Always looking for an excuse to post a picture of my Zipp... now with a period correct Zipp400.

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My Blog - http://leegoocrap.blogspot.com

I've got three, two of which I ride on a consistent basis (and one I'll be riding in RAMROD next Thursday). I had one of the beam bolts break and fly across the room last week (while the bike was just sitting -- scary). I need to find a line on replacements, as I had to take the one off my track bike to get it back on the road...

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Some are born to move the world to live their fantasies...

https://triomultisport.com/
http://www.mjolnircycles.com/

This friend and local AG guy has been riding this oldie for a long time. He tried a Felt B-series in one of the local sprints this year, but didn't like it enough to give up the Softride.

http://brianfancher.photoshelter.com/...nrY/I0000rTxFUAuSl64

If I won the lottery I would re-open Softride. That has been on my "if I had the money" list for years. I would also like to gear their bikes towards Clydes. Mostly because I am one.

My road bike is a softride solo that I bought as new old stock in 08ish.

My tri bike is a titanflex, love them both.

I have 3 of them (Mountain Bike - Contour and Husky), they are still the best bikes that I have ever owned. One of them, unfortunately, has become a parts bike. for the other two.

I saw another one (Softride IT) on craigslist (vancouver bc) another for sale, that I will try and buy.

The best thing about them is the "easier on the back" part, for the constant small bumps and they also did have a quick turning radius.

There is a Rocket Wing locally I would love to grab, but dude is out of his mind. $1,500 and it's built up with Sora. Oh well.

Legit question, I always see the Softride (or similar beam-bike threads) and I know that there are some distinct advantages to a beam design, like aerodynamics, and I'm presuming weight?


But almost all former Softride owners all seem to have such a devout passion for their former bikes, what is it specifically that you loved so much about them? Are they that much more comfortable?

They are pretty heavy bikes, but you don't seem to notice the weight when you ride them. They are very aero. I had one that I bought around 2000 and wish I still had it.

This was all back b/f the power meter, but to this day I still say nothing was 'slipperier' than my Softride with a Zipp 1150/TriSpoke. Thing was a blast. Comfy too although that isn't why I'd get another one now, ultra distance holds zero attraction to me at this stage in my career. I ride alum now and I honestly cannot tell one iota of difference b/t this or my last carbon frames. 3 hours max is as long as I ride though.

Have a blue Rocket '04. Is without a doubt the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden. In fact, number 2 isnt even close. Compared to other bikes it is like riding in a Cadillac vs a subcompact vehicle.

it's definitely not as light as my parlee TT but i have an elite aria with a softride beam. i call it "the couch" because it's SOOO comfy. i need to ride it more though. i stuck it on the trainer last winter and it's still there.

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Michael in Fresno
"Do you spend time with your family? Good. Because a man that doesn't spend time with his family can never be a real man" V. Corleone

Guys,

Just replying to this thread, but maybe I should put a "wanted to buy". I raced on a Softride solo back in 95/96....fastest bike splits I ever put down and fastest descending bike in my life.

Fast forward 16 years, I have some major head and neck issues from an accident and everytime i go over a crack in the pavement it's like someone is hitting my head with a sledgehammer.

If anyone has a small or even medium softride frame, I want to buy it and set it up as a road bike for my daily bike commuting.

Heck if I can find a Rocket TT in a large I'm down too. I would love to rip on another Softy b/f they become extinct. I'd take pretty much any of the alum Softrides with the Rocket style beam....didn't care for the Allsop so much.

My wife had one that she won as a door prize. We had it set up as a road bike since she already had a P2K. She hardly ever rode it though. When my nephew joined his school's cycling club we set him up on it. He loves it since it is by far the coolest bike in the club.

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I'm beginning to think that we are much more fucked than I thought.

still got one of the oringal IRONMAN bikes in red and yellow, thinking about bringing it back out again, hanging on the wall now

For replacement pivot bolts try contacting Co-Motion bikes. They used softride beams on their tandems for many years. I read on another source recently a post where they stated that Co-Motion currently had a supply of softride parts. Hope this helps.

This picture is mandatory on this thread:

Thanks TS! I'll get in touch with them.

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Some are born to move the world to live their fantasies...

https://triomultisport.com/
http://www.mjolnircycles.com/

I have the solo-style on all of mine (similar to the one posted above by Tribato). The lower frame, due to the smaller triangles, is quite stiff, which lends itself very well to power transfer. The beam does a wonderful job of isolating the rider from not only the larger hits, but also just the general road buzz (especially if you ride a lot of chip-sealed roads). That isolation is a key element in staving off fatigue.

Weight isn't an advantage -- a Softride of the same size would actually be heavier. I've heard a lot of people say that Softrides don't climb well. I'd have to qualify that to say that some people can't climb well on Softrides -- I've got a few USCF Hillclimb TT titles that say they climb just fine.

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Some are born to move the world to live their fantasies...

https://triomultisport.com/
http://www.mjolnircycles.com/

the 90s are over.

R and A cycles has a few frames in their closeout section

When thinking about weight, I suppose I was thinking about what a modern interpretation of a Softride would weigh, I could see it potentially weighing less since part of the bike appears to be "missing", but I can also very easily see why that isn't the case, since other parts of the bike simply have to be far beefier to compensate for the added stresses.

I'll take your guys word for it, it's not that they don't look comfy to me, it's that I've always envisioned them being somewhat "bouncy", that vertical compliance just makes me think that the power transfer would be reduced. However, I've always been led to believe (through admitted gimmicky marketing) that it's lateral compliance where you lose power... but none of this is really my area of expertise.

You think I am crazy for Campy? I wish I would have never given away my RocketTT7, but I am glad I did (it was for a good cause).

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What if the Hokey Pokey is what it is all about?

