iim7v7im7

I honestly was much more focused on fit, feel and function.

Cannondale = black with like blue decoration
Giant = white with red and black decoration
Specialized = charcoal with gray decoration
Trek = white with black decoration

They all are beautifully designed. I suppose some might looks dirty faster...:-)

mdelrossi

Have a look at the Felt Z series and the Scott cr1 (I believe)
I have the Domane 2.0 and the Felt Z5. The Felt is smoother and the power transfer feels better.

I will add that a Tiagra group will do just fine unless you are racing.
I'd get the lowest cost bike in the same frame series and upgrade the wheels and saddle
just my thoughts.

ttakata73

I had been looking at the endurance category as well and reviews are saying the carbon Trek does have a noticeably large amount of rear compliance. The frame is not marketing BS, it supposedly works really well.

Someone on a forum wrote a review of riding 16 miles on torn up grated road that was waiting to be repaved on his carbon Domane. You can also see video of how must the seatpost flexes. I sort of doubt the other bikes are as comfortable since they can't possibly flex as much. I could easily be wrong but I am sold on the Domane's marketing hype. Since the frame is the most expensive part on a bike, I would invest in the frame most. That said I hear good things about titanium frames but they seem to not lay power down as well as the stiffer carbon frames, but no one has actually done a comparison between a Domane and a ti bike that I can find.

RJM

I would honestly buy the Trek Domane out of that list. The one I rode just had a great ride and was still fast and nimble.

iim7v7im7

Well I have a fitting appointment at the Cannondale / Giant LBS today. I think it will come down to them because they have the bikes in my size in inventory. The other LBS had similar models for me to try (but not the actual bikes) and would have to order the bike. It is also unclear that my frame size is available. I suppose that it is an awkward time in the season to buy a bike between the '013 and'014 seasons. I think having the actual bike to try and be fit on before committing to a purchase is the driver. So it will either be a Synapse or a Defy. Perhaps the fitter will see something different in the frame geometry when I am fit?

gsa103

The Roubaix has a similar (possibly more) flex. The flex design of the Roubiax is integrated into upper portion of the rear triangle.

jcg878

Test rode the Roubaix one level up from your list and the Domane 4.5. They were very comparable, so I ended up with the Trek since the bike shop 'couldn't find' the Robaix I wanted but had the level up at ~$3400. Paid $2330 for the Domane and haven't looked back, even if it didn't give me the ability to look down at others.

JakiChan

It's a very personal preference. I tested a Domane and Roubaix, both full Ultegra. I liked the isodecoupler thingie on the Domane but it felt twitchy. I liked the Roubaix much better. But you could end up making your own call.

iim7v7im7

I really have to compliment my LBS in the rigor of their fitting process. After looking at some of my body measurements we looked at both a Defy and a Synapse (and I took a short ride). I simply felt more at home on the Defy. They had two frame sizes and I ended up being better on the Large frame and not the XL frame.

I am 6'-2-1/2" but my height is in my legs and not my torso. So the top tube length on the L was better once the Saddle was adjusted back and the correct stem and stem angle was found. They also put a set of 15 degree shims in my shoes. I ended up putting 105 pedals on instead of the Ultegra. The change in comfort based on the shoe shims, seat post, saddle, stem length and stem angle was amazing!

Thanks to everyone for your input.

fried bake

congratulations and enjoy.

gc3

told ya so....very nice...hope you got a discount off MSRP

iim7v7im7

I did just fine...:-)

Camilo

Luckily I read through the whole thread before making this comment. But all four are fine bikes - no matter what anyone said above, they're all very equivalent in quality. YOu did exactly what you should have done, bought the one YOU liked best. Don't hesitate to put the 28mm tires on that Giant if you want to. They fit easily. The Defy is a very nice frame design, and a great value for the price point.

a1penguin

All four are fine bikes, but wrt brands.... you generally get more value per $ with Giant, and pay a premium to purchase the Specialized brand name. But you bought the bike that fit best, which is the recommended way to choose. Great looking bike!

iim7v7im7

I chose an LBS just as much as the bike itself. They had an approach that was more comprehensive and the time they took to fit the bike was heads and tails above the other 3 LBS that I visited. They also had the inventory to sit on and ride which at this point in the season an be tough. Because honestly, all are great bikes and fairly equivalent if fitted properly. In the end fit was the deciding factor.

coasting 

awwww. A happy ending.

ThinLine

Although this seems to be more common.

ThinLine

+2. mine too. Giant manufactures some awesome frames.

rangerdavid

that's a really nice looking Giant!! ride it in good health and wear it out!!

nesdog

Thanks for posting this thread. I'm currently evaluating a Scott CR1, Domaine, Defy Advanced and Roubaix....doing test rides this week. (one of the LBS is trying to throw a BMC in the mix...way over my budget.) Not having ridden them yet, based purely on specs and reviews, all are good bikes (though I most often hear the Scott is the harshest of the rides) but the Giant comes out near the top. You made a great choice...I may be joining you soon!