Buying a new bike and I can get a Speed Concept 7 with Ultegra Di2 (6870) or a Speed Concept 9 with Ultegra mechanical (6800). They’re similar in price and both are the new for 2014 frame. Which is better? (Yes, I know I’m very lucky to be making this choice…) Thanks.
By they way, for anybody who never misses a thread here, I never recovered my stolen Shiv but my homeowner’s insurance came through and cut me a check to replace it.
I assume you mean the SC 7.5 with the integrated cockpit? I thought that was the difference between the 7.0 and 7.5, but might be wrong.
I had the same decision and got the 7.5 Ultegra Di2 earlier this year, and have zero regrets. I love the Di2. To me, that’s worth more than whatever savings you get with DA (slightly lighter) and the better carbon of the SC9. Geometries of the 7.5 and 9 are the same, as you probably know.
Edit: Sorry, I thought you said DA mechanical, but you say Ultegra mechanical. Then it’s not even close IMO - Di2.
Thanks. The SC7 would be built up from the frame with the integrated cockpit, like the stock 7.5.
Di2. so much easier adjusting things and one fewer set of cable to replace
Speed concept 9, such a fast bike!
Better is up to you, but what makes me personally hesitant on going di2 is potential of equipment malfunction that can’t be fixed midride/race.
Aero-wise, you’re not really losing anything going with the 7.5
I would be curious what your prices are…but I would suggest heresy and go 7.5 mechanical. Only because there isnt really a need to jump up to 9.9 because there isnt a frame change, just carbon change. But, for me the real reason is because I would be afraid of the dreaded breakdown or battery issues on race day that seem to happen on a rare occasion. I would personally be pissed about the inability to ride a race because of a battery or electronic breakdown.
but that is just me. Otherwise, go di2
I say the 9 series Ultegra build. It’s Trek’s premium 600 series “made in the USA” carbon vs. overseas made 500 series carbon. The frame and rigidity of the frame is more important that the shifting of the frame. The 9 series is a stiffer and lighter. The time you save (if any) by having DI2 you’ll lose in weight savings on the 9 climbing and having fresher legs for the run.
And the resale value of the 9 will be greater when you get ready to sell as well.
Di2 all the way. BTW, that’s basically how I built my bike up: got a good deal on a 7.0, stripped off the 105, bought the integrated cockpit, put Di2 on it. I did not do the conventional Di2 install for what it’s worth. If you want I’ll post pictures and an explanation as to why I deviated from Trek’s layout.
I believe the difference between 7 and 9 series is 1/2#. Identical shape wise. Maybe a unnoticeable ride difference due to different carbon? Both are imported.
So really no reason to go 9 series unless money is no object.
I had similar dilemma 3 weeks go, went with SC9 Di2 (only because I could make it UCI legal) . If you do not care about UCI rules, get SC7 and Di2, those 2 frames are exactly the same.
Di2 will let you shift more efficiently when not on the bars, it might be quite useful on technical courses. If you are in Florida (flat and straight) I would get mechanical.
Thanks all. Interesting to hear that opinion is split. I agree with the general sentiment that SC9 is the choice only if money is no object. It’s hard to see half a pound and a little bit of stiffness actually making a difference for a triathlete. GreenPlease, if I wind up with Di2, I’d definitely like to see how you put it together.
I say the 9 series Ultegra build. It’s Trek’s premium 600 series “made in the USA” carbon vs. overseas made 500 series carbon. The frame and rigidity of the frame is more important that the shifting of the frame. The 9 series is a stiffer and lighter. The time you save (if any) by having DI2 you’ll lose in weight savings on the 9 climbing and having fresher legs for the run.
And the resale value of the 9 will be greater when you get ready to sell as well.
And I’d say the opposite after purchasing a Project One SC9. Not a significant difference in weight after you load all your accessories. Di2 is a significant upgrade in shifting performance and ease over mech-only. And you can program the shift buttons in a way that makes sense to you (download the software and you can change the programming of the buttons…for instance I changed the stock button configuration for the chainring buttons so that the top button upshifts to the larger chainring and the lower downshifts – opposite of stock programming).
I very much doubt the OP would notice a difference in frame rigidity. Most individuals cannot.
Finally, the finish of the overseas frames are actually better than those from Waterloo, USA. I’ve compared my bike to those built overseas and the fit and finish is a step higher than those “handmade” at Trek. My bike is on warranty repair for paint blemishes and blisters and it is less than a year old.
I would agree that the 9-series would post a significant higher resale value if you sold it within a year, after a few years not so much.
Take the extra money you’ll save and use it for upgrades in brake pads or wheels; the wet weather braking performance of these brakes is, ummm, not confidence-inspiring.