5 Bikes, 1 Ass
Since I was on vacation last week (one of the" hang around the house" type), I thought I go out and do something fun and different. Now, since I plan on getting a new bike next spring, it makes sense that I'd want to go take a few out for a road test before buying right? Well, what made even more sense to me was test riding some now while I'm feeling really good (as opposed to all rusty in the Spring), and while the feel of my current bike was fresh in my bones. So I went to Wheelworks in Belmont with a list of potential new rides.

• The first machine I took out was the new Specialized Roubaix Comp 18 with a Shimano Ultegra drive train (except for the FSA carbon crank). I had heard very good reviews of this bike. One of the things that is unique about this particular model is the Zertz gel inserts in the fork, seat stays and seat post. They are supposed to dampen a lot of the high frequency vibration and smooth out the ride. I have to say they work very well. The ride was super smooth. As great as that may sound though, I felt that it took away some of the crispness and agility needed for sprinting and climbing. For me, the ride was a little to spongy. Still overall, this is a nice bike and would be great for doing centuries where body fatigue from road vibration really plays a roll.

• The second in the line up was a Trek 5500 with the new Dura Ace 10 speed set up. This bike was awesome. Steering was tight and precise without being twitchy, the ride was stiff but comfortable and the drive train felt like every ounce of energy I put into peddling went right into the bike. The only downside was the price, which, with the Dura Ace setup, was about $1,000 more than the Roubaix. This is to be expected but it's on the very top end of my price range.

• The third in line was a Cannondale Six 13 with the Campagnolo Centaur 10 speed group. I really, really, really wanted to love this bike. I've been a big fan of Cannondale for a long time; I love my R500 to spite the ho hum group set. Unfortunate, the new Six 13 was a let down. The handling was super twitchy, the ride felt hollow and a little lifeless (though better in a sprint than the Roubaix) and the Fi'zi:k Arione saddle was not as comfortable as I had hoped (though admittedly, saddles are a VERY personal thing). Don't get me wrong though, this is a great bike, just not a great bike for me and not at all what I had expected. Maybe the more expensive model with the Dura Ace Group would be a little better.
  

I wanted to try out a Kestrel Talon, but they didn't have one in my size. The salesman had some time on his hands (being a Monday morning and all) and looked around for something else that would be fun for me to try out.

• It ended up being a brand new Orbea Orca Team Jelly Belly that they had just got in. This is a sweet ride!! The carbon fibre tube work was just beautiful. It felt very similar to the Trek but the ride was a little silkier. The most noticeable difference was the 10 speed Campy Chorus drive train; It was definitely not as stiff and precise as the New Shimano and I still really don't dig the thumb shifters. But I tell ya, hook this bike up with the Dura Ace 10 speed and you'd have a masterpiece on your hands.

After that, I had one last bike on my list that I wanted to try but they didn't carry it . So, I was off to International Cycles in Newton to see if I could track one down.

• The bike I speak of is the Cervelo Soloist Team. This is another bike that I've heard really good things about so I was very eager to check on out. WOW!! I got on and it felt like this bike was made for me, like it was en extending of my body. It was light, nimble, solid and comfortable; it just plain did everything well. The only problem with this bike, and the salesman told me about this right up front, is the brakes suck. He also said that he'd replace them with Ultegra Brakes to match the rest of the group on the bike for little or no cost. I am so pumped!! I have absolutely found my next bike!! As a bonus this was also the least expensive of all the bike I tried.
  

So here's the round up in my order of preference:

1. Cervelo Soloist Team
2. Trek 5500
3. Orbea Orca Jelly Belly '04
4. Cannondale Six 13
5. Specialized Roubaix Comp 18

All Great bikes. This experience has definitely tought me that reviews and perception of a bike based on reading the specs is no substitute for actually putting it through its paces.
 
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Posted by PunkAss at 2:50 PM