Rudlow

Hello Everyone,

I am new to road bikes, was riding mtb for a while, but noticed most of the time I ride on paved roads, so decided to buy a road bike.
After visiting a few local bike stores and trying few different brands (didn't get to try the new Giant Defy) I bought 2 bikes (it was a tax free weekend here in Mass). The exact models weren't available at the stores, so I was assured when they arrive I will be able to test both of them and keep the one I liked more.

I already mentioned I'm new to road bikes and few laps around the store might not give me a good picture, so maybe you guys could help me a little bit. Please take in account the bikes and the prices I've gotten them for.

So here are the contenders:

https://www.scott-sports.com/us/en/p...-Compact-Bike/ (got it for 1700$, size XL 58)

and

Trek Domane 4.3 C - Landry's Bicycles (got it for 2100$, size 60)


I am 6'2", 185lbs and looking for an endurance type bike for longer rides.


p.s. on a side note, did anyone try the new Defy's? 2015 carbon frames, disc brakes?

Thank You for your answers,

Mindaugas

Shuffleman

I am a little confused. You stated that you "bought" the two bikes already?
I am going to assume that you are trying to make a choice between the two though. They are both great bikes. I have not looked at the geometry to see about the size discrepancy. I personally like the Scott better for two reasons. One, I do not see a $400 difference in components/wheels. Two, I see less of them around my area. With that being said, they are both awesome bikes.

Rudlow

Yes, I bought both of them since it was tax free weekend. I have to pick one and return the other one. They are being shipped to the store, so I haven't got my hands on them yet. I am sorry for the confusion.

Yes, as you noticed they have pretty much the same components (except Trek has the new 11 speed Shimano 105).

I guess I will mostly have to rely on the test rides, but everyone's thoughts are welcome.

Bassmanbob

I rode both models and liked the Scott more. It just seemed to want to gooooo! There was nothing wrong with the Trek, but the Scott just seemed to want to go faster. That's about the best way I can describe it.

Rudlow

Hey, just want to update you guys. So I ended up with Specialized Roubaix Expert (2013).

Never seen Scott, cause REI f*cked up with the shipping, so I never got to see it. And didn't like Trek too much (I mean for 2100$ I did expect more. wheels were horrible for example).

One of the reasons I bought Specialized, my LBS had it in the store and I could just pick it up without waiting or anything. I also got it for 2400$ (old model closeout). I really like it. It has a nice frame and everything, Ultegra 6700 components with 10 speed 105 cassette an Axis 4.0 wheels (not 11 speed compatible).

Wheels are pretty bad. I'm not an expert, but even I understand that's the best thing to upgrade. Plus I will be able to swap cassette with 11 speed Ultegra 6800 one.

Now I am looking at wheelsets, but there are so many of them. Could you guys recommend anything around 500-600$? Or if there is something really really good, I might pay up to a 1000$.

Thank you I really appreciate your help.

Mindaugas

jrossbeck

So you ordered a $1700 and a $2100 bike, but chose neither and ended up with a $2400 bike? Your LBS has great sales tactics! Just kidding - that Roubaix is a sweet ride - enjoy it mightily.

valygrl

really? I don't think so.

Rudlow

Yeah, long story, but I got so frustrated and tired of waiting that I took my money back for the 2 bikes and just bought a Roubaix

p.s. all 3 bikes were from different bike shops

Rudlow

Why not, Ultegra 6700 derailleur is not compatible with 11 speed?

valygrl

i don't think so, but you should check with a mechanic or the shimano compatibility chart. Not sure if you would need to swap the shifter, the derailleur or both. don't take my word for it.

Jimbosays

+1

Think you will need a long cage derailleur for the 11 speed 32 tooth cassette.

Rudlow

Well ok, nevermind the cassette. How about wheels. Any suggestions?

How are Zipp's 30s? I can get them (almost new, with 50miles and Michelin pro4 endurance tyres) for 500$. Are they good? And is it a good deal?

Jimbosays

Zipp 30 clinchers -*first ride review - BikeRadar

bbattle

Then go with the Scott. What fits you best will always be more fun to ride.

Plenty of Scotts and Treks around here. Both great bikes. I test rode the 4.3 but after test riding the 5.2. I bought the 5.2.

Welcome to the club! Happy riding!

dvdslw

You'd be hard pressed to find a better deal than that for $500, the Zipp 30's replaced the much loved 101's and are very similar but they downgraded the hubs to bring the price down. Still a nice set of wheels especially at half price with a set of tires to boot. I'm sold on tubeless and would choose either the Ultegra 6800's for $599 or Dura Ace C24tl's for $999 but if that Zipp deal came along I might just have to give them a try?

Also, the cost to upgrade to 11 speed is hardly worth it for you. You'd have to get a cassette, derailleurs, shifters, chain, you might as well do the crank while your at it? If you get 11spd compatible wheels then you can do the swap later and just wait for a nice 11spd take off or package deal to present itself.

Rudlow

Thank you for the answer. Yeah, the price is pretty good. Are they that much better than Ultegra 6800 wheels? Cause new Ultegra 6800 wheels are ~350$ at MerlinCycles (they ship to USA).


Yeah, after some answers I realized that myself. Maybe later if I decide to upgrade my componentry. The only problem my cassette is 11-28, I wish I had 11-32, but I would need to swap derailleur for that.

dvdslw

I'd say not any better at all really but a decent wheel at the price you'd be getting them at. I have the Ultegra 6700 wheels and love them. I'm a 225lb rider and have put them through the paces and they've been trouble free for the year I've been on them. I like the look of the Zipps but besides having a deeper profile they do nothing for me and I prefer the ride of tubeless which the 6800's are capable of. If it were me and I had $500 to spend on wheels I'd be looking at the Ultegra 6800's. On the other hand, if you know for a fact that tubeless is not something you'd consider then the deeper profile of the Zipps may appeal a bit more to you?

side_FX

I feel cheated.....click on the Scott vs Trek thread and the winner is.......Specialized?