Winter bike build

[ChristinaJL]

I'm currently debating a winter bike build as I don't want to ruin my lovely carbon bike over winter. I think I've pretty much decided on the Dolan Preffisio but am unsure on sizes. I'll be buying it online as I don't know of any shops I can go sit on a Dolan to make sure. I'm going to strip down my horribley uncomfy dolce elite and use the tiagra/105 groupset off that so all I need is a frame.

Recently had a bike fit and I'd like to match up the geometry as much as possible as I've had back problems in the past and want to avoid. My current bike is an Onix Aurious 54cm and I have a 100mm stem on it. I'm around 5'6" with 31" leg but have a quite long body/arms so womens' frames are totally out.

My dilemma is do I get the 52 or 54cm Dolan? I've been told their geometry is quite aggressive and that some riders go down a size. I've tried comparing the geometry of my Onix to the Preffisio and tbh I'm still clueless, so any help wouold be much appreciated.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Fwiw the Onix size chart (here http://onixbikesonline.com/Onix-Aurious-Geometry-W10640.aspx) seems next to useless to me.

Since the Specialized size chart is far more detailed and useable, why not put the Dolce and Onix side by side and see what the differences are, which firstly should tell you why the former is uncomfortable (while presumably the Onix is), and secondly with a bit of maths tells you which Preffisio would match?

It might even save you all the cost and trouble of stripping/porting components if a different stem or saddle postion for the Dolce would do?

Specialized chart (but it is a 2012): http://www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk/Detail/12dolce/dolce/Dolce Elite
Dolan chart: http://www.dolan-bikes.com/geometry/Dolan-Preffisio-FrameSet.jpg

 

[ChristinaJL]

Thanks for your reply. I tried everything to get the 52cm dolce womens' specific bike to fit (including bike fits with a couple of experienced bike fitters) and in the end I just couldn't get it long enough. I was in pain and in far too upright a position as I couldn't get it any lower either. Hence the new 54cm bike.

Just measured the top tubes on both bikes and the Aurious is 550mm, so 60mm longer than the dolce. Given that I already have a 110mm stem on the dolce, not sure I could add a further 60mm onto the stem without the handling being effected. Looking at that Dolan chart, it would put me on a 54cm as the effective top tube on that is also 550mm but the head tube length on the Dolan is 110mm compared to my Aurious at 155mm. Hmmm, 54cm Dolan? Anyone got a Dolan I can sit on?

 

[PpPete]

Looks like the Preffisio is indeed designed to be quite an "agressive" riding position compared with the Aurious. I can't imagine dropping a size would help.
What spacers do you ride with on the Aurious? If nothing below the stem on the Aurious, you could maybe go for 30 mm of spacers on the Dolan, but the bars would still be 15mm lower than previous. You mention previous back problems... what's your flexibility like?

 

[ChristinaJL]

Thanks PpPete: I have no spacers on the Aurious but think I would indeed need at least 30mm of spacers on the Preffisio. My back isn't as flexible as it used to be but I used to have relatively good flexibility pre-kids, I could try a lower position for shorter distances over winter, I guess. Even my LBS said I'm awkward to get a bike to fit!! Maybe I should just plod on with my carbon bike and purple harry cleaning stuff till I can save up for a custom built Brian Rourke steel frame.

 

[PpPete]

How about something like a Cannondale Synapse? 54cm is 540mm top tube, 165mm head tube. 120mm stem of an appropriate angle should be able to duplicate your position on the Aurious.

OTH - custom built steel would be yummy. I've been looking at a local (to me) outfit called Demon Frameworks. Rather like the idea of polished stainless steel curly lugs on an otherwise painted frame. Not quite so sure about his copper plating idea, although it looks like Burr Walnut from a distance.

 

[Nebulous]

I can't make up my mind whether you would ride that thing or smoke it.

 

[ChristinaJL]

How about something like a Cannondale Synapse? 54cm is 540mm top tube, 165mm head tube. 120mm stem of an appropriate angle should be able to duplicate your position on the Aurious.

OTH - custom built steel would be yummy. I've been looking at a local (to me) outfit called Demon Frameworks. Rather like the idea of polished stainless steel curly lugs on an otherwise painted frame. Not quite so sure about his copper plating idea, although it looks like Burr Walnut from a distance.

I'm leaning more and more towards waiting a bit and getting the BR steel frame, that would last me years!!

 

[Paul.G.]

How about a purpose made steel cross bike? Ideal for winter as you can add full guards etc and the relaxed frame angles puts less stress on you back during the cold winter months - back problems always feel worse when its cold.

 

[ChristinaJL]

I've looked at cross bikes, but I don't find the more relaxed frame angle that comfy. LBS have said it'll be virtually impossible to match up the geometry of my carbon frame to a cross bike. Back to the custom built steel idea I think.

 

[jonathanw]

How about a purpose made steel cross bike? Ideal for winter as you can add full guards etc and the relaxed frame angles puts less stress on you back during the cold winter months - back problems always feel worse when its cold.

An exact match will indeed be difficult, but slightly more relaxed may well allow a little more comfort. Have a look at the 54cm Genesis Croix de Fer (geometry on website). A little pricey, but an ideal all rounder and not overly "relaxed" and there are deals to be had on 2011 model

 

[ChristinaJL]

I like the look of that Genesis!!