I know the best bike is “the one that fits” but I am looking for suggestions…
Looking for a light road bike, good climber, and stiff. Very keen on aluminum but certainly not against carbon as long as it is stiff. Leaning toward a road bike that I can put on a Thomson “forward” seatpost and aerobars – I like to move forward when in the aero position but I live in a very hilly area of west-central PA. That being said, a light tri bike that climbs well is fine, too.
I am skeptical of the cut-to-fit seatposts as I seem very senstive to my comfort level with just a tiny shift in seat height – wouldn’t want to be stuck to a height that left me squirming.
Traditionally, I’ve ridden TREK but I’m not sure where they’ve gone with their carbon – The best OCLV seems out of reach on the price and what had been the TCT had mixed reviews. My current “good” bike is a Look 566 and I’m happy with it but still getting the itch to look around. Rode Cannondale many years ago and it was okay but wonder what current opinion says. Rode a top tri bike in the late 90’s on 650 wheels and wasn’t thrilled.
You are right, the one that fits is always the best answer. That being said i have a 2011 Felt F5 team roadie and a 2010 Felt B12 tri bike. Both bikes have been great for me. I’m probably going to buy a new DA3 or DA4 for next season. If you get a chance take a look at the new Felt lineup.
why do you think stiffness is so important?
are you 400lbs and on steroids?
all the major brands build good bikes stiff enough to handle people in the olmypics. if you have money to blow on fancyness, go for unique, interesting features, low weight, or aeroness.
or cool paint jobs.
in aluminum, the new specialized allez frame is very cool. and should satisfy your stiffness desires.
Felt is definitely on my radar. In fact, I think that it was some commentary on Tim DeBoom’s bike at Norseman described as “the ultimate multi-sport ride” that really got me thinking about what one bike may be best for high-quality all-around riding, climbing, comfort, time trial, etc.
The only strike against Felt is that there are no local bike shops that carry it. I hate to mail-order and then take it in to the shop for a tune-up a year from now and be like, “Uh, I’m a loyal customer but I didn’t buy this from you.”
West central Pa. …I would stick with a Cannondale.
Edit: I thought cannon dale was a Pa. Company. Turns out owned by Dorel industries in Canada. Might as well go with a Blue or a light speed :0)