New Bike Choice (mostly Trek Domane thing)
#1
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New Bike Choice (mostly Trek Domane thing)
I have been riding my upgraded El/OS steel (late 90's) Bianchi frame (upgraded wheels, saddle, handlebars, seatpost, and 2014 Campy Chorus drive train) to the tune of 5-10K miles per year since 2015. I like the bike and have zero complaints about it. But I have LITERALLY (and I am not kidding) NEVER/EVER been on another true road bike of any kind. NEVER (just the way it has turned out for me). I have ridden a low end Trek hybrid a few times and other than the Western Flyer I owned as a kid, that is it.
I mostly just ride alone (by choice) and I might set a performance goal on occasion (e.g., in 2016 I set out to ride a true 5 hour, solo century and pulled that one off). But mostly I just ride. DOB is 1949, BTW. And like many of us, I am not getting any younger :-)
I don't need a new bike. I like the one I ride and there isn't a ton of performance to be gained (even if it mattered) from a new one. But there is one area where I can imagine 'getting a return' from a new bike, and that is the comfort of the bike on chipseal-type pavement (lots of that where I ride).
I live in a small area and we have one LBS. I know, like, and respect the owner and what he is doing in local bike land. So I am unlikely to go looking for a deal on some bike from where-ever and would naturally buy from him. I would not expect the best price ever recorded, but it would be fair to both of us. He is a Trek dealer and that (obviously) leads one to consider the Trek Domane (probably SL 6 level - not inclined to be much past $3k for this purchase).
Obviously I would need to try one out. But I am curious as to what others think about what I might gain in comfort going from my Bianchi steel to the Domane. 150 to 200 miles would be a typical week for me. Well - used to be. Probably closer to 150 these days.
Thanks.
dave
ps. While I am not a weight weenie exactly, my Bianchi stripped to showroom weight, with Vittoria Corsa tires and latex tubes weighed a smidge over 18 pounds. I really don't like the thought of having a heavier bike, even though I understand the insignificance of another 400 grams (stock SL6 is advertised about 19 pounds). If I equalized the tires/tubes and Bontrager RXL wheels (how I weighed the Bianchi), it probably comes out pretty close. Still bothers me a bit. My enthusiasm for disk brakes is low, but what can you do.
I mostly just ride alone (by choice) and I might set a performance goal on occasion (e.g., in 2016 I set out to ride a true 5 hour, solo century and pulled that one off). But mostly I just ride. DOB is 1949, BTW. And like many of us, I am not getting any younger :-)
I don't need a new bike. I like the one I ride and there isn't a ton of performance to be gained (even if it mattered) from a new one. But there is one area where I can imagine 'getting a return' from a new bike, and that is the comfort of the bike on chipseal-type pavement (lots of that where I ride).
I live in a small area and we have one LBS. I know, like, and respect the owner and what he is doing in local bike land. So I am unlikely to go looking for a deal on some bike from where-ever and would naturally buy from him. I would not expect the best price ever recorded, but it would be fair to both of us. He is a Trek dealer and that (obviously) leads one to consider the Trek Domane (probably SL 6 level - not inclined to be much past $3k for this purchase).
Obviously I would need to try one out. But I am curious as to what others think about what I might gain in comfort going from my Bianchi steel to the Domane. 150 to 200 miles would be a typical week for me. Well - used to be. Probably closer to 150 these days.
Thanks.
dave
ps. While I am not a weight weenie exactly, my Bianchi stripped to showroom weight, with Vittoria Corsa tires and latex tubes weighed a smidge over 18 pounds. I really don't like the thought of having a heavier bike, even though I understand the insignificance of another 400 grams (stock SL6 is advertised about 19 pounds). If I equalized the tires/tubes and Bontrager RXL wheels (how I weighed the Bianchi), it probably comes out pretty close. Still bothers me a bit. My enthusiasm for disk brakes is low, but what can you do.
#2
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Chipseal comfort issues?
How big of a tire are you running in the Bianchi, how big of a tire can you safely fit, what pressures are you running, and what do you weigh?
How big of a tire are you running in the Bianchi, how big of a tire can you safely fit, what pressures are you running, and what do you weigh?
#3
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Dave
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I'll say this (and others that have never ridden a Domane will surely tell me that I'm wrong, as they have before) - particularly up front, my Domane takes the edge off of jolts better than my gravel bike that has larger tires and which is running 30+ psi lower.
