Hi everyone!
Newer to the road biking world, but something I am getting serious about.
For context my current set up is a **2017 Cannondale CAAD Optimo*\* (about 2 sizes to big, but making it work – trust me, I know this is not ideal..)
I am looking to make the leap into buying my first “real bike” something that FITS, and can take on longer sessions. I have a running background and have been using cycling as a way of cross training, and a way to stay off my feet recently dealing with an injury. Contemplating a Ironman in the future, so would love something that could get me through that (while not spending 15k on a setup).
I am getting pretty hung up on electronic shifting vs mechanical, and carbon vs aluminum. Lots of great brands out there, so need some advice. I am looking to stay around the 2.5k mark – I am willing to stretch if need be, but only if it truly makes sense.
Here are the bikes I am considering, but obviously some differences between them:
**Polygon Strattos 7 – 105 Di2 Carbon Endurance Bike*\*
**VS*\*
**Canyon Endurace CF 5*\*
I also took a look at the **Canyon Endurance CF 7 Di2*\*, but this is around $1,500 dollars more than both of the above mentioned bikes.
Throwing in some screenshots of the bikes for reference as well.
Any advice would be great, even other suggestions would be appreciated!
by Responsible_Crow7314
3 Comments
2500 on the used market will take you soooo much farther than brand new, but if you want new its completely understandable. Afaik, going for a mechanical groupset and then upgrading to di2 later down the road is a pretty good option if you’re looking to save a bit of money (Di2 usually sells for 6-700). Modern mechanical is really snappy and fun though I must say. Also aluminum frames are so much less susceptible to cracking in minor crashes, and are usually much cheaper. If you’re looking to upgrade as you go you could get a lower spec bike like 105 or even claris and use the extra money on gear/carbon wheelset/tires if thats your thing. I recently got a specialized allez sport Nearly brand new as the last owner rode it for maybe less than 100 miles. Was 1600 brand new but got it for 950, the main con with that though is you have to have some wiggle room for preferred colorway and groupset. Cant recommend the allez enough, I havent tried many other bike brands but the allez feels soo comfortable but also very sporty/racey too.
It’s difficult to find any decent used bikes that are not overpriced. I’d go with #3, I bought one last year and love it.
Looks like you’ve done well so far. Many people that ask your question with those options skip the part where you get something cheap to see if you like it. You’re past that and recognize that fit is important and worth spending money on.
I think the issue with the mail-order bikes is that you can’t fit them before committing. I don’t know how well the canyon website takes your measurements to find the bike fit, but I’m certain that polygon wouldn’t do great. Don’t get me wrong here, polygon bikes are a fantastic deal. I own a polygon MTN bike and love it. But you’re looking for something that you know fits right. You might want to get ahold of a good shop and have them fit you something in your budget. You won’t get a bike as specc’d as the canyon or polygon, but a good fitting bike is worth it. After that, if you know what sizes you need, then online bikes are a great buy.
I bought a Fezzari (now Ari) recently, but I live close to their headquarters. So they took my measurements and I picked up my new bike the next week. However, after that I know they would’ve gotten the fit right if I hadn’t been there because nothing needed to be adjusted. Just some fyi for you.