Which bike Kuota or Cervelo?
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2008-09-29 12:08 PM |
Expert 1148![]() ![]() ![]() Santa Fe, New Mexico | Subject: Which bike Kuota or Cervelo?I need to talk to someone who knows something. I've demo'd a bunch of bikes, and here's my delemma. Of all the bikes I rode at Plano Cycle - I liked the Kuota K-factor the best. The only thing I didn't really like about it was the shape of the aero bars. (S not ski jump) I rode a Cervelo at Richardson Bike mart. The sales guy did not do much of a fit. I want to like that bike for all it's areodynamic features. I liked the feel and handling of the bike, and I like it's looks. However my thighs were hitting my belly when I rode. I felt like the seat was set too low as well. But when I dropped into the areo position it really cut the wind. I like the cockpit and the feel of it. Overall the fit on the Kuota was much better, but Sean made it so. Chuck at RBM did not really fit the Cervelo well (I think). I'm thinking the seat should have been forward a notch, and up some. I'm not sure however what that would have done to the other angles. Which bike to buy? The one I like better - that might be made to fit, or the one that fit the best but didn't feel as fast? The delemma stems from the fact that I live 500 miles away and cannot go demo them again - especially before I really have to make a decision in order to have the bike in time for IMFL. Thanks for your help and thoughts. |
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2008-09-29 12:17 PM in reply to: #1703428 |
Davenport, IA | Subject: RE: Which bike Kuota or Cervelo?You could always go to the shop again and make them do some work on getting the Cervelo to fit you better and see if you like it. Make it clear to the guy there that this bike didn't fit as well as another you rode, and because of that you are leaning towards the other one. I personally like the look of the K-Factor, so if it fits, I would probably consider that one pretty strongly. |
2008-09-29 12:17 PM in reply to: #1703428 |
Champion 19812![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() MA | Subject: RE: Which bike Kuota or Cervelo?Kuota fits better..call them and ask if they will swap the handlebars for the ones you like better...most shops will. |
2008-09-29 12:30 PM in reply to: #1703428 |
Extreme Veteran 426![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Dearborn, Michigan, USA. | Subject: RE: Which bike Kuota or Cervelo?Very interesting. Firstly, there are significant differences between the way the two bikes fit. Many bikes (for insatnce, Felt and Cervelo) have fairly similar fit coordinates. Other bikes, such as Kuota, favor a particular build. In the case of Kuota, it is an excellent short torso fit bike. I wager that, based on your feedback, there is a chance you may be a short torso fit rider. If so, your preference for the Kuota makes sense and that is the way you should go. Fit is the is the most important factor in bike performance. If the aerobars on the Kuota don't suit you your retailer should be willing to swamp them out to your liking. Test rides aren't always the best solution to picking a bike, in fact, a test ride is seldom the best place to start. It tends to produce some measure of confusion as opposed to clarity. If you think about it, most people test ride a bike "To see what it feels like". If they aren't accustomed to what a well fitted, comfortable, performance oriented aero position should feel like they don't have the experience to judge if the position and/or fit is optimal. Also, a person can test ride a bike that is perfectly suited for them but may need more complete, precise fitting to be optimal. if that wasn't done before the test ride- and sometimes even when it is- the bike initially feels so odd the person simply doesn't like it. F.W.I.W. I wrote this about test rides: http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/store/testdrive.shtml |
2008-09-29 12:33 PM in reply to: #1703428 |
Master 2460![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | Subject: RE: Which bike Kuota or Cervelo?I'm not a Kuota expert, but I have seen reports of some of their models having a "less aero" and more upright positioning which gives a lot more comfort at some expense of aero speed. I think the argument for this design is that for longer races, and likely most non-elite competitors, racers may benefit from a more comfortable position than a super-aggressive position which you can't sustain for the hours on end required for longer races. That said, knee impact with the chest does suggest an improper fit, which will make it hard to assess the bikes. I'd get them to at least do a rough fit with the Cervelo for you - if you're going to drop $$$ on a bike, you deserve the pro service. |
2008-09-29 12:45 PM in reply to: #1703428 |
Champion 5615![]() ![]() ![]() | Subject: RE: Which bike Kuota or Cervelo?I had a P2C and now have a Kalibur. Personally, I like the Kuota better than the Cervelo. Just feels more solid overall, and I'm actually faster on the Kalibur than I was on the P2C. Cockpits are easily swapped and a proper bike fit will put them in the right angle and position. The big difference is the top tube length and how comfortable you are in the distance from your seat to the fork. If you're too stretched out or too compacted, each will have various effects on your ability (and willingness) to stay in the aero position. |
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2008-09-29 7:29 PM in reply to: #1703428 |
Extreme Veteran 644![]() ![]() ![]() Anaheim | Subject: RE: Which bike Kuota or Cervelo?If you are interested in the Cervelo, see if they will set it up for you. You didn't mention which cervelo. I have heard the P3C doesn't fit some riders very well. Keep in mind that the frame contributes, at most, 5 percent of your total drag. That means you don't shave off any minutes on an uncomfortable bike. If you are uncomfortable on the Cervelo, it will be a slower ride.
