smoothest riding endurance bike?
03-06-17, 07:05 AM
#1
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smoothest riding endurance bike?
I am 61 and looking for a good endurance bike with the smoothest, most comfortable, ride.
I still want a pretty fast bike otherwise I'd get a fat tire bike. LOL
Anyway, I'm looking at the Trek Domane and Specialized Roubaix.
They seem to have some shock absorbing technology in their designs but, are pushing my $2000 budget.
I've also heard good things about the Cnndale Synapse and maybe the BMC Gran Fondo (?).
I don't want a stiff ride. My back and older bones are starting to feel the bumps more and more.
Any good suggestions?
I still want a pretty fast bike otherwise I'd get a fat tire bike. LOL
Anyway, I'm looking at the Trek Domane and Specialized Roubaix.
They seem to have some shock absorbing technology in their designs but, are pushing my $2000 budget.
I've also heard good things about the Cnndale Synapse and maybe the BMC Gran Fondo (?).
I don't want a stiff ride. My back and older bones are starting to feel the bumps more and more.
Any good suggestions?
03-06-17, 08:24 AM
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My vote is for the Roubaix. I had one and really liked it. I have ridden the new one and it is even smoother. Your tire choice can add to or take away from the ride, too, once you get to owning one of these.
03-06-17, 08:24 AM
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Can I ask what your weight is? Reason asking is the Domane is a great bike, however those on the higher and lower ends of weight scale will see greatest benefit 2016 or older models. The new 2017 Domane has a whole new seat tube ISO coupler system which is fully adjustable. I have a Domane that is 3 yrs old now so the older ISO Coupler and it works great and I love it. The new system is even better IMO. I'm 200# so at the upper end of scale and can feel the flex and coupler working. Middle weight riders say in the 140 to 170 range sometimes state they don't feel the benefit on the older system. The new one if fully adjustable so it should be tunable for all weights. Your best bet is to ride them all for good couple hour ride - parking lot test is not going to do it. Take your current saddle and have them put it on so test is comparable.
03-06-17, 10:29 AM
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I'd suggest looking at something that will take rather wide tires; that's where shock absorption really happens. Somewhere around 32-38 widths is where I feel the difference.
You can get some pretty flexible tires in those sizes if you look at Compass, for example. If the tire doesn't have the stiff sidewalls you usually see in cheap hybrid 35 width, it won't slow you down. The downside is they're pricey.
You can get some pretty flexible tires in those sizes if you look at Compass, for example. If the tire doesn't have the stiff sidewalls you usually see in cheap hybrid 35 width, it won't slow you down. The downside is they're pricey.
03-06-17, 10:35 AM
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I'll add a bike that wasn't in the OP's list - Bianchi. Lisa just got a new Bianchi Infinito, she fell in love with the bike because of it's smooth ride and her love of long rides. She's only got 3 rides on it, but the first impressions are very good. I think it's a good indication that she's riding faster on these first rides (Strava PRs), and this is the very start of outdoor season... IMHO, that's a statement about the comfort of the bike. Also, never underestimate the value of a proper bike-fitting.
17017226_10212293391352637_8860499430815399026_o.jpg
This bike may out-price the OP; the prices dropped for this year - it was roughly $3,500; however, that's more than the price point in the OP.
edit: it is the CV (Countervail) that you want to look for in Bianchi's bikes, here's a promo video from a couple years ago when they introduced CV:
17017226_10212293391352637_8860499430815399026_o.jpg
This bike may out-price the OP; the prices dropped for this year - it was roughly $3,500; however, that's more than the price point in the OP.
edit: it is the CV (Countervail) that you want to look for in Bianchi's bikes, here's a promo video from a couple years ago when they introduced CV:
Last edited by Hypno Toad; 03-06-17 at 10:41 AM.
03-06-17, 10:52 AM
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Try 'em all and pick the one that fits & feels the best, install 28mm or bigger tires if you want smoother comfort. There's no disputing the new Roubaix shock system is the best at reducing vibration on the hands/arms, but, does the geo fit? Do you ride lots of rough roads? One of the other mfg enduro bikes might fit better and ultimately be as (or more) comfortable especially with 28s with lower pressure.
03-06-17, 10:56 AM
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I have a Salsa Colossal, and works great for me. Steel frame and carbon fork. Not the fastest bike, not the greatest climber, but provides all day comfort. That is what I like about it!
03-06-17, 12:10 PM
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Alex Moulton. Word.
03-06-17, 12:23 PM
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03-06-17, 12:56 PM
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I really like my Diverge. Smoothest ride I have ever experienced on a road bike. With me on it, it is just as fast as the Felt F3 that I replaced.
03-06-17, 01:41 PM
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03-06-17, 01:45 PM
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No one on this forum, regardless of which bike they suggest, will be able to tell you what any bike will feel like under your butt. Go to all the bike shops you can and test ride the bike(s) that appeal to you. You will be the only one that will know if the bike is right for you. Once you find it, all other opinions are moot.
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03-06-17, 04:21 PM
#16
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+1 I'm running 650x38b Pari-Motos on my everyday bike (a 30+ yo Trek). The only time I have trouble keeping up is when I'd have trouble keeping up no matter what.
(But I still have a go-not-quite-so-slow bike with hand-made 25mm tires for those rare sunny days.)
