Recommendations for a Sportive/Gran Fondo type bike.....

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fromtrektocolnago
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Joined: Sat Dec 07, 2013 10:15 pm

by fromtrektocolnago

Go with a Colnago c-59. It's relatively light, comfortable , compliant and can be made to climb and go fast. Most importantly it's not jarring or overly stiff.
Colnago C-59 (Dura Ace)
Firefly(Ultegra)
Colnago C-64 disc(ultegra) with Bora 35 wheels

by Weenie


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vlastrada
Posts: 225
Joined: Sun Feb 03, 2013 3:12 am
Location: uphill

by vlastrada

..I would consider a C59 or a De Rosa...and no need to pay ridiculous US prices, you could buy direct from Europe
Comfortable enough, a few spacers and you are off....Or maybe a Parlee?
As for Specialized I dig the SL4, but the Roubaix with its plastic, ahem "Zertz", inserts, silly seatpost and far too much marketing hype...not so much :)
Good luck!

tonytourist
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Joined: Sat Oct 10, 2009 7:13 am
Location: 90039

by tonytourist

My dad has a BMC GF01 and it's a pretty nice bike.
It handles pretty well in my opinion, plus it's pretty comfortable with 28s on it (Hutchinson Secteur).

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FIJIGabe
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Joined: Tue Sep 11, 2012 6:07 pm
Location: The Lone Star State

by FIJIGabe

I don't want to sound like a broke record, but my experience is with Trek, and I can't speak highly enough about the Domane. My wife has a 6 series and loves it. It is comfortable for longer rides, has a relaxed riding position (Trek's H3 fit), and has provisions for fender mounts both front and rear, so if you do ride in inclement weather, you can always put your fenders on (they're about $45 from Trek, so you can keep a set at home and some at the office, if you do ever ride there). Her bike is a 50cm frame with Ultegra 6700. With pedals, cages and her Garmin, it came in at 16.5lbs. She isn't a weight weenie, so I haven't done anything to lower the weight on her bike.

jo.k
Posts: 196
Joined: Fri Jan 09, 2009 11:39 pm
Location: Norway

by jo.k

I really like this:

http://www.hampsten.com/bikes/max

Haven't ridden it though.

gravity
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Joined: Sat Feb 25, 2012 10:01 am

by gravity

Miller76 wrote:A good balance of comments. Legs 11 makes some good points, and maybe I am just looking for a change, and a new frame could be what I'm looking for.

@btompkins, which custom steel builder would you recommend/suggest? I've looked at Gaulzetti Cazzo, Form Revel, Stoemper.......


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Hi Miller,

From what I can recall from reading thru Velocipedesalon forum, the Gaulzettis are made with aggresive geometry (short heat tube). By the look of their stock geo, I can say that those geometries might not have the handling and comfort you're looking at. But I must say Craig Gaulzetti makes a reallu beautiful bike tho..

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Miller76
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Joined: Wed Jul 27, 2011 5:08 am

by Miller76

I love the Hampsten frames, and I looked at them a while ago. My concern is the lack of BB30. I am a huge fan of my Hollowgram cranks and would really like to carry these, and possibly the newer version to the new frame that I end up with. I'm more inclined to go with something steel and hand-built.
I like the Gaulzetti Cazzo a lot, and the BB30 option is only an extra $100. A Factory Lightweight from IF is around the same price. The steel Condor is the cheapest option, I really like the team color (black with a touch of pink) I've started to investigate more custom steel builders and it's not going to be an easy decision. Until then I will try to get a 25mm offset seat post on the Rivet and put in some extra miles.


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mrfish
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Joined: Wed Mar 28, 2007 12:49 pm
Location: Near Horgen, Switzerland

by mrfish

1) Decide how much you want to spend
2) Decide whether you want the latest technology or something more classical
3) Narrow down based on fit
4) If you have a tendency to break things, choose one with a long warranty
5) Buy one with the nicest paint

If it fits properly then the tyre size and frame material don't make so much difference. If you like the look of the bike you will be happy, ride it more and that is the main thing.

I like Parlees, Colnagos, Pinarellos, 1980s steel with highly polished campagnolo (showing my age), Klein MTBs and anything from Rob English's workshop.

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Miller76
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Joined: Wed Jul 27, 2011 5:08 am

by Miller76

Hey mrfish - I've decided I can possible spend up to $4,000 on the frame. At this point I am dreaming of something more classical. I think I've got a hankering to move away from carbon - If the weather holds this weekend I am riding a friends super mint Colnago Master. Given my budget I am seriously considering a Speedvagen but given I flipflop more than a hipster riding a fixie this could be a long process... (I also like the SSR (Stainless Steel Road) from IF)

To put this all in context, almost all of my bikes, groupsets and wheels have been purchased second hand, and now I am at a stage where I can truly afford to treat myself to something I have always lusted after.

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fa63
Posts: 2533
Joined: Mon Feb 19, 2007 7:26 am
Location: Atlanta, GA, US

by fa63

I think a custom titanium or stainless steel frame may be the way to go. With it being custom, the fit should be good (hopefully) but then I would make sure the frame/fork have room to handle larger tires for added comfort. To me, tires make the biggest difference. I have ridden the same steel frame with 23mm tires and 28mm tires, and the difference between the two are night and day in terms of comfort.

For $4K budget for a frame, you have many many options if you are in the US. Depending on where you are located, it might be best to find a couple reputable local builders and talk to them to see what they can come up with for you.

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Miller76
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Joined: Wed Jul 27, 2011 5:08 am

by Miller76

Can anyone recommend custom frame builders in and around the NJ/NY area? Thanks

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Miller76
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by Miller76

Image this is gorgeous....

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fa63
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Joined: Mon Feb 19, 2007 7:26 am
Location: Atlanta, GA, US

by fa63

Miller76 wrote:Can anyone recommend custom frame builders in and around the NJ/NY area? Thanks


Yes, Mike Zanconato :) He does pretty much steel only, but I think he is tooling up to start building titanium frames. Here is mine right after I first got it, I have been very happy with it:

Image

There is also the legendary Tom Kellogg and Spectrum Cycles in PA, so not too far away. His fitting skills and titanium frames are very highly regarded.

Speedvagen are nice too :)

MarkTwain
Posts: 208
Joined: Sat Feb 23, 2013 10:51 pm

by MarkTwain

fa63, nice bike. But would have looked better with 15mm of spacers.

Something others looking to go custom with a large head tube should take note of.

by Weenie


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fa63
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Joined: Mon Feb 19, 2007 7:26 am
Location: Atlanta, GA, US

by fa63

Thanks. I actually prefer the long head tube with no spacers look but of course tastes differ.

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