Am I crazy? (Carbon to Steel)

35 replies · 4,325 views

oleritter
364 posts
#21Mar 8, 2017, 10:58 AM
Please don't interpret my comments as to rain on anyone's parade.

The Marrakesh has two versions, drop bar and flat bar. That chart is showing the flat bar version numbers. The drop bar reach numbers are lower, none go above the 300's.

The Giant might have a shorter reach than comparable flat bar road bikes, but that isn't going to erase the fact that there is going to be 1.5 to 2" more reach with road bars.
1
big_shmoop
30 posts
#22Mar 8, 2017, 11:17 AM
oleritter wrote:Please don't interpret my comments as to rain on anyone's parade.

The Marrakesh has two versions, drop bar and flat bar. That chart is showing the flat bar version numbers. The drop bar reach numbers are lower, none go above the 300's.

The Giant might have a shorter reach than comparable flat bar road bikes, but that isn't going to erase the fact that there is going to be 1.5 to 2" more reach with road bars.

I didn't take it like that but looking back I can see how my reply might have leaned that way. My apologies.

I know what you guys are saying in that testing a fit with flat bars is not the same as with drops. Riding on the hoods puts you in a different position and adds a little bit more reach, as does the drops. I addressed this concern with my LBS shop owner and he assured me we'd get it dialed in correctly to account for the changes. He fit me for both my Defy and TCX and I never had any issues with comfort/feel on those. I'm confident we'll get it setup correctly.
2
big_shmoop
30 posts
#23Mar 11, 2017, 9:26 PM
Well I picked up the bike today and got fit. Reach wasn't a problem and bike is unbelievably comfortable. The Salsa 44cm Salsa Cowchippers and ESI silocone bar tape feel great. I'll run the 50c's for now and swap the Panaracers when I do more road miles for commuting. \n \nI'm gonna be trying to decide between the B17 or the C17, time will tell. \n
0
chas
1,305 posts
#24Mar 13, 2017, 9:26 AM
Nice bike, you are having fun!

What have you noticed about the saddles?

The B17 is a bit too big for my boney butt, so I ended up with a swift (B15). I like the brass too. ;-) It has some nice well-worn pelvis dimples in it!

I have a C13 in the mail to me. Its “on sale” for the same price as the C17. The early models were too narrow for my tastes, but now they have the C13 in the same width as the B15 and the B17. One size for every bum!

What do you think of the saddles?
0
big_shmoop
30 posts
#25Mar 13, 2017, 1:31 PM
chas wrote:
Nice bike, you are having fun!

What have you noticed about the saddles?

The B17 is a bit too big for my boney butt, so I ended up with a swift (B15). I like the brass too. ;-) It has some nice well-worn pelvis dimples in it!

I have a C13 in the mail to me. Its “on sale” for the same price as the C17. The early models were too narrow for my tastes, but now they have the C13 in the same width as the B15 and the B17. One size for every bum!

What do you think of the saddles?

Thanks, yeah I'm really enjoying it. I took it out yesterday on a lot mixed terrain and it's exactly what I was hoping for in the new bike. The combination of the D-fuse carbon seat post, composite fork, a big tires means things just get gobbled up.

As for the saddles, the jury is still out. I like the additional width the both the B17 and C17 offer. I'm a bigger rider (6'1" around 230lbs) so there's a lot for seat to soak up.

I found the C17 to be a lot better than I expected. Having read there is no break in period I figured I'd give it a go first and did 12 miles the day I brought the bike home. I rode that in some jeans to simulate commuting. I realize it takes some time to decide if a saddle is the right one or not, but this one felt good. The only reason I switch it out right away is I know the B17 has a break in period. I figured that I might as well get some miles logged on it as soon as possible so I can do a real "apples to apples" comparison.

I treated the B17 with some Brooks Proofide and let it sit over night. I took the bike for a 23 mile ride yesterday with the B17 on but wore some bibs under my cold weather gear. I'm happy to report that even brand new the B17 felt great. I'm really impressed. While not a long ride I didn't even once feel any discomfort or pain. The only times I really noticed it was when I was actively paying attention to it to see how it felt. It was mostly gravel with some grass/off road horse trails thrown in as well. Only about a 2 miles of paved surface on the tail end. If this is a sign of things to come as it continues to break in further, I'll be hard pressed to swap it.
chas
1,305 posts
#26Mar 14, 2017, 1:34 PM
Exactly!

Every review I read of a cambium seems to mention how the leather saddles need time to break in to get really comfortable - and occasionally that they are not comfortable new.

BS.

I have a B17 and B15, and was shocked how comfortable they were right out of the box. I wonder if the reviewers have ever owned a leather brooks. They are really great out of the box. I'm sure they feel "better" now (years later) now that they clearly have bone divots from my pelvis, but its not a night and day change.

