New Bike
 

I am looking to buy a new bike with an emphasis on comfort during long rides (centuries). I have narrowed my search down to 6:

Bianchi Vertigo 105 $1999
Specialized Roubaix Elite Apex Compact $2300
Cannondale Synapse Carbon 5 105 $2330
Cervelo R3 105 $2600
Trek Domane 4.5 $2729
Bianchi Infinito 105 $2799

I have only ridden the Vertigo in the wrong size, but I did love it compared to my current Trek 1.2. I do plan on finding and thoroughly test riding all the bikes on the list before making my decision. The LBS that I prefer sells Specialized and Bianchi.

Any advice would be appreciated, especially on how to tell if a bike fits and what to look for on a test ride. Advice on pedals and shoes are also needed.

How well does your Trek 1.2 for now? Were you fitted for it? Reach to bars too long or too short? Height of bars too high or too low? What needs to be changed? Compare the geometry of your 1.2 with the geometries of your candidates in the same size (if you now have the right size).

Also try a fit calculator, such as http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...LCULATOR_INTRO

I don't know the Bianchi line. The Cervelo R3 is stiffer and more race oriented (or was), whereas the RS was the more relaxed (endurance) geometry last time I looked. The Roubaix is somewhat the gold standard endurance bike - at least the one compared to most often. I loved mine. Trek rebadged their H3 fit Madone as the Domane now to call more specific attention to it.

The price spread you're seeing is also due to varying levels of components. I would think they were all serviceable, though.

Lastly, consider working with the dealer you're comfortable with. But don't let him sell you a bike that doesn't it just because that's the size he has. Of course, this late in the summer, he may well not be able to get any more bikes in from the manufacturer until next year's models ship in the fall/winter.

When I first got the Trek I felt very uncomfortable and unstable on it, I came into the bike rather than being able to shop around. Once I got fitted on the bike things improved drastically, and I have put well over 10,000 miles on it since then (mostly commuting). That being said if I go for a real ride the Trek is far from comfortable. From the little bit that I know I would say that the Trek is way too "aggressive" for my needs. The Vertigo felt like a beach cruiser in comparison.

Trek Domane 4.5 is on sales right now. I just ordered mine today for $2,199.

FYI - According to LBS Trek is clearing the decks of the 2013 line and will be releasing the 2014 line soon. The difference in the 4.5 is color which Trek won't disclose.

If you want one you better hurry because the warehouse stock was dwindling rapidly today.

The Trek 4.5 is on sale a friend just bought 2, one for him plus his wife for about $1900 each. Great bike for under $2k.

I've got an Infinito Ultegra. Its a great bike. Its not really in the same category as a Roubiax/Domane. The Roubiax/Domane both have a rear suspension/isolation system to absorb bumps, the Infinito does not. If your main roads are particularly bad, the Roubaix/Domane will be your best bet. That said, the Infinito is an incredible ride, I find its a pefect mix of speed/stiffness and smooth ride. I have ZERO regrets about the bike. The Infinito is basically a race bike with slightly relaxed geometry. Its a gorgeous bike, and rides like a dream. The wheelbase is a little longer, and its incredibly confident on descents.

I would seriously consider waiting for the new Infinito CV frame, its supposed to include much better damping. The price you're showing there is full list, and I wouldn't pay full list now, knowing that an improved frame will be out in 2-3 months. I purchased my Infinito Ultegra on sale for only a few dollars more than the 105 price you've got there, so definitely negotiate.

Sort of off-topic... but I just got a Trek 1.5 (on sale as other's mentioned above, the LBS price was even lower than Trek's advertised price), and just curious as to what kind of changes you made as a result of a fitting. Did you actually replace the stem, handlebars, anything else to make the bike feel that much more comfortable??? Actually... I think I'll go start a new thread!

I don't remember anything being replaced on the bike. Saw that your in Brooklyn; I got the fitting done at Roy's Sheepshead Cycle, but there are lots of good places around.

Felix at R&A gets a lot of hype, but there are some others around like ACME and even Bicycle Habitat who use more scientific approaches... I'll have to check out Roys - did you find that they were able to improve your form/comfort?

I also ride the Bianchi 105 but mine was the C2C year prior to the rename of Infinito...great bike. All the one's you mention are great go with the best fit and the best deal......you will be happy regardless

I hadn't ridden a bike in a while and the 1.2 was my first time on a road bike, so there was a lot to improve. The fitting would probably fall in "intuitive" camp. I am thinking about going to ACME this time before I get the new bike as well, but $400 is pricey though.

Try a Felt Z series. ;)

I was in an EMS recently and they had the Bianchi Infinito 105 on sale for $2000

http://www.ems.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12331242

I think either the Bianchi or the Specialized would be the better bikes over the others on your list. The Zertz inserts used in the Specialized frame dulls road vibrations and it works. If comfort is your main goal I would get the Specialized.

If you have to have a CF bike have you considered this bike: http://www.competitivecyclist.com/fr...ike%20-%202012 If not and it appeals to you ask about their warranty. This bike may not be as comfy as the Specialized.

Have you considered titanium bikes? Lynskey, who created and built Litespeed bikes, has a really nice bike called the Silver Series Peloton 105 components for just $2399; see: https://www.lynskeyperformance.com/s...s/peloton.html If that interest you get the bike through Adrenalin Bikes and speak to Matthew, Adrenalin does not charge for a pro assembly whereas Lynskey direct will, also by going through Adrenalin you can make part subsitutions to fit your needs and get new trade in credit for it. This bike will be MORE comfortable then the Specialized, I know I rode a Specialized with the Zertz in the frame and fork.

Thanks, I was leaning towards those two my self.

A LBS that I like has a '12 Specialized Roubaix SL3 Expert Compact on sale for $2,500. That's $1,000 off. Sound like a good deal? Would it be better to wait for a '13 to come on sale?

Unless the frame changed significantly that sounds like at excellent deal. The only downside is that it would be 10-speed instead of potentially 11-speed. Given the amount of 10-speed stuff on the market that's probably a plus.

I would get the 2012 model. I wouldn't consider getting a 10 speed a downside, the 10 speed driveline will work a bit better then the 11 with a little less reliability issues. The 11 speed means even thinner chains, and thinner gears, the 10 speed stuff is fragile enough just wait for issues with the 11 speeds. 9 and 10 speed systems require new chains and gear clusters every 4,000 miles, about as often as new tires are needed, this wasn't the case in the old days with wider chains and thicker gears of the 7 and 8 speed systems that would last 8,000 miles, my vintage bikes with wider 5 and 6 speed chains will last 13,000 miles and the gears 30,000.

Decided to get a 2013 Specialized Roubaix Elite Apex Compact with Speedplay Zero Stainless pedals.

Congrats on your new bike!! What made you go with the 13 model instead of saving $1,000 on the 12 model?

Got a deal on the 2013 as well! It wasn't as much off as the 2012 but in the end it was cheaper and I prefer this bike shop (they have been really good to me in the past). I really didn't need the ultegra and in some ways prefer the apex. The 2013 also felt better, although that was probably just how the two bikes were set up.

Good deal than, I'm glad your happy with it, now quite typing here and go ride the snot out of it. I've had my Lynskey now for a month and already have 725 miles on it. So before you know it you'll have your first 1,000 miles on the bike and then it's broken in.