mtalinm

I told myself the n+1 bike would have to have disc brakes. Then I test-rode a Trek Domane yesterday and was hooked. I suppose if they release a disc model in the future I can sell this and pick up a new one. Now I am wondering which one to get: 4.5, 5.2, 5.9, 6.2, or 6.9.

The sixes are a bit expensive, and I'm not sure about electronic shifting (mostly worried that I can't maintain it myself), so it's pretty much down to the 4.5 or 5.2. I sort of hate the garish red paint job on the 5.2, whereas the 4.5 scheme nearly matches the RS team bike so that's cool. Plus, it is $950 less. My reservations with the 4.5 is that it's missing the following features:

* asymmetric steerer tube. sounds cool but I am at best a cat 6 commuter, so I'm not sure whether this is a big deal. if it smooths the bumps then that's good
* seatmast cap instead of seatpost. the LBS guy said it makes the bike lighter, but I think an easier way to achieve that is for me to lay off the potato chips :-)
* "performance cable routing" which I think means "internal cable routing". does this actually make a difference for performance, or is it just prettier? I do worry a bit about a cable getting frayed inside the frame & I can't get to it the way I would just replace a housing.
* I suppose the 5-series has "better" carbon OCLV (500 series vs 400 series), but I dunno whether a non-pro can tell.
* even though I'm not sure about electronic shifting, it would be nice-ish to have a frame I could upgrade (5.2 can, 4.5 can't).
* lastly, the 5.2 has the IsoZone handlebars, which I thought would be a dealbreaker on the 4.5. but a buddy had an extra IsoZone handlebar, so I can swap that on the 4.5. just looks like padded foam anyway...

so would you hold your nose on the 5.2 paint job and pay $950 for those extra features? I'm not racing, mostly a weekday commuter and weekend distance rider. ~5000 miles/year on mostly crappy New England roads.

mpath

If you're a "cat 6" commuter at best - nice refeshing honesty btw - then they're both really more bike than you need. But if this is supposed to be your N+1 bike, get the best you can afford. You don't want be own it and then wish shoulda/coulda on something else.

8086bruce

6.9 and be done!

mjh365

I have the 4.0 with 105 group and love it... I think you would be happy with the 4.5... Both of your choices are very good.

mtalinm

thanks I did buy the 4.5 on Tuesday and promptly got sick, so I haven't really had a chance to ride it, but sure looks nice :-)

mpath

You've had it since Tuesday and you haven't posted a pic? Incredible! Pics or it didn't happen!

mtalinm