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Originally Posted by RSBob
True confessions. In my 30s and 40s did lots of centuries, doubles and endurance events. Took my early 50’s off and started single track mtn biking in late 50 to early 60s. Now with COVID and not wanting to end up in the E.R. Mtn biking and with reduced traffic, I have been hitting the roads again in earnest. Really enjoying the feeling of getting stronger, attacking the climbs and streaking down the descents. Now that I’m 65 my 25 year old Fondreist with 16 gears is not cutting it on steep long climbs. With my frameset, a smaller inner chain ring (have a 37) won’t work because I already have too much chain rub. The bike was converted from a 10 speed to a 16 and it is maxed out.
Soooo, what I am looking for is an aero-styled bike (not full aero since they tend to be heavy and not good climbers and I live in a hilly area and usually climb 1k to 1.5k’ on each ride. Since the roads have a lot of chip seal, it needs to absorb road shock (my Fondreist is all steel and loosens my fillings). It should be light to be a good climber and stable on high speed descents. My budget is $3500 to $5000 so no high end bikes. Disc brakes tend to make a stiffer ride, but want response without harshness, so am open but am wary. I don’t ride in the rain any more unless I get caught out so discs aren’t that important. Good components are essential. Right now use Campy Super Record with Chorus mixed. Not stuck on Campy, but have ridden only Campy for 35 years. Shimano Ultegra or DuraAce would work too.
The Bianchi Oltre XR3 and XR4 CV (non disc) looks promising, and looks pretty sexy but what are your thoughts?
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I've ridden a custom Ti for the last 30yrs, now 70 and osteo arthritis is worse every year in the back an hips, average ~5k mi a yr, up to 7k in a good yr. daily ride is ~50+/-mi w/ ~2200' vertical @15.4 avg.
when I shopped for a second bike a few years ago the local shop had a Cannondale Synapse hi-mod disk w/ carbon everything. the selling point was the relaxed riding position which I didn't appreciate at first, but now past 70 it is the bike of choice
Here it is at my favorite daily stop to commune w/ nature, lots of Ospreys, Herons, Loons and Eagles going after the abundant and active fish
Di2 electric shifters, hi-mod Carbon frame, seatpost and bars , Envy wheels, Fizik Carbon seat