Just go test ride one, though.
Just go test ride one, though.
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#8
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That is true, giving me more flexibility.
Then there is the fact that the Trek Emonda just seems like 'more fun to own' somehow (maybe not more fun to ride). So then maybe the answer to the well known cycling question is "N + 2"![Smilie](images/smilies/smile.gif)
![Smilie](images/smilies/smile.gif)
dave
Then there is the fact that the Trek Emonda just seems like 'more fun to own' somehow (maybe not more fun to ride). So then maybe the answer to the well known cycling question is "N + 2"
![Smilie](images/smilies/smile.gif)
![Smilie](images/smilies/smile.gif)
dave
#9
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I recently purchased a Domane SL5 disc. It really does work well over poor road conditions. My first two rides were two 30 mile rides on packed dirt trails. Held up great. I probably will need to change seats as my butt hurts even on a turbo trainer.
I think you'll really like the Domane for long rides over poor roads.
I think you'll really like the Domane for long rides over poor roads.
#10
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I probably should clarify something here that MIGHT make a difference. The 'bad roads' that I ride on are not (typically) 'bad' because they are in poor repair. They are 'bad' because of the surface (chip-seal kind of stuff) that was used. Rather than jarring impact being a problem, the problem is more like a 'constant chatter' kind of thing. More constant vibration rather than frequent 'impact'.
dave
dave
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I probably should clarify something here that MIGHT make a difference. The 'bad roads' that I ride on are not (typically) 'bad' because they are in poor repair. They are 'bad' because of the surface (chip-seal kind of stuff) that was used. Rather than jarring impact being a problem, the problem is more like a 'constant chatter' kind of thing. More constant vibration rather than frequent 'impact'.
dave
dave
Of course the correct answer is N+1, or the maximum amount of bikes your spouse will let you own which ever is lower.
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I would wait for the 2020 model which is rumored to be completely redesigned.
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I probably should clarify something here that MIGHT make a difference. The 'bad roads' that I ride on are not (typically) 'bad' because they are in poor repair. They are 'bad' because of the surface (chip-seal kind of stuff) that was used. Rather than jarring impact being a problem, the problem is more like a 'constant chatter' kind of thing. More constant vibration rather than frequent 'impact'.
dave
dave
#16
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Is there a 'point of diminishing returns' WRT to tire width and chipseal? I would guess that it is above 28mm, but wasn't sure about that.
dave
dave
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Then again, this is coming from a 190lb guy that was used to ~100psi on 25s, so while 70psi may feel like riding on a cloud to me, a lighter person that regularly runs 85psi might be less impressed and want to go lower. IOW, personal experience will shape preferences and it's hard for others to guess your sweet spot might be - I would think that the pressures afforded by 28s would do it, but until you try it, who knows?
#20
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#21
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Jan Heine says width doesn't matter much at all and runs/sells really wide road tires but I find his testing less controlled than BRR. What I do like about his writing is that it got me to understand that tires aren't fast just because I can feel the road buzz so I drop the pressure on all my tires way down because I enjoy it.
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Thanks again for all the interesting and useful discussion. When all is said and done I don't see any reasonable answer here other than "I just have to get my butt onto one or more of these and make my own decision". For a variety of reasons this will probably be (or not be) a year end decision point.
dave
dave
#23
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A quick update on where this all stands.
In a nutshell I have mostly 'fixed' my chipseal issues on my existing bike without having to spend much $ (and I do like my current bike, BTW)
1) I got rid of the Gatorskins going to Conti GP 4/5000's. This actually happened a few months back, but the Gatorskin ride is what was prominent in my mind
2) My Conti's measure 25mm width (they are are marked as 23's - I don't think this is usual). So I dropped the air pressure down to 75F/80R which does not seem to be a big flat risk. I weigh around 160, although 150 is my 'racing weight' (as if I race) and my lay around the house weight is more like 165.
3) I changed to some cycling gloves with very significant padding. This pretty much instantly fixed the wrist pain issue I was dealing with.
JUST those changes are a big difference in how chipseal feels. There are a number of area roads that I used to avoid that I am now riding again. And I have not (yet) done any of the following
1) Change to Latex tubes
2) Change to more supple tires
3) Change to wider tires on the rear (where I have a bit of room, although not as much as I thought when looking at a glance). The actual 25's on the front are about it on the front.
