posted by norman leong on january 23, 1998 at 19:33:11:
in reply to: Potential buyer - road bike frame - questions posted by Clay Dudley on january 22, 1998 at 12:17:59:
: I'm SERIOUSLY looking at a new Merlin Road frame.
: I'm a "fast" recreational rider - 70 milers on weekend
: with an occasional century.
: Comfort is big concern. Especially road vibration
: of bars.
: Tell me your experience.
: Also - does the Extralight absorb more vibration?
: Thanks,
: Clay
Well, I don't know if the XL absorbs shock any better than the Road, but after riding steel up until a couple months ago, I can say that vertical compliance is pretty good on Ti. I also use the Look HSC fork and the combination is a very comfortable one as far as I'm concerned. If you've not ridden Ti before, the ride characteristics are tough to describe accurately; it's comfortable and road shock is muted, but frame flex is pretty minimal (at least on a 51).
Steel (Prestige) on the other hand, on the same road surface is definitely a "firm" ride, and I definitely feel it through the fork and hbar.
Ah, what the hell, plunk down whatever you can afford and give it a try; I doubt you'll be disappointed.
Norman