Originally Posted by
Paul Barnard
Is this the one?
I struggle to describe the ride. A steel bike might be like a Cadillac, a carbon bike may be like a 'Vette. This bike is like a BMW 7 series or maybe a Tesla. Not as sporty as the 'Vette and not as cushy as the Cadillac, but you feel the plush, hushed, sportiness. No creaks, squeaks and clicks. It soaks up road irregularities without making you feel disconnected from the road. A carbon race bike might be said to accelerate like a rocket. This one accelerates like a tuned diesel. Just strong steady spool up. You can't flick it about like a lightweight race bike, but it handles superbly.
As someone who used to lust after carbon bikes and bought into the narrative of ride what the pros ride, all of my past bikes have been carbon and while there are some true benefits to have a super light bike in a material that all major bike brands build for and is supported at LBS is cool, but if you are willing to sacrifice a lb or so and go down the road less traveled a Ti or high end steel bike is where it is at IMO if you don't race. If you race where every gram counts and you want those beautiful aero frame, 100% go carbon