JB_Nicholson

Would love some thoughts on this. I have my first century ride coming up in 3 weeks.

I've been riding a Specialized Diverge (aluminum) for 9 mo now, and just upgraded to a Specialized Roubaix (Carbon). I'll probably be able to get two `60 mile rides and a handful of shorter rides in before the big day - and have a new bike tune-up scheduled for it the week before the race. I've moved my saddle and tires over, had the new bike sized, and the frames are the same size as well.

Is that enough to feel comfortable on the new bike? I'm really hoping to take advantage of my newer lighter bike in time for the ride but want to make sure it's not nuts to take on a century after just 2 weeks of riding the new one.

Thanks all!

datlas 

If setup identical (saddle height, reach to bars, saddle/bar drop etc.) I think it’s ok to use new bike. If not, use older tried/true steed.

unterhausen

Three weeks is plenty of time go get used to a bike. How confident are you that your position is the same on both bikes? That trips a lot of people up, even those of us that should know better.

JB_Nicholson

I've only really test ridden the Roubaix but the two feel really similar. Both are designed for endurance and both seem to have me in roughly the same posture. Maybe a little more upright in my old bike but nothing too drastic!

Iride01 

If the new bike feels as good or better, then take it. Especially if it's a few pounds lighter. Leaving five extra pounds at home will save you some energy over the course of 100 miles. Especially if you have some hills to go up.

genejockey 

You say you'll be able to do 2 x 60 mile rides before the Century? That should be good enough, but listen closely to your body during and after those rides. After can be subtle! I have one bike that has 2cm more bar drop than all the others, and I took it on a 65 mile ride, having had no problems with 25 and 50 mile rides on it. I felt no pain during the longer ride, but I did experience some lower back pain - more of an ache, really - over the next week. So I think I'll save that bike for shorter rides.

Regarding position matching, what I do is to measure the model bike with it on a level floor, with the back wheel pushed up against a wall. Then I do a series of measurements from both the door and the wall to various points, including the BB center, and then I can figure out just about any measurement with a little subtraction.

big john

I switch between 2 road bikes sometimes. Different saddles and bars and slightly different position. If the old bike sits for weeks or even months a couple shorter rides on it and I adapt pretty well. Seems like you have time to get it sorted. I wouldn't take the new bike on a long ride first time out, but you should be fine.

Bah Humbug

The two 60-ers mean it should be fine, but make sure you're not even close to a tight back or sore knees at the end.

Troul 

I've done similar. Went from a 700x32 hybrid front suspension flat bar to a 700x28 road carbon. Did a few long rides a handful of days prior to the 70 miler. Made some adjustments along the way.

The brakes were the biggest of changes to grasp. One was mech other hydr. disc. With good tires & paying attention, I lived to type this response.

Carbonfiberboy 

Only thing I would change is that tune-up. I never mess with my bike between my last long ride and the event. I don't even change the tires, though I do pump them up. I've seen bike shops screw a bike up. Best to stay with what worked last time IME. Have a great ride.

Leinster

Ive done my biggest climbing days on a rented bike, sight unseen. If you’ve had 2 60 mile test rides on your new ride, you’ll know if there’s anything wrong with it.