04 Merak riders?: Bikefanclub.com

Some may have observed that DeRosa's Merak got a makeover for 04. To wit, the tubes have been shaped in AL to be identical to the carbon shapes. There is something gleefully menacing and a kind of pretending sinisteria to this look, oh-so-modern and racy, all meant to give the impression of fast and latest-greatest. I like the finish on DeRosa bikes from an aesthetic standpoint and even though I an skeptical, nay, cynical of the effects these shapings might really induce regarding the ride, I still am intrigued. After all, what difference does this difference make? Serotta has shown that tube shapes effect ride though perhaps not as much as is claimed, but my curiousity about DeRosa's effort makes me wonder about how these shapings and material uses might effect the ride.

I am rarely a fan of aluminum bikes in comparison to steel or titanium (and I have preferred only the Parlee in carbon), but I still hope/wonder/am intrigued by the possibility that aluminum can create a sweet ride. Even though it's better than it's been, it is still harsh in comparison to steel, especially over the long and rough road. Has DeRosa made any impact on that feeling with the new Merak?

Any Merak 04 riders out there with impressions? Any comparisons to other aluminum or to steel?

Just wondering.

dbrk

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