I am a regular racer who is reasonably competitive and ride maybe 8/9 hours / week. I weigh 160lbs and currently ride a TCR composite.
I am looking to change to either a Vortex or Ghisallo. My style of riding is generally as an all rounder but with a leaning towards climbing (I like the hills).
I am worried that the Ghisallo will be too much of a compromise and may not be stiff enough. The vortex seems like a better all round bet.
Any thoughts or help from those that have ridden either would be appreciated.
At your weight, and given the way you ride, I should think you'd be better served with the Vortex. Ghisallo's are purpose built climbing bikes for lighter riders. The rest of us find this frame way too flexible laterally.
Originally posted by msrw At your weight, and given the way you ride, I should think you'd be better served with the Vortex. Ghisallo's are purpose built climbing bikes for lighter riders. The rest of us find this frame way too flexible laterally.
I am interested in this comment as Litespeed actually rate the Ghisallo as only being a little less stiff than the Vortex.
Does the flex come into play when sprinting or just powering along on the flats, or out of saddle climbing ?
I'm not a racer but I do ride a lot. At least 500 but 700+ miles monthly. I've been riding a TREK 5500 for two years but just got my new Ghisallo on the road today. The Ti is much, much more comfortable than the TREK. I go 5 8 1/2 and about 178 lbs. I rode only a short distance today but I can't say that the bike flexed in a way I didn't expect it to.
I went with the Ghisallo as I like the hills. At my size, I'll never sprint with the big boys. I live in Western PA and there are plenty of hills to enjoy. I'll let you know how it holds up on the long rides.
I'm not a racer but I do ride a lot. At least 500 but 700+ miles monthly. I've been riding a TREK 5500 for two years but just got my new Ghisallo on the road today. The Ti is much, much more comfortable than the TREK. I go 5 8 1/2 and about 178 lbs. I rode only a short distance today but I can't say that the bike flexed in a way I didn't expect it to.
I went with the Ghisallo as I like the hills. At my size, I'll never sprint with the big boys. I live in Western PA and there are plenty of hills to enjoy. I'll let you know how it holds up on the long rides.
your weight shouldn't come into a factor with either bike
Did my first 40 miles on my Ghisallo today. All that talk about lateral flex and twitchiness? Hooey! The Ghisallo is a monster. It accelerates like nothing I've ever ridden. It does take some time to get used to the smaller, more compact frame. But once you let go and just learn to appreciate the laser-smooth ride, it's nirvana. I continually drove up hills in one full cog higher than I normally do. I found myself firmly in the saddle most of the time. I really didn't have to get out of my seat at all. I can't wait for next week's group ride. Bring on the hills!
