No brainer??? Which is better entry level bike....

bagz3

Is it glaring obvious that the Genesis on the Tiagra is the better bike or when reading between the lines is there more to it than this??

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Genesis Aether 20 Bike (2011)

•Frame: 6069 ALX-9 6 triple-butted aluminium
•Fork: Carbon blades / aluminium with eyelets
•Cranks: Shimano Sora compact 50-34T
•Bottom Bracket: Shimano external bearing
•Pedals: Shimano PD-M505 clipless
•Front Derailleur: Shimano Tiagra band
•Rear Derailleur: Shimano Tiagra
•Shifters: Shimano Tiagra STI 9-spd
•Cassette: Shimano HG-50 12/25T 9-spd
•Chain: Shimano
•Hubs: Shimano 2200 Q/R
•Rims: Alex Race 24 32 hole
•Tyres: Continental Ultra Race 25c
•Brakes: Tektro BR358 57mm
•Brake Levers: Shimano Tiagra STI levers
•Handlebar: Genesis 6061 shallow drop
•Headset: FSA Aheadset
•Stem: Genesis 6061 / 31.8mm clamp
•Grips: Ventilated / padded tape
•Saddle: Genesis Road Cr-Mo rail
•Seatpost: Genesis 6061 27.2mm
•Colour: Gloss Cool Grey


Cannondale Synapse Sora 2011

Frame: Synapse Alloy
Fork: Synapse SAVE Carbon blades
Front Derailleur: Shimano Sora
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Sora Long Cage
Number of Gears: 27
Shifters: Shimano Sora
Chainset: FSA Vero
Chainrings: 30 / 39 / 50 tooth
Bottom Bracket: FSA
Cassette: SRAM PG-950 12-26 tooth
Chain: KMC 9 speed
Pedals: Not Supplied
Front Brake: Cannondale C4 with cartridge pads, long reach
Rear Brake: Cannondale C4 with cartridge pads, long reach
Brake Levers: Shimano Sora
Handlebars: Cannondale C4 Compact
Stem: Cannondale C4, 6 degree
Headset: Tange Integrated, cartridge bearing
Rims: Maddux DRX 4000
Front Hub: Formula RB-51 with metallic end caps, 32
HRear Hub: Formula RB-52 with metallic end caps, 32H
Spokes: Stainless Steel
Front Tyre: Schwalbe Lugano 700x25C
Rear Tyre: Schwalbe Lugano 700x25C
Saddle: Cannondale Stage with Steel rails
Seatpost: Cannondale C4 Alloy

keef66

If that was my choice I'd go for the Cannondale cos of the frame.

bagz3

Well this was my initial thought...... but is tiagra a lot better than sora to swing it the other way? i know both are entry level and most wouldnt touch either, but.......

jordan_217

bagz3 wrote:

Well this was my initial thought...... but is tiagra a lot better than sora to swing it the other way? i know both are entry level and most wouldnt touch either, but.......

I can't tell any difference between Tiagra > 105 and 105 > Ultegra. You can always upgrade a groupset at a later date. I'd get the best frame, though I personally don't know which one that is out of those two - zero experience of them both.

Can you try them both?

jordan_217

^^^^ Meaning I think there will be little or no difference between Sora and Tiagra.

slowondefy2

Sora has the thumb switches to shift the chain to a smaller cog/ring which you can't reach from the drops. I don't know if that's a big deal or not.

noiseboyfeetman

slowondefy2 wrote:

Sora has the thumb switches to shift the chain to a smaller cog/ring which you can't reach from the drops. I don't know if that's a big deal or not.

If they're anything like the thumb shifters on a Campag groupset it all depends how big your hands are, I operate mine from the drops with no problems.

slowondefy2

teebs_123

Really worth trying the thumb shifters before committing. I couldn't change when in the drops and it was a right pain in the ass.

citrus_

I use Sora and can actually use the thumb shifters when in the drops (dont know if I have big hands/thumbs?), but tbh I rarely use the drops so it isnt the most important thing for me. When I was choosing my first road bike, I put frame choice above anything else, and Im glad I did.

centimani

Several things to consider...
The cannondale may well be the better regarded frame, but you're compromised with the lesser Sora shifters and derailleurs..and the FSA cranks / BB
Nothing wrong (IMO) with Sora, its just a lesser groupset than Tiagra, but its still good. I actally like the thumb shifters, but i'm used to it with Campag. Another point is ...how much time do you actually spend on the drops..which is where the thumshifters do become a tad awkward. I 'm hardly ever on the drops, so it doesnt matter anyway.
FSA cranks and BB...a poor compromise, they dont wear well (IME).

The genesis is the much better equipped bike.
The Cannondale (may) have the better frame, but does it ? I'm not saying it doesnt, but i'm not one to accept something just because someone else said so.

g00se

noiseboyfeetman wrote:

If they're anything like the thumb shifters on a Campag groupset it all depends how big your hands are, I operate mine from the drops with no problems.

The Sora ones are much smaller and much further forward on the body of the lever - about the pivot area of the lever. When I tried them, I couldn't reach them on the drops - but I have no problems with reach on the Campag ergos.

essjaydee

Don't think there is much wrong with sora or tiagra. My boardman is/was sora. I couldn't get on with the thumb shifters, so upgraded to tiagra shifters. A massive improvment and well worth the money (imo). Also upgraded the sora rear mech to a 105, but really haven't noticed any difference at all with this

The Genesis is a compact and the Cannondale a triple. Worth bearing in mind with your decision.

If it was me, I'd go for the Genesis. Compact and tiagra being enough to swing the deal 8)