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Which Endurance <$2,000

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Road Cycling “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.” -- Ernest Hemingway

Which Endurance <$2,000

Old 01-20-17, 06:09 PM
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2wheellurker
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Which Endurance <$2,000

I'm moving into my second year or riding and ready to buy my first new bike (been riding a craigslist purchase for a year).

My current bike is a 4 year old Fuji w/ 105 group (10spd) and pretty aggressive geo. I'm looking for a more upright position and decided on an "endurance" fit.

Purpose: My goal is to take half day rides, ride for fitness, and local events (non competitive).

Budget: <$2,000

Here's what I came up with (no particular order):

1. Giant Contend SL 1 (Aluminum, 105, disc) $1,300
2. Trek Domane ALR 4 (Aluminum, Tiagra, disc) $1,700
3. Roubaix SL4 (Carbon, Tiagra, rim) $1,700
4. Defy Advanced 2 (Carbon, 105, disc) $1,900
5. Felt VR30 (Aluminum, 105, disc) $1700

I love my Trek MTB and leaning toward the Domane since it's a Trek too. The Felt and Giant Contend are great value, especially the Contend. My hope is that there will soon be a sale on the Trek and Specialized bikes and that might change things up.

Anyone have any feelings on this list? I'm really all over the place on what route to go.
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Old 01-20-17, 06:25 PM
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Seattle Forrest
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How about GT Grade in carbon (frame, fork, steerer) w/ Force 22 w/ hydraulic discs for $1,750?

It's at Performance Bike. If you spend an extra $30 they'll give you 10 % of the bike's price back (in store credit, but good for special orders) so $1,605. Plus whatever your local tax is.

I bought that bike a year ago for $1,999. It's been great.
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Old 01-20-17, 06:42 PM
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I have road a Cannondale Synapse for about three years and it is a very nice bike for long rides. You can pick up one with disc brakes in two different colors for around $1500.
Synapse Disc 105 Cannondale Bicycles
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Old 01-20-17, 07:04 PM
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This is a steal of a deal.
Ridley Noah Force 22 Complete Road Bike - 2016 | Competitive Cyclist

Also...
Ridley Fenix SL 105 Complete Road Bike - 2017 | Competitive Cyclist

I love my Ridley Force 22
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Old 01-20-17, 07:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Vaportrail56
I have road a Cannondale Synapse for about three years and it is a very nice bike for long rides. You can pick up one with disc brakes in two different colors for around $1500.
I was hesitant on this since I've heard (not experienced myself) that the mechanical disc was "meh". Otherwise as you know, you hear nothing but great things about this bike.
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Old 01-20-17, 07:57 PM
  #6  
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The Contend is a cool looking bike, and a good value at that price. If you want Carbon, the Defy is nice too. Try riding some of them, and then if they feel about the same pick the one you think looks the best from the shop you like the most.
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Old 01-20-17, 08:50 PM
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Seattle Forrest
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Originally Posted by 2wheellurker
I was hesitant on this since I've heard (not experienced myself) that the mechanical disc was "meh". Otherwise as you know, you hear nothing but great things about this bike.
A lot of people will tell you that any kind of road disc is "meh."
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Old 01-20-17, 09:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Seattle Forrest
A lot of people will tell you that any kind of road disc is "meh."
Ha, very true! I must say I test rode a (road) bike with them and really enjoyed them. If I could make them work on this new bike that would be ideal.
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Old 01-21-17, 12:12 AM
  #9  
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I just purchased an Orbea Avant M40, The Avant M30 has the 105 groupset. It is a very nice bike to ride. It would be within your price range as well. The only issues would be to find an Orbea dealer, they are not too common in the states.
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Old 01-21-17, 04:12 AM
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I have the Specialized Roubaix, Secteur Elite. It is an aluminum frame. My friend sold it to me last January after he bought the Roubaix SL4, which is the same frame only in carbon.

I have had "fancier" bikes with "better" components and this is still my "go-to" if the ride is over 30 miles. I am 55 years old and appreciate the slightly more upright position. It allows less stress on my neck, which is my weak link on long rides.

