How much noticeable difference between sportive/racing bikes

Rhods

Hi

Just wondering, really, how much difference, say, a Cat 3/4 racer really notices between something like a Roubaix and a Tarmac / Defy and TCR etc in terms power transfer and speed etc?

Added complicating factor, I suppose, is the fact that the Ribble Sportive Racing is billed as both!

Your views appreciated.

Wooliferkins

The sportive bikes usually have slightlly slacker angles to facilitate a bit of comfort for longer days in the saddle.

Rhods

Thanks for that. Maybe I should have been clearer.

I understand the difference in geometry and the effects this produces in terms of comfort, but what I'm asking is whether someone of Cat 3/4 standard etc will experience much difference in terms of any wasteage in power transfer etc? i.e. is it enough to lose you a race or is it better to go with whaterver you are comfortable with at that level?

Monty Dog

Depends on your riding style and weight - plenty of people race on the likes of a Specialized Roubaix, but just don't expect the same level of power transfer and stiffness as an out and out race frame. Some stiff frames can feel uncomfortable and draining after a few hours so it really depends on what you're planning to use it for. TBH the margin of difference between bikes is generally insignificant to the outcome of races - fitness and race craft are far more critical at this level - if you have a comfortable bike that enables you to get the miles in will be more benefit than some uber-stiff race bike that rattles your fillings and wears you out after a few hours. I'm lucky to have a choice of bikes to ride and the one that gets used least is the rock-solid race-oriented frame.

Simon Notley

I think the difference is likley to be insignificant. Being comfortable on the bike is a prerequisite to being able to train and race well, so that should be the primary aim. This is especially true if you only own one bike. Whether you are more comfortable with a 'sportive' or 'race' bike is likley to be highly personal, so I'm not saying that sportive bikes are always the better choice.

Be aware that some sportive bikes have quite long head tubes, which may limit your ability to get the bars down low for time trialling or racing if that's what you want to do. Other than that, I doubt there is much difference in terms of power transfer.

Rhods

Thanks guys, I thought as much, especially, as you say, if you have jus the one bike. I'm not in the market for a new bike, but I was just wondering, with all the nit-picking in tests I've read recently, how much difference would the geometry etc of bikes of equal quality make.

I'll bear all this in mind when I am in the market for a new bike,

As an aside, I tested a Wilier Izoard and it was fantastic (compared to my relatively aggressive alu bike). Very comforable and climbing was far easier! Is the Izoard classed as a race or a sportive bike (not that it matters!)?

Cheers

kingrollo

I would say the izoard is a racer - but the marketing boys, will spin that its suitable for both - which it probably is. as has been said above , you can race on a sportive, and vice versa

on-yer-bike

Rhods wrote:

Thanks guys, I thought as much, especially, as you say, if you have jus the one bike. I'm not in the market for a new bike, but I was just wondering, with all the nit-picking in tests I've read recently, how much difference would the geometry etc of bikes of equal quality make.

I'll bear all this in mind when I am in the market for a new bike,

As an aside, I tested a Wilier Izoard and it was fantastic (compared to my relatively aggressive alu bike). Very comforable and climbing was far easier! Is the Izoard classed as a race or a sportive bike (not that it matters!)?

Cheers

Now go and try a Cervelo RS. It will be comfortable than Wilier but feel faster.

Rhods

If I'm right, the frame and forks alone cost the same as the Wilier built up with Centuar! I'd expect it to be pretty comfy and quick! But if I ever win the lottery I'll put it on the list.

agnello

on-yer-bike wrote:

Rhods wrote:

Thanks guys, I thought as much, especially, as you say, if you have jus the one bike. I'm not in the market for a new bike, but I was just wondering, with all the nit-picking in tests I've read recently, how much difference would the geometry etc of bikes of equal quality make.

I'll bear all this in mind when I am in the market for a new bike,

As an aside, I tested a Wilier Izoard and it was fantastic (compared to my relatively aggressive alu bike). Very comforable and climbing was far easier! Is the Izoard classed as a race or a sportive bike (not that it matters!)?

Cheers

Now go and try a Cervelo RS. It will be comfortable than Wilier but feel faster.

Yes but it's not Italian and Rhods may not be a dentist