It does force you to smooth out your pedal stroke, that's for sure. They can be bouncy, but only if you chop away at the pedals.

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Some are born to move the world to live their fantasies...

https://triomultisport.com/
http://www.mjolnircycles.com/

Hmmm... someone is conspicuously absent from this thread. C'mon, are you afraid to admit you still ride a Softride? ;-)

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AndyF
bike geek

I hate you guys as I just checked the Bike Exchange website here in Oz and there is a '95 Solo for sale,"race ready" for $400AUS...That would be perfect for my "Old School" tribute at IMC next year...Now really want it..

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Hells no if I had still had my Softride I'd be sporting two things: a boner and a picture of the bike.

There is a Rocket on my CraigsList, but it's way overpriced. Dude won't budge an inch and it has been on there for the better part of a year it makes me drool

If you have a hair on your ass you will buy it - but it is not a Cervelo with Di2 - no way you can even finish.

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What if the Hokey Pokey is what it is all about?

Still riding a Softride Powerwing. Mostly just for races these days and I stocked up on some extra parts for the beam a few years back. Love the smooth ride, especially on the chip seal roads they have in places in Texas. Just a very comfortable ride and still my fastest bike when paired with a disc.

Any excitement regarding the bike T.J Tollakson is pushing the production on?

http://triathlete-europe.competitor.com/...-bike-t-j-tollakson/

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Genetics load the gun, lifestyle pulls the trigger.

At that price point? Never. *If* it turned out to be any faster than a 12-15 year old Rocket TT it wouldn't be by much. I'm all for him doing it and hope he can make a fortune at it, but @ $12 grand I will sit by and watch others.

He seems like a really neat guy, totally dig the fact he doesn't care what others think just does what works for him.

x2. $12,000 is almost insultingly expensive to me, might as well buy two Calfees.

http://www.youtube.com/...WOuGQuuTdgM&lr=1

Maybe he didn't realize he didn't have the market as isolated. Or maybe they'll sell anyway.

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http://www.y-rocket.blogspot.com/

If you read the text the $12K is with an SRM and top of the line components.

Perhaps TJ can get on this thread and let us know how much we can buy his beam bike for with ultegra and no powermeter (did I actually say that on ST...I may as well has said that I also want to ride it with 35 mm touring gatorskins, but Jack's not around to beat up on that statement)!

I found someone in Kona that has this one for $500....this would make the perfect commuter! Heck it's probably just as fast at a P5!

I looked into purchasing the assets of Softride at one point, and you might be surprised how little they were asking for it (for some reason the $300K mark was sticking in my brain). One of the problems is that they still own the rights to the name Softride, which is being used for their bike racks.

I eventually gave up on the idea, but thought that with carbon technology where it is today, you could make a carbon frame and use an aluminum or ti beam (to reduce some of the fatigue issues with the carbon ones). There is a guy in Australia or New Zealand I think who makes a Softride similar frame.

I miss mine too, that bike made riding long distance tolerable :-)

I have a Softride small sitting in my basement...rode it for 2 years until I got a tri bike and never rode it again since 2006.

i have a rocket tt and i love it! i don't use it very much as i'm trying to make it last:) i bought up some parts on-line when i heard that they were going to stop making the frames:( can't understand it. all of my friends who have/had softrides absolutely loved them. why stop making them? i use my tt for anything 1/2 im and shorter and i love how responsive it is. with my zipp 404's on it's a very fast bike.

I have that exact bike sitting in my basement right now! It is one that my dad rode in 3 IM's back in the day. Soft ride power v and he loved it! In the same collection, I also have a mint condition 1991 kestrel 200sc full dura ace! I will post a pic if I get a chance.

Look at this gorgeous beast I found on the googles.[/img]

The bounciness makes you smooth out your pedal stroke.

That's awsome! Maybe I do have the money. I'm signing up for a welding class this fall. That's unrelated but It might give me something to think about.

Hah.....your dad has good taste. I rode IMC 1991 on a Kestrel 200 SC. Kestrel replaced, it in 2000 for free as it had a crack in the frame. I now have that bike as my trainer bike.....22 seasons ago I spent some money on the 200 SC and I am still using it.

Dev

You still have a chance to buy another!

R & A Cycles has a few frames on closeout.

http://www.racycles.com/

KathyG, i would be interested

22 seasons ago I spent some money on the 200 SC and I am still using it.

just one of the many reasons dev paul is a straight up player-pimp!

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Michael in Fresno
"Do you spend time with your family? Good. Because a man that doesn't spend time with his family can never be a real man" V. Corleone

Funny, my dad rode that Kestrel in Kona in 1993 and IMC in 1992 and 1993 as well as many others. I just retired the Kestrel after riding it for 4 seasons while getting into tri. The bike was small so I had it adjusted to fit. I just picked up a new shiv rival. I will get a pic up later.

It seems that one of the guys who lives 2 blocks from me has 2 softride beam bikes. He got the second one as an insurance replacement for the first, but the police ended up finding the first one, so he has two, neither of which is being actively used. It's one of the old cyclops frames from the 90's (I believe the frame maker was from the Okanagan Valley....Ultratriguy, Marc Becker used to ride one as well as Joanne Ritchie and a few others). Going to check it out at lunch time today!

Dev

I remember this line someone posted about softrides a long time ago which goes right to this point.

Softride owners are like guys who prefer redheads; there aren't many of them, but they REALLY like 'em.

Here is my 200 SC from IMC 1991....gotta love the 6 speed straight block and the mushroom "aero helmet" and factory pilots (Steve Bauer edition)...still split 5:37 with slow high CRR rubber and flapping race top! I still have those Mavic GP4 with Campy Record wide flange hub wheels!....sorry for detailing the softride thread.

Blog about selling my Rocket TT:
http://3athletejen.blogspot.com/...s-left-building.html

I read that in my search for a Rocket TT. Sigh.

