scrptdr

Hi, newbie to forum here... looking for opinions. I just picked up a 2003 Specialized S-works E5 Aerotec. It has some nice stuff on it and some not so nice stuff. My main ride for last year has been a 2005 Eddy Merckx Racing (built of Easton 7000 Race tubing) that I built up (again has some nice stuff and some not so nice stuff). So I'd like to put all the good stuff on one, and all the not so good stuff on the other, to make a racer and a workaday trainer. But here's the rub... which is which?

My first ride on the E5 made me incline heavily toward it, and all the LBS guys are in favor also, thought very highly of it. So I'm wondering if anyone else wants to weigh in before I start swapping stuff around.

This is what we call a quality problem, having two such nice bikes to play with. And sometimes I just want to get on my 531 Reynolds Triumph Gran Course and go old schoolin'. Probably not the only here with too many bikes. Thanks for your ideas.

eippo1

Even though the Eddy Merckx is a racer, I'd believe that it would be better for training rides and longer stints in the saddle. The E5 would most likely be better for the racing part of things if you want to make that distinction.

I tend to put the nicer parts on my training bike, though, but then I'm backwards because I train on the Tarmac and race on the E5. But I'd hate to crash my Tarmac in a race and it's such a pleasant bike to ride for distance.

ColinL

That is actually very sound logic. Whichever frame is more valuable should not be your race bike because the odds of a crash in a race are higher. (Unless you train really hard particularly in a group.)

The Merckx is more valuable, right? Train on that and race the Specialized.


*Edit I assume you're not a cat1 rider. If you are, then you probably race on the best bike you've got, period.

save10

image uploading

This is my vote.

topflightpro

I loved my 03 S-Works E5. Despite the frame being cracked, I have it hanging on my garage wall - I am unwilling to part with it.

The only bike I have ridden I liked better is a Cannondale System-6 - the Caads aren't even in the same ballpark as that S-Works frame. (I replaced the E-5 with a Caad 9).

novacoke

As a 2002 E5 Aerotec s-works owner with very little experience riding other brands... I say E5.

dbh

It says Eddy on the downtube. What more do you need.

scrptdr

The Aerotec seems to be winning out. I'm actually playing with selling the Merckx, if anyone is interested. Is it okay to post craigslist links here? I will wait for an answer, but meanwhile it is in Inland empire (los angeles area) craigslist under Eddy Merckx Racing.

I'm liking the ride of the Aerotec a lot. Maybe it's just the novelty and the fit. A local custom frame builder (can refer if anyone is looking for a top of the line guy who really knows his stuff) is aiding in my de-fredification and that may be a factor, so far we've just worked with the aerotec.

ColinL

scrptdr- you're not supposed to sell things directly (I have X for Y price email or PM) or indirectly (CL / ebay link) unless you purchase a premium membership. info about it up above the forum in the 'classifieds' main link.

you can definitely refer shops, builders, link to CL and ebay that aren't your own sales, etc.

scrptdr

roger that, thanks for info, will upgrade and list in classified