Frame selection - Storck, Cervelo, ...?

tonyd

Hi all,

I'm in a bit of a quandry. I used to just mtb, but have been riding on the road for a few years now on a Specialized Allez Elite which, although being a size too large, has stood me in very good stead. I've decided I love road riding enough to warrant a new (better fitted) bike and have decided I should splash out on something a bit special.

This is where you guys come in! I've been for a fitting, have spoken to many friends, LBS owners/workers, bike fanatics, and think I have myself down to a choice of two (/three). Either a Cervelo R3 (or R3SL if I can really push the boat out) or a Storck (prob Fascenario 0.8 ) with some nice trimmings. Now I know that once you get to that kind of spec they're all 'pretty much the same' but I'm still dithering.

The Storck sounds really nice, and given they don't have a pro team yet I think maybe the prices are a little more reasonable. On the other hand the Cervelo has the backing, and therefore the intensive testing program that comes with, a pro team. I know Storck use a rig that apparently replicates this kind of testing but there's nothing like real life right?

My biggest problem I think is that I haven't ridden either of them. My LBS has an R3 as a demo, but in a size bigger than I'd want, so not sure what that would get me, and Storck are hard enough to find in the UK, let alone demo.

From what I can gather the Storck is super rigid, light, responsive, but will it be so much so that it'll shake me to pieces on my local poorly maintained country lanes?

Speaking of riding, my main type of riding is weekenders, 2-6 hours depending on time available and time of year, with 4-5 triathlons per year thrown in for good measure. To this end my main requirement is really comfort and enjoyment. I'm no where near competitive enough to think about aerodynamics etc and if I'm totally honest I probably couldn't justify spending this much at my ability, but I'm sure you all understand where I'm coming from

Obviously looks are a factor, but more than anything I want something understated, from a good, ethical, and preferably small manufacturer with good history, reputation, and quality within the bike building industry. Not much eh?!

My budget was £3k for the complete bike, wheels and all, but this is obviously creeping. £4k is absolute limit and likely to get me into a lot of trouble with her indoors

So what are everyones thoughts?

Thanks!

terongi

Sounds like a complete waste of money to me.

If I had £4,000 to spend for what you want to do, I would have a frame made to measure in high quality triple-butted titanium and then buy beautiful wheels and a classy groupset. Your budget might then stretch to an extra set of disc wheels for the triathlons.

A made to measure frame will be more comfortable and energy efficient. Therefore you will go faster for longer.

The kind of spec you get on those Storcks and Cervelos are completely wasted on those of us who don't race in the protour.

Unless you just want the name on the side of the frame, but that's up to you.

captain_oakley

On that budget, go European.... Look, Pinerallo, De Rosa, Eddy Mercyx.


"Round up the usual suspects"

Kléber

On that budget, go US. The dollar is weak and you can snare a bargain. Canadian Cervélos are cheap. But if you want comfort, go for titanium, it is flexier but comfortable.

Tom Butcher

It is a waste of money in terms of extra performance but it's your money to waste and it's still less than a cheap car. I'd probably go for titanium too - seems to fit the sort of riding you do and you will be less paranoid about damaging the frame or scratching the paint than if you get carbon. If it was me something like a DeRosa titanio or do Bertoletti do custom titanium. If you are dead set on one of those two you list I'd get the Cervelo as the Storck sounds like it might be a bit too stiff for leisure riding. I got my Look 585 for under 2 grand minus seatpost and saddle so if you look around you should be able to stick to your 3k budget.

mr-ed

Ride the larger frame. See how you like it, get an idea of how it handles and feels. If you like that then one the right size is only going to be better. I love the look of the R3s and would love to get one! I have to say i ride an older Look 386 atm, which is great but looking at the spec's of the new Looks compared to the Cervelo's I'd get the Cervelo. You could get a decent spec on it for 3K. The main problem is going to be comfort but you need to give it a ride and see what you think! Other than that if you plan is to do Triathlons then perhaps also look at the Soloist.

wildmoustache

Soloist is a very good call.

It is heavier though but will serve uu better for tri.with the seatpost arrangement

That said my hunch is you want something superlight

Maybe look at parlee custom carbon

To be honest though its contact points that really matter and my view is that custom is for most people something that puts their mind at ease rather than something they need to get comfortable. The permutations with stock frames and stems bars cranks etc wld easily run into the billions. If you want a particular frame characteristic then custom makes more sense. Eg uberstifness

I'd maybe consider the focus izalco team. Its about 2500pds and has sram red

tonyd

Thanks for all the replies so far.

Kleber, you mention go US - that's was actually my original intention as I get the opportunity from time to time to travel to the US with work. I've contemplated getting one built up ahead of my next visit, collect it and ride it a couple of times before bringing it back (used) in a bag.

Problem is I'm unsure how any potential warranty issues might go - will the UK importer touch a frame that they didn't import? Also, how does the VAT work?

Once I started thinking these thoughts, along with the old 'support the LBS wherever possible' mentality I began looking at UK prices, hence the budget increase.

aracer

tonyd wrote:

will the UK importer touch a frame that they didn't import?

Not unreasonably, no they won't in general - after all they've not made any money out of it. You should also pay duty and VAT when you bring a bike back from the US whether or not it's used - otherwise you're smuggling (though undoubtedly we'll get the smuggling fans coming out of the woodwork again complaining how much of a rip off Britain is!)

