Recently I had the opportunity to test ride 3 different bikes - the 2011 Fuji SL1 Pro LE (Ultegra), the 2011 Felt F5 (Ultegra), and the Lynskey Helix (Ultegra). The order I rode them was the Felt, Fuji, and then the Lynskey. I rode them home from the shop on Saturday evening, did a test ride on Sundays in the southtowns, and then with the Felt and Fuji I got to ride them again Monday night at the shop group ride.
I want to begin this "review" by stating that I am not a racer and I did not test them in that type of setting. I am also a little heavier than most that "race" bikes at 180 pounds but I just love to ride bikes and have never, before these rides, been on a carbon or titanium frame bike. I have 3 steel road bike frames and have no problem with that frame material at all. I felt that to be the best salesman for Tom, and also because someone requested a review of the two frame materials, I should ride these frames so that when people asked questions I would have something to base my opinion on.
The Felt rode great and even though it was "only" equipped with 105 components I had no issues shifting or braking and felt very comfortable on it from the beginning. I have Felt envy for some reason and sometimes I wonder if that effects my thinking but I have always felt comfortable on both my SS Cross Breed and Elite Nine Mountain Bike and if I ever purchase a TT/Tri bike I am hoping Felts work for my body type. I can't explain my logic but it is what it is and I was very happy with the F5. That being said if I was going to go with the Felt I would upgrade to the F3 and get Ultegra.
Tom's Pro Bike Price of bike as ridden: $1,999.00 (SALE PRICE) (MSRP $2,099.00)
The Fuji was my first venture into Ultegra level components. I have ridden Campagnola before but it was old school down tube shifters long before index shifting came into being. The Fuji was also a great riding bike and besides some issues with the spoke nipples coming lose I was very pleased with this bike.
Tom's Pro Bike Price of bike as ridden: $2,000.00 (SALE PRICE) (MSRP $2,999.00)
The Lynskey was hands down my favorite bike even though I did not get as many miles in on it as I was hoping for. Maybe it was a better wheelset but the downhill portion of the ride I did on it with my buddy that has about 50 pounds on me I coasted right beside him and that never happens. The bike was very responsive and shifted like a charm (Ultegra will do that for you). MSRP (FRAME ONLY): $2,995.00
My thoughts: When I went back to my Steel Gunnar Crosshairs the first thing I noticed was that I felt every bump in the road. To me the Carbon absorbed so much more and the Titanium had a carbon fork on it and I believe that helped quite a bit as well. My steel bike is heavier than the others but as I put out up above I could stand to drop a couple of pounds before I became concerned about my bike's weight! In the end, I feel that for a heavier rider that Titanium is a great way to go and there is absolutely nothing wrong with a Steel frame either. I am not saying a heavier ride cannot ride Carbon because that is not true - I just feel that if you have the ability to pay for the Titanium frame and are a larger person then that is a solid way to go. Carbon was so comfortable and I really enjoyed riding the two frames. I cannot wait to test a Specialized as well just to see if I can notice a difference. At the end of the day if you chose a bike with either one you will not be disappointed. Just go out and ride!
Others thoughts: This link gave me a lot of insight into the frame composition before I even test rode them. It even covers Steel and Aluminum as well. Some very good reading here if this subject interests you.
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I just feel that if you have the ability to pay for the Titanium frame and are a larger person then that is a solid way to go. Carbon was so comfortable and I really enjoyed riding the two frames.ALUMINUM BIKE FRAMES
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