TCR
Which is even lower stack than the Tarmac. In my size 58/L, it's 10mm lower
I've ridden quite a few of the bikes mentioned.
Roubaix - I used the first iteration for a weekend in Mallorca and hated it, specifically the early FutureShock. Unless you're actually riding cobbles every weekend I can't see the point.
Diverge - my favourite bike ever, just brilliant and love the FutureShock 2.0. It has 45mm Maxxis Ramblers and is still only about 1.5mph slower than a road bike. But prob overkill for riding mostly on road.
Aethos - love mine. It has 30mm tyres, is extremely comfortable for long rides and very light. Brilliant road bike and makes much more sense than a Tarmac for an average non-racing rider.
Brilliant road bike and makes much more sense than a Tarmac for an average non-racing rider. <br />
why does it make more sense than a tarmac? From what I can tell the geo is fairly similar. It might be fractionally lighter, but it’s not as quick
some people may like the external cables but I far prefer them hidden. Plenty of space for big tyres on a tarmac for comfort.
I still say the best endurance road bike out there is the defy, looks great, comfortable, value for money. If you can put up with it being a giant it’s a no brainer imo
I has Giant Defy & Trek Domane which were decent bikes but I never really enjoyed them. I then got a Specialized Roubaix (with 32mm Contis) and can honestly say it is the first time I have enjoyed road cycling. I now wouldn’t be without the FutureShock (in my opinion makes things so comfortable & secure with no perceived drawbacks). If I needed another road bike tomorrow I would no hesitation in getting another Roubaix.
Roubaix – I used the first iteration for a weekend in Mallorca and hated it, specifically the early FutureShock. Unless you’re actually riding cobbles every weekend I can’t see the point.
Mostt of the roads in Mallorca are as smooth as silk!!
So, spent the last few days doing a bit of research, ringing round shops etc.
Roubaix is now a no. Not sure about the looks, and the future shock on the model I was looking at isn't able to be locked out.
Giant. I just can't. Plus Im not a fan of press fit BB.
Trek, the Domane would be the model I would look at but just don't like the looks.
Scott. None in my size or budget. Addict 20 was the model i was looking at.
Orbea. The Orca, but struggling to find one in my size.
So, narrowed down to two. Merida Scultura and the BMC Roadmachine. I've seen both in budget and in my size.
Roubaix is now a no. Not sure about the looks, and the future shock on the model I was looking at isn’t able to be locked out.
Looks are a fair point but in 6 years of having a bike with a future shock I have never felt the need to lock it out.
