Hi everyone...


Planning to upgrade from my current bike, looking for something smoother and lighter. Carbon + discs are goals. I don't want to go super race oriented, but more strongly i dont want to be upright. My initial hunch was these bikes would be more race oriented, but in may novice view of geometry charts, it appears my current bike is very similar. All in a 56/M


Emonda sl6 disc: stack: 577, reach: 387, ratio 1.49. Positives - Trek Warranty, local dealer support, confidence it will work out, have test ridden (nice). Negatives, more $, 1 LB heavier than the Ultimate, more run of the mill

Ultimate 8.0 disc: Stack: 567, Reach: 391, ratio 1.45. Positives 16.7 lbs, prefer the look, better wheels, saddle, tires. cheaper

Current Bike: Stack: 574. Reach: 395, ratio 1.45. Currently ridden 'neutralish' i.e. stem half way to slammed pointed down.


questions:

1. am i right to think either option will provide a similar riding position to current?
2. Ultimate comes with subcompact so 36 X 30 is the lowest gear. Online calcs tell me that is very similar to 34X28 (which i use a fair amt). is that correct?

thanks!

You have your geometry numbers all jacked up...The Canyon also comes with a non-compact crank. Low gear is 36 X 30.

That's what I get for writing my post at the end of a long day. thanks for pointing out. Numbers fixed.

ROR: the Emonda SL comes with what Trek calls their H2 fit-a bit more relaxed and upright. Even so, I have mine set up with 9cm of drop on a 56cm frame, which is about as agressive as my 62 year old body can handle. My guess is the Canyon will give to a similar option or even more--the sizing doesn't line up neatly with the Emonda, but it appears to be a shorter headtube, apples to apples. I won't comment on the ride, since we've both ridden the Emonda, but not the Canyon. FWIW: it looks like Trek's Spring sale is on until Monday, which may bridge the price gap some.

thanks for the comments. I am aware of the H2 fit, which i think makes the 'race' geometry a lot more comfy. i am on about a 60cm drop at the moment, with still a few spacers, so thinking either frame could accommodate that fit as you said. I'm aware of the sale as well, trying to make my decision in the next 3 days!

Any comments on 36 x 30 or 34 x 28 for going up the hills?

36 x 30 is 31.75 inches, 34 x 28 is 32.13 inches, so the 36 x 30 is slightly lower. As for which is better for hills, I couldn't tell you. My lowest bailout is a 34.5 inch (30 x 23), and I find it is only useful for climbing trees or moderate hills while having a heart attack. Almost all of my bikes have a low of 41.3 inches (39 x 25) which is more than low enough for me and the hills I normally ride. YMMV.

as observed in another post..
Emonda is sold in a bike shop and there are point of sale changes you can do with the local shop,
Its fully assembled, for you .there is after sale service ..

Canyon , direct sold, you get a box shipped.

I run a 34 x 28 on the Emonda, and have not run into anything it can't handle. As a one-handed rider, I get no benefit from standing on a climb. That said, I went with a 34 x 30 on the newer Domane, and would probably do so on the Emonda if the older Dura Ace di2 on the Emonda could go there. Other than bragging rights, I personally have no good reason not to have an easier bail out gear.

you just have to pay the shop for services rendered..

Out here, this one, takes in boxed Bikes Direct bikes and does the assembly and fine tuning..

for the customer..

I know that is definitely a downside of the Canyon (for me) - the ability to adjust the fit, and having the LBS to help with that is big. FWIW i think Canyon will allow you to swap a step (or full set of bars i guess) within the first 30 days - i should confirm that. Heart says go for the Canyon, but brain says the Trek! The Canyon just has so much going for it, with better looks (IMO), cheaper, lighter, and better wheels, seat, bars (maybe, given the above.) Of course the Canyon is unavailable in my size until mid may (according to Canyon)...and I wouldn't be shocked if that shifted.

Unless something has changed recently, this is absolutely not the case. If you aren't certain that the Canyon will fit you, I would be looking at the Trek...The Emonda is a great bike too. How much more money is it? I only paid 2500.00 for my Emonda SL6 disk OTD. About 20% off list is pretty standard for Trek dealers.

I recently purchased two of their high end flat bar road bikes (RoadLite 9;0 LTD). The assembly process is very easy and they include all the tools. I found there was no adjustments needed other than seats. Very satisfied with my purchase and after sales follow up. If you would like to read more on this subject see my thread here: Well here goes.... a couple of new Canyon Roadlites

I will have to call them to confirm, I read online about the step swap, so that may not be true. $2500 USD is an absolute steal for an emonda SL6 disc. List is $3150, Trekfest knocks that down to $2950. I would assume during Trekfest (runs through tomorrow) the local dealer would not discount further. Outside of Trekfest i doubt i would be able to get more than a few hundred off. It looks like you live in Italia? Maybe you have better deals there somehow? Or are you referring to US deals. Side note, i think for 2019 the MSRP did go up by $100 or $150

The 18-20% is pretty standard on both sides of the pond...I'd go ask what they will do. No one pays sticker on Treks though.

Thanks for sharing this. Of course your post makes me lean toward Canyon again. I have read others with great customer service here in the US. Maybe with the launch that is something they took very seriously, which is great.

assuming I paid the Trekfest price (now or later) the Trek is $350 more. Canyon offered free shipping when calling, and it would not be taxed in my state. Of course your post makes it seem that differential could be closed with some good negotiation.

Honestly, the $350 value isnt much considering even the free basic fit, lifetime adjustments, + cheaper tuneups when buying from LBS.