KickinA

2014 Specialized Roubaix SL4 vs 2015 Trek Emonda S4 vs 2015 Kestrel Talon

I can get the 2014 Specialized Roubaix SL4 (Sora) on sale for about $1300, the 2015 Trek Emonda S4 (Tiagra) is ~$1500 and 2015 Kestrel Talon (105) is ~$1400. Does anyone have feedback on these 3 choices of bikes? I rode the Roubaix and it felt good fast and comfortable, but the shifting did not feel quite as butter smooth like Shimano 105 I've tried on other bikes. I haven't ridden the Emonda S4 or Kestrel Talon before.

If I purchased the SL4, I was thinking eventually, I would upgrade to 105 components.


Any feedback is appreciated!

thanks

roccobike

You need to ride the Emonda and Talon then pick the bike and setup you like the best. My personal favorite is the Roubaix, but others like the Emonda or Talon. After riding all three you may be able to decide or at least eliminate one of the bikes make the choice easier.

Dunbar

You can upgrade to 11sp 105 pretty cheaply if you order from the UK sites and sell your old stuff on Craigslist. Biggest cost would be a new 11sp compatible rear wheel (talk to the bike shop and see if they have anything laying around.) I have a Roubaix SL4 and the Sora version is a great value given that the same frame goes for $3k+ with Ultegra installed. I know that the Emonda is supposed to be a smoother riding bike than the Roubaix but that's the SL frame and I don't know how the S frame compares. If you get the Roubaix I highly recommend getting the CG-R seat post. I find the ride too stiff with a standard carbon post installed.

Also, keep in mind that the newest version of Tiagra (4700) is copying the technology of the latest105/Ultegra/DA but it's still only 10sp. You might want to consider buying a 2016 bike with Tiagra 4700. Tiagra 4600 is good but not as elegant as the latest/greatest 105+ gear.