Need some guidance....(long)

Hi ladies...I could really use some help here. I'm in the midst of having a major cycling "meltdown". First some background info - this is my 3rd solid year of cycling. Bought my first "real" road bike in the spring of 2008 in preparation for my first triathlon (actually ended up doing 2 tris that year). I ended up with a 2007 Trek 2100 WSD (54cm) that a LBS had on "closeout". It was a great bike, and I rode it for a full year...but never really felt 100% comfortable on it. Turns out that it was too big for me (but I still have the bike).

In the meantime, I had (foolishly) signed myself up for a Half Ironman tri to be held in July of 2009. Since my Trek was too big and uncomfortable, I had decided it was time to buy something that fit me better and was better suited for triathlon. But I didn't want a tri-specific bike...since most of the riding I do is in suburban stop-n-go traffic. I settled on a Cervelo Soloist Carbon, a dual-purpose aero road bike. I was professionally fitted onto a 51cm frame and had it built up with full Ultegra SL components. It's a gorgeous bike...sleek, fast, aggressive and VERY expensive (more than I really wanted to spend). But my (rather hasty) decision to buy it, was jaded by sheer excitement of something "new and shiny". :o

So, over the next few months, I happily rode my Cervelo...afterall, this WAS the bike I had chosen for myself, so I had better be happy with it...right? Ummm...wrong. Firstly, I never did do that Half Ironman race that I had signed up (and paid) for, due to ongoing running injuries. Infact, I haven't done ANY triathlons since the 2 races that I did back in 2008...and to be honest, I don't really have the desire to do any more of them at this time. What I really want to do, is focus more on riding longer distances. And sadly, my Cervelo is no longer the bike that suits my needs and wants right now. It has taken me over a year to admit it, but I bought the wrong bike for myself. It's way too aggressive and racy for my 44-year old body. It's twitchy and stiff, and although it is full carbon...it's an extremely harsh and bone-jarring ride. I feel so beat up and exhausted when I get off that thing...that I sometimes feel like just collapsing to the ground. Riding this bike makes me LOATHE cycling on some days...and it shouldn't have to be like that. I shouldn't have to ride in agony, yet I force myself to do it (I've put on about 5,200 miles on this bike since I bought it a little less than a year ago) because I spent SO much money on this damn bike. :mad:

So...the bottom line is...I NEED to find myself a new bike. I've been concentrating on "plush" geometry bikes. My only requirement at this time, is that I would like full Ultegra 6700 or SRAM Force components. So far, my list consists of Giant Avail Advanced 1, Scott Contessa CR1 Pro, and the BH Cristal (droooool!!!). Of course, I've also looked at Trek and Specialized...but those 2 options are more of a last resort since I'm not too keen on the dealers in my area (past history with both). Are there any other bikes I should consider that I might be missing? Thanks for your help...and thanks for reading.

Linda

Thom (my husband) just got a Giant Defy Advance 2. As I understand it, the only difference in the line is the level of components. Anyway, he took it out on his first ride on Saturday and we did 42 miles with 4800 feet of climbing. He was thrilled with the bike. His other road bike is a Rivendelll Rambouillet. With all the stuff he has on that, it weighs in at 29 pounds! He had horrendous bike envy after buying me my Cervelo S3 - which I love. He puts the bikes in the truck, so every time we rode he noticed just how heavy his Riv was.

Only trouble is, it's not so easy to drop him now. :D

Good luck in your search.

Veronica

How about a Lemond? I have a Tourmalet. They have a more 'relaxed' geometry compare to the racing style. I find it very comfortable. :)

You probably know what I'm going to say. Steel. Bike.
Steel is one smooth ride. Check out - Surly LHT, Surly Pacer, Surly Cross Check, Trek 520, Jamis Aurora, Jamis Quest, Jamis Satellite, Jamis Eclipse, Raleigh Clubman, Raleigh Sojourn, Specialized Allez Steel Double, etc, etc. Or any steel framed bike. (Maybe a used Mixte if you're into those.) A touring bike would have a less aggressive posture. Jamis Auroras have an adjustable height stem. So you can ride more upright if you like. Well, I wish you luck. :)

(You could always upgrade any of these to your specs.)

I agree that steel is worth trying. Worry less about componentry and more about fit and ride quality.

I'm sort of going through something similar. My first bike was a steel Binchi. I put 12k miles in it in less than three years. Then I had a custom ti bike made for me. As you might assume, it cost me big bucks.