Not that convinced by the custom arguments either - anybody with reasonably normal proportions should be able to get a good fit on most stock frames. The crucial thing is getting a good fit - and if you don't know what a good fit is then it's worth spending some of your budget on getting one done. As for comfort, well the frame makes no perceptible difference - just get slightly wider tyres if that's an issue. As mentioned before, contact points are also important.

tonyd

I considered the soloist but kind of decided that the aerodynamic advantages would probably get wiped out on the first decent hill!

I'm really not fast or competitive enough to be overly worried about aero qualities, super light, super stiff, etc. My main requirement I think is that it will be comfortable on long rides over poor surfaces - you know those small lanes with rumbly, crumbly tarmac?

Think I'll demo the larger frame as per Mr-Ed.

Thanks again all.

wildmoustache

tonyd wrote:

I considered the soloist but kind of decided that the aerodynamic advantages would probably get wiped out on the first decent hill!

I'm really not fast or competitive enough to be overly worried about aero qualities, super light, super stiff, etc. My main requirement I think is that it will be comfortable on long rides over poor surfaces - you know those small lanes with rumbly, crumbly tarmac?

Think I'll demo the larger frame as per Mr-Ed.

Thanks again all.[/quote

In that case Ti with 25mm tyres might be the thing

giant_man

If you're spending that money don't forget to look at other decent carbon manufacturers such as Parlee, Canyon, Cyfac, etc.

It isn't a waste of money at all so don't worry about such comments. It doesn't matter if you race or not, why can't you have such a machine?

Cervelo has the backing? Of what? They can still fail, and have, the same as any high end carbon frame. Of the two, my choice would be the Storck.

But you're right in wanting a test ride of whatever you go for, I would insist on it.

Kléber

I bought my frame (Scott Addict) in the US and checked with the manufacturer who said they had a worldwide warranty on their frames. I kept the email just in case but they said that if I had a problem with the frame bought in the US, I could visit my local dealer in the UK and get the problem fixed. So ask before you buy.

wildmoustache

Well said giant man. If u want a highend machine then go for it

sloxam

totally agree, if you've got the cash spend it on what you want. you could spend £2k on a bike and always wonder what if.... in the meantime you upgrade your motor with the spare £2k and when you drive it off the forecourt your £2k has gone.
treat yourself, get the best you can afford and remember, quality bikes depreciate slower than cars. (on ebay anyway!)

gkerr4

yeah - you go for it - you can't take the money with you, you know!

I'd go for a cervelo - i really like them - i would go for the RS model - a bit more sportive oriented and I think that the geometry would be better suited to my ability! (i.e. more comfortable)

aracer

I've certainly nothing against somebody spending that sort of money on a bike either. After all, it's not as if racing on it at the level most of us here race would provide any more justification, and there are plenty here who spend that much (or more) on a bike.

Hudster

It's nearly impossible isn't it - choosing a bike without having ridden it first. I've just been through exactly the same thing myself, but am pleased to say I'm delighted with what I ended up with in the end.
I would say that it is important to get the fit correct, so concentrate on this. You don't have to go custom to get it correct either - if anything I would say custom was more a waste of money unless you are unusually proportioned. Mind you, it's only a waste of money if you are unhappy with what you got, so ignore this arguement altogether.

I'd also disagree that the frame makes no difference, having just swapped my frame only, the new one is vastly more comfortable and absorbs the small vibrations of a poor road surface much better. It's not like suspension, you still feel big bumps, but it also has a floaty smooth feel. It's also much stiffer and can corner and accelerate miles better than the old. So the bike does make a difference.

Although, different bikes sold at the same level probably are all pretty good, so it may end up being decided on what you prefer the look of, or the 'romance' of.

If it was my money I'd go Storck because I love the looks.

Oh, and to ever that said go European, Germany was in Europe last time I looked....

Sea_Green_Incorruptible

Damn it man spend the money. Of course you won't go noticable faster than on a £1500 bike, but you will stil FEEL like you are and that's what's important.

If it was me I'd go for an Orbea Orca. Those things are just the business.... *sigh*

EDIT. And anyway, its only what some people might spend on getting red brake calipers for their Porsche or something...

tonyd

I know what you mean about the Orca Sea Green, unfortunately two people I ride with have it already so I couldn't possibly

I'm trying to bring the budget back into a more manageable realm, the Storck Scenario 1.0 (in custom black) is pretty nice huh?

http://www.storck-bicycle.de/en/web-anz ... ad%20Bikes

Brian B

Go for the Fascenario. I have Storck 0.9 or the absolutist as its called for 2008 and its amazing. It climbs great, descends like its stuck to the road with glue, acceralates on the flat like a demon and of course it looks good. Its a fair bit stiffer than a Cervelo and thats saying something and its not for people who like comfort - just speed.

They are pretty scarce and you dont see many at Brittish events. Phone Wally at Posh Bikes and believe everything he tells you - I was sceptical but when I got mines I knew it was not just a sales pitch. I am in no way affilated with Posbikes - just a satisfied customer.

www.poshbikes.com

il_principe

I like the look of the Storck bikes. Personally if I had £4k burning a hole in my pocket I'd go Euro too (actually I did recently and bought a Pinarello Prince). I've read about a few recalls from Cervelo recently which always worries me, but if they're good enough for CSC etc etc.

For that money custom is also worth looking at and I'd throw Serotta into the mix already mentioned (I know, not Euro). I can highly recommend the Prince though, it is an absolutely stonking bike.

As for the cost, if you can afford then who cares! I don't even own a car and I'd much rather spend that kind of money on a top notch bike than some piece of cr@p car!

Road test as many bikes as you can though, you'll be amazed how different they can feel.