SP
OC, OR
03-06-17, 06:32 PM
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I am 61 and looking for a good endurance bike with the smoothest, most comfortable, ride.
I still want a pretty fast bike otherwise I'd get a fat tire bike. LOL
Anyway, I'm looking at the Trek Domane and Specialized Roubaix.
They seem to have some shock absorbing technology in their designs but, are pushing my $2000 budget.
I don't want a stiff ride. My back and older bones are starting to feel the bumps more and more.
I still want a pretty fast bike otherwise I'd get a fat tire bike. LOL
Anyway, I'm looking at the Trek Domane and Specialized Roubaix.
They seem to have some shock absorbing technology in their designs but, are pushing my $2000 budget.
I don't want a stiff ride. My back and older bones are starting to feel the bumps more and more.
I'd suggest looking at something that will take rather wide tires; that's where shock absorption really happens. Somewhere around 32-38 widths is where I feel the difference…
No one on this forum, regardless of which bike they suggest, will be able to tell you what any bike will feel like under your butt. Go to all the bike shops you can andtest ride the bike(s) that appeal to you. You will be the only one that will know if the bike is right for you. Once you find it, all other opinions are moot.
…After 40 years of cycle commuting on a year-round minimal one-way 14 mile route [and road cycling and touring], Ihave [last] year finally assembled IMO, the perfect bicycle fleet:
I liken my three bikes to a Lamborghini, a Lexus, and a Humvee.
- One nearly year-round dry,clean-road bike (carbon fiber road bike,except for deep winter with lingering salt)
- One year-round wet,dirty-road bike (aluminum road bike, just recently acquired) [outfitted with 30 C studded tires for winter, trunk bag with fold–out panniers, computer, clipless pedals and fenders]
- One winter bike for anything (steel mountain bike with Marathon Winter studded tires always on, for the least possibility of ice…)
I liken my three bikes to a Lamborghini, a Lexus, and a Humvee.
… I am very impressed with Diverge Elite as an all purpose bike for road, possibly gravel, and even touring. The Elite model, fully equipped, was about $1500, but I think there are cheaper versions of the Diverge models.
Nonetheless, while the S-Works carbon fiber was MSRP $8,000 (got it for half off) if I were to pro-rate the value of the Diverge Elite for quality of ride plus utility compared to the $4K S-Works, I would estimate its value at $2500-3000. You may be significantly less satisfied in the long run with a bike for $ 600…Just sayin’.
Nonetheless, while the S-Works carbon fiber was MSRP $8,000 (got it for half off) if I were to pro-rate the value of the Diverge Elite for quality of ride plus utility compared to the $4K S-Works, I would estimate its value at $2500-3000. You may be significantly less satisfied in the long run with a bike for $ 600…Just sayin’.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 03-06-17 at 06:48 PM.
03-06-17, 06:51 PM
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Try 'em all and pick the one that fits & feels the best, install 28mm or bigger tires if you want smoother comfort. There's no disputing the new Roubaix shock system is the best at reducing vibration on the hands/arms, but, does the geo fit? Do you ride lots of rough roads? One of the other mfg enduro bikes might fit better and ultimately be as (or more) comfortable especially with 28s with lower pressure.
03-06-17, 06:53 PM
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+1 I'm running 650x38b Pari-Motos on my everyday bike (a 30+ yo Trek). The only time I have trouble keeping up is when I'd have trouble keeping up no matter what.
(But I still have a go-not-quite-so-slow bike with hand-made 25mm tires for those rare sunny days.)
SP
OC, OR
(But I still have a go-not-quite-so-slow bike with hand-made 25mm tires for those rare sunny days.)
SP
OC, OR
03-06-17, 08:16 PM
#20
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You might check a specialized shop. They have a lot of bikes that might fit the bill - Roubaix, Diverge, Sequoia.
Last edited by GeneO; 03-06-17 at 08:20 PM.
03-06-17, 08:21 PM
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Mine is a 2016 expert carbon ultegra
Posted from the saddle of that bike, watching tv and spinning on the trainer because winter sucks
Posted from the saddle of that bike, watching tv and spinning on the trainer because winter sucks
03-06-17, 08:57 PM
#22
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Yeah, winter sucks, though I've had opportunity to ride more this February than I ever have. Carbon Expert Force 1x here. Very comfy ride.
03-06-17, 09:04 PM
#23
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This was the first road bike that I have purchased new since I was a kid on the 70's (yeah, that dates me...). I started riding agin in 2012 and bought a couple of used bike from CL. They both ended up being compromises and neither really fit the riding style I ended up with. My Diverge is perfect for me. Super comfortable. The only change I have made is to convert it to tubeless
03-06-17, 09:59 PM
#24
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You might want to try out the Giant Defy. Very nice endurance bike also. There is a model or two that look to be under $2K.
03-07-17, 02:35 AM
#25
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Another vote for a Diverge.
I got the aluminium SmartWeld 2015 from a friend who was selling a couple of bikes from his stable to fund a new one. Loved it so much I've upgraded to the Expert 2017.
I really should sell that SmartWeld . . .
I got the aluminium SmartWeld 2015 from a friend who was selling a couple of bikes from his stable to fund a new one. Loved it so much I've upgraded to the Expert 2017.
I really should sell that SmartWeld . . .