More road bike opinions sought...
Posted by: Bob Edwards on 29 April 2004
Hi all.
I'm thinking of getting a new road bike. I had a Trek 1000, which I frankly shouldn't have bothered with. Oh well--that's a story for another day!
I've looked at and test ridden the following: Bianchi Vigorelli and Giro, Trek 2200 and 2300, and a Specialized Allez. My slight favorite so far is the Vigorelli. My question to you all is if there is anything I should be aware of WRT to any of them--any little bits of weirdness?
My complaint with my old one (aside from it being way too cheap) was that the ride was awfully harsh--centuries were painful! All of the bikes I've tried so far are MUCH better in that regard. Not to mention the componentry is starting to wear after two years and around 4500 miles.
I've limited myself to the above brands because that's what my preferred shop carries. Thoughts welcomed!
Best,
Bob
I'm thinking of getting a new road bike. I had a Trek 1000, which I frankly shouldn't have bothered with. Oh well--that's a story for another day!
I've looked at and test ridden the following: Bianchi Vigorelli and Giro, Trek 2200 and 2300, and a Specialized Allez. My slight favorite so far is the Vigorelli. My question to you all is if there is anything I should be aware of WRT to any of them--any little bits of weirdness?
My complaint with my old one (aside from it being way too cheap) was that the ride was awfully harsh--centuries were painful! All of the bikes I've tried so far are MUCH better in that regard. Not to mention the componentry is starting to wear after two years and around 4500 miles.
I've limited myself to the above brands because that's what my preferred shop carries. Thoughts welcomed!
Best,
Bob
Posted on: 29 April 2004 by Dan M
Hi Bob,
Another bike thread! My current road ride is a Bianchi, and I had one before that. What kind of riding will you mostly be doing? Will you be in the mountains a lot? What are the specs on the bikes you list? Do you plant to tour on it or will you be aiming to race?
cheers
Dan
p.s. what't the budget? $3K
Another bike thread! My current road ride is a Bianchi, and I had one before that. What kind of riding will you mostly be doing? Will you be in the mountains a lot? What are the specs on the bikes you list? Do you plant to tour on it or will you be aiming to race?
cheers
Dan
p.s. what't the budget? $3K
Posted on: 29 April 2004 by Bob Edwards
Hey Dan!
Yep, ANOTHER bike thread....and I actually read through most of the ones here already...
Budget is straining to to get to ~$1500 tops. I'll mostly be riding around Denver, occasional low level racing (very occasional), etc. I'm really being tempted by a 2003 Trek 2300.
Basically, I want a bike I won't regret buying in a year or two....and I knew that would happen with the 1000--and sure enough, it did!
Best,
Bob
Yep, ANOTHER bike thread....and I actually read through most of the ones here already...
Budget is straining to to get to ~$1500 tops. I'll mostly be riding around Denver, occasional low level racing (very occasional), etc. I'm really being tempted by a 2003 Trek 2300.
Basically, I want a bike I won't regret buying in a year or two....and I knew that would happen with the 1000--and sure enough, it did!
Best,
Bob
Posted on: 29 April 2004 by Clay Bingham
Bob
Just a thought. Definitely won't fall apart in two years.
http://www.rivendellbicycles.com/html/bikes_romulusframes.html
Clay
Just a thought. Definitely won't fall apart in two years.
http://www.rivendellbicycles.com/html/bikes_romulusframes.html
Clay
Posted on: 29 April 2004 by ErikL
Clay,
You realize that Rivendell (and Bridgestone) owners are part of a traditionalist family more freaky than the Naim crowd, right? I wish Rivendell would do up a retro MTB like the old Bridgestone MB-0 or MB-1.
Bob,
Get the Vigorelli- steel's where the party's at. You'll just have to paint it celeste green. Failing that, I recommend a s/h Waterford. Their frames are unrivalled for balancing responsiveness and comfort IMO.
You realize that Rivendell (and Bridgestone) owners are part of a traditionalist family more freaky than the Naim crowd, right? I wish Rivendell would do up a retro MTB like the old Bridgestone MB-0 or MB-1.
Bob,
Get the Vigorelli- steel's where the party's at. You'll just have to paint it celeste green. Failing that, I recommend a s/h Waterford. Their frames are unrivalled for balancing responsiveness and comfort IMO.
