Considering a used one which someone brought to my attention. Don’t know anything about them and won’t have a chance to actually ride it. Anyone here ride it? Or have in the past? How do these beam bikes compare to a tradition tri bike frame like a Cervelo, Felt, etc.?
Thanks!
AmericanTri did a glowing review of one a couple years back.
The reviewer seemed to think it worked better than a traditional low-end softride. (Lighter, stiffer, and less bounce/beem problems.)
I’ve seen a few, but I’ve never ridden one.
So with that in mind, heres my take.
Positives: Better paint, unique, and weight savings.
Negatives: Not as aero as a traditional Softride, kinda funky tubing pattern.
Can you get a good deal on it?
I’d say this is probably a good thread for softride owners to post on, it’s virtually the same bike.
Are you talking about this one on ebay?:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=64681&item=7152675146&rd=1
It has a classic beam. I ride the same beam on my Softride Power V. I think that it is awesome. The frame is not as aero as the top end softride bikes but is probably equal to the qualifier style softrides in their midranged priced bikes. With the right rider it can be very fast. I think that Fleck with sub-5 in an Ironman riding a frame similar to this. But of course it can be argued that any bike will be fast under the right athlete.
I do not know about the unique aspects that Elite brings to the frame beneath the Softride beam. Though I am sure that it has great qualities because they make good stuff.
Bottom line suspension makes for better comfort. Possibly better aerodynamics than regular frames. But most importantly, does it fit you?
Yeah. So since the Softride’s pretty similar, can you tell me why you picked a Softride over a more traditional frame? Is it faster? More comfortable? More aero? Both?
More comfortable- Yes, by far
More aero- Yes supported by wind tunnel data and by the dwonhill coast downs I have done. I have never felt a bike accelerate faster.
Faster- I feel like it is the fastest bike I have ever owned (Litespeed tachyon and Klein Quantum Pro are my others) I feel that the suspension prevents alot of fatigue that you would normally experience in a ride.
I knew before I bought it that it had these attributes. Fortunately I found a killer deal on the frameset which gave me the opportunity to confirm these points.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=64681&item=7152675146&rd=1
Do you think the above is a good deal?
I have an Elite Aria (700c) and an Elite T-6 (650c). I affectionately refer to the Aria as “the couch” as it is supremely comfortable. I’ve owned a Felt F1, Kestel 200SCi, Gaint TCR, and an old carbon Specialized Allez. Without a doubt the Aria is by far the most comfortable BUT it’s also the heaviest. Yes, you will bounce if your pedal stroke is sloppy. Also, if you TT with a “knees in position” your knees or thighs may rub against the beam. I enjoy training on the Aria but I probably won’t race it unless it’s a flat course. My T-6 is almost 4 pounds lighter so I’ll always use that for hilly courses. Feel free to shoot me a PM if you have specific questions.
Miguel in the 'No…El Tribato (tribato@hotmail.com)
You can tell just by looking at the bike that its seller has a horrible position. Factor in beam deflection and it’s one of those “uphill” positions with the hands well higher than the saddle.
I owned a Ticycles “double diamond” titanium frame with Softride classic beam. Served me well for four Ironman races, but I don’t really miss it. I’m faster on a TCR.
I don’t know about the Aria…I’ve never ridden any beam bike, but I’m 100% confident in anything Elite makes. I’m sure they’d rather you buy a new one, but I’d be willing to bet that the guys at Elite would talk to you about the Aria if you call them. Their number can be found on elitebicycles.com. They’re a super group of people to work with.
You can tell just by looking at the bike that its seller has a horrible position. Factor in beam deflection and it’s one of those “uphill” positions with the hands well higher than the saddle.
Aside from the fact that you’re just plain wrong about the saddle being lower than the bars it doesn’t seem to slow me down at all.
I see you made an Edit on your reply, what are you holding back from telling the MOOKIE?
Trust