Hi all. I’m in the market for a new “jack of (almost) all trades” road bike and am hoping to get some bike recommendations from the collective wisdom of the group. I’m 41, and a heavier rider (approximately 205 pounds) looking to build this one out for long rides in the mountains (e.g. sustained grades up to 12-16%--brief sections can be 20%+). For example, my wife and I will be riding Mountains of Misery again this year (http://www.mountainsofmisery.com/planning-your-ride/). I ride almost exclusively solo (non-drafting). Disc brakes are a must. So, in short, I want a bike that does it all, but doesn’t have to be the best in any one category. Ideally, I’m hoping for a light aero road bike that is comfortable for long rides. Also, I anticipate being in the saddle up to 8 hours a day on this bike, but won’t be racing it (But to be completely honest, I want it to be able to perform relatively well just for my own sake of mind and bragging rights)..
My day-to-day road bike is a Specialized Tarmac Pro, but I haven’t ridden it on a ride over 4 hours. I had a 2016 Specialized Roubaix, but sold it. I can’t really explain why, but I replaced the Roubaix frame last year (from a 2009 frame) and the new frame didn’t feel quite right to me (Perhaps it was too soft in the rear (??), but I’m not sure if that was really it.).
I test rode a 2014 Cervelo S3 which felt relatively comfortable and stiff enough (and aero). The S3 Disc frame may be the leading option now for a build. Am I missing other bikes that might fit my potential jack of all trades list? The Trek Madone doesn’t have disc brakes so I crossed it off the list. I’ll test ride the Trek Domane SLR 7 Disc, but it seems both relatively heavy and not aero. I crossed off the Specialized Venge and Pinarello Dogma F8 Disc because I was told they’re too stiff for what I’m looking for (multiple sources).
For gearing, I will likely build with a 50/34 compact with the Shimano di2 9150 groupset, but substituting the XTR RD-M9050 Rear Derailleur from the MTB di2 lineup to give me a broader range of cassette options.
Any input, suggestions and personal experiences are greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Eric
My day-to-day road bike is a Specialized Tarmac Pro, but I haven’t ridden it on a ride over 4 hours. I had a 2016 Specialized Roubaix, but sold it. I can’t really explain why, but I replaced the Roubaix frame last year (from a 2009 frame) and the new frame didn’t feel quite right to me (Perhaps it was too soft in the rear (??), but I’m not sure if that was really it.).
I test rode a 2014 Cervelo S3 which felt relatively comfortable and stiff enough (and aero). The S3 Disc frame may be the leading option now for a build. Am I missing other bikes that might fit my potential jack of all trades list? The Trek Madone doesn’t have disc brakes so I crossed it off the list. I’ll test ride the Trek Domane SLR 7 Disc, but it seems both relatively heavy and not aero. I crossed off the Specialized Venge and Pinarello Dogma F8 Disc because I was told they’re too stiff for what I’m looking for (multiple sources).
For gearing, I will likely build with a 50/34 compact with the Shimano di2 9150 groupset, but substituting the XTR RD-M9050 Rear Derailleur from the MTB di2 lineup to give me a broader range of cassette options.
Any input, suggestions and personal experiences are greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Eric