I gave up a Trek Madone 5.2 for this bike because I like it so much. I may purchase a SL4 in the future, but I really can't justify it given this bike does everything I want it to do.
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Old 01-21-17, 05:20 AM
  #11  
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Any of the bikes mentioned should serve just fine, but the Defy is the coolest
I would, however, suggest you take a look at Kona, who offer a number of STEEL bikes, one of which may fit your bill and then some. Honestly, I don't notice too much difference carbon vs steel on rides of a couple of hours, but you're talking half a day; that's when I do start to notice a meaningful difference. After about 60 miles on the carbon bike (sooner on the alu), I start wishing I'd taken the steel bike instead.
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Old 01-21-17, 06:48 AM
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Originally Posted by 2wheellurker

1. Giant Contend SL 1 (Aluminum, 105, disc) $1,300
2. Trek Domane ALR 4 (Aluminum, Tiagra, disc) $1,700
3. Roubaix SL4 (Carbon, Tiagra, rim) $1,700
4. Defy Advanced 2 (Carbon, 105, disc) $1,900
5. Felt VR30 (Aluminum, 105, disc) $1700

Anyone have any feelings on this list? I'm really all over the place on what route to go.
I'd chose the Defy. Get the best groupset and carbon.
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Old 01-21-17, 07:56 AM
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I've been on a Defy Composite with 105 since July. It's the most comfortable bike I've owned as well as super responsive and fun to ride. We've had a couple Defy aluminums here too which I liked almost as much. Having a really good dealer that you like is as important as the bike brand. Any of the bikes mentioned would be a fine choice.
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Old 01-21-17, 08:36 AM
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I just purchased the Condend SL1 Disc. My LBS sold it to me at 15% off so I was out the door, tax included under $1200.00. It is such an awesome bike. I right away upgraded tires to Maxxis Refuse 28's. Makes the bike ride soooo smooth. I also have a giant Anyroad Comax and the Contend feels much snappier and livelier but it still is slack enough to not put me in a racy position. I suppose if I flipped and slammed the stem I would feel that way but I don't race so wanted something comfortable but faster feeling than my Anyroad which I use on the gravel trails around my area.
The Felt VR30 was also on my list to try out. You can put tires up to 32mm on it. But I test rode the Contend first and LOVED it right away. The VR30 has 'sub compact' gearing which is cool if you plan on riding some really steep stuff, otherwise the gearing is probably a little low for a dedicated road only bike. If you live in the mountains it would be great though.
The tire width in my opinion makes the biggest difference in comfort over the frame material. I would not get a road bike ever again that could not accept at least 28's. You go just as fast and it is so much smoother.
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Old 01-21-17, 10:49 AM
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I picked up my Felt Z5 for like $1300 from a shop which was a good deal, but even at full price, it fell in at about $1700 I think. Full carbon, 105 minus the brakes which is an odd combo but they work just fine. The bike is not the lightest thing in the world, but I think that has to do with the wheels which of course you know they skimp on. Looking for some replacements.
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Old 01-21-17, 12:13 PM
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Originally Posted by GodinSession
I just purchased the Condend SL1 Disc. My LBS sold it to me at 15% off so I was out the door, tax included under $1200.00. It is such an awesome bike. I right away upgraded tires to Maxxis Refuse 28's. Makes the bike ride soooo smooth. I also have a giant Anyroad Comax and the Contend feels much snappier and livelier but it still is slack enough to not put me in a racy position. I suppose if I flipped and slammed the stem I would feel that way but I don't race so wanted something comfortable but faster feeling than my Anyroad which I use on the gravel trails around my area.
The Felt VR30 was also on my list to try out. You can put tires up to 32mm on it. But I test rode the Contend first and LOVED it right away. The VR30 has 'sub compact' gearing which is cool if you plan on riding some really steep stuff, otherwise the gearing is probably a little low for a dedicated road only bike. If you live in the mountains it would be great though.
The tire width in my opinion makes the biggest difference in comfort over the frame material. I would not get a road bike ever again that could not accept at least 28's. You go just as fast and it is so much smoother.
The Contend is the absolute best value on my list. I don't know why I'm not drawn to it as much as the others. 15% off would be a solid deal. I only have a few local shops so they tend to be stingy with discounts. How do you like the brakes?
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Old 01-21-17, 12:23 PM
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Originally Posted by TenSpeedV2
I picked up my Felt Z5 for like $1300 from a shop which was a good deal, but even at full price, it fell in at about $1700 I think. Full carbon, 105 minus the brakes which is an odd combo but they work just fine. The bike is not the lightest thing in the world, but I think that has to do with the wheels which of course you know they skimp on. Looking for some replacements.
Fellow Z5er here -- MSRP was $1999, but I got mine for $1700 last August as a model year end clearance (and the end of the Z series, as it happens.)

