Would you choose:
A: New Trek Domane AL3 Gen 3 from LBS for $1,199. Shimano Sora. Mechanical disc brakes.
B. 2016 Marin Cortina CX for $1,000. Full carbon. Shimano 105. Hydraulic disc brakes. In good condition with regular maintenance.
Or secret (highly unlikely) option C: Splurge $2k on a pristine 2021 BMC Roadmachine 02. Full carbon. Shimano 105. Hydraulic disc brakes.
I'm currently riding a Diamondback aluminum hybrid and ready to upgrade. Not looking to get into competitive cycling but aiming to work on building distance and fitness. Our area is very flat, so hill climbing ability is not a big concern. Suggestions other than the above very welcome!
by milesandmantras
22 Comments
I’d personally go about route with Marin. Steel is in, and steel is a quality ride.! The [Nicasio+](https://www.marinbikes.com/bikes/2024-nicasio-plus)
The 1×9 should be plenty for your riding.
I would actually buy a used bike
I have the Domane AL3 Gen 3. I love it. Great bike. I just did a 3-1/2 day 150 mile ride with it three weeks ago, and I’ve done up to 80 miles on a ride with it. I bought mine last year when it was ~$500 more. I upgraded the bar tape to 3mm tape and tires to 35mm, both for comfort, but that’s it.
Go to your LBS.
Domane. For $1k, aluminum is what you should expect.
Don’t try to spend money that you don’t have. And 8 years is rather old.
https://preview.redd.it/tigsztomgqhd1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=88620d4bb2bf8c892bd83ed77ea6a6335527852a
Specialized Allez are $1200 new, carbon fork mechanical disc
Does it have mechanical brakes? I have a Poseidon with mechanical brakes and they are horrible! Makes me wonder if I got a crappy one or if all are like that
Used cross or gravel bike. Will give you a lot more options down the road
Used Al 105 bike would be my first choice, but cyclocrosser should be good
Used CAAD10 with Shimano 105 and decent wheels/tires.
I ride SRAM but prices are still high even for Force 22.
the marin is a cyclocross bike. those are fun, but twitchy. they don’t have road bike geo. if you’re looking for a bike for longer rides on mostly flat, it’s not going to be ideal
the domane is a great option, designed for riders exactly like you.
A
Already love my AL2. Got it last week.
Option 4 assuming you’re in the US: This thing.
[https://www.jensonusa.com/VAAST-R1-700C-105-Bike](https://www.jensonusa.com/VAAST-R1-700C-105-Bike)
I have no idea how it’s stayed on the DL. $990 for a *magnesium* frame with 105 2×11 hydraulic, and all sizes are in stock.
EDIT: If you can bump your budget up to $1300 or so, here’s the Ultegra version ($1260 after the 10% off coupon). Even has a carbon handlebar and crankset.
[https://cambriabike.com/products/vaast-r-1-700c-road-bike-ultegra-black-cherry?variant=43113627091126](https://cambriabike.com/products/vaast-r-1-700c-road-bike-ultegra-black-cherry?variant=43113627091126)
Im selling my trek al5 gen 4 for $1300 im in NY if that helps
For $1200 you can get some pretty high end older bikes with rim brakes. Like a Litespeed with Dura Ace. Just a thought. But a nice new bike from the LBS is good, too.
11 speed hydraulic 105 road bikes are within reach at $1000 in the secondary market.
If you go with a used bike know your sizing.
Get the Domane and don’t look back!!
I love my domane so much, really really comfortable bike, looks good and will last you a long time.
I have the domane you mentioned that I rode over 1K miles in 5 months.
C, c is the only option.
I would go on facebook marketplace and buy an older used road bike for four or five hundred bucks, then a used fixie for a couple hundred bucks (with brakes of course), then a used three speed city bike for a couple hundred, and still have money left over to get some tacos on my way home.
Id buy a frame and build it up with used parts.