Any ideas? Need to replace stolen Look KG461 Jalabert

[jfrancl]

I recently had my Look KG 461 Jalabert edition stolen. I'd been riding it since 2003 and I've been struggling to narrow down all the options into a manageable list.

Anybody have ideas?

I'm 6'4" and 215-220 pounds ... still recovering from knee surgery in late 2009 ... will get under 210 pounds at some point but I'll always be a large rider.

I'm not going to ride competitively in the near future. I ride with various good/experienced cyclists and live in San Francisco, so have to deal with hills on a daily basis.

On balance, I'd rather a more "comfortable" and "stable" bike than a more "aggressive" bike. I'm getting some insurance recovery for the theft and have a healthy budget (say $5k).

Any ideas would be appreciated and any comments on the various options.

Thanks!

 

[vspa]

i like SCOTT bikes, for no special reason.
with a $5000 budget you can go directly to the top of the line stuff !

 

[swampy1970]

Originally Posted by jfrancl .

I recently had my Look KG 461 Jalabert edition stolen. I'd been riding it since 2003 and I've been struggling to narrow down all the options into a manageable list.

Anybody have ideas?

I'm 6'4" and 215-220 pounds ... still recovering from knee surgery in late 2009 ... will get under 210 pounds at some point but I'll always be a large rider.

I'm not going to ride competitively in the near future. I ride with various good/experienced cyclists and live in San Francisco, so have to deal with hills on a daily basis.

On balance, I'd rather a more "comfortable" and "stable" bike than a more "aggressive" bike. I'm getting some insurance recovery for the theft and have a healthy budget (say $5k).

Any ideas would be appreciated and any comments on the various options.

Thanks!

If you're looking for more in the way of comfort than pure speed then you could take a look at the Cannondale Synapse or Specialized Roubaix. For $5K you should be able to pick up a Synapse Hi-Mod or S-Works Roubaix if you shop around. The Scott CR-1 and Cervelo RS are also very nice bikes that are geared towards giving the lower back an easier time - the Cervelo RS was used not only at Roubaix by the Cervelo team but a few of the riders used the RS frame during the big Grand Tours to.

There's plenty of closeout sales on last years models...

I found that the more race orientated Cannondale SuperSix Hi-Mod also offers a comfortable position if so desired, out of the box. Comfort and near telepathic handling. Laterally stiffer than 2 tons of granite but so comfy on long rides... so comfy...

 

[davereo]

I have to agree with Swampy about the Synapse. 5K should get you on this bike with the sales tax included.
http://www.cannondale.com/usa/usaeng/Products/Bikes/Road/Performance-Road/Synapse/Details/2766-1RCL1C48CRB-Synapse-Hi-MOD-1-Dura-Ace

 

[dhk2]

Suggest you also look at titanium and steel bikes. With a 5-large budget, you could have a Lynskey Ti nicely set up, or a SOMA or other custom steel frame made in CA. For your size and weight and application, I'd want a strong frame and wheels with at least 25mm tires, and lots of low gears. Nothing wrong with the mass-produced asian CF race bikes of course, but I'd pick something a bit more unique and build it tailored for you.

 

[vspa]

also why not stay with LOOK, checkout their recent models,

 

[jfrancl]

Thanks for all the helpful comments thus far!

To dhk2, I grew up riding steel frames, but the hills around San Francisco have pushed me into lighter materials. I haven't considered Ti but I'll check out your Lynskey recommendation.