I need help deciding between a Trek Domane or a Nishiki Allroad.
I am mainly using it for commuting around 12km or 7.5miles one way. The paths are a mix of mostly road but quite a few gravel/construction paths. I prefer to go for a gravel/endurance geometry for hand position variety and because I used to have a Specialized Diverge and loved that but had to sell it. Currently my local bike shop offers a great discount on the Nishiki Allroad which puts it the same price point as the Domane AL2 for my budget of around $2000. You might ask why not Trek Checkpoint but after researching and asking my LBS it seems the domane has a more relaxed upright position than the checkpoint.
Pros and cons:
The Domane has a lighter frame, carbon fork, and 32mm tires but has mechanical disc brakes and Shimano Claris group set. It can only take a maximum of 35mm with mudguards (38mm without but I need mudguards for commuting)
https://trekstoregbg.se/produkt/trek-domane-al-2-gen-4/
The Nishiki Allroad has a heavier frame, aluminium fork, 38mm tires (and can take bigger ones), semi hydraulic disc brakes and Shimano Tiagra. It also has the added benefit of supporting local and is manufactured locally.
https://trekstoregbg.se/produkt/nishiki-allroad-gravel/
Basically the main difference is the Claris vs Tiagra, mechanical disc brakes vs semi hydraulic, and the Carbon fork vs Aluminium fork. I tried both and they feel the same for commuting which is why I need help. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.
by haseovaan