Upgrade from Sofrider to Q45??

[David Pfahler]

I have owned a Sofrider for a number of years. I have ridden more miles (with comfort) than any bicycle I’ve ever owned. Although the Sofrider is still as functional as the day I purchased it, I have considered upgrading to a Q45. I am 70 and in good health. I ride on rural (paved) roads and paved or groomed bicycle trails including the Mickelson Trail in the Black Hills of South Dakota so I don’t want to go to a strictly road bike. For anyone who has ridden both the Sofrider and Q45, I would welcome comments comparing speed, comfort, and climbing ability. I should note that I am technologically illiterate when it comes to gearing and other technology issues I see discussed in depth on this forum. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Dave

 

[benphyr]

My 2 cents from what I know about you (above post). Note that I have a conversion kit and a QX100, I do not have a Q45 - I only want one.

You have happily ridden a Sofrider for several years without feeling the need to chase after the newest model. You don't feel pressured to buy the latest greatest simply because it exists therefore the decision can be based on facts rather than emotion. You are rare and this is respected.

Speed and climbing are really pretty similar: Major factors are weight and useable power transfer.

Q45 has an upgraded connection with the front triangle - better power transfer from arm, leg, pedal, wheel to road. [I stand corrected by those with real live Q45 experience: I had said it might be a minor change - those with experience tell me it is a significant change.]

Weigh the Sofrider (you can do the bathroom scale thing if that is what you have: lift your bike, step onto scale, note weight, put down bike, step back on scale, subtract your weight = bike weight). My guess is that the Sofrider weights around 40lbs. Compare to the Q45 Complete which is listed at 34lbs (https://cruzbike.com/products/q45) Remember to compare any accessories that you have added to the Sofrider into the comparison: fenders, computer, rack, bags, lights, etc.

Any decrease in weight will directly affect climbing in a good way. You can also decrease the weight by another pound by swapping the air shock noted elsewhere which only requires one bolt and one quick release and some say improves the ride but I haven't tried that yet.

The stock suspension on the Q45 is likely better than the one on your Sofrider.

You profess to be technologically illiterate however you have ridden many miles on your Sofrider so either you can do minor maintenance yourself or you have a local bike shop that you like, appreciate, use, trust, etc. to work on the Sofrider so getting a new bike will not change much in this regard. They can build up the new bike for you as easily as they do other bike maintenance or you are proficient enough that you can build it up yourself. Complete is pretty straight forward to assemble - anyone should be able to do it with Robert Holler's instructional video (bottom of same web page noted).

Comfort: I don't know how to compare the seats as I have not ridden the Q45.

New Q45 transmission (gearing) is 1x so it is simpler.

Does your Sofrider have disc brakes? If not, the disc brakes on the Q45 is a big improvement.

The Sofrider does not owe you anything as you have used it for years and it is a 10+ year old bike. It is an older bike with experience - wear and tear and maybe damage - it has plenty and a Q45 will start the clock over at the beginning.

You are used to everything about the Sofrider that you have - only things you need to change are maintenance issues along the way. Being able to use it without having to do all the fit adjustments again can be important.

So: There is not a need to purchase a Q45, however if you want to reward yourself / make it easier on yourself the Q45 will certainly be an upgrade - maybe not as big as changing from a mountain bike to a racing bike but... If you do buy a Q45 then it would be great to hear your experience and analysis of the differences.

 

[Robert Holler]

The Sofrider is a definite classic and one of my favorite Cruzbike models. The Q45 is like the sporty upgrade/evolution of that same concept.

 

[billyk]

I've never ridden a Sofrider, but do have many years on a Q2 (which I upgraded effectively to Q100 by replacing front end parts), now on a Q45.

I agree with most of what @benphyr said, but I found the Q45 a very significant upgrade because of the much-improved front triangle. It is way more rigid than the multiple-joint contraption that is on the earlier Qs (and Sofrider). You can look up some careful measuring I did of this flex and reported in these forums a few years back. On the flat the difference is not dramatic, but it really makes a difference climbing. Instead of bending/twisting metal, your power goes into the pedals.

