old vs new

[7rider]

Aside from the better components on the compact double Roubaix, I didn't see a big difference in the performance of the two bikes.

So it's true--it's not about the bike.

I'm actually a bit surprised by that. Isn't one bike designed more for recreational riding and the other more for performance? I don't know the Specialized line, but I would think the fit, the stiffness, the handling, and the overall behavior on the pavement would be very different. I don't know if it is discouraging for a new bike, but it is puzzling about the Specialized lineup.

My Axiom is much softer than my ID8. I haven't been on the Axiom since I build up the ID8 (sadly...but I did just buy new pedals for it, so it's ready to ride if I should want to give up the bliss that is the ID8 for a day)...but if I did, I'm sure I would notice the difference in the handling. The wheels alone are night-and-day b/t the 2 bikes -- mine are both geared the same...compact crank (50-34) and 12-25 in the back.

[OakLeaf]

-snif- you're making me miss my '84 Sequoia. I supposedly sold her to a friend of my ex-husband's, but she turned out to be a junkie, and not only did I never get paid for the bike, but she sold it and stuck it in her arm

Even though I gave that bike up voluntarily, the result is that I probably miss her more than I do the one that was well and truly stolen from me.

[sundial]

I'm actually a bit surprised by that. Isn't one bike designed more for recreational riding and the other more for performance?

The Roubaix is a zippy, plush bike and the Sequoia is geared more towards fitness riders. I did notice that 23 vs 25 tires do make a difference on climbs. But then the geometry of the Roubaix is a little more aggressive and climbs better, me thinks.

I still wouldn't want to give up my Roubaix though. Just glad to know that if my Roubaix is sick, I can count on Silver to give me a comparable ride.