New (comfortable) "race" bike, Madone 4.7, Specialized Amira

[Owlie]

I also went back to the Trek Store, and they said they can make a Madone 4.7 "racier" and more aggressive, by changing the stem length, handle bars, saddle, etc. Is that true? Can you really change the way you sit on a bike that "easily"? I'm not sure if I like the Trek guy - he seems kinda pushy and I can tell he wants me to get a Trek. The other LBS are more understanding of the fact that I shop around for the best fit. The Trek guy makes it sounds like "we can just change the Madone to your preferred fit"...

To some degree, yes. A new stem, a seatpost with a different setback, and a variety of other tweaks can make a difference. How much of a difference it makes depends.

[zoom-zoom]

To some degree, yes. A new stem, a seatpost with a different setback, and a variety of other tweaks can make a difference. How much of a difference it makes depends.

Yup. But it's always better to have the geometry that meets your needs/wants, THEN make minor tweaks. It's one reason I "upgraded" to the SuperSix after a year on the Synapse. The Synapse was a nice bike, but it was more relaxed/upright than what I quickly discovered I really wanted...and the aluminum was killing me on our roads...and I wasn't thrilled with Shimano and wanted to change over to SRAM. So it made sense to start over from scratch.

We have a shop near us that is big and impersonal and very aggressive. Then we have OUR LBS an hour away...we go there and eat cookies and hang out. No pressure. Perhaps I'd prefer a Trek or Specialized or Giant...but those aren't brands our LBS carries. That relationship with a great shop is (in my mind) perhaps AS important as the perfect frame. 'Cause the great shop will help you make those tweaks, not just desperately get you on whatever they have in stock and push you out the door. It's all about service after the sale.

[Owlie]

Yup. But it's always better to have the geometry that meets your needs/wants, THEN make minor tweaks. It's one reason I "upgraded" to the SuperSix after a year on the Synapse. The Synapse was a nice bike, but it was more relaxed/upright than what I quickly discovered I really wanted...and the aluminum was killing me on our roads...and I wasn't thrilled with Shimano and wanted to change over to SRAM. So it made sense to start over from scratch.

We have a shop near us that is big and impersonal and very aggressive. Then we have OUR LBS an hour away...we go there and eat cookies and hang out. No pressure. Perhaps I'd prefer a Trek or Specialized or Giant...but those aren't brands our LBS carries. That relationship with a great shop is (in my mind) perhaps AS important as the perfect frame. 'Cause the great shop will help you make those tweaks, not just desperately get you on whatever they have in stock and push you out the door. It's all about service after the sale.

I agree completely. OP, I'd exhaust your other options and leave the Trek unless nothing else works.

[Susi]

I looked at the Cervelo RS today but my LBS said even the smallest RS will be too big for me. (My legs are quite short, I guess)

I hope I get a chance to try out the SuperSix, and it'll probably come done to either that or the Amira...

[zoom-zoom]

I looked at the Cervelo RS today but my LBS said even the smallest RS will be too big for me. (My legs are quite short, I guess)

Darn, that's a bummer. I had been thinking that maybe my N+1 bike should be a Cervelo, too (my LBS also carries Cervelo). But if your legs are too short, then mine probably are, as well.

[Veronica]

Darn, that's a bummer. I had been thinking that maybe my N+1 bike should be a Cervelo, too (my LBS also carries Cervelo). But if your legs are too short, then mine probably are, as well.

It might still work for you. I'm just under 5'5" and ride a 51 Cervelo S3. Love that bike! It is fast.


Veronica

[Susi]

My inseam was measured today, and they said it's 73.5 cm... I just checked out the specs for the 48 SuperSix, and the standover is 74cm. Does that mean I can't even go with the 48?? There's no way ANY LBS will carry the 44 SuperSix. (I would have to order it and would be required to buy it then. I'm afraid that the 44 will be too small. I tried a Cannondale Synapse 44 and it felt too cramped)

The standover height for the smallest Cervelo RS (with 650 wheels) is 73.2 cm... That IS in deed to big, right?

Based on those measurements, maybe I will HAVE to go with the Amira or Madone... They look like the perfect bikes for me.

[Mako]

Darn, that's a bummer. I had been thinking that maybe my N+1 bike should be a Cervelo, too (my LBS also carries Cervelo). But if your legs are too short, then mine probably are, as well.

zoom zoom - Sorry to but in - just to say don't rule out a Cervelo, I ride a 48 S1 and I'm only 5'3, I don't know my exact measurements but I'd say my legs are pretty short

When I upgrade I'll probably go for an R3, perhaps look at those the geometry is different between the R3 and RS....

[Susi]

Here is a picture on the Amira. What do you guys think? They said they would lower the front a bit, to get me into a "racier" position... I tried the Tarmac- overall too big. Now, I'll have to decide between the Amira and the Synapse