Looking at Road Bikes
 

Howdy all! I currently ride a 2018 Trek FX S 6 for fitness and am fairly active in the Hybrid Section. But now, I might like to add a Road Bike. I have been doing a lot of research and think I have it narrowed down to two. These are endurance type road bikes. More comfort oriented. I doubt I'll be racing. Maybe a little fun street racing if I run across a young hot shot. :)
Trek Domane SL 6
https://s18.postimg.org/9howjv89l/14...omane_SL_6.jpg

Specialized Roubaix Comp
https://s18.postimg.org/4uiuihq61/sp...06382-5085.jpg
I'm right around the 3K range. What do you all think of these two or others? Thanks!

This month's road bike action did a head to head comparison between these two bikes. It is worth checking out as it gives some pretty good insight. 2 out of the 3 experts picked the Trek. A bit more traditional in design. The future shock on the Spec is new and adds complexity to the bike. I would look at the Trek SL6 disc as it is spec'd a little nicer than the Roubaix. That being said I recently picked up a Roubaix Comp. The only knock on it is the Frankenbike approach on the components. Mostly ultegra, but has a 105 cassette, kmx chain, praxis cranks, and the mid level ice tech rotors where the trek is all ultegra. I had always planned on getting some s-works carbon cranks which the praxis chainrings will work on so no issue there, but I have already already upgraded the cassette, rotors and chain making the price difference negligable. Either bike will be great, buy the one that feels good to you.

Thanks Bryan! Yeah, I noticed a couple bikes while searching that have Ultegra with 105 cassettes. That would be swapped out immediately. I have all 105 on my FX and not sure I like it too much.

I honestly don't think you could go wrong with either of these. If you are able to ride both to compare that'd be ideal. If you're picky about having the same components then go with the Trek.

Also looks like the Spec has hydro discs vs rim brakes on the Trek. If you ride under wet conditions the discs are better, but it'll make the bike heavier than the rim-brake counterpart.

Edit:
As a second bike, I'd probably choose the Trek seeing how you already have the FX as a first bike with disc brakes already.

I agree with @mcours2006 above. Either one looks like a great bike. But with a $3000 pirce point, the world is your oyster. Don't be afraid to look at some other brands:

https://www.bikeradar.com/us/road/ge...er-2500-47591/

If you want/have a relationship with a specific LBS, then I understand the need to focus on the two above,

The domane, Roubaix, and giant defy are the three endurance road bikes suggested the most. Just ride them all and get whichever feels the best.

Which one felt best when you went to your LBS to do a test ride?

I don't mind some Frankenbike things. The 105 cassettes are said to wear less than Ultegras, and I prefer KMS chains to anything else. I don't know how the Ultegra cranks compare to Praxis though. I test rode a Tarmac with a Praxis and seemed pretty stiff, but I don't punch down kilowatts of energy.

Praxis is one of few (possibly only) manufacturers besides Shimano that cold-forges their chainrings, which supposedly results in better stiffness. They're generally well-regarded, though a little heavier and more expensive than Shimano options (as a stand-alone purchase).

As long as it's 11 speed I wouldn't be too concerned with the cassette. Frankly though, if I were deciding between the two bikes and found they both rode pretty much the same, I would probably go with the Domane based off of the aesthetics. I'm saying that even though I am absolutely partial to Specialzed as my current bicycle is by Specialized.

Also, if you're not racing, why spend 3k on the bike? I only ask because you could get a 1500-2000 dollar bike and spend the rest on a very nice Garmin or Wahoo ($500), an indoor smart trainer ($500) for use when it's cold, some nice tires, kit, etc.

Just my thoughts

Thanks. Yeah, I like the idea of rim brakes on a road bike. This one will never see a drop of rain. Hopefully.

Thanks! Yeah, I am looking at basically everything from 2500-4000. I really don't have a LBS. I had to drive an hour each way when I got the FX. I'll probably have to drive that far to get this next one. So far I liked a few others but some of them have a big price gap between models when something in the middle would have been perfect. Like the Bianch Intenso Ultegra and the Infinito CV Ultegra for example. 3200 seems to be the sweet spot for a really nice bike without getting out of hand. Though I am considering the Spec Tarmac DA and a couple others at 4K.

