Thoughts on a drop bar in the $1700-$2500 range

[V-meister]

Hey all

A hypothetical, but I'm keen to hear people's thoughts on the following bikes:

Merida Scultura Disc 400 - $1,600 on sale
Giant Contend SL1 Disc - $1,700 on sale
Merida Scultura Disc 5000 - $2,400 on sale
Giant Defy Advanced 2 - $2,500 on sale

The first two are alloy, the second two are carbon.

I'll be using the bike mainly for fitness, maybe the odd commute to work (12km each way) and just general recreation and pleasure of being out on two wheels

I appreciate it's quite a range of bikes, but all the more reason to get some opinions (or other suggestions). I'll obviously ride them first but no harm in gaining some other perspectives before that. Keen on something with comfortable geometry (I don't want a race bike) and hydraulic discs.

Cheers!

[open roader]

These questions are always subjective popularity contests but :-

All four will get the job done based upon your stated requirements.

I personally would purchase the Giant Defy if those 4 were the choices. Genuine relaxed geometry and if my 2009 TCR carbon frame was any measure- first class carbon technology, should be a good combo of not so heavy weight and comfortable. Giant have an excellent reputation for frame warranty should the unthinkable arise and despite moving onto other frames other than Giant, I think they represent excellent value for money.

Sure, disc brakes can be better in the rain than rim brakes, however, unless you are riding in anything other than a paid / professional race then you can have adequate stopping power in the wet with well maintained rim brakes on alloy rims because you can't stop in time then you are simply riding too fast for the conditions......

If I was looking for a short commute / all rounder / pleasure ride I'd pick the Defy.

[nickdos]

I also think the Giant is the better option for the money. But I'd argue the Contend might be more than enough bike for the OP and not worth the $800 over the Defy. The Contend has the same geometry as the Defy but just a different material (alu vs composite). The Alu frames these days are really good and the difference in weight is negligible. I'd put on 28mm tyres and it would be a great commuter and weekend bike.

[Calvin27]

I'd say that budget is too high for just sporadic riding and occasional commute. But hey if you have the money can can spend up to $2500, get the giant defy advance. If like the rest of us it becomes something mroe than just an occasional ride thing, then there is not much else you'd want to upgrade to for at least a year or two.

There is not much more bang for buck after the giant defy advance. You might want a more aggressive geometry which will likely take time anyway (not going to go straight out on a propel). You'd probably look for weight savings in which case it would be wheels. And the only other thing is electronic shifting which is a lot more budget.

[Velt]

Look at the Avanti Giro AR 2. Has a terrible colour but is an excellent all round entry level bike.

[V-meister]

This is just the type of feedback I was looking for! Keep it coming

Another bike that's been suggested to me is the Cyclocross variant, such as a Giant TCX SLR1 ($2,300 on sale). It's alloy, but priced similarly to some carbon roadie options, so not sure how that works.

Some have said cyclo is great for all round use (including commuting).

Cheers all!

[Calvin27]

Some have said cyclo is great for all round use (including commuting).

Not true for all cross frames. Real cyclocross frames are quite aggressive and high bb. i would not recommend the TCX over the defy advance in your case.

[Velt]

This is just the type of feedback I was looking for! Keep it coming

Another bike that's been suggested to me is the Cyclocross variant, such as a Giant TCX SLR1 ($2,300 on sale). It's alloy, but priced similarly to some carbon roadie options, so not sure how that works.

Some have said cyclo is great for all round use (including commuting).

Cheers all!

The avanti giro ar2 I mentioned first the bill better than a cross bike I think. It's more of halfway between a cross and a road bike. Other options include a Trek 720 or a malvern star oppy s2. You want something with relaxed geometry but equally capable of taking wide commuting tyres or thinner slicks for the road. Cross bikes can have quite an agressive geometry.

The ones I mention all have a provision for rack and mudguard mounts if you want that option.

[Slow Motion]

SCOTT for my money

[V-meister]

I'll take a look at the Avanti(s), they seem a little harder to find in NSW these days. Someone also suggested that I check out some of the Fuji range, namely the Roubaix 1.3 Disc and the Jari 1.9. They're both around $2k and alloy with carbon forks. (I think the Roubaix has hydro discs vs mech for the Jari).

I like the idea of a gravel grinder (maybe with some more road friendly tyres).

