Which Carbon Road Bike?

[1979Andrew]

So I've been riding a Sonder Camino gravel bike for the last 18 months; it's a great bike.

I'm 46 now and class cycling as my one and only hobby. I'm reasonably fit; I could do better at my fitness, though, and I'd say my back's good for holding a lower race position like road bikes have.

Currently, I commute on the gravel bike and do long rides with a friend (30-60 miles) when I have time (I'm a family man).

Now I would love to get a carbon fiber road bike for fast road rides (1-3 hours) by myself when I have time to myself on the days I have off in the week.

My budget is £2.5k and not a penny over, as it's a Cycle2Work scheme.

The new bike would have to last me at least 5 years and also be worth upgrading parts over that time.

Im looking at three bikes and one of them would come woth some upgrades straight away as its cheaper to buy than the others.

Merida Reacto 4000 105 mechanical with upgraded tyres - P-Zero Race and i can also squeeze a set of Campagnolo Zonda wheels in as well all for under £2.5k

Specialized Tarmac SL7 105 mechanical stock for £2499

And lastly a Merida Reacto 6000 105 di2 and I can squeeze a set of P Zero race tyres in for under £2.5k

The Specialized Tarmac i can get fitted for the bike as theres a Specialized Concept store near me, so thats a bonus.

So that's it unless anyone has any other recommendations. And just want to say I want a road bike i want it to scare me i want to feel the road buzz I want it to be harsh at times im ready for one.... I think 🤔

 

[DCLane]

Which one fits you best is always the first choice criteria. Followed by the groupset, then wheels.

 

[Jameshow]

No other brands?

Cube, focus, giant, canyon, Boardman, Cannondale etc etc.

I think you should look at fit - do you want a race bike or an endurance bike. If you haven't ridden a road bike then the tarmac might be a bit aggressive?

 

[1979Andrew]

No other brands?

Cube, focus, giant, canyon, Boardman, Cannondale etc etc.

I think you should look at fit - do you want a race bike or an endurance bike. If you haven't ridden a road bike then the tarmac might be a bit aggressive?

Not keen on Cube and Canyon won't accept my Cycle2Work voucher, and ive had a boardman bike before. Can't find a Cannondale SuperSix in my size within budget. Definitely want a race bike for short blasts. The gravel bike takes care of longer rides.

 

[1979Andrew]

The Tarmac is more aggressive i could have a go on one as theres a Specialized store near me.

 

[1979Andrew]

Which one fits you best is always the first choice criteria. Followed by the groupset, then wheels.

A colleague has advised to go for the Merida with di2 and compare geometry with current bike and maybe size down one. That way I'll always have the groupset going forward for other bikes/frames.

 

[Alex321]

Not keen on Cube

Any particular reason for that? Just aesthetics, or have you had some problem with them? If just aesthetics, we all have different tastes, so fair enough, but if there is more to it than that, I'd like to know.

I have a Cube and love it, but I haven't ridden any other road bike for about 40 years, so don't really have that much to compare it with.

 

[joeegg]

The Reacto is more or less a full aero bike so fitting Zondas on would be a backward step.
How about a Merida Scultura ?Giant TCRs seem to be highly praised along with their Defy.
Personally i would rather go better quality frame and wheels and sacrifice Di2.Most of the bikes in your price range will be 105 which is perfectly good.

 

[midlandsgrimpeur]

Just a personal point of view, but at that price point the Scott Addict 40 takes some beating (I have one myself, although it was the Addict 20 when I got mine). Slightly over budget but you could easily negotiate the price down, I got £400 off when I bought mine.

 

[Jameshow]

Just a personal point of view, but at that price point the Scott Addict 40 takes some beating (I have one myself, although it was the Addict 20 when I got mine). Slightly over budget but you could easily negotiate the price down, I got £400 off when I bought mine.

Id take a Scott over a merida / giant etc.

 

[1979Andrew]

Just a personal point of view, but at that price point the Scott Addict 40 takes some beating (I have one myself, although it was the Addict 20 when I got mine). Slightly over budget but you could easily negotiate the price down, I got £400 off when I bought mine.

Interesting. Ive message a few people on instagram and reddit who have merida reactos 105mech and the 105di2 and they love them one of them is still stock after a year he likes it that much.

 

[1979Andrew]

Any particular reason for that? Just aesthetics, or have you had some problem with them? If just aesthetics, we all have different tastes, so fair enough, but if there is more to it than that, I'd like to know.

I have a Cube and love it, but I haven't ridden any other road bike for about 40 years, so don't really have that much to compare it with.

They just dont jell with me, not sure why. I need to get what I want as the boss won't let me get another bike again in 18months when ive paid for it.

 

[1979Andrew]

The Reacto is more or less a full aero bike so fitting Zondas on would be a backward step.
How about a Merida Scultura ?Giant TCRs seem to be highly praised along with their Defy.
Personally i would rather go better quality frame and wheels and sacrifice Di2.Most of the bikes in your price range will be 105 which is perfectly good.

Yes i understand that. My logic was they would be better than the stock wheel for riding around on untill I can afford carbon rims this time next year.

 

[midlandsgrimpeur]

Interesting. Ive message a few people on instagram and reddit who have merida reactos 105mech and the 105di2 and they love them one of them is still stock after a year he likes it that much.

I am sure they are nice bikes, never ridden one so can't comment. Most bikes within a set budget will be pretty similar.

 

[Webbo2]

When I was looking at getting a new bike. I found that Merida were rather over weight for the price compared to others in the same price range.