Hi,
I know there are quite a few cyclists on PFM and I would like your advice. I'm returning back to cycling after almost 25 years away from the sport. In the past I raced at a reasonable level as an amateur both in the UK and Europe, but gave up due to illness and the need to earn a decent living.
I sort of fell out of love with the sport for many reasons, but recently after spending some time to think about some lifestyle health related issues and the fact I need to do something about them, I have got back out on an old bike kitted out with some old equipment and I'm enjoying riding again. I'm enjoying it so much that I don't want people commenting on how cool my retro bike is, but I want to buy into some newer technology.
Just to put things into context, the last time I raced I was on a 753 and Campag Super Record and this was considered the bees knees, and this is what I'm getting out on at the moment.
So here is my dilemma. I want to ride to get fit, not to compete against others, but against myself and eventually to get into sportives. I love how cycling has moved on in terms of training methods and equipment (FTPs / watts etc) and I love the tech. that is an integral part of cycling. However, I am torn between going for a full on carbon frame set or to go for something such as a high tech. stainless steel frame.
I have had the chance to ride a friends Look Huez and his recent purchase - the 795 Blade RS. Both bikes are amazing to ride over a short distance and are spec'd with Dura Ace/Mavic. I've not been able to ride either for more than an hour and to be honest they are a little too small for me. Although both are equipped with almost identical kit they both ride completely differently. This has made me realise how far bikes have progressed and how frame geometry and materials make a big difference.
I'm very tempted to embrace all the new technology and go full on carbon. However, I have a sort of stigma attached to riding a fully specified carbon bike when I'm an overweight middle aged man.
As mentioned I also like the idea of going high tech. steel and I like the look of a made to measure Stelbel SB/03. I always had made to measure bikes when I raced and always appreciated the "fit". Even if I went full on Di2 or SRAM with the Stelbel, it would look more traditional and would of course be heavier, not as responsive, but likely to be more comfortable.
So, which way do I jump? Full on carbon and embrace all the new technology or steel with a bit of a retro vibe, made to measure with some a nice group set?
I know there are quite a few cyclists on PFM and I would like your advice. I'm returning back to cycling after almost 25 years away from the sport. In the past I raced at a reasonable level as an amateur both in the UK and Europe, but gave up due to illness and the need to earn a decent living.
I sort of fell out of love with the sport for many reasons, but recently after spending some time to think about some lifestyle health related issues and the fact I need to do something about them, I have got back out on an old bike kitted out with some old equipment and I'm enjoying riding again. I'm enjoying it so much that I don't want people commenting on how cool my retro bike is, but I want to buy into some newer technology.
Just to put things into context, the last time I raced I was on a 753 and Campag Super Record and this was considered the bees knees, and this is what I'm getting out on at the moment.
So here is my dilemma. I want to ride to get fit, not to compete against others, but against myself and eventually to get into sportives. I love how cycling has moved on in terms of training methods and equipment (FTPs / watts etc) and I love the tech. that is an integral part of cycling. However, I am torn between going for a full on carbon frame set or to go for something such as a high tech. stainless steel frame.
I have had the chance to ride a friends Look Huez and his recent purchase - the 795 Blade RS. Both bikes are amazing to ride over a short distance and are spec'd with Dura Ace/Mavic. I've not been able to ride either for more than an hour and to be honest they are a little too small for me. Although both are equipped with almost identical kit they both ride completely differently. This has made me realise how far bikes have progressed and how frame geometry and materials make a big difference.
I'm very tempted to embrace all the new technology and go full on carbon. However, I have a sort of stigma attached to riding a fully specified carbon bike when I'm an overweight middle aged man.
As mentioned I also like the idea of going high tech. steel and I like the look of a made to measure Stelbel SB/03. I always had made to measure bikes when I raced and always appreciated the "fit". Even if I went full on Di2 or SRAM with the Stelbel, it would look more traditional and would of course be heavier, not as responsive, but likely to be more comfortable.
So, which way do I jump? Full on carbon and embrace all the new technology or steel with a bit of a retro vibe, made to measure with some a nice group set?