In my recent post about integrated seatposts, I mentioned three bikes that are among my favorites currently on the market, the Ridley Noah, the Giant TCR, and the Cervelo P2C. That post got me thinking about other bikes currently being sold that I really like. I haven’t ridden most of these, so my opinions are based purely on aesthetics. In addition to the three that I already mentioned, road bikes that I think look great are the Trek Madone 5.9, Orbea’s Orca, the Specialized S- Works Tarmac, Giant’s OCR composite 0, and the Scott CR1 team issue. It is tough to pick a favorite, but I will have to go with the Noah. I like the clean design of the frameset as well as the striking graphic treatment, especially the way that the frame graphics flow continuously onto the fork. You have to admit that the Noah is a great looking bike. Then again, maybe you don’t agree. If so, let me know. I didn’t set out to pick only carbon bikes, but the ones that I think look the best all happen to be made from it. Coincidently, my least favorite current bikes are carbon as well, the Pinarello F4: 13 ( I don’t understand the shape of the Onda fork) and the curvy top tubed DeRosa Tango. Less is more is a principle that doesn’t apply to those two framesets; they appear visually busy to me.
As long as I am listing my favorite road bikes, I might as well throw out a few mountain bikes that I really like. My top three are the Trek Fuel X 9.5, the Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper FSR Carbon, and the Ibis Mojo. Though it is not really the type of bike I am normally interested in, I also like the tube shaping and the finishes on the Specialized Enduro Elite. I am tempted to pick the Mojo as my overall favorite because it looks great and really stands out from the current crop of mountain bikes. For some reason though, I am really drawn to the FSR Carbon, so I have to give it my top pick.
Let me know your favorite bikes? Like I said, my picks are based solely on aesthetics. Opinions vary and maybe some of you really love the bikes that I don’t like. I am curious what bike (or bikes) currently on the market that you would chose if money were no object. Leave a comment and let me know.
One last thing, I will be traveling for the next three weeks, so don’t expect any new content for a while. In the mean time, check out the blog links in my sidebar for some great bike blogging.
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