It may seem like 2.5 months since my last post, but really, it has only been 2.5 minutes. I had finally finished my whining and spec tossing and was just about to insert a link when somehow, I lost the entire freaking post. Damn.
Anyway, I have to buy a new frame and I am having a really difficult time making up my mind. After much extensive research (including some ridiculous road trips to see things in person), riding, and driving, I have it narrowed down to two frames - the
Cervelo Soloist SLC-SL and the
Pinarello Paris Carbon.
I have not ridden either one unfortunately. I did ride a Cervelo Soloist Carbon. It felt stupid fast, cornered like no one's business but the ride was so harsh, I thought I might lose all of the fillings in my teeth! I've been told that the SLC-SL is much less harsh. Everything that I have heard and read about the Paris is that it rides like a dream. Very comfortable but still very stiff and responsive. I have also heard some describe the handling of the Paris as a little "nervous." This makes me a little nervous.
Both bikes come in standard sizes that will accommodate my 5'7" legs and 5'3" torso. I guess that explains the 5'5" height. They both have a 51.5 top tube which is a welcomed 5 mm shorter than my current frame. Due to the seat tube angle and head tube angle differences, I would require a 90,maybe a 100 mm stem on the Cervelo and likely a 120 mm on the Pinarello. The Cervelo has a seat tube angle of 73 degrees and a head tube angle of 72.5 while the Pinarello has a seat tube angle of 74.4 degrees and a 71 degree head tube angle. Currently, I ride a 75 degree seat tube angle and 72.5 degree head tube angle. Both will work.
I'm somewhat drawn to the longer head tube on the Pinarello as it is 2 cm longer than the Cervelo. My position on the bike is not the most aerodynamic due to my super tight hamstrings. But, I'm turned off by the specialty seat post that the Pinarello requires. Both require their own posts, but at least there is a 2 position post available for the Cervelo..though that would drastically alter everything else. Whatever. I'm rambling now.
I just can't make up my mind. They're very different bikes with different strengths. I wish I found one of them aesthetically offensive, but alas, I do not. Both will look pretty slick with my new Campy Record Grouppo and Zipp 404s. Argh. Life could be a whole lot worse, I admit that. This is a pretty nice decision to have to make, I just wish that I could make it and move on to building it up!
