Help me decide if I want a dedicated road bike

[belopsky]

Thank you for all the opinions and advice! I'll try to find a CAAD to ride among a few others. There are lots of trails around me for my trail bike as well so I don't want to buy another bike and find myself in a situation that I have too many bikes and not enough riding

[C40_guy]

Originally Posted by belopsky

I *assume* a steel bike will ride more comfortable than an aluminum one. Is this assumption wrong?

I've done 75+ mile days on my Colnago Dream (aluminum frame, carbon fork). I find it as comfortable as my Colnago Spiral Conic (Columbus tubing, carbon fork).

[dddd]

Originally Posted by p nut

Unless you're racing, I would rather buy a set of really nice carbon wheels for that Gunnar.

I too was thinking that the choice of wheels and tires was going to be a big part of the equation right there.
And then the related issue of whether or not the rim supports your choice of tire in terms of aero performance.
Maybe just a lighter but still-sturdy carbon wheelset at the non-aero end of the scale, with enough width to support your choice of tire.
There can also be the issue of braking performance with carbon rims, but some of the newer ones are greatly improved in this regard if you read the reviews.
Switching back and forth between alloy and carbon rims will of course require switching the pads, too, and possibly tweaking the derailer adjustment.

Then there is the frame geo issue, another big player, and perhaps lastly the weight of the bike, the gearing choices and any subtle alterations to your fit position.

So yeah, I would say you might feel quite a difference with a different bike!

[belopsky]

I may get a CAAD on discount (theyre on closeout soon) but I want to ride one first.

[MerckxMad]

.

[Kontact]

Originally Posted by MerckxMad

Go ride.

No, you go ride.

We're having a discussion.

[Abelicoln]

I just switched back to a CAAD10 after a year on relatively inexpensive steel road bike (Mr. Pink). The CAAD just feels so much more sprightly going uphill and quicker around corners. Guess it depends on what you're looking for, but for me, who usually has time for 30-40 mile rides at a fairly high intensity, the CAAD just seems to fit the bill much better.

[Jeff N.]

Originally Posted by charliedid

you do.

+1

[belopsky]

I've been offered a Wraith Hustle in my size. The want is strong.

[FlashUNC]

Originally Posted by belopsky

I *assume* a steel bike will ride more comfortable than an aluminum one. Is this assumption wrong?

Yes.

I have a Rock Lobster, gigantic alloy tubes, 44mm head tube, tapered fork, and I find it comfortable and smooth for long rides. Is it as comfortable as my Della Santa? No, but the geometry is a bit different and designed with a different end goal in mind. But it isn't like the old CAAD2's that rattle your kidneys to death.

[colker]

Originally Posted by belopsky

I've been offered a Wraith Hustle in my size. The want is strong.

HOw did you figure your exact size?

[belopsky]

Well I suppose I am taking a stab at it, but the Medium geometry will work.

Now - anyone have thoughts on Light-Bicycle rims/wheels?

[mtechnica]

Originally Posted by belopsky

I *assume* a steel bike will ride more comfortable than an aluminum one. Is this assumption wrong?

Is there a steel frameset for under $1000 that will net me a 18lb bike?

The wheels on the stock Caad12 or the Supersix Evo 105 are hogs. Even my HUNT wheelset beats em.

Go straight to carbon and skip steel imo