Recommendations wanted on the better road bikes in $5k range

[TexasStout]

I'm in the market for a new road bike for the first time in 15 years, so not all the same players in the game as before and would like some advice.

Basically, I'm thinking a carbon-framed, Shimano Ultegra model is in the price range. Not looking for aero as I'm wanting a lightweight bike for climbing in Colorado. Should I be looking primarily at Trek, Specialized and Cannondale? BMC? Cervelo? Any others?

 

[Rich McP]

CO Climbing = Disc Brakes
One option is this.

 

[Tom K.]

I got a new Emonda with eTap and disk brakes last summer and ma really enjoying it: https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/road-bikes/performance-road-bikes/émonda/émonda-sl/émonda-sl-7-disc-etap/p/32564/?colorCode=grey_orange

Although I prefer Shimano shifting, the eTap made it really simple to get slightly lower gearing with just a cassette change, so I went SRAM.

The same bike with Shimano saves about $500: https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/road-bikes/performance-road-bikes/émonda/émonda-sl/émonda-sl-7/p/32563/?colorCode=red_black

If you want something that isn't quite a pure "road whip" and offers a bit more stability and comfort, the Domane is nice: https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/...-sl/domane-sl-7/p/28315/?colorCode=teal_black

 

[givethepigeye]

strong, light, cheap, pick two - old adage, but still applies esp when lightness is concerned on a bike for climbing. not a disc convert on my road whips, but I do have ee's YMMV. Second the eTap. its good.

 

[Erik Timmerman]

If you are confident about picking your size and/or prepared to live with the consequences, you could spend less and get a Canyon. I've been happy with mine.

 

[princo]

In that price range I would look for a Specialized Tarmac SL7 Expert ($5,000) or the Trek Emonda SL7 ($5,500). FYI.. pickings are slim in the Denver metro area.

 

[teejaywhy]

I'm in the market for a new road bike for the first time in 15 years, so not all the same players in the game as before and would like some advice.

Basically, I'm thinking a carbon-framed, Shimano Ultegra model is in the price range. Not looking for aero as I'm wanting a lightweight bike for climbing in Colorado. Should I be looking primarily at Trek, Specialized and Cannondale? BMC? Cervelo? Any others?

From my price survey about 18 months ago, a carbon, disc, Ultegra bike was ~ $3500-$4000, so your 5K budget should be solid. Great deals were to be had on closeouts, unfortunately, the year of Covid has seemingly created a huge demand for bicycles that has made for slim pickings in stocks and price deals scarce.

If I understand, a bike for climbing would have more of a race geometry vs. the more relaxed "endurance" style. (?)

IMO, brand matters little, good support from a LBS was the tipping point with my choice. What I found was Specialized, Cannondale and BMC were the more expensive, but tended to offer ALL Ultegra components, Treks and Giant had lower prices but maybe substituted a component or two with not Ultegra. If you don't need LBS support, the Canyon seems like a great option with a low price.

 

[princo]

IMO, brand matters little, good support from a LBS was the tipping point with my choice.

While I have a couple of bike shops that I support locally, inventory is still pretty scarce, at least around here. So the choice of bike shop could be limited to the one that has it in stock. If you see what you want available somewhere, just grab it - the wait can be a long one.

 

[cantunamunch]

If I understand, a bike for climbing would have more of a race geometry vs. the more relaxed "endurance" style. (?)

Sort of - it might also not have quite as slammed a cockpit geo as an aero racer.

+2 on availability to an LBS - there are more Basso Diamantes closer to me than TCRs right now.

 

[crgildart]

@Ron @Rudi Riet

 

[Ron]

Take a look at the new Giants. Hell of a bike with good specs!

TCR Advanced Pro 0 Disc (2019) | bike | Giant Bicycles US

The TCR Advanced Pro Disc gives you the lightweight performance to score the KOM plus the confidence to push your limits on technical descents. Engineered with an Advanced-grade composite frame featuring flat-mount disc...

www.giant-bicycles.com

I love my trek Emonda but supply will be an issue. Specialized tarmacs might be found used in the 6.

as stated already, it really comes down to supply. I would start calling around and hope for a delivery by summer.

