Next step on from Specialized Allez?
Discussion
Bought my Allez initially to use on the Turbo, but I've been quite taken with the roadie thing and want to upgrade.
So... budget is in the £1500-£2000 bracket.
I've got a pair of Mavic Ksyrium Elites that I'd like to reuse, plus I don't want to go down the disc route.
I want a "GranFondo/Sportive" type of bike. I don't and won't ever race, this is for fun/exercise.
Carbon sounds nice as, well, it's carbon! But not opposed to aluminium.
I'd also like an Ultegra groupset or better.
Any suggestions?
So... budget is in the £1500-£2000 bracket.
I've got a pair of Mavic Ksyrium Elites that I'd like to reuse, plus I don't want to go down the disc route.
I want a "GranFondo/Sportive" type of bike. I don't and won't ever race, this is for fun/exercise.
Carbon sounds nice as, well, it's carbon! But not opposed to aluminium.
I'd also like an Ultegra groupset or better.
Any suggestions?
I'd be looking at Canyon myself...
https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/road/endurace/endurac...
But I've not bought one yet as the wife won't let me.
https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/road/endurace/endurac...
But I've not bought one yet as the wife won't let me.
Busts the top of your budget by £100, but if you buy at Pedal On you'll get a generous pile of 'Podium Points' with which you can "purchase" loads of clothing/spares/accessories at no further cash outlay...
http://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/trek-emonda-sl-6...
Also available in 'Goldenage' whatever the heck that trademarked colour is...
Full Carbon fibre frame and fork? Check. Trek like to boast of it's 'lightweight' climbing credentials.
Full Ultegra groupset? Check. No corners cut on bits you won't immediately notice, unlike some of the 'distance selling' bike firms.
There are at least three of us with these bikes on the forum fairly regularly. Check out the 'Show off your bike" thread for recent pictures of my 2015 red one, and a 2016 black SL 6. There's also a 2015 green SL 5 with the Shimano 105 group knocking about too.
I can't remember which thread it was in, but I wrote a pretty glowing review of it shortly after buying it. I've now done about 14 or 15 months with it, nearing 5,000 miles ridden, and I've not changed my mind at all. I've ridden up to 130 miles in a single ride, regularly go over 5 hours in the saddle, it's super comfortable and was the best fit for me of any of the bikes that were available for me to test ride. No regrets whatsoever. And if you don't want to stretch the budget, then go for the 105 equipped bike at £1800 in white...
At your (our!) riding level (non-racing fun and exercise) there really isn't much in it between Ultegra and 105. I went with the Ultegra equipped frame because I'm a tart, and the green of the 105 bike would have clashed terribly with all of my Lycra...
Or if you want to save more pennies, and are happy with Aluminium, then there's the ALR 6 at £1400 with the full Ultegra group...
For clarity, I have no vested interest in Pedal On, save for having bought my last two bikes there. They're 'just local enough' for me to ride there for a coffee and a natter, and to pick up the bikes when I've bought them. They won't post the Trek bikes out, as that's against TREK UK's policy.
Edit to add...
The only 'upgrade' mine has had in that time has been tyres. And then only when the original set wore out. Here's a picture of my bike, in the discontinued red from 2015...
...loaded down with bottles, saddle bags and locks, etc, that pretty much negate any of Trek's R&D efforts to reduced the weight of the bike in the first place.
http://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/trek-emonda-sl-6...
Also available in 'Goldenage' whatever the heck that trademarked colour is...
You said:
I want a "GranFondo/Sportive" type of bike. I don't and won't ever race, this is for fun/exercise.
Carbon sounds nice as, well, it's carbon! But not opposed to aluminium.
I'd also like an Ultegra groupset or better.
Comfortable? Check. Trek's "H2" comfort orientated geometry, as opposed to their "H1" slammed racing geo.Carbon sounds nice as, well, it's carbon! But not opposed to aluminium.
I'd also like an Ultegra groupset or better.
Full Carbon fibre frame and fork? Check. Trek like to boast of it's 'lightweight' climbing credentials.
Full Ultegra groupset? Check. No corners cut on bits you won't immediately notice, unlike some of the 'distance selling' bike firms.
