Considering swapping my Race bike for an Aero bike. Thoughts?
#1
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Considering swapping my Race bike for an Aero bike. Thoughts?
Has anyone recently done it?
The current pandemic situation has given me a lot more time to ride & fortunately, reduced my usual expenses (thanks to teleworking!) to a point where I am now considering buying my ''dream'' bike.
I am a long term Giant fan, but not a Propel fan (never ridden one, just don't like the look that much). I like my current TCR Adv. Pro very much, but my ideal bike has always been a Scott Foil. Of course, I would be paying more for even quality since Giant has one of the best price/quality ratio of the industry.
Main reasons for wanting to change my current bike are 1) Aero frame to increase performance, 2) Scott Foil being a bike I always wanted, 3) Deeper wheels (looking for 50mm). I am looking at the Foil 10 2020 and the only thing I dislike about it is the cable routing that is non integrated to the stem. I am keeping my mind open to other brands even if I would really like to get a Foil.
-Scott Foil 10 (Ultegra DI2) = 8 299$
List of similar Aero bikes
-Giant Propel Advanced Pro 1 Disc (Ultegra DI2) - Power meter, speed & cadence sensor included = 6 199$
-Specialized Venge Pro (Ultegra DI2) = 10 299$
-Argon 18 Nitrogen Pro (Ultegra DI2) = 7999$
I am open to your comments / suggestions on the race to aero swap & on these bikes.
The current pandemic situation has given me a lot more time to ride & fortunately, reduced my usual expenses (thanks to teleworking!) to a point where I am now considering buying my ''dream'' bike.
I am a long term Giant fan, but not a Propel fan (never ridden one, just don't like the look that much). I like my current TCR Adv. Pro very much, but my ideal bike has always been a Scott Foil. Of course, I would be paying more for even quality since Giant has one of the best price/quality ratio of the industry.
Main reasons for wanting to change my current bike are 1) Aero frame to increase performance, 2) Scott Foil being a bike I always wanted, 3) Deeper wheels (looking for 50mm). I am looking at the Foil 10 2020 and the only thing I dislike about it is the cable routing that is non integrated to the stem. I am keeping my mind open to other brands even if I would really like to get a Foil.
-Scott Foil 10 (Ultegra DI2) = 8 299$
List of similar Aero bikes
-Giant Propel Advanced Pro 1 Disc (Ultegra DI2) - Power meter, speed & cadence sensor included = 6 199$
-Specialized Venge Pro (Ultegra DI2) = 10 299$
-Argon 18 Nitrogen Pro (Ultegra DI2) = 7999$
I am open to your comments / suggestions on the race to aero swap & on these bikes.
Last edited by eduskator; 06-10-20 at 09:55 AM.
#2
I pedal in my sleep...
As a long time Giant rider, and fan, and I can only comment to say that I'd immediately swap one of my Propels for that Scott.
(Of course, I've also been considering swapping one of the Propels for a newer TCR....)
(Of course, I've also been considering swapping one of the Propels for a newer TCR....)
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#7
I also consider adding a gravel bike to the herd but I have trouble justifying spending a good chunk of change for a bike that'll make me slower, I'll take higher speed on smooth pavement over slower speeds on bumps.
when I was bike shopping I checked out an aero bike vs a race bike and in my particular situation I found the aero bike to be a lot lower on the front end. For me that sealed the deal for the race bike. that was canyon though, other brands may have more similar fits between race and aero
Could also just get nice wheels for the current bike, but that's not nearly as fun as a whole new bike
when I was bike shopping I checked out an aero bike vs a race bike and in my particular situation I found the aero bike to be a lot lower on the front end. For me that sealed the deal for the race bike. that was canyon though, other brands may have more similar fits between race and aero
Could also just get nice wheels for the current bike, but that's not nearly as fun as a whole new bike
#8
Aero is faster. Until you're going uphill. Then weight matters.
Aero bikes have typically been on the heavier side, though weights have been coming down. But if you're not doing a ton of climbing, go aero.
And really, you could build up a nice, light gravel bike and put road tires on it that would essentially replace your TCR.
Aero bikes have typically been on the heavier side, though weights have been coming down. But if you're not doing a ton of climbing, go aero.
And really, you could build up a nice, light gravel bike and put road tires on it that would essentially replace your TCR.
#9
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Eh... unless you're racing, the speed difference from an aero road frame is minimal. Even as a triathlete, while I want my tri bike as aero as can be, I want my road bike to take as many standard parts as possible (standard bars, standard brakes, standard seatpost, etc). Eft if I care if my training rides average 18.1mph instead of 18.0, or if I'm home a minute earlier.