Big fan of the bike, if you can still get one. I haven't loved the brakes, actually, and have a set of 105 calipers waiting to be put on. Also, let me know what you decide re wheels! But I love the ride, and the 5800 105 is tremendous. (I've also had surprisingly good luck with the stock Prologo saddle.) Fabulous bargain.
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Old 01-21-17, 06:59 PM
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Defy Advanced +1
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Old 01-21-17, 07:01 PM
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Originally Posted by 2wheellurker
The Contend is the absolute best value on my list. I don't know why I'm not drawn to it as much as the others. 15% off would be a solid deal. I only have a few local shops so they tend to be stingy with discounts. How do you like the brakes?
The brakes are fantastic! I have mechanical disc brakes on my Anyroad and they work just fine but the hydraulic system on the Contend are much nicer. You can feather them better for a lack of a better word.
I must say also that if u have not seen the Contend yet in person it really looks sharp! Love the flat black with just enough orange thrown in.
Good luck and let us know what u decide on.
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Old 01-21-17, 07:27 PM
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Originally Posted by hokie cycler
I'd chose the Defy. Get the best groupset and carbon.
I'll second that. I'm in the middle of this same purchase. It's down to the Felt and the Giant Defy. IMO dollar for dollar the Giant hard to beat.
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Old 01-21-17, 07:35 PM
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I've gotten excellent service from my Synapse. Comfy on longer rides.
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Old 01-21-17, 07:42 PM
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Don't let cost sway you. You will have the bike for years, and the extra couple hundred dollars will come to 15 cents a day .... and those days will be glorious if you buy the right bike, and miserable if you are always thinking you should have bought the other one.
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Old 01-21-17, 07:53 PM
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Originally Posted by 2wheellurker
I'm moving into my second year or riding and ready to buy my first new bike (been riding a craigslist purchase for a year).

My current bike is a 4 year old Fuji w/ 105 group (10spd) and pretty aggressive geo. I'm looking for a more upright position and decided on an "endurance" fit.

Purpose: My goal is to take half day rides, ride for fitness, and local events (non competitive).

Budget: <$2,000

Here's what I came up with (no particular order):

1. Giant Contend SL 1 (Aluminum, 105, disc) $1,300
2. Trek Domane ALR 4 (Aluminum, Tiagra, disc) $1,700
3. Roubaix SL4 (Carbon, Tiagra, rim) $1,700
4. Defy Advanced 2 (Carbon, 105, disc) $1,900
5. Felt VR30 (Aluminum, 105, disc) $1700

I love my Trek MTB and leaning toward the Domane since it's a Trek too. The Felt and Giant Contend are great value, especially the Contend. My hope is that there will soon be a sale on the Trek and Specialized bikes and that might change things up.

Anyone have any feelings on this list? I'm really all over the place on what route to go.
Look into the new Eddy Merckx......in that price range
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Old 01-21-17, 10:25 PM
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Good feedback everyone - thanks for the help
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Old 01-21-17, 11:59 PM
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I'm budgeting mine a bit less around $1000

You also can consider
Merida Ride, 1000's for carbon, 100's for alloy frame. Ride 3000 with 105 groupset?

Specialized Diverge Elite DSW

Synapse carbon or alloy 105 and change the brakes?

GT Grade carbon
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