How to choose -- any advice welcome!

[Takiana]

Here's the background (one oft heard heard before here, I'm sure). I've been riding recreationally and for fitness on a Cannondale Hybrid for a few years and have decided to begin centuries with a new road bike. So, I'm new to road biking. I've decided on carbon fiber frame (for ride and longevity) and need WSD (size 47/48 bike).

Here's the question, I've looked at 3 bikes, Specialized Ruby, Trek 5000 WSD and the next step up, Trek Madone 5.0. There's a significant price jump from the first 2 to the last, and I'm just not sure what you really get for the price or if there are any ride differences, etc. I've read that the Madone is a stiffer and less forgiving ride, so maybe it's not a good choice for a beginner?

Any thoughts, advice would be very appreciated.

Thank you.

[Veronica]

Carbon fiber and longevity - not phrases I put together.

Why are you looking at only "race" bikes? Their geometry will be very different from the hybrid you're currently riding.

V.

[Blueberry]

Carbon fiber and longevity - not phrases I put together.

Why are you looking at only "race" bikes? Their geometry will be very different from the hybrid you're currently riding.

V.

Ditto this. I'm in the process of selling bikes that have been "learning experiences." One of the things I have discovered is that I really like steel. I've not had a carbon bike, but I have ridden aluminum, and just wasn't comfortable on long rides because of the harshness of the ride. I would worry about riding a bike that was known to be harsh.

Another thing I have learned is that a racing geometry is not comfortable for me. I'm not happy with handlebars lower than the saddle.

As far as the difference - you're paying for components and frame. What you get with better components is lighter and (to a certain level) more durable. With frames, I would guess you're largely paying for weight once you're comparing carbon bikes.

Good luck and test ride lots!

[Grog]

Please don't discard aluminum so fast... A good AL frame with a carbon fork, perhaps even carbon rear triangle, and while you're at it a decent saddle with titanium rails, will be very comfy as well.

Try bikes.
Try bikes.
Try bikes.

[Blueberry]

I've done all 3: Good Aluminum Frame, Carbon Fork, and Terry Ti Butterfly. Didn't work for me. They must work for someone - there are plenty of them sold. Trying lots is most definitely the way to go!

[Takiana]

Hi all -- Thank you for the quick responses! Sounds like I didn't give enuf info. ;-) I've tried both Specialized and Trek aluminum and honestly, the carbon was a much softer, more comfortable ride -- I did feel the difference. I did not feel as "jarred" by small pavement defects, dips, etc on the carbon fiber as I did even on the Specialized Alum with carbon fiber forks. I'm curious on the question of longevity though -- that definitely interests me. One of the reasons I was leaning to cf was that everything I've read suggests that the aluminum frames tend to begin breaking down and losing comfort relatively quickly where the cf maintains its feel and spring much longer. If you've had different experiences, that I would definitely be interested in hearing!

Again, thanks very much.

[Veronica]

I ride steel, so I'm biased that way. I tested some CF frames when I decided to buy a new bike, but was concerned that the geometries wouldn't suit me over the long haul.

V.

[Trekhawk]

Here's the background (one oft heard heard before here, I'm sure). I've been riding recreationally and for fitness on a Cannondale Hybrid for a few years and have decided to begin centuries with a new road bike. So, I'm new to road biking. I've decided on carbon fiber frame (for ride and longevity) and need WSD (size 47/48 bike).

Here's the question, I've looked at 3 bikes, Specialized Ruby, Trek 5000 WSD and the next step up, Trek Madone 5.0. There's a significant price jump from the first 2 to the last, and I'm just not sure what you really get for the price or if there are any ride differences, etc. I've read that the Madone is a stiffer and less forgiving ride, so maybe it's not a good choice for a beginner?

Any thoughts, advice would be very appreciated.

Thank you.

Ok here is my two cents worth - I started out riding a Trek 5000 (not WSD) and love this bike. Its a very comfortable ride (for me) and I will be using it to do my first 200km ride next year. I know a lot of people dont like Carbon but you need to try lots of bikes and decide for yourself. If Carbon is still your favourite then I say go for it.

[mimitabby]

I absolutely agree. if you like the carbon, go with it.
At my company, we are making AIRPLANES out of the stuff.