guadzilla

Yeah, i did.... it is a sign that I should wait for it to be released, i reckon

If only they still made it in Sunweb colors, though - a friend of mine just purchased an R5 in the exact same colors I had sold. A small part of me dies everytime i see him on that bike.

Eric F 

I've skimmed the thread, but haven't read every suggestion, here's a few that I haven't seen mentioned to possibly look into...

Storck
Time
Parlee
Chapter2
Look

WhyFi

Oof - Sunweb Team DSM is riding Scott, now? That's no fun.

Snotrub

I second this assessment of the Domane. I just have the plain Jane SL6 with mechanical Ultegra, but I must say, it's my favorite road bike of all that I have owned. It's just fun to ride. It's a dream on gravel with 38mm gravel tires and more than competent on the road with 25mm road tires. Best of both worlds.

guadzilla

Lol, i came here for advice on Bike #2 and i think you guys just sold me on Bike #3. I just asked my dealer for a quote/delivery timeline

I was thinking of getting the SL6 as well - Ultegra, Viper Red - and moving the Ultegra Di2 over from my Factor to this bike.

For Bike 2, I think i may wait a bit. First, to see what Spesh gives me and second, to wait for the release of the R5 and maybe the new DA 12 speed.

Snotrub

Awesome!! I knw you'll like it. Here is me with mine a few weeks ago:

jaxgtr

Viper Red

guadzilla

Viper Red is such a sexy color scheme! I cannot believe Trek doesnt seem to offer it as a stock option in the SLR Domanes.

jaxgtr

It is in the SL6, but it is also a stock color for the SLR Project 1 as it is a team color. My Emonda ALR is also in Viper Red....you could say I like Viper Red.

MinnMan

There aren't many of us who have ridden lots of current carbon bikes, so mostly you're getting recommendations from people who like the one or two that the currently ride. Be that as it may, I love my Canyon Ultimate. Also, though my version is older, the Felt is a great no-nonsense responsive racing bike.

guadzilla

True that - i am hoping that some folks may have test ridden multiple bikes before purchasing one, and hoping to glean some info off that.

jaxgtr

I have had several carbon frames over the years, but don't disagree with the statement above. I loved my Cannondale SuperSix, but I hated the Carbon Synapse. I had a Trek Pilot 5.0 back in the day which started my love affair with Viper Red. I was actually in the market for the Emonda SL 6 when I bought my ALR...The ALR was such a smooth riding bike, and after putting on the FSA SL-K carbon seat post and handlebars, I really did not miss the carbon frame. The main reason I went with the Domane is I wanted the di2 and I loved the feel of the ride when I borrowed a buddies bike for a test ride.

illdrag0n

Chapter 2. Tere, Rere or Huru depending on the style of bike you want. Gorgeous machines

jaxgtr

Looks like the 2022 SLR6 will be in Viper Red

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/b...Code=red_white

illdrag0n

Factor's are notoriously stiff aswell. Maybe look at the V.A.M Ostro

guadzilla

Yeah, thought of a Factor - I do like my LS. Not sure if i want an Ostro or an O2 VAM, though - given that I already have an aero bike, I think the O2 VAM may be a better idea.

PeteHski

My current shortlist:-

Cervelo Caledonia 5
Argon 18 Krypton Pro
Specialized Aethos
Factor Ostro VAM

Currently riding a Giant Defy Adv Pro, which is actually really good. Just not that special if you know what I mean. Can't decide if I want another endurance bike or something lighter and/or more racey. The Aethos is very interesting as it promises to be both ultra-light and comfortable and I don't really care about aero. But I'm thinking the Caledonia and Krypton might just be better all-rounders. The Ostro VAM looks interesting too. I'm in the UK so I could get a factory fit over at Factor. I quite like the O2 as well and maybe wouldn't really need the VAM version of that bike. But the Ostro looks cool even if I don't really need the aero. This will be for next year at the earliest anyway, so plenty of time to drool over nice bikes! I might try to arrange a visit to Factor and hopefully demo their bikes later this year.

guadzilla

I have a couple of friends who have ordered the Ostro VAM. Plan to take try their bikes out when they get it.

In the end, i keep coming back to either the Aethos or the C64 as the frames that excite me the most - if either of them has the ride quality i want, i will get one of them. Ciclo Corsa has C64 framesets for not significantly more than the Aethos non-S-works, so price isnt a huge difference. Color will probably decide - the Mapei paintwork on the C64s... mmuah *chef kiss*

Kimmo 

Smoothest riding bike is the one with the lowest seat clamp

Sy Reene

Curious as to why from the get-go, Ti or Steel were off limits?

ericcox

I fully endorse the c-64 in Mapei colors. I didn't know they had that as an option. Modern but iconic.

jaxgtr

His profile shows a Lynskey, so guessing he might already have Ti and Steel in the stable of bikes.

guadzilla

I simply dont find the ride quality that exciting, to be honest. I sold off my Lyskey last year after 9 years (need to update my profile) and while I still have a custom lugged steel bike, I use it mainly on the trainer and as an all-road bike (heh, I just realized this was my "gravel bike" from way before the category even existed).

That said, I may yet get a Master X Light or a Pegoretti at some point, but that will be purely a cafe rider, with platform pedals. But that's down the road. Right now, i need a bike for my regular mileage.

PeteHski

Interesting that they are quite different concepts. Definitely get the one that most excites you! It's all just for fun.
My first carbon bike was a lugged frame from Cadex back in the mid 90s (CFR1 I think). I can't help thinking the Aethos is light years ahead on the tech front, not that it really matters.

Bob Ross

Crumpton
/thread