Norco or Specialized??

[PomBstard]

Have done the research for the next bike - one of these adventure bikes seems to hit all the right notes for me, and have a shortlist of 2. Norco Search A105 or Specialized Diverge Elite DSW

Have looked at both bikes, but riding them seems to be a problem - neither supplier will build the bike in my size without some sort of money changing hands, which is annoying. Have tried similar models in each of their ranges to check sizing. Anyway, the point is that I've no experience of either manufacturer, so am curious if any here have any particular views.

The Norco is better kitted out for the price, and looks like it carries over some mtb tech, such as thru axles, which is nice. Specialized is the better-known company and the Diverge seems to have many fans, though reviews of the Search are also favourable.

What say ye??

[PomBstard]

Thanks for that lot - doesn't seem to be any negatives to either bike, so I'll go for the one that looks best to me! Off round the bike shops this weekend to see who wants some business

Probably not getting it from Evans, as correctly guessed

[PomBstard]

Google [bot] said:

As an aside, I recently had my Specialized Sirrus Comp stolen and replaced it with a 2016 Sirrus Elite Disc. I'm also in Australia, and just received my delivery of particular bar ends from Evans, that I scoured the world for, via my Dad.

If Evans had the bike I wanted, I'd get it from them - I'm sure my mum's suitcase will be big enough... I've used CRC enough too.

And if you're now back on 2 wheels, when I get my chosen steed, perhaps a loop of Akuna someday??

[PomBstard]

Barchettaman said:

Giant Defy 1 Disc?

But do you really need disc brakes on a road bike in 'Straya? Seattle I can understand....!

Looking at bikes that can handle some fairly broken firetrails as well as road, hence why the adventure-type bikes seem to appeal.

As for discs, not sure why I wouldn't want them, to be honest, but I'm sure that's already been debated elsewhere.

[PomBstard]

Barchettaman said:

Why wouldn't you want disc brakes, particularly in a dry( ish) climate:

Put more stress on spokes
You need a dished wheel, even in front
More beefy forks required, since stress is put on one side
Some risk of pulling front wheel out of the dropout due to torsional stress
Weaker rear wheel, since more dished both sides
Complicates rack attachment
Complicates rear kickstand mounting
Less standard worldwide
Pads become useless if you get oil on them
Disc rotor is smaller than rims, so heats up more quickly
On long descents, red hot rotor can heat up hub (bad for bearings)
Disc rotor can still become damaged in transit, harder to replace
Disc brakes often need re-adjustment

Hmm, so much carp, its hard to know where to start. Lets quickly dispel the myth that Sydney is dry - average rainfall is around 1300mm/pa, around twice that of London, and about 25% more than Seattle. Its a wet place and when it rains, it really rains. Hard.

As for the rest, in ten years of running disk brakes on mtbs I've only suffered the oil on pad problem, but even that was a simple thing to sort - must've taken at least 60seconds to change the pads. The brakes have always been fit and forget, and just to break the internet, my reliable disk brakes are Avids!!

You might argue that disc brakes aren't completely necessary on a road-only bike, and in certain situations, you might be right, but you can't argue that discs are less competent than rim brakes.

As for disk brakes on the road, the Norco or Spesh will be an effective replacement for a Giant XTC that I've been running with 1.5" slicks and fully rigid carbon forks for the last five years. Its been an awesome machine, only let down as a road/tourer/adventure bike by the low mtb gearing and upright riding position. Downhill I was easily keeping up with or passing roadies, esp if it was wet and twisty, and that was largely down to the brakes.

So, I still can't think of a reason why I wouldn't want disk brakes on a road bike.

[PomBstard]

Well, I finally got around to getting one of these - saved a bit extra and picked up a Norco Search C105 today. Carbon frame, 105 kit, full hydraulic brakes, 35c tyres. Looks good, rides great - much smoother over broken surfaces than I was expecting and still nifty enough on tarmac for my abilities. Through axles are a good item for a bike like this too. Within a few km felt like I'd had it years.



As an aside, its my first road bike since my Peugeot Premiere, bought new in 1986 - how things have changed...

[PomBstard]

Fluffsri said:

PomBstard said:

Well, I finally got around to getting one of these - saved a bit extra and picked up a Norco Search C105 today. Carbon frame, 105 kit, full hydraulic brakes, 35c tyres. Looks good, rides great - much smoother over broken surfaces than I was expecting and still nifty enough on tarmac for my abilities. Through axles are a good item for a bike like this too. Within a few km felt like I'd had it years.



As an aside, its my first road bike since my Peugeot Premiere, bought new in 1986 - how things have changed...

Brilliant! But now you have bought it try not to stress the spokes or pull the front wheel out of the drop out due to torsional stresses. Be careful when you order luggage racks for it as the disc mounts complicate rack attachment oh yeah don't forget this when fitting your kickstand!
Deffo avoid diesel on the road! Don't brake too hard or you'll over heat the bearings and require new wheels in 300 kms and always remember to take your Allen keys with you so you can adjust your callipers.;)

Got it!