New race bike

richiegwy
richiegwy Posts: 171
edited May 2017 in Road buying advice
Looking to replace my 2013 scott foil frame with a new race frame and debating whether to get another aero frame or switch out to something with a slightly comfier back end. I'm a 67kg 5'7 rider and the racing is usually mainly flat with some hills included. Road quality quite often isn't great which is why I'm considering something more lightweight with a softer back end.
Given my weight would I be better off with a lightweight frame or should I stick with an aero frame to maximise the speed (if there is an actual speed benefit given everything else the same).
Looking mainly at Ridley; Noah SL vs Helium SLX, or possibly Giant TCR Advanced Pro. These are available through my local stores and I would prefer to support local rather than being new

Anybody riding or ride the ridleys that can give opinions? I'm sure the TCR is excellent.

Comments

  • WhiteSocks90
    WhiteSocks90 Posts: 17
    I ride a 2016 TCR Advanced Pro, so same frameset as the 2017 range. Lightweight, responsive and I'm comfortable on all day rides as I am my local crit. I was considering an aero frameset, but wanted something a little more compliant. The TCR just feels right, with its short wheelbase offering a quick handling bike; the compact frame did take a little getting used to at first.

    Given the history behind the frame, there must be a reason it is still going strong all these years later!

    Re the wheels. The Giant alloy wheels On on the 2016 Pro 2 are ideal for winter, but I have a nicer set for summer training and race on tubs. Higher spec wheel does the frame more justice, but the 2017 range are a higher spec anyway
  • Grill
    Grill Posts: 5,610
    What's wrong with the Foil? I'd keep it.
    English Cycles V3 | Cervelo P5 | Cervelo T4 | Trek Domane Koppenberg
  • undapressure
    undapressure Posts: 116
    I had a 2013 Foil and found it very firm but not uncomfortable. I changed this for a Dogma F8 which is slightly more compliant but still firm and lets you know when the tarmac is anything less than perfect. My second bike is a Helium which I ride more than the F8! It's a fantastic all round bike - comfortable after 100m, climbs well, handles impeccably. I would say that the F8 feels as though it holds speed better once up to speed but it's barely perceptible.

    If I were in the market for another bike, I would go for the Helium. The aero thing is great but there is a big trade off in comfort for marginally increased aero.
  • richiegwy
    richiegwy Posts: 171
    Grill wrote:
    What's wrong with the Foil? I'd keep it.

    The two reasons I am thinking of change are (1) comfort & (2) smaller frame size
  • trivial_poursuivant
    trivial_poursuivant Posts: 1,136
    Bianchi Oltre XR3? Aero, countervail tech brings comfort and utterly stylish.

    Of you choices I have ridden the Noah and it's brilliant but a bit firm. The TCR is extremely comfortable and capable on all roads and so long as you get a decent spec will be a good choice.
  • richiegwy
    richiegwy Posts: 171
    Trivial poursuivant wrote:
    Bianchi Oltre XR3? Aero, countervail tech brings comfort and utterly stylish.

    Of you choices I have ridden the Noah and it's brilliant but a bit firm. The TCR is extremely comfortable and capable on all roads and so long as you get a decent spec will be a good choice.

    It will be frame only buy as I will be transferring my ultegra Di2 groupset, wheels etc over. That was my fear about the Noah, that I would be moving from 1 firm bi.ke to another
  • Grill
    Grill Posts: 5,610
    Why not get the new Foil? More aero and super comfy.
    English Cycles V3 | Cervelo P5 | Cervelo T4 | Trek Domane Koppenberg
  • trivial_poursuivant
    trivial_poursuivant Posts: 1,136
    Grill wrote:
    Why not get the new Foil? More aero and super comfy.

    I really like the new foil. So long as it's size medium upwards. The smaller sizes look horrendous with such a steep top tube. Look at Caleb Ewan's. Looks like a kids bike.
  • philbar72
    philbar72 Posts: 2,229
    Nothing wrong with a 2013 Foil as a clubmate of mine is showing. He’s winning races, on one of these without too many issues. They are a perfectly good bike.

    If however money is burning a hole in your pocket there are so many choices, out there, that you probably can’t go wrong. Be aware also that there are some aero bikes that aren’t actually that aero at all…
  • richiegwy
    richiegwy Posts: 171
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    philbar72 wrote:
    Nothing wrong with a 2013 Foil as a clubmate of mine is showing. He’s winning races, on one of these without too many issues. They are a perfectly good bike.

    If however money is burning a hole in your pocket there are so many choices, out there, that you probably can’t go wrong. Be aware also that there are some aero bikes that aren’t actually that aero at all…

    Yea nothing wrong with it at all. I just find it very rigid on the back end and its a bit big (size M) which is why I would like to move to a small frame.

    I like the new foil as well and have been considering it but if possible would like to support my local store with some of the models mentioned above. What aero bikes are you referring to that aren't actually that aero?

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