nesdog

Last summer, I started road testing new bikes, intending to replace my 10 year old Giant OCR2. Then I crashed and burned and kapoof! not easy to ride when you can't even walk!

Recently, I've started revisiting this again, yay. Posted a test on the Domane and now looking at others.

My price point is probably about $2200. We've got lots of hills and canyons, with great rides to the beach and back through the Santa Monica Mtns. We regularly ride what will be Stage 8 of the Tour of Calif. again.

Looking for feedback on these machines:

Trek Domane 4.3
When I rode one last summer, (actually a 4.5 at that time), it was impressive. Smooth as can be and immediately interesting. I need to get back on one, though I've tried a 5 and 6 series lately, only because they were demos. No budget for them, though. The only thing is the 4.3 comes with a different wheelset than the 4.5 did, tubeless ready. I'll probably stick my William's 30's on there, if this is the one I select.

Scott CR-1 10.
Rode the CR1 last summer. Felt really nice, but not as smooth as the Trek. Size was too small for me but that was all they had on the floor at the time. This year's model is somewhat dumbed down, I hear. Honestly, my concern on this one are the reports of it being somewhat harsh, despite the change of geometry several years ago. The tough part of this one; the LBS I ride with is a Scott dealer. I can probably get a decent price here, but don't want to buy on price alone.

Cannondale Synapse Carbon 5 2014
I tested one of these several years ago before the 2014 redesign. At the time, I was neutral on it. I see it just picked up a Bike of the Year nod from Radar. I'll need to check it out.

Spec. Roubaix.
I know I should try one but it's slightly more expensive and the SL4 has some added stiffness, I read. Got to get the special seatpost. One of the LBS's here, who sell Trek and Spec. tell me the Trek is easily outselling the Roubaix at this price point. That just may be better marketing on Trek's part!

I'll ride 'em all for fit, etc. All are good brands and I'm not concerned the fiber will asplode or melt. I have no particular attachment nor bad feelings towards any manufacturer.

Feedback of course gratefully appreciated. I'll post up ride tests as I go along.

datlas 

If it does not fit, you must acquit!

TrojanHorse

So try an SL3 version of the Roubaix, they're just dandy. Honestly though, I hear nothing but good things from people who have tried a domane. Find a Giant Defy to test ride too if you want a so-called "comfort" bike. They tend to have better components at a given price range, compared to Specialized at least.

cderalow

I've found the new synapse to be much nicer compared to the older versions.

much prefered the synapse over the roubaix.


still haven't bought

nesdog

Yeah, tried the Defy Advanced before the Domane last year. I took it out of contention as it just didn't do much for me.