Since everyone knows my riding goals I will not spend much time on that. After 2012 being me first year. I am going to try the Afterburner ride for 2013 for 100 miles day one.
I always rode mountain bikes on the road. Last spring I bought a Giant Rapid Hybrid to see if I liked the sport and due to my longer distances I was starting. Then I registered for the ride and set my distance goals even further.
I have been looking at many bikes over the last few days and spend hours on test rides seeing which felt best.
I am looking at the following for my top choices. Specialized Roubaix but it was sold when I got back to the shop. I tried a BH with 105 Components, Look, Cannondale, and Giant Defy. all in and around the $2000 - 2500 mark (CAN Funds) Today I test rode Cervelo RS (105) $2100, Cervelo S2 (Sram Rival) $2400 and a Scott CR1 Comp (Tiagra Components) $2000 The Cervelo are both $400 off on special.
I was planning on a budget of $2000, but for $400 extra I can get The S2, Defy or CR1 Comp.
If anyone has had any bad experiences, or good or anything else that may help, please let me know. I appreciate any advice. I plan on making Cycling my main hobby for many years to come. I want to make an investment that will serve me for years to come.
None of the bikes are bad choices. The first and most important factor is how the bike feels to you. After that its a toss-up based as most of the bikes have similar component sets (although some bike snobs may dismiss Tiagra as a "value" component set and consider 105 the true entry level). If the bikes feel good and have similar components the next consideration is the feel you get from the bike shop, particularly the service department. Are they friendly or snooty? Does the shop sell a lot of models similar to what you are buying and keep a supply of parts in stock? The final considerations are less tangible: which looks best to you, is there some cache associated with the brand (eg Cervelo) or do you want to have something a little different from the crowd (Look , BH) or blend in (Cannondale, Giant, Specialized)
That's the rational view. My emotional side wants to jump all over the Cervelos.
I have done multiple test rides. The BH was the least of the feel catagory.
The Cervelo RS and S2 aside from the name did feel pretty good in terms of road feel and respose, Keep in mind I was wearing sandles during all these tests. I will take my shoes and peddles for a final decision. I did much reading and All the bikes I rode seem to fall in to the same basic feedback as you mentioned. There was a lot of discusion on Shimano vs Sram. It seemed like a 50/50 split. Depending on site I was reading. I did feel more comfortable with the double tap vs the brake lever being one shifter. At times in certain grips I could feel the brake lever move and seemed as though it was not as available as a rigid one when it could be needed in a hurry.
This now brings the RS vs S2. The bike shop said the RS is a little more in regards of comfort although the S2 is not a huge difference. The S2 did feel slightly faster. But not enough of a real test was used to decide that. Could be mental in regards to the look as well. I remember new running shoes made me faster as a kid :)
with any luck a guitar sale will transpire to free up the remaining cash to allow this purchase.
Going from a straight bar with thumb shifters will take some getting used to, but The next step in my evolution as a cyclist I feel drop bars are needed. Wind is not my friend. I make a good sail unfortunatly.
If you have any thoughts on Cervelo RS vs S2 I would apreciate it. next to those 2 are a Cannondale and the Scott.
I'm getting to the age where comfort trumps looks, which makes me lean towards the RS. But this is based purely on web reviews, I haven't ridden either model - or most of what you are looking at. For me this is like shopping by proxy.
The web site lists the S2 with Fulcrum Racing T wheels. The RS has Shimano R500. Both are entry level wheelsets, but I've read more positive reviews of the Fulcrum. I personally have the Shimano and have had no issue in past year/4500km. The Shimano has bladed spokes and the Fulcrum has, I believe, round spokes. If you opt for the RS, ask the shop if they stock the spokes. One thing I noticed, and its minor, is the RS looks to have a round seat post where as the S2 has an aero post. If you ever want or need to change posts then the RS will give you more options.
I realize the wheels are base level, it S2 has SRAM Rival which from what I read are decent ( I think 2nd level for sram) The LBS I am dealing with deals exclusively with Cervelo, Colnago and Scott. The service SRAM, Shimano, Fi'zi:k and a few other brands and stock all options for shoes and peddles, I bought my Peddles and Shoes there for my current bike. I am 45 and not a racer, I do like to test my ability on occasion and like to try to catch the kids on Strava in my area. I tried both the RS and S2 I was told that the RS is more forgiving, but I stick to pretty good roads and from what I have read the fit will make the difference. I just sold the guitar an hour ago which was the final piece I need in this web I have my wife caught in :) I will make sure I ask many questions, They will do a complete fit and I will see what else I can come up with. Do you think the R500 might be better, I could ask for a switch. These look good, but looks are not everything. I am now going to try to get on the road more than lately. I think this should motivate me. I am taking my peddles and shoes to work tomorrow and will do a proper test drive of both and try to decide. It is a $300 jump to the S2 from the RS. Thanks again for your usual replies.
If you can thin of anything else I should check on or ask, please chime in. Much appreciated
My tip has nothing to do with the individual bikes, I can't really speak to that since I don't know components well!
Make sure you take each bike for a good test ride. Bring your shoes/ pedals. Practice doing turns, figure 8's, gear up gear down, braking etc.
The bike that feels he best is the corect one for you!
I learned the hard way that road bikes fit is everything. I bought two brand new bikes in two years because the first one was just not the best fit for me, even though the spec said it was perfect for me.
Thanks for the advice. The LBS I am dealing with also is big on fit. It is expected to be 2 - 3 hours from what they are telling me. I will remember your manoeuvres and test those as well.
SilverFox has pretty much covered everything. My opinion on the bikes:
I have an S5 which has similar geometry to the S2. I also have a Vitess which has geometry somewhat similar to the RS.
The S2 is designed as an aero roadbike. If your rides are mostly long and fairly flat, giving you a chance to just put your head down and pedal, get the S2.
If your rides are most diverse - sprints, quick hills, some long flat stretches, lots of turns, more technical - go for the RS.
Will th shop let you take the bike on an extended test ride? Ask to take each one out on your normal route and see how they perform, and how you feel post-ride.
Thanks. I ride although a lot of hills, it si mainly head down pump the legs. No quick turns. Similar to this years ride route day 1. Maybe a few more hills. But about the same. I had a test ride booked in which the LBS was going to set the bike up after I ride on the trainer, then he was going to take me on a 156 - 20 km loop and watch me ride to decide what adjustments would be needed. Then if I buy it. The fit would be 2 - 3 hours according to the shop. Last night I looked at a pecialized Roubaix Elite Comp which is the same price range. It has 105 components vs the Rival on the S2. Decisions, decisions :)
I am a 3 time Roubaix buyer/rider, started lower on the food chain and I'm now riding the Pro SL3, very good bike and they really stand behind the product.
If you are looking to save $$$$, send a DM, I might be able to help point you in a direction.
After riding many many more bikes. I ended up buying a LOOK. After a second fit. I rode 100 km Friday and 100 Sunday. after a few shorter rides to get used to it. So far I am very happy. I have taken 20 mins off my 100 km time and am climbing the Strava segments I ride in around my area.
