Best riding carbon bike - C64, Aethos, R5... what else?
#26
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Not sure if you've seen this guadzilla, but it was shared with me in another thread - https://www.velonews.com/gear/road-g...ot-buy-it-yet/
![Smilie](images/smilies/smile.gif)
If only they still made it in Sunweb colors, though - a friend of mine just purchased an R5 in the exact same colors I had sold. A small part of me dies everytime i see him on that bike.
#27
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I've skimmed the thread, but haven't read every suggestion, here's a few that I haven't seen mentioned to possibly look into...
Storck
Time
Parlee
Chapter2
Look
Storck
Time
Parlee
Chapter2
Look
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#29
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The Domane I can speak too, I went project one SLR7 , super stiff, smooth riding, absolutely one of the best bikes I have ever owned. You have dual IsoSpeed, the rear one is adjustable, so if you want a little more flex or a little more stiffness, just adjust the allen bolt and you are good to go. Absolutely love the bike
#30
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I second this assessment of the Domane. I just have the plain Jane SL6 with mechanical Ultegra, but I must say, it's my favorite road bike of all that I have owned. It's just fun to ride. It's a dream on gravel with 38mm gravel tires and more than competent on the road with 25mm road tires. Best of both worlds.
![Smilie](images/smilies/smile.gif)
I was thinking of getting the SL6 as well - Ultegra, Viper Red - and moving the Ultegra Di2 over from my Factor to this bike.
For Bike 2, I think i may wait a bit. First, to see what Spesh gives me and second, to wait for the release of the R5 and maybe the new DA 12 speed.
#31
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Lol, i came here for advice on Bike #2 and i think you guys just sold me on Bike #3. I just asked my dealer for a quote/delivery timeline ![Smilie](images/smilies/smile.gif)
I was thinking of getting the SL6 as well - Ultegra, Viper Red - and moving the Ultegra Di2 over from my Factor to this bike.
For Bike 2, I think i may wait a bit. First, to see what Spesh gives me and second, to wait for the release of the R5 and maybe the new DA 12 speed.
![Smilie](images/smilies/smile.gif)
I was thinking of getting the SL6 as well - Ultegra, Viper Red - and moving the Ultegra Di2 over from my Factor to this bike.
For Bike 2, I think i may wait a bit. First, to see what Spesh gives me and second, to wait for the release of the R5 and maybe the new DA 12 speed.
![](https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikeforums.net-vbulletin/640x480/natchez_1_735603f916c34e9664165db3e9e198b254493bd9.jpg)
#32
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Lol, i came here for advice on Bike #2 and i think you guys just sold me on Bike #3. I just asked my dealer for a quote/delivery timeline ![Smilie](images/smilies/smile.gif)
I was thinking of getting the SL6 as well - Ultegra, Viper Red - and moving the Ultegra Di2 over from my Factor to this bike.
For Bike 2, I think i may wait a bit. First, to see what Spesh gives me and second, to wait for the release of the R5 and maybe the new DA 12 speed.
![Smilie](images/smilies/smile.gif)
I was thinking of getting the SL6 as well - Ultegra, Viper Red - and moving the Ultegra Di2 over from my Factor to this bike.
For Bike 2, I think i may wait a bit. First, to see what Spesh gives me and second, to wait for the release of the R5 and maybe the new DA 12 speed.
![Love](images/smilies/1luvu.gif)
![](https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikeforums.net-vbulletin/1132x857/trek_domane_slr7_6d62ca2c773cad313a61ce1908c0cf71ddab7e0d.jpg)
#34
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![](https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikeforums.net-vbulletin/953x650/trekalr_6_63af2d0d7bb116484935b9e5b9e9a46b0930d162.jpg)
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Brian | 2023 Trek Domane SLR 7 AXS | 2023 Trek CheckPoint SL 7 AXS | 2016 Trek Emonda ALR | 2022 Trek FX Sport 5
Brian | 2023 Trek Domane SLR 7 AXS | 2023 Trek CheckPoint SL 7 AXS | 2016 Trek Emonda ALR | 2022 Trek FX Sport 5
Last edited by jaxgtr; 05-08-21 at 09:35 AM.
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#35
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There aren't many of us who have ridden lots of current carbon bikes, so mostly you're getting recommendations from people who like the one or two that the currently ride. Be that as it may, I love my Canyon Ultimate. Also, though my version is older, the Felt is a great no-nonsense responsive racing bike.
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#36
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There aren't many of us who have ridden lots of current carbon bikes, so mostly you're getting recommendations from people who like the one or two that the currently ride. Be that as it may, I love my Canyon Ultimate. Also, though my version is older, the Felt is a great no-nonsense responsive racing bike.
#37
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I have had several carbon frames over the years, but don't disagree with the statement above. I loved my Cannondale SuperSix, but I hated the Carbon Synapse. I had a Trek Pilot 5.0 back in the day which started my love affair with Viper Red. I was actually in the market for the Emonda SL 6 when I bought my ALR...The ALR was such a smooth riding bike, and after putting on the FSA SL-K carbon seat post and handlebars, I really did not miss the carbon frame. The main reason I went with the Domane is I wanted the di2 and I loved the feel of the ride when I borrowed a buddies bike for a test ride.
