What's your budget? If a Madonne is out of your range, so are all the other bikes once you fill your wish list: carbon, aero wheels, e-shifting, disc brakes....

Yeah what he said about budget.
Why not look at a CAAD 12?

It sounds like you should go test ride some bikes.

As far as I'm aware the AR does not have disc brakes (yet). Have you thought about a Canyon?

The Canyon Aero is another possibility. Although, I don't think it's very lightweight.

The Canyon Aero is another possibility. Although, I don't think it's very lightweight.

The Aeroad isn't super light, but the Ultimate is and it comes spec'd the way you want it. I'm on an XL and though it doesn't have disc brakes or di2 (Durace 9100 instead), it still tips the scale under 15lbs with cages and pedals. Climbs, Corners, and descends really well!

jake

Can't speak for longevity, but stiffness is definitely not an issue with the CAAD12. Admittedly, I'm not a 1500W monster, but I'm pretty sure the CAAD12 is no less stiff than a Cervelo S5 or a Parlee Z5i, both of which I currently ride. Mine is a CAAD12 disc from 2016 with quick release, and I have not managed to get the brakes to rub in a sprint.

As another plus, a well sorted geometry makes descending twist roads on this a grin-inducing event :-)

If you're checking out the venge, check out the Tarmac too. The latest models are getting so similar they look almost identical in photos. One is an aero bike that's light, and the other is a light bike that's aero. The latter might be more appropriate for someone who lives in Colorado and likes hills. Dont forget aero frame generally means harsher ride, less comfortable, maybe not worth it if not doing most of your riding on flat road at 25 mph plus.

Dude...you already own a "forever frame"...


Personally, I'd "refurbish" your custom Ti frame you have now and spend the money on nice wheels, tires, and tubes.

It's interesting you say this. That's been my take the past 10 years. However, a few things concern me:

1) I have a 1" steerer tube. However, I know a framebuilder who can change this.

Nothing wrong with a 1" steerer. Oversized steerer tubes and bearings are over-rated IMHO. Put a new fork on there if you want more tire clearance.

2) The tubes are mostly round, not oval and/or aero.

If they aren't super-wide diameter, then you aren't giving up that much, especially with bottles on board.

3) Cables are exposed; they are not internal. Electronic shifting would help.

Yeah...spend some of that "new bike" money on eTap instead :-)

4) I can probably reduce weight with a carbon fiber frame.

Sure, perhaps on the frame itself...but it won't be as cool as your custom "forever Ti frame", and if you go for disc brakes as you mentioned above, then you'll gain back that weight "savings" with a system weight increase on the order of 400-500g.

5) With a carbon frame I can probably increase stiffness where needed, and make is more compliant elsewhere.

Or, you can just let 5psi out of your tires ;-)

6) I have minimal fork and dropout clearance, minimizing the max width of tires and wheels. I train on Conti GP4000ii 23mm tires. I'm not sure if I can squeeze in a 25mm tire - mostly due to short chainstays. This is probably my biggest concern.

GP4Ks run notoriously big. Even on narrow internal width rims, the 23C tires measure closer to 25mm across actual width. 25C GP4Ks can measure well over 27-28mm wide. What I'm saying is...you probably already are running tires 25mm across.

7) The bike isn't disc ready. This can probably be transformed with the Ti framebuilder and a new fork - still debating if this is wanted.

Discs on a road racing bike? Meh...there goes your weight savings of the carbon frame over Ti. Want better braking? Depending on what you're doing now, there's ways to improve dramatically without resorting to separate braking surfaces and more spokes in your wheels.

The big question is will I get a better bike with a new frame? I'm leaning toward "yes", but . . .

That all depends on how you define "better" :-)