The other obvious endurance choice is something like a Cannondale Synapse 105 Disc (mech) for $2k.

[Usernoname]

I'd definitely check out the gravel grinder style bike. 99 Bikes have the 2016 Norco Search A 105 at $1760 with mech brakes and C105 with shimano hydros at $2500.
I bought a Merida Ride 5000 (rim brakes) to try road riding. Very comfortable, right geo and gearing for me, but it's only good (for me) on dry roads and safe traffic. I've ridden Splesh Diverge gravel grinders and they are terrific but were out of my price range at the time and were the only gravel grinder available when I was looking. A good gravel grinder could (and will eventually) replace 3 of my bikes - the Merida, a flat bar 29er with cx tires and a HT 26 commuter (both with hydro discs).

[V-meister]

I'd definitely check out the gravel grinder style bike. 99 Bikes have the 2016 Norco Search A 105 at $1760 with mech brakes and C105 with shimano hydros at $2500.
I bought a Merida Ride 5000 (rim brakes) to try road riding. Very comfortable, right geo and gearing for me, but it's only good (for me) on dry roads and safe traffic. I've ridden Splesh Diverge gravel grinders and they are terrific but were out of my price range at the time and were the only gravel grinder available when I was looking. A good gravel grinder could (and will eventually) replace 3 of my bikes - the Merida, a flat bar 29er with cx tires and a HT 26 commuter (both with hydro discs).

This is great to know. You make a good case for one of these bikes! A lot of people are warning me off aluminium so that continues to plague me but surely I won't notice it at my level and use. Seems 99bikes are largely sold out of these so may need to look at some others or wait for new models.

[Zippy7]

Giant TCR Advanced Disc - $2400 on sale.

I've tested a Merida Scultura 5000 (~$1900 before sales), and it was a very nice bike. I think you can get the Scultura 4000 disc for around the same money, but I don't think it's on sale yet.
I think if you're commuting, then discs are the way to go. Some people seem to hate them, but I think they're great. I'm also a bigger guy, so prefer more solidly built wheels.

[V-meister]

I definitely want disc brakes, agree that they are great for commuting.

The TCR is a little too 'racy' for my liking, but I am liking the Cannondale Synapse (the carbon version can be had around that price). Only issue is frame size as I'm always between sizes. They're suggesting a 54cm would work (the next size down, their smallest, is 51cm).

Such a challenge being between sizes.

[madmacca]

I definitely want disc brakes, agree that they are great for commuting.

The TCR is a little too 'racy' for my liking, but I am liking the Cannondale Synapse (the carbon version can be had around that price). Only issue is frame size as I'm always between sizes. They're suggesting a 54cm would work (the next size down, their smallest, is 51cm).

Such a challenge being between sizes.

It is generally easier to fit a larger person onto a smaller frame, than a smaller person onto a larger frame.

[Patt0]

Dunno where you are or what size, but check this out.

https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/road- ... /102878699

It has ultegra derailleurs.

Best brakeset and shifters (rs685) currently available for discs.

Carbon frame with clearance for 28mm tyres.

Thru axles.

I have near 15000km on mine and couldnt be happier. The only thing which is left wanting is the crankset, which I upgraded to ultegra. But really the original was fine, I just had upgraditis.

[V-meister]

Update: Picked up a 2017 Cannondale Synapse Carbon Disc 105 within the budget! Lucked out on a good deal

Couldn't be happier with the purchase right now and look forward to putting some kms on it!

[Defy The Odds]

Enjoy the bike mate. I personally own a Defy Composite (the first of the Defy carbon frames) and love it but you really can't go wrong with a Synapse either. If it gets you out on the bike then that is all that matters

[V-meister]

Thanks so much mate. The Defys are awesome - I was quite set on one until I came across this deal and gave it a ride. I think I'll enjoy it

Current dilemma is autumn/winter clothing (but I'll start a separate thread for that!).

Cheers!

[Dugong]

Recently bought the Giant Contend SL1 Disc and am really enjoying it. It's not used as a commuter but would do the job well If I had to.

[V-meister]

Nice bike! Glad you're enjoying it. They were super hard to find in my size when I was shopping around, but thankfully I found a good deal on the Synapse which I'm enjoying so far (but haven't actually managed to ride nearly enough yet, due to a combination of work, weather and illness!)