On paper, it should fit. Several fitters have worked with me. We've addressed just about every variable we can think of, yet the bike remains painful to ride. My upper body just isn't comfortable. It's a lovely bike, and there's nothing weird about geometry. Still, I'm thinking of finding a new home for it, and going back to my Bianchi. :(

Good luck with your search.

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Originally Posted by pumpkinpony

How about a Lemond? I have a Tourmalet. They have a more 'relaxed' geometry compare to the racing style. I find it very comfortable. :)

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Lemond no longer exists as a bike company (at least for the moment). He "royally upset" (read between the lines) the powers that be at Trek and so Trek told him to take his name and take a hike ("Gary Fisher" now makes road bikes, but they aren't really like the Lemonds).

Ride every bike you can get your hands on, including the Trek and Specialized. Both those bikes were the most comfortable (least amount of road chatter) that I rode; the Trek so much so that I, personally, hated it (couldn't feel the road). If you have to drive somewhere else to get one because you don't like the local dealers so be it.

Also take a look at Ti and/or Steel, both off the shelf, custom, and semi-custom. You could have a frame built and move the components off your Cervelo (or not and just get new ones). Seven and Independent Fabrication both make reasonable, custom Ti and steel frames, as well as many local artisan builders. (and then there is of course Lynesky Ti for production frames)

If you are interested in long distances, consider a recumbent. Bacchetta and Volae are two brands that are known for general sportiness. Bacchetta had a team a few years ago that did RAAM, and did pretty well, so you know they can be ridden long distances.

Both can be spendy, though. . .:rolleyes:

If I remember what I read correctly, the 2007 or 2008 Cervelos had a harsh ride because the seat stays were so thick. It's not so with the 2009s. I've ridden for years on this horrible chip sealed road on my steel Rivendell. The Cervelo totally made that road smooth as butter.

Don't blame the material for the harsh ride, blame the geometry.

Veronica

I agree with the Ti and Steel comments out of personal preference. I also agree w/ V on the carbon, though it's not my material of choice.

I dunno.. seems to me you should take your time and enjoy the bike shopping process. Think of it more like a quest.. at least in the beginning.

Start from scratch.

I guess what I'm trying to say is.. seems from what you describe you narrowed your choices early on when looking for the Cervelo. Maybe this time, just look for the bike that calls to you.

I'd not blame carbon or Cervelo's or anything so narrow. Try 'em all. Ride 'em all and then begin to figure what you like and don't like (geo, material, model, whatever), then begin narrowing it down. Then take a few out on long rides and see how the "second dates" go.

<shrug> I dunno.. that also sounds more fun anyway :D

Soloist is a very nice bike.

is the front wheel on your soloist radially laced spoke instead of 2x or 3x? 3x cross lacing is slightly heavier and tends to be laterally more stiffer, it tends to be bit softer in terms of the ride. It has bit more give than a radially laced wheel.

Similar thing with the rear wheel. instead of radial lacing on one side with 2x on drive side, again try 3x laced wheels.

Another thing you could try is going to a gel seat instead of light weight bare bone racing seats. The gel padded seats are bit heavier but it does absorb lots of shocks and can make a difference.

I use a padded handle bar tape. It doesn't add much bulk but sure beats the old style bar tapes from the '70s in terms of comfort. And also wear gloves with padding in the palm.

These things may be enough to make it fun for you to ride the soloist.

One way to smooth out the ride of a bike is to get a nice compliant wheelset. The Zipp 303's (2010 version) are an awesome choice (they are used in the Paris Roubaix race over the cobbles). If you must have a new bike, stick w/Cervelo and try the R3 line.

I've just bought a Specialized Amira Expert and it's a lovely ride. You don't seem to have ruled out another full carbon bike so I'd echo some of the advice others have given and suggest riding lots of different bikes and get the one that you fall in love with. But I'd include the Amira in your possibilities (even if you have to go further afield to get one because of the LBS issues you mentioned)

I think you're missing two very good choices by skipping Trek and Specialized. Both have bikes for just what your looking for - the Ruby and the Madone. Lots of people seem to have issues with buying from a big company like Trek, but at the end of the day, they make great bikes.

I'm 44 and bought a Trek Madone 4.5 and love it. I looked at every possibility of bikes that were stocked in my size in my LBSs. I couldn't justify the price difference, but the Madone 5 series is really nice. The Ruby had an awesome ride (very smooth), but didn't fit as well. I came close to buying a Scott Contessa CR1, but it wasn't nearly as smooth as the Trek and didn't fit quite as well, though had full Ultegra. I think Scott has since come out with a less racy, more comfortable, CR1.