Softride FasTT - Thanks Andy F. for assistance with aerodynamic testing.



7mm thick custom airfoil seatpost - Less drag than stock seatpost. Solves Rocket-beam delamination issue. Phil White praised and photographed it.
Bento box - use decreases total bike drag
Nutrition system - use decreases total bike drag
Near-foot flat kit - use decreases total bike drag
Center-pull brakes inside flat kit and nutrition system
Internal cables
Tula aero bars
John Cobb Time Bandit fork




Race weight for the Softride FasTT is about the same as similarly sized brands.
Race configuration for IM distance may be about as slippery as a bike can get .

Hey Andy, let's test superbikes to see if we can find anything faster.

Me, sort of. This pic is from 2007 IIRC (not many pictures of me on the Softride). I rode it til 2008, at which point I got a P2C. I still have the bike...it isn't in great shape, but I'm not quite sure what to do with it. I feel like I would regret selling it, but my parents are tired of me storing it in their bike shed.

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__________________________

I tweet!

very interesting stuff. Would love to see some more close ups... always nice to see what other "tinkerers" come up with.

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My Blog - http://leegoocrap.blogspot.com

Even jakcmott would bow to that. Love the rig it's about 8 flavors of awesomeness.

I'm in! :-)

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AndyF
bike geek

While I haven't been on it in years, I decide to dust off the old Powerwing. I might start riding it again.

Rocket beams (not the classic beams) have a delamination problem between the polyurethane and aluminum sleeve.
Keeping the beam angle low seems to prevent delamination.
My carbon fiber seatpost was designed with a 14cm height above the beam, thus allowing a low beam angle, and preventing delamination.
A Cervelo saddle clamp was used, so the maximum width of the airfoil is the same as the top portion of a Cervelo seatpost.
The airfoil is wider toward the beam to wrap around it, but the seatpost keeps the airfoil shape until just above the beam.
The screws that create drag below the beam on a stock seatpost were moved inside the airfoil above the beam.
The slot closes when the post is tightend around the beam.

  
Mine,

Since this picture was taken I have replaced the bars with Vision bars:

Your fit and setup look good. Maybe Chicanery will post pictures of his old Softride setup, or you can ask him to post pictures about how he routed his cables internally so you can get those knobs off the sides.

Hi Kathy,

Does that bike have a 650cc wheel-size? If so, I'd be interested as well. Looking for a bike for my daughter. She's 5'2'-5'3"ish.

Thanks!

For those of you who are still riding Softrides, do any of you have a problem with "beam creak" The usual explanation for this phenomenon is that I'm not making perfect circles with my feet, and thus am rocking the beam, but this problem seems intermittent and when it is happening, even my best efforts to control my foot trajectory result in only a slight reduction in the problem. On other days, no noise at all, uphill, on the flats, or downhill. I am wondering if my beam or the bolts have a problem. Any ideas?

Full disclosure, I'm not a triathlete, just a 64 year old guy who likes cool technology and relief for lower back pain from many years of recreational running.

I've posted this picture before, but once again:




BTW, in anybody wants to make fun of the rotten barn in the background, I should tell you that I've torn it down and built a much better one since this picture was taken.

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Over 4.5 years bike crash free.

Beautiful - you may however want to check out some of the wind tunnel data when using the deep forks with the H3.

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What if the Hokey Pokey is what it is all about?

Great thought! Can you point to any of the testing? The theories are out there, and it would be great to see data. John Cobb and I discussed his testing of his Time Bandit fork with an H3 wheel. At the time, two years ago now, John said the Time Bandit was the fastest fork with an H3. Direct testing was performed on my bike, and the Time Bandit/H3 combo was faster than the stock Profile Design/H3 combo. Testing of wheel and fork combos is on my schedule for September. If you can think of a faster combo, what do you think the fastest fork might be?

I get it when transitioning from sitting to standing. Things I've found to help:

* Open up the front pivot, take out the plastic retainer, the nut, and the first bronze washer, then grease the heck out of it. Re-assemble.

* Grease up the area between the height-adjustment bracket and the aluminum inserts in the frame.

* Don't have the seat holder bracket tightened WAY down onto the beam -- for some reason it causes more motion of the beam pieces relative to each other, which then translates to more motion at the mounting attachments.

Hope that helps.

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Some are born to move the world to live their fantasies...

https://triomultisport.com/
http://www.mjolnircycles.com/

a freind of mine found one for me last week, just got it friday, will make it a rocket again, my nickname on the softride was "afterburner"

OK, so I got one locally but I still need to do a bunch of tasks to set it up for my own use. The one I got has 7 speed with downtube shifting on the aerobars (if you guys know what I mean). 7 speed is not a deal breaker, but I want to move the shifters to the actual downtube, change the cranks (they have 180's, I need 170's). I'll probably put some 25 or 28 mm rubber on the rims too, as the original owner has 19mm tires. Other than that, it is just waiting for a maiden voyage. Work in the evenings and some home reno items got in the way of starting out with this....plus a big 23 hour training week 4 weeks out from IM Tremblant. I should have more time now that I will imminently start tapering.

I hvae been riding and racing a PowerWing since 1998. BEST bike I have ever ridden. It solved my injured lower back issues and my legs are fresher for the run, especially after riding on the crappy roads! BTW, it is very aero, too! I will try to post pix later.