Now, if you want it with that deep-seated lust that puts butterflies in your stomach, go get it. It's just going to be hard to find that in the end it's "worth" it if you're after the old "free speed".
Now, if you want it with that deep-seated lust that puts butterflies in your stomach, go get it. It's just going to be hard to find that in the end it's "worth" it if you're after the old "free speed".
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#10
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I have a Venge and I have an R5, and i honestly dont "feel" faster on one vs the other. If i am, it is probably a very miniscule amount. That said, I have wanted an aero bike - specifically a Venge - pretty much since the day those were released. Last year, i treated myself. Dura Ace Di2, CLX64, the works. I am super happy about the bike and get excited about riding it. To me, that is worth more than the marginal improvement in speed.
Also, aero bikes are pretty good all-rounders these days. My Venge clocks in at around 7.3kg in a size 56. So it isnt as if getting an aero bike will compromise your riding in any way. If the Scott makes your chamois all tingly, get the Scott. Just be sure that you wont have regret about the cabling
(You can probably find a bar + stem setup where the cabling is internal in the bar and then travels either inside the stem or is tucked away underneath it, emerging at the base of the stem near the steerer. This wont be fully invisible but it will look a lot neater.)
Also, aero bikes are pretty good all-rounders these days. My Venge clocks in at around 7.3kg in a size 56. So it isnt as if getting an aero bike will compromise your riding in any way. If the Scott makes your chamois all tingly, get the Scott. Just be sure that you wont have regret about the cabling
(You can probably find a bar + stem setup where the cabling is internal in the bar and then travels either inside the stem or is tucked away underneath it, emerging at the base of the stem near the steerer. This wont be fully invisible but it will look a lot neater.)
#11
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So went to a LBS to see one yesterday, and was a little dissapointed (it was the Foil 20). The non-integrated cables was a big turn off. They enter inside the tube from the downtube, a few inches away from the headtube (??). For a 8.3k + tx bike, it's a big nono for me.
On the other hand, I saw the redesigned 2021 TCR... Still no integrated cables though, but the new larger downtube, and color of the Pro 1 is amazing. I know, it's not an Aero bike, but damn it's hot!
On the other hand, I saw the redesigned 2021 TCR... Still no integrated cables though, but the new larger downtube, and color of the Pro 1 is amazing. I know, it's not an Aero bike, but damn it's hot!
Last edited by eduskator; 06-11-20 at 07:33 AM.
#12
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<--- WARNING! Trek Fanboy here
All the bikes you're interested are certainly drool-worthy and I'm pretty sure you'll be happy with any of them. I wouldn't hesitate for a second to go with a more aero bike... after-all, unless you're looking for a pure climbing bike, aren't all the latest race bikes at least semi-aero these days?
For me personally, I think the latest Trek Madone just checks all the boxes... it's aero, it's a race bike, it has hidden cables, it has the ISO decoupler for a smidge of rider comfort, and I think it looks bad-@ss. The only thing I don't care for is the price, but that's a problem common to all modern aero bikes.
Ok, the Trek fanboy has left the building...
All the bikes you're interested are certainly drool-worthy and I'm pretty sure you'll be happy with any of them. I wouldn't hesitate for a second to go with a more aero bike... after-all, unless you're looking for a pure climbing bike, aren't all the latest race bikes at least semi-aero these days?
For me personally, I think the latest Trek Madone just checks all the boxes... it's aero, it's a race bike, it has hidden cables, it has the ISO decoupler for a smidge of rider comfort, and I think it looks bad-@ss. The only thing I don't care for is the price, but that's a problem common to all modern aero bikes.
Ok, the Trek fanboy has left the building...
#13
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I went from a race bike - Argon18 Gallium - to an aero bike - BH G7 Disc. The BH is my daily rider, although I do switch back to the Gallium every now and again. The difference in the geometry of the bikes is noticeable. I certainly feel more up-right on the race bike as compared to the BH. That said, I don't feel faster on one bike vs. the other. I do prefer riding the BH though, which is likely because the BH is new(er) and has Di2, disc brakes, etc.
I agree with some of the other comments on the thread. All of the bikes you have linked here are drool worthy. I am sure you'll be happy with whatever you get.
I agree with some of the other comments on the thread. All of the bikes you have linked here are drool worthy. I am sure you'll be happy with whatever you get.
