I am in the market for a carbon ‘race’ bike. My budget is roughly $4000 but I’m willing to spend a bit over. At the same time the cheaper the better as that would go towards a wheelset upgrade. I’m quite torn on the 3. I am confident the geometry of any of them would work for me. I have preferences in the colors but overall style is not really a factor. The Canyon was my original first choice but I’m hoping to hear any other pros and cons from owners of all 3 models.
I also want to be clear that I am coming off of a Triban RC500. So any of these will be a massive upgrade.
[Canyon Ultimate CF SL 7](https://www.canyon.com/en-us/road-bikes/race-bikes/ultimate/cf-sl/ultimate-cf-sl-7-etap/3318.html?dwvar_3318_pv_rahmenfarbe=R101_P01) – US$3999
Pros
+ eTap
+ My favorite livery of all options
Cons
– Potential QC issues at Canyon?
– For a few hundred extra you get into the Giant range which has better wheels…
[Giant TCR Advanced Disc 1+ AR](https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/tcr-advanced-disc-1plus-ar) – US$4500
Pros
+ eTap
+ Carbon wheels
Cons
– Most expensive
– Don’t like the color
[Specialized Tarmac SL6 Sport](https://www.specialized.com/us/en/tarmac-sl6-sport/p/199469) – US$2999
Pros
+ Color options
+ Most affordable
Cons
– Worst components of all 3 (Shimano 105, wheels, etc)
by DavidLynchRealityTV