Tarmac/Venge (2015) or Canyon Aeroad OR Time Skylon

[MiddMan]

I am soon to be purchasing a Colnago, and am well aware of the wait time especially since I'm requesting trad geometry. However, I also travel overseas a lot for work and would ideally like a bike now that I can ride, and then have one bike home and one overseas. The Colnago is a non-negotiable. But I'm willing to be swayed or influenced regarding a second bike. If I did go Venge, it would be the 2015 version and not the newest iteration. I'm looking for something that will be *different* from the Colnago in both style and ride, but still top notch and fun to ride. I'm open to considering Pinarello Dogma, De Rosa, Ridley Noah Fast, etc. although I'm most interested in the 3 (or 4) bikes mentioned in the subject line.

I'm not interested in racing. I am competative with myself, but other than the odd local stage race (rare) I don't race anymore. I just love bikes. I live in a mountainous area, although where I work overseas it's pretty flat. (There is one really nice climb though.) Sort of tempted to try something aero (2015 Venge?)

So with that, some questions:

1. Anyone who has experienced with the aforementioned frames, please chime in with your thoughts. Especially if you ride said frame and like it (or don't, for that matter).

2. I'll likely go with Campag, but if I get a complete bike (Specialized, Canyon) which comes with Dura Ace, will it be compatible with the 2015 Record group (i.e. wheels, casettes)?

3. Canyon not in the US, so I'd have to wait till I go abroad (and I'm not to keen to wait as I already have to wait for my Colnago!) so leaning towards Tarmac/Venge or TIME Skylon, both with lifetime warrenties so a little reassuring should anything happen abroad. That said, tempt me.

[fromtrektocolnago]

As an owner of a Colnago, I can tell you that if I were to buy another bike to compliment it, I would go Custom Titanium or Steel. There are so many great builders out there doing quality work. Having two carbon race frames is not diversification enough for me.

[Dowks]

I have ridden a Colnago C59 for c. 2 years. I recently got a Canyon Aeroad and really enjoy having that in my quiver with the C59. Bit different and more racy position with shorter head tube but I really like it. Can't think of a better value for money frame which just makes you want to ride it again and again.

All my bikes are Campag, I bought the Aeroad sold the group set and wheels and stuck Campy on, works great and the frame is great value once you have sold the bits.

[MiddMan]

@ fromtrektocolnago That's a good point. I think if I were to have a 3rd bike, I may very well go titanium.. but let me not get ahead of myself! Personally, I probably wouldn't go custom, maybe just a stock titanium De Rosa or something. Titanium is definitely nice though.

@ Dowks I agree about the value for money about Canyon. I really like that about them, and they seem to have solid R&D too. The Ultimate CF SLX comes with Campag, but like you, I prefer the Aeroad and would probably do like you if I go that route. Only problem is no shipping to US. I could order from abroad, but I might not be abroad for another month or so. Did you have to wait long to receive yours after you ordered it?

[MiddMan]

Don't know if Moderator or Admin can edit, but should read "Tarmac" in the subject line obviously.

[spdntrxi]

your CC # will show its a US card... they might still not let you (Canyon)... not certain on that ?

[tinozee]

Go for the Tarmic. Haha just kidding. If it were me I'd pick the Aeroad if you are able to get one. They are so damn hot looking and you can see they must work great for climbing as well as aero with guys like Purito on one.

[kgt]

I would definitely go for the Skylon.

[cany]

Recommend Canyon Bicycles
Low price and high quality

[ak47]

Go with TIME. Not many brands are producing their own carbon fibers...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KO1LdcwuMk

[phollingswo]

+1 on Canyon.

Also, (I'm sure I've mentioned this a lot on here!) If you have a race license, you get a pretty nice discount off an aeroad. Just go to the "sponsoring" section of the website. Literally all you need is a license.

Oh also I think to order a Canyon your billing address needs to be in a country they ship to, so may need a friend to pay unless you have an overseas account too.

[MiddMan]

@ kgt I like it more every time I look at it. That's a good sign. Though I'm still on the fence as to whether I would go AKTIV. Problem is it seems only to be paired with the integrated seat post. Ironically, with my height, I probably wouldn't ever need to trim the ISP I can't find any solid review or info on AKTIV other than what TIME provides.

@ Canyon folks, Agreed all around: Aeroad is a sexy looking machine (personally, I'd probably go for red, I like a splash of colour on a bike); however, what might prove a challenge is the US bit. I've also heard that they will not fulfil orders from a US account, even if it's shipped overseas. I've also heard that it can take a long time to receive one--is this true?

[phollingswo]

I've also heard that it can take a long time to receive one--is this true?

Depends when you order. They fulfill orders in batches I'm told, so if you order towards the end of a batch, you won't have to wait long at all. I ordered mine and it came well within the estimated delivery time. I think I waited about 6 weeks? Worth the wait though given the value for money. Though I understand it can be infuriating waiting for your new bike! FYI money is only taken out of your account on dispatch, so gives you bit longer to save.

[kgt]

@ kgt I like it more every time I look at it. That's a good sign.

I have seen it up close. Its quality is miles ahead of most other carbon frames. An artisan's jewel really.

[zappafile123]

1. Anyone who has experienced with the aforementioned frames, please chime in with your thoughts. Especially if you ride said frame and like it (or don't, for that matter).

2. I'll likely go with Campag, but if I get a complete bike (Specialized, Canyon) which comes with Dura Ace, will it be compatible with the 2015 Record group (i.e. wheels, casettes)?

3. Canyon not in the US, so I'd have to wait till I go abroad (and I'm not to keen to wait as I already have to wait for my Colnago!) so leaning towards Tarmac/Venge or TIME Skylon, both with lifetime warrenties so a little reassuring should anything happen abroad. That said, tempt me.

First off, all frames are going to be campy compatible - you'll have no issue there. Though some would advise against it, I just run shimpagnolo for convenience i.e. everything campy except for the shimano chain and cassette.

As for which to chose here's my 2c on the options you put forward

I have ridden the Venge for brief periods and its really not a bike that you'd ride for its 'ride quality' so much for its apparent sense of 'speed'. It has a pretty wooden lifeless feel to it. Seeing as you're not that interested in racing and putative marginal gains, the venge is easy to cross off your list (especially considering the competition. If you're keen on Specialised then definitely go for the Tarmac over the venge.

From the general consensus among reviewers, I'd suggest you'd be hard pressed to go wrong with the Canyon in terms of the quality of the frameset. I havent ridden one, so I dont know. I do think the new aerorad is perhaps one of the most attractive looking aero bikes going around at the moment... Im suring the ultimate climbs very well.

Personally I would buy the Skylon. I owned the previous flagship - the ZXRS - and it was a very distinctive bike to ride (check out my review on this forum). If you want something that will be distinctive and interesting to ride (but also just absolutely beautiful to look at) get the Skylon. Having said that, I doubt it would 'perform' as well as say a Canyon in terms of the sensation of a pure race bike i.e. feeling pure speed. Times have a very floaty, aloof character.

In summary, get the Time if you want something 'special', get the Canyon/Tarmac if you want pure performance. btw in my experience once you get hooked on hi-performance carbon frames, its difficult to be completely happy with Ti or Steel.