Looking into a possible new bike purchase and so far I’ve only found the Trek Domane to fit all the criteria.
I’d like a carbon road bike that is a little racy but not an aero bike, with more of an endurance geometry. I’d like to have tire clearance over 34mm so I can do some gravel riding here and there. I live on Long Island and see a world where I’d maybe go off island once a month for some gravel riding in upstate NY or western CT. It also can’t break the bank…let’s say under $4k.
I know things like the Ridley Kanzo and 3T Exploro exist but those are A) out of my price range and B) gravel first and road second. I’d like the other way around.
Specialized Roubaix. The Domane isn’t racy at all, IMO, but great for chewing up miles. The Roubaix feels a lot more like a traditional road bike, the suspension stem works well, and you can lock it out if you get the $4K+ model. But the Domane can take a little bit wider tire, as I recall.
Unofficially people have put 35mm tires on the Canyon Endurace even though it’s listed at 30mm. Wouldn’t want any mud on the trail from looking at the photos though ( https://www.mtbr.com/threads/fyi-canyon-endurace-can-fit-700x35s-on-20mm-wide-rims.1085172/ ). Grail would have even more space, but it’s also gravel first.
Domane had the most flexibility when I was looking (2019) but managed to grab an Endurace from their outlet store (they were discontinuing using the SLX fork on the SL bikes…) so ended up choosing a cheaper price over more clearance. As I’ve yet to throw wider tires on it, that was probably the right call.
I think the Canyon Endurace goes up to 34mm.
Cannondale Synapse. Officially listed as 32mm clearance, but that’s on the stock rims and their conservative limits.
I’d say it’s worth considering. And it’s 100% fine on gravel on the 28mm Vittoria Rubino or Specialized Roubaix Pro (on Zipp course 30 wheels).
And easily racy enough for, well, road racing up to B grade. Over 40kph on the flat then I do struggle compared to those on aero frames/rims as I lap through, but in the pack it’s fine. Not as lively as my old frame for crits though, but that’s no fault of the synapse, it’s not designed for that.
I love my Endurace. Add some 3M tape on inside of chainstays and seattube in the event of some wet gravel and you’re good to go with the 35s as mentioned above. Throw on some deeper dish wheels with 25c-32c and enjoy the road.
Specialized Roubaix. The Domane isn’t racy at all, IMO, but great for chewing up miles. The Roubaix feels a lot more like a traditional road bike, the suspension stem works well, and you can lock it out if you get the $4K+ model. But the Domane can take a little bit wider tire, as I recall.
I know the Domane isn’t exactly racy, but to me, when a bike is ridden by Spartacus and by the first ever woman’s Paris-Roubaix winner, it’s racy in my mind. And let’s be real, I don’t race, and coming from a CAAD10, I’d like to focus more on comfort.
I do like the Roubaix, got to test ride it briefly a few years back and I’ve never been that comfortable on my own bikes. Looks like a Domane might be more readily available though. And I’m much more of a Trek fan than Specialized. I’ve always wanted a Trek so that would play a role in my choice.
I test rode the Domane back to back against the Roubaix, and the Domane actually smooths out the bumps better despite the Future Shock in the Roubaix.
If you’re only looking to fit 34mm tires, pretty much any disc brake road bike will work. My roadie is a Bianchi Infinito CV, and I test fit 40 mm tires into it, which barely fit. But for gravel, I want at least 40’s. I ended up buying a Trek Checkpoint so that I could run 45’s.
If you’re only looking to fit 34mm tires, pretty much any disc brake road bike will work. My roadie is a Bianchi Infinito CV, and I test fit 40 mm tires into it, which barely fit. But for gravel, I want at least 40’s. I ended up buying a Trek Checkpoint so that I could run 45’s.
I think the standard is to quote maximum tire width with a clearance of at least 4mm on either side (hence being able to squeeze in 40s). It is generally fine to run wider than the stated maximum on crappy roads, or in dry/dusty/sandy conditions. However, on gravel, you can get an accumulation of mud in the stays, which can be abrasive on carbon. The suggestion elsewhere in this thread on using tape on the chainstays is a good one and can minimize any potential for damage, but it is still wise to be cautious about exceeding the frame manufcacturer’s maximum stated width.
