Giant has alloy road bike with 105, disc brakes, and tubeless for like 1500, which is where things are going . That's what I'd do.
Giant has alloy road bike with 105, disc brakes, and tubeless for like 1500, which is where things are going . That's what I'd do.
I'd throw aero bars on the bike the OP has, new wheels, and make sure the BB spins.
Then buy the Spec 29er.
I was looking at road bikes but ended up buying a Giant Revolt advance 2. Carbon frame with 105 components for $2400. It's a gravel bike which is fun and also does pretty well on the road. In retrospect I'm really glad I went for a good gravel bike, it is a blast. I was worried that it was all marketing bs but really do come back from rides with a big smile. Very comfortable and fast. I would do it again without hesitation.
If you are spending that much on a bike, I would hope you’d have some idea of what you like: saddle, handlebars, gearing, shifters, tires, wheel rim depth, etc. Find something that matches as closely as possible or buy a frame and build it up (honestly the best option with all the open mold options available and cheap groupsets from the UK). While the initial build may cost more, it should be cheaper in the long run because you won’t be upgrading/swapping components to what you really wanted but didn‘t get on a standard build.
The requirements you’ve listed don’t narrow things down at all. You can’t make a road bike into time trial/tri bike and vice versa so focus on one or the other. At your budget, you can build either and quite nicely at that. Not top of the line but not too many steps down either.
If you need help picking components I’m happy to help.
Thank you everyone for your input. It has been very helpful. I'd like to reiterate that my bike knowledge is close to zero.
My current bike is a 400$ motobecane from bikes direct that I enjoy and I ride a lot (for me). Outside of that, I've been doing a lot of research on the terms you've been using haha. I'm starting to understand the tiers for gear sets and frames.
I guess my next questions is... what's the better option here if the price is similar?
A) Bikes Direct Bike w/
- Ultegra Gear (or even Dura Ace)
- Average Wheels
- Average Frame
- Disc Brakes
B) Giant/Trek/Specialized/Felt bike w/
- 105 Gear
- Average Wheels
- Good Frame
- Disc Brakes
Also, my local Trek store offers a 'fitting service' for like 150$. Is that a good deal? Worth it?Is my fit that important? Again, from my history, the only sizing I've done is matching my height up with the recommended sizes.
Final question, as we talk about wheels/tires, is there any brand or type of wheel that I should be looking for? Aero wheels?
macdaddy OP wrote:
Thank you everyone for your input. It has been very helpful. I'd like to reiterate that my bike knowledge is close to zero.
My current bike is a 400$ motobecane from bikes direct that I enjoy and I ride a lot (for me). Outside of that, I've been doing a lot of research on the terms you've been using haha. I'm starting to understand the tiers for gear sets and frames.
I guess my next questions is... what's the better option here if the price is similar?
A) Bikes Direct Bike w/
- Ultegra Gear (or even Dura Ace)
- Average Wheels
- Average Frame
- Disc Brakes
B) Giant/Trek/Specialized/Felt bike w/
- 105 Gear
- Average Wheels
- Good Frame
- Disc Brakes
Also, my local Trek store offers a 'fitting service' for like 150$. Is that a good deal? Worth it?Is my fit that important? Again, from my history, the only sizing I've done is matching my height up with the recommended sizes.
Final question, as we talk about wheels/tires, is there any brand or type of wheel that I should be looking for? Aero wheels?
Go with the better frame and 105 set. 105 is VERY good, in fact it is about the same quality as Ultegra was a few years ago. Seriously. Lot of people race on 105 components. It's that good. A good frame will serve you well for many years. You can always do upgrades. If you get a crappy frame, you are stuck with it. Buy from a LBS and make sure you test ride it.
macdaddy OP wrote:
Also, my local Trek store offers a 'fitting service' for like 150$. Is that a good deal?
Did they offer to take $150 off the bike price if you get the $150 fit? Don't know why they don't just say you get a free fit with the bike, but that's a typical deal.
you can get a 2017 KHS Flite 900 for under $2500. Carbon frame and ultegra groupset.
I got a screaming deal last year when Performance Bike was going out of business and closing their brick and mortar stores. I picked up a Fuji Transonic 2.3 for $1130. Carbon frame, Ultegra components except for the 52-36 crank. 11 speed 11-28 cassette. Decent wheels and rims.
I was actually looking for a used "rain bike" and also one for my indoor trainer. When this one popped up it was too good to pass up. MRSP was $2500 or so but Performance always had them on sale for around $1600-$1700.
My decent road bike is a Specialized Tarmac Disc. I really like it and the carbon wheelset is awesome.
Trek star wrote:
macdaddy OP wrote:
Also, my local Trek store offers a 'fitting service' for like 150$. Is that a good deal?
Did they offer to take $150 off the bike price if you get the $150 fit? Don't know why they don't just say you get a free fit with the bike, but that's a typical deal.
Just went to the store today (needed a new tube) and they said it’s only free with a purchase of a top-tier bike.
Think it’s worth the 150$?