Looking for advice on a 5k-7k bike

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jkonst
Posts: 41
Joined: Mon Jul 01, 2019 6:42 pm

by jkonst

Hi all,

I'm looking for advice on a bike for a max of $7k US. I'm interested in something endurance/balanced rather than full aero, and would like a decent set of carbon wheels (or I'll upgrade those separately if I go cheaper on the bike). I don't race and would classify myself as an intermediate rider. I ride mostly in NYC/surrounding areas with no plans to go offroad/gravel, though there plenty of bumps and potholes to navigate.

I definitely want to go tubeless and would like to run something reasonably wide (28"+). I'm 6'3" with a 36" inseam, so looking at a size 60-61 (or large) in most brands, if that matters. And I'd prioritize weight and comfort over aerodynamics, though I don't want to ride as upright as a Trek Domane I tried out recently. I'm coming off a 2009 Trek Madone 5.2 (bought used 5 years ago) that is on its last legs, for reference.

Some options I've been thinking about:

BMC Teammachine SLR01 three disc ($6,600 from my LBS) https://www.bmc-switzerland.com/teammac ... 01437.html
Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 9.0 Di2 ($7,000) https://www.canyon.com/en-us/road-bikes ... /2169.html
Canyon Ultimate CF SL Disc 8.0 Di2 ($3,700, plus a decent set of wheels) https://www.canyon.com/en-us/road-bikes ... /2159.html
Canyon Endurace CF SLX Disc 9.0 Di2 ($6,600) https://www.canyon.com/en-us/road-bikes ... /2192.html
Specialized Roubaix Pro – SRAM Force ETAP AXS ($7,000) https://www.specialized.com/us/en/rouba ... 089-171045
Specialized Roubaix Expert ($6,000) https://www.specialized.com/us/en/rouba ... 642-170242
Cervelo R5 - Ultegra DI2 w/ 3T Discus C35 Pro wheels ($5,700, and I think I can switch to different wheels easily) https://www.racycles.com/promotions/4th ... bike-18628

Any thoughts or advice? I know I've thrown a pretty wide array of bikes out here, but would definitely appreciate any guidance on narrowing things down, or on other options I should look at.

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mendiz
Posts: 338
Joined: Sat Aug 20, 2005 3:08 am

by mendiz

My advice is seeing the framesets in a shop, you will know what bike you like more. With Canyon I guess you can see some friend with one. Of those bikes, I think Canyon CF SLX is the best option. With that price really, I would buy wheelset separately, for example Lightweight, or Corima 47. Those frames deserve best wheels. Stock road bikes always brings wheelsets worse than framesets.
You don´t stop riding when you get old, you get old when you stop riding.

by Weenie


Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
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jkonst
Posts: 41
Joined: Mon Jul 01, 2019 6:42 pm

by jkonst

mendiz wrote:
Sat Jul 13, 2019 9:13 pm
My advice is seeing the framesets in a shop, you will know what bike you like more. With Canyon I guess you can see some friend with one. Of those bikes, I think Canyon CF SLX is the best option. With that price really, I would buy wheelset separately, for example Lightweight, or Corima 47. Those frames deserve best wheels. Stock road bikes always brings wheelsets worse than framesets.
Makes sense, thanks. I've had difficulty finding bikes in my size locally, and shops (understandably) don't want to order something in my size for me to try out without a firm commitment that I'll buy. I've had a chance to get on a BMC teammachine on a trainer, and I've also tried out a lower spec Trek Emonda and Domane.

Point taken on the wheels, too. What's the best way to buy wheels separately? In the Cervelo R5 listed above I can pick any wheels I want, but otherwise it seems like I'd be getting whatever comes standard. But maybe I just need to look at bikes where the frame comes separate from components/wheels, and have an LBS build it up for me?

DJT21
Posts: 381
Joined: Sun Mar 27, 2011 7:35 pm

by DJT21

The BMC looks far better than any of the others, plus it's from your LBS.

jkonst
Posts: 41
Joined: Mon Jul 01, 2019 6:42 pm

by jkonst

DJT21 wrote:
Sat Jul 13, 2019 11:55 pm
The BMC looks far better than any of the others, plus it's from your LBS.
Thanks for the input. R&A is my LBS, so the Cervelo would also be local, for what it's worth. I've got another local shop for the Specialized, as well (can't try them out without ordering because they don't have my size, though).

Sock3t
Posts: 448
Joined: Mon Jun 11, 2018 2:20 am

by Sock3t

Jfc the roubaix even with etap AXS is a heavy bitch.

Gary71
Posts: 267
Joined: Wed Aug 21, 2013 5:25 am
Location: Brisbane Australia

by Gary71

I don't know what the prices are like there in US, but I would be looking at the SuperSix Gen2, they make large frames sizes and you must be able to get some great bargains on the outgoing model?

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mendiz
Posts: 338
Joined: Sat Aug 20, 2005 3:08 am

by mendiz

For wheelsets, and I always buy in german online shops, the best for me are Bike24, R2bike. Also Sigma sport from England, Merlin cycles, Starbike I have not bought yet, Bike discount, Bike components. I have not tried Schmolke wheelsets, my brother will buy TLO45 tubulars soon. I had Schmolke bars and was fantastic. The best looking frameset in large size I think is Supersix Gen2 because not sloping of top tube. I bought in size 52, you can buy in size 58 or 60 I guess. Really for amateurs the big factor is aesthetics and durability. The best looking wheelsets are Lightweight and Corima Mcc S+ 47mm.
Last edited by mendiz on Thu May 07, 2020 2:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.
You don´t stop riding when you get old, you get old when you stop riding.

bremerradkurier
Posts: 419
Joined: Mon Jun 13, 2016 4:18 pm

by bremerradkurier

Giant TCR Advanced Pro 0 seems like a screaming deal at $5250-even includes a power meter.

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/tcr-a ... pro-0-disc

by Weenie


Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓    Broad Selection ✓    Worldwide Delivery ✓

www.starbike.com



zinedrei
Posts: 139
Joined: Wed Oct 11, 2017 7:36 am

by zinedrei

been on a similar boat recently.

below are what i went for:
Colnago CLX Evo disc - 1.3k merlincycles
Force eTap - ~2k lbs
Reynolds 58 - 1k

was supposed to go for red axs but i have decided to get the Force powermeter spider (500) instead plus a Topeak Pakgo X (650) since I am travelling a lot and would like to bring the bike with me

will be using my old Deda Superleg stem and bars for now which bring the total cost to 5450usd

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