I would not call this a "minor change". There's a reason Cruzbike's racing bikes have that same front triangle. It's just a better design for efficient power transfer.

It's also beautiful as all get-out. Just an elegant piece of machinery that makes me smile every morning when I get on it to commute to work. How many people can say that about their commute?

@benphyr , you should get one, too! The resale value of a Q100 is pretty high. That would get you part of the way there.

 

[benphyr]

@billyk
Thank you for the detailed comparison - I have updated my original post with your input about the front triangle being a significant upgrade.

... @benphyr , you should get one, too! ...

Thank you for the encouragement. Happy trails.

 

[David Pfahler]

Thank you all for chiming in. Just returned from a trip south and stopped in Texas where I had a chance to test ride both the Vendetta and Q45. I was quite impressed by both. Though they wanted to talk me into the Vendetta, I spend too much time on well groomed (but unpaved) bicycle trails and I don't think the Vendetta is designed for that. Having said that, it was very fast and a joy to ride. I also loved riding the Q45. Much better ride than Sofrider over bumps and it felt fast and smooth though I didn't have an opportunity to climb with it. Two items of curiosity. At 6'3" my knees were contacting the handlebars so they attempted to adjust it for me. They adjusted the "boom" to where it was comfortable but it was well past the markings on the boom (if that is the correct term for that part of the triangle). I don't know if that is a problem or whether there may be other adjustments that would help fit my frame. Secondly, the seat was originally in the most supine position. While I believe I would like that in terms of aerodynamics, I would think one would need a headrest if one were to choose that position. I did ride it in a more upright position and that worked well. Does anyone ride the Q45 with the seat at 53 degrees and if so there a need or ability to install a headrest?

 

[jond]

David I see an s40 would likely also be very suitable. A vendetta is not really suitable for unsealed paths.

 

[cpml123]

David I see an s40 would likely also be very suitable. A vendetta is not really suitable for unsealed paths.

I have a S40 with 700x38 gravel tires to go on trails when needed. It works well. I try not to go on gravel trails much though because the bike gets really dusty and need a cleaning every time.

 

[super slim]

If you can afford the S40 ($4100 complete, $2300 frameset), I would go with this instead of the Q45 ($2300 complete), as the 700 c wheels roll better on the S40, and it has a much stiffer frame, but with the same power triangle, climbing will be better.

The S40 can take 700*38 tyres, so if you weigh 80 kg, then the recommended tyres pressure would be 44 psi, to take out corrugations on a dirt road, and still have minimum rolling resistance.

Both have excellent racks for 4 pannier bags, with the Q45 having a collapsible rear rack, and both have collapsible mid position racks.

If intending to fly with the bike, then the Q45 is better, as with is rear suspension, the bike can be pulled apart, to fit inside a 26"*26"*10" airport allowed box, so no $220/leg extra luggage cost!!

 

[benphyr]

I have a QX100 (the predecessor to the Q45). I know a few things changed with the Q45, however from the assembly manual at the bottom of the Q45 page (Resources) it definitely looks as though there are still 3 seat pan positions (page 18) and now 6 seat back lean positions (page 21). Since the seat pan position moves the bum forward or backwards as well as changing the seat bottom angle slightly, setting that as far back as possible would gain extra space for long legs. It would also make all the lean positions a little more upright.

If you were able to ride the Q45 without major adjustments I would say you probably will be able to get it dialled in nicely. But it never hurts to contact Cruzbike and let them know your specific measurements (they will need your X seam) so they can suggest best starting points for fit. Also, there may be longer/shorter chain stays for your body type that make a difference. It certainly sounds like the Q45 will hit the sweet spot for you.

 

[Rampa]

If you reverse the seat mount (rotate it 180) then the screw slots allow for a much more rearward and lower seat position. If you set the seat in the absolute most rearward position when you have done that (front screw holes, slid all the way back), it is a very similar base-angle to the Q series. Plus, you then get your cranks up higher. I have done that on my T50. It works wonderfully well!