Also, Scott's women's bikes have the same exact geometry as its mens bikes (you can check the website). So, the Contessa CR1s have shorter reach brake levers, different seats and drop bars, etc, but no significant fit differences (except for a shorter stem). If the bike fit me, I wouldn't care, but at the same time, Scott does not seem to put the same effort into the technology of its women's bikes as the other brands.

I would recommend a custom steel-frame Luna http://www.lunacycles.com/. I had a Trek 5.9 Pilot (all carbon with Dura Ace) for five years that just didn't fit and I researched a lot of bikes before I decided to go with a custom Luna. The craftsmanship and fit is superb, the steel ride is so much smoother than carbon and Margo is great to work with.

As long as you're still considering the "Big Three," you left one out...

I've got just under 10K miles on my Cannondale Synapse Feminine. Its geometry is pretty laid back, suited for day riding. I don't do super long rides, but it's plenty comfortable over 100 miles. The #3 comes built with Ultegra; the #1 is hi-mod carbon with Dura-Ace for less than you probably paid for your Cervélo.

But yeah, what others said: I'm happy with my Synapse, but in hindsight I know I was so anxious to buy a bike that I didn't take the time that I should have, to search out what was really right for me, and I think I could probably have done better.

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Originally Posted by Bike Chick

I would recommend a custom steel-frame Luna http://www.lunacycles.com/. I had a Trek 5.9 Pilot (all carbon with Dura Ace) for five years that just didn't fit and I researched a lot of bikes before I decided to go with a custom Luna. The craftsmanship and fit is superb, the steel ride is so much smoother than carbon and Margo is great to work with.

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+1!
Sell your two nice bikes and put the proceeds towards a Luna. Riding my Luna is like riding on a cloud. It's steel with carbon fork and seatstays. Dreamy, and beautiful, too.

I agree with those pointing you towards a custom bike. I ride a steel road bike, and I just love it - I race occasionally, and zip right past people on carbon bikes. Just because you ride steel doesn't mean you're slow :D

Working with a custom builder, you can get exactly what you want, and you know it will fit you well... I would if I had the dinero:cool:

WOW...lots of great advice...thank you all so much!!! I've listed my bike on Craigslist, to see if it generates any interest. I would definitely have to sell it, before even thinking about buying a new bike, so I'm praying that somebody will make me an offer.

Just to answer some of the individual posts - the poster that commented on a recumbent bike...there is no way I could ride a recumbent. In my high-traffic area, I simply wouldn't feel safe being lower to the ground. Also, I've ridden recumbent stationary bikes at the gym, and they KILL my lower back.

To those that suggested Trek & Specialized...I have no ill feelings about either of these 2 brands...infact, I've been drooling over a Project One Madone for some time now. So I have certainly not ruled out Trek or Specialized. Infact, I rode my Trek 2100 just the other day, and it felt fabulous (in terms of ride) compared to my much higher-priced Cervelo. I'm actually glad that I never sold it, because it will be the bike I ride until I buy a new one...if I find a buyer for my Cervelo.

And to those that recommended steel...thank you! That was an option I had forgotten about. I went on the Jamis website and took a closer look at the Eclipse...WOW! That bike has everything that I'm looking for...smooth ride, Ultegra 6700 grouppo...I was really impressed. Now if I could only find a dealer that has one...which will be easier said than done. For some reason, even if a dealer claims to sell Jamis, they often only stock certain lower-end models. I plan on calling each Jamis dealer in my area (there were about 6 and none of them are really close to me) to see if any of them have one or can get one for me to test ride.

As far as custom-built goes...I admit I've never looked into it, but it sounds like a very expensive process to me. My husband (who is out of work at the moment) is not thrilled about me buying yet another bike, so I'm treading somewhat lightly on this topic with him. Hence, the reason I need to sell my Cervelo first...so I could use that money towards the new bike.

Thanks again, everyone...you've all been most helpful! Keep your fingers crossed that I can sell my Cervelo and buy my "perfect" bike. :)

Linda

Maybe a Jamis dealer will order you one on "spec" so you can see if it fits, rides well - with no obligation to buy. Some will, some won't - depends on the dealer. Ask. The worst they can say is no. :)

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Originally Posted by Veronica

If I remember what I read correctly, the 2007 or 2008 Cervelos had a harsh ride because the seat stays were so thick. It's not so with the 2009s. I've ridden for years on this horrible chip sealed road on my steel Rivendell. The Cervelo totally made that road smooth as butter.

Don't blame the material for the harsh ride, blame the geometry.

