Which Endurance <$2,000
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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.
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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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.
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.
#3
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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
Synapse Disc 105 Cannondale Bicycles
#4
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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
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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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.
#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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#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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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.
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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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.
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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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.
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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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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 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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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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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 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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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.
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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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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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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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.
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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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
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