Ogsarg

I've got some money coming in the next few months and planning to put aside up to $5k (incl tax) for a new bike. Looking for something with endurance geometry and disc brakes. I would like to be able to run at least a 32 tire as well. The Spec Roubaix, Cannondale, Synapse, and Canyon Endurace can all be had with DI2 in that price range but would I be sacrificing in other areas, such as wheel quality?

I've never had a bike with DI2 but like the idea for it's versatility and less maintenance. I should add that I am not a racer or someone that is worried about getting faster. Just like to do longish rides with an occasional century. I mainly ride on rural roads that have pavement that ranges from fairly decent to really crappy hence something that can help smooth out the bumps is a big plus.

Seattle Forrest

For that price, go with electronic. If you shop around and are open to a previous year's model, it won't come at much of a premium.

Cervelo C3 meets your criteria, also rides and handles beautifully.

bpcyclist

Orbea M20iTeamD is $4299 w/ Ultegra Di2.

firebird854

I find a power meter to be a must have on my bikes, so this always ups the cost. Something to add to the list is a TCR Advanced Pro 1 Disc by Giant. It's a bit up there at $5400 but comes with a full carbon wheelset, a dual sided crankset power meter, and full ultegra DI2 w/ hyrdo disc brakes. That's for the 2020 version, the 2019 versions have similar specs with a reduced price tag.

Racing Dan

There is no particular reason spending that kind of money on a mech bike, unless you really like UL botique stuff, powermeters, computers ect.

CarloM

Agreed. New 2020s have made (and are still making) their way into stores so 2019 bikes are being put on sale. I'd recommend looking at Giant Defy as well, it's their endurance model with discs, and since Giant makes their own frames (along with frames for Trek and Colnago) you can often get a similarly spec'd bike for 10-15% less MSRP. Giant dealers, at least those near me, are also more willing to be flexible with pricing (assuming you either have a relationship with them or come across at least friendly). 5K gets you at or near the top of the line MSRP for the Defy. I think it's 5500 MSRP for 2019 version so you can definitely get it for less than that and it comes with Ultegra Di2 and a power meter if that's appealing to you. If you want a current model year Defy, 5600 MSRP gets you in the middle of the range (they introduced a higher model I guess) with the new SRAM Force eTap 12 but no power meter. Giants come with their in-house SLR wheels which are good, but don't compete with high-end offerings like ENVE whose wheels are over $2500 MSRP. At the 5K mark you're likely going to get each maker's standard in-house mid-level carbon wheels (Treks will come with Bontrager Pro 3 or 5, Giants with SLR-1, etc.).

If you want electronic groupset and great wheels for $5K you'll have to hunt around for deals from things that are like 2 model years old. For example, a couple of months ago I drove 50+ miles (in SoCal traffic that's equal to crossing state lines in most other parts of the country) because a dealer had a 2018 Cervelo S3 SRAM eTap HRD 11-speed they were clearancing (manufacture date on frame was May 2017 so it's just over 2 years old). Yes it had the old 11 speed eTap, but it came with ENVE SES 5.6 disc wheels with DT Swiss 240S hubs. Originally MSRP'd for $8800, discounted to $4999, I asked them for best offer they could give me, $5K out the door (10% CA sales tax means I got it for a hair under $4600). But I lucked into that deal, and had been checking my LBS's sites for clearances off and on. Also anything that old and deeply discounted they'll likely only have odd sizes left. In this case they only had 51 and 61 frames. Fortunately I'm a 51.

But that method relies on a lot of research and luck.

Dean V

I have bikes with Di2 and mechanical.
No strong preference for either, however I do prefer the ergonomics and look of the slimmer Di2 hydro levers compared to the mechanical version.

Psimet2001 

Di2

sfrider 

Seconded. Love mine!

Absolutely go electronic. Once dialed in it stays dialed in.

tagaproject6

Electronic

rmwesley

I’ve got a similar budget and choice to make. I absolutely think electronic is the way to go, plus I’m after carbon wheels, power meter and disc brakes. i narrowed it down to a Giant TCR Advanced Pro 1 Disc (incl. power meter) and a Cube Agree C62 SLT (plus aftermarket Quarq SRAM AXS spider). Both came in at the same price once I’d negotiated the bike shop down a bit. Both bikes fitted me well and neither is ultra aggressive. The only big differences seemed to be:

• SRAM Force eTAP (Cube) vs. Ultegra Di2 (Giant)
• 2x12 (Cube) vs. 2x11 (Giant)

Preferred the look of the Giant, but decided to go for the Cube to get wireless and 2x12.

Don’t think Cube are so popular over the pond though.

CarloM

Had to google the Cube. Very nice looking bike, although that transition from top tube to seat stays is...an interesting design. I have both a TCR with Di2 and an S3 with the older 11spd Red eTap. I know people say the Di2 is the better shifting performance, but on mine at least the performance is so close I wouldn't say that SRAM is bad. Just that Shimano might be just a tad bit more refined.

Good luck on your new bike and enjoy the ride!

Steve B.

Synapse is a nice endurance bike and will likely take up to 32mm tire, comes with 30mm tires. Carbon Ultegra Di2 disc $4400.

And electronic all the way. Spend the money later in better wheels and run a set of 25mm tires or something to save some weight.

eflayer

i am really fond on my 2019 Roubaix Comp Di2. i also have a bike with Etap 11 for rim brakes. I like them both but actually prefer Etap. And would never go back to mechanical unless I was building something retro. I think this website is up to date and you can get 2019 Roubaix Di2 for around $3500. big question i have not answered is whether or not i'd appreciate the difference between alloy vs carbon wheels. so far i am fine with alloy.

https://mikesbikes.com/products/spec...waAkYuEALw_wcB

NoWhammies

As others have said/chimed in - Electronic. Look for a deal on a 2019 and you're set.

jadocs

Electronic for sure.

Seattle Forrest

eduskator

For that price, electronic. No brainer.

DI2 or E-TAP, that is the question!

UmneyDurak

Went electronic three years ago. I am not going back. It just works. No cable replacement, not twiddling with barrel adjusters, no shifting becoming meh after riding in grime and rain. I have etap. The battery in shifters are still original. I charge batteries in RD, and FD every other week and good to go.

datlas 

Both are viable. Try some test rides before you decide.

JasonD67

Easy, Di2. No reason not to at that price point.

gif4445

Sounds like electronic shifting gets the vote. My comments concern the purpose of the bike. Two things. You aren’t racing and you may encounter some rough roads. Since you mentioned the Specialized Roubaix, have you considered the Diverge? Able to fit much wider tires which, along with the future shock, will give you a great ride. I have a two year old Diverge and get a great ride when I put 38’s on. I don’t feel like it slows me down much. At least the Diverge gives you that option.

swag72

I went from mechanical 105 to Di2 Ultegra on my new bike. The electronic Ultegra is lovely and I would not go back to mechanical. I feel it is more precise, quicker to change and gives me much more confidence to change on climbs that the mechanical 105 didn't do.

Steve B.

I cheated. Went from 105/5800 group, kept the 105 brakes and crank, swapped the shifters, derailers to Ultegra Di2. Very cost effective and no issues.

noodle soup

At the $5k pricepoint I can't imagine going with mechanical shifting (or rim brakes unless weight is a huge concern).