I’m looking to get my first ever carbon bike for christmas.
I’ve narrowed my options down to 3:
Soloist Carbon. Super cool, but untested as a production bike. Pro is that I already ride a Soloist, so geometry adjustment would be nil. Con is that it is very expensive and if we go by the first generation R2.5 as the benchmark, cervelo seems to have problems with the first version of a new model.
R2.5 Chorus. Actually this is getting to be a more attractive option. For less money than the Soloist Carbon, I get to keep my old Soloist and have a real cool and lightweight 2nd bike. But have all the quality issues on the R2.5 been resolved?
Scott CR1 Centaur. The cheapest of the 3 options but the lightest frameset. I can swap parts with my Soloist (which has Record bits) and have a super light frame. Problem is geometry (different from Cervelo: steeper seat angle ergo effectively longer top tube) and if I’m really getting the same frame the pros use (not too clear on the Scott USA website).
Well, if you have narrowed your choices already for whatever reason (seems like you prefer compact geometry), then the Scott CR1 no doubt (as long as you don’t weigh over 170 lbs.)
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I have many miles in on a CR1…that bike will beat the hell out of you on seal coat. I also dont know about a bike with just about no warranty at all. That bike is disposable…meant to be, purpose built and fast as shit.
I agree that you might have limited your options too much. Check out the all carbon Orbea Onyx. EXCELLENT ride, stiff but smooth as hell. Will full Ultegra it will run you $3k.
well, I’ve held a R2.5 and it’s lugged, which is where the lion’s share of the reported problems exist(ed). From the pictures I’ve seen the soloist carbon doesn’t seem lugged.
if you want a nice carbon frame, check out calfee. I ride a Luna. Can’t beat the warranty. If you’re label oriented, check out Parlee.
I second the Calfee. All of their bikes reportedly ride more or less the same, which makes the Luna pretty attractive. You might have to wait a while for delivery.
Yup fast as hell - I have only limited seat time on one, but holy cow! I’d recommend a Parlee as well, but not for 3K. I think the Scott has a 3 year warranty, but does well in the Euro stress tests. Who knows, I never keep a race bike that long anyway (well, except my current Litespeed).
I have to agree - I went out looking for a Cervelo but bought a Kestrel and am extrelmely happy. I put trust into my local tri shop and I am a very happy customer.
I’d never limit my search based on brand ever again.
Why do you want a carbon bike? If it is for comfort’s sake, there are very comfortable non-carbon bikes. If it is for speed due to aerodynamics, there are very slippery non-carbon bikes. Just curious why you are looking at carbon only.