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2008-09-30 8:58 AM in reply to: #1704897 |
Expert 1148![]() ![]() ![]() Santa Fe, New Mexico | Subject: RE: Which bike Kuota or Cervelo?Broompatrol - 2008-09-29 7:29 PM Keep in mind that the frame contributes, at most, 5 percent of your total drag. That means you don't shave off any minutes on an uncomfortable bike. If you are uncomfortable on the Cervelo, it will be a slower ride. Is that correct? Only 5 %? Thanks for the feedback guys! |
2008-09-30 9:17 AM in reply to: #1703428 |
Extreme Veteran 669![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Olathe, Kansas | Subject: RE: Which bike Kuota or Cervelo?I will just expand a little here, mostly on what Tom talked about. First, you should have been interviewed and measured up ateach retailer to determine the fit coordinates. If you wanted to compare two bikes somewhat objectively, you should have been as accurately as possible fit to each in order to have a baseline for comparison. Fit is the most important aspect. I am positive that both bikes are quality and you can't go wrong from that stand point. However, you can go very wrong in terms of fit. Test ride: was that few circles on the parking lot or 30mi flat or hilly ride, what was it really. Unless you take it out for a lengthy ride, put it trough your regular paces, over courses you have previously ridden on your current bike, you can't make objective comparison. Recording some numbers on each, maybe, would even be better, so you have data and subjective feel. Obviously, based on your account of your position on Cervelo, you were not properly positioned. That affected your subjective feel for the bike. Go back, have them put you on correctly. If they can't or don't know how to do that, I would not buy a bike there. It is far more important to have a solid fitter as your position will evolve and will need tweaking, than attaching to a certain brand. Cervelo, Kuota, Felt, Trek........they are all solid bikes. Find the shop with a certified fitter( Serotta or FIST), do the measuring and fitting, find a frame that you fit on and take it from there. |
2008-10-01 1:13 PM in reply to: #1703428 |
Veteran 162![]() ![]() ![]() Fort Worth, TX | Subject: RE: Which bike Kuota or Cervelo?Yeah, midland is definately a haul. I currently ride a Kuota K-Factor SL that I got from Fort Worth Cycling and Fitness. This isn't going to help you with the choice between the two bikes, but if you do go with the Kuota, I would recommend going there and talking to James. He did a very extensive fitting with me on the K-factor. If you call him, or plano or richardson, they will be able to tell you if they can, and are willing to change out the bars. Also, I know its not that much, but driving from midland it will save you an hour + to go to Fort Worth Cycling and Fitness, rather than out to plano or richardson. Good luck with your decision. |
2008-10-01 1:21 PM in reply to: #1709224 |
Sensei Sin City | Subject: RE: Which bike Kuota or Cervelo?I vote Cervelo (but that's because I have one!) |
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2008-10-01 2:06 PM in reply to: #1703428 |
Expert 1148![]() ![]() ![]() Santa Fe, New Mexico | Subject: RE: Which bike Kuota or Cervelo?Thank you all for your thoughts and advise. I've ordered the Kuota K-factor SL. they are changing out the aerobars for me, and it is supposed to ship today. Sean did some pretty extensive fitting for me, and he's going to mark the seatpost and the handlebar height for me before it ships. So I've pretty much have a 'fitted' bike on its way. Thanks again, you advice helped a bunch. Bummer about Richardson Bike Mart. They could have sold me that Cervelo P2C if they had fit it correctly. (but perhaps that's no possible eh?) I can hardly wait for my new bike! |
2008-10-13 10:30 PM in reply to: #1703428 |
Regular 81![]() ![]() ![]() | Subject: RE: Which bike Kuota or Cervelo?good choice. I love my kfactor. swapped the s bends as well. you wont regret it. |
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2008-09-29 12:08 PM


Santa Fe, New Mexico



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