#14
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<--- WARNING! Trek Fanboy here
All the bikes you're interested are certainly drool-worthy and I'm pretty sure you'll be happy with any of them. I wouldn't hesitate for a second to go with a more aero bike... after-all, unless you're looking for a pure climbing bike, aren't all the latest race bikes at least semi-aero these days?
For me personally, I think the latest Trek Madone just checks all the boxes... it's aero, it's a race bike, it has hidden cables, it has the ISO decoupler for a smidge of rider comfort, and I think it looks bad-@ss. The only thing I don't care for is the price, but that's a problem common to all modern aero bikes.
Ok, the Trek fanboy has left the building...
All the bikes you're interested are certainly drool-worthy and I'm pretty sure you'll be happy with any of them. I wouldn't hesitate for a second to go with a more aero bike... after-all, unless you're looking for a pure climbing bike, aren't all the latest race bikes at least semi-aero these days?
For me personally, I think the latest Trek Madone just checks all the boxes... it's aero, it's a race bike, it has hidden cables, it has the ISO decoupler for a smidge of rider comfort, and I think it looks bad-@ss. The only thing I don't care for is the price, but that's a problem common to all modern aero bikes.
Ok, the Trek fanboy has left the building...
Guess I'm just dancing with the idea of changing brand for once (getting away from Giant), but it's hard
#15
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IMO aero does not make a bike more fun - besides big changes like a skinsuit and a very aggressive position.
I think weight, stiffness and other, more tangible forms of drag matter more.
One of the best upgrades I made (besides tires) was to a Hambini bottom bracket. With contactless sealed bearings and a stiff alloy housing, the bike “jumps” so much better than before. Way better than the praxis stuff I had before.
If you’re still using that plastic shimano stuff, I would recommend looking into a Hambini or BBinfinite BB.
There’s also no feeling quite like a silky smooth drivetrain, but that can be quite elusive and expensive. Ceramic pulley wheels are “only” $200 or so at some places. When was the last time you replaced your chainrings? People say chainrings last 50,000 miles or whatnot, but if that were true, why do cassettes only last 5-10k miles when there are 11 of them and only 2 chainrings? Especially when the big chainring is made of aluminum.
Not trying to dissuade you from buying a new bike, but it seems like you already have something really nice. IMO you’d benefit more from some TLC on that bike, especially if you look at smiles/$.
What about your shoes? Do they fit absolutely perfectly? Are they plenty stiff? No excess padding, heel slip, or forefoot movement?
EDIT: if you currently have rim brakes, though, I would not advise dumping too much money into your giant. That tech is being left for dead quite rapidly.
I think weight, stiffness and other, more tangible forms of drag matter more.
One of the best upgrades I made (besides tires) was to a Hambini bottom bracket. With contactless sealed bearings and a stiff alloy housing, the bike “jumps” so much better than before. Way better than the praxis stuff I had before.
If you’re still using that plastic shimano stuff, I would recommend looking into a Hambini or BBinfinite BB.
There’s also no feeling quite like a silky smooth drivetrain, but that can be quite elusive and expensive. Ceramic pulley wheels are “only” $200 or so at some places. When was the last time you replaced your chainrings? People say chainrings last 50,000 miles or whatnot, but if that were true, why do cassettes only last 5-10k miles when there are 11 of them and only 2 chainrings? Especially when the big chainring is made of aluminum.
Not trying to dissuade you from buying a new bike, but it seems like you already have something really nice. IMO you’d benefit more from some TLC on that bike, especially if you look at smiles/$.
What about your shoes? Do they fit absolutely perfectly? Are they plenty stiff? No excess padding, heel slip, or forefoot movement?
EDIT: if you currently have rim brakes, though, I would not advise dumping too much money into your giant. That tech is being left for dead quite rapidly.
Last edited by smashndash; 06-11-20 at 12:21 PM.
#16
I went from. 2018 Cannondale Synapse to 2020 Cannondale Super Six ( non high mod ). Swapped over my Ultegra Di2 and Campy Bora tubular wheels. I’m very happy with it now. On the aero aspect once I crest a hill the pickup in speed is dramatic. It is claimed to be very aero and judging from my experience it is indeed. Descends like an amusement park ride and is a delight to climb with either sitting or standing.
#17
Senior Member
Has anyone recently done it?
The current pandemic situation has given me a lot more time to ride & fortunately, reduced my usual expenses (thanks to teleworking!) to a point where I am now considering buying my ''dream'' bike.