 

[AtleB]

I would not hesitate to spend a bit of that budget on a professional bike fit, it can save you a lot of hassle. I find that I am way more sensitiv in this regard on road bikes than I am on mountain bikes.

 

[Ron]

regard on road bikes than I am on mountain bikes.

get "close enough" for MTN bikes, as soon as you shift your COM in any direction (especially on a climb), your "fit" is no longer relevant. Road bike and gravel bike fits are specific and literally a couple of MM's can make you comfortable or more effecient.

 

[babanff]

I'm in the market for a new roadie as well and been impressed with Canyon's builds, lots of bang for the buck. This Ultimate is a pretty nice build for just under $5k: https://www.canyon.com/en-us/road-b...di2/2863.html?dwvar_2863_pv_rahmenfarbe=BK/BK My only issue is they don't yet distribute to Canada.

 

[Ron]

Canyons are great bikes but I have issues with thier proprietary stems and other parts. As long as the Geo works for ya'. its a great bike. I believe they are having the same issues with production and supply.

 

[tch]

* fit IS important. At the least, you should know if you want traditional "race bike" geo or more relaxed "endurance" geo. Most companies have two different lines with comparable components. What bike are you riding now? Stuff has changed a lot in the last 15 years.
* if you don't mind buying online, you can get some good deals at the Pros Closet. Used bikes, almost always in good condition. Sometimes the price isn't that remarkable compared to new, but sometimes it IS remarkable. They also offer advice.
Until you have a better sense of your fit (size and geometry preference and how those compromises are made), specific model recommendations don't make a lot of sense. AFAIC, it's kinda like skis these days: there aren't a lot of bad bikes out there, but there are some wrong bikes.

 

[chris_the_wrench]

What size you looking for? Ive got a couple sworks Im probably going to be moving.

-Chris

I'm in the market for a new road bike for the first time in 15 years, so not all the same players in the game as before and would like some advice.

Basically, I'm thinking a carbon-framed, Shimano Ultegra model is in the price range. Not looking for aero as I'm wanting a lightweight bike for climbing in Colorado. Should I be looking primarily at Trek, Specialized and Cannondale? BMC? Cervelo? Any others?

 

[Ken_R]

I'm in the market for a new road bike for the first time in 15 years, so not all the same players in the game as before and would like some advice.

Basically, I'm thinking a carbon-framed, Shimano Ultegra model is in the price range. Not looking for aero as I'm wanting a lightweight bike for climbing in Colorado. Should I be looking primarily at Trek, Specialized and Cannondale? BMC? Cervelo? Any others?

For Colorado? Get an e-motor assisted road bike. Unless you are a really good athlete and can produce serious power to weight the ebike will let you enjoy the terrain much much more.

 

[Tony Storaro]

Scott, Giant, Canyon...at this budget-plenty good bikes to pick from.

 

[TexasStout]

* fit IS important. At the least, you should know if you want traditional "race bike" geo or more relaxed "endurance" geo. Most companies have two different lines with comparable components. What bike are you riding now? Stuff has changed a lot in the last 15 years.
* if you don't mind buying online, you can get some good deals at the Pros Closet. Used bikes, almost always in good condition. Sometimes the price isn't that remarkable compared to new, but sometimes it IS remarkable. They also offer advice.
Until you have a better sense of your fit (size and geometry preference and how those compromises are made), specific model recommendations don't make a lot of sense. AFAIC, it's kinda like skis these days: there aren't a lot of bad bikes out there, but there are some wrong bikes.

I'm familiar with the fit I need. I've been riding seriously for thirty years and raced for several of those years. The race geometry is what I prefer for it's quick handling capabilities. Love to take the downhill corners at speed.

My current ride is a Cannondale System Six with Ultegra gruppo. Definitely interested in upgrading to Disk brakes, too.