Softride Inc. Classic R1

Price Paid:  $1500.00 at Private Party - ligh

Favorite Ride:
Skyline Loop Moraga/Oakland

Bike Setup:
Ultegra 9-spd 12/25 53/39, Reynolds Ouzo carbon fork, Cane Creek headset, Koobi Saddle, Mavic Open Pros (soon to be Bontrager Race Lites)

Summary:
Extremely well engineered, and manufactured, bike. I've ridden it for almost 2 years. Thought I might want to go back to a standard frame geometry. Purchased a used Serotta and WOW ... what a difference. One ride and I realized the Softride advantage. With the Softride you can pedal right through all sorts of road chatter that a standard frame has you working to negotiate. That alone will make you MUCH faster. Plus, it is soooooo much more confortable.

Strengths:
Great design - by suspending the rider the frame can be kept ultra stiff. Comfortable ride with all your pedal power going right to the drive wheel.
Sweetly aero that really kicks in above about 20mph.

Weaknesses:
Not sure these are weaknesses, but standard tool bags are hard to attach - best to get the Softride 'beam bag'. Also, if you want more than one water bottle you need to place it behind the seat - put both back there for improved aero to convert a weakness to a strength.

Similar Products Used:
There is nothing similar to a Softride!

Price Paid:  $1200.00 at Final Kick Sports, V

Bike Setup:
DA/Ultegra 9 Spd Bar Ends
Syntace Bars/ X-Wing
Shimano Wheels

Summary:
After finding out I had a blown disc this was the perfect choice. I parked my Quattro Assi and built up the R-1. It is a little heavier but the trade off is significant comfort and aerodynamics. This bike makes those pea-gravel backroads totally bearable. I am able to stay in my aero position much longer and I once again look forward to cycling IM distance. The bobbing stuff is negligable especially if you already have a good stroke. The rocket wings are nice, but if you need suspension because of back issues this frameset has a lot more give and is virtually the same except for the beam. If Zack can set IM bike records on this it will not hold you back. Weight gurus do not undrestand that weight only plays on significant climbs, aero and comfort mean power. Look on John Cobbs bicycle sports web page to learn the truth. If you want one of these see Jerry Frostick at Final Kick. He is one of the best guys in the business.

Strengths:
Comfort, aerodynamics, conversation piece looks!

Weaknesses:
A little heavy, some rubbing on the beam while out of seat climbing. Must have or learn a round pedal stroke.

Similar Products Used:
Quattro Assi Easton Elite

Price Paid:  $2400.00

Favorite Ride:
Lake Hefner trails

Bike Setup:
2002 Classic R1 - Ultegra/DA mix

Summary:
The Softride Classic R1 is absolutely the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden. I can spend hours in the saddle, and my backside feels as fresh as when I started. This is the perfect century bike!

Strengths:
Comfort, Comfort, Comfort
Very stiff when climbing or sprinting

Weaknesses:
A bit heavy for a high-end bike
Only one water bottle mount

Similar Products Used:
Various steel and Aluminium road bikes +
Softride Solo