hawkijohn

I've pretty much got my selection narrowed down to 4 bikes and if I need a tie-breaker, it may be which LBS I prefer. The finalists are....Cannondale Synapse Carbon 1....Giant OCR 1....Specialized Seequoia Elite.... and the Trek Pilot 2.1 spa (could also get a nicely reduced price on a 06 Pilot 2.1 which is already obsolete due to color change) As always, there seem to be trade-offs but I may be leaning to the SPA. They're selling like hotcakes and he can't keep them in stock. Please share your opinions or personal experience. I didn't talk about my riding preferences because they are essentially intended for the same purpose with similar geometry. I have not ridden any of them yet. TNX

chipcom 

I'd lean towards the Pilot...but what I lean towards is meaningless...get out and give each of them a test ride and choose the one that fits & feels the best for you.

hawkijohn

No test rides yet but I took another long hard look at the contenders with the exception of the spa which they can't keep on the floor. I did look closely at the regular 2.1 along with the others and I'm really leaning hard to the 2.1 spa. I happen to like that lbs a little better too. That bike is a really nice package in my opinion. They're holding the next one in that's my size for me at least so I can ride it first. Funny, a couple of weeks ago I was prepared to spend 4 or 5 hundred and now I'm up to $1600 and that original 4 or 5 hundred will be added in accesories. What's really funny is.....it's January in Iowa.

webist

I predict you'll enjoy any of them. Please though, make certain of the fit and your comfort with a long test ride on each. And, don't underestimate tha value of a good LBS, whichever bike you choose.

hawkijohn

TNX for the advice but....isn't #6 a nicer number than #24?

stapfam

The bikes don't interest me, As I am not a roadie, but the names most certainly do. Cannondale always make a good bike, no matter what price range you are looking at. May be a bit expensive, but the quality is there. The giant OCR's have a good reputation in England and judging by the number seen on the road, must be a good bike, The Specialised-- On road bike in the UK, they probably have the most popular model in the Sequoa and having ridden with a couple, they are good bikes. Trek have a very good reputaion but is the one make That I would not go for. They have a reputation for a good bike, but for me there is too much inhouse equipment fitted that is not up to the grade of the other 3 bikes. I have already said that I am not a roadie, But having had several treks over the years, and still maintain a couple for friends, They are not up to the standard of the other 3. But then at the price the pilot is being offered at, probably puts a better bike into your price than would normally be available. The only thing to do is to test ride. That is the only way to see if that special deal is going to suit you.

GrannyGear

Yes, Stepfam. Friend bought a Felt F60 at a price he liked("Ultegra bike" for $1150). Trouble was, internal items like hubs and bb were knock-offs and the rims were cheapo Alex. Derailleurs and shifters and brakes were Ultegra. Wouldn't cha know, within 3 months one hub was "sticking", bottom bracket was replaced twice, and free hub body was replaced. When he was finally so disgusted the LBS owner gave him a new set of wheels, he finally had a bike he could reliably enjoy. Point: An apparent bargain may not be a bargain depending on "hidden" component choices.

Retro Grouch 

I'm a believer in shopping for a shop first. I think that the differences in bike shops exceed the differences in bicycles at a common price point. Find a shop with people who you can have a rappoir with, buy a brand that they carry, and you'll never go wrong.

DnvrFox

Hey!

I strongly agree with Retro Grouch.

Made my day.

BluesDawg

While I agree that in-house and lower quality components are a concern and something to look for in comparing bikes, I do not think that this is more of a problem with Trek than with any of the other brands mentioned. Trek has their Bontrager components which range from cheap crap to very good stuff. Specialized has their own stuff, Cannondale has CODA and I'm sure Giant has something similar.
A couple of riders in our club have recently moved from comfort bikes to low end Sequoia and Pilot bikes. Both are very impressive bikes for the price.

Enjoy the selection process and enjoy whichever bike you choose. A good fit and a good bike shop are very important considerations.

HiYoSilver

Hawk I,

You need to help us comment. What are you looking for in a bike? How did you narrow it down to those 4? What type of riding are you looking on doing?

What part of Iowa are you in, i.e. lots of hills, or just a few?

Don't get suckered that model X is "flying out the store", that sounds too much like salesman hype. There are always at least 2 best buys for you. You LBS may only carry one of the 2, but they are out there. It's better to wait and get a good bike the first time, than to get the wrong bike and then have to purchase the right bike.

When you narrow it down to 2 bikes, take a 2 mile ride on each on 2 different days. Then you'll know what you really like best.

Have fun.

TysonB

All these bikes are light-years beyond what was available 10 years ago. They are all good.

Go with the best LBS, even if it means you don't get the bottom dollar on this first purchase.

Tyson

hawkijohn

It's good to hear you confirm what's been my gut feeling for some time now too. I got a certain feeling with the one lbs and I love to give loyalty to a business that treats you right. This particular shop has been in the same family for over 100 yrs! They must be doing something right. They're very small but I like it that way.

Trek Al

I bought a 05 Trek Pilot 2.1 and is a fabulous bike. It is comfortable on long rides, 3-4 hours. Components are Shimano 105 with Bontrager crank and wheels. No quality problems with the Bontrager. Try them all and buy the one that fits you best.


Al

BCAC

I have a synapse (so does my wife). FWIW, we love 'em. Very comfy. More stable than my Trek 2300.

SimiCyclist

I've had a Synapse since September. This bike is amazingly comfortable and I've been able to come off of a century feeling fresh. I absolutely love this bike.

dbmcclus

I am 54 years old and just got my first road bike for Christmas, a Trek Pilot 2.1. Have been riding a comfort bike for the last 6 months. I am very happy with the Trek. On my second ride, I went 50 miles on this bike with no problems. It is very fast and very smooth!

Dennis