I am a long term Giant fan, but not a Propel fan (never ridden one, just don't like the look that much). I like my current TCR Adv. Pro very much, but my ideal bike has always been a Scott Foil. Of course, I would be paying more for even quality since Giant has one of the best price/quality ratio of the industry.
Main reasons for wanting to change my current bike are 1) Aero frame to increase performance, 2) Scott Foil being a bike I always wanted, 3) Deeper wheels (looking for 50mm). I am looking at the Foil 10 2020 and the only thing I dislike about it is the cable routing that is non integrated to the stem. I am keeping my mind open to other brands even if I would really like to get a Foil.
-Scott Foil 10 (Ultegra DI2) = 8 299$
List of similar Aero bikes
-Giant Propel Advanced Pro 1 Disc (Ultegra DI2) - Power meter, speed & cadence sensor included = 6 199$
-Specialized Venge Pro (Ultegra DI2) = 10 299$
-Argon 18 Nitrogen Pro (Ultegra DI2) = 7999$
I am open to your comments / suggestions on the race to aero swap & on these bikes.
The current pandemic situation has given me a lot more time to ride & fortunately, reduced my usual expenses (thanks to teleworking!) to a point where I am now considering buying my ''dream'' bike.
I am a long term Giant fan, but not a Propel fan (never ridden one, just don't like the look that much). I like my current TCR Adv. Pro very much, but my ideal bike has always been a Scott Foil. Of course, I would be paying more for even quality since Giant has one of the best price/quality ratio of the industry.
Main reasons for wanting to change my current bike are 1) Aero frame to increase performance, 2) Scott Foil being a bike I always wanted, 3) Deeper wheels (looking for 50mm). I am looking at the Foil 10 2020 and the only thing I dislike about it is the cable routing that is non integrated to the stem. I am keeping my mind open to other brands even if I would really like to get a Foil.
-Scott Foil 10 (Ultegra DI2) = 8 299$
List of similar Aero bikes
-Giant Propel Advanced Pro 1 Disc (Ultegra DI2) - Power meter, speed & cadence sensor included = 6 199$
-Specialized Venge Pro (Ultegra DI2) = 10 299$
-Argon 18 Nitrogen Pro (Ultegra DI2) = 7999$
I am open to your comments / suggestions on the race to aero swap & on these bikes.
Seems very expensive.
#18
Blazer of saddles, trails
The new TCR is on my short-list for a new bike as well. However, it has a very Giant but non-Giant price of $11k. The value proposition of Giant seems to be waning as it is now priced similarly to other superbikes like the Scott Addict RC, which at least has integrated cables.
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#19
Perceptual Dullard
Not recently. I was forced to a few years ago when my beloved aluminum crit racing bike that had taken me years to get just right was stolen and I replaced it with a then-aero bike. I'm only commenting on your thread so I can say that bike thieves should be strung up with piano wire. By the scrotum.
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#20
Senior Member
The two things I wish mine had are hidden (through the stem) cables & hoses, and that down tube storage cutout the new Trek has.
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#21
Full Member
I thought the weight would be a big disappointment on my Pinarello (17 lbs), which I consider an aero bike for the most part. But the gains I get from the stiffness offset the weight. I don't feel like I lose anything in climbs. I like the stiffer frame. I prefer slightly shallower rims, though. I like my Enve 3.4 for all-around duties. That Scott looks really sweet! The Pinarello is obviously fully internal but is also very expensive.
I've always been very partial to Specialized products and would probably look at the Venge if I were in your shoes.
I've always been very partial to Specialized products and would probably look at the Venge if I were in your shoes.
#22
Senior Member
Is the idea that switching from a race bike to an aero bike will guarantee to produce faster times on the same routes?
Assuming all other factors are the same ofc.
Assuming all other factors are the same ofc.
#23
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I love my Propel but considering a swap for a TCR, also. The Scott is a sweet looking machine, though.
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#25
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So went to a LBS to see one yesterday, and was a little dissapointed (it was the Foil 20). The non-integrated cables was a big turn off. They enter inside the tube from the downtube, a few inches away from the headtube (??). For a 8.3k + tx bike, it's a big nono for me.
On the other hand, I saw the redesigned 2021 TCR... Still no integrated cables though, but the new larger downtube, and color of the Pro 1 is amazing. I know, it's not an Aero bike, but damn it's hot!
On the other hand, I saw the redesigned 2021 TCR... Still no integrated cables though, but the new larger downtube, and color of the Pro 1 is amazing. I know, it's not an Aero bike, but damn it's hot!
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