Ald1 

Hi,

After a 35 year lay off I'm back in the saddle (64 year old male). After some time with my 1978 Mercian and a few tweaks, I've decided not to invest in refinishing this bike etc and to purchase a new bike. After some research I've narrowed down my choices to two. The Trek Domme 4.5 2016 close out or the Fuji 2.3 Gran Fondo. Price is not the issue as both are close and I will probable be thrilled with either as they are quite a leap from my old bike (blown away at the advances over the decades!). In my youger days did many centuries etc and now getting back in shape with 15-20 mile rides at 16-17 MPH.
Appriciate thoughts/opinions and which way to go. Thanks!

Flip Flop Rider

they both seem really good. which color do you like better?

blakcloud

Personally I would go with the Fuji because of the geometry. At 64 you aren't as limber as you were 35 years ago and the Fuji has a more relaxed geometry. For example I look at head tube lengths and the Fuji in a 54 cm frame has a 1 cm longer head tube than the Trek. This puts you in a more upright position. This bike was designed for the long time you would be in a saddle if you were riding in a Gran Fondo.

Component wise they are essentially the same. The other thing I would look at is maximum tire size that can fit in the frames. The Fuji comes with 28 mm and the Trek 25 mm but if you want to go bigger lets say to ride gravel roads could you fit a larger tire? I am a fan of disk brakes if you ride in the rain other than that caliper brakes work just fine.

If you are super fit and want a fast go to bike, then the Trek might be a better option. Also if you decide that you don't like the Trek it would be easier to sell than the Fuji.

Ald1 

Thanks for the advise! Really on the fence with this one but agree the Trek is more mainstream. I'm in pertty good shape but arthritis is taking its toll and can't ride the drops for too long due to neck discs. Ride now for joy and fitness but want to do a century this year if I can hold together. Got on my Mercian set up when I was in my 20s and immediatly had to raise the handlebars after my first ride. I'm 5'11" and fall between a 56cm or a 58cm frame. Do you go bigger? The only concern is that the Fuji would be a little mushy? Also the trek shop offers their trek fitting. Is that worth it? At my age I plan this be my "finale " purchase. Both bikes are getting great reviews......decisions....desicions.....decisions. Anyone out there riding these models?