Anyone here still on a more race-type bike?
#26
Super Modest
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Central Illinois
Posts: 23,466
Bikes: Trek Emonda, Giant Propel, Colnago V3, Co-Motion Supremo, ICE VTX WC
Mentioned: 107 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10963 Post(s)
Liked 4,620 Times
in
2,123 Posts
My wife and I both own near top end 2022 Émondas. We both turn 72 this year. My “backup” bike is a 2021 Colnago and hers is a Specialized Amira Pro. Granted, we’ve been riding 40+ years and both come from a racing background but we both feel like kids on the bike. Off the bike, we both feel our age.
Seriously, I feel more normal/younger on the bike than off.
Seriously, I feel more normal/younger on the bike than off.
__________________
Keep the chain tight!
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Missouri
Posts: 2,690
Bikes: Giant Propel, Cannondale SuperX, Univega Alpina Ultima
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 672 Post(s)
Liked 417 Times
in
249 Posts
With that said, the question your LBS is asking is reasonable. Have you ridden the bikes your interested in? The handling is very different, and you'd be well advised to spend some time test riding as many different race bikes as you can to get a better handle on what you like and don't like.
__________________
Formerly fastest rider in the grupetto, currently slowest guy in the peloton
Formerly fastest rider in the grupetto, currently slowest guy in the peloton
Likes For bbbean:
#28
Banned
Endurance geometry is much like that of bikes built for triathletes in the 1980's with greater fork rake for increased stability. It was assumed that after the long swimming event that the athletes would benefit from a bike that required less attention to keep it going straight. The Centurion Iron Man bike is a good example and one that I owned and loved to ride.
To me the difference in handling is like the difference between a Jeep and a Miata on the highway. The longer the drive and the more twists in the road the more I would want to be driving the Miata.
The opposite are bike frames meant for criterium races on short courses with many sharp turns. This frame geometry dominated road bikes produced for decades. The availability of "endurance" bike frames is to me a very positive bike and probably the better choice for 90% of riders who do not participate in short course races.
The longer top tube also works well to allow the rider to stretch out a bit more and not be scrunched up when riding. I find this helps my breathing when attacking a hill.
To me the difference in handling is like the difference between a Jeep and a Miata on the highway. The longer the drive and the more twists in the road the more I would want to be driving the Miata.
The opposite are bike frames meant for criterium races on short courses with many sharp turns. This frame geometry dominated road bikes produced for decades. The availability of "endurance" bike frames is to me a very positive bike and probably the better choice for 90% of riders who do not participate in short course races.
The longer top tube also works well to allow the rider to stretch out a bit more and not be scrunched up when riding. I find this helps my breathing when attacking a hill.
Likes For Calsun:
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,707
Bikes: 82 Medici, 2011 Richard Sachs, 2011 Milwaukee Road
Mentioned: 55 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1952 Post(s)
Liked 2,013 Times
in
1,112 Posts
What is the difference between the Domane and the ordered TCR? I don't have anything modern CF but racey bikes like a Cannondale 3.0 or a Allez SE are race bikes that ride racey regardless of saddle to bar drop.
__________________
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
#30
I'm good to go!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14,992
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 51 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6196 Post(s)
Liked 4,810 Times
in
3,318 Posts
#31
Veteran Racer
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas
Posts: 11,759
Bikes: 32 frames + 80 wheels
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1333 Post(s)
Liked 764 Times
in
431 Posts
Endurance geometry is much like that of bikes built for triathletes in the 1980's with greater fork rake for increased stability. It was assumed that after the long swimming event that the athletes would benefit from a bike that required less attention to keep it going straight.
__________________
What, Me Worry? - Alfred E. Neuman
I see the light at the end of the tunnel, but the tunnel keeps getting longer - me
What, Me Worry? - Alfred E. Neuman
I see the light at the end of the tunnel, but the tunnel keeps getting longer - me
Last edited by TejanoTrackie; 04-19-23 at 05:24 PM.
Likes For TejanoTrackie:
#32
Veteran Racer
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas
Posts: 11,759
Bikes: 32 frames + 80 wheels
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1333 Post(s)
Liked 764 Times
in
431 Posts
Not an awful lot, really, other than the fact the Domane accommodates wider tires and has lower gearing. The difference in tire size has more impact on handling than the slight differences in geometry.
Likes For TejanoTrackie:
#33
climber has-been
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Posts: 7,111
Bikes: Scott Addict R1, Felt Z1
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3432 Post(s)
Liked 3,567 Times
in
1,793 Posts
Endurance geometry is much like that of bikes built for triathletes in the 1980's with greater fork rake for increased stability. It was assumed that after the long swimming event that the athletes would benefit from a bike that required less attention to keep it going straight. The Centurion Iron Man bike is a good example and one that I owned and loved to ride.
To me the difference in handling is like the difference between a Jeep and a Miata on the highway. The longer the drive and the more twists in the road the more I would want to be driving the Miata.
