im in the market for a new carbon road bike - looking for your thoughts on what's out there and also opinions on what i've tested. So far my favorites that i've ridden are the specialized tarmac and cannondale supersix. I've also tried the trek madone 4.5 but didn't like the ride as much.
what are peoples thoughts on best value and product around this $2k price point? the best specialized i have available locally is a 2011 tarmac rival and cannondale is the 2012 supersix apex - both bikes are at $2k. better components on the 2011 specialized (on sale) but i'm in love with them both. thanks for the thoughts on this
It's simple: get what feels best on test rides (not rides around a parking lot but rides that are significantly longer), that fits best, what fits in your budget or whose extra cost can be hidden from the wife/SO/partner, and that tickles best your fun centers. Between the three you mentioned--Cannondale Super Six, Specialized Tarmac, and the Trek Madone 4.5--there is not a bad bike. In fact, in your price range it will be difficult to find a bad bike. Go to a bunch of local bike shops and test ride a lot of bikes. I wouldn't focus on frame material but instead would focus on the factors I mentioned. FWIW, Rival is not necessarily better than Apex. In fact, Apex bits have been found on Pro Tour bikes on some of the gruesome mountain stages.
thanks for the reply. i agree regarding components - i'm fairly impartial regarding derailers but wheels / brakes are probably a bit nicer on the specialized. i should have mentioned that i'm looking at carbon due to comfort for long rides which aluminum just doesnt offer in my opinion. wish i could test-ride them both for the weekend!
I just purchased my first carbon bike after riding a Specialized Roubaix , Cervelo RS and Trek Madone 4 I went with the Madone. I chose the 4.6 which has Rival/Apex components after comparing them to the Shimano 105. These are over the $2k budget but all are excellent bike where the Roubaix was the most comfortable, the RS the most performance and the Madone in the middle. It all depends on what you want and what fits your needs.
Any bike can be made to fit. A change of stem length and so on. No big deal.
I would pay attention to the drive train. If the gearing does not fit your needs, changing a cassette is not a big deal. Unless you also need to change the derailleur, or worse yet the shifters. Or maybe even to a triple from a double.
I don't think a road test is going to show you anything unless you try the bike on the routes with the big hills you want to get to the top of.
