I'm new to the forum, I apologize for the double post, realized it should have been here, sorry. I am ready to get back into cycling after a long 10-15 years off. I got on a jogging kick for years, but following my 2nd knee surgery in 5 years, I've decided to get a new road bike. I've spent hours and hours over the past couple of days reading this forum and other forums, as well as picking the brains of a few friends. I am in the market for a new bike, and have narrowed my decision down to a couple bike brands (mainly because these are the brands that my LBS carries, and I very much want to support one of them).
I've narrowed my choice down to a Felt Z series or a Cannondale Synapse series. From all I've read everyone says to ride the bike and see how it feels, make sure the fit is correct, and all that. My thoughts....I've rode both, and considering I haven't been actively riding for so long, they both feel great, and comfortable. I think for me to truly know what feels right and what doesn't, and what I actually 'want' out of a bike, I need to get back into riding. So I think I just need to get a bike and start riding. The decision at hand...do I go Carbon fiber of Aluminum alloy? Seems to be great debate about this. I'm 6'1" and 220 lbs (plan to drop below 200 though). I plan to do as much riding as possible, perhaps up to 30-40 miles on some weekend rides (eventually even longer), and I spend a lot of time in the SF Bay area in hilly areas.
Things I need to decide on.
1. Felt or Cannondale?
2. Shimano or Sram components?
3. Carbon fiber or Alluminum alloy? (really torn on this one). I have knee issues, so comfort is of utmost importance to me.
Thank you in advance for your input.
I've narrowed my choice down to a Felt Z series or a Cannondale Synapse series. From all I've read everyone says to ride the bike and see how it feels, make sure the fit is correct, and all that. My thoughts....I've rode both, and considering I haven't been actively riding for so long, they both feel great, and comfortable. I think for me to truly know what feels right and what doesn't, and what I actually 'want' out of a bike, I need to get back into riding. So I think I just need to get a bike and start riding. The decision at hand...do I go Carbon fiber of Aluminum alloy? Seems to be great debate about this. I'm 6'1" and 220 lbs (plan to drop below 200 though). I plan to do as much riding as possible, perhaps up to 30-40 miles on some weekend rides (eventually even longer), and I spend a lot of time in the SF Bay area in hilly areas.
Things I need to decide on.
1. Felt or Cannondale?
2. Shimano or Sram components?
3. Carbon fiber or Alluminum alloy? (really torn on this one). I have knee issues, so comfort is of utmost importance to me.
Thank you in advance for your input.