Best entry carbon bike
06-17-18, 01:12 PM
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Best entry carbon bike
I have been riding Fuji Absolute (flatbar with 105) for about a year and Specialized Allez E5 Elite (tiagra) for a couple weeks. I usually ride for leisure (<50 miles a year), but I have been enjoying riding Allez and looking to get into cycling. So I am looking to upgrade into entry road bikes with carbon frames and 105 components that could last me awhile, instead of having to upgrade in another couple years. So far, I have come up with these 4 bikes:
Felt FR5
Specialized Roubaix Sport
Specialized Tarmac Sport
Cervelo R2
I got to try Felt FR5 and my body position feels less aggressive than Allez and pretty comfortable. I haven’t tried other 3 yet. LBS is offering Felt for 1600, but based on my research it seems like Specialized Roubaix/Tarmac has a superior frame (correct me if I am wrong). I am planning to give Tarmac and Roubaix test ride today or tomorrow, but the biggest difference between these two seems to be geometry and FS. I am still in the 20s, so I am looking for something that is speedy and quick, responsive handling. I haven’t ridden a long distance, but as I get stronger, I may want to ride long distance in the future. Given these circumstances, which bike would you guys recommend? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
Felt FR5
Specialized Roubaix Sport
Specialized Tarmac Sport
Cervelo R2
I got to try Felt FR5 and my body position feels less aggressive than Allez and pretty comfortable. I haven’t tried other 3 yet. LBS is offering Felt for 1600, but based on my research it seems like Specialized Roubaix/Tarmac has a superior frame (correct me if I am wrong). I am planning to give Tarmac and Roubaix test ride today or tomorrow, but the biggest difference between these two seems to be geometry and FS. I am still in the 20s, so I am looking for something that is speedy and quick, responsive handling. I haven’t ridden a long distance, but as I get stronger, I may want to ride long distance in the future. Given these circumstances, which bike would you guys recommend? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
06-17-18, 01:16 PM
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< 50 mi / year. Was that a typo?
the roubaix will be less aggressive than the tarmac and allez.
the roubaix will be less aggressive than the tarmac and allez.
Last edited by GeneO; 06-17-18 at 01:19 PM.
06-17-18, 01:25 PM
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The Felt F series has a very low head tube (meaning lots of spacers for most people), but if the geometry works for you, I'd go for that. I have the AR 5, and the frame (same material, different shapes) is a good one. It's not the high-end carbon, but it certainly suffices and I race it at the elite level with no compromises.
Edited to add: It looks like the 2018 F series has a head tube 15mm taller than previous years, so that's nice!
Edited to add: It looks like the 2018 F series has a head tube 15mm taller than previous years, so that's nice!
Last edited by rubiksoval; 06-17-18 at 01:29 PM.
06-17-18, 02:42 PM
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06-17-18, 03:20 PM
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The Felt FR5 is from their "race" bike line. Probably much more aggressive riding position than the casual rider would appreciate. I have a Felt Z5, which is no longer in their lineup but the VR5 or VR6 are similar and might be a better choice. The biggest difference between these two seems to be the groupset with the VR5 having Shimano 105 and the VR6 with Tiagra. At 50 miles/year the Tiagra will serve you well for the rest of your life.
06-17-18, 03:52 PM
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I'd recommend the Felt, mostly because I dislike Special'd,
and my first bike (as an adult) was a Felt, and it was great - I totally got into riding and racing with it.
06-17-18, 04:02 PM
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Nothing is really going to suck in this category:
The frames will all be competent. 105 is a solid performer (though some models will not have full 105, often substituting the crankset and/or brakes). The wheelsets and tires will probably be weak link.
What you really need to do is decide what kind of riding your see yourself doing and find out what style of frame you're going to be most comfortable on for those rides. Good LBS support will be important in all of this, too, and should certainly be factored in.
The frames will all be competent. 105 is a solid performer (though some models will not have full 105, often substituting the crankset and/or brakes). The wheelsets and tires will probably be weak link.
What you really need to do is decide what kind of riding your see yourself doing and find out what style of frame you're going to be most comfortable on for those rides. Good LBS support will be important in all of this, too, and should certainly be factored in.
06-17-18, 05:05 PM
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But you will not be able to take advantage of potential speed for a while I think.
06-17-18, 05:14 PM
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I wouldn't spend that much cash on a bike if I am only going to do 50 miles per year. That equates to 2 hours of cycling, give or take, which puts cycling pretty low on the list of priorities. I would stick with the flat bar and invest in your more time intensive hobbies.
06-17-18, 05:26 PM
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06-17-18, 05:39 PM
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I'd say just keep riding the Allez. It's a fine bike, and putting more miles on it will help you learn what kind of riding is most enjoyable for you, and allow you to make a more educated choice about what bike you want.
06-17-18, 05:50 PM
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Someone that rides 50 miles per year, probably doesn't need a CF bike to get into cycling.
Last edited by noodle soup; 06-18-18 at 02:15 AM.
