Aero Bikes

Wobblehead

Been looking at a Ridley Noah RS, but can't decide if it is what I 'need'

Would a 'normal' bike be better?

Have been riding a Ridley Orion Ultegra for 4 year's, upgraded wheels two years ago to Fulcrum Racing Ones which I would put on to new bike

Never done any racing and don't intend to, might do some local TT next year but low key affairs

Most riding is around Dales / Forest of Bowland, anything from 20 miles to 100 miles, completed etape du dales this year in 7 40 ish.

Main aim in cycling is to get out, keep fit and be competative with the people I ride with, never going to be the lightest rider at 90kg, but quite strong on the hills and flat, bit of a girl coming downhill though.

Any advise at up to £2.5K mark

Thanks

Grill

Aero bikes aren't necessary for the type of riding you're doing. I have a Scott Foil which I love dearly, but it was designed as their halo bike replacing the Addict so it's much more versatile than other aero bikes on the market as it has all the aero benefits you would expect but without the typical downsides as it's still very light, isn't susceptible to crosswinds (and actually handles them better), and is still very stiff and climbs like a goat (most important for me).

Scott is pretty unique in the respect that they didn't develop two separate products on the highend (Trek has gone this way for 2013) unlike most other companies. If you take a look at what pros riding (I find it interesting even though it should be taken with a pinch of salt) the vast majority have chosen the stock frames as opposed to the aero frames of the respective companies they represent.

For 2.5k I'd look at the Foil 15 (Di2, if you get it from Epic they'll credit back the stock wheels), the Cannondale SuperSix, Look 586, Spec Tarmac, and Storck Scenero (personal favourite). From a value for money perspective there's always Cube and Canyon.

izza

Two options I had as another 90kg rider.

Either go for a bike to compensate you on the weaker areas or play to your strengths.

Former - I use to own a S-works Tarmac which helped with climbing and helped me become more competitive/sociable on sportives with friends.

Latter - I have recently switched all parts and components over to a S-works Venge (cost in the region of £2.5k) Much prefer it in terms of downhills, speed camera sprints, flat pacing.

Having experienced both sides of the coin I'd recommend the latter and go for a bit of aero.

wacka

How good is the Venge on climbs?

Wobblehead

Thanks for the replies

As most of my riding is hilly, I carry some weight but can knock out a reasonable amount of power (usually not found wanting on climbs) I take it that something light and very stiff would be a better option than out and out aero? As Griff posted I still want it to be able to climb like a goat

If that is the case, what would the downsides to such a bike be?

Current bike is quite stiff, don't seam to get much flex.
Scott Foil does look nice though.

Test rode a Bianchi Oltre a month ago at LBS, what a machine, shame about the price tag.....

Grill

The Venge is around 600g+ heavier than the equivalent Tarmac...

The new Ridley Noah is meant to be one of the stiffest bikes on the market, and the Cannondale Evo is another one known for its climbing prowess as is the Giant TCR Advanced. The only real "downside" a normal road bike will have vs an aero one is simply its ability to hold and carry speed over 18+mph.

Yes, the Foil is really nice. Light, stiff, and with a better Aero design than many TT bikes.

brabus

had a felt ar4 ultegra 2009 and now got a felt ar3 2011 sram red - fantastic bike well worth a look!