I’m finally getting another bike! I lost all of my bikes in a fire in 2018, and only had one insured at the time. With an upcoming race, I purchased a TT bike as my most immediate need, and promised myself I’d replace the others later.
Well, it’s later, and I’ve got a couple of ideas about what I’m looking for. I want a bike that’s capable on road and off, with disc brakes, and clearance for wider tires to accomplish this off-road capability. Those are broad statements, subject to varying interpretations, so it’s helpful to know what they mean to me. I don’t want a gravel-only, or adventure bike, instead I’m looking for racier, more aggressive geometry. I may commute on this, but plan to be putting in miles of training, and prefer to be able to mix road and gravel. I also intend at some later point to be able to tow my kids behind this bike, though I’d prefer to get a bit more of a beater to do that. Disc brakes that work and work reliably, don’t particularly care if they’re hydro or mechanical - just that they’re disc, and with a caliper of acceptable stature. Wider tires, in an ideal world, means 42mm, however, I’d be happy around 40mm.
Lots of “nice-to-haves” for me, none of which are deal breakers. Lighter = better, so looking at carbon where possible. When you see my budget, you’ll understand. Internal tubing is preferable, less mess in the wind. No group sets below 105 in Shimano, but all SRAM group sets welcome. If 1x is available with an accompanying stout lower gear, cool, otherwise 2x must be 11sp.
This wishlist points me in the direction of a good CX bike. In an ideal world, I would be buying a dedicated gravel bike, adventure bike, and road bike. But, I’m not wealthy enough at this time to buy all of those plus a mountain bike and still pay the rent. In a damn-near-perfect world, I’d buy both of the bikes I’m going to post below, but again, limited budget. I need to have a helmet, pedals, cleats, shoes, and a saddle for both of these bikes, and the budget has been set (somewhat tentatively) at $2,000. If one of the bikes sells, I’ll buy the other, but for now the choice is between these two.
Now, one clearly does not meet the criteria, but is such a great deal that I will not pass it up if it comes to that. The very nature of the screaming deal is what makes the decision difficult, and why I’m here. I also have a question about pedal type, which will surface later. If I’ve still got your attention, I could really use your help.
Bike 1: Pinarello Gan GR Disk 105, 2017. Shimano 105 mechanical drivetrain, 11sp, Quarq PM, internal tubing. Disk brakes are Shimano mechanical, 28mm tires mounted with fenders, clearance up to 38mm tires.
Bike 2: Scott Addict RC10, 2018. Shimano Ultegra di2 with DuraAce brakes, 11 sp, Stages PM, internal tubing. Includes Arundel bottle cages, upgraded stem, bars, and seat post.
Both of these bikes have an asking price just under my $2k budget, and in fact the same price (and sold by the same person). I’d love to have a 3T Exploro, but these are out of my price range. I’d be happy with either of these bikes, and have a preference which I think aligns most with my desires. I think the question I’m asking here is, “Is the Scott such an unbelievable screaming deal that I’d be insane to pass it up and buy the Pinarello instead?”
Also, a pedal question: For those who ride gravel/CX and road, which pedal type should I be looking at? I’ve only ever ridden look-style, never had SPD, egg beaters, or Speedplay. I’m going to be adding a pair of shoes specific to this bike, so I’m open to the best style pedal for this kind of ride. Seems to me that SPD or egg beaters are best case here, potentially with platforms for daily/casual riding. But, please tell me if I’m way off base here.
Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.
Brenden Macy
Sports & Entertainment Attorney
I am Drive. I am Grit. I am Determination.
Well, it’s later, and I’ve got a couple of ideas about what I’m looking for. I want a bike that’s capable on road and off, with disc brakes, and clearance for wider tires to accomplish this off-road capability. Those are broad statements, subject to varying interpretations, so it’s helpful to know what they mean to me. I don’t want a gravel-only, or adventure bike, instead I’m looking for racier, more aggressive geometry. I may commute on this, but plan to be putting in miles of training, and prefer to be able to mix road and gravel. I also intend at some later point to be able to tow my kids behind this bike, though I’d prefer to get a bit more of a beater to do that. Disc brakes that work and work reliably, don’t particularly care if they’re hydro or mechanical - just that they’re disc, and with a caliper of acceptable stature. Wider tires, in an ideal world, means 42mm, however, I’d be happy around 40mm.
Lots of “nice-to-haves” for me, none of which are deal breakers. Lighter = better, so looking at carbon where possible. When you see my budget, you’ll understand. Internal tubing is preferable, less mess in the wind. No group sets below 105 in Shimano, but all SRAM group sets welcome. If 1x is available with an accompanying stout lower gear, cool, otherwise 2x must be 11sp.
This wishlist points me in the direction of a good CX bike. In an ideal world, I would be buying a dedicated gravel bike, adventure bike, and road bike. But, I’m not wealthy enough at this time to buy all of those plus a mountain bike and still pay the rent. In a damn-near-perfect world, I’d buy both of the bikes I’m going to post below, but again, limited budget. I need to have a helmet, pedals, cleats, shoes, and a saddle for both of these bikes, and the budget has been set (somewhat tentatively) at $2,000. If one of the bikes sells, I’ll buy the other, but for now the choice is between these two.
Now, one clearly does not meet the criteria, but is such a great deal that I will not pass it up if it comes to that. The very nature of the screaming deal is what makes the decision difficult, and why I’m here. I also have a question about pedal type, which will surface later. If I’ve still got your attention, I could really use your help.
Bike 1: Pinarello Gan GR Disk 105, 2017. Shimano 105 mechanical drivetrain, 11sp, Quarq PM, internal tubing. Disk brakes are Shimano mechanical, 28mm tires mounted with fenders, clearance up to 38mm tires.
Bike 2: Scott Addict RC10, 2018. Shimano Ultegra di2 with DuraAce brakes, 11 sp, Stages PM, internal tubing. Includes Arundel bottle cages, upgraded stem, bars, and seat post.
Both of these bikes have an asking price just under my $2k budget, and in fact the same price (and sold by the same person). I’d love to have a 3T Exploro, but these are out of my price range. I’d be happy with either of these bikes, and have a preference which I think aligns most with my desires. I think the question I’m asking here is, “Is the Scott such an unbelievable screaming deal that I’d be insane to pass it up and buy the Pinarello instead?”
Also, a pedal question: For those who ride gravel/CX and road, which pedal type should I be looking at? I’ve only ever ridden look-style, never had SPD, egg beaters, or Speedplay. I’m going to be adding a pair of shoes specific to this bike, so I’m open to the best style pedal for this kind of ride. Seems to me that SPD or egg beaters are best case here, potentially with platforms for daily/casual riding. But, please tell me if I’m way off base here.
Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.
Brenden Macy
Sports & Entertainment Attorney
I am Drive. I am Grit. I am Determination.