New frame dilemma, heart or head?

on-yer-bike

I have a Wilier Izoard and I love everything about it; looks, heritage, style, but not the harsh ride. I started cycling 9 months ago and at that point wasn't able to make an experienced assessment of the ride and wasn't really aware of how much geometry and build mattered. Also I didn't know then what kind of riding I would be doing and have ended up doing sportives plus a few club time trials. I also never imagined I'd be riding 120 miles some weekends.

So at the age of 53 I launched myself into this new activity and now suffer from chronic neck pain and Bursitis in the right sit bone. But I'm not that bad, being able keep up with some riders over twenty years younger and getting gold times on Sportives.

I rode a Cervelo RS last autumn for a weekend and the difference was more than I could have imagined it was just more comfy, period. Since then I have wondered about changing frames and have finally gone for it, taking the inevitable financial hit. Interestingly, I also test rode, for a short distance, a Cento 1 which felt more compliant than the Izoard.

I haven't received it yet but now I'm wondering if I've done the right thing because the Cervelo just hasn't got the same buzz...

Lagavulin

I think you've made the right decision. Sure the Izoard looks better than the Cervelo (in my opinion too) but if it's causing you severe physical discomfort when you ride it then, asuming an expert bike fitting couldn't resolve the issues, it has to go.

Must say I personally don't find the Wilier harsh and think it has superior ride to my Allez. I am however half your age but thne I've also never done more than 80 miles in a single ride either.
Also intrigued that you found the Cento Uno more compliant. If the Izoard does start to cause me discomfort.... £££ :twisted:

Slow Downcp

Is the Willier uncomfortable because of the bike, or because it is set up wrong? The symptoms you suggest point to wrong fitting (or size)?

on-yer-bike

Slow Downcp wrote:

Is the Willier uncomfortable because of the bike, or because it is set up wrong? The symptoms you suggest point to wrong fitting (or size)?

No its not set up wrong nor the wrong size. I have the maximum safe amount of spacers under the stem. I have longish legs for my height which means high saddle and biggish 8 cm drop to bar distance and if it was a size smaller the drop would be another 2 cm. It is a racing bike and it transmits all the rough terrain straight through to the rider. I only have 100-105 psi in the tyres.

Lagavulin

on-yer-bike wrote:

It is a racing bike and it transmits all the rough terrain straight through to the rider. I only have 100-105 psi in the tyres.

They claim to have tweaked the geometry for the '08 onwards design to make it more of a sportive friendly bike.

A new curved fork and a 27.2mm seatpost with a shim would probably cost as much if not more than the hit you're taking for getting rid of it.

If its not for you its not for you and you're probably better off getting rid of it 9 months in rather than waiting. At least now it's still just last years model.

on-yer-bike

Lagavulin wrote:

on-yer-bike wrote:

It is a racing bike and it transmits all the rough terrain straight through to the rider. I only have 100-105 psi in the tyres.

They claim to have tweaked the geometry for the '08 onwards design to make it more of a sportive friendly bike.

A new curved fork and a 27.2mm seatpost with a shim would probably cost as much if not more than the hit you're taking for getting rid of it.

If its not for you its not for you and you're probably better off getting rid of it 9 months in rather than waiting. At least now it's still just last years model.

Its actually the 2nd one, the first went yellow. So It was new in October/November

ride_whenever

Buy a Ti frame and move the parts over...

giant_man

Cervelo over the Wilier. Period. The RS is a nice frame.

on-yer-bike

giant mancp wrote:

Cervelo over the Wilier. Period. The RS is a nice frame.

As a graphic designer, like me, which one do you prefer the look of just out of interest?

jibberjim

I have a Cervelo RS, and a Giant SCR-1 - set up as near as possibly identically, using the same wheels all the time, so that should rule out most things other than the frame itself for comfort.

The Cervelo is miles more comfortable than the Giant. The Giant is not uncomfortable particularly - not like the bad-ish fitting borrowed steel 15 year old thing I was using on Dutch cobbles lots last year, but it's just not as comfortable as the Cervelo. The Cervelo is just more comfortable.

So I think you've made a great choice Of course I would say that, as you're confirming my bike choice!

on-yer-bike

Ok its done and built this wekend, looks great with black Fulcrum 3s, just got to have the steerer cut tomorrow at the LBS. I also tried a Fizik Aliante Gamma today which is the most comfy saddle I've ridden so I think that will be going on it despite the weight (black). i've had it with Toupes so has my right sit bone. Only snag with the Aliante is its depth.

Now I have to sell the Izoard, Toupe GEL and Centaur collar front mech.

kingrollo

I ride the izoard - no matter how much it hurt - just love that bike ! - .....come the September firesale !