Which new bike?

[Sloth]

So, after much Googling, investigating and asking various questions on here, I have (I think) whittled it down to 3 options for my new bike.
All are within (pretty much) my budget if I buy new (providing I can get one of course!)
I have also deduced from various LBS advice that, at 5'8" (30-31" inside leg) I am infact a small frame rather than a medium, although it is close. Based on the fact that it's easier to make a small a little bigger and a larger size being harder to make smaller.
I havev also settled on flat bars, a hybrid or flat bar road bike, but in either case with a more relaxed endurance geometry.
So here's my short list, please let me know which one you'd choose and if you don't mind why?

Merida Speeder 400
https://www.merida-bikes.com/en/bike/ar ... peeder-400

Giant Fastroad SL1
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/fastroad-sl-1

Canyon Roadlite 6
https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/hybrid-bik ... ngroesse=S

Cube SL Road Pro
https://www.cube.eu/en/2022/bikes/urban ... narngreen/

All are Hydraulic discs and Shimano 105 2x11, except for the Cube, which is Shimano GRX RD-RX400 (2x10)

I welcome your opinions and advice but please don't suggest anything more expensive.
I could go pre-owned but it's hard to find the right bike, with the right spec, in the right size, in the right condition.

 

[vickster]

Have you actually ridden any of them?

 

[Sloth]

Have you actually ridden any of them?

Thanks but no, and not likely to be able to as there are none in stock locally for me to do so.
Once I've got my first choice, I will attempt to find and ride one before buying, thus this thread.

 

[vickster]

Thanks but no, and not likely to be able to as there are none in stock locally for me to do so.
Once I've got my first choice, I will attempt to find and ride one before buying, thus this thread.

You won’t be able to with the Canyon so that may be off the list.
theyre all rather similar, I’d go source the Giant or Cube for a ride, and then decide based on the gearing and looks (that would be the Giant for me)

How much are they as you say don’t recommend anything more expensive…in this situation, personally I’d always suggest a Whyte R7 (at the same price point, the Stirling) as they make lovely bikes and are a UK company.

The Canyon looks ok, but I wouldn’t buy from overseas and it looks very low at the front

 

[Sloth]

Can't find an R7 on the Whyte website?

 

[vickster]

Can't find an R7 on the Whyte website?

It’s their series of flat bar rigid fork ‘commuter’
bikes. The Stirling is the top model
https://whytebikes.com/collections/commuter
5’8 would put you on a men’s medium

 

[Sloth]

It’s their series of flat bar rigid fork ‘commuter’
bikes. The Stirling is the top model
https://whytebikes.com/collections/commuter
5’8 would put you on a men’s medium

They seem to be 1x11 gears?

 

[vickster]

They seem to be 1x11 gears?

Is that a no go?

 

[Sloth]

So how does the Cube stand up in build quality vs the others, or the others vs each other for that matter?

 

[vickster]

So how does the Cube stand up in build quality vs the others, or the others vs each other for that matter?

All be much of a muchness. The Giant might be the only one with a lifetime frame warranty
Have you looked at the Trek FX or Sirrus models if long warranty is important.
Build quality only really relates to the frame

 

[Sloth]

Thanks but Trek jump up in price too much for the same spec the others offer.
Specialized Sirrus the same.

 

[Arrowfoot]

Clearly you have done your research. They are all good mechanics wise. Just left the personal preference of design and colour.

Get out there and start riding.

 

[vickster]

Thanks but Trek jump up in price too much for the same spec the others offer.
Specialized Sirrus the same.

Fair enough...which does your gut tell you is the one for you?

 

[Cycleops]

So how does the Cube stand up in build quality vs the others, or the others vs each other for that matter?

Probably all made in the same factory. Bird poo or smoothed welds? Maybe check out the warranty.
I'd go for the colour scheme you prefer.

 

[Peter Salt]

All frames made in China but while Merida, Canyon and Cube are outsourced to 3rd parties, Giant at least has the decency to have their own factory - out of the four they're also the best for making bottom brackets that are actually round.