There are at least three of us with these bikes on the forum fairly regularly. Check out the 'Show off your bike" thread for recent pictures of my 2015 red one, and a 2016 black SL 6. There's also a 2015 green SL 5 with the Shimano 105 group knocking about too.
I can't remember which thread it was in, but I wrote a pretty glowing review of it shortly after buying it. I've now done about 14 or 15 months with it, nearing 5,000 miles ridden, and I've not changed my mind at all. I've ridden up to 130 miles in a single ride, regularly go over 5 hours in the saddle, it's super comfortable and was the best fit for me of any of the bikes that were available for me to test ride. No regrets whatsoever. And if you don't want to stretch the budget, then go for the 105 equipped bike at £1800 in white...
At your (our!) riding level (non-racing fun and exercise) there really isn't much in it between Ultegra and 105. I went with the Ultegra equipped frame because I'm a tart, and the green of the 105 bike would have clashed terribly with all of my Lycra...
Or if you want to save more pennies, and are happy with Aluminium, then there's the ALR 6 at £1400 with the full Ultegra group...
For clarity, I have no vested interest in Pedal On, save for having bought my last two bikes there. They're 'just local enough' for me to ride there for a coffee and a natter, and to pick up the bikes when I've bought them. They won't post the Trek bikes out, as that's against TREK UK's policy.
Edit to add...
The only 'upgrade' mine has had in that time has been tyres. And then only when the original set wore out. Here's a picture of my bike, in the discontinued red from 2015...
...loaded down with bottles, saddle bags and locks, etc, that pretty much negate any of Trek's R&D efforts to reduced the weight of the bike in the first place.
Edited by yellowjack on Thursday 12th May 14:26
yellowjack said:
Much Trek stuff
I have an Aluminium Trek with the H2 geometry you speak of, and it has been a good bike.I've ridden it on LEJoG in 9 days, and lots of other long and short jaunts. I'd definitely recommend one. I'm very limited to what I can buy though due to my height, so don't have a lot to compare it to.
If you REALLY want a sportive/Gran fondo, look at this year's Trek Domane, the one with the decoupler at the front and rear. It gets brilliant reviews, and is even more comfortable than the previous Domane. My mate rode Paris-Brest-Paris on his - 1200 km!!! I'd start there and compare everything else to that; Giant have the Defy, Specialise the Secteur, Cannondale the Synapse.
I went for the Giant Propel with a similar budget to yours, Ultegra groupset. It is more of a racy/aero bike than any of the above, but I looked at my rides in the year before I bought it, and 250 odd were under 3 hours, 40 odd over 3 hours and less than 10 7+ hours. I figured it didn't need to be THAT comfy for the majority of my rides, so I wanted something I got more of a kick out of. Plus I everested on it, 27 hours in the saddle, so it's not too uncomfortable.
I went for the Giant Propel with a similar budget to yours, Ultegra groupset. It is more of a racy/aero bike than any of the above, but I looked at my rides in the year before I bought it, and 250 odd were under 3 hours, 40 odd over 3 hours and less than 10 7+ hours. I figured it didn't need to be THAT comfy for the majority of my rides, so I wanted something I got more of a kick out of. Plus I everested on it, 27 hours in the saddle, so it's not too uncomfortable.
I have a specialized allez and pondered on your exact situation myself for a good while before making my next move.
I also wanted an endurance geometry because the bike fit I had showed my poor flexibility would leave me much more comfortable on a relaxed bike.
If I had your budget I would probably have bought a Look 765. The geometry read well, I think it looks amazing and has had some good reviews. My philosophy being to go for a really nice frame and worry about upgrading other bits later. I did umm and ahh about a Domane for a long time too, but for me Trek seemed a bit mundane as a brand. You see a lot around and I prefer a niche.
I eventually bought (last week) a Colnago CLX 3 (2013) for little more than a third of your budget that I found on ebay, it has 10sp 105 and basic wheels but I can put a campag groupset etc. on it in time - the key thing was to get a great frame. It seems barely used and rides so well I have no regrets so far.
Enjoy the shopping around and hankering process!! I think that's the best bit, buy something with some headroom to improve and you can repeat as you go getting excited about components etc. when the new bike novelty has inevitably worn off.