06-17-18, 11:20 PM
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Is there something you don't like about the Allez? Does it not fit? I would recommend riding the Allez for a year. Once you have 2000-3000 miles under your belt in a year, you'll be able to judge the feel of any new bike you test ride and you'll get a bike that is comfortable and works for you. It's one thing to ride a bike down the street, but another matter to sit on a bike and ride for two hours. You'll build up core strength over time and bikes that have more aggressive riding position (leaned over more forward) won't be uncomfortable. It would be sad to spend a good chunk of hard earned money on a bike that doesn't work for you in the long run.
06-18-18, 08:27 AM
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Any reputable brand with carbon frame and 105 components is usually good for entry level carbon. I paid $2K for a Trek Domane with 105, but a good CF-framed bike can be had at Nashbar or BikesDirect for half of that.
06-18-18, 09:28 AM
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If I have to choose with your list, I'd go with the Tarmac. If you want to save money, keep riding the Allez and wait until 12 speed become derigeur for road bikes, then buy your next carbon bike.
06-18-18, 09:48 AM
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Is there a particular reason you want carbon? Most of a bikes excess weight is in wheels and tires.
I wouldn't limit yourself to a certain material. If you find a bike that fits, it'll be more comfortable than one that doesn't, regardless of material.
I wouldn't limit yourself to a certain material. If you find a bike that fits, it'll be more comfortable than one that doesn't, regardless of material.
06-19-18, 03:13 PM
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Banned.
Gotta recommend the diamondback podium. When it's on sale you cant beat it Imo
06-19-18, 03:34 PM
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It wouldn't be bad to start by finding the bike shop the more serious riders in your area prefer and seeing what brands they sell. You'll probably be making use of them for a while.
06-19-18, 06:16 PM
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Keep the Allez unless it is radically too small or too big.
Spend $100 on a bike fit instead.
Case in point: Guy ("full time student on limited budget") buys a $4,000 Pinarello, spends $1400 on wheels, $350 Garmin and starts a new chain fishing for people to justify buying more stuff...to save 0.9lbs!
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycl...-bike-day.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycl...er-wheels.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycl...lo-gan-rs.html
Spend $100 on a bike fit instead.
Case in point: Guy ("full time student on limited budget") buys a $4,000 Pinarello, spends $1400 on wheels, $350 Garmin and starts a new chain fishing for people to justify buying more stuff...to save 0.9lbs!
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycl...-bike-day.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycl...er-wheels.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycl...lo-gan-rs.html
Unless you have deep pockets, and just want to spend some money, just ride more.
06-20-18, 06:00 AM
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Keep the Allez unless it is radically too small or too big. The guys I ride with all ride the entry level aluminum stuff which we buy used, we're not hardcore leg shavers but we ride quite a bit, maybe 1,000 miles a year. Unless you get upgrade-itis, 9 speed or 10 speed stuff is perfectly fine. It's crazy to me seeing people buy brand new bikes "hi, I just got a bike after 10 years of not riding and bought a high end carbon bike" and immediately ask what carbon handlebars and expensive doodads they should buy. Your hobby isn't riding, it's shopping which is fine (it's your money) but the internet enables that kind of thing so be aware of that.
Spend $100 on a bike fit instead.
Case in point: Guy ("full time student on limited budget") buys a $4,000 Pinarello, spends $1400 on wheels, $350 Garmin and starts a new chain fishing for people to justify buying more stuff...to save 0.9lbs!
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycl...-bike-day.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycl...er-wheels.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycl...lo-gan-rs.html
Spend $100 on a bike fit instead.
Case in point: Guy ("full time student on limited budget") buys a $4,000 Pinarello, spends $1400 on wheels, $350 Garmin and starts a new chain fishing for people to justify buying more stuff...to save 0.9lbs!
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycl...-bike-day.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycl...er-wheels.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycl...lo-gan-rs.html
Although it is true that I’m a “full-time law student with a limited budget,” I wanted to buy something to replace my 15 year old custom-made Guru that has nearly 100,000 miles on it. Purposely, I bought the best thing I could afford—middle of the line frame, last generation mechanical groupset (Ultegra 6800, not 8000), and entry-level wheels. As should be clear from mentioning Mt Washington above, I have always enjoyed climbing. As such, I have started a few threads looking to save weight, as that is important for my type of riding. My “hobby” is in no way “shopping [rather than] riding.”
To the OP: there is nothing wrong with buying a carbon frame knowing you’d like to start riding more and that you enjoy being on the bike. A carbon frame, and better all around bike, will make riding more enjoyable despite the comments here. I am unfamiliar with the Felt (although I have a 2008 Felt Carbon TT bike, which I used to greatly enjoy) but I would highly suggest the Tarmac. I lived in 5 states in 5 years, and one of them was MN. There is fantastic riding in the Midwest despite the long winters. If you’re anywhere near the twin cities and want some info regarding groups to ride with, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
Last edited by harrisonk; 06-20-18 at 08:32 AM.