The opposite are bike frames meant for criterium races on short courses with many sharp turns. This frame geometry dominated road bikes produced for decades. The availability of "endurance" bike frames is to me a very positive bike and probably the better choice for 90% of riders who do not participate in short course races.
The longer top tube also works well to allow the rider to stretch out a bit more and not be scrunched up when riding. I find this helps my breathing when attacking a hill.
To me the difference in handling is like the difference between a Jeep and a Miata on the highway. The longer the drive and the more twists in the road the more I would want to be driving the Miata.
The opposite are bike frames meant for criterium races on short courses with many sharp turns. This frame geometry dominated road bikes produced for decades. The availability of "endurance" bike frames is to me a very positive bike and probably the better choice for 90% of riders who do not participate in short course races.
The longer top tube also works well to allow the rider to stretch out a bit more and not be scrunched up when riding. I find this helps my breathing when attacking a hill.
Likes For terrymorse:
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 25,298
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8282 Post(s)
Liked 9,053 Times
in
4,479 Posts
Likes For big john:
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 12,906
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
Mentioned: 129 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4806 Post(s)
Liked 3,932 Times
in
2,557 Posts
I picked up an '83 Pro Miyata last summer, narrow tubed steel but pure race and about as good as narrow tubed steel gets. Got it hoping it would be the ride of the '76 Fuji Pro that I raced was. And yes, only a lot better. Tubing came a long ways in those few years. So did Japanese race bike design.
And the ride? Well the position is my old race bike except much longer reach and bars are a little higher. The ride? Like I said, pure race. Doesn't remotely pretend to be anything else. 25c rear tires don't even turn unless you deflate them. Like my old Fuji.
Yes I did compromise on the crankset. 'Bout to hit 70. So it's a Campy Chorus triple. 53-42-30. 13-26 7 speed. (Big step down from the 53-42 x 13-19 5-speed I raced much of New England on but it still feels 100% race. Now the wheels - Tubular with tires that are close to what I raced. Mavic GPs and GEL330s. One step heavier now than then. Same spokes gauge-wise; light! Clipless, not toeclips but still no-float. Once I'm clipped in and rolling, this bike takes me to the same place. (Just slower but that's an engine issue.)
And the ride? Well the position is my old race bike except much longer reach and bars are a little higher. The ride? Like I said, pure race. Doesn't remotely pretend to be anything else. 25c rear tires don't even turn unless you deflate them. Like my old Fuji.
Yes I did compromise on the crankset. 'Bout to hit 70. So it's a Campy Chorus triple. 53-42-30. 13-26 7 speed. (Big step down from the 53-42 x 13-19 5-speed I raced much of New England on but it still feels 100% race. Now the wheels - Tubular with tires that are close to what I raced. Mavic GPs and GEL330s. One step heavier now than then. Same spokes gauge-wise; light! Clipless, not toeclips but still no-float. Once I'm clipped in and rolling, this bike takes me to the same place. (Just slower but that's an engine issue.)
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 3,449
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 874 Post(s)
Liked 2,291 Times
in
1,280 Posts
1982 Medici Pro Strada
I like a set up like I have on this bike for a 2-3 hour ride max. For longer rides I have a taller stem but still like the race geometry due to my long legs and short torso. Most of my classics are race bikes from the era I’m from , the seventies. I am 68.
Likes For Kabuki12:
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2023
Location: Eastern Shore MD
Posts: 884
Bikes: Lemond Zurich/Trek ALR/Giant TCX/Sette CX1
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 569 Post(s)
Liked 772 Times
in
404 Posts
51 - been back at it for 4 years, getting back into form after looong layoff/back injury.
Riding a 58cm now with "race geometry" and a decent seat/bar height differential. I keep slowly dropping the bars as my fitness improves.
My next frame will be a 56cm with even more of an aggressive position.
The 58 will be my century bike, the 56 will be the fast/short ride bike.
Riding a 58cm now with "race geometry" and a decent seat/bar height differential. I keep slowly dropping the bars as my fitness improves.
My next frame will be a 56cm with even more of an aggressive position.
The 58 will be my century bike, the 56 will be the fast/short ride bike.
#38
feros ferio
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Posts: 21,799
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1393 Post(s)
Liked 1,329 Times
in
837 Posts
I like older (1960s and 1970s) racing frames, which can accept wider tires and which represent a sweet spot compromise of sportiness and stability.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,435
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Mentioned: 178 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5888 Post(s)
Liked 3,471 Times
in
2,079 Posts
I like my 1982 Peugeot PXN 10 which was a racing bike back in the day. I used to own a step down model (a PKN 10) that I trained on regularly with all the local racers. The biggest differences from back in the day when I raced are that I run my handlebars a bit higher than I used to, I run a little fatter tires at a little lower pressure (28c rather than 23/25), and I run a little lower gears (48/36 rather than 52/42 up front and a bigger freewheel, 14-28 rather than 13-23).