For your position and requirements the Domane is a pretty clear leader
Finding a Cervelo C-Series frame and building with wide range derailleur would do the trick
Cervelo Caledonia doesn’t fit as nicely, but not bad
Argon 18 Krypton GF size S with 15mm 3D insert fits same as Domane
Synapse doesn’t fit all that well for you
Giant Defy not bad
Look 765 Optimum fits and is pretty, price seems reasonable
Some of the above are listed as 700x32
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What about the Crux? Comp level is $4,200
Unofficially people have put 35mm tires on the Canyon Endurace even though it’s listed at 30mm. Wouldn’t want any mud on the trail from looking at the photos though ( https://www.mtbr.com/...m-wide-rims.1085172/ ). Grail would have even more space, but it’s also gravel first.
Domane had the most flexibility when I was looking (2019) but managed to grab an Endurace from their outlet store (they were discontinuing using the SLX fork on the SL bikes…) so ended up choosing a cheaper price over more clearance. As I’ve yet to throw wider tires on it, that was probably the right call.
Canyon Endurance is a nice looking bike, but it just doesn’t grab me like the Domane does. Thanks though!
Cannondale Synapse. Officially listed as 32mm clearance, but that’s on the stock rims and their conservative limits.
I’d say it’s worth considering. And it’s 100% fine on gravel on the 28mm Vittoria Rubino or Specialized Roubaix Pro (on Zipp course 30 wheels).
And easily racy enough for, well, road racing up to B grade. Over 40kph on the flat then I do struggle compared to those on aero frames/rims as I lap through, but in the pack it’s fine. Not as lively as my old frame for crits though, but that’s no fault of the synapse, it’s not designed for that.
Cannondale actually has a new Synapse coming out and I like it, but I think it would take a long time to be able to actually get one.
I test rode the Domane back to back against the Roubaix, and the Domane actually smooths out the bumps better despite the Future Shock in the Roubaix.
If you’re only looking to fit 34mm tires, pretty much any disc brake road bike will work. My roadie is a Bianchi Infinito CV, and I test fit 40 mm tires into it, which barely fit. But for gravel, I want at least 40’s. I ended up buying a Trek Checkpoint so that I could run 45’s.
Well, ideally I’d like to be able to fit more than 34, as stated by manufacturer specs, so that I can go even bigger.
For your position and requirements the Domane is a pretty clear leader
Finding a Cervelo C-Series frame and building with wide range derailleur would do the trick
Cervelo Caledonia doesn’t fit as nicely, but not bad
Argon 18 Krypton GF size S with 15mm 3D insert fits same as Domane
Synapse doesn’t fit all that well for you
Giant Defy not bad
Look 765 Optimum fits and is pretty, price seems reasonable
Some of the above are listed as 700x32
Yeah, I think the Domane is definitely the winner. That Look is a nice looking bike, thanks for the suggestion! Can I ask why the Synapse doesn’t fit me well?
Last year I was looking for a bike with almost exactly the same criteria as you. I ended up getting a Domane. My area in California has sections of poor road quality, and some crossings into mild gravel. I’ve been extremely happy with the Domane for this; I thought the internal suspensions were a gimmick at first, but it is very smooth and comfortable. Between the comfort and appealing aesthetics, it’s been easier to motivate myself to get on it for long rides. The internal BITS storage is also a nice touch to keep it clean looking.
If it hasn’t been suggested yet O P E N may be worth a look.
https://opencycle.com/
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Last year I was looking for a bike with almost exactly the same criteria as you. I ended up getting a Domane. My area in California has sections of poor road quality, and some crossings into mild gravel. I’ve been extremely happy with the Domane for this; I thought the internal suspensions were a gimmick at first, but it is very smooth and comfortable. Between the comfort and appealing aesthetics, it’s been easier to motivate myself to get on it for long rides. The internal BITS storage is also a nice touch to keep it clean looking.
Honestly, these last 2 years have been the least riding I’ve done since I started in 2009. I’ve been struggling to motivate and I’m very tempted to get this new bike hoping it inspires more riding!
Thanks for the insight.