lolguy

I've ridden a Trek 7.7 FX for the past few years, moving from the 700x35 tires ultimately down to 23's. I'm now looking to purchase a new bike and would appreciate perspectives among the bikes I'm considering. The Scott and Cannondale's are 2012's and can be had for $2,000 and $2,500, respectively. The Trek is the new Domane for $2,600. They each feel pretty good, though I haven't taken longer demos on them. My riding is for fitness and I currently ride up to 40 miles one weekend day with an additional 3-4 15 mile rides during the week at about 17 MPH. I'd like to stretch things out for longer rides but am finding 2.5 hours on the 7.7 FX close to my limit. I appreciate your responses.

a_dropped_rider

I think you might be happier with the Domane or any other endurance type of road bike. Now all three of these bikes were designed to be raced but the Foil and supersix were designed to be as stiff and efficient as possible while the domane will have slightly more relaxed geometry and other design features that put an emphasis on comfort.

starjag

I love riding, but I'm not a racer. My CAAD10 (with SuperSix geometry) feels great, both short and century rides.

mprelaw

If you're moving to a road frame from a hybrid, you'll probably be happiest on the Domane.

But ride all of them before buying. Find a shop that will let you take a demo for a long ride.

valygrl

Get a bike fit first, figure out what geometry you want, then pick frames. The Foil and SuperSix are geometrically more like Trek's Madone H1 or H2 geometry, while the Domane is more like Scott's CR1 or Cannondale's Synapse.

THe big difference is head tube length - higher head tube = higher riding position = usually marketed towards distance/comfort as opposed to shorter head tube marketed towards racing.

But, it all depends on your body dimensions - for example, I ride a CR1 ('comfort') bike to race, b/c I have a short torso and poor flexibility.

a1penguin

The Domane will have a more relaxed riding position and should have a softer ride. No 2012 Synapse in stock? That would be the Endurance bike from Cannondale. I've never ridden a Domane, but the bike looks pretty nice at the LBS. Test ride and select the one that calls to you.

oldbobcat

The Foil will be a handful, the SuperSix a bit more comfortable, but you're still in race bike territory. Too bad they don't have a CR1, which I think is a swell bike for most sport riders, or a Synapse. Of the three, I'd be leaning toward the Domane.

lolguy

Well, I bit the bullet yesterday and purchased a bike...well, actually two. For the road, picked up a 2012 Specialized Roubaix Elite Rival and a 2012 Cannondale Scapel 4 for off road. I had no intention of purchasing two bikes but there was a great deal of negotiating room being they are 2012 models and I couldn't pass up a "deal." My wife reffered to it as my mid-life crisis.

I'm sure the Domane (my second choice) would have been fine, too. Geometry is similar. Went for a nice ride this afternoon and even with the stock saddle I found it a very comfortable ride. Along with the great price, the shop did a fitting (I was waffling between the 56 and 58) and will do another in a couple of weeks once I'm more familiar with the style (also didn't have my saddle or shoes when I made the purchase). Most difficult adjustment is the width of the bars. They seem a bit narrow but coming from a flatbar hybrid, I guess that is to be expected. That said, fitter said we'd revisit that once I go back for the thorough fitting. I really appreciate the responses my OP received. Thanks

a1penguin

Your wife is going to want to do some shopping of her own :-) Congrats! Those are both great bikes. Just make sure neither one sits in the garage gathering dust or you'll never hear the end of it.

lolguy

Thanks very much. I've had the Roubaix out twice an should be riding the Scalpel after work on Wednesday. Just need to sell my 7.7 FX anf add a new set of hooks in my garage to hold the extra bike! Cheers!