Posted on: 29 April 2004 by Dan M
Clay,
That's certainly a very nice bike, built to last years if well cared for. I note that there's a dealer in Denver:
Campus Cycles / Ned Grant
2102 South Washington, Denver
ph 303 698 2811
My first Bianchi was a steel framed Veloce. It looks like they now make them in Reynolds 631 with a triple (nice in CO). The Vigorelli appears to be the same frame with Ultegra. Certainly a sweet ride -- how was the test drive? I have no idea what they cost these days (mine was around $1200 in '97). LeMond used to make some nice steel bikes but it looks as though they're all Al now. Don't know about Treks -- in a road bike my preference is classic Italian or small batch US steel (my cross and mtb are Gunnars). If you feel like venturing to Excelsports in Boulder you could build up a Surly Pacer (steel frame and fork are $389-) and a Veloce/Ultegra build kits start at $1159-. If you're a 56cm there's a demo for $1300.
I can't see there being anything wrong with the bikes you list. For that kind of money pick the one that just feels right underneath you and begs you to go out for a spin. If none of the ones you list does that keep looking.
- Dan
p.s. I have to ask -- why are you selling your LP12?
That's certainly a very nice bike, built to last years if well cared for. I note that there's a dealer in Denver:
Campus Cycles / Ned Grant
2102 South Washington, Denver
ph 303 698 2811
My first Bianchi was a steel framed Veloce. It looks like they now make them in Reynolds 631 with a triple (nice in CO). The Vigorelli appears to be the same frame with Ultegra. Certainly a sweet ride -- how was the test drive? I have no idea what they cost these days (mine was around $1200 in '97). LeMond used to make some nice steel bikes but it looks as though they're all Al now. Don't know about Treks -- in a road bike my preference is classic Italian or small batch US steel (my cross and mtb are Gunnars). If you feel like venturing to Excelsports in Boulder you could build up a Surly Pacer (steel frame and fork are $389-) and a Veloce/Ultegra build kits start at $1159-. If you're a 56cm there's a demo for $1300.
I can't see there being anything wrong with the bikes you list. For that kind of money pick the one that just feels right underneath you and begs you to go out for a spin. If none of the ones you list does that keep looking.
- Dan
p.s. I have to ask -- why are you selling your LP12?
Posted on: 29 April 2004 by Clay Bingham
Ludwig
Yes I do! And that's why I like them!
I just think a well made lugged steel frame is a work of art. Have you ever laid eyes on a Baylis, Hetchins, Eisentraut, Rene Herse, old Paramount, or Richard Sachs? Ah, the good old days.
Clay
Yes I do! And that's why I like them!
I just think a well made lugged steel frame is a work of art. Have you ever laid eyes on a Baylis, Hetchins, Eisentraut, Rene Herse, old Paramount, or Richard Sachs? Ah, the good old days.
Clay
Posted on: 29 April 2004 by ErikL
Clay,
My previous road bike was a beautiful British racing green Waterford (formerly the Paramount shop). They use Henry James lugs and fork crown, and snazzy integrated cable guides/adjusters in the head lugs. Serotta also make a decent steel bike, but they're a bunch of jack-offs.
Hey if you want to get your freaky Rivendell/Bridgestone thang on, check out these links:
http://unr.edu/homepage/addison/bridgestoneandrivendell.html
http://www.adventurecorps.com/way/petersenprofile.html
http://www.bikelist.org/mailman/listinfo/internet-bob
My previous road bike was a beautiful British racing green Waterford (formerly the Paramount shop). They use Henry James lugs and fork crown, and snazzy integrated cable guides/adjusters in the head lugs. Serotta also make a decent steel bike, but they're a bunch of jack-offs.
Hey if you want to get your freaky Rivendell/Bridgestone thang on, check out these links:
http://unr.edu/homepage/addison/bridgestoneandrivendell.html
http://www.adventurecorps.com/way/petersenprofile.html
http://www.bikelist.org/mailman/listinfo/internet-bob
Posted on: 29 April 2004 by Justin
Two weeks ago I bought a Specialized Sirrus. I am freaking loving it. Previously I rode a Cannondale racing bike, and my major problem with it was the super short geometry and the stiff ride. I had to use the sidewalk for any reason, I lost fillings.
I knew I wanted a straight bar roadbike, and after riding everything i could find, I settled on the Sirrus. That you are looking at the Allez might suggest you want something more aggresive than this, but the upper models of the Sirrus are fairly aggressive.
Anyway, I'm not super rider (average about 25 miles 3 times a week at 15 mph), but this has suited me well. A very nice blend of speed and performance when I need it, with a spattering of comfort when I need that too.
http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkFamily.jsp?sid=04Sirrus&JServSessionIdroot=4741yzcjaa.j27004
Judd
I knew I wanted a straight bar roadbike, and after riding everything i could find, I settled on the Sirrus. That you are looking at the Allez might suggest you want something more aggresive than this, but the upper models of the Sirrus are fairly aggressive.
