What frameParis Roubaix / winter bike?

Richard G

I broke my Trek Madone 5 H2 frame last year and replaced it with a Specialized Tarmac, which I love. But I'm not convinced it's the right bike for the VC Roubaix Paris Roubaix sportive that I'm riding in June.

I therefore plan to transfer as many as possible of the components from my broken Madone onto a suitable new frame for Paris Roubaix (i.e. comfortable and stable over the cobbles), which would then become a winter bike. So I'd like something which can take 28mm tyres and 25mm tyres with proper mudguards. I'd be looking to achieve the following measurements on the bike (Cyclefit sizecycle data):
- Saddle Height (Seat top to C. BB.) - 77.6cm
- Tip Seat to C.Bottom Bracket - 8.3cm
- Seat to stem Height Relationship - 6cm
- Tip of Seat to Back of Brakehood - 70cm
I've achieved this on a 58cm Madone H2 frame with some spacers under the stem and a Tarmac 56cm frame with the stem angled upwards 17 degrees.

Having scoured this and other forums, the 2012 Madone 3 series looks like a possiblity (right fit and mudguard eyelets) but don't think you can buy the frame separately. Similarly the SPA CYCLES Titanium Audax looks interesting but again I'm not sure you can buy the frame only. I've also considered the Dolan Dual and Tifosi Corsa but not convinced either are quite right (Dolan comfortable enough? Tifosi quite pricey for what it is?). The Pearson Carbon Audax also looks interesting. I'm looking to spend no more than a grand - ideally less!

Grateful for any suggestions!

Monty Dog

To be honest, frame material isn't going to make a heap of difference to your comfort for P-Rx - I've ridden it on titanium and carbon-frames bikes and it still stings regardless - particularly on your wrists and backside. Double-wrapping your bars and fitting the biggest tyres you can and running at lowish pressures is key, so if you can fit a supple 27 or 28mm tyre like a Vittoria Pave or Challenge Pariji-Roubaix is your best option. Frame-wise, a Sabbath September might fit your bill?

greasedscotsman

Agree with Monty, don't think it's the frame makes a huge difference, but the wheels and tyres. I'll be taking my Specialized Tarmac SL1 when I go to see the race in April and I will swap over to a pair of Open Pros with some 25mm Conti Gatorskins. Good luck with your ride in June!

Richard G

Thanks for the tips on Paris Roubaix. I did the Tour of Flanders last year on my Madone with HED Ardennes rims and 25mm Conti 4 Seasons plus double tape and gel inserts on the bars and loved it! I finished Flanders somewhat battered but understand Paris Roubaix's cobbles to be a whole lot rougher, hence the desire to ensure I can run 28mm tires.

Thanks too for the Sabbath September suggestion - looks like another good option! Anyone care to express a view on which of the options so far listed might be best:

Dolan Dual
Pearson Carbon Audax
Sabbath September
SPA CYCLES Titanium Audax
Tifosi Corsa
Trek Madone 3 series

Canny Jock

You've listed the main choices I've been considering for a winter bike, except the Genesis Equilibrium. Of those above I quite fancy the Pearson, depends though how much price matters to you.

zippypablo

What about a cross frame? Plenty of tyre clearance, you could even fit studded tyres in the winter!
Something like this http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/FRG ... nd_headset