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Which Road Bike would you recommend
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todsulli
May 15, 09 18:22
Post #1 of 9 (665 views)
Which Road Bike would you recommend
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I am starting the process of buying a new bike and wanted some advice. I currently ride a felt F75 size 50. So I fall into the category of one those people who would be better riding a road bike instead of a triathlon bike for triathlons. The reason I would be better off on a road bike is because I have scoliosis which doesnt allow me to stay in the aero position for a majority of the time. I am also one of those people with longer legs and a shorter torso. Would Slowman's article on long and low,short and narrow apply to road bikes as well. Should I be looking at Trek, Cannondale, and Scott bikes because those brands are more narrow and tall according to the stack and reach of those tri bikes. Obviously proper fit is the most important but if the fit works I would like to get an Cervelo S2 but again I will go with brand/bike fits best. Thanks for any advice.
Todd
NOVA Chiropractic & Wellness Center
6230 Rolling Road, Suite J
Springfield, VA 22152
www.NovaChiroWellness.com
:D
May 15, 09 18:23
Post #2 of 9 (664 views)
Re: Which Road Bike would you recommend [todsulli]
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Roubaix.
Sponsors: Quarq, Steady State Sports, Hincapie Sportswear.
gazelle5333
May 15, 09 20:03
Post #3 of 9 (607 views)
Re: Which Road Bike would you recommend [:D]
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Roubaix.
I have to disagree with that. If the purpose is to race triathlons, you would probably want something a little more aggressive. If I understand the original post correctly, staying "aero" for long periods of time is a problem, yet it says nothing of flexibility. I would agree with the thought of the S2 if it works, or the tarmac(rather than the Roubaix) if you go with Specialized. Don't get me wrong, the Roubaix can race, as Kohl rode it to a 3rd place finish in the Tour last year (I believe), it's just more of a comfort geometry compared to the more aggressive race geometry of the tarmac.
twain
May 15, 09 21:03
Post #4 of 9 (574 views)
Re: Which Road Bike would you recommend [todsulli]
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For comfort and upright-ness, there is a taller version of the Look 585 and the Cervelo RS.
However, those frames aint that aero. I have a Cervelo R3 and LOVE IT but it is noticeably harder to maintain 25+ mph than my Scott Plasma. So the aero tubes really do make a difference.
The cervelo S3 seems to be the ultimate compromise between the comfort of the R3 and the aero-ness of the SLC. Maybe try that but add plenty of spacers to the fork and find a large angled/short stem.
The Plasma may also be a good bet as it isn't super low in the front.
Titanflexr
May 16, 09 0:01
Post #5 of 9 (517 views)
Re: Which Road Bike would you recommend [todsulli]
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Lots of Tri/TT bikes have flippable seatposts, so you can ride steep or relaxed. You may want a road bar instead of bullhorns for the extra positions, but there's no need to give up aero tubes or seat tube cutouts just because you want to set up in a given position....unless of course you're in my AG, in which case WalMart has a fine selection of bikes.
Set your aerobars up high. Even if your back is the same as it is in the hands-on-brake-hoods position, aerobars will get your arms out of the wind, and help steer airflow around your chest cavity. The best aerobar position is the one you can hold for 40k, not the super-aero one that bends you over like a pretzel.
todsulli
May 16, 09 11:30
Post #6 of 9 (398 views)
Re: Which Road Bike would you recommend [Titanflexr]
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Yeah I have the flexibility to ride in an aggresive road bike but getting into aerobars for long periods of time wouldnt work unless it they are set up higher with more spacers. My scoliosis and makes my mid to upper back very stiff and tight and also puts a ton of stress on my lower part of my neck which wouldnt be good for riding in aero position. So I guess I will look at the S2/S3 for a road bike and with the possibility of converting it to a tri set up. I agree the R3 wouldnt be as aggresive. What about the Felt AR2, would that be similar to the S2 as far as an aggresive position. Thanks.
NOVA Chiropractic & Wellness Center
6230 Rolling Road, Suite J
Springfield, VA 22152
www.NovaChiroWellness.com
:D
May 16, 09 11:46
Post #7 of 9 (385 views)
Re: Which Road Bike would you recommend [gazelle5333]
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In Reply To:
Roubaix.
I have to disagree with that. If the purpose is to race triathlons, you would probably want something a little more aggressive. If I understand the original post correctly, staying "aero" for long periods of time is a problem, yet it says nothing of flexibility. I would agree with the thought of the S2 if it works, or the tarmac(rather than the Roubaix) if you go with Specialized. Don't get me wrong, the Roubaix can race, as Kohl rode it to a 3rd place finish in the Tour last year (I believe), it's just more of a comfort geometry compared to the more aggressive race geometry of the tarmac.
I can't disagree with your assessment. I like the comfort of the Roubaix quite a lot and think that its relaxed geometry and comfort could help this individual with their spine problems. If this person wants to go aggressive then shouldn't they just get a TT bike?
Sponsors: Quarq, Steady State Sports, Hincapie Sportswear.
Titanflexr
May 16, 09 16:13
Post #8 of 9 (313 views)
Re: Which Road Bike would you recommend [todsulli]
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Even if you stay fairly high, use the aerobars to bring you elbows in. If ya need spacers, get them, but bringing your elbows in and reducing your FSA is the major benefit of using aerobars.
I'm making a delineation between using aerobars, and having an aero position.
Aero Bars:
http://www.bikeforest.com/...al_Triathlon_099.jpg
Aero Position:
http://z.about.com/...-/DavidZabriskie.jpg
Robert Driskell
May 16, 09 18:53
Post #9 of 9 (254 views)
Re: Which Road Bike would you recommend [todsulli]
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I like your idea of the S2. For the last 2 years I've been riding a Specialized Roubaix also an excellent choice for all-around riding. But the ability to add the flip around aero carbon seatpost as well as the overall aero shape of the Cervelo S2 lead me to this choice.I am a Certified BG fitter from Specialized and must agree go with the best fit according to your stack and reach dimensions though. There is nothing i hate more seeing is a rider doing tri's on a road bike with aerobars in the "Superman" position.
Robert Driskell
Certified BG Fit Technician
Competition Sports
http://competitionsports.sports.officelive.com/default.aspx
(Retailer of Cervelo,Specialized Bicycles)
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