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I'm seriously considering taking the drive train and wheels off my Giant TCR composite and dropping them on to my Genesis Equilibrium Reynolds 520 frame as I want more of a one road bike to do everything than two road bikes.
But then I go and see the new Reynolds 853 Volare frameset and its oh so nice.
The main question is, will there actually be any discernable difference between the Volare and Equilibrium in terms of ride quality? They weigh pretty much the same, both have carbon forks etc
Difficult to say unless you've ridden both. I've got the Equilibrium myself but not ridden the Volare. Imwould expect that the Volare fees stiffer and more responsive to inputs but that would be the result of larger diameter and thinner tubing rather than a difference between the alloying metals. The geometry will also have an impact on how it feels. The differences will be pretty marginal though but enough that if you want a race bike the Volare will more readily feel like one whereas the Equilibrium will always feel a little more lethargic.
I don't race on the road, just ride, doing sportives, club runs, out with my mates etc so I'm not really in the market for a 'race' bike despite having a TCR.
steve_b77 - Member
The main question is, will there actually be any discernable difference between the Volare and Equilibrium in terms of ride quality?
Probably not, if it is the same weight and tubing diameters. 853 can make lighter frames as it is stronger. However it's stiffness/damping etc is the same as any cro-mo type steel, and it's tube diameter that determines stiffness (more than guage).
If it's OS, I have found OS steel frames to feel a bit dead (if stiff).
Std Equilibrium is a lovely ride.
They have quite different geometry so will both ride differently. Equilibrium is longer, taller, slacker.
I don't think you need to be in a formal race to enjoy or benefit form a race bike. I've spent the whole winter on my Equilibrum and last Friday got out on my best bike for the first time this year and it was just lovely. Have you got mudguards in the Equilibrium?
Yeah, my equilibrium is the 00 and it's got guards, which I suppose is a plus point.
The wheels might look a bit odd though as they're Fulcrum Racing Quattros with red nippers and the frame is kinda baby blue