Focus Cayo 105 - Advice Comfort?

bails1310

After much headscratching and general indecisiveness, I 'think' i have decided on the above.

This will be my first road bike and will be used for commuting [assuming I dont get too prescious about it] and then some club rides at weekends. Im also planning a B'ham to Paris charity ride next year so want to make sure Im not buying an all out racer that I cant do 100 miles on if need be.

Also, re geomatary, lots of good reviews on Wiggle about them being set up ready out the box very well. Do they take measurements from you when you order? I've been looking at the BG Fit and worried I need to get involved so I dont miss a trick. I saw the latest 2012 Focus bikes at the NEC and the guy there mentioned spacers on the head tube [I think] if I wanted to make it more upright? Also, any recomendations on triple or compacts?

Im 38 yrs, 6ft, just under 200lbs and have been commuting 20 miles a day on a MTB for the past 2 years and desperate to pull the trigger on making the move. Any help on the above would be really appreciated. A wife on maternity leave / pay means I cant afford to be 'all the gear, no idea' !!!

Many thanks.

solboy

I think the Cayo will be ok with some adjustment but i would not call it a comfort bike. wiggle tend to call you when the bike is being set up to verify you have ordered the right frame size. I have had mixed experiences regarding the set up of bikes straight from the box but Wiggle seem ok. I think the 20% off ends at midnight so you may need to be quick to get a bargain!

In_the_big_ring

I have the Cayo 105 and find the geometry to be more 'race' than 'touring'; i.e. handlebars lower than saddle. I'm 6'2", longer in the leg than average. Initially I ordered the XL (58cm) frame (I was on the boundary of the two but usually go for the smaller size, and my previous bike was a 58cm). However, I found with the saddle height required for my legs, I had a gap of ~15cm between the top of the handlebars and the saddle, and consequently suffered from painful shoulders and neck. I returned the bike for the XXL (60cm) which is a much better fit. I found the fitting guide given in the bike description wasn't all that good and that this one is much better (only found after I ordered the original bike). Hope this helps
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/h/option/bikesizeguide

bails1310

Thanks chaps.

It will be used most of its time for fast commutes and weekend riding [50 miles max]

If however I did need to up the mileage for a period of time [Ie the charity training and ride], would spacers make enough difference do you think?

Only other bike apart from the Cayo I've seen which floats my boat is the Allez Comp, how does this compare in comfort?

In_the_big_ring

bails1310 wrote:

If however I did need to up the mileage for a period of time [Ie the charity training and ride], would spacers make enough difference do you think?

Only other bike apart from the Cayo I've seen which floats my boat is the Allez Comp, how does this compare in comfort?

On my bike there wasn't enough space on the steerer to add spacers to lift the handlebars. You can however flip the stem or change the stem. I've changed mine as the stock stem on the XXL was 15cm and I found it too long (using a 10cm instead). Can't help with the comments on the Allez, the only other bike I've ridden was my previous Fuji

arlowood

bails1310 wrote:

Only other bike apart from the Cayo I've seen which floats my boat is the Allez Comp, how does this compare in comfort?

Can't comment on the riding properties of the Cayo but think the Allez Comp might be a good bet for the type of riding you are proposing.

I have a 2010 Spesh Secteur Elite that has the same geometry as the Allez and find it great for long rides or just pootling about. It certainly has a bit more of an upright position than the Cayo.

I am just under 6ft and have a 33" inside leg. I test rode a 56 and 58cm frame and went for the larger of those mainly based on my leg length. After a few weeks riding I found I had to swap the stem (110mm) for a 90mm to cure a feeling of being over stretched. Apart from that minor change I have found the Spesh to be a great all rounder.

On the topic of triple versus compact a lot depends on your fitness and the terrain you plan to use for your regular riding. I went for the triple on the Secteur and initially I was grateful for the option to bail out to the granny ring on some of the steeper hills. However after a years riding and shedding almost 2st, I find I can climb almost anything using the 39 chainring with either the 23 or 25 rear sprocket. Despite this it is still a comfort to know that there is still a 30 tooth ring there for those killer inclines at the end of a long sportive.

Good luck with your choice whatever you decide in the end.

meanredspider

I'm pretty much your dimensions though nearly 10 years older. You can see my commute below. I have a Cayo 105 and I think that it's spot-on for the fast commute. I'm 6' with a 33" inside leg and ride the 58 XL. My previous bike was the Focus Variado in a 56 L - I think I'm right on the border of the two sizes as I'm happy on either (though I have the saddle quite far back on the Variado - hence going the next size up on the Cayo.

Personally I think you'll find it great. You might want to have a play with the adjustments as everyones different. It's certainly quick too. In two years of commuting (on quiet roads it must be said), I've never been passed but pass quite a few people. I'm perfectly comfortable - no injuries or pains.

