I’ve only ever had second-hand bikes, but I’m looking to take the dive and buy my first new one. Any suggestions, advice, or feedback is always helpful!
I’m looking for an endurance road bike, preferably carbon, with 105’s. I’ve been shopping around and almost walked away with a Cannondale Synapse, but wasn’t happy with its mechanical disc brakes.
My budget is roughly around 3k and my current contenders are:
1. Fuji Gran Fondo 1.3.
$2,849.99
This is currently my lead contender because, despite their bad reputation, I’ve only ever had good experiences on a Fuji. Currently have a Team Super Lite that I’ll be buried with. However, not too thrilled with the FSA Gossamer Pro 386EVO crankset. That’s what’s holding me back on the Fuji.
2. Cannondale Synapse 3L
$3,325
This upgrade to the first synapse I saw has the hydraulic brakes and 105’s, but it’s also got the SmartSense system and integrated lights I’m not too wild about. They just seem pretty extra and unnecessary (and also just dorky looking)
https://www.cannondale.com/en-us/bikes/road/endurance/synapse-carbon/synapse-carbon-3-l
3. Trek Domane SL 5 (Generation 4)
$3,499.99
The Domane is the most recent bike to join the cut, but mostly cause I’ve been told so much about it. I don’t have much experience with Trek although I know they have a good reputation. The higher price is what’s holding me back here.
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/road-bikes/performance-road-bikes/domane/domane-sl/domane-sl-5-gen-4/p/36149/?colorCode=grey
If there are any other bikes I should look into, I’m happy for the recommendations.
by cyclenautic
1 Comment
Posted in r/cycling and someone mentioned being able to easily switch out the FSA Gossamer on the Fuji with a 105. Any thoughts on that solution are welcome too!