BikingViking793 

I thought I would hit up the forum for some opinions on what bike I should get next. I currently ride a Nishiki Maricopa. For the money I think it has been ok. This is my first year road biking and I put over 1000 miles on it. Unfortunately I also broke 3 spokes so I would need some new wheels if I were to continue with this bike. I only weigh about 200lbs so I think it is more the wheel than me. Right now I think it will just be my dedicated trainer bike for indoors. I would like to put more miles on next year, so I'd like to step up to a bit better bike. The most conveniently located bike shop is Trek, but other local shops sell Felt and Giant. My rides are mostly on road or paved trails and 5-30 miles. A fast ride for me would average about 17mph. There are some trails with the crushed gravel around here that I want to explore next year. My budget for a new bike is up to $1500. Right now I'm leaning Trek and looking at either a Crossrip 2 or a Emonda ARL 4. The Crossrip interests me because it seems like a very versatile bike. Seems like it is just a step down from a cyclocross bike with the wider tires and disc brakes. The Emonda seems like it would be a good bike for increasing my speed. Not sure how well it would be on trails like the crushed gravel. Any thoughts on which bike might be a better fit for me? Will the Crossrip 2 feel like a slow bike compared to the Emonda ARL 4? Don't think I'm ever going to be a racer, but like challenging myself to try to get faster. I'm really curious what more experienced riders think of these options and if there is anything else I should be considering. I'll test ride anything before I buy, but not sure if that will really tell me everything.

Also, any tips for getting a good deal? Sounds like everybody has sales in the spring?

bbattle

Wow, two very different bikes. The Emonda is not a gravel bike; it's a lightweight road racing bike. The Crossrip would be a better fit.

I've got 28mm Continental Gator Skins on my Domane because I have a lot of chipseal and potholes and the occasional gravel road. It works but if I were doing more gravel riding I'd definitely be looking to get a bike that could take wider tires like the Trek Boone or Crockett.

gettingold

Sounds like a cross rip or Domane would suit your interests more than an Emonda.

bruce19

I am not familiar with the bikes you mentioned. I just don't care very much about new bikes these days. But, 2 years ago I bought a Colnago World Cup CX for $1500 and I love this bike.

u235

Comes down to what you want more
- A bike with the best possible speed and comparing your times and speed to others on the road
- A bike with more comfort and flexibility but with a loss overall average speed on the road.

You can still compare your own progress over time on either bike. Any bike including your current bike can be faster with some motor work, no bike will move anywhere without you.

oyejay

I bought a Crossrip 3 on impulse last spring to replace my '82 Trek road bike. Now that I have ridden it one season and done more research it seems like it was good value for the money. I picked the 3 for the better components. The Shimano 105 shifts really well and I love the disk brakes. It does seem to take some effort to keep the speed up, but I wouldn't say it feels heavy. Definitely a more relaxed ride than a racing bike, but very comfortable. I may test a Domane and Emonda this spring for comparison. But overall I am pleased with it.

indyfabz

You are obviously new around here. You are supposed to buy the bike and then ask us if you bought the wrong one.

BikingViking793 

Thanks guys. Sounds like the crossrip is the better option for me. I have plenty of weight to lose to gain speed and could put faster road tires on it. Being on a budget it seems like the one bike that could do a lot pretty well.

Am I correct there are usually spring sales? Or am I better off trying to negotiate deal in middle of winter?

oyejay

The 2018 CrossRip 3 lists for $110 less than what I paid for the 2017 model last spring and per Trek the specs are exactly the same. So if you can find a 2017 right now you might get it even cheaper. Personally, if you are thinking of a CrossRip 2, I would spend the extra and get the CrossRip 3 for the better components and fully hydraulic brakes. You will save a little on weight as well. I’m glad that I did.