Ride quality of a modern aluminum frame with 700x32 tires?

SlackMan · #1 05-02-2015, 12:30 PM

Has anyone ridden a modern aluminum frame with 700x32 tires (or similar)? I am thinking something like a Zanconato Road32 in aluminum. I am wondering what the ride quality is like compared to a steel bike with otherwise identical geometry. Does the flex in the wider tires pretty much completely offset any additional stiffness the aluminum frame might have on rough pavement? My last experience with aluminum frames was decades ago when they were often times very bone rattling.

old fat man · #2 05-02-2015, 01:45 PM

I currently have:

- tig'd steel Zank cx bike with carbon fork
- aluminum Zank cx bike with carbon fork
- Cannondale caad9 road bike

While I've never ridden the Cannondale with anything bigger than 26mm tires, I do find it to be plenty comfortable for long rides. I spent 320 miles and 20 hours on it a few years ago.

Comparing the two Zank bikes, I find the aluminum to be just as comfy as the steel with a bit more snap from the rear end when I get out of the saddle. Geometries are nearly identical, but the steel bike has new Campy and the aluminum has new Shimano. I find my hands/shoulders are more comfortable on the steel bike, probably because I prefer the feel of Campy levers.

If I could only have one, I'd have my steel Zank cx bike. I've beat the piss out of that thing, but it is still perfect in so many ways

beeatnik · #3 05-02-2015, 02:04 PM

A Zanc w/ 32s would be berry nice.

I run 30s on my CAAD10 all day err'day.

saab2000 · #4 05-02-2015, 02:11 PM

Be sure to specify to any builder that you may wish to use tires that large. Clearance for 32s is something not all builders consider. Most forks won't handle a 32, nor will the brake calipers. I think my Wound Up fork on my Hampsten single speed would take them, as would the long-reach brakes.

But most road frames won't take 32s unless the builder works around that dimension.

SlackMan · #5 05-02-2015, 02:29 PM

Thanks for the replies. Just to clarify: I am talking specifically about an aluminum frame built to take 32mms (or larger), like the Road32 by Zanc. Using Zanc as an example, he makes an aluminum or steel bike that will take 32s. Given that tires are probably major determinant of how a bike feels on rough roads, would the steel version be much more comfortable than the aluminum version? I know that I can ask Mike about his bikes in particular, but I thought I might solicit more general opinions if anyone has experience.

Ken Robb · #6 05-02-2015, 02:36 PM

I find a huge difference in ride between 700x23 tires and 700x28 to 700x37 tires on the same bike. While I felt my aluminum bike to ride SLIGHTLY harsher than my similar-but-not-identical steel bike I doubt that I could tell any difference between a steel or an aluminum bike built with similar geos by Zanc when running tires bigger than 700x28 let alone 700x30.

dave thompson · #7 05-02-2015, 02:36 PM

I'm riding a built for me Tsunami with 27mm tires and it's a comfortable all-day bike. I specified my wants, desires and the ability to handle larger tires.

If you communicate with your builder, he can make a bike the way you need.

Peter B · #8 05-02-2015, 03:53 PM

Stoemper AL Cx w/ 30c--nice gravel beast. Surefooted and not harsh.

Climb01742 · #9 05-02-2015, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave thompson

I'm riding a built for me Tsunami with 27mm tires and it's a comfortable all-day bike. I specified my wants, desires and the ability to handle larger tires.

If you communicate with your builder, he can make a bike the way you need.

Dave, do you happen to have a photo of your Tsunami? Bang for buck, darn hard to beat one of his frames. Sounds like you're happy with the result? Thanks.

dave thompson · #10 05-02-2015, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Climb01742

Dave, do you happen to have a photo of your Tsunami? Bang for buck, darn hard to beat one of his frames. Sounds like you're happy with the result? Thanks.

Here ya go James.

This will be the 3rd season I've had the Tsunami, it's a good bike. Sprightly, handles very well, very comfortable all day (the correct saddle is the real determining factor for that).

mg2ride · #11 05-02-2015, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave thompson

Here ya go James.

This will be the 3rd season I've had the Tsunami, it's a good bike. Sprightly, handles very well, very comfortable all day (the correct saddle is the real determining factor for that).

3 Seasons!?

I'm thinking it is time you sell that and I have a feeling it is just my size!

Climb01742 · #12 05-02-2015, 07:14 PM

Thanks for the photo, Dave! Knowing the bikes you've had through the years, your thumbs up on the tsunami means something. Hope you continue to enjoy it.