Pro Carbon or RT-58?
Camcycle1974
Posts: 1,356
So, here's the rub.
Have a Giant Defy 0 which is a bit too big. ETT of 56cm, I am 5"9.5 for reference and looking at medium frames in both models which I assume is right for my height?
To replace it I am looking at either the PX Pro Carbon Ultegra (yet to be released at the bargainous price of £999) or their new sportive inspired RT-58 (out of stock until October) Would the extra £500 be worth it for a better frame and approx 1kg in weight (kit is much the same) or is the Pro Carbon the best option regardless of price? Obviously got some time to mull it over but want to get it right this time. Hard when the bikes are in Sheffield and I am in Cambridge.
Have a Giant Defy 0 which is a bit too big. ETT of 56cm, I am 5"9.5 for reference and looking at medium frames in both models which I assume is right for my height?
To replace it I am looking at either the PX Pro Carbon Ultegra (yet to be released at the bargainous price of £999) or their new sportive inspired RT-58 (out of stock until October) Would the extra £500 be worth it for a better frame and approx 1kg in weight (kit is much the same) or is the Pro Carbon the best option regardless of price? Obviously got some time to mull it over but want to get it right this time. Hard when the bikes are in Sheffield and I am in Cambridge.
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Good luck
Good point re upgrades, I will definitely spec a carbon seat post, different wheels and maybe chainset. Overall weight around 7.5kg would be nice. Think these will be popular so need to make a decision fairly soon.
Wow, that's light for the money. Trust you are happy with how it rides? Guess Ultegra will weigh about the same as Rival so any weight saving will be in the other components. Overall weight not too much of a concern but lighter wheels would be good. Have some handbuilts which are in the 1600 g region which will go on the bike. Wonder if they would spec one without wheels?!
I have been more than happy with mine, ride wise it is very responsive, still a few upgrades to get the weight down it might end up being my bike for the hills depending which bike I get next (still deciding).
Post a description and pics if/when you get it.
Cheers
http://www.bespokecyclesderby.co.uk/hello-world-2/
When I bought one in 2007 I just missed out on the Ultegra for 999 deal so had to settle for 105 instead. Now they are able to do it at that price again.
Mine was a small and the seat tube did extend very high. The slope of the top tube gave it a really small rear triangle. They put deep drop bars at the front and it made it all look very disproportional. Looked like a BMX with drops.
As others have pointed out it is really easy to get the weight < 7.5 kgs. Really does live up to the super light name.
The ride was very comfortable and a little twitchy initially but it was easy to get used to. Then it felt quite sharp in corners.
The RT58 has somewhat more aggressive geometry. My handlebars are roughly 2cm lower. The ride is a little harsher, but I think this might be more down to the spaghetty wheels on my Defy.
I have no experience with Pro Carbons. Apart from being blown away on accents by people riding them... on both bikes
Force might be lighter than Ultegra but it doesn't have a proper trim function. I'm not sure I'll ever get over that.
Once again, thanks for the input.
The Rt58 is much stiffer which I think makes a big difference when sprinting. Again a Defy0 has a pressed bottom bracket and better cranks. And wheels. And sensibly shaped drops. Perhaps a lot less difference.
I would't buy the RT58 without seeing it in the flesh. Not everyone will get on with the mat black looks. Others may prefer it over an overly decaled bike like a Giant. Either way there is nothing stealth about it. Mat black sticks out like a sore thumb vs other bikes on the road. This surprised me. Also see the thread in the your bikes forum for the pics from the guy who remove the wheel decals if you don't like those - I'll be doing that after the 1 year warranty expires.