Questions about Softride Rocket TT & 650c Wheels

Triathlon Forum
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I’ve been trying to decide between picking up a new tri bike or a new roadie bike this fall. I’ve wanted to pick up a new tri bike to replace the $400 special I’ve been using for two seasons (heck the wheels cost more than the entire bike when I bought it). On the flip side I want a new “roadie” bike to use when I hook up with a local cycling team this winter for off-season training. I was hoping to try and get the best of both worlds and get a Cervelo Soloist Team J which can double up as a tri-bike until I can afford a truly dedicated tri bike.

But (and a big but) – I came across a sweet deal on a Softride Rocket TT in my size built up very nicely and ready to race. I’ve been eyeing one for a long time (ever since I watched Jurgen Zack as a kid scorch the IMH bike course). But I have questions.

Am I too big for 650c wheels?

The bike has 650c wheels. I’m worried that I’m a tad too big to ride 650c wheels. I’m 6’0” tall and weigh right around 185-195 with a goal weight over the winter of 168-170.

Does anyone have any experience with these frames/bikes?

If so, please share your experiences with me.

Is the difference in weight a big factor on these frames?

I’ve noticed that they weight significantly more than other standard frames out there, but is the ride comfort (esp for Ironman distance events) worth it?

**Are there any glowing recommendations or horror stories I should know about? **

Anything else…?

Dilemna:

I’ve injured my right shoulder and the orthopedic surgeon is leaning towards the opinion that something is pretty seriously wrong. Depending on what the MRI’s and further investigation my triathlon season may come to a halt.

Is it worth it to pick up a great new triathlon bike if I may not be able to ride it for quite a while? I’ve managed to find a possible work-around with my doctor to ride a standard road bike (to minimize stress on my shoulder). But the deal on this bike is impossible to beat.

Thanks

Brian

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Brian – I can’t say much about the particular bikes you mentioned, but I’ve been riding Softrides for years (last rigid road bike I owned was a Specialized Allez Epic). Is the comfort worth the extra weight? In my mind, yes. I stared bike racing on the Allez, and when I switched to the Softride, my performance didn’t suffer AT ALL. I have some hillclimb TT titles to testify to that effect.

I might be able to let you test ride a Softride bike, if you’re interested. Not tri geometry, but I’ve got one set up as a slam position with 700 wheels, and another single speed with 650 wheels (and yet another that I haven’t been on in a long time that’s road position with fenders). e-mail me if you’re interested: brider@wwdb.org

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I can tell you everything you would ever want to know about the Softride - any tire size, any frame size. I am currently on a TT7 …

It may be easiest if you PM you

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I can’t comment on a Rocket, but I have a classic TT7. I love it.

True it may weigh a little more, but I find I can train longer on it. I will definitely buy beam bikes from now on. My T2’s (and run starts) are not nearly as painful as they used to be. Maybe I am just in better shape, but my legs don’t feel hammered after a strong ride.

As far as the handle bars, when I am just goofing off, I sit up and use the bull horns. Shifting is a little awkward, but you can still manage using the bars if you don’t want to swap handlebars. Or, you could just swap handlebars.