SultanWa

I am looking to add a road bike to my garage. The goal is long non competitive riding. I am looking at one race bike, Felt F75 and one endurance bike, Felt Z85. The geometry is very different between the two. Both seem comfortable yet I wonder which would be more comfortable at mile 80.

So the question is, on long rides do you think a more upright endurance position would be better? The guy at the LBS said that after months of riding having a more aggressive position will feel better. I wonder if he really means that when I'm not so fat the aggressive position will be better:-)

I would love to get your wisdom on this question.

And if you want to give bonus input, how would you compare Felt, Giant and Trek?

Thank you for helping even though I'm only 53:-)

dhender02

I have a Z85 and I absolutely LUV it!! I've rode in several metrics, couple of century's, and many 40+ mile club rides!! In addition, I've ridden the Z85 in the scorching heat, rain, and freezing cold (28 degrees) and not once have I felt uncomfortable in the saddle... As a matter of personal taste, I stayed away from aggressive geometry's frames. So I can't speak to your LBS claimed that an aggressive frame will be more comfortable after months of riding..

Before purchasing the Z85, I test rode a Trek Domane and a Scott (I can't recall the model). I didn't like the ride of the Scott bike at all. I did like the ride of the Domane but with all the hype surrounding the it I was expecting more. So basically, the Domane did live up to my expectations. When I first rode the Felt Z85 I knew it was the one!!!

SultanWa

dhender02 when you rode it in the rain did you use fenders? If so which did you use?

KBentley57

I have both an F5 and a Z100, which are representative of the bikes you mention. The F series has a shorter head tube than the Z series, and as you mentioned the different diamond geometry. I started out with the stem flipped up on the Z100 with max spacers on the steerer tube, because I was new, lacking hip flexibility, and was a little overweight. As time went on I slowly moved the stem down, and pretty much ended up slammed against the head tube. Slammed on the Z100 is roughly 20 cm of spacers under the stem of the F series.

I feel more comfortable now on the F series.

playback2004

I have an F75 and it is perfectly comfortable. I would hate a more casual posture.

Wanderer

You answered your own question in your first paragraph - reread, and buy the Z85. MHO

qcpmsame 

Z85, hands down the best choice for what you describe as your riding preferences. Phil summed it up perfectly, though.

Bill

SultanWa

Thanks everyone! I agree that maybe I should get a bike designed for endurance riding if I am interested in endurance riding. I am going to go to two more LBS to check out other brands yet the Felt felt nice to ride:-)

fishboy316

I was in the same camp as you are now. I was riding only endurance geo bikes. I rode the F75 and did not like it. I then had it down to the Felt f5 and the C-dale synapse. I was leaning towards the synapse but then I got a ride on the Cervelo S5(race geo)and found all race geo bikes are not created equal. Flipped the stem and got fitted and now own a race geo bike. I was told by a guy I met on the trail that I would tire of the Endurance geo. I think he was correct for me. If I was you I would go ride some other brands in both the race and endurance style. I must have ridden 30-40 bikes and as I narrowed it down rode em again. The right one will tell you it is the right one. This is only true for me, you may be different.

Bill

fietsbob

They are all coming off a Boat . and in fact Giant is who Makes Trek bikes, but for the high end Carbon, they are made in Wisconsin..

How about a Trek CF Domane? the little bit of its 'Isosped' elastomer where most frames rigidly connect the seat tube to the top and seat stays is effective.

& light weight (unlike actual suspension seat posts) Domane 5.2 - Trek Bicycle

Or dial back the component specs to lower the price till its comfortable too..

practical

I find a longer wheelbase more comfortable than a shorter wheelbase, and a higher riding position better than an aggressive one. So I would prefer the enduro geometry over the racing geometry. I think most riders would feel that way, but you are you and this generalization may not apply.

SultanWa

fietsbob thx for the link to the Trek bike. It is out of my price range.....sadly.

I have one more LBS to hit today. They seem to carry mostly race bikes so their input should be interesting.

SultanWa

Thanks again. I got a BH Prisma. It is last is last years model so I got it for $800 less. All carbon fiber, 105 drivetrain and for $1200. I am very happy!

dhender02

Actually, I do not use fenders. The times I've ridden in the rain, it was unplanned. On a couple of those "rain" rides, I thought I would be finish before the rain started....

playback2004

Wow, nice bike. You did well!

SultanWa

Thanks playback! I bought a pair of Speedplay pedals. Now I have to pick out shoes........yuk

playback2004

Amazon.com: Mavic Avenge Shoes White/Bright Red, 11.5 - Men's: Shoes

I bought these, they're great. I went with white because I see all the pros wear them

My size exactly unlike other shoes that you have to buy large for. Hmm I don't know if the mavics work with speed play. I'd have to take my cleats off to tell....

fishboy316

Good deal on a nice bike. Going last years model is the only way to fly! Both of mine were previous year models and both were at least 1/2 off. Gotta love it.

SultanWa

I checked out the Mavic shoes and I have them on order! Thanks for solid advice.

playback2004

like I said, it doesn't look like they work with speed play. Did you confirm? oh nvm, i guess you can just take the sole out and add the bolts. Oh I see they have an adapter.

Chucka

buy the best groupo you possibly can. as far as position goes - all depends, after 60 miles then turn into the wind - down low is more comfortable - or behind the big guy who is sitting up.

Camilo

My Felt Z is the most comfortable and, therefore, fastest bike I've owned. Believe me, the geometry of a Z won't slow you down at all. You can bend your elbows and get your sternum or chin on the stem with either bike.

Ride them both and choose the one you like best.