Go for it.

bails1310

Thanks fo the replys

Meanredspider - I think I just wanted a Cayo owner to pat me on the head and tell me it will be ok! How far has your max ride been on yours?
If it does prove too much [appologioes for my lack of knowledge here] but what can I change to make it better or will the changes have limitations?

chaymck

I've had a cayo for 2 year. Excellent for the money. Used for quick training rides; 3 plus times a week up to 60 miles. I also came from a MTB back ground and have had no issues with the Cayo being uncomfortable but I've changed the post to a carbon one and also changed the saddle.

Monty Dog

FWIW the Cayo has a reputation for a firm ride but comfort and fit and often two independent variables - make sure you get the right fit first. However, the biggest improvement in comfort will come from the correct tyre choice - fitting the biggest tyre e.g. 25mm and not running them at max pressure will help considerably in the handling and feel stakes.

meanredspider

bails1310 wrote:

Thanks fo the replys

Meanredspider - I think I just wanted a Cayo owner to pat me on the head and tell me it will be ok! How far has your max ride been on yours?
If it does prove too much [appologioes for my lack of knowledge here] but what can I change to make it better or will the changes have limitations?

Max ride for me has been 60 miles - but I do 160 miles on a full week commuting - that would quickly show up discomforts.

Your best upgrade will be to fit some RS80 (or similar) wheels shod with some good tyres (I like GP4000Ss). Quick & very comfortable. I also like the Spesh Toupe saddle but that's a very personal thing.

bails1310

Thanks Monty Dog.

The comfort part I think I can cope with, it is the fit I am more concerned when it comes to mail order [Wiggle], is there anything I can do extra to make sure all if OK or just make sure all my measurements are correct.

markos1963

The Cayo I had a ride on was a couple of years ago but it did stand out as a more 'race' orientated position and it did have a firm ride which is quite typical apparently of German bikes.

paul_mck

I have the 09 cayo (just bought recently 2nd hand). Had a boardman hybrid before and the cayo is much nicer to ride. Carbon frame really does take a lot of the buzz out.

Im 6'1 on a 56 frame though. I dont think Id like larger. Done 100m on it and felt good.

using the boardman for commuting now and it feels crap.

bails1310

meanredspider wrote:

bails1310 wrote:

Thanks fo the replys

Meanredspider - I think I just wanted a Cayo owner to pat me on the head and tell me it will be ok! How far has your max ride been on yours?
If it does prove too much [appologioes for my lack of knowledge here] but what can I change to make it better or will the changes have limitations?

Max ride for me has been 60 miles - but I do 160 miles on a full week commuting - that would quickly show up discomforts.

Your best upgrade will be to fit some RS80 (or similar) wheels shod with some good tyres (I like GP4000Ss). Quick & very comfortable. I also like the Spesh Toupe saddle but that's a very personal thing.

Many thanks, appreciate the help - I think its a done deal, will post how I get on, hopefully not from the chiroprachters!

FCE2007

My bike is a Cayo Expert (2007) and definitely an aggressive riding position out of the box. Luckily Wiggle supplied it with uncut steerer/spacers which are now under the bars with flipped stem. A definite inprovement for me.
Only things I changed were saddle (Charge Spoon) and a better quality seat post clamp.

Yes I have sorted the spacers alignment and the saddle is now level

bails1310

FCE2007 wrote:

My bike is a Cayo Expert (2007) and definitely an aggressive riding position out of the box. Luckily Wiggle supplied it with uncut steerer/spacers which are now under the bars with flipped stem. A definite inprovement for me.
Only things I changed were saddle (Charge Spoon) and a better quality seat post clamp.

Yes I have sorted the spacers alignment and the saddle is now level

Thanks for the post, did Wiggle just happen to supply it like that or did you request ? Interested in whether you cut before you rode or can you try it out and re-adjust if need be before you cut?

bails1310

bails1310 wrote:

FCE2007 wrote:

My bike is a Cayo Expert (2007) and definitely an aggressive riding position out of the box. Luckily Wiggle supplied it with uncut steerer/spacers which are now under the bars with flipped stem. A definite inprovement for me.
Only things I changed were saddle (Charge Spoon) and a better quality seat post clamp.

Yes I have sorted the spacers alignment and the saddle is now level

Just realised the link to your bike, very nice indeed, set up looks more friendly, but doesnt lose its presence..

FCE2007

It's how they sent it out. Originally it had 3 spacers above and below the stem.
I wasn't aware or, naively, bothered the Cayo was so aggressive before I bought it. Perhaps Wiggle foresaw some returns due to comfort issues and made the decision to allow options at the front. If they did then it was inspired.

