Modern road ramblings

[Splatter Paint]

So I bought one of those new fangled road bikes with through axles and discs brakes. It’s stiff, really really stiff!

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but even on my budget steed (used 2018 Vitus) is noticeable there is very little lateral deflection in the frame and fork - great for stood up sprinting. However..... it is also feels vertically stiffer in the fork too which makes it less compliant that QR frames I’ve ridden. As a recreational rider I’m not sure this is all a bonus compared to QR.

Oh, road hydraulics are awesome! Mine are nothing fancy or high-end (105 spec) but they are powerful! The levers are ugly with a long reach though. Great modulation and quiet.

Bars! They’re not all round now, mine are sort of squished ovals weird.

The bottom line is, if you’re considering a modern rode bike see if you can test ride one first. They are quite different (although I’ve only tried one modern bike....) from less than 10 years ago.

Here it is in fetching modern prison / battleship grey

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/vitus-zenium-sl-vr-105-2018-disc-road-bike

 

[T'boo Ted]

Not sure its the thru axles that make it so stiff/uncomfortable...more the design and construction. My GF just bought a road bike with discs and thru axles and its not uncomfortable at all, in fact now I realise, she has two, a top end Specialized and this one is a mid range Focus.

 

[Splatter Paint]

Interesting, mine are very different. Getting back on the old Defy was like chalk vs cheese!

 

[Splatter Paint]

Also, I’m not sure this weight weenie stem is suitable for carbon look how much material has been machined away

 

[mattr]

Just don't overtighten it.

 

[Splatter Paint]

I’m enjoying the Vitus. Next up longer cranks and gearing it down a bit.

I can easily pull the 52t big ring at low cadence / speed, but to maintain close to 30kmh / 18mph I have to spin like fury.