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Habitual line stepper.

thanks for the input. Will give these a shot

I am 6'2" 250lbs and just bought a Softride Pro 700 from a friend of mine for a song. I really like how light it is and am intreagued by the design. I have been this weight for most of my life, down recently from 268lbs after training for my first half marathon this past January, so losing it is most likely not going to happen. Even when I got a stomach virus I only got to 220lbs. The weight limit on my syspension bar says 200lbs. I am wondering how dangerous it would be for me to ride this bike. I really want to use it to train and ride in my first Sprint Triathlon coming up on Sept 16, 2012. What are your thoughts on the safety issue with my weight on the bike? Thanks

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http://www.EricVanKirk.com

I have absolutely no idea what 'downtube shifting, but on the aerobars' could possibly mean.
Sounds like a lovely bike, though.
You can run 9 of 10 speeds on a 7-speed freehub no problem. Just lose the biggest sprocket&spacer from a 10 speed cassette. If the wheelset is freewheel, well, things might get a little funky.

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´Get the most aero and light bike you can get. With the aero advantage you can be saving minutes and with the weight advantage you can be saving seconds. In a race against the clock both matter.´

BMANX

You probably need 20 years of history to remember this: The Profile Swift Shift

i have a bike Business if you need parts let me know, give you a deal

OK, so I looked into beam bikes about 3-4 months ago. Seems like unless you have $12K to burn your next option for new beam bikes (tri related) that would hold muster with ST'ers is...










both of these bikes are fabricated by :

Graeme Pearson, the Cycpro is the Ai5 model (newest) and not sure what the other one is, however Graeme makes both. Cycpro licenses design to Graeme to build. These look really nice, however they are not cheap. I think about $5K-$6K frame/fork depending on exchange rates. He is in New Zealand I think Check out his web site

www.pearsonbikes.com

Those are the exact shifters on the softride that I got. My big project aside from doing my taxes when I get home from IM Tremblant is to build out this Softride.

Thanks for the clarification.
Looks like a pair of Jagwire adaptor pods could be in your future. I got them on closeout from Planet X UK for £15, lovely little things.

Good luck with your taxes, that looms large for me too! Thanks for the reminder

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´Get the most aero and light bike you can get. With the aero advantage you can be saving minutes and with the weight advantage you can be saving seconds. In a race against the clock both matter.´

BMANX

Dev I sold my old parts bin to a local CraigsList Hoarder not 6 months ago. What exactly do you need as I still have the guys email in my contacts. I had 126m stuff too, old school. Let me know if you don't find what you need and I will reach out to see if he still has any.

There is a medium softride on EBAY now, $525, 3 days left with no bids.

pretty funky looking....back in the mid 90's, I loved my Powerwing!

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Train Harder...Race Faster!
http://www.dbmnutrition.com

I've been wondering for years whether these frames were just a gimmick or legitimately good bikes. I suppose I can't judge too harshly as the maker of my bike (Aegis) has also gone out of business...

I had an Aria a few years back. A bit heavy but on a flat course I could ride in the aero bars all days with no discomfort at all. Wish I could have afforded to keep that when I got a newer bike, I loved that bike.

How about the Specialized:

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Once, I was fast. But I got over it.

So I recently broke the through-bolt on my TiCycles Softride... Some one mentioned contacting Co-Motion Cycles. They only have the disks that go into the transverse tube at the rear pivot assembly (Classic beam design). Turns out that the disks on my Softride had cracked around the (very thin) lip that contacts this transverse tube. In any case, I'm sending them off to Dave Levy at TiCycles Fabrication in Portland and I imagine he'll be fabbing up some parts to serve the market soon. Maybe he'll have bolt assemblies as well. Since I'm down to two functioning bikes out of three because of the failure of that particular assembly, it seems I need some spares...

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Some are born to move the world to live their fantasies...

https://triomultisport.com/
http://www.mjolnircycles.com/

Not sure if it will help. I have a 700 Powerwing with extra pivot bolts, not sure if that's what you need. I purchased them a few years back when I was worried about getting replacements in the future which seems to have happened now.

I loved my Powerwing but it was a bit big and I replaced it a couple of years ago for a bike that fits me. I just swapped out all of the Dura Ace parts and put it on a nice Aegis road frame for my youngest daughter so my Softride is officially no more. Guess I should sell the frame or see what I can get for the beam. I never would've replaced it if it actually fit.

Are you willing to sell the extra bolts?

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Some are born to move the world to live their fantasies...

https://triomultisport.com/
http://www.mjolnircycles.com/

I would be interested in buying any spare parts you might have for your old PowerWing..

Hey Henry,

riding myself a Fastt 650c I would be very interested in a seat post like yours. Is there any chance to get one?

Best regards, Achim

Holy smokes who here remembers 'Wear and Tear' aero fairings(front wheel logo). If anyone remembers Jim Langfeldt riding those in the midwest it was a hoot. Have no idea if they worked, but dang those were the days of some interesting gadgets.

TitanFlex is alive, well and far under $12k.

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Formerly DrD

I have 2 power V's, a 650 black that I ride all the time and a 700c yellow and red IRONMAN bike that is hanging on the wall. Thinking about bringing that one out of retirement and up grading the parts.

Ya, I recognize TitanFlex from way back when Molina was riding them. Guess that was my point a bit, TitanFlex does not look any different, not that there is anything wrong with that. Just that in today’s market, if you stand still, you fall behind.

TJ's bike is cool, however looking at the spread on Tririg.com, it still looks very prototype. Not something that people would be shelling out 12K for IMO.

Pearson bikes look cool, but have not heard of anyone in the USA that rides them, plus they are about 5-6K I think.

I am interested in a trying a beam bike but I would like to see more innovation in the design.

Well, not sure if it holds muster in slowtwitchia as you say, but I do like my titanflex.

I agree TF could use some updating. Tom has posted on here recently talking about some changes in the near future most notably with internal cabling, brake placement and front end aero improvements.

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Formerly DrD

Ah, I am not one to be throwing stones. I still ride and aluminum Cervelo and like it. Just that in the market today (and here on ST), seems like most want carbon fiber with the latest aero features.

If you feel powerful and comfortable on your TF bike, that is the fastest setup for sure.

