Out with the new, in with the old.
dolan_driver
Posts: 831
Here is a look at my training/winter bike. Having retired my ancient steel Ribble Reynolds 531 bike, I thought I'd get a more modern bike. In 2010 I decided to go with an Ambrosio Guido with a carbon fork, mostly Shimano 105 and Ambrosio Evolution wheels. It was a great bike that never gave any trouble but I found it to be a very harsh ride.
A while ago, I took the old Ribble out for a spin and the difference in comfort was amazing. I took another look at steel and the local bike shop had a Soma "Smoothie" in stock. After checking it out on the web, it appeared to be a good, solid frame. I decided to swap the Ambrosio for a 58cm Soma with a carbon fork and here she is.
I picked it up at the weekend and took it out on its maiden voyage yesterday. It is certainly comfortable and I'm very happy with it. Soma describe this bike as being a "race bike" and the steering is a lot livelier than the Ambrosio but it isn't unstable in any way. It probably does have a race bike geometry but most people probably wouldn't consider using this as a true race bike. If it was built up with a lot of lightweight components, it'd be light but wouldn't be able to rival a carbon bike for true lightness. It is tig-welded using Tange tubing and comes with an Edwig Van Hooydonck-style extension on the steerer tube. It's out-fitted for mud guards and panniers. It is only available in white and markings are minimal (a nice touch). On the down side, it has no cable guides on the steerer tube for the gear cables and that name, "Smoothie", is possibly trying too hard to be "cool". In fairness though, Smoothie by name, smooth-riding by nature.
DD.
A while ago, I took the old Ribble out for a spin and the difference in comfort was amazing. I took another look at steel and the local bike shop had a Soma "Smoothie" in stock. After checking it out on the web, it appeared to be a good, solid frame. I decided to swap the Ambrosio for a 58cm Soma with a carbon fork and here she is.
I picked it up at the weekend and took it out on its maiden voyage yesterday. It is certainly comfortable and I'm very happy with it. Soma describe this bike as being a "race bike" and the steering is a lot livelier than the Ambrosio but it isn't unstable in any way. It probably does have a race bike geometry but most people probably wouldn't consider using this as a true race bike. If it was built up with a lot of lightweight components, it'd be light but wouldn't be able to rival a carbon bike for true lightness. It is tig-welded using Tange tubing and comes with an Edwig Van Hooydonck-style extension on the steerer tube. It's out-fitted for mud guards and panniers. It is only available in white and markings are minimal (a nice touch). On the down side, it has no cable guides on the steerer tube for the gear cables and that name, "Smoothie", is possibly trying too hard to be "cool". In fairness though, Smoothie by name, smooth-riding by nature.
DD.
0
Comments
-
The Soma looks very nice, hope you get some good weather to enjoy it, like the white.0
-
super - like the soma shape - has an old school feel. The dissenter is every human being at those moments of his life when he resigns
momentarily from the herd and thinks for himself.0 -
very classical~0
-
Love the Soma, very classic0
