BUYING - Aero vs Lightweight ??

[Andrea Lepore]

Hi guys just looking for some advice - started riding 4 years ago ( mountain) for the last year and a half, moved over to more road riding, intermediate rider - average 23-27 km/h in races and race occasionally. 

 

I need some advice on upgrading my bike:

 

at the moment riding a GT Series2 

Chainwheel 50 x34

Rear            12 x 28 

 

For argument sakes and the 2 bike I'm looking at :

 

Merida Reacto 400 (Aero)

Chainwheel - 52 x 36 

Rear            - 11 x 28 

 

Merida Scultura 400 

Chainwheel - 50 x 34

Rear            - 11 x 28 

 

Same components, almost same price -  just different chain wheels? and obviously different designs,

 

Would it be worth buying a Aero bike (because I like it) for someone who rides 1 -2 times a week, Id like to become stronger and faster but mostly riding for the love.

and would it make any difference to my riding ?

or just be more uncomfortable ?

 

Any advice ?

 

 

 

[Spinnekop]

There's an old saying....

Find your poison and let it kill you slowly.

 

The bike that makes you WANT to ride more is the bike to get.

I think the aero affect wont be in the least noticeable so get something that makes your heart rate spike each time you see it.

[Christie]

I agree with Spider, choose the one you like the most.

 

If you want to make a choise based on technical advice: if you ride alone, aero everything will help to go a bit faster. If you ride in groups, the aero benefit will make less of a difference because you draft more. Then the lighter frame (arguably also more comfortable) is perhaps more beneficial.

[Oufy MTB (Roadie)]

I heard, the benefits of 'Aero bikes' only kick in over 30km/h since they designed for maximum efficiency at higher speeds

[s14phoenix]

You are the most in-aerodynamic thing on the your whole riding unit.

 

Get the tightest fitting kit you can find and an aeroish helmet.

 

It will probably save you more in term of aero than the whole bike.

 

Buy the bike that makes you feel faster.

 

HOWEVER - Aero does work. Does save watts. Does make you faster.

 

AND - weight saving does work. Does save watts. Does make you faster.

 

In independent tests aero has trumped weight in mixed terrain riding.

 

If you can - get a light weight aero bike or semi aero.

 

But as stated above - the effects of aero is nil if you not going fast enough...

[s14phoenix]

incidently here are the apparent weights:

 

Scultura 400 = +/- 8.9Kg

 

Reacto 400 = +/- 9.5kg

 

500g is not a lot of weight advantage.

[canadonis]

I went for the aero, it looks fast feels fast whether it be true or not who cares. When u look at your bike stationary it must give you the biggest smile ever as only then u will ride it lots..forget the science go for the joy factor.

[Audible Anarchy]

Pick whichever one will make you want to ride it more than 1-2 times a week - that will make you faster.

 

Personally, I would go Scultura and toss the compact out in exchange for a 52x36/39...

 

But only ‘cos if I had an aero bike - I’d be thinking of dudes in speedos and Ironman tattoos every time I saw it and prob wouldn’t wanna ride it.

[bikebloke]

incidently here are the apparent weights:

 

Scultura 400 = +/- 8.9Kg

 

Reacto 400 = +/- 9.5kg

 

500g is not a lot of weight advantage.

for a roadie just  5 grams is everything  

 

buy the bike that makes your d*ck fizz a bit when you see it

Edited December 4, 2017 by bikebloke

[Eugene]

What's the price difference between the 400(aluminum frame) and 4000 (carbon frame). I don't think, it's that much. Perhaps you should also consider the carbon versions too?

[Eldron]

If you're ever likely to take up du/triathlon get the Reactor. If not buy the one you like most.

 

Saving seconds if you're not at the sharp sharp end of the race is silly. Have the fun. Ride the fun.

 

Edit: Reacto - spell check reckons Merida named the bike incorrectly ????

Edited December 4, 2017 by Eldron

[Stefan Cremer]

I had a Reacto 5000 and found that Reacto’s geometry wasn’t really conducive to comfortable climbing. Although I’m no mountain goat, I do like the challenge a big mountain pass poses and found the Reacto so frustrating in that one specific aspect that I got rid of it.

[lechatnoir]

for a roadie just  5 grams is everything  

 

buy the bike that makes your d*ck fizz a bit when you see it

 

That's a strange expression.

 

as for the 5g, I'm not so sure, when the pro peleton riders often exceed the UCI minumum by a fair margin - like more than 5g. Often orders of magnitude more... 

[bikebloke]

" it makes my **** fizz a little when I look at it "  (quote) by James May -Top Gear Presenter - BBC

 

its public domain use it anytime you like

 

if you don't think 5g matters to a roadie ..well then .......

[Spinnekop]

 

if you don't think 5g matters to a roadie ..well then .......

I've added 70g to my road bike yesterday.  Changed bars from light to aero.

 

I am in consultation with my psychiatrist as we speak.

[FondTF2]

If you are not a weight weenie, I would go the reacto. Far better looks 

 

(PS: Rant 1000 post up)