dlemon

So I've checked out the LBS to see what deals they have with 2018's coming in. I'm still relatively new to Road biking been riding on an old Peugeot so everything feels like an upgrade. I'll mostly be riding 4-6 times a week on a paved trail up and back in a local canyon. Planning on group rides with some buddies that would involve some more serious climbs and descents a few times a year.

I'd like to keep the budget to $1500. In my test rides I definitely leaned towards the carbon frames and definitely Shimano 105 groupset. The bikes listed in the title have been my favorite.

I know in the end it may just come down to what I like and what fits.

But if you have some knowledge about overall quality or ride experience would love to hear it.

Here are the top 3 that I've liked in no particular order, though I really like the clean look of the BMC
2016 BMC TeamMachine SLR03 W/ Shimano 105 $1499
- Great ride and fast
2016 GIANT Defy 2 w 105 and disc brakes $1500
- Another great ride + disc brakes
Scott CR1 20 w 105 $1499
- Nice ride yet still felt snappy

The other carbon I really like but has Sora components is a Specialized Roubaix SL4 which also has disc brakes.
A couple of aluminum contenders would be a 2017 Emonda ALR 5 with 105 group marked down to 1439 & a Cannondale CAAD12 with 105 group prices at 1650 but should be marked down soon at least I was told.

Another quick question; told the guy at the Trek dealer I really liked the BMC w 105 but he suggested that he would prefer the new Tiagra to the 2016 105 group. Of course he said this as I was testing out Trek Domane that had Tiagra. Any truth to that opinion?

Thanks for any thoughts.

Philly215

The Emonda ALR5 is sweet and it's geometry is a bit more aggressive than those endurance bikes. Probably bet for what you are doing.

Same with the CAAD12. It and the ALR are pretty similar. I'd go with one of those two.

And 105>tiagra so that dude was just trying to sell a bike.

beermode

^^^^ This.
105 is greater than the Tiagra.

I love the three picks you listed with the 105's.

BluFalconActual

Trek ALR5. Good frame. Complete 105 group.

GSJon

I'll chime in and say my preference would be the BMC.

Jon

Beach Bob

I ride a Defy... and still think BMCs are damn sexy. 105 is definitely a sweet spot component wise. There really is so little difference between 105-Ultegra-Dura Ace that staying to 105 is a great way of keeping the costs reasonable and putting money into things that can make more difference.

Ride them all again, and the one that leaves the biggest grin on your face is the winner.

znomit

The defy is probably the best value. You should definitely get the BMC.

dlemon

Going into this I assumed I would be getting more of an endurance bike for the comfort and longer rides. After trying a few of the more race bikes I liked how snappy they felt including the aluminum CAAD12 and Trek Emonda.

Right now I'd say my heart's set on the BMC like Beach Bob said, "sexy." It just felt so fast.

The Giant didn't feel as responsive but the idea of adding disc brakes is attractive.

I liked the ride of the Scott more than the Giant.

So I guess my mind is made up, though I will ride all 3 again. Problem is I need to wait a couple of weeks, we're closing on our house in a couple of weeks, have to keep as much cash in the bank as possible until then. So if the BMC is gone, there are two available at the LBS, I may even try out the CAAD12 and Emonda again.

- Daran