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I'm on a Focus Cayo at the minute, its a nice bike but I can't really get properly comfortable on it. I have very long legs and a short back, I'd like something with a fairly tall front end. I want the bike to be fairly quick but still be comfortable after 6 or 7 hours. The Specialized Roubaix seems to fit the bill, is there anything else I should be looking at, or anybody who is a similar shape who has any tips for bike fitting?
OK so now you know not to buy a bike mail order without trying one first. At least Wiggle will take the bike back. Have a look at the Focus and Specialized websites to compare the frame geometries but I'd suspect the Roubaix will be quite similar.
I'd suggest going to a good bike shop that will do a bike fit for you which they should throw in for free if you buy a bike from them. It might take some playing around with stem length and trying a few different frame sizes to get you comfortable. They might even give you a test ride. Even if you have to travel to find a shop like this its worth it.
Are you a lady? Even if you aren't it might also be worth you trying a bike with female specific geometry. Women have longer legs in relation to their trunks than guys.
Wiggle won't be taking the bike back, I've had it about 18 months, it has done some big clims in the Alps and I did a couple of tons on it last week, but it is very low in the front end for long rides and I'm more bothered about comfort than being low over the front. The Roubaix has an extra 55mm on the headtube for the same size of frame.
I'll definitely be going to get fitted with this one but my local Specialized dealer don't fill me with confidence so I'd be interested in alternatives to the Roubaix?
Before you get your wallet out have you considered flipping the stem, or even taking any spacers on top of the stem and putting them underneath?
A slightly shorter stem with a bit more rise would be much cheaper then a roubaix.
The Verenti range are supposed to have really long head tubes for an ultra relaxed position. Personally I hate the lugged carbon frames but you might think differently. Trouble is you have to buy them from Wiggle but at least you get 30 days to return it if its not for you.
You could always buy a new fork for your Focus and fit more spacers.
Yep its pretty maxed-out as far as stack height and rise go. The Cayo isnt a terrible fit, just a bit uncomfortable over long distances. Its the first road bike I've had and I am happy to keep using it for a while. I have been bit by the bug this summer and I want to treat myself to a big mile-muncher.
My Ribble sportive is comfy for long distances i.e. over 100km but the head tube is not as long as the Speccy IIRC.
Talk to Condor Cycles, they'll make you a frame that fits.
Budget? Frame replacement or whole bike? Need to be carbon?
Probably a whole bike or a build, probably carbon, possibly Ti. I'd like to keep it under 2.5k but I'm not fussy about a high-spec groupset because the 105 on the Cayo has given me no bother.
As above...you could try going for a custom build...on the other hand have you looked at the Cannondale Synapse?
You running 23mm tyres at the moment? Try going up to 25mm. Might help.
My Lynskey Cooper ti custom build with Chorus 11 speed was a lot less than that, so it's definetely possible to go custom.
no way would I be dropping that on a new bike without KNOWING the right position. try some stems, spacers and playing around with the position.
Try a specialized concept store for a bike fitting on a Roubaix. I'm very happy with my '08 S-Works that I got at the end of the season for a good deal (as a frame/fork/post module) and if certainly is comfy on the occasions I've ridden it over 100 miles at a time. It's just not the prettiest thing out there with it's long headtube. Still... if it works
i Love my Roubaix, would'nt swap/sell/loan it for owt :O)
3yrs old and thousands n thousands of miles on her and i Love her more now than when i bought her .... Oh and she got massive boobies too :O) win win win
I don't think I have enough experience to go custom with confidence, I'll have to demo a few different set-ups. I'm near a Cervelo/Colnago/Scott dealer and my in-laws are handy to a Concept Store so I could try a Roubaix there.
Shandy - Member
I have been bit by the bug this summer and I want to treat myself to a big mile-muncher.
Look for a tourer or an audax bike and keep the Cayo for shorter/faster trips.