Mike

Re: Who is still riding a Softride? [Barchettaman] :)
I just bought my second Zipp, does that count?
I love my Zipp 2001 and 3001. Definitely not the lightest/most up to date bike out there, but every time I look at it it makes me happy.
Anybody want to buy my 4 month old QR CD0.1 for $2000. ? :)

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2011 Broward County 60-64M Sprint Tri Champion
2011 1st place 60-64M Race Troops Sprint Tri
2012 1st place 60-64M Spring Training Sprint Tri
2013 1st place 60-64M Bone Island HIM
2013 1st place 60-64M Tri-Miami International Tri

Saw this thread again and started dreaming of the days with my Kestrel 500 SCI and my Softride (had them both). Picture of my custom painted by John Cobb circa 1999?

It also had my short lived experiment with a Mavic Mektronic setup which was the smoothest shifting I ever had.



Craig Preston
President | Preston Presentations

Helping people be present more effectively

Are serious about selling the frame RottieGuy? I've bought the "IT" frame and not really happy with it except for the smooth ride, want to get a Powerwing. PM me if you are ready to sell.

Mike

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age is just a number after your name

What model of Soft ride is your bike? It looks like the Fastt but with older beam and beam connector.

it was a Powerwing. I no longer own it.

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Craig Preston - President / Preston Presentations
Saving the world with more professional, powerful, and persuasive presentations - one audience at a time.

At our local club race on the weekend, this old-timer turned up. Said he was getting back in to tris after doing them "a few years ago". He's over 60 and is very fast.

Spoke to him after the race and he said he bought the frame recently from the US for a couple of hundred bucks. It's brand new.

Picked up my "new" Softride 3 weeks before Ironman Canada 2011, The Bike Barn was selling off a trade in for 500, was a lifesaver compared to the older version I had been riding since 97

My custom Softride Cyclops built in 1994 by the late Mike Mulholland in British Columbia. Won NC Masters 35 TT champs on this beauty in 1994. Egg-shaped true temper lightweight steel tubing. I opted for the stiffer beam (the one for rider weight 220lb+) so it is not bouncy at all, about the same vertical flex as a Zipp 2001. Building it back up for multi-sport competition now that my aging back has become an issue. I have bought & sold many TT bikes and frames over the years, but this one I will never sell.

I'm still riding my Rocketwing. (since 2004)

I saw a couple Softrides during GFT last weekend.

Nice to see some individualism with your paint scheme. Is it stuck on or painted.

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age is just a number after your name

 
Just bought this for $300. A carbon framed Power V 2000 model with the beefed up beam. Took it for a test ride yesterday...Albeit it feels a bit strange climbing, the TT position and ride is great, even better than my P2C. Did a 10mile TT test in sub 29:xx mins and this was a day after a 70.3 race in 104F heat! Somehow I think my sprint and olympic distance races are going to be fun. Just need to find a Bud Light visor, cut off singlet and fluro shorts to go retro.

I have a pair of HED spoke wheels that will be mounted and disk wheel for racing. Cant wait to see the look on the locals when I roll in.
Anyone have the seat post riser? I'm 6.1-6.2, the beam is nearly at max height and I'm finding I can't quite get the knee bent to the right angle and will need to raise the seat another inch.

From this




And remodel it with a new paint scheme something like this

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age is just a number after your name

Thanks for the interest Aussie Mike

I cut out and applied the decals myself; decal paper that we had left over in art. It's the 4th re-incarnation of a flower pattern that I've used since 2004 ; (the flowers are getting larger over time).
It gives me something to do during the taper : )

<I'd love to see some pics. I had an original Zipp with the Allsop beam briefly, then I got a deal on a Softride. I so wish I'd never sold either.
Please feel free to show me your super duper beam bike! >
-----

Hi tigerpaws,
I am a biggest fan of beam bicycles ever. I would like to see pictures of your Zipp and Softride, they must be great looking bicycles.

Here are my Zipp 2001, Zipp 3001 and others that I still currently have. I also had a Softride Fastt and a Softride Power V; I really miss them very much. I wish that I had never sold mine as well.

Love will always outweigh haters. Life is short, enjoy, love, peace!

Click here for more Max T Bicycle Collection in maximum resolution:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/maxtbicycle/

`

<Just bought this for $300. A carbon framed Power V 2000 model with the beefed up beam...>
-------

Dear AussieMikeinSD,
I would like to buy it from you. If you decided to sell it, please let me know. We can work on the process. My email address is maxtbicycle@yahoo.com. I miss my Softride Power V very much.
Sincerely,
Max T

Have you looked at the Dimomd yet? Bad ass looking bike.

maxtbicycle---My Zipp 2001 and 3001 everyday ride/race bikes pale in comparison. Those are some beautiful bicycles you have sir. Congratulations
------------------

---

2011 Broward County 60-64M Sprint Tri Champion
2011 1st place 60-64M Race Troops Sprint Tri
2012 1st place 60-64M Spring Training Sprint Tri
2013 1st place 60-64M Bone Island HIM
2013 1st place 60-64M Tri-Miami International Tri

<Have you looked at the Dimomd yet? Bad ass looking bike. >
------

Hello jaredsdavis1,
Yes I have seen the Dimond bike. It looks very nice and stealthy too. I have heard it is compatible with the Di2 Shimano, I think that is a good way to go.
-Max T

<maxtbicycle---My Zipp 2001 and 301 everyday ride/race bikes pale in comparison. Those are some beautiful bicycles you have sir. Congratulations >
-----------


Hello spearit,
Thank you for a compliment of my bicycles. I wish I could ride my Zipp bikes the way you do with your. I have been extremely busy; other activities are taking my time away from cycling. Enjoy and have fun with your rides.
-Max T

Would love to see a video of these wheels in a race! Those were the best days, glad I was able to experience them.