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#42
My current shortlist:-
Cervelo Caledonia 5
Argon 18 Krypton Pro
Specialized Aethos
Factor Ostro VAM
Currently riding a Giant Defy Adv Pro, which is actually really good. Just not that special if you know what I mean. Can't decide if I want another endurance bike or something lighter and/or more racey. The Aethos is very interesting as it promises to be both ultra-light and comfortable and I don't really care about aero. But I'm thinking the Caledonia and Krypton might just be better all-rounders. The Ostro VAM looks interesting too. I'm in the UK so I could get a factory fit over at Factor. I quite like the O2 as well and maybe wouldn't really need the VAM version of that bike. But the Ostro looks cool even if I don't really need the aero. This will be for next year at the earliest anyway, so plenty of time to drool over nice bikes! I might try to arrange a visit to Factor and hopefully demo their bikes later this year.
Cervelo Caledonia 5
Argon 18 Krypton Pro
Specialized Aethos
Factor Ostro VAM
Currently riding a Giant Defy Adv Pro, which is actually really good. Just not that special if you know what I mean. Can't decide if I want another endurance bike or something lighter and/or more racey. The Aethos is very interesting as it promises to be both ultra-light and comfortable and I don't really care about aero. But I'm thinking the Caledonia and Krypton might just be better all-rounders. The Ostro VAM looks interesting too. I'm in the UK so I could get a factory fit over at Factor. I quite like the O2 as well and maybe wouldn't really need the VAM version of that bike. But the Ostro looks cool even if I don't really need the aero. This will be for next year at the earliest anyway, so plenty of time to drool over nice bikes! I might try to arrange a visit to Factor and hopefully demo their bikes later this year.
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#43
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My current shortlist:-
Cervelo Caledonia 5
Argon 18 Krypton Pro
Specialized Aethos
Factor Ostro VAM
Currently riding a Giant Defy Adv Pro, which is actually really good. Just not that special if you know what I mean. Can't decide if I want another endurance bike or something lighter and/or more racey. The Aethos is very interesting as it promises to be both ultra-light and comfortable and I don't really care about aero. But I'm thinking the Caledonia and Krypton might just be better all-rounders. The Ostro VAM looks interesting too. I'm in the UK so I could get a factory fit over at Factor. I quite like the O2 as well and maybe wouldn't really need the VAM version of that bike. But the Ostro looks cool even if I don't really need the aero. This will be for next year at the earliest anyway, so plenty of time to drool over nice bikes! I might try to arrange a visit to Factor and hopefully demo their bikes later this year.
Cervelo Caledonia 5
Argon 18 Krypton Pro
Specialized Aethos
Factor Ostro VAM
Currently riding a Giant Defy Adv Pro, which is actually really good. Just not that special if you know what I mean. Can't decide if I want another endurance bike or something lighter and/or more racey. The Aethos is very interesting as it promises to be both ultra-light and comfortable and I don't really care about aero. But I'm thinking the Caledonia and Krypton might just be better all-rounders. The Ostro VAM looks interesting too. I'm in the UK so I could get a factory fit over at Factor. I quite like the O2 as well and maybe wouldn't really need the VAM version of that bike. But the Ostro looks cool even if I don't really need the aero. This will be for next year at the earliest anyway, so plenty of time to drool over nice bikes! I might try to arrange a visit to Factor and hopefully demo their bikes later this year.
In the end, i keep coming back to either the Aethos or the C64 as the frames that excite me the most - if either of them has the ride quality i want, i will get one of them. Ciclo Corsa has C64 framesets for not significantly more than the Aethos non-S-works, so price isnt a huge difference. Color will probably decide - the Mapei paintwork on the C64s... mmuah *chef kiss*
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#45
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Curious as to why from the get-go, Ti or Steel were off limits?
#46
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I have a couple of friends who have ordered the Ostro VAM. Plan to take try their bikes out when they get it.
In the end, i keep coming back to either the Aethos or the C64 as the frames that excite me the most - if either of them has the ride quality i want, i will get one of them. Ciclo Corsa has C64 framesets for not significantly more than the Aethos non-S-works, so price isnt a huge difference. Color will probably decide - the Mapei paintwork on the C64s... mmuah *chef kiss*
In the end, i keep coming back to either the Aethos or the C64 as the frames that excite me the most - if either of them has the ride quality i want, i will get one of them. Ciclo Corsa has C64 framesets for not significantly more than the Aethos non-S-works, so price isnt a huge difference. Color will probably decide - the Mapei paintwork on the C64s... mmuah *chef kiss*
#47
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His profile shows a Lynskey, so guessing he might already have Ti and Steel in the stable of bikes.
#48
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I simply dont find the ride quality that exciting, to be honest. I sold off my Lyskey last year after 9 years (need to update my profile) and while I still have a custom lugged steel bike, I use it mainly on the trainer and as an all-road bike (heh, I just realized this was my "gravel bike" from way before the category even existed).
That said, I may yet get a Master X Light or a Pegoretti at some point, but that will be purely a cafe rider, with platform pedals. But that's down the road. Right now, i need a bike for my regular mileage.
That said, I may yet get a Master X Light or a Pegoretti at some point, but that will be purely a cafe rider, with platform pedals. But that's down the road. Right now, i need a bike for my regular mileage.
Last edited by guadzilla; 05-16-21 at 10:16 PM.
#49
My first carbon bike was a lugged frame from Cadex back in the mid 90s (CFR1 I think). I can't help thinking the Aethos is light years ahead on the tech front, not that it really matters.