in responsiveness. The Domane was definitely a little more comfy, but the R3 is by no means uncomfortable... so I sold the Domane because it just wasn't going to get much ride time with the R3 around (and I already have a gravel/errand/foul weather bike).
06-13-20, 12:27 PM
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Two full water bottles is over 3 lbs. Personally I don't feel much difference climbing a hill at the end of a ride with no water and climbing it at the beginning with full bottles. I'd be surprised if most do.
06-13-20, 12:42 PM
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From what I'm reading here, the marketing was getting to me. It seems like something like a Madone makes more sense if I decide to move in a different direction.
06-13-20, 01:10 PM
#37
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Different bike configurations may impact our ability to put our power to the road too. On my comfort bike I can put a lot of power into the peddles without standing. But if I need much more, Standing on the peddles of my old mountain bike was much more effective then the comfort bike I have now and more then on a road bike I had before that.
Last edited by xroadcharlie; 06-13-20 at 04:30 PM.
06-13-20, 02:43 PM
#38
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I've got a 2014 with Sram Red eTap22 & Aeolus 3 D3 TLR wheels and it weighs just under 15 lbs with Favro Assioma pedals, RXL cages & a Garmin mount. If I changed the seat & bar/stem to the Emonda SLR seat & integrated bar/stem, put on lightweight tubes & brake cables I could get it down to around 14 lbs.
It climbs really well and is great on long rides & fast group paceline rides.
You could get a used frame & build it up for cheap.
I've almost bid on used ones on eBay to have a backup in case this frame fails.
06-13-20, 04:18 PM
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It's not surprising you don't feel the 1.6% increase is power requirements "Bike Calculator" suggests, and the laws of physic's stipulate using 188 lbs vs 185 lbs total weight.
And weight is by far the single most important factor climbing if all else is close. That said different bike configurations may impact our ability to put our power to the road. On my comfort bike I can put a lot of power into the peddles without standing. But if I need much more, Standing on the peddles of my old mountain bike was much more effective then the comfort bike I have now and more then on a road bike I had before that.
And weight is by far the single most important factor climbing if all else is close. That said different bike configurations may impact our ability to put our power to the road. On my comfort bike I can put a lot of power into the peddles without standing. But if I need much more, Standing on the peddles of my old mountain bike was much more effective then the comfort bike I have now and more then on a road bike I had before that.
06-13-20, 04:33 PM
#40
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Yes. That didn't express my thoughts correctly so I've simplified it.
The point is totall weight has a bigger impact climbing and accelerating then cruising, and that difference in power is proportional to the increased weight.
The point is totall weight has a bigger impact climbing and accelerating then cruising, and that difference in power is proportional to the increased weight.
Last edited by xroadcharlie; 06-13-20 at 04:42 PM.