Great looking bike! I have the same crank and yours is the only one I believe I've seen with a modern disc chainring installed. It sure makes this ol' crank look up to date. I made a cardboard fairing that covers my chainrings effectively mimicking a full disc

My Softride Powerwing 650c

Enjoy the ride and handling so much I rode over 6,000 Km last year with back problems
and carpal tunnel syndrome
Highly recommend them if you have back issues, but are not ready to transition to a trike
like a Tadpole or Catrike

Outstanding bicycles that are still competitive in fit, ride comfort, and aerodynamics
Will not argue these point. It has been covered elsewhere
There is a reason these are popular for RAMM and Triathlon ... Fast and Comfy !

NOTE:

Initial fitting and set up is tricky due to beam flex and seat adjustment
You bounce the first few rides until you learn to pedal smoothly
Comfort level allows you to maintain the aero position
Climbing is not a problem in any position
Beam flex does not hinder power production or interfere with ride ability in any way
this is from my experience, however I am a slim fit rider
Proprietary parts are hard to find since Softride no longer produces bicycles

My Softride Powerwing 650.
Completed it 3 years ago, raced Escape from Alcatraz, IM Cozumel and an IM in France (Chtriman) with it.
I love this bike!!
[url=http://www.hiboox.fr/...3795fbf7b19.jpg.html][/url]


[url=http://www.hiboox.fr/...26c2b38cb6a.jpg.html][/url]

Last year I bought this frame to a German guy

[url=http://www.hiboox.fr/...6c2272c1eeb.jpg.html][/url]

Had it painted as well as an aerobar

[url=http://www.hiboox.fr/...3137861c9e0.jpg.html][/url]


[url=http://www.hiboox.fr/...1ad6ae993cc.jpg.html][/url]


Bought 650 Vintage Spengle wheels from a guy in Austria


[url=http://www.hiboox.fr/...6b0c1e9de83.jpg.html][/url]


started assemblying it


[url=http://www.hiboox.fr/...408685302d9.jpg.html][/url]


and finally the bike is ready to race! I will race it in IM Zurich this summer.


[url=http://www.hiboox.fr/...ca6e1e5e581.jpg.html][/url]




[url=http://www.hiboox.fr/...58525f828e1.jpg.html][/url]

Man. Your bike is very very nice.
I have softride too.
But my softride is aluminium frame, not expencive than yours.
But I love too.

Fork size were 1 inch , so shit. but pretty cat.
I think so.. you and me was friend.pretty much.

bye.


http://ameblo.jp/...try-11459227442.html

---

I am tiny Japanese. 167cm
Very lovery 650C and SRM srankset Dura-ace 165-167.5

Post of the year!

---

-------------------------------
´Get the most aero and light bike you can get. With the aero advantage you can be saving minutes and with the weight advantage you can be saving seconds. In a race against the clock both matter.´

BMANX

I love your bike. When you want to sell it, do let me know please.

Hi ironturtle76,
What happen to the original Softride decal? Did you cover it up with white paint or repaint the frame entirely? I like the Hawaiian themed tattoos on your bike.

Have you spotted this in ebay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/...id=p3984.m1423.l2648

Looks like it might not sell!

Oh no! It has already ended. I saw this bike before when I google Zipp 2001.

May be able to buy it though just send the seller a message if you are interested.

I will do that, thanks.

Thanks.
But I am afraid you'll have to wait for a long time and there is a waiting list.

I removed the original decal and ahd the bike repainted by a professional. The tattoos are a replica of my 2 tattoos so I am in harmony with my bike. They are stickers that look like carbon, the guy did a great job.

It has been relisted

http://www.ebay.co.uk/...;hash=item3ccff06059

The bike is in France now. I hesitated but did not buy it, a friend of mine did.

[/url][/img][/url][/img][/url][/img]

***How she started 6 months ago***>>[/url][/img]

I can credit this thread for making me want to get a Sorfride Powerwing. So what I started out with was a little tired, but the frame was a small and has the relatively short head tube, so I was all in.

Stripped the frame down to metal and painted, replaced headset to low profile, BB, and just about everything else. Only original parts are really the frame and the beam. I moved the rear brake under the BB. Not sure why OEM did not do this is the first place. There is actually a bridge made for it.

I like the ride a lot. Using aero bars, I don't notice any beam bouncing at all. I find this a non issue for me, and very comfortable on the harsh roads.

Thanks to all here that provided me parts for the new build.

  
doooode, that is SWEET! congrats on the extreme makeover! I have a yellow one in the garage and you may have inspired me to paint it and ride it again!

---

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Michael in Fresno
"Do you spend time with your family? Good. Because a man that doesn't spend time with his family can never be a real man" V. Corleone

thanks!, the hardest part was taking all the pint off. I can give some tips on that if you want. Also there are a few mods to upgrade the headset. But I did everything with minimal tools. I actually used a Tektro front break and drilled it to fit under the BB. I did this because there were a lot more 'fronts' available here on ST than rear. Made for a cheap experiment, as I was not sure if it was going to work.


They are nice bikes, I like the ride on the suspension. I live in the South and our country roads have that chip and seal, making for some bad vibration.

Like others have said, I don't feel the weight of the bike. Used it already in one tri this season. I have as set of Zipp 909, that I have still yet mounted on the bike. Will post pic when I have it to that stage.

Dev,

If you are looking for a new Softride frame check out R&A Cycles they still have some frames. http://www.racycles.com

---

Brian Hammond
Tailwind Endurance
http://www.TailwindEndurance.com

@mfrassica: Nice work! Are this O'Symmetric chainrings?
I've got a pair 54/44 on my 26"-Power-V which I can't bring together with the front derailleur.
What kind of derailleur do you use? Have you done further modifications?

