Advice with choosing a disc braked endurance bike
- Thread starter User16390
- Start date
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smutchin
Cat 6 Racer
- Location
- The Red Enclave
Earlier this year, I had an Orbea Avant M20D for testing and I really loved it. Had to give it back eventually but not before I'd clocked up nearly 1,000km on it. It's fast, very comfortable and rather nice looking. Also has the ability to take bespoke mudguards and rack that Orbea make (although I didn't test these as they weren't in stock). The M30D is a fair bit cheaper and almost identical (same frame) except that it comes with 105 rather than Ultegra, and frankly, if I were buying, that's the one I'd choose. I'd definitely recommend trying one if you can find a stockist.
That said, my current ride is a Giant Defy Advanced Pro 0 and that's a smashing bike too, so I would definitely endorse your choice. Similarly good for comfort over long distances while also being fairly quick, and the D-Fuse seatpost is brilliant. Main differences with the ones you've listed are Ultegra Di2 and fancy wheels, but they all have the same frame and finishing kit, and as @vickster says, the Advanced Pro 3 looks like the 'sweet spot' with 105.
Also look at the Trek Domane 4.3 Disc - I did a 600km audax on one this year and it was fantastic. Great price too - well within your budget. Only downside is hybrid brakes (TRP Hy/Rd), but you could upgrade to the 4.5 for full hydros & Ultegra for £2,200.
That said, my current ride is a Giant Defy Advanced Pro 0 and that's a smashing bike too, so I would definitely endorse your choice. Similarly good for comfort over long distances while also being fairly quick, and the D-Fuse seatpost is brilliant. Main differences with the ones you've listed are Ultegra Di2 and fancy wheels, but they all have the same frame and finishing kit, and as @vickster says, the Advanced Pro 3 looks like the 'sweet spot' with 105.
Also look at the Trek Domane 4.3 Disc - I did a 600km audax on one this year and it was fantastic. Great price too - well within your budget. Only downside is hybrid brakes (TRP Hy/Rd), but you could upgrade to the 4.5 for full hydros & Ultegra for £2,200.
There is an Orbea dealer over at Stourbridge, I will give them a ring and see if they have one in to take a closer look at. The Adavanced Pro 3 looks fav at the moment, although I agree with @vickster I much prefer the colour scheme of the Advanced Pro 2, obviously I could not justify the leap in price just on colour.
A question for you guys, is there noticeable difference between 105 and Ultegra group sets ?
The fact that the bike (Rose) cannot be built for me after measurement by a competent LBS is a decider for me, however good the spec may be. Another reason I lean towards Giant is a couple of friends who are experienced Road cyclists both highly recommend Fred Williams Cycles in Wolverhampton, I have been over a couple of times and had a chat with one of the sons who owns the shop and he has spent as much time as I have wanted explaining the bikes to me, without pressuring me for a sale.
huwsparky
Über Member
- Location
- Llangrannog
A £50 Retul bike fit will see it you 100%. A 5min ride round the car park is worthless even if you did get to test it.
huwsparky
Über Member
- Location
- Llangrannog
That's for the pre-fit which will tell you frame, stem, bars, crank length. The full Retul fit is £175 here at the same place. But essentially £50 will take out all the guess work involved...
StuAff
Silencing his legs regularly
- Location
- Portsmouth
Genesis Datum is out next month- £999 for frameset or two specs within your price range (the better, 105 version will be £2099). Litespeed T5 Gravel frameset is currently £1500 at Wiggle- titanium so bit heavier but will take a rear rack, through-axles front and rear. There's a gravel bike grouptest in the new Cycling Plus, out next week, including both of those, the GT Grade and others.