I don't have an LBS. So, I'm trying to do all the legwork I can to narrow down the choices. Then, I'll have to make a couple road trips to actually get on a few. I am going to a big bike expo in Madison Sunday. Trek, Giant, Cannondale and Bianchi will be there among others. But, disappointedly, Specialized is not on the slate. (I may get a great deal on last years models or a demo if I like something and they have my size. 60-61's are kind of hard to come by.

Good info. Thanks!

That's a good price range. Avoids compromises.

Thanks for the great input. I wonder though if the Ultegra cassette shifts smoother. And, it must be a tiny bit lighter.

Thanks! Yeah. I did check on the Praxis and saw it was more expensive that the Ultegra. That changed a negative to a plus!

Thanks. That Domane is a looker alright. I may actually race now that I think of it. I'd have to be in the 60+ category. LOL The reasons I'm spending so much is that one, I want my road bike to be nicer/lighter than my fitness bike (which is top shelf) and two, this will probably be my last bike purchase and I want to live out the rest of my days not pining for something nicer.

https://s18.postimg.org/hp4sbcx9l/image.jpg

Yep, it's lighter. (old Ultegra in this review). Head to head: Shimano 105 v Shimano Ultegra | road.cc

But I think the cassette differences in both 105 and Ultegra is like splitting hairs. That is just me. Some people are completionists and there is nothing wrong with matching what you want.

I have a total frakenbasterd. 105 crank and brakes with Ultegra shifters and mechs. I just liked the black color contrasted with my white frame.

I am just a little put off by my 105 drivetrain. It's kinda clunky and the chain doesn't like to drop rings very easily. It climbs rings just fine. I just wonder if it's the cassette. I am still trying to fine tune the rear deraileur but, the upshift has never been just right.

Personally, I think this is one of the best looking bikes on the market. Pretty good value as well.

https://www.canyon.com/en-us/road/ul...cf-sl-disc-8-0

https://static.canyon.com/_Resources...1d3eead4c7.jpg

Nice choice Abe! I have just briefly looked at Canyon so far. Not sure right now which models but some of their disc models use TRP brakes. And, some TRP's are Mech/Hyd. Which I don't think is all bad. Haven't dug too deep yet but Canyon definitely deserves a closer look. Gonna head back over there now.

$3k for a road bike you arent racing.
As mentioned, perhaps expand your options and look at other brands?

Given your arent competitive, an $1800 105 road bike that fits you well will be 97% of a $3000 road bile that fits you well.

Your cash though.

I bought a Praxis Zayante crank for an upcoming build because i loathe the 4arm Shimano cranks. The Zayante crankset is something like 80g heavier than an Ultegra, if i remember correctly.
Thats minimal to me.

Lower bike price allows for swapping what you want when you want.

I would focus on stock gearing. I want a bike with a GS rear derailleur so i wouldnt buy something with an SS rear derailleur as i would need to change the RD, cassette, and chain.

I doubt the stock wheels on either bike are as grest as the known parts, which is why buyibg lower could be good since you can upgrade the wheels.

Like I mentioned, I just may do some racing. Even if I don't, I want a nice bike that I will be happy with for many years to come. And, I want to keep any upgrades to a minimum. Like maybe a cassette or a saddle. This one is going to be a garage queen. Only gonna take it out when the skies and roads are clear and clean. I have the FX to train on whenever. I thought I was narrowing the choices there for a minute but there are just so many! This is going to be a process. All things considered. (I hope I don't miss any.)

Totally understand.
You have a Trek and are in WI, but brands like Jamis, Raleigh, CO-OP(REI), Canyon, and many more can offer great value and quality for the price.

Yeah. You're right. That's why it is such a tough choice. Once I buy, it will be too late to change my mind. I've had a couple Treks now and they are fine bicycles. But, I have owned a lot of other bikes in the last 55 years. Lots of Schwinns back in the earlier days (Colligiate Sport, Super Sport, Sport Tourer, etc), a Kona MTB, a Giant OCR3, a couple of GTs. I rode that Sport Tourer around Lake Michigan back in the mid-70's. Always lusted after a Paramount but they were too rich for my blood back then. LOL So, now I want my "Paramount". :)

Canyon has a couple of good possibilities (Thanks again Abe!). I've always liked Raleigh. I looked at Jamis and wasn't really thrilled compared to some others. I'll have to check out CO-OP. Thanks for the lead.