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This, that, or that? (Mid-level roadie buying)

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This, that, or that? (Mid-level roadie buying)

Old 07-18-19, 10:48 AM
  #1  
box handler
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This, that, or that? (Mid-level roadie buying)

I can’t stop agonizing over this purchase. I’m looking for a road bike for all-around riding in hilly NC. Current choices, all at around the same price, are:

Colnago A1-R 105 5800 (new)
Ridley Helium Ultegra 6800 (used)
Ridley Fenix A 105 R7000 (new)
Cervelo R3 Ultegra 6800 (used)
Focus Izalco Race 105 5800 (new)
BMC Grand Fondo 2 AL 105 5800 (new)
Ridley X-Trail A20 105 5800 (new)

Assuming the fit checks out for each of these, which would you choose and why? Thanks!
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Old 07-18-19, 11:14 AM
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Originally Posted by box handler
I can’t stop agonizing over this purchase. I’m looking for a road bike for all-around riding in hilly NC. Current choices, all at around the same price, are:

Colnago A1-R 105 5800 (new)
Ridley Helium Ultegra 6800 (used)
Ridley Fenix A 105 R7000 (new)
Cervelo R3 Ultegra 6800 (used)
Focus Izalco Race 105 5800 (new)
BMC Grand Fondo 2 AL 105 5800 (new)
Ridley X-Trail A20 105 5800 (new)

Assuming the fit checks out for each of these, which would you choose and why? Thanks!
Ill add the Canyon Endurace Disc 105 R7000 (used) to the list, too
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Old 07-18-19, 11:26 AM
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All of them are reasonable. Pick the one that has the best bike-shop support because help with maintenance/wrenching is important.

Also get the one(s) that have compact crank and not standard gearing.

If all else fails, get the RED one. Because the red bike is faster.
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Old 07-18-19, 12:38 PM
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Originally Posted by datlas
All of them are reasonable. Pick the one that has the best bike-shop support because help with maintenance/wrenching is important.

Also get the one(s) that have compact crank and not standard gearing.

If all else fails, get the RED one. Because the red bike is faster.


I don’t need a ton of wrench support, as I’m pretty handy, but I do have an awesome LBS (in terms of service/culture, not stock selection) I can go to when there’s something I’m not comfortable doing.

As of today, leaning toward the barely-used Canyon. I wear black almost always
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Old 07-18-19, 07:44 PM
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What price are we talking?

I started out thinking about an A1-R, and then ended up being able to move up to a '17 C-RS (5800), brand new, for only $1200 last summer (marked at $2500 MSRP). You might have more buying power than you realize.
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Old 07-18-19, 08:31 PM
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I'd go one of the bikes with the current groupset.

A bunch of little improvements, main one being the crankset was redesigned to not crack so easy.
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Old 07-18-19, 10:26 PM
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I'd have to say the R3, because when I test rode half a dozen bikes in late 2017, I said R3 then too. It's got 10,000 miles on it now.
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Old 07-18-19, 11:52 PM
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Can’t lose on any of those actually. I’ll chose the bmc gfo for the more relaxed ride. I like descending on an endurance frame usually has a nice slightly longer and stable wheelbase where as a race bike geo is a bit twitchy.
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Old 07-19-19, 04:10 AM
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Originally Posted by puma1552
What price are we talking?

I started out thinking about an A1-R, and then ended up being able to move up to a '17 C-RS (5800), brand new, for only $1200 last summer (marked at $2500 MSRP). You might have more buying power than you realize.
That’s about right for the budget. If you know where I can get that deal now, please do let me know!
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Old 07-19-19, 05:00 AM
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Just last week, I bought an unused 2016 R3 because it was available cheap and close by, did not involve dealing with a reseller, was not offensive to look at, fit perfectly, felt fast, and I’m an impulsive guy with a lot of money. It was also the first modern road bike I’d ever ridden, so any opinions I may offer, other than the fact that it’s way faster and more comfortable than my beloved old steel bike, are subjective and un-anchored, but God do I love this thing!
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Old 07-19-19, 10:49 AM
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Originally Posted by MoAlpha
Just last week, I bought an unused 2016 R3 because it was available cheap and close by, did not involve dealing with a reseller, was not offensive to look at, fit perfectly, felt fast, and I’m an impulsive guy with a lot of money. It was also the first modern road bike I’d ever ridden, so any opinions I may offer, other than the fact that it’s way faster and more comfortable than my beloved old steel bike, are subjective and un-anchored, but God do I love this thing!
Congrats, that’s awesome! This will be my second “modern” roadie. I’ve always ridden steel frames, mostly IndyFab Crown Jewels, with a vintage Merxcx and a rare steel Cervelo thrown in. The other modern roadie was also steel: a Fairdale Goodship, which I unexpectedly hated (I think it was sized wrong and I ended up crashing on a ride). I’m still determined to go modern.
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Old 07-19-19, 10:50 AM
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Originally Posted by box handler
Ill add the Canyon Endurace Disc 105 R7000 (used) to the list, too
Well folks, looks like I’m going for this Canyon, but it’s 5800 rather than R7000. The price was just too good and I love the aesthetics! Will review once I get a few rides in. Thanks for the advice!
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Old 07-19-19, 10:54 AM
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Originally Posted by MyTi
Can’t lose on any of those actually. I’ll chose the bmc gfo for the more relaxed ride. I like descending on an endurance frame usually has a nice slightly longer and stable wheelbase where as a race bike geo is a bit twitchy.
This advice is coming from a man that just bought a Madone.

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Old 07-19-19, 12:50 PM
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Originally Posted by box handler
Congrats, that’s awesome! This will be my second “modern” roadie. I’ve always ridden steel frames, mostly IndyFab Crown Jewels, with a vintage Merxcx and a rare steel Cervelo thrown in. The other modern roadie was also steel: a Fairdale Goodship, which I unexpectedly hated (I think it was sized wrong and I ended up crashing on a ride). I’m still determined to go modern.
That's an aristocratic stable. This is what I was riding until a week ago. The frame is custom and about 35 years old. It's the only road bike I've had for the last 25 years or so.


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Old 07-19-19, 01:08 PM
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Originally Posted by noodle soup
This advice is coming from a man that just bought a Madone.

Well duh if it were me since I already have a madone an endurance bike on the side for centuries would be nice.
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Old 07-19-19, 01:13 PM
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Originally Posted by noodle soup
This advice is coming from a man that just "bought" a Madone.

Fify.
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Old 07-19-19, 01:27 PM
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Have you looked at a CAAD? I mention this only because I would never have thought of a Cannondale but one came my way. It is probably the best bike I have ever owned. It has 105 and it cost me $1300 new. Just one more option. FWIW, my frame of reference includes a Masi Gran Criterium S (AL w/ CF drops and all Dura Ace). a Guru Sidero (steel) w/ SRAM Red and a Colnago World Cup CX w/105. Both 105s
are 11 sp

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