I am one of the "fat, rich, guys" that many seem to have a problem with. "Rich" being relative. I have been biking for 3 years (to spend time with my 20-something kids and to get exercise). I started with a steel bike ($300), then went to an aluminum bike ($2000 new), then to a titanium ($5500 new). I have gone from 269 lbs to 235 pounds and won my first event (a sprint triathlon for 40+ Clydesdales). We won't talk about my time. Let's live for the moment.

My wife, who has much more money than I do, offered to buy me the "bike of my dreams" for my birthday this month. I realize that the "motor" is more important than the machine, so spare me any comments along that line. I am improving and can afford a machine that transcends my ability level. I am not trying to show off or be better than anyone else. I just want another type of bike.

I want to keep riding my titanium bike for my recreational rides (MS 150, centuries, etc.). I would like a quality carbon bike for my shorter sprints (9 miles to 24 miles). I would like to tap into the experience of all of you. I am looking at Time, Serotta, Look, and my one friend suggests Specialized Tarmac (I could afford the S2). Opinions?
Thanks.

I'm a Time owner and I love my bike, but in your case (no shame, somebody else supplying the $$$ and a figger that's not quite Tour day France) I'd think about getting a custom frame. Crumpton, Parlee, Calfee and I think Serotta all do custom cut carbon. Think of it like going to Saville Row and getting a bespoke suit. You might also consider a Colnago. The C-50 rides very softly and predictably, yet it's still a full-out racing machine.

I've been a Serotta owner (Legend ST) and currently own a Look 585 Ultra. I've also owned Parlees, Colnagos, and Calfees so a fair amount of experience with carbon bikes. If a standard geometry frame fits your body type, Look makes a fantastic bike. However, if you're talking about dream bike, I might look at a Parlee or Serotta Meivici. They will both tune the ride to your liking and you'll have something really special.

Good luck!

I would suggest that something more euro-centric would be the way to go....if just for that intangible essence that one gets with such a frame.....and (for me anyway) does not come with a Specialized...I admit this is purely subjective though.

Whilst fit is most important, I would be tempted to suggest something like a Colnago Extreme power...possibly well suited to a big(ish) guy like you and very sexy indeed.

I ride a Time, but as quality as they are, they may not be so well suited to a heavier guy.

Wait for the new LOOK 586.

You get all the LOOK cachet including the e-post and integrated seat mast in a slightly more relaxed geometry. This will allow you to forego the stack of headset spacers or the contortionist posture required for a full on race bred bike (585/595/VSRS etc.).

At 235 lbs........I'd go custom.

Crumpton, Serotta, Parlee or Calfee.

Everything else is gonna be built for lower weight.

Len

I ride a time proteam and love it. I am 6'2", but I weigh about 170. I think the time may not be stiff enough. I have a good friend who is 6'4" and weighs about 235. He just got the colnago extreme power with zipp 808 wheels. It is an incredible bike. It is carbon, light, and very strong. The wheels are super strong and very fast. You may find a more true fit with a custom frame, but for pure power, beauty and quality I would find it hard to beat. Good luck.

235 is pretty big...I should know I was 215 earlier this year

I would advise custom Ti. Durability would never be an issue and you can get the angles that are right for you. I think that some of the Looks have weight limits. I do not think that custom is necessarily for everyone. I can pretty much fit every stock bike out there, but my wife needs a custom bike because of long arms and legs. I have been riding for 25 years, just turned 40, and still race often...these days I look more for durability then what is cool.

I'm wanting to sell a serotta, it was my ex-boyfriends, it is about 4 yrs old, and he paid about 4 grand, what could I get out of it, and where is the best place to sell it. I'm going to a bike shop Monday, and don't want to get ripped off. Can you help me out?

I'm wanting to sell a serotta, it was my ex-boyfriends, it is about 4 yrs old, and he paid about 4 grand, what could I get out of it, and where is the best place to sell it. I'm going to a bike shop Monday, and don't want to get ripped off. Can you help me out?
Do you know the model? Size? Is it just the frame/ fork or a complete bike? If complete, what are some of the components on it and what wheels?

As you may know, Serotta's are held in high regard by many, so ebay may be a better option. Also, if you contact Serotta, they'll have info on the bike that would be helpful to you if you decide to sell it yourself. A prospective buyer will want to know the particulars.

I'm going against the grain here and, recommending the SL2. Its an engineered bike from the ground up and, likely one of the best available.