Hello! Per the title, I have one bike: a Cervelo Aspero-5 gravel bike (2024). I'm currently planning a cycling trip across Japan (info here if you're curious), and I'm planning on using my Cervelo since it's a great bike that I already own. I've had the bike for ~2 years and have put plenty of miles on it including some 100+ mile days, but I've never done any tours or long back-to-back days on it.
The issue is… it's an aggressive race-oriented bike. I've decked it out with Tailfin kit (top-tube bag, handlebar bag, cargopack, frame bag) and it's still feeling quite nimble, but I'm worried by day 35 in the saddle that I'm going to be tired of being that hunched over and any advantage of the carbon setup with lightweight everything will be washed out by the gear I'm shlepping across the entirety of Japan.
I could.. purchase a different bike used.. maybe aluminum something that's a bit less aggressive and more forgiving, but that's still an extra $1k+ I'd need to spend when I already have a very nice bike.
What do you think?
by titanomachiatto
6 Comments
I think only you can possibly know the answer to your question 😉
can you use a socket wrench to take off a rusty stuck bolt? yeah sure. but an impact wrench will get the job done much better.
I think I’ll keep the Cervelo! You know cycling! Are you properly positioned on it? If so, there’s no question; if not, get a bike fitting!
You can also add aero bars to increase your comfort!
Maybe reconsider the saddle! In short, there are plenty of ways to make it more comfortable!
Io terrei la Cervelo, e al massimo spendi parte dei soldi extra per andare da un bio-meccanico che ti mette in sella per la tua splendida impresa. Alla fine con qualche accorgimento puoi fare questo viaggio con la tua bici che secondo è meglio che prenderne una apposta senza conoscerla al meglio.
I would say keep the bike and train, first do a bikefit, better saddle can make a lot of difference
Go and do multiple days on the bike, you just need to put in the effort
Also, do yoga, the more flexbile and stronger your core is, the better you will be able to handle it.
I’d take aero position anytime over sore ass. And unless you have slammed stem, you’ll be fine.