Hey all,
Getting into cycling more now and time to get off my old man’s Avanti Corsa which is slightly too small (54cm). I’m looking at getting my first proper road bike that I would intend to have for the next 6-10 years. Haven’t got a huge disposable income so I understand that limits the options, so here we go.
I’m 183cm and as far as the bike, i’m ideally looking for a more relaxed/endurance geometry. I’m hunting for several key aspects: di2 shifting, disc brakes and a clean cockpit (with integrated wiring if possible). Finally, my price range is $3000 to max around $4000 AUD. I know this limits the market given the specs i’m keen on, but i’ve managed to find a couple of contenders and wanted your thoughts.
First off, I’ve been recommended a Canyon Aeroad as a great value for money buy. Unfortunately even the lower spec Aeroads are out of budget, and the second-hand Canyon market in Melbourne, Australia isn’t huge. That being said, I’ve found the Canyon Endurace CF 7 as a viable option at around that $4k mark. Ticks all my boxes with the exception of di2, and only runs mechanical 105. As far as I’m aware, it has solid reviews, good bang for buck, however some have identified potential issues with the integrated cockpit and inability to easily adjust stem-length if required (although this isn’t isolated to Canyon obviously). I will also be getting a bike fit before pulling the trigger on a buy.
[https://www.canyon.com/en-au/road-bikes/endurance-bikes/endurace/cf/endurace-cf-7/3707.html?dwvar\_3707\_pv\_rahmenfarbe=BK%2FBK](https://www.canyon.com/en-au/road-bikes/endurance-bikes/endurace/cf/endurace-cf-7/3707.html?dwvar_3707_pv_rahmenfarbe=BK%2FBK)
Secondly, I’ve come across a couple of 2023 Merida Scultura Endurance 6000’s in my area. Very similar in look and geometry, however it runs 105 di2. Reviews from what I’ve seen also mark this ride as great value for money, and my understanding is that Merida is a solid brand however just not as popular (seems to be just due to the name/reputation?) as some other larger brands out there like Trek, Giant, BMC, Cannondale etc. Same price point as the Endurace.
[https://www.bicycle-centre.com.au/products/MEBI23D362](https://www.bicycle-centre.com.au/products/MEBI23D362)
“So what’s your question?” I hear you ask. Well here we go;
For those of you that have experience with the lower spec Endurace and the Scultura Endurance 6000, how did you find them? Would you recommend?
How much value would you put on di2 shifting (on a brand that has less perceived reputation), over mechanical 105 on a more “reputable” brand. Are Canyons actually a better build over Merida, or is this simply in name alone? I actually think Meridas look clean and slick in design (both Reactos and Sculturas), but does that also go for their reliability and performance.
Finally, any other recommendations that would be worth looking into?
If you’ve made it this far, I appreciate it. Cheers!
by jpvr94