Anyway, I'm not super rider (average about 25 miles 3 times a week at 15 mph), but this has suited me well. A very nice blend of speed and performance when I need it, with a spattering of comfort when I need that too.
http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkFamily.jsp?sid=04Sirrus&JServSessionIdroot=4741yzcjaa.j27004
Judd
Posted on: 29 April 2004 by Justin
BTW, I've been cought in the filthy rain three times so far (Cleveland in Spring) and I need to relube. Can I use standard motoroil or do I need something more specialized?
Judd
Judd
Posted on: 29 April 2004 by Dan M
Hi Judd,
Pick up a proper bike lube -- I use stuff by Pedros or White Lightning. The dry lubes help avoid the 'Fred' tattoo.
cheers,
Dan
Pick up a proper bike lube -- I use stuff by Pedros or White Lightning. The dry lubes help avoid the 'Fred' tattoo.
cheers,
Dan
Posted on: 30 April 2004 by Tim Jones
Bob -
If you haven't already spent your cash, the Trek 2300 is probably one of the best mid-range alu frames around. It manages to be stiff, but not as uncomfortable as cheapo aluminium - and it's eminently raceable. I had a brief 25 mile blast on one last week while my bike was being tweaked by my LBS...
Last year's model (at least in the UK) came with Ultegra and Bontrager wheels (Race Lites?). The frame is worthy of future upgrades.
PS This stuff about curly-framed Hetchins and Rivendells (what, as in that sappy Tolkien book?) is just errant nostalgia.
Tim
If you haven't already spent your cash, the Trek 2300 is probably one of the best mid-range alu frames around. It manages to be stiff, but not as uncomfortable as cheapo aluminium - and it's eminently raceable. I had a brief 25 mile blast on one last week while my bike was being tweaked by my LBS...
Last year's model (at least in the UK) came with Ultegra and Bontrager wheels (Race Lites?). The frame is worthy of future upgrades.
PS This stuff about curly-framed Hetchins and Rivendells (what, as in that sappy Tolkien book?) is just errant nostalgia.
Tim
Posted on: 01 May 2004 by Bob Edwards
Tim--thanks for that! I'm torn between the 2300 and the Bianchi Vigorelli--going to try to ride both of them again today, weather permitting. The US version also has Bontrager wheels and Ultegra throughout. The Bianchi has a Mavic Ksyrium wheel set and Ultegra throughout.
Dan--re the LP12--I just never use it.... I'm going to try the Vigorelli and the 2300 again today, sleep on it, and then go pick one, hopefully Monday after riding them a third time.
Best,
Bob
Dan--re the LP12--I just never use it.... I'm going to try the Vigorelli and the 2300 again today, sleep on it, and then go pick one, hopefully Monday after riding them a third time.
Best,
Bob
Posted on: 01 May 2004 by John G.
quote:
Originally posted by Bob Edwards:
Not to mention the componentry is starting to wear after two years and around 4500 miles.
Bob
Hi Bob,
That's quite a few miles to rack up in 2 years.
How often/far do you ride? Curious.
I saw the bit about your LP12, do you have a lot of records?
Regards,
John
Posted on: 01 May 2004 by Bob Edwards
John--
I try to ride 3-4 times a week--not easy in the throes of law school! Distance depends on weather, mood, time, etc., but I usually try to go 25-50 miles, unless I'm getting ready for a century, when I'll go farther.... I also have a Trek 950 mtn. bike, which I'll also ride in place of the 1000--the 950 is FAR more comfortable, but also a lot slower.
LPs--I don't know what's considered "a lot." I've got probably 4000 or so, which I certainly think qualifies!
Best,
Bob
I try to ride 3-4 times a week--not easy in the throes of law school! Distance depends on weather, mood, time, etc., but I usually try to go 25-50 miles, unless I'm getting ready for a century, when I'll go farther.... I also have a Trek 950 mtn. bike, which I'll also ride in place of the 1000--the 950 is FAR more comfortable, but also a lot slower.
LPs--I don't know what's considered "a lot." I've got probably 4000 or so, which I certainly think qualifies!
Best,
Bob
Posted on: 02 May 2004 by Justin
Bob,
I'm happy to read that you average about 25-50 miles at a go. I just a new bike and started riding again. I find that a 25 mile ride is plenty for me at this early stage. If I can do it 3-4 times a week, that's great. My woops-a-daisy still hurts like a sonuvabitch by the end of the ride, though. Can I expect this to go away? I have one of those seats with the cut-out down the axis, but I have no gel. Should I consider getting a gel injected seat?
