Cyclosportives

nigeve

I was flicking through Cycle Pro magazine last night and saw a 2 page spread by Ribble. Thought their bikes looked rather nice to be honest, although I haven’t investigated them much…
They had a Sportive model that came in under £900 and it got me thinking, what exactly is different about a bike designed for sportive..? The group set will be proportionate to the price, so is a bike sportive because of its frame geometry..? If anyone had a more specific answer I’d be quite interested…

Many thanks again…

P.S. this might have been better in the Road section but I’ve not introduced myself up there yet and it’s always nice and friendly (and very knowledgeable in here) so I like to use commuting…

cjcp

Broadly speaking, the geometry. For example, it'll have a longer headtube, so you have a slightly more upright position. Specialized produce the Roubaix range for sportives and the Tarmac for racing.

Call me cynical, but I can't help feel it's a marketing gimmick. Prepared to be corrected by others though . It's just that I use a stiff, non-sportive geometry Scott for sportives and other long rides and have had no comfort issues. The important thing is to buy a bike which fits if you're thinking of doing sportives and to work on your fitness and conditioning so that you don't get things like a sore lower back on a long ride.

prawny

Didn't Il Principe say something along the lines of sportive bikes are for dentists? (I think referring to the roubaix)

Sportive bikes are like the soft roaders of the road bike world, handy if your a bit inflexible, and more comfy if you're not desperate for aero speed.

I'm not putting on sportive bikes btw, I am not flexible and would consider a roubaix if I was buying now, I have to have the stem fipped up on my Boardman at the mo :oops:

Roastie

Yup, as above.

My 2c. The frames are also generally designed to lean towards the comfortable end of the compliance/comfort compromise. Geometry will also typically lean towards stable rather than sharp.