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Posted

hello o'wiseones Wink

 

i'm looking to buy/build up a new bike in the near future, so i need some advice (or point me where i can read up)

 

Frame

I obviously want to get a frame which fits me properly cause i've got a Trek 2300 on loan (58cm) which fits me much better than my current Scott (56cm). But with all the geometry differences, how can i make sure that i get the same fit?

Is it top tube length only? How do i measure the top tube of a compact and a non-compact frame?

yes i'd like carbon, but would a alu frame with carbon fork and rear provide enuff comfort?

 

Groupset

I'm using Sora at the mo, should I be looking for 105 or Ultegra or a Campy equivalent even?  PLEASE dont turn this into a Shimano vs Campy thread! LOL

 

Wheels

Not TOO worried about this, but from what i've read here, mavic and shimano seem to be problematic when it comes to cracking???

 

any advice/opinions welcomed!

thx
Posted

Hey Andre. I guess the question is how long is a piece of string? A white elephant can be delivered right to your doorstep if you wave the right amount of cash around mate!!

 

 

 

Budget plays the biggest role in any bike buying exercise and usually what you like and what you can afford are at 2 opposite ends of the spectrum.

 

 

 

Lighter frames, rims and parts are more expensive, and more often than not less durable. With the newer type frames, its a preference thing between carbon, titanium and aluminium, or a mix of them. These materials offer a different degree of rigidity and durability, and also have weight limits, for example, if you are a 130kg ex rugby prop, steer clear of carbon and titanium. You can also get compact, semi compact and standard frame sizes. Speak to your LBS to have you measured up for the right size.

 

 

 

There is also personal preference with the groupset you choose. Shimano's Dura Ace is the flagship and can be compared to Campy Record or Chorus (yes most guys say Chorus because Record is in a class of its own bla bla). Campy has been complimented on a better look and feel (carbon finishes and italian style), Shimano has been said to work better with less hassles, again its a preference thing. You mention Sora in your post, try and go for a 10 speed, Shimano's 105 or the campy equivilent, probably Mirage is mid range. Sram also provide road groupsets and their flagship RED is world class, do some homework though.

 

 

 

Rims are important and a good set will set you back a bit of cash. I have ridden both the brands you mention and had no issues (bar a broken spoke on a set of Shimano's). Eastons are good and are somewhat better priced on the rands to weight ratio.

 

 

 

The best you can do is go to a few bike shops and speak to the guys on the floor and listen to what they have to say. Most times they will contradict each other because like I mentioned above its mostly preferential. For every rumour you hear about a particular model or make of frame, chain, or stem snapping, there's a thousand raves for the same product range because the guy you speak to rides it.

 

 

 

Hope this helps you

Posted

For fit, start with some on-line calculators:

It will give you a general ball-park idea, should not be taken as gospel. I also like the fit calculator on canyon.com (http://www.canyon.com/tools/pps.html?WYSESSID=D5a8M52Jfj61qbS0MkbZupWMnk think the link will work)

 

The biggest factor to consider when getting a bike is fit, and frame geometry imo. Unfortunately, the only way to know if you like a certain geometry (meaning frame angles, wheelbase etc) is to ride it - not always easy to do before you buy.

 

Comfort of a frame is not a function of frame material, but of frame design. The frame angles and vertical stiffness has a bigger influence on comfort than frame material. That said, carbon fibre can be optimized to be very stiff in the lateral direction, but a bit more flexible in the vertical direction. Some of the best examples of this is the Cervelo R3 and Specialized Roubaix. Some carbon frames can be more harsh than aluminium, depending on how well they were designed. Saddle, wheels, handlebar and tyre pressure have a big effect on comfort, too. 

 

From a technical perspective, I think carbon rear stays on metal frames is more of a markeing gimmic - to join the carbon to the metal, you need a certain % of overlap. The frame at this joint then has more thickness - that of the carbon + that of the metal, making it more stiff than only metal or only carbon. To have more structural damping, you need movement, meaning less stiffness. So I dont think carbon rear stays add comfort in general. It can be done, but will need very very careful design, and cost a lot more than what companies want to put into a mid range frameset.  

 

Gruppo:

Have a look at SRAM stuff too. They are all good, comes down to which shifter mechanism you like best.

 

Wheels:

I dont like Mavic. I do like Campy/Fulcrum, and Easton makes some nice ones too.

 

For a frame, you can investigate the one this guy is selling:

perhaps your size...

 

 

I would check advice bike shops give with somebody - some of them sometimes push sales too eagerly.
Christie2008-12-09 21:25:36

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