Judd
I'm happy to read that you average about 25-50 miles at a go. I just a new bike and started riding again. I find that a 25 mile ride is plenty for me at this early stage. If I can do it 3-4 times a week, that's great. My woops-a-daisy still hurts like a sonuvabitch by the end of the ride, though. Can I expect this to go away? I have one of those seats with the cut-out down the axis, but I have no gel. Should I consider getting a gel injected seat?
Judd
Posted on: 03 May 2004 by Bob Edwards
Judd--
Saddles are speakers--very personal! There is a certain amount of adjustment to a new seat, but it you're hurting after a 25 mile jaunt exploring a new saddle might be worth doing. I test rode four bikes again today--and one of them (Specialized Allez) had the most uncomfortable seat I've been on. So I'd talk to the shop and see what they recommend. I think the most comfortable seat I've ever been on was a very expensive Selle Italia--and it had no gel.
And as an aside, 25-50 a ride is peanuts compared to what some of the folks here do....
Tim--after riding them all again, I think you're right--the Vigorelli just feels the best. I get the sense I won't be nearly as tired/hurting at the end of a long ride as I am on the Trek. I also rode a new Trek 2200 and was much more impressed than with last years 2300--not quite as snappy as the 2300, but MUCH more comfortable--probably due to the carbon seat stays. I'm going to do a longer test ride Thursday of the 2200 and the Vigorelli, and then order one after sleeping on it. I've got a 24 mile test route mapped that has a little of everything--mountains, flats, town, country.
Best,
Bob
Saddles are speakers--very personal! There is a certain amount of adjustment to a new seat, but it you're hurting after a 25 mile jaunt exploring a new saddle might be worth doing. I test rode four bikes again today--and one of them (Specialized Allez) had the most uncomfortable seat I've been on. So I'd talk to the shop and see what they recommend. I think the most comfortable seat I've ever been on was a very expensive Selle Italia--and it had no gel.
And as an aside, 25-50 a ride is peanuts compared to what some of the folks here do....
Tim--after riding them all again, I think you're right--the Vigorelli just feels the best. I get the sense I won't be nearly as tired/hurting at the end of a long ride as I am on the Trek. I also rode a new Trek 2200 and was much more impressed than with last years 2300--not quite as snappy as the 2300, but MUCH more comfortable--probably due to the carbon seat stays. I'm going to do a longer test ride Thursday of the 2200 and the Vigorelli, and then order one after sleeping on it. I've got a 24 mile test route mapped that has a little of everything--mountains, flats, town, country.
Best,
Bob
Posted on: 04 May 2004 by Clay Bingham
Ludwig
Been away from the computer for a couple of days. Just wanted to thank you for the Rivendell-Bridgestone website information. It's been interesting reading on my journey to "errant nostalgia".
Clay
Been away from the computer for a couple of days. Just wanted to thank you for the Rivendell-Bridgestone website information. It's been interesting reading on my journey to "errant nostalgia".
Clay
Posted on: 04 May 2004 by ErikL
Clay,
Glad you enjoyed your little trip!
Glad you enjoyed your little trip!
Posted on: 03 June 2004 by ErikL
How's the new Bianchi working out?
A friend cruised by last night with a '02 Bianchi Eros he just bought as a leftover (49cm might explain why). He test rode a Cannondale, LeMond, and Specialized but preferred the ride of steel (without my input). Nice bike for a few hundred bucks- the classic celeste green, steel, Campy Mirage/Veloce and one of those pimpin' $15 bottle cages.
A friend cruised by last night with a '02 Bianchi Eros he just bought as a leftover (49cm might explain why). He test rode a Cannondale, LeMond, and Specialized but preferred the ride of steel (without my input). Nice bike for a few hundred bucks- the classic celeste green, steel, Campy Mirage/Veloce and one of those pimpin' $15 bottle cages.
Posted on: 03 June 2004 by Mekon
Have any of you tarmac types tried a tadpole recumbent trike? I've been lusting after an ICE Trice for ages, and the lightweight concept Monster has me drooling. However, I've never tried a recumbent. Are they as much fun as they look?
Posted on: 05 June 2004 by ErikL
They're extremely fast (or maybe just seem so due to the sitting position). Be careful though- some of the frame designs are very flexy.
How about a street luge instead?
How about a street luge instead?