The C13 came in - I need some warm weather to see how it really does. I kind of think the C17/15 looks a little better though. ;-)

1
Smithhammer
103 posts
#27Mar 14, 2017, 5:53 PM
big_shmoop wrote:

Thanks, yeah I'm really enjoying it. I took it out yesterday on a lot mixed terrain and it's exactly what I was hoping for in the new bike. The combination of the D-fuse carbon seat post, composite fork, a big tires means things just get gobbled up.

Glad you're enjoying the new whip.

I've had a C17 I've moved around on various bike for the last year+ and really like it. I've also owned a couple B17s, but I do a fair bit of riding in less than ideal weather, and the weatherproofness of the Cambium saddles is a big, hassle-free plus for me.

I put a C15 on my Straggler a few days ago, and so far have about 50 miles on it, wearing just shorts with no chamois, and it feels just as comfortable as my C17. A little narrower, but I'm a fairly skinny dude so I think I can get away with using either interchangeably.
0
gemper
10 posts
#28Mar 14, 2017, 6:55 PM
Since you are mentioning saddles. I have a Selle Italia Max SLR leather/gel saddle which I love. However, I find that for saddles it is like trying to say which pair of shoes are better. Everyone takes a different size and different comfort preference.

0
frontrangegravel
453 posts
#29Mar 14, 2017, 7:37 PM
Looking good big_shmoop. Glad you're enjoying it.
0
big_shmoop
30 posts
#30Mar 14, 2017, 8:29 PM
chas wrote:Exactly!

Every review I read of a cambium seems to mention how the leather saddles need time to break in to get really comfortable - and occasionally that they are not comfortable new.

BS.

I have a B17 and B15, and was shocked how comfortable they were right out of the box. I wonder if the reviewers have ever owned a leather brooks. They are really great out of the box. I'm sure they feel "better" now (years later) now that they clearly have bone divots from my pelvis, but its not a night and day change.

The C13 came in - I need some warm weather to see how it really does. I kind of think the C17/15 looks a little better though. ;-)

I dunno...those C13's just look fast. Haha. Aren't the 15's and 13's the same except for the carbon rails?
0
big_shmoop
30 posts
#31Mar 14, 2017, 8:31 PM
Smithhammer wrote:

Glad you're enjoying the new whip.

I've had a C17 I've moved around on various bike for the last year+ and really like it. I've also owned a couple B17s, but I do a fair bit of riding in less than ideal weather, and the weatherproofness of the Cambium saddles is a big, hassle-free plus for me.

I put a C15 on my Straggler a few days ago, and so far have about 50 miles on it, wearing just shorts with no chamois, and it feels just as comfortable as my C17. A little narrower, but I'm a fairly skinny dude so I think I can get away with using either interchangeably.

Weather was on my concerns as well since I plan to ride in almost everything. Being in the Chicagoland area means the weather can completely change in the matter of hours. I'm probably gonna move the C17 to my Defy as it's too nice a saddle to sit in my parts bin.
0
big_shmoop
30 posts
#32Mar 14, 2017, 8:36 PM
gemper wrote:Since you are mentioning saddles. I have a Selle Italia Max SLR leather/gel saddle which I love. However, I find that for saddles it is like trying to say which pair of shoes are better. Everyone takes a different size and different comfort preference.

Amen. Once mans trash...well, you know.

0
big_shmoop
30 posts
#33Mar 14, 2017, 8:38 PM
frontrangegravel wrote:Looking good big_shmoop. Glad you're enjoying it.

Thanks.

Definitely not where I thought I'd land when I started looking, but that's part of the fun. Can't wait to load it up and take it out bikepacking to really test it. The commute to work and grocery shopping will be a breeze.
0
chas
1,305 posts
#34Mar 16, 2017, 2:39 PM
big_shmoop wrote:

I dunno...those C13's just look fast. Haha. Aren't the 15's and 13's the same except for the carbon rails?

Yes, but there are 3 sizes for the C13

roughly:
Narrow - 132mm
Middle - 145mm - matches the B15/C15
Large - 158mm - matches the B17/C17
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chas
1,305 posts
#35Mar 16, 2017, 2:40 PM
big_shmoop wrote:. I'm probably gonna move the C17 to my Defy as it's too nice a saddle to sit in my parts bin.

Or we could put it in my parts bin. LOL
0
big_shmoop
30 posts
#36Mar 17, 2017, 10:01 AM
chas wrote:

Yes, but there are 3 sizes for the C13

roughly:
Narrow - 132mm
Middle - 145mm - matches the B15/C15
Large - 158mm - matches the B17/C17

Ahhh...thanks for the clarification.

I have been using 143mm Specialized Phenom Comp saddles on both my Defy and TCX and they felt good. But after making the switch (even though it's been short term) to something wider, I don't think my backside will let me go back. Time will tell as I have some longer rides coming up in the near future.

chas wrote:
Or we could put it in my parts bin. LOL

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