Good Morning Cyclists!

I want to upgrade from my Trek Domane Carbon 5 Series. I am looking for a more sporty endurance bike with compliance yet still be stiff and sprightly. I am a heavy rider (220) looking to get back to 180. Most of my riding is solo in relatively flat places in the North Shore MA. I sometime ride in Maine where it is more hilly. Eighteen years ago I was a CAT 5 rider and did a few crits and road races. I was never very good at it because I was not aggressive enough and usually got dropped. But I had fun. I rode but I was a better volunteer than racer. I used to commute to Boston a couple of times a week and do the Wednesday Hill Climb with a local shop. I averaged around 100 miles per week.


I try to ride when I can, but work and kids seem to take up my time. I am trying to get out there more to lose weight and get fit.


So currently I have been riding 2-3 times a week 10-25 miles. Average speed around 16 MPH. I am riding a Century in June if they still have the event.


My current bikes are the Trek Domane and a Lauf Anywhere.


I like the Trek but I don't like the IsoSpeed decoupler. It sometimes feels bouncy but that is usually when I am in the wrong gear. Other than that I like the feel and fit of the Trek though I want disc brakes on my next bike. I want a more racy feel but still retaining the relaxed position with some compliance to absorb road vibration and some of the bumps from uneven pavement. Riding cobbles sucks and I have the Lauf for more adventurous riding.


I bought the Lauf to ride in the winter after the ski areas closed. I was riding in the dark with headlights a couple of times a week and on weekends. The wider tires helped give me confidence riding in the dark and hitting winter crud and potholes. It is also the bike I take when I ride with my family (wife and 7 YO Son). I have mountain pedals on it so I can ride in sneakers or clip in with MTB shoes when its just me on a ride. We ride on bike paths and some gravel or dirt bikeways. The Trek didn't cut it for that.


I rode the Tour De Cure Century in Kennebunk two years ago but was not able to get out on the road to train due to it snowing all through march/April and the event being in May. I hung with the lead group for the first 40 miles on the flats along the coast but once we turned inland I was dropped on the first hill. I finished but was the last one besides those who DNF.


My goals are to get fit. Ride longer and faster. Pretty much my riding will be solo but if I get back in shape I may try some moderate group rides. I want to up my average speed to 18-20 mph and be able to ride 50-60 miles. I'd like to try riding through the White Mountains and the gravel trail from NH to Bethel Maine.


So yeah I'm looking for a nice bike to help me get there and make my riding enjoyable and fast as possible given all my limitations.


My short list is:

BMC Roadmachine One (Two or Four)

Cervelo S3 - was recommended by a local bike shop as having a good fit for me and being a compliant aero bike

Eddy Merckx New 525 but I am not sure on fit or comfort. It is so sweet looking. (anyone own one?)

Canyon Endurace

Parlee Altum


Any insight on these and suggestions will be greatly appreciated!