Regards
Olaf

Just finished building my Softride Lite up and took it into the big smoke for a test run. The brand new frame came from dead stock in the States.

http://www.flickr.com/...7610@N06/9084136225/

Best
Gav

Dear Mike,

My friend advised me of your discussions regarding a Softride,
I have a Softride Powerwing TT that I bought about 14 years ago on the eve of moving to Hong Kong for work. It was effectively boxed since 1998 with only 200 km on it. It has full Durarace components, with Wheelsmith Wheels. It has a medium frame. I would be interested in selling it. I live in Oakville, Canada for your reference. I would be interested in selling.

It has been posted on Kijiji and Ebay, and I would be happy to send pictures if you are interested.

Cheers,

Richard

I need a large. Im over 6-2. Thankful all the same

---

age is just a number after your name

I bought my Rocket TT7 used from Hblake on this forum. Here is the 'after' picture. had some major issues with parts rusting together and the bottom bracket breaking. So i basically did an entire rebuild, and had it powder coated, including a sweet carbon cockpit. sad thing is, it's been done for three weeks, and i've only gotten one five mile ride in... busy busy busy.

I still stock many of the small parts needed to rebuild your classic or Rocket beam bikes. I also have 2 new classic beam frames to sell. PM me any questions that you have.

peter

Wow! Nice ride... Can't lie - I'm checking ebay right now....

Thanks, it turned out OK. Unfortunately I have to build it back up again and get it on the road. Good luck in your search. To give you an idea, I am 5'8" and ride TT frames between a 51-53 or 54 cm, and this is a 650c wheeled small frame. The head tube is good visual to check when looking on ebay. The larger frames have the head tube sticking way up. I did have an adj. stem on this frame as well to get a little lower in the aero.

As a reminder my Power V
[[url=http://www.hiboox.fr/...d6132cab510.bmp.html][/url]


[url=http://www.hiboox.fr/...264812bb2e7.bmp.html][/url]


I also have a Powerwing
[url=http://www.hiboox.fr/...a007325b5ad.bmp.html][/url]


which I customised as I am going to compete in IM Kalmar disguised as Batman
[url=http://www.hiboox.fr/...064be2ab2b9.jpg.html][/url]

Very nice work! I like the nice clean lines.

I have a med Roadwing that I am thinking of selling. I just posted a feeler in the classified section. If interested, let me know.

Funnily enough, a friend of mine has one that he calls the $500k bike... b/c his family invested in the company, and the bike was pretty much the only tangible return on that investment!

ouch! that hurts. Individual investors take huge risks IMHO, so when they do hit pay dirt, I don't get envious.

The design seems better suited to a niche market.

This looks very like the one I flew to from the UK to the West Coast to pick up. If it is, you'll be glad to hear it's still going strong, but is now with me in Christchurch, New Zealand. Quite a traveller!

Hi Dev,
I know that this post is about 3 years old but I happened to see one in Ottawa for sale on Kijiji here is the link

http://m.kijiji.ca/road-bike/ottawa/softride-tt-classic-triathlon-road-bike/v?adId=1106258621&ck=CK&from=Search&ts=1445528462762


Good luck!


Norm

DH - just bought a Rocket and looking for a custom seat post way taller than standard. Could you pass on details so that I can order one of these? Realise that I am 15 years slow to the party!

Still have 2 power V's. One 650 and the original 700 ironman bike red and yellow. Might sell them

Softride made a Hijacker seatpost a bit taller than the standard Rocket seatpost. To get more height than that requires fabrication by you or someone. My prototype, seven years ago was wood. Final seatposts were carbon fiber. Now, I'd 3D print a prototype, then have it made on a CNC machine.

Good old Richter pass! I used to work for Softride and am strongly considering building up a roadWing for next season, could be fun! Am I nuts? Perhaps, but I still believe the bike is fast and would look sweet with Etap!

you can always have a new one - completely new

Damon - do you still have that high rise carbon fibre seat clamp? and do you know where I can get one? Looking to resuscitate a Rocket!

Jeremy

Softride made two versions of Highjacker seatposts that get a couple inches of height. My super tall seat post was self made. First, I made a prototype from wood. When I got the fit I wanted, I then made carbon fiber versions. Great journey.

I have a couple, my old powerwing that I used for triathlons has been converted to road bike just because you don't see them anymore and they still stand out from what everyone else is riding. I do however have a brand new, never built up, baby blue TT7 in a bike box that deserves to be built up & ridden!

I still use my Road Rocket with 165 cranks and Syntace C-3 aero bars for our weekly crits. It corners quite well. I hardly ever use the aero bars in crits though.

---

http://www.fitspeek.com the Fraser Valley's fitness, wellness, and endurance sports podcast

Hey, since this is a Softride thread, does anyone have a link to some instructions or diagrams related to re-installing the beam?

I very recently bought a used Softride Classic TT frame and am in the process of restoring it with some old parts I have lying around. It was very unhelpfully shipped with the beam removed, and I want to put it back on properly.

It looks like the beam attaches in front to the frame with a screw that is held in place with a pin. Is the proper procedure to hammer out the pin, screw the screw thingy (technical term) back into the beam, then attach the beam back to the frame? I tried tapping on the crosswise pin but it did not budge. I am leary of using too much force here.



There is also an eccentric that attaches further back to the beam, but it looks obvious how that attaches.

I just got done with mine as a birthday present to myself and got it out today on my birthday for its maiden voyage.

Saw this on my facebook feed........hmmmmm

that looks safe, what could go wrong?

Forgot how to embed the pic in the post but yeah I've never seen any aerobatic setup like that lol.....I think it definitely deserves some recognition

Brian Francis of Michigan averaging 28mph.

There you go!