So I really don't see a reason for me to go down the Domane path. And if I were to do an n+1 thing, it probably would not be the Domane (at least the 2019 model).
FWIW.
dave
In a nutshell I have mostly 'fixed' my chipseal issues on my existing bike without having to spend much $ (and I do like my current bike, BTW)
1) I got rid of the Gatorskins going to Conti GP 4/5000's. This actually happened a few months back, but the Gatorskin ride is what was prominent in my mind
2) My Conti's measure 25mm width (they are are marked as 23's - I don't think this is usual). So I dropped the air pressure down to 75F/80R which does not seem to be a big flat risk. I weigh around 160, although 150 is my 'racing weight' (as if I race) and my lay around the house weight is more like 165.
3) I changed to some cycling gloves with very significant padding. This pretty much instantly fixed the wrist pain issue I was dealing with.
JUST those changes are a big difference in how chipseal feels. There are a number of area roads that I used to avoid that I am now riding again. And I have not (yet) done any of the following
1) Change to Latex tubes
2) Change to more supple tires
3) Change to wider tires on the rear (where I have a bit of room, although not as much as I thought when looking at a glance). The actual 25's on the front are about it on the front.
So I really don't see a reason for me to go down the Domane path. And if I were to do an n+1 thing, it probably would not be the Domane (at least the 2019 model).
FWIW.
dave
#24
Senior Member
Sounds like you're good-to-go as is!
I've got a 2015 Domane that I love.. and I've updated the living daylights out of it. Always nice to do a bit of tweaking on the existing ride before plunking down $$ on a new one.
..and you can always get a new bike if/when the urge hits!
I've got a 2015 Domane that I love.. and I've updated the living daylights out of it. Always nice to do a bit of tweaking on the existing ride before plunking down $$ on a new one.
..and you can always get a new bike if/when the urge hits!
A quick update on where this all stands.
In a nutshell I have mostly 'fixed' my chipseal issues on my existing bike without having to spend much $ (and I do like my current bike, BTW)
1) I got rid of the Gatorskins going to Conti GP 4/5000's. This actually happened a few months back, but the Gatorskin ride is what was prominent in my mind
2) My Conti's measure 25mm width (they are are marked as 23's - I don't think this is usual). So I dropped the air pressure down to 75F/80R which does not seem to be a big flat risk. I weigh around 160, although 150 is my 'racing weight' (as if I race) and my lay around the house weight is more like 165.
3) I changed to some cycling gloves with very significant padding. This pretty much instantly fixed the wrist pain issue I was dealing with.
JUST those changes are a big difference in how chipseal feels. There are a number of area roads that I used to avoid that I am now riding again. And I have not (yet) done any of the following
1) Change to Latex tubes
2) Change to more supple tires
3) Change to wider tires on the rear (where I have a bit of room, although not as much as I thought when looking at a glance). The actual 25's on the front are about it on the front.
So I really don't see a reason for me to go down the Domane path. And if I were to do an n+1 thing, it probably would not be the Domane (at least the 2019 model).
FWIW.
dave
In a nutshell I have mostly 'fixed' my chipseal issues on my existing bike without having to spend much $ (and I do like my current bike, BTW)
1) I got rid of the Gatorskins going to Conti GP 4/5000's. This actually happened a few months back, but the Gatorskin ride is what was prominent in my mind
2) My Conti's measure 25mm width (they are are marked as 23's - I don't think this is usual). So I dropped the air pressure down to 75F/80R which does not seem to be a big flat risk. I weigh around 160, although 150 is my 'racing weight' (as if I race) and my lay around the house weight is more like 165.
3) I changed to some cycling gloves with very significant padding. This pretty much instantly fixed the wrist pain issue I was dealing with.
JUST those changes are a big difference in how chipseal feels. There are a number of area roads that I used to avoid that I am now riding again. And I have not (yet) done any of the following
1) Change to Latex tubes
2) Change to more supple tires
3) Change to wider tires on the rear (where I have a bit of room, although not as much as I thought when looking at a glance). The actual 25's on the front are about it on the front.
So I really don't see a reason for me to go down the Domane path. And if I were to do an n+1 thing, it probably would not be the Domane (at least the 2019 model).
FWIW.
dave