Long thread...
I'm a newbie roadie. Have mostly MTB experience w/ my Stumpjumper. I bought an interim road bike just to see if I can get myself motivate to try something new. (I ride the loop in Palo Alto, CA since it's near my house). Been riding a '03 Giant OCR3 and now realize that the frame and components leave a lot to be desired. Would like to move to a smoother, faster ride, don't like getting beat up on the aluminum frame. I'm more a rec rider, once in a while I pull my kind in a burley too. (Yes, I assume that this may be blasphemous on a carbon frame...)
Test road a Trek 2200 and Klein Aura X back to back yesterday. Trek seemed faster and smoother, but the Klein geometry felt more natural to me. The Klein also seems to be more accurate and precise, hopefully that makes sense. Can't seem to tell a huge difference w/ the 105 vs ultegra components, but the carbon stays and forks seems like vast improvements to me vs aluminum.
Saw a Soma Smoothie at PA Cycles and liked the look. Didn't get to ride though. Always like the concept of support small, local vendors. However, never road a steel frame. Can't seem to find a lot of info on them, any suggestions or first hand info on this?
Any thoughts on pairing a steel frame w/ a carbon fork and carbon seatpost? Is this recommended at all? If I went went w/ the smoothie, I'd look at a either a 105 or ultegra set up w/ Shimano 540's, Bontrager Race, or similar wheelset. I admit I like the "look" of the bladed spokes.
Please send links, suggestions, comments. Thanks for the help.
aspiring roadie...