Just wondering what you all use your bikes for? I'm sure that these are great crit and race bikes, but I'd like to be able to take it on some rough back country (gravel, dirt, rocks) roads as well and not be jarred to shit. Not that I need a plush hybrid, but I've heard so many mixed things about the stiffness that I wanted to get some first hand reports about how this effects the overall ride.

I would. It was my do all bike for 1+ seasons. There is enough clearance for Hed rims and 25mm ProRace3s (measured 27mm) and then some. I had no issues with ride quality and my other wheels were 23mm Conti Competitions wrapped around some Enve 6.7s and some other wheels in between.

I'm running a different bike right now, so the frame/fork seatpost are hanging up. Do you need a 54cm?

_________________
www.ergottwheels.com

I replaced my Cervelo R3 with a Spooky Skeletor last year. I use it for training/racing.

This was my first aluminum bike. The ride is lively, as expected, but the only noticeable difference was a bit more road vibration in the seat (Thomson set-back post on both). After two weeks, I didn't notice it anymore. I'd absolutely ride it on a gravel road. Tire choice would made/break the ride more than the frameset.

_________________
Chris B

Speaking as a CAAD 5 owner & rider, I can honestly say - my Spooky was stiffer.

So, if you want a really stiff, hard riding frame, then Spooky's for you.

Not especially light BTW.

Not to mention the exciting buying experience.

And crappy packaging.

_________________
dangerous curves ahead

It's the best bike I have ever ridden or owned. I'd buy one again in a heartbeat.

_________________
green jacket, gold jacket...who gives a sh*t

Not worried as much about weight and I need a 57-58ish or so. I normally ride either Hed Belgian handbuilts or 404 Firecrests and race almost exclusively on 808 Firecrests so chainstay clearance is an issue. As for tires I have a slew of options that I switch between across the season so that's not an issue whatsoever. I've had an Allez and a Caad10 and only the Allez was particularly jarring. The CAAD was actually not rough at all, but I used a carbon post on that.

If we are talking about a Spooky road frame, then I'd suggest it would be the absolute last on my list for this application. It's a very stiff frame. Crits- yes.

_________________
dangerous curves ahead

I put some Ruffy Tuffy's 28s, measured 27 on A23 rims, on my Skeletor and ride all sorts of roads/dirt stuff. The frame wasnt the thing holding me back on riding, but then again, I wouldnt be doing any single track either. Do it.

I do this stuff maybe 1x/week in the base period and at training camps. Other than that its normal roads.

I owned one and loved its stiffness.

However, mine was an older one and nothing wider than a 23mm tyre would fit.
Mickey is a great guy who is trying to do interesting stuff. That said, his operation isn't as smooth & consistent as a major manufacturer. (finish, communication, etc)

I had no complaints on the ride quality of mine - but I'm flexible and still on the young side of things.

And yet the guy that makes them doesn't hesitate to take his off-road and bash the dickens out of it.

Perhaps I should have taken mine off road

_________________
dangerous curves ahead

Apart from the compact geo that gives you 9 foot long seat post, lovely.

The last thing I needs another bike but I have looking at those a litle too much of late.

Nice looking bike - what wheels are those?

Older Zipp 303 tubular rims with generic hubs and most of the stickers removed.

_________________
dangerous curves ahead