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Choices

Old 05-23-23, 06:46 PM
  #1  
DonMac
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Choices

Looking at two bikes- Trek Domane and Specialized Roubaix. I’m leaning towards the models with electronic shifting in the $4,500.00 range. I’ve been riding mostly mountain bikes for many years but I have been road riding more as time goes on. I’m riding a Cannondale Synapse, aluminum frame but I would like something nicer. Mostly longer rides, not a racer.
Any thoughts on these bikes?
Don

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Old 05-23-23, 06:56 PM
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bampilot06
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Originally Posted by DonMac
Looking at two bikes- Trek Domane and Specialized Roubaix. I’m leaning towards the models with electronic shifting in the $4,500.00 range. I’ve been riding mostly mountain bikes for many years but I have been road riding more as time goes on. I’m riding a Cannondale Synapse, aluminum frame but I would like something nicer. Mostly longer rides, not a racer.
Any thoughts on these bikes?
Don

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Both are great, buy the one that is your size and that you can actually test ride.
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Old 05-23-23, 07:10 PM
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If you already have an endurance frame that fits and is in good condition, with what I assume to be entry level parts, and want something that rides better on your longer rides, then you could also consider spending that same budget on upgrading the groupset, lighter and lower pressure tyre & wheel combo with wider internal width, premium carbon shell or 3D printed saddle for buzz damping/comfort, and perhaps even new bars and stem on your existing frame. That way you can source bits that suit your riding perfectly and very likely shave considerable weight to change the responsiveness of the bike.

My impression is that said bikes in that price range leave a lot to be desired in some of these component categories, which are ultimately critical to the way the bike feels and performs. I would give the components a go first and then if you still lust after a new frame for some reason, just buy the frame and pop your bits on it. It's not hard to beat the stock components at that price point if you are open to a bit of research and sourcing.
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Old 05-24-23, 08:45 AM
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It's really a toss up. But I'd think the Roubaix will be slightly more comfortable on long hauls since it will have more seat tube exposed that will buffer the shock from the road. And It has other active stuff for buffering road shocks too. Though I don't know how well that works for everyone.
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Old 05-24-23, 08:59 AM
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Originally Posted by bampilot06
Both are great, buy the one that is your size and that you can actually test ride.
This. I have a Domane and love it. My wife tried the Domane and found the Roubaix fit more to her liking.

The Domane achieves seat post compliance through the IsoSpeed, and the Roubaix has more exposed seat post.

Similarly equipped, they are both very nice bikes, and it comes down to what you like better when perched atop it and pedaling.
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Old 05-24-23, 10:44 AM
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Depending on what brands your local shops carry, you might also look at the Cervelo Caledonia and the Cannondale Synapse Carbon. Both are available with 105 Di2 and both have moved to proper threaded bottom brackets.
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Old 05-24-23, 11:04 AM
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I ride a ‘21 Domane SL5 (mech. 105) and I love it!

The wider (32mm), tubeless tires combined with the rear IsoSpeed smooths out even the roughest pavement.

And, the down-tube storage is really clever. I can fit everything I need for a ride (CO2, tire lever, emergency tube, multi tool, tubeless “repair“ kit, etc) except my iPhone!
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Old 05-25-23, 04:22 PM
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My son has a Domane and loves the ride, but wishes the ISOspeed rear end was not there. He has had to rebuild it once already and it is only 2 years old. Says outside of that it is a nice bike, but doesn't accelerate like his race bike does, but then he doesn't race on it.
Between the two my choice is the Domane simply based on my kids willingness to put up with the ISOspeed.
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Old 05-25-23, 04:39 PM
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Before you buy, ask for 2 hr. test ride.
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Old 05-25-23, 05:06 PM
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Originally Posted by TiHabanero
My son has a Domane and loves the ride, but wishes the ISOspeed rear end was not there. He has had to rebuild it once already and it is only 2 years old. Says outside of that it is a nice bike, but doesn't accelerate like his race bike does, but then he doesn't race on it.
Between the two my choice is the Domane simply based on my kids willingness to put up with the ISOspeed.

I have a 2022 madone and have never had any issues with the iso speed.
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Old 05-26-23, 05:59 AM
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Aside from recommendation to test ride, it appears that at your pricepoint for electronic drivetrain, you're also deciding between 105 Di2 (Trek) or Rival AXS (Specialized)? I can't provide any thoughts here, aside from highlighting that ideally the test ride covers this as well.

FWIW, the closest pricepoint on Specialized's site to your $4500 is actually $5200, which is about $500 more than the Domane -- so I suppose this could be a factor as well.
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Old 05-26-23, 07:09 AM
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Surprisingly, above does not alert on ZeroGPT. Slick!Edit- referenced post has been disappeared.

Last edited by shelbyfv; 06-01-23 at 03:39 PM.
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Old 05-26-23, 07:50 AM
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I agree both are good choices. There are other brands too but local you get support.

I’d really test ride both not just for fit but to compare the shifting of the group sets. I’ve only ridden SRAM electronic on a Domane. I liked it but it was a Project One and out of my price range at the time. It was also 56cm and I wanted the taller head tube of a 58cm. I’m intrigued by the Shimano. I think the shifting can be tailored more. Test rides are fun.
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Old 05-26-23, 08:14 AM
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DonMac
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Thanks for all the feedback. These two choices are available locally. I will definitely test ride both before committing. I’m looking to do a century late fall so it’s an important decision for sure.

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Old 05-26-23, 10:14 AM
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Originally Posted by shelbyfv
Surprisingly, above does not alert on ZeroGPT. Slick!
Yeah. Clearly AI. Look at his last 5 posts, especially the timing.
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Old 06-01-23, 09:03 AM
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I own Treks and Specialized bikes, so I am biased towards those companies. You can't go wrong on either 1. Since you can test ride them both, then obviously, choose the one that you like best.
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