I ride two Softride, this one for the fun :
[url=http://www.hiboox.fr/...d1b9e0ee75f.bmp.html][/url]


[url=http://www.hiboox.fr/...eb08997effe.bmp.html][/url]


[url=http://www.hiboox.fr/...d6132cab510.bmp.html][/url]


[url=http://www.hiboox.fr/...264812bb2e7.bmp.html][/url]


[url=http://www.hiboox.fr/...9a451de828b.bmp.html][/url]

I use the yellow one when I race Ironman

[url=http://www.hiboox.fr/...65749a98388.jpg.html][/url]


so I had it painted :


[url=http://www.hiboox.fr/...2bac8a6d67d.jpg.html][/url]


[url=http://www.hiboox.fr/...0fcbfcc1f9b.jpg.html][/url]


[url=http://www.hiboox.fr/...aa019e0470a.jpg.html][/url]

wow - that guy's seat angle looks like it's past 90 degrees!

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____________________________________
https://lshtm.academia.edu/MikeCallaghan

http://howtobeswiss.blogspot.ch/

Actually I found it too tacky si it has undergone a few changes. Now it's ready to race en IM
[url=http://www.hiboox.fr/...6a80edb68e2.jpg.html][/url]

Spotted at a local race today, thought of you guys ...



WD :-)

Been looking around for a bike for a buddy and stumbled across this today. Not what we are looking for but thought of this thread.

https://lancaster.craigslist.org/...bike/6224910325.html

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"I think I've cracked the code. double letters are cheaters except for perfect squares (a, d, i, p and y). So Leddy isn't a cheater... "

I just picked this one up yesterday, still in the process of getting it set up. Does anyone have any details on how the rear derailleur cable is supposed to be routed, and how the cable housings are routed around the headset?

Does anyone on this Softride thread have an opinion on this specific frame?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-VINTAGE-SOFTRIDE-POWER-V-Carbon-FRAME-Beam-TT-Road-Bike-FRAME-SET-700C-/263120554295?hash=item3d43350937:g:lCAAAOSwqklZfMZG


I would do an electronic shifting set up on it so I don't care about cable routing.

---

2018 Races: IM Santa Rosa, Vineman Monte Rio, Lake Tahoe 70.3

Hey DamonHenry, I know that was many years ago, but do you happen to have more pictures of the bento box, nutrition system and flat kit you made? I'd love to steal some of your ideas.😅

Hey DamonHenry, I know that was many years ago, but do you happen to have more pictures of the bento box, nutrition system and flat kit you made? I'd love to steal some of your ideas.😅[/quote]
[/url]
My iterations are now made from a holographic mirror material that photographs as splotchy colors.
[/url] Since my early versions in 2011, many bikes (the P5X for example) have followed the route of full system integration for aerodynamic and race use efficiency. Studying the P5X will get you close down by your feet. Your bike and fit are a unique combination. For your bento and nosecone consider the whole front end airfoil with rider as a system and how you need things set up when you race. Then, test and test and modify.

 

Does that mean you have a bunch of old carbon fiber ones laying around your garage? Cause i will buy a set off you if that's the case.

Old versions are used for back testing. As you will no doubt rediscover, evolution is not linear.

Ok Damien, last question. When you rerouted your cables, what did you do to fill the holes on the side of the bike? I want to keep the polished aluminum finish, and I can't find any filler that will polish right

Most any tape meets your aerodynamic needs. Either aluminum tape or silver Mylar tape covers the holes to be invisible from more than a few feet away. Any graphic decal you desire could be a feature rather than blending in.

Saw him in action today. averaged 29.5 today on that crazy set-up.

So what are these bikes worth nowadays?

There is one relatively local to me for $500.

Waiting to hear from the person.. looks like a carbon frame?

That would be a steel frame Softride PowerWing circa 1999.
Not sure what the going price is but $500 sounds quite reasonable.

@Kid

Had discussions with the guy, its a carbon model.

Was upgraded with various parts, ridden a handful of times and then shelved as a centerpiece for this persons collection. Stored in a garage since then.

Pretty tempted...

I didn't think Softride frames were ever made in carbon. Are you sure he's just not referencing the beam?
Anyway, seems like a really good deal if size works for you.

FYI, I use my Softride PowerWing exclusively on my indoor trainer these days - may look into getting it road-ready again one day.

Good luck!
@Kid

It's a Softride Power V. Frame body is carbon with a carbon/elastomer suspension beam. The PowerWing model was an aluminum body.

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Habitual line stepper.

Does anyone happen to have a sizing chart for the Softride frames & beams? I recently picked up a Rocket for the component group, will be selling off the frameset but I have no idea what size they are. No markings on frame or beam that denote sizes from what I can see.

Thanks!
Dan

Small, medium & Large were the only sizes I think. I know when I bought mine around 1999 I bought a Large and it was the largest frame set available. But I don't have any dimensions to give you.

I just found my old Softride product catalog while cleaning up my parts bin the other day.

Measure the head tube:

For the Rocket TT (650c wheels), the head tube is 10.5, 15.5, or 17cm for S, M, L.

For the Rocket TT7 (700c wheels), the head tube is 14.5, 15.5, 18, or 18.5cm for the S/M, M/L, L, or XL.

(I still have a fondness for my ClassicTT, even though I never ride it any more. Someday I'll probably get rid of it, but that day hasn't come yet!)

---

-Mark Rebuck, http://www.markrebuck.com/

Thank you Mark - very helpful! If you have the ability to scan and post that product catalog I’d love a copy of it

Mark, thanks again - measured the head tube and it is dead on 15.5cm so looks like I have me a size medium here.

Glad it helped. I'm too lazy to scan in the entire catalog (which was mostly just one page for each bike model, plus a few pages dedicated to explaining how you save at least 200 watts and never get tired, because Softride bikes were magic like that :-)).

But I snapped a pic with my cell phone of the Rocket TT page:

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-Mark Rebuck, http://www.markrebuck.com/