Veronica

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Wow...that's very interesting and would explain a LOT. When I get home from work, I'll check my seat stays to see how thick they are...I don't often look at them, so I don't really know off the top of my head. Thanks for posting this.

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Originally Posted by smilingcat

Soloist is a very nice bike.

is the front wheel on your soloist radially laced spoke instead of 2x or 3x? 3x cross lacing is slightly heavier and tends to be laterally more stiffer, it tends to be bit softer in terms of the ride. It has bit more give than a radially laced wheel.

Similar thing with the rear wheel. instead of radial lacing on one side with 2x on drive side, again try 3x laced wheels.

Another thing you could try is going to a gel seat instead of light weight bare bone racing seats. The gel padded seats are bit heavier but it does absorb lots of shocks and can make a difference.

I use a padded handle bar tape. It doesn't add much bulk but sure beats the old style bar tapes from the '70s in terms of comfort. And also wear gloves with padding in the palm.

These things may be enough to make it fun for you to ride the soloist.

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Gosh, I have no clue how my wheels are laced...I'm pleading total ignorance on this one. :o

As for the seat...I've tested out my share of saddles lately. Right now, I'm running a Selle Italia SLK Lady Gel Flow and it's just "ok". My main issue with saddles is sitbone pain, and the SLK has not entirely eliminated that for me. Of all the saddles I've ridden recently, I have to say that my favorite one is, oddly, a "bare-bones" Specialized Phenom MTB saddle. It's pretty firm and quite minimalist, but it causes the least amount of sit bone pain.

My bike came with padded bar tape, so I'm good there. And I have tried just about every padded glove on the market...seriously. I have a growing glove collection that includes - PI, Castelli, Giro, Descente, Specialized, and Spenco Ironman gloves. I have yet to find a pair that work for more than an hour or so. :(

Thanks for your feedback!

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Originally Posted by nscrbug

As far as custom-built goes...I admit I've never looked into it, but it sounds like a very expensive process to me. My husband (who is out of work at the moment) is not thrilled about me buying yet another bike, so I'm treading somewhat lightly on this topic with him. Hence, the reason I need to sell my Cervelo first...so I could use that money towards the new bike.

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Do not let a price perception keep you from looking into custom. A custom frame need not be any more expensive than the quality of frames you already seem to be looking at.

They start around $1000 and I'd say most will average around $1500-2000 though of course you can easily drop $8k or more on a custom carbon Serotta.

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Originally Posted by yetigooch

One way to smooth out the ride of a bike is to get a nice compliant wheelset. The Zipp 303's (2010 version) are an awesome choice (they are used in the Paris Roubaix race over the cobbles). If you must have a new bike, stick w/Cervelo and try the R3 line.

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Yikes, those Zipp 303's cost well over half of what my entire bike cost...:eek: Nice looking wheels, for sure...but I just can't afford it. And yes, I have thought about staying with Cervelo...however, I believe the better bike for me would be the RS model. The R3 is a racing geometry (small headtube)...the RS is a plusher geometry with a taller headtube.

And Oakleaf...thank you for mentioning Cannondale...another option I missed. I just looked at their website. Wow...that Synapse 3 is gorgeous...and the 1 is just "drool city"...would love to have Dura-Ace, but don't think I could swing the cost of it.

I have over 6000 miles on my Cannondale Synapse Fem 1 (full Dura Ace) and I am still in complete bike-love. I have similar goals as you. I like long distances. We're very hilly here and an average 60 mile ride is easily 5500 ft of climbing. I wanted a good climbing bike but also one that I could trust. Love this bike.

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Originally Posted by ms1

I think you're missing two very good choices by skipping Trek and Specialized. Both have bikes for just what your looking for - the Ruby and the Madone. Lots of people seem to have issues with buying from a big company like Trek, but at the end of the day, they make great bikes.

I'm 44 and bought a Trek Madone 4.5 and love it. I looked at every possibility of bikes that were stocked in my size in my LBSs. I couldn't justify the price difference, but the Madone 5 series is really nice. The Ruby had an awesome ride (very smooth), but didn't fit as well. I came close to buying a Scott Contessa CR1, but it wasn't nearly as smooth as the Trek and didn't fit quite as well, though had full Ultegra. I think Scott has since come out with a less racy, more comfortable, CR1.

Also, Scott's women's bikes have the same exact geometry as its mens bikes (you can check the website). So, the Contessa CR1s have shorter reach brake levers, different seats and drop bars, etc, but no significant fit differences (except for a shorter stem). If the bike fit me, I wouldn't care, but at the same time, Scott does not seem to put the same effort into the technology of its women's bikes as the other brands.

