Sportive vs Race geometry, ireal world differences

danowat

I am (still) looking for my next bike, let me say that I am aware that no bike will turn me into the next wiggins, so I am under no illusion.

I currently ride an Allez, which apparently is more "racy" in geometry (although I find it extremely comfortable), in the last year I have done pretty much everything you can on this bike (TT's, Crits, 100milers, commuting etc) and have been impressed at how comfortable, competant and competitive (for me) it has been, it has handled everything I have throw at it.

Now I am in the market for a new steed, up to around £3k, and while looking, I have noticed that some bikes are clearly marketed at the sportive market, what, in real terms, are the differences between a sportive geometry and a race geometry?, is it mainly head tube dimension? (which is the biggest difference I can see) and what differences will this make?.

Could I (and do others) race crits on a sportive frame?, can race geometry frames be comfortable enough for 6hrs in the saddle?, or are the differences so minute that, for an all-rounder, it won't make a difference?.

Take Cannodale, their Synapse is the sportive frane, and the supersix is the race, has anyone ridden both?, is the synapse much "slower" than the supersix?, but more comfortable?

rolf_f

My own personal geometry is sportive (long legs, short torso) so I'm rather stuck with such bikes!

Basically, taller head tube and shorter top tube = a little more upright position. Differences are only a couple of cm though if that. eg my Look had the top tube shortened by 15mm or so and the head tube increased by 16mm compared to the non Sportive version.

I doubt you'd notice it in the shop - stretch your arms out towards your monitor; now lift them and move them back 15mm. That's the difference. You'd need a few hours in the saddle to notice.

As for speed difference - you won't notice a thing. Heavier riders seem to complain that the frames are a bit more flexy at the front but I haven't noticed. But then I don't weigh enough to flex a frame

There is likely also to be less focus on rigidity and more towards a degree of compliance which on UK roads has to be a good thing. Works out well for me as, with my physique and light weight I end up with a racy position on a comfy bike which is what I want!

Evil Laugh

Why don't you look for something with a very similar geo to your allez if you find it so comfortable? Would a tarmac be that? Checking out the geo charts of various makes in comparision to the allez would be a good start.

I'm no expert but I think the differences will be the headtube measurement will be higher and the angles of the frame will lend themselves to a more upright position.

I had a Synapse and it was a lovely, comfy bike. I've since sold it and now have a very aggressive geo steel as my only currently rideable bike. They are like polar opposites. The handling of my steel bike is much more postitive and fast. The sense of connection to the road via the front end of the bike is greater I'd imagine due the the much shorter headtube. I was not unhappy with the road connection from the Synapse, it felt better than other sportive type bikes I tried but I've def improved that handling aspect. I think this front end feel is pretty important, it's the first thing my girlfriend commented on when she tried my new bike and in a hugely positive manner. She reckoned it encouraged her to go faster and I agree entirely. Maybe you can lose this somewhat in a sportive frame.

I prefer the feel of the steel bike now, I like the effortless think and move handling and I'm happy to go faster down hills on it. It also has a lovely poise when out of the saddle, my weight feels just where it wants to be over the front wheel. It wasn't as comfy (back) initially but the more I ride the less difference there is as my back gets used to it and I get the position right. I probably have about 7 cm more saddle/bar drop on my steel to my synapse.

Without question I descend faster on my steel bike, I'm in a better position weightwise to break hard or take a turn fast. It feels faster in general but this is probably the exciting ride rather than real speed. When I got back on my Synapse before I sold it felt less responsive, less natural and nowhere near as much fun. I'd imagine the difference between my two bikes will be greater than a six and a synapse.

Sorry if that makes no sense at all and good luck finding something nice....

:?

Rodrego Hernandez

I think that the same advice that seems to be given in most questions of this nature applies here again - ride them and see.

Pro riders spend many, many hours on their bikes. They wouldn't do that if they were uncomfortable. Manufacturers have jumped on the sportive bandwagon and are offering another option - it works for some but may not work for all.

In al instances, try the bikes you like and see how you get on. Ask other riders how they like their bikes, see who gets back or neck pain and try to work out why. I've ridden race bikes and sportive bikes and prefer the feel of a race bike compared to what I perceived as a sluggish ride given by the sportive bikes I have ridden but it is all personal preference.

danowat

Looking at the geo of the allez, it seems to be quite similar to sportive geo anyway, headtube is 205mm, where as most out and out racers are about 30mm less.

I appreciate the point about pros spending hours on race bikes, and I wonder if this sportive geo is more marketing spin for those that (incorrectly) believe that all race bikes aren't comfortable......

More looking around then, its a bloody mine field!, although the Bianchi Infinito looks to be a perfect compromise......

what brakes

As far as im aware the more racier frames will be sharper handling! ie twitchy especially downhill etc. but once your used to it they are great! they will also give you a lower handlebar stack meaning your leaning on your arm more! but again after a few rides your neck shoulders and arms will be used to it! alternatively you can use more spacer under the stem to raise the bars to give you a more relaxed feel but still keep the quicker/sharper handling! Only down side with racier frame is they can be a bit harsher to ride. but if you use a nice padded saddle that will take a fair bit of the vibrations out.

keef66

I think that small differences in geometry do make big differences in ride and handling. I'm the same shape as Rolf F, so I'm always looking at the sportive end of the market.


If I was shopping now I'd go for an Infinito or a Scott CR1.