First Carbon Bike

[shovelhd]

Originally Posted by FlashUNC

the alloy, not the carbon if I'm understanding his post.

Understood. I guess one could have the same bike in two flavors, but I thought he wanted something different.

[shovelhd]

Originally Posted by beeatnik

Get this:
http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2016...MESET-AR1.aspx

with a pair of used deep profile carbon tubulars and a group from the UK

or

Get this:

http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2016.../aero/AR5.aspx

and spend a few days on Weight Weenies to find the perfect Chinese-made, carbon clincher wheelset

http://weightweenies.starbike.com/fo...f=113&t=103936

Good choices if he wants a Propel-style aero frame. For a more TCX style racing frame, check out the FR3, if you can deal with the orange.

[mktng]

Focus Izalco Max is also a great option.

[Villgaxx]

orbea orcas are wicked lots of bike for the money these days.

[Gummee]

I'd look at a Scott Addict too.

Coupla my buddies have em and like em

Course, if you already have a 'road bike' I'd run you towards something different like a higher end/racier CX bike. Toss some aero wheels on it and ride it on the road. Toss some bigger tires on it and ride it off-road. Toss some tubulars on it and race CX. Win-win-win!

M

[BobO]

Originally Posted by beeatnik

Get this:
http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2016...MESET-AR1.aspx

That's a good idea, I will have to find one locally to look at.

Originally Posted by Fivethumbs

How about a Ridley Fenix SL? I have an Excalibur that I just love. When I replace it, it will be with a Fenix.

I didn't care for that bike, it's a bit too much of an endurance geometry for what I'm looking for.

Originally Posted by dancinkozmo

how about cannondale EVO ultegra ?

Sorry, but the C'dale bikes just don't appeal to me.

Originally Posted by shovelhd

Understood. I guess one could have the same bike in two flavors, but I thought he wanted something different.

I don't want to duplicate what I have, but, if the new TCR turns out to be a good choice for my goals I'm not categorically opposed. I don't have a need to be different for the sake of being different.

Originally Posted by mktng

Focus Izalco Max is also a great option.

I do like the look of that bike, but, there doesn't appear to be a local dealer.

Originally Posted by Villgaxx

orbea orcas are wicked lots of bike for the money these days.

I don't know how true it is, but, I have read that the Orca is a harsh ride.

Originally Posted by Gummee

I'd look at a Scott Addict too.

That's an interesting option, I'm gonna have to look into it.

Originally Posted by Gummee

Course, if you already have a 'road bike' I'd run you towards something different like a higher end/racier CX bike. Toss some aero wheels on it and ride it on the road. Toss some bigger tires on it and ride it off-road. Toss some tubulars on it and race CX. Win-win-win!

Sorry, I have zero interest in CX.

Thanks for the feedback.

[tylercheung]

What's a good overview of the different carbon makers these days? I assume Giant is the 800 lb gorilla in the market just due to scale, from which they can invest more R&D into carbon processes etc, and they make frames for everyone. Specialized and Trek, similarly.

Beyond that who are the big or at least standout names for carbon?

Parlee?
Sarto?
Calfee?


Ridley, Pinarello, and other brands I assume design their frames and then contract out to Giant or another manufacturer for production?

[eippo1]

Just another data point, but Specialized aeroized the upper model Tarmacs for 2018. So if you don't like the looks or ride of the Venge, that might be an option.

[BobO]

Just an update, I made a purchase though I have not received it yet. Assuming the listing was honest, I got a very nice deal on;

BMC TMR01 with 6800 Ultegra.


<--- Happy Camper.