I also wanted an endurance geometry because the bike fit I had showed my poor flexibility would leave me much more comfortable on a relaxed bike.
If I had your budget I would probably have bought a Look 765. The geometry read well, I think it looks amazing and has had some good reviews. My philosophy being to go for a really nice frame and worry about upgrading other bits later. I did umm and ahh about a Domane for a long time too, but for me Trek seemed a bit mundane as a brand. You see a lot around and I prefer a niche.
I eventually bought (last week) a Colnago CLX 3 (2013) for little more than a third of your budget that I found on ebay, it has 10sp 105 and basic wheels but I can put a campag groupset etc. on it in time - the key thing was to get a great frame. It seems barely used and rides so well I have no regrets so far.
Enjoy the shopping around and hankering process!! I think that's the best bit, buy something with some headroom to improve and you can repeat as you go getting excited about components etc. when the new bike novelty has inevitably worn off.
Daveyraveygravey said:
If you REALLY want a sportive/Gran fondo, look at this year's Trek Domane, the one with the decoupler at the front and rear. It gets brilliant reviews, and is even more comfortable than the previous Domane. My mate rode Paris-Brest-Paris on his - 1200 km!!! I'd start there and compare everything else to that; Giant have the Defy, Specialise the Secteur, Cannondale the Synapse.
I went for the Giant Propel with a similar budget to yours, Ultegra groupset. It is more of a racy/aero bike than any of the above, but I looked at my rides in the year before I bought it, and 250 odd were under 3 hours, 40 odd over 3 hours and less than 10 7+ hours. I figured it didn't need to be THAT comfy for the majority of my rides, so I wanted something I got more of a kick out of. Plus I everested on it, 27 hours in the saddle, so it's not too uncomfortable.
I'll try to read up on how the two Trek models will compare. My local Roadie shop stocks trek so may get a fit booked and see which the recommend. I went for the Giant Propel with a similar budget to yours, Ultegra groupset. It is more of a racy/aero bike than any of the above, but I looked at my rides in the year before I bought it, and 250 odd were under 3 hours, 40 odd over 3 hours and less than 10 7+ hours. I figured it didn't need to be THAT comfy for the majority of my rides, so I wanted something I got more of a kick out of. Plus I everested on it, 27 hours in the saddle, so it's not too uncomfortable.
Black can man said:
Pushing the budget too much! Are Rose any good though? 5678 said:
I'll try to read up on how the two Trek models will compare. My local Roadie shop stocks trek so may get a fit booked and see which the recommend.
Domane is comfort, Emonda is lightweight, as I understand it. I think the geometry reflects that, the Domane slightly more upright, the Emonda slightly more racy. The Domane has the Isospeed decouplers, which I think is the biggest difference.If you're used to an Allez, you might find the Emonda has enough comfort anyway. I think a large chunk of this is marketing, if you look at the geometry differences, they are just a degree here and there. Can many of us feel that?
If the LBS is a trek dealer then a Domane is pretty much the perfect solution here. Not sure why you'd opt for an Emonda based on those requirements? Regardless of personal opinion on how marginal the differences are, ultimately the Domane is the one that's been designed for your purpose.
Saying that I'd just keep the Allez if I was never planning on competing. All the bike 95% of us would ever need.
Saying that I'd just keep the Allez if I was never planning on competing. All the bike 95% of us would ever need.
5678 said:
I'll try to read up on how the two Trek models will compare. My local Roadie shop stocks trek so may get a fit booked and see which the recommend.
Whereabouts are you?I'm in Farnborough and there are several dealers selling Trek near enough to ride to. Griff's in Crowthorne = Trek, plus Genesis too. East Street in Farnham = Trek, Cannondale, plus some interesting boutique brands in Hoops Velo (sister shop) just up the road. I've seen Trek bikes in other local shops too, definitely in Windsor, but not sure if it's 700 or t'other one (name I can't recall). If you can get there easily I'd recommend a trip to Pedal On (Tadley) for a look at least. They stock Trek, alongside Cannondale, Scott, and Giant, with plenty of shop floor stock to drool over. You can then compare directly between not just the three principal Trek road bike offerings (lighweight 'climber' Emonda, 'comfort on the cobbles' orientated Domane, and 'aero race beastie' Madone) but you'll be able to see the comparable bikes available from three competing brands too. Triple fronted shop in a small parade away from the 'High Street' with free parking out front. A one-stop shop with access to bikes from four well-regarded brands - it might save you some trailing around if it helps to 'eliminate from your enquiries' any of the brands or models they stock.
yellowjack said:
Whereabouts are you?
