jeremytough

Hello everyone!

I have a very annoying "which one" question to ask you. I am fairly new to the world of road bikes and feel extremely overwhelmed. Also, as a student with a limited budget(hoping for no more than 1100$-1200$ after taxes), I really want to make sure I am making the right choice.

So I've been shopping around my LBSs today after doing some research online and I found two bikes that piqued my interest.

LBS 1 is a Felt dealer and while they do not stock entry level Felt's, they had a Z85 for 1200$ CND before taxes. Beautiful, beautiful bike, felt really solid and I like that it has Shimano 105 components. It seems like a really aggressive bike which scares me a little but once again, it seems really solid all around. Aluminum body w/carbon fork.
https://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2011...eries/Z85.aspx

LBS 2 has a Trek 1.5 for 1000$ CND before taxes. The matt black frame is gorgeous and it also felt like a solid bike. It's mostly Tiagra components. The bike seems a little 'friendlier' and I like that I can attach racks to the back of the bike if I ever want to do some light touring. Aluminum body w/carbon fork.
https://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes...d_1_series/1_5

I also looked at a Cannondale CAAD8 5 w/ Shimano 105 for 1000$ CND before taxes and it seems like a really good deal but something about the bike didn't feel right when I gave it a little test run in store. It's a really beefy bike. Aluminum body w/carbon fork + BB30.
https://www.cannondale.com/bikes/road...-8-5-105-15803

Just to give you a quick idea of what type of rider I am: 20-something student who has been riding a steel framed fixie for the past two years. I don't race but I really want to start doing longer rides and I really want to do more training. I'll be doing a lot of 100km rides and was thinking of maybe doing some touring next summer(which is why the Trek seems attractive). I have no experience with geared bikes and so I don't know if I'll notice the difference between the 105 and Tiagra? And while 1200$ + taxes is definitely above my price range...I am willing to pay more if it will be worth my while in the long run. I want a bike I can grow with and love and ride for years to come.

Thank you all so much for any tips or advice!!

10 Wheels

It would help if you posted a link to each bike.

I like 105.

The Felt I looked at is the best one.

Mike F

Felts "Z series" is actually their "relaxed" geometry. The more agressive would be the "F" series. As you mentioned the Felt has no braze on for racks or fenders, so if those are something you need it wouldnt suit your needs unless you can find suitable clamp ons.

ImChris

Hey!

When it comes between the bikes you listed above whichever one feels right will result in the 'best bike' for you. BUT, if you could, buy a 2.1 instead of the 1.5. If you can slightly afford the $1100 or so of the 1.5, then save another few weeks for the 2.1. For the extra couple hundred dollars, the upgrades will be well worth it.

To put it in a better perspective, for an extra $200 (found from msrp of both bikes) you get: Bontrager Race fork, SSR Wheelset (a tad lighter than the 'approves'),R1 tires, 105 componants (minus crank), race lite stem, and better brakes. PLUS, you still get to keep fender mounts.

If you wanted to upgrade your 1.5 in the future to 105 components and diff wheels, exc, itll cost you way more than if you just put up the extra $200 or so now by upgrading to the 2.5

Hope this helps, and happy biking!


.Chris

jeremytough

Fixed, thanks

jeremytough

Thanks for the reply guys. So Chris, what would you of the 2.1 compared to the Felt? I am definitely not opposed to stretching my budget for better components. The LBS seemed very excited about the 2.1 as well.

ImChris

The 2.1 and the Felt are easily comparable. They are very closely matched in lots of ways. Honestly, I like the wheels on the felt more, but personal preference always make Trek win in my book. I've had them deal with warranties for me very professionally and the three Treks i have owned have all treated me more than well. I just enjoy their customer service and the products they make. Also, living in WI, Trek does some really great things when it comes to promoting more people on bikes. I just dig the company.

Honestly, putting my huge love of Trek to the side, i'd say go ride them both and see which one you like. Also consider each shop you buy from and the 'vibe' you get from each place. It sucks buying a bike from a shop that is crappy. You'll more than likely be going back to them for future purchases, so its always a good thing to buy from a friendly shop. Also see if the Felt has a place to mount racks / fenders and such. I did not see it in the description.

.Chris

devlyn76

I recently purchased a Z85. First roadie, so take my thoughts with a large grain of salt. Boulder of salt maybe.

I had set out to get a Giant TCR or Felt F series - these are more aggressive than the Felt Z series. After riding a bit, the Z had the best overall feel. Giant Defy was a close second.

Also of note, the Z85 has an adjustable stem, so that the you can start off in a more relaxed position then decrease the angle if and when you want to be more aggressive.

snowman40

I love my Felt F75 because of how fast it feels like it wants to go...and I am shamed that I'm not able to keep up with her, but it sure is fun trying!

OP - you should go test ride an Felt F series so you get a truer feel for aggressiveness. I didn't get a Z series because I didn't get the feel I was looking for that I got with the F75 (or CAAD9). I did get the feel with the F3/F4, but then I wouldn't have had any budget left for accessories (pedals, shorts, shoes).

surfer777

I dig my Z85. Great ride, shifts smooth, rides smooth, looks good (except the white wheels and tires but they're growing on me). As stated, you can start relaxed and get progressively more aggressive. Overall a fantastic bike. I would also look at the Raleigh Revenio 3.0, 105 components, another fantastic bike.

jeremytough

Thanks guys! I'm going to go visit one or two more shops today and give the Z85 and the Trek another ride. I feel like I'm leaning towards the Z85 on specs alone but we'll see how they ride.
ImChris, I definitely appreciate your vote of confidence for Trek. I'm not familiar with many road cycling brands and it's good to hear people give their customer service such high marks. Also, as per your remarks on shop experience, I am going to visit the only other Felt dealer in my area because the owner of the first shop I went to gave me such terrible service. He clearly wrote me off the second I walked into the shop whereas every other shop I visited made me feel very welcome.

ImChris

I think you'll come out very excited with either the Trek or the Felt purchase. Good call on checking out another bike shop as well. Its always nice to fee warm and welcomed when you enter a shop. Good luck with your search and post up some photos when you finally choose a bike!

.Chris

Trooper

Good choice. For 200$CD you get 105 components. I have a Trek 1500 with 105 - too bad the 1.5 now has Tiagra. Post pics. Good luck.

jeremytough

Thanks again for everyone's advice. I bought the Felt Z85 and am very happy. I flipped the stem and took it out for a great little ride today. Super comfortable. I'm coming from the world of fixed gear bikes so it's taking some time to get used to gears(I definitely back-peddled a few times today thinking I would stop, ha!).

Mike F

Congrtas! Looks nice

ImChris

Great colorway on that bike. Looks awesome man! Congrats!

>Chris

mooska

Why is my Z85 the only one not to come with white tires? Anyways, good choice.