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Help with a bike choice. Big guy 280, love to ride, need assistance with new bike choice. 58 cm, used to ride a Trek 5200, but am worried about a break in the carbon due to weight.. 3-4 rides a week, 20-30 milesJP
Tom, just looking at a CAAD10 3, those wheels look ok...Mavic Aksium
Hi Tom, Best of luck with the new bike. I don't know your budget or your level of flexibility but will be happy to include a couple bike suggestions. First of all, ride the bike for as long as possible before buying. Also, go to a good shop to make sure you get the proper size and the right kind of bike for your desired riding. A Ferrari is a great car but not a good choice for someone who needs to pick up kids or groceries, or as a main ride for a guy who is 7 feet tall. The right kind of bike and the proper size (and proper fit if you plan to ride long hours or distance). This can mean the difference beween an enjoyable hobby and torture/wasted money. The CAAD10 (and the former CAAD 9) is an awesome frame and is very popular with racers. For an aluminum frame, the CAAD is supposed to be relatively smooth riding and good handling, and a good value for the $$$. However, it might not be your best choice. For all of the positives, I would not recommend this bike to someone just getting into (or back into) cycling. The geometry is very aggressive (short head-tube, long top tube, etc.) and I believe it has a relatively short wheelbase. Plus, despite all of the positive attributes, it's still aluminum and will still beat you up on long rides. Unless you are looking for a crit bike or something for short rides, I would recommend a carbon fiber bike with relaxed geometry and long(ish) wheelbase. The CAAD is sexy but I would look at the C-dale Synapse, the Specialized Roubaix, Trek Madone "Performance" fit or one of the many "relaxed" geo bikes. Lynskey makes an affordable Ti model (Sportif) with relaxed geometry. They are designed for comfort, but are stiff where they need to be and fast enough to race if you ever want to go that route. These are not geezer bikes and will fit you well if you are not a racer. Carbon is getting to be very affordable and will easily support your weight. The wheels might be a different story (don't go with low spoke count racing wheels, get something sturdy) but I wouldn't worry about the frame breaking. I have a CF bike and it is dialed in perfectly. Last weekend, I spent almost 6 hours riding, rode for an hour and a half on Thursday and rode on the trainer earlier today. The ride is like a magic carpet over bumps but is stiff when I mash the pedals. I could never go back to an aluminum bike as my main ride. I may get one as a race bike (Spooky) but not for long distances (century rides or anything +50 miles). Just my opinion. Good luck!Jack
Andy you are king of the hill!
Not much hills here in NYC. The worst part is we have lots of stop light. Kills average speed. BTW, those Zipp 404 wheels are fast!http://connect.garmin.com/activity/88762340
Nice cadence on your ride! I'd love to have a set of zipps. My LBS has both 303 and 404s just hanging waiting for me. Someday. BTW, I grew up in Plainview so I know your route on this ride well.