Ghost Nivolet X 3.8 Disc 2018..... misses the 105 spec but tiagra hydro discs, carbon frame, good looks.......
£1500 for a Tiagra bike is a compromise too far in my opinion. That money should get you a carbon bike with 105 as a minimum. If it doesn't, the difference is profit taking. I'd compromise on brakes personally, not frame, and 105 is a great groupset now.
There is a significant improvement in shifting from 10 speed concealed cables to 11 speed. Old Tiagra 10 speed was better (have a CAAD8), but the internal cabled 5700 and 6700 is not great (have 6700 too). By contrast the 11 speed 5800 and 6800 is as good as Dura Ace (have both 6800 and DA9000 too).
Waiting is the right game to play here, That and check the geometry closely.
As if all carbon frames are the same...
OP 10s will be around for a while - 6,7 and 8 are still around you know.
£1500 for a Tiagra bike is a compromise too far in my opinion. That money should get you a carbon bike with 105 as a minimum. If it doesn’t, the difference is profit taking. I’d compromise on brakes personally, not frame, and 105 is a great groupset now.
105 has been a great groupo for a while, and Tiagra now is as good as 105 from a few years ago and no-one moaned about 105 back then. Its just name snobbery IMHO. I would take a Tiagra equipped £1500 bike over a 105 one 9 times out of 10. Its not always profit taking, it can be that the manufacturer has poured money into a better carbon frame. 105 equipped bikes have less headroom for money to go into frame development and manufacture.
I reckon I'd rather go with the Tiagra since they both have the less comfortable hood shape and later if you fancy an upgrade to 11 speed, you can get the nicer 685 levers and perhaps use the same mechs etc. (not sure if the pull ratio is the same in this generation)
Based on all the excellent advice I've received on here (and thanks all for the input), I'm sold on getting the best frame for the money hence favouring the Genesis - reviews continually praise the frame and it uses the same frameset all the way through the range. I've done a spreadsheet of the geo numbers of various options and my existing CDA (which I find a comfortable position) and the Genesis offers a more racy position whilst not deviating too far.
There are 2 options - Tiagra at around 1330 (670 less than full retail) and 105 at 1600 (600 less than full retail) - (these prices take into account CTW adding 10% to the first 1000 - I cant get the bike through any of the dealers which will honour full sale price).
My head says go for the cheaper option as Tiagra will be comparable on performance - seems like STW is split on this too! But I think the fact I didn't upgrade to 11spd at the time will nag at me. I know either way I'll be getting a good bike with upgrade potential. Gahh decisions!
BTW I have found info on the 2019 Giant Defy range - all models in the Advanced range will get the Giant discs again so no point waiting on that.
can anyone tell me why the Genesis has those big fat ugly hoods, but the Ghost above doesn't?
It's the Tiagra spec vs 105. If you look at the Genesis Zero Z1 Disc and Z2 Disc you can see the difference.
Not that I think there is a great deal of difference in the look.
Yeah but the Z1 and the Ghost are both Tiagra, one has fugly hoods the other smaller ones.
Strange as they are both listed as the same model of shifter.
The 105 Ghost is only £99 over budget on CRC
The Ghost (54) geo numbers are very similar to the Giant Defy (M), so a little more relaxed than the Genesis. That aside there's not much to chose between them on the component spec for the money.
Must admit the Ghost is a looker.
Still not pressed the button on anything. Just seen this come up, any opinions?
https://www.cyclesurgery.com/p/cannondale-synapse-carbon-disc-105-2018-Q2214137.html?colour=1895
Don’t think you’ll get any better than this Ultegra for £1299
I had Vitus zenium rim brake for 2 years stunning bike very well made(ok not carbon) but the alloy frame was lighter than most cheap carbon anyway.
I just got the email saying there on sale. Reckon popular sizes will be gone very quickly !! Christ I may get one as a spare winter bike 🙂
Quick update. After touring bike shops over central and sw London in the past few days, actually sitting on and riding bikes a deposit is down on the Genesis Zero 2 disc for 1550. Found last years Giant Defy Advanced 2 but in m/l, and also a TCR Advanced 1 but same m/l. Tested both and too big. M Defy felt good but well over budget for the Advanced Pro, even an ex demo I found.
The Gensis sized up well and is stunning in the flesh. All reviews state the frame is great, so a solid platform for future upgrades as required. Will pop a carbon post on it I have and find some better wheels eventually.
Thanks all for the input which helped get me there.
