Buying new road bike

scoutman

Hey guys I am in the process of buying a new road bike and would appreciate some feedback and suggestions. I just turned 50 am 6'2"weigh about 235 and will get down to about 200-210. I have been riding a friend's hand made Italian aluminum bike equiped w/ Campy Record for several months . We have big mountains and hills where I live and ride.

I was able to test ride a 2005 Giant OCR2 and a 2005 Roubaix Elite, to me no comparison thus the Roubiax decision.

I have narrowed my choices to 2006 model Specialized S-Works Roubaix (Fact 9 carbon frame), or going with Expert Double Roubaix (this is the same frame as their Pro with fact 7). I am inclined to go with the Expert and put my money on a better wheelset in lieu of the more expensive dura-ace on the S-Works and Pro models (difference of about 2K). I have a third choice a Ridley Excalibur within this price range. However, I have known the specialized dealer (they carry other good brands too) for a long time and really like them. Specialized gives a lifetime warranty (5yrs. Ridley) on their carbon frames and I am concerned about this because of my size and frequent climbing.

I have seen some research data on torsion stiffness and bottom bracket stiffness. Both the Roubaix models seem to rate very well in this area even when compared to a lot of high end bikes. The S-Works is about 29% stiffer in the weighted bottom bracket stiffness category over the Pro and slightly lighter.

I want to be happy with my decision for a few years while I continue to improve and since they are so expensive.

Any suggestions and hindsight greatly appreciated.

tfstrum

You're a big guy so make sure you stand on the pedals and test those bottom brackets. You don't want to hear the chain rubbing on the derailluer guide, etc.
Stronger wheels will be good too. What does the LBS think? Has anyone from the shop gone out on a ride with you to see what you're into?

badkarma

At 235, you're gonna want some stronger wheels, I'd consult your LBS about that. Maybe they can swap out the stock wheels for some stronger ones (if the stock ones aren't strong enough). I'd recommend a 32F/36R spoke count (double butted).

As for which frame would suit you better, I'd buy whichever one fits you better. As for the components, remember they can always be upgraded later. So buy the frame that fits you best, and if that frame happens to come with ultegra, they you can upgrade that to DA if you choose later as your budget allows.

DiabloScott

Specialized gives a lifetime warranty (5yrs. Ridley) on their carbon frames and I am concerned about this because of my size and frequent climbing.

I doubt that either of those warranties would apply to a bike that you wore out due to weight and climbing. The warranties cover manufacturing defects like bad bonding, not normal wear and tear... which would be accelerated in your case.

Not trying to scare you off, but if the warranty is really a big concern then you should at least find out exactly what it covers.

tfstrum

If the LBS sells him a bike, the LBS should take into account his weight before the sale. If he gets a crack in the frame from just normal riding it shouldn't matter that he weighs 235. The LBS is responsible for putting him on the right bike. In my mind, as long as he didn't crash it, the warranty should apply.

DiabloScott

If the LBS sells him a bike, the LBS should take into account his weight before the sale. If he gets a crack in the frame from just normal riding it shouldn't matter that he weighs 235. The LBS is responsible for putting him on the right bike. In my mind, as long as he didn't crash it, the warranty should apply.

Well what your mind tells you and what the warranty actually says could well be two different things. Agreed the bike shop shouldn't sell inappropriate equipment, but a big guy is going to wear out his equipment faster and that's still normal wear... not generally covered by a warranty.

badkarma

Well what your mind tells you and what the warranty actually says could well be two different things. Agreed the bike shop shouldn't sell inappropriate equipment, but a big guy is going to wear out his equipment faster and that's still normal wear... not generally covered by a warranty.

Ditto, I agree.

tfstrum

What is he going to just wear out? Wheels and a seat maybe?

shokhead

Hey guys I am in the process of buying a new road bike and would appreciate some feedback and suggestions. I just turned 50 am 6'2"weigh about 235 and will get down to about 200-210. I have been riding a friend's hand made Italian aluminum bike equiped w/ Campy Record for several months . We have big mountains and hills where I live and ride.

I was able to test ride a 2005 Giant OCR2 and a 2005 Roubaix Elite, to me no comparison thus the Roubiax decision.

I have narrowed my choices to 2006 model Specialized S-Works Roubaix (Fact 9 carbon frame), or going with Expert Double Roubaix (this is the same frame as their Pro with fact 7). I am inclined to go with the Expert and put my money on a better wheelset in lieu of the more expensive dura-ace on the S-Works and Pro models (difference of about 2K). I have a third choice a Ridley Excalibur within this price range. However, I have known the specialized dealer (they carry other good brands too) for a long time and really like them. Specialized gives a lifetime warranty (5yrs. Ridley) on their carbon frames and I am concerned about this because of my size and frequent climbing.

I have seen some research data on torsion stiffness and bottom bracket stiffness. Both the Roubaix models seem to rate very well in this area even when compared to a lot of high end bikes. The S-Works is about 29% stiffer in the weighted bottom bracket stiffness category over the Pro and slightly lighter.

I want to be happy with my decision for a few years while I continue to improve and since they are so expensive.

Any suggestions and hindsight greatly appreciated.

I'm 52 and just got a 05 Roubaix Comp and its been great. The longer rides are a bit less taxing on my body.