So yeah get a racing bike if you want but think about (a) position; (b) tire choices; and (c) gearing (which isn't much of an issue on modern bikes but worth thinking about if you like riding hills--I do).
So yeah get a racing bike if you want but think about (a) position; (b) tire choices; and (c) gearing (which isn't much of an issue on modern bikes but worth thinking about if you like riding hills--I do).
Last edited by bikemig; 05-09-23 at 04:45 PM.
#40
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: northern michigan
Posts: 13,317
Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 659 Post(s)
Liked 595 Times
in
313 Posts
‘88 Cannondale Criterium Series. I only ride the racers. Even the 1898 Glenwood is a hardcore 125yr old racer built for wood/board tracks.
Likes For OldsCOOL:
#41
Grupetto Bob
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Seattle-ish
Posts: 6,222
Bikes: Bikey McBike Face
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2585 Post(s)
Liked 5,644 Times
in
2,922 Posts
Oh now I am starting to feel old since I ride an endurance frame. However, the speeds I can maintain on an aero frame with deep section wheels is very similar to my late 40s with the same perceived effort, so I am fine with a more comfortable, less nervous frame which is not quite as responsive in fast tight downhills. The wheels in the picture are not my deep sections (duh).
__________________
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
#42
Expired Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 11,547
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3674 Post(s)
Liked 5,437 Times
in
2,763 Posts
#43
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
I still race my old Tarmac.
I’d get a new one but I can’t justify it because 1) I have way too many rimbrake wheels and 2) my next new bike will probably be a new TT or CX bike.
I’d get a new one but I can’t justify it because 1) I have way too many rimbrake wheels and 2) my next new bike will probably be a new TT or CX bike.
#44
Version 7.0
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SoCal
Posts: 13,127
Bikes: Too Many
Mentioned: 297 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1340 Post(s)
Liked 2,482 Times
in
1,457 Posts
Okay here is my road "climbing" race bike. Wait, am I allowed to post two bikes?
#45
Life Is Good
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Central Massachusetts
Posts: 1,695
Bikes: Zipp2001 Carbon Belt Drive SS, Kestrel RT900SL, Kestrel KM40 Airfoil 1x10, Orbea Occam H30, Trek Stache 5 29 Plus, Giant Yukon 2 Fat Bike
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 277 Post(s)
Liked 870 Times
in
443 Posts
About to turn 63 this week and still love riding these road bikes.
Likes For ZIPP2001:
#46
Banned
“Touring bikes have more rake than road and cyclocross bikes in order to increase their wheelbase length, provide more toe clearance from the front wheel and to increase the fork’s vertical compliance. The product of the head tube angle and the fork rake is the ‘trail’. This is the measurement that gives us the best indication of how fast a bike will steer. Touring bikes have a lot of ‘trail’ to slow steering response and keep heavy loads stable on fast descents.”
Likes For Calsun:
#47
Getoutofmyway
Join Date: Mar 2023
Posts: 28
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Liked 12 Times
in
9 Posts
Maybe I’m on the wrong thread, I’m 58 and like a fast nervy bike as much as anyone, but I also like big tires and mountain bikes. This year I took a chance getting an inexpensive Sora Cannondale Topstone supposed gravel bike against everyone’s advice, I lowered the handlebar and put on Marathon Plus 38mm tires. If I want to go fast I pedal, the bike responds and I can plough ahead without minding what the pavement looks like. I like my race-oriented endurance road bike with 25-28mm tires but I think I’m having more fun with the heavy duty bike.
Last edited by Robert7659; 04-23-23 at 12:31 PM.
#48
Expired Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 11,547
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3674 Post(s)
Liked 5,437 Times
in
2,763 Posts
Maybe I’m on the wrong thread, I’m 58 and like a fast nervy bike as much as anyone, but I also like big tires and mountain bikes. This year I took a chance getting an inexpensive Sora Cannondale Topstone supposed gravel bike against everyone’s advice, I lowered the handlebar and put on Marathon Plus 38mm tires. If I want to go fast I pedal, the bike responds and I can plough ahead without minding what the pavement looks like. I like my race-oriented endurance road bike with 25-28mm tires but I think I’m having more fun with the heavy duty bike.
Likes For shelbyfv:
#49
Getoutofmyway
Join Date: Mar 2023
Posts: 28
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Liked 12 Times
in
9 Posts
I also recently got an AL Topstone for road riding, though I wasn't offered advice either way. Actually, I didn't think to ask. Anyway, I put on 38mm Gravelking slicks and I'm pretty happy with it. Still getting used to the 46-30 crank but I appreciate the stability, fat tires and comfortable fit. Mid-seventies, have to assume that faculties are diminished. WAG is that it's a couple of mph slower than my former road bikes. I've about aged out of my group anyway so speed is less important.
Last edited by Robert7659; 04-23-23 at 01:49 PM.
#50
Expired Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 11,547
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3674 Post(s)
Liked 5,437 Times
in
2,763 Posts
Yes, I did that after my first ride. It was a skyscraper as delivered.
Likes For shelbyfv: