Looking to buy a Roadster, I think.
TLDR; I do 30-50mi (50-80km) gravel rides, with 1700-2400ft elevation. Being a big guy, I absolutely shred the down hills and could rip past the group of featherweights gently floating down. ...but I try to be a good group rider and grind my brakes to stay in the pack. Then we hit the next hill and all the featherweights float right over like it's nothing. Meanwhile, I'm snapping chains, breaking crank arms and still getting left in the dust trying to power up the hill.... partially because all my momentum is wafting away as heat from the last downhill brake grind. So I was hoping a small boost of electric power would even out the hill climbs a bit. ...and maybe offset my 'barn door' shape when it comes to fierce headwinds.
I'd love to get the CF Racer, but I'd be right at the weight limit and a few inches over the height range. Plus, at least on paper, it has a smaller battery and a slightly lower power motor. The lighter weight won't offset that.
The Roadster seems like a slightly larger frame, I'd easily be in the weight range, bigger battery, a bit more motor torque, 42c tires are pretty much what I run right now, and with daytime gravel riding, I'd delete the fenders, lights, kickstand, etc. I have a carbon front wheel, seat post, handlebars, etc. I could swap over. So at least claw back some of the weight penalty between the racer and roadster. ...though I realize that will be 10's of watts in savings vs 100's of watts in motor boost. I actually ride a flat bar right now, but have been looking into a drop bar. Seems like that would be a pretty big change for the Roadster - but maybe some clip-on drops?
Anyway, any big/tall rider experience or expertise to share, especially on Roadster and/or Racer comparo?
Many thanks!!