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Personally I would suggest taking a good hard look at Trek. I am 61, I started riding when I was 58. I ride s Trek pilot 5.2 full carbon frame, Shimano Ultegra components and stryker aerobars. I am a long distance rider and have no complaints with the bike even though I bought it as a close out before I knew anything about bike fit or components. Of all the vaious bikes I have looked at since then, I havene't found anywhere near the same quantity of styles, frames, models and sizes in any other maker that I have seen in Trek.

Another thought, just in passing re not doing tri sports any more and injuries- Perhaps you overtrained and over ercerted the first year and sort of bonked yourself out. Maybe it's time to just find joy in ridng for the sake or being out on the road listening to the wind in your wheels.

I wish you luck in your bike search though.

marni

I have a potential buyer for my Cervelo...we are meeting up on Monday, for him to look at and test ride the bike. I'm praying that he likes it and ends up buying. In hopes of that happening, I'm planning to hit a few LBS's this weekend to look for a new bike. On the agenda for Saturday, is to hit up 2 shops within a few miles of each other. One carries Giant, Cannondale, and Specialized...so there I will look at the Avail Advanced 1, the Synapse Fem 3, and the Ruby Expert Compact. The other store is a Trek dealer, so I will take a closer look at the Madone 5.2 WSD.

On Sunday, I plan on hitting up another shop a bit further away that carries Cannondale, Scott, and BH...so another look at the Synapse Fem 3, and also the Contessa CR1 Pro, and the BH Cristal.

Hopefully I'll have some good news to report back. :)

I have a Madone 5.2 WSD and I love it. :D Good luck!

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Originally Posted by moderncyclista

Steel. Bike.
Steel is one smooth ride.

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I have to agree, Modern.

I have a "plush bike" Roubaix and a Salsa Fargo and between the two bikes the Fargo is more comfie for those big mileage days. Steel rides like velvet and absorbs more road noise, resulting in reduced fatigue of the hands, wrists, and neck if the bike is fitted correctly. And you can often get steel at a better bargain. :cool:

Would you want to order a bike frame and build it up to your specs? :)

Ack! My bike shopping has been put "on hold" for awhile...as I came down with the chickenpox over the weekend. :mad: I am in total misery right now, so it will be some time before I can get out and test ride some bikes. I am really bummed. :(

Aw gee, that's a bummer! BUT on the bright side...... you'll have plenty of time to research bikes online. ;)

just as a pssing thought- milk of magnesia helps as a topical analgesic for chicken pox, cold sores, and shingles. Experience is the source of the advice.

Spen the time distracting yourself by letting your fingers do the shopping on the internet.

marni

I hope you get some relief from your chicken pox. How miserable.

For what it's worth, don't rule out custom steel because of the price before you check into it. If you don't go crazy with custom paint and components, you could probably get a custom bike for less than a Madone. Even if you decide against custom, at least check out steel. It's such a sweet ride.

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Originally Posted by marni

just as a pssing thought- milk of magnesia helps as a topical analgesic for chicken pox, cold sores, and shingles. Experience is the source of the advice.

Spen the time distracting yourself by letting your fingers do the shopping on the internet.

marni

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OMG...thank you so much for this! I just called my husband and told him to stop and pick some up on his way home from work.

I had the chicken pox last year (at the age of 36!). I feel for ya. I ended up in the hospital for 4 days. Not fun.

Aveeno baths were a bit helpful, but honestly, I can't say anything helped all that much. I slept a lot. I consciously did not scratch my face, no matter how much it itched, to avoid scars there.

I've got a Cannondale Carbon Synapse Feminine with 105. The ride is great, and the relaxed geometry is nice on centuries. I kind of wish it were more race oriented during group rides, though. However, i have a love hate relationship with this bike. Let me explain.

I'm sure I've just got bad luck, but this bike has been the most finiky bike we've owned yet. It seems like I have it in the shop all the time. The bike has less than 3K miles on it, so many of the issues we've had with it should really not be happening yet. It seems to be parts related, rather than frame related, but I'm just frustrated that it seems to always have something going wrong with it every 3 or 4 rides out of the shop. Maybe I got a lemon. Just wanted to let you know my experience with the bike so far.

I'd be conflicted to suggest the bike to anyone just becuase I love the bike, love the ride, love the fit, but hate that it seems to always need repair.

I'd blame it on me, but my husband and I take the same care with our bikes, ride 90% of the same rides, and his is hardly ever in the shop.