Decision time

[The Walrus]

I'm deciding between two flat bar road bikes and wondered if anyone had any opinions on either or both!

I've test ridden similar models but not the actual model...both felt great

Cheers

http://www.cannondale.com/en/Europe/Bik ... 4d5fac2a86" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.merida.com.au/en_au/bikes/re ... -3281.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[V8rider]

The merida looks to be specced a fair bit better than the 'dale...otherwise do you prefer blue or red?

[bychosis]

The merida looks to be specced a fair bit better than the 'dale...otherwise do you prefer blue or red?

+1. Are they the same price?

[The Walrus]

Thanks guys. Cannondale is $1400. Merida RRP is $1800 but available for $1400.

[The Walrus]

I love Canondale but the better spec is tempting. I'm planning on fitting butterfly bars at some point

[The Walrus]

Neither are exactly what I want. Considering making my own with everything I do want!
Not sure how cost effective that is and I need a mechanic to put it together...but at least I'll have a bike with my chosen spec!

[thecaptn]

Build your own it's good fun and you'll always appreciate the result.

Yes it will cost you more but you'll get better value. What are your ideal specs?

[The Walrus]

Not that much really...I don't think!
I just want a full 105 or Ultegra group set (I like the idea that's it's all matching) with hydraulic disc brakes and butterfly bars

[The Walrus]

The Merida is very close and I guess I could upgrade mismatched components over time...very tempting

[The Walrus]

The Merida is very close and I guess I could upgrade mismatched components over time...very tempting

Or this...

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bik ... ifications" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[jasonc]

The Merida is very close and I guess I could upgrade mismatched components over time...very tempting

Or this...

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bik ... ifications" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

sadly the cross city has lost the road groupset and now runs mtb gearing.

10 speed 105
http://www.amartsports.com.au/Product/B ... om=5040935" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

105 11 speed:
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bik ... ifications" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[thecaptn]

They're pretty different gearwise. If you're planning to do lots of crazy climbing the Giant looks good but for general riding the Merida would give a more pleasant experience.

[thecaptn]

Build! Build! Build!

[jasonc]

[Newcastle Dave]

Save your money and buy a Cell
http://www.this link is broken/Cell-Ultimo-2-0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
or
http://www.this link is broken/Cell-Akuna-1-1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
(not a flat bar though)

Just my 2 cents worth from someone who has bought a couple of Cells over the last few years (Lapa and Omeo 2) who doesn't understand why more people don't consider them

[The Walrus]

The Merida is very close and I guess I could upgrade mismatched components over time...very tempting

Or this...

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bik ... ifications" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

sadly the cross city has lost the road groupset and now runs mtb gearing.

10 speed 105
http://www.amartsports.com.au/Product/B ... om=5040935" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

105 11 speed:
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bik ... ifications" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks mate. The Boardman really caught my eye but it seems they only have xs small and medium!
The Giant is stretching the budget

[The Walrus]

Save your money and buy a Cell
http://www.this link is broken/Cell-Ultimo-2-0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
or
http://www.this link is broken/Cell-Akuna-1-1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
(not a flat bar though)

Just my 2 cents worth from someone who has bought a couple of Cells over the last few years (Lapa and Omeo 2) who doesn't understand why more people don't consider them

Thank you. Maybe it's brand snobbery?

[thecaptn]

The Ultimo 2.0 looks pretty good, I'd buy one(if I weren't inclined to build).

[thecaptn]

Thank you. Maybe it's brand snobbery?

Just stick some Colnago decals over the top

[The Walrus]

Reconsidering drops now

[AlexHuggs]

Yes it will cost you more but you'll get better value.

Not arguing with you but that seems counter-intuitive. Could you please explain? (As someone interested in BYO).

[Mulger bill]

Yes it will cost you more but you'll get better value.

Not arguing with you but that seems counter-intuitive. Could you please explain? (As someone interested in BYO).

Value is subjective. A $3k bike you love to ride is better value than a $1k bike you can't stand throwing a leg over.
There's also being able to pick exactly the build kit you want. No swapping out parts or immediate upgrades to speak of.

[The Walrus]

2014 Cannondale synapse available for $1600. Testing it out soon

[AlexHuggs]

Yes it will cost you more but you'll get better value.

Not arguing with you but that seems counter-intuitive. Could you please explain? (As someone interested in BYO).

Value is subjective. A $3k bike you love to ride is better value than a $1k bike you can't stand throwing a leg over.
There's also being able to pick exactly the build kit you want. No swapping out parts or immediate upgrades to speak of.

That makes sense. I've been thinking of value simply as a cost proposition but, of course, that's not the case at all.

[The Walrus]

Everyone is different if course but I'm not the kind of person that will upgrade regularly, so I want a bike to last me a few years. That's why I don't consider second hand and older models are that bit older already, but it's all personsonal choice and preferences.

That's why building your own bike appeals to me, even if it costs a bit more, in theory it should give me longevity!

I just want a relatively light weight, fast bike with my choice of spec, as a contrast to my 29r that I love.
I'm not convinced by drop bars or flat bars, so whatever I buy will be a chance to experiment with alternative bars...