With all the buzz about the carbon P3, QR-L, etc, it amazes me that hardly anybody around here ever mentions Softride, especially considering that the frame tested quite a bit faster in the wind tunnel than the P3. Can’t remember the exact stats, but it was quite a bit faster.
The Softride is one of the fastest available bikes aero wise, faster than any double diamond frame on the market. You’d think all the talk would be about Softride. Is it because Tom D doesn’t sell them or something?
I’ve never owned or even rode a Softride but with this kind of superior aero data it would certainly be worth a serious look if I was in the market for a new frame.
I know a couple of fast guys that ride them. The scary thing to me is watching these guys climb. Those beams seem to sway back and forth quite a bit.
What I’m curious about is the impirical data associated with the drag coefficiency of the beam bikes. I wonder the degree of difference it makes and what that would mean for a rider like myself over 112 miles. The other thing to consider is whether or not that beam would give my lower back relief from miles 75 on.
I have owned a P3 for years. I am trying out a Titanflex right now. If the results are interesting, I will post them in a few weeks.
Softrides are pretty heavy. More importantly, they are not really designed around steep seat angle geometry. There was a real good thread on this board recently about that. Softride participated in the thread. I got the impression that they were listening and that they might fix that problem in the future.
I am trying the Titanflex in a search for more comfort for IM races. My first test was very promising. I would expect the same improved comfort from a Softride.
I found their latest ad in Triathlete Mag to be pretty compelling (second only to the Limar babe). If I was in the market for a new bike, I would definitely look into it. For some reason the new FasTT7 looks better than the older Rocket varieties, especially in that silver finish. Like many people though, I would like to see one in person first, and their lack of dealers may hinder them as much as anything in this regard.
Like Art, I got a Titan Flex. At first, it was simply an attempt to be able to keep on riding, but, it’s become more than that. I found I’m finally able to rotate my pelvis forward, so I can engage the gluteal muscles more. Hopefully, my quads will adapt to the extra work, and I’ll be faster. If nothing else, it has eliminated the back pain that was previously associated with rough roads and riding in the aero position. I chose the Titan Flex over the Softride because of the Titan Flex’s utter simplicity. Front to back adjustment with one allen wrench. Seat adjustment exactly like a regular bike. No joints to worry about. No weird seat-clamp thing. Normal top tube height…important during standing. Ability to take the side-to-side motion out of the beam, if needed, by inserting a flat light aluminum bar horizontially in the titanium boom. 100 year warranty on the boom. STIFF drivetrain. Good price.
The beam bikes have potentially better aerodynamics than a double diamond frame, if for no other reason than lack of a seat-tube. I don’t know what the aerodynamics are on the Titan Flex…I just know I can ride it without the usual back pain. I can literally stay seated while going over railroad tracks. Really.
I’ve been happier with it than I thought I’d be. I’m sure many Softride owners are very happy with their choice, too. Beam bikes certainly make sense for us aging Age Group triathletes, since we aren’t constrained by the USCF rules requiring double diamond frames. I’ll be surprised if both of these bikes aren’t more popular as the triathlon crowd ages, and/or gets more educated to their benefits. Even if they are only used as the workhorse ideal training vehicle…saves your private parts, your back, etc., so you can get more miles in. Then, hop on the rock-hard double diamond bike on race day if you have to.
I absolutely refuse to belive there is that much diff. in 40K times between those 4 frames with a rider in a real world situation. I don’t care what anybody says!!!
What do you guys think?
I absolutely refuse to belive there is that much diff. in 40K times between those 4 frames with a rider in a real world situation. I don’t care what anybody says!!!
What do you guys think?
I’d like to know the source of this belief. What is it that makes you so certain that nothing could change your mind.
Thanks for the data. 82 seconds over 40 kms seems like an awful lot. Amazing what a dog the Trek TT is. Says a lot about Lance’s engine.
There’s a lot in the details. From the press release, “Identical components, set up and fit was identical for each test and independently verified.” So if one frame allows the rider to assume a more aerodynamic position, this advantage is lost in this test.
Only one in 50 threads is allowed to be about any bike other than a Cervelo. Even with all you Pluto haters dropping dimes on the P3/2/SL/CARBON every 12 seconds, that’s a long time to wait before we can post about something else.
Well I would buy another Softy but let me wear out the two that I currently own. I have both a roady and tri bike from Softride.
You can analyze the aerodynamics, the weight, yada, yada, yada.
I own a Softy because of comfort. My lower back can not handle the harsh ride of beer can aluminum frame.
As far as the numbers go, the drag and weight issue is such a joke for the average AGer. Do you really think .75-2lbs less weight or a marginally lower drag coefficient will make a difference? I don’t.
Throw on a a couple water bottles, and all the other crap we have to carry during IM and weight is a non-factor.
As far as aero, the bike can have ZERO drag but when you put two different riders on the same bike the numbers can be completely different. I can’t have a super aggressive position as it loads up my back. My back just can’t handle it. Someone else who weighs the same as me with no previous back issues and perhaps more flexibility that can get super aero will have better drag numbers. Same bike, drastically different “real” numbers. My point, the rider and his/her position is the bigger factor than the bike…
Now ask me how my butt and back feel after a 6 hour training ride and the Softy (and beam bikes in general) will win over conventional frames hands down. Softy’s rule
already riding one…sold all the other ones I owned after loaning them out to friends (4 and counting). I ought to get a sponsorship from Softride for all the secondary sales I’ve made.
