Crit / flat road bike?

[JLB123]

Hi,

I’m looking to invest in a decent race bike (but I’m not too serious). As a heavy rider who realistically is never going to be competitive on any sort of gradient, the obvious (coming from someone with very little cycling knowledge!) seems to be:

1. Buy a Specialized Allez Sprint frame. Accept that it’s 600-700g heavier than a top of the range carbon bike but probably as stiff (and stiffer than any carbon bike I’d actually likely be willing to buy?)
2. Stick Ultegra on (again, accept the 100g weight penalty)
3. Stick some aero handlebars and deep wheels on

If I do this, I’d be looking at ~£2.5-3k build cost depending on wheels.

Is this sensible, or am I being stupid? I think realistically decision would be between this and an entry level (~£3k) version of Giant Propel / Canyon Aeroad etc... It looks like between these and the Allez there’d only be maybe 200-300g weight penalty, so if Allez is likely to be a bit stiffer (and more robust for Crit racing!!) it seems sensible?

Thanks!

[Brucey]

when all is said and done you ought to buy whatever bike makes you happiest.

But if -as a "not too serious" rider- you are agonising over 100g here and there presumably you think there is something significant to be gained. Needless to say the main thing that makes you go fast is training, not a super-lightweight bike. But you probably knew that already.

cheers

[peetee]

As, by your own admission, you are a heavy rider the addition of a few hundred grams to the bike is utterly inconsequential.
If you are a strong rider and/or using it to compete you should be far more concerned about how the bike feels and responds to your riding style. You may well find that the heavier frame, whichever that is, does a better job of transmitting your power to the road and offsets any efficiency gain achievable from making the bike lighter. Road speed, especially in a crit environment, is more often achieved from having a bike that feels 'planted' rather than light and skittish.

[alexnharvey]

Will you also have a training bike or is it likely you'll be using this bike for both training and events? The level of stiffness that the aluminium bike has might be of benefit in a short race might be less than ideal when training.

[mig]

buy one that fits you.

where the three contact points are in the right place for you.

[mattheus]

I'm not toooo up on the specs etc of the latest fast bikes, but these sound like sensible decisions.

... and more robust for Crit racing!!)

Yes, I think that's a good reason for avoiding expensive/fragile bits. Because at some point, you're gonna crash

[JLB123]

Thanks all, helpful.

Couple of follow ups:

1. How do you determine bike fit? I was planning to(a) try one and make sure it feels comfortable, then (b) if getting really keen get a bike fit, but is there more to do before buying?

2. Feeling planted - similar question - is this just about trying out bike, making sure it feels good, or is there more to it than this?

Thanks again!

[Marcus Aurelius]

Buy the one on which you can pull the sickest wheelies.

[peetee]

Thanks all, helpful.

Couple of follow ups:

1. How do you determine bike fit? I was planning to(a) try one and make sure it feels comfortable, then (b) if getting really keen get a bike fit, but is there more to do before buying?

2. Feeling planted - similar question - is this just about trying out bike, making sure it feels good, or is there more to it than this?

Thanks again!

Bike fit is not always necessary. It is determined by a set of generalised parameters that may or may not produce results but in most cases where injury or discomfort exists it can be A Very Good Thing. When you have been riding for years and your muscles have developed from a particular riding position being 'put right' on a bike fit can take some time to adjust to - if ever.
As for feeling planted, I am referring to your willingness and confidence in the bikes handling and response to your input to give it everything on, say, a sprint exiting a corner or heavy braking on a badly surfaced, twisting downhill.
I have owned quite a few road frames over the years and some time back hankered after a frame built with a particular tubeset. I eventually got one but for some reason, while every other frame was to my liking, it's handling is very twitchy and I barely ride it.
You never know.

[mattsccm]

Eye up other racers bikes. What is popular at your Crit series?
Likely to be crashed so don't buy anything too precious. Alloy is tougher in this respect than carbon. Buy used.

[Jamesh]

Last years Cannondale supersix 105 sm would be my choice but I'm biased.

Giant propel are good value too as are canyon aero roads.

I have damaged my alloy bike as much as my carbon bike tbh.

Cheers James

[RickH]

I have damaged my alloy bike as much as my carbon bike tbh.

Cheers James

Just don't try this trick at home
[youtube]ElGDtjbKzy4[/youtube]
Probably wouldn't have done an alloy bike much good either!