firebird854

Hello,

I am looking for some recommendations on my first major bike purchase. I previously used a Trek 1.1, but it is no longer in working condition and I've decided it's time for a major upgrade.

Specs of the bike I am in the market for:

Full carbon fiber
105 Shimano 11 speed
Race geometry
Light for climbs, powerful for sprints, etc.
Price range between $1600-$2200

I'm fairly new to the cycling scene in general, I'm 23, I've competed in a few races, I've completed multiple centuries, my goals are to train harder, go faster, and maybe win a race.

Some of the bikes I've been considering are as follows:

SUPERSIX EVO 105 Cannondale
TCR Advanced 2 Giant
Émonda SL 5 Trek
Men's Tarmac Sport Specialized
R2 PRO-LEVEL PERFORMANCE Cervelo
Teammachine SLR03 BMC

All of these are quite similar, if anyone has suggestions, experience riding a few of these, recommendations, etc. it would be much appreciated.

Thank you!

Eric

motosonic

If I had to choose one, it'd be the BMC, next probably the Cervelo. The BMC bikes are just a joy to ride.

Edited: I've test ridden most of these and found them to just be 'ok'. Nothing really stood out and I wasn't really impressed with any of the specs. The BMC, I test rode as well as their Road Machine, which I would personally say is a far better bike overall than the TM even though they're similar. Anyways, it was the only one I rode that actually felt good riding. The way it handled terrain, the riding position, how responsive it was pedaling. It felt like it was built for me. You may have a different opinion, as we're all different.

sanmi

I'll be interested in this thread as I'm looking for the same thing for the same reasons. I went to several LBS and was disappointed with the limited selection in my size (short). A couple shops said their clients don't want race bikes and they don't stock them.

San Pedro

By price, the Giant is hard to beat, and they also are on the light side. The 2018 has tubeless tires too, but honestly they're all good, so choose by your favorite LBS, test ride, and decide which is prettiest.

firebird854

I wasn't even considering the BMC to too large of an extent, but because of your post I'm going to do far more extensive research on it and consider it to a much larger degree, thank you.

Elvir

supersix evo. Great bike, race geometry, offered with 105s and affordable.

goenrdoug

I vote Supersix.
I started on an older trek aluminum bike as well and the Supersix feels very much like an evolution of that experience in that it has a traditional race/horizontal top tube geometry, is nice and stiff, has external cable routing for easy self-servicing, etc. etc. Give the SS a try and I think you'll be very happy with it.

One tip: when you're test riding bikes (goes for cars as well) be sure to pay attention to the tires and tire pressures being employed. Better tires and different tire pressures can greatly influence your overall impression of the bike/car.

firebird854

How does the weight of the supersix evo compare to something like the emonda sl 5?

firebird854

That actually brings up another question I have, when I go to test the bikes should I do that in a full cycling kit? Should I request that the bike be ridden outside even if they have a smart trainer setup? Should I wear cycling clipless shoes, or will they have flat peddles already on it? Also, can I haggle the price down at all?

goenrdoug

The Supersix and Emonda are going to weigh very similarly at the same component level. The difference will be relatively negligible.

As for test riding, ideally, you would do a test ride outside, in full kit, alone, with the shoes and pedals you generally prefer. Now, whether the shop(s) you visit will allow this is a whole 'nother question.

Personally, I would put very little stock into a test ride on a trainer and/or not in actual kit -- it would be about as useful as test driving a car into and out of a parking space.

firebird854

Good point, guess you can't try cornering and everything like that.

goenrdoug

so, what happened? where are the pictures of your new bike??