It's a fast, good handling, bike only limited by the rider

bails1310

Just as an update, I've this morning managed to get one of the last two 58cm Cayos through Wiggle on the C2WS for £824 which I'm pretty pleased with. [I checked the sizing guide and am 6ft tall, 6ft arm span and 34" inside leg.]

They've also agreed that I can buy a 56cm outright and return the one which is unsiutable. I was measured at the NEC for the 2012 Cayo and the company recomended doing this as they beleived I was in between [although from the measurements I think I should be a 58.] Plan a visit to the nearest Focus dealer for a fit early Nov.

I'll let you know how I get on although given the time of year, beleive will be weekends rides for a while.

Thanks again for the posts and advice which has been invaluable for newby to road cycling.

meanredspider

Well done. I'm pretty much the same size as you with maybe slightly shorter legs (and therefore slightly longer top half I guess) and the 58 feels spot-on for me. I think you'll find you can make the 56 fit too (my Variado is 56) but it will be more on the limit of adjustment.

Great price BTW. My advice would be to stick some RS80 wheels on (lurk until they're next on offer somewhere like Merlin) and you'll have a fab bike.

bails1310

Thank you sir, your posts in particular pushed me the Cayo way.

The savings from the bike will be pretty short lived given your previous recommendations about the RS80's. I will more than likely be going down that route also.

paul_mck

the RS30s are great value too, £140 on ebay

meanredspider

bails1310 wrote:

Thank you sir, your posts in particular pushed me the Cayo way.

The savings from the bike will be pretty short lived given your previous recommendations about the RS80's. I will more than likely be going down that route also.

Cool - good luck with it. I love mine.

bails1310

I'm tempted with a full bike fit at a LBS but this is £120 and I need pedals, shoes etc before I get started and wouldn't mind getting out on it now rather than next month.

I've done my home work on size so assuming the XL is correct*, is it just down to some personal adjustments by me to get the right fit or would I be better getting it done properly do you think?


color=red]*[/color - actually thought the wife was going to p*ss herself laughing when I told her I was working our my ape index! :roll:

meanredspider

bails1310 wrote:

I'm tempted with a full bike fit at a LBS but this is £120 and I need pedals, shoes etc before I get started and wouldn't mind getting out on it now rather than next month.

I've done my home work on size so assuming the XL is correct*, is it just down to some personal adjustments by me to get the right fit or would I be better getting it done properly do you think?


color=red]*[/color - actually thought the wife was going to p*ss herself laughing when I told her I was working our my ape index! :roll:

I've been tempted by a bike fit but up here I'm pretty limited (to, er, one) in choice. Since I feel comfortable with no aches or pains, I've left it for now until maybe I can get to somewhere that's highly recommended.

bails1310

meanredspider wrote:

bails1310 wrote:

I'm tempted with a full bike fit at a LBS but this is £120 and I need pedals, shoes etc before I get started and wouldn't mind getting out on it now rather than next month.

I've done my home work on size so assuming the XL is correct*, is it just down to some personal adjustments by me to get the right fit or would I be better getting it done properly do you think?


color=red]*[/color - actually thought the wife was going to p*ss herself laughing when I told her I was working our my ape index! :roll:

I've been tempted by a bike fit but up here I'm pretty limited (to, er, one) in choice. Since I feel comfortable with no aches or pains, I've left it for now until maybe I can get to somewhere that's highly recommended.

Do you think then, stick with the 58, don't get the 56 too in case the LBS recommended, and maybe a visit for a fit should i have issues?

meanredspider

bails1310 wrote:

Do you think then, stick with the 58, don't get the 56 too in case the LBS recommended, and maybe a visit for a fit should i have issues?

Hard to say about the 56. You'll feel more confident of your choice if you have both bikes to try back-to-back. For sure, I'd not worry straight away about the bike fit. Some folk have posted side-on pics on here and asked for opinions. If your unsure about the 56/58 question, you could do the same.

bails1310

meanredspider wrote:

bails1310 wrote:

Do you think then, stick with the 58, don't get the 56 too in case the LBS recommended, and maybe a visit for a fit should i have issues?

Hard to say about the 56. You'll feel more confident of your choice if you have both bikes to try back-to-back. For sure, I'd not worry straight away about the bike fit. Some folk have posted side-on pics on here and asked for opinions. If your unsure about the 56/58 question, you could do the same.

LBS have confirmed 58 will be the right size but still going with full fit next week just to be sure all is as it should be.
They also supply all measurement and data so I can take it forward if I get another bike at a later date.

Credit card has taken a bit of a hit as they also need shoes and pedals [Look Keo's and DHB's] - just got to break it to the wife we're eating cat food for a few days!