I'm in Farnborough and there are several dealers selling Trek near enough to ride to. Griff's in Crowthorne = Trek, plus Genesis too. East Street in Farnham = Trek, Cannondale, plus some interesting boutique brands in Hoops Velo (sister shop) just up the road. I've seen Trek bikes in other local shops too, definitely in Windsor, but not sure if it's 700 or t'other one (name I can't recall). If you can get there easily I'd recommend a trip to Pedal On (Tadley) for a look at least. They stock Trek, alongside Cannondale, Scott, and Giant, with plenty of shop floor stock to drool over. You can then compare directly between not just the three principal Trek road bike offerings (lighweight 'climber' Emonda, 'comfort on the cobbles' orientated Domane, and 'aero race beastie' Madone) but you'll be able to see the comparable bikes available from three competing brands too. Triple fronted shop in a small parade away from the 'High Street' with free parking out front. A one-stop shop with access to bikes from four well-regarded brands - it might save you some trailing around if it helps to 'eliminate from your enquiries' any of the brands or models they stock.
I'm between Reading and Oxford. AW Cycles is the nearest to me. But I know Pedal On. Will pop in there when time allows. I'm in Farnborough and there are several dealers selling Trek near enough to ride to. Griff's in Crowthorne = Trek, plus Genesis too. East Street in Farnham = Trek, Cannondale, plus some interesting boutique brands in Hoops Velo (sister shop) just up the road. I've seen Trek bikes in other local shops too, definitely in Windsor, but not sure if it's 700 or t'other one (name I can't recall). If you can get there easily I'd recommend a trip to Pedal On (Tadley) for a look at least. They stock Trek, alongside Cannondale, Scott, and Giant, with plenty of shop floor stock to drool over. You can then compare directly between not just the three principal Trek road bike offerings (lighweight 'climber' Emonda, 'comfort on the cobbles' orientated Domane, and 'aero race beastie' Madone) but you'll be able to see the comparable bikes available from three competing brands too. Triple fronted shop in a small parade away from the 'High Street' with free parking out front. A one-stop shop with access to bikes from four well-regarded brands - it might save you some trailing around if it helps to 'eliminate from your enquiries' any of the brands or models they stock.
I've set myself a target to aim for and the bike will be my reward! (Target is weight loss... I started at a disgusting 126kg. I'm down to 111kg now! Once I hit 105kg, I've earned the bike
Daveyraveygravey said:
If you're used to an Allez, you might find the Emonda has enough comfort anyway. I think a large chunk of this is marketing, if you look at the geometry differences, they are just a degree here and there. Can many of us feel that?
In my opinion, most people will notice geometry differences - but I think it will be more generalised.So you might think "This goes downhill well/climbs well/feels more stable" etc etc
For what its worth, the Domane is a fantastic bike and goes downhill very well. It has a lower BB which makes it more stable through the faster corners.
I've not ridden much that matches it downhill.
matt-ITR said:
In my opinion, most people will notice geometry differences - but I think it will be more generalised.
So you might think "This goes downhill well/climbs well/feels more stable" etc etc
For what its worth, the Domane is a fantastic bike and goes downhill very well. It has a lower BB which makes it more stable through the faster corners.
I've not ridden much that matches it downhill.
Domane sounds worth a look then too. So you might think "This goes downhill well/climbs well/feels more stable" etc etc
For what its worth, the Domane is a fantastic bike and goes downhill very well. It has a lower BB which makes it more stable through the faster corners.
I've not ridden much that matches it downhill.
The problem is that the one in budget is the 4.5 which isn't full Ultegra. The 5.2 is around £2200 so a bit over budget, but does have full Ultegra. Not overly keen on the black/blue colour scheme though!
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