57cm with 72 or 72.5 STA

[crossjunkee]

I'm looking for a stock bike, carbon, that has a 72 or 72.5 STA. Other than Giant. I have nothing against Giant, just looking for options. Anybody know of a manufacturer out there worth considering?

[uber]

Merckx. 72.7 STA in 56.

[christian]

Yeah, Merckx EMX-5 is what comes to mind.

[Joachim]

I have the same issue. BH Ultralight or G5, 72.5 degree SA with 57cm TT.

[crossjunkee]

Two solid choices, thanks! I don't know much about BH, time for a little research. I do like the way the Giant rides (did I really just type that???)

[christian]

If you'd consider used, 2008 Colnago Extreme Power would also work for you. Since Colnago measure center to top, have a look at the 58-59 size in the below chart:
http://www.racycles.com/product.aspx?catid=10,30,524,524&pid=1705

[Marcusaurelius]

Lemond zurich and maillot jaune both had 72.5 STA.


I think the geometry stayed more oir less the same when they went from all steel to mixed materials and all carbon. I think the all steel (reynolds 853, OX platinum) were the best models.

[Uncle Jam's Army]

Giant also has 72.5 STA on their new bikes. Their older ones (2+ years) had 72 STA.

Never mind about Giant. Have to learn to read OP's more carefully.

[uber]

Pegoretti goes to a 72.5 STA in size 58. That has a 57.5 TT.

[Nelson99]

I think the Lemond geo went to a taller HT with the switch to full carbon.

[christian]

Pegoretti goes to a 72.5 STA in size 58. That has a 57.5 TT.
Yes, but Dario is absolutely useless when it comes to stock carbon bikes. :) (Hi Round!)

[crossjunkee]

Yeah, carbon is key. The Nago's are nice, but I've been there before.

Lemond was on the right track, until he sold out to Trek. I did like his geometry. I found a deal on a Giant, might pull the trigger. I can't believe I'm actually considering a Giant. Maybe I should schedule a Dr. visit first! :)

[Nelson99]

While I haven't ridden one of the LeMond Triomphe full carbon frames, I do own a LeMond Ti/Carbon hybrid frame that is just awesome. Really great ride quality, handles well, nice and responsive. It's just that the HT is just too damn short (or I'm too damn old).

Anyway, I think Trek and Gaint both know how to fabricate a good full carbon frame, and since the demise of LeMond bikes after the ongoing spat with Lance, the Giants are far more readily available. Just check the model year carefully as they have been futzing around with the ST angle from year to year.

Once again I find myself wishing that frame makers didn't all chase the same demographic. Even many of the European makers have dropped the classic "European" geometry.

[John H.]

Bh?

[crossjunkee]

While I haven't ridden one of the LeMond Triomphe full carbon frames, I do own a LeMond Ti/Carbon hybrid frame that is just awesome. Really great ride quality, handles well, nice and responsive. It's just that the HT is just too damn short (or I'm too damn old).



The Giant TCR has a 17cm HT, which is a CM longer than my Spectrum. I'm actually trying to get my bars a little higher, but still stay slightly "aggressive".

I wish Lemond would bring the Triomphe back.

[crossjunkee]

Bh?


I don't know much about BH. They seem to be popular, according forums. But I never see them in the Denver / Boulder area.

It appears the Ultralight has a 72.5 ST angle, but I've never ridden one. I'm not interested in a super light carbon frame, durability and ride quality is more important to me.

I should also say, Giant has a nice price point that doesn't push the price of custom. I'm not paying 3k for a carbon road frame that isn't custom.

[Gat64]

There is also the De Rosa King RS. 57cm provides a 72.3 seat tube angle.

[crossjunkee]

There is also the De Rosa King RS. 57cm provides a 72.3 seat tube angle.

The DeRosa is on my radar! The headtube is actually longer than the Giant too, at 18.3. Any idea where the DeRosa is made? I'm sure China, but just checking.

The 2011 Giant TCR Advanced is almost identical to my Spectrum.

[Gat64]

I don't know about the King, but reading this article suggests some models are made in China. No surprise there.

http://italiancyclingjournal.blogspot.ca/2010/07/new-de-rosa-model-for-2011-r848-or-vega.html

[benb]

I have a 57cm BH G5.. I love it. I got it last year and I've got about 4,000 miles on it. It has the required geometry the OP was looking for.. it's been great to me. I have never seen another one though.. so I have no idea how other people are faring.

Only weak point on the bike is the seatpost mast topper.. it's been a bit of a PITA for me with the saddle slipping, but putting a washer on the front bolt has ended that for me.

It also has no way to micro adjust the front derailleur if you care about that. There are no downtube adjusters, partially cause the bike is "Di2-ready" or whatever. Once I got the front derailleur where I want it though it has never given me a moment's trouble.

It's been the best bike I've had.. I had giant TCR years ago and that was great in terms of fit since it had pretty much the same geometry but the stiffness wasn't there. (I'm sure it's fine these days.)