Anyone have opinions on this? Looks like Trek (domain), Felt (Z Series), Specialized (Roubaix) and Fuji (Gran Fondo) all have well-spec’ed entries in this market. Any of you more roadie-inclined folks have some advice? Looking for a comfortable long-distance bike with compacts, Ultegra (at least) groupset, etc.
Cannondale Caad aluminum bike or Specialized Allez with some nice 4000S 25c tires at 80psi.
Or just whatever bike you think looks nice or is neat with nice 25c tires!
Sorry…should have mentioned, I want a carbon frame.
http://www.cannondale.com/catalog/product/view/id/31565/s/synapse-carbon-3-ultegra/category/916/
You can them for cheaper than MSRP.
Sorry…should have mentioned, I want a carbon frame.
Any paticular reason why?
Why endurance bike? Don’t fit a more aggro road bike comfortable?
giant defy composite? Specilized roubaix? I had a scott cr1 pro which was comfy and non agressive, not sure if they are still that way
Cannondale Caad aluminum bike or Specialized Allez with some nice 4000S 25c tires at 80psi.
Or just whatever bike you think looks nice or is neat with nice 25c tires!
I got this and just picked it up yesterday. 2014 Allez Expert. Full Ultegra 6800. Running 4000s 25c tires. Swapped the FSA crank for Ultegra too with the Praxis BB30 converter. Stock with the Ultegra pedals a size 54 weighed 18lbs. Not too bad. Could get it much lighter if you want to be a weight weenie. I took it for the Maiden voyage yesterday. Great machine. I may never go back to Carbon (at least for racing). I only did 30 miles though through some rolling terrain. I will need to get some longer rides in, but I don’t notice the “harsh ride” people seem to mention. All I noticed was awesome stiffness and power transfer in a complete bike that cost me just over $2k. Looking forward to racing this thing. I’m coming off a Felt F4 (few years old) and the Allez is better in every way I can think of.
For $3k you are going to end up with a mid-range carbon frame and lower end components…IMO, the aluminum recommendation is a good one. You could also throw in the latex tubes, carbon stem and bars, etc and still be under budget. That will soften the ride up a bit (and cut weight too).
Are you looking to go touring or ride 150+ miles regularly? I guess it depends on what you are looking to do specifically.
I’ve got my eye on a new Boardman SLS. This one is under $3k http://www.boardmanbikes.com/road/sls90.html
I just got a Scott foil ultegra for 2700
.
http://www.cannondale.com/catalog/product/view/id/31565/s/synapse-carbon-3-ultegra/category/916/
You can them for cheaper than MSRP.
I’m liking this C’dale. Well spec’ed! Any hints on where to find one under MSRP?
try the domane… u will never go back
that bike is COMFY as it gets; read the reviews.
try the domane… u will never go back
that bike is COMFY as it gets; read the reviews.
Quoted for true. Great endurance bike that is still responsive.
try the domane… u will never go back
that bike is COMFY as it gets; read the reviews.
Quoted for true. Great endurance bike that is still responsive.
Sat I was biking with my friends around MA where the roads are mess cause the long winter; my friends were bitching and mooning about the potholes while I was CRANKING it like there was no tomorrow.
they finally stop making fun of my bike with “build in suspension” 
Much-appreciated. I’ll have a look.
Any chance the bike will see gravel rides? Do you ride much in the rain? Interested in disc brakes?
When i think of endurance, I think more about utility, and some of those questions can play in to utility.
“I’m liking this C’dale. Well spec’ed! Any hints on where to find one under MSRP?”
The first thing I would check out is if there is a C’dale LBS. Ours (I’m near Boston and use Bikeway Source) has a great relationship with the rep and any warranty or service issues anyone I’ve known has had have been handled in a top notch fashion. If there’s nobody nearby, REI has that model @$2999 and for $20 you can become a “lifetime member” which gets you a 10% rebate at the end of the year.
No gravel, no rain, don’t want disc. My situation…been riding the same aluminum TT bike (Cervelo Dual) since 2006. Done 8 IMs on it…it’s been a trusty bike, but I want to get something that’s a bit more versatile. I don’t care about having an “aggressive” position any more. Just want to be comfortable for future hilly long course triathlons, so I want to get a very comfortable bike and throw some clip ons on it for races.
No gravel, no rain, don’t want disc. My situation…been riding the same aluminum TT bike (Cervelo Dual) since 2006. Done 8 IMs on it…it’s been a trusty bike, but I want to get something that’s a bit more versatile. I don’t care about having an “aggressive” position any more. Just want to be comfortable for future hilly long course triathlons, so I want to get a very comfortable bike and throw some clip ons on it for races.
Off topic, but is this really Jay Reale?
If so…that is so cool. Living legend!
I was around OC Md in the 80s and knew of you and a pioneer in boarding.
I’ll have to check out you website as I’m looking for a new board. I’m currently riding a MS Science (which I got from you a few years back), but looking to pick up a 2nd board for a bit of variety.
An S2 with good wheels and tires will be every bit as comfortable and light as all of the bikes you’ve mentioned. Plus, it will be a more aero.
Almost anything will be more comfortable than the Dual you’re used to riding.
I personally find the ride and performance of the “endurance” bikes you’ve listed to be underwhelming, and I’ve test ridden most of them.