This is only my opinion because I am not a great maintence guy.... The bikes are beautiful, fast and comfortable-But they are require quite alot of maintence and continual adjustment and replacing of expensive parts every other year. If the that is no problem for you go for it you will love the bike.

I have used a softride for two years now and have had no special maintenace issues. Pre ride I tighten down the "beam" (usually it has not loosen, but I read somewhere to do that on a regular basis)

The bike shop fitted the bike for me and I have not readjusted since then.

As to the "easy on the back (and butt)" issue - that was the main reason I went with a Softride. I ride with two different medium fast groups and all problems come from the engine (me) and not the bike.

Thanks to all for the input.

I finally bought a tri bike yersterday...I go t a Cervelo Dual 10. (And, of course, it rained today :mad: ) I was getting so much conflicting word about the Softride bikes from triathaletes in the area that I decided not to go that route. People either hate them or love them. Can't say I have found a neutral opinion about that bike. Maybe I will get a softride in the future but for now, the Cervelo will do.

Thanks again for the comments.

David

Cervelo's are great...I bought a Dual last year and upgraded...dura ace and a
great pair of Bontrager carbon wheels. Raced on it last year including Lake Placid...hit 57mph on the drop into Keene (ok..so I used the brakes...once.) It felt solid and responded well...nice choice. Although, I have to admit I still train on my old steel Specialized with down tube shifters...it's lighter than my tri bike.
Ride well!