Cannondale, Trek, bmc or Viner? Updated!!
CPVIEIRA
Posts: 11
Hi guys!
I have been reading the forum for a long time but decided now to ask for your help as I am willing to buy a new bike. So far i have been riding on an alloy Fuji Roubaix which overall I like, but I think it is time for an upgrade.
I am not a racer, though I am training to eventually participate on some events. I am willing to spend up to 2.5k gbp and I have narrowed down my choices to 4 bikes. I want a bike thar can do pretty much everything. These are my options:
- cannondale synapse 5 carbon disc( full ultegra)
- trek 5.2 domane ( full ultegra)
- BMC gf01 disc ( full ultegra)
- Viner mitus 0.6 ( full campagnolo chorus)
By this time you should have notice I am very inclined to go with an endurance bike. One of my complains about my current bike is that it does not have a good performance on bad roads and after a 3h ride it can be a bit of a pain. However, my biggest concern is that I don't want to buy a lazy bike and loose speed. I don't know if these endurance bikes can keep up the pace or if I should go with the Viner and change the tires to 25mm.
I didnt have the chance to ride them yet, I am planing to travel to UK next month so I have little time to choose and really need all the help you can give me.
My favorites so far are the trek ( amazing orange painting) and Viner ( campagnolo + italiana bike = hapiness) but from what I read the BMC and cannondale should be more complete bikes.
Which one do you like better and why?
Many many thanks!
I have been reading the forum for a long time but decided now to ask for your help as I am willing to buy a new bike. So far i have been riding on an alloy Fuji Roubaix which overall I like, but I think it is time for an upgrade.
I am not a racer, though I am training to eventually participate on some events. I am willing to spend up to 2.5k gbp and I have narrowed down my choices to 4 bikes. I want a bike thar can do pretty much everything. These are my options:
- cannondale synapse 5 carbon disc( full ultegra)
- trek 5.2 domane ( full ultegra)
- BMC gf01 disc ( full ultegra)
- Viner mitus 0.6 ( full campagnolo chorus)
By this time you should have notice I am very inclined to go with an endurance bike. One of my complains about my current bike is that it does not have a good performance on bad roads and after a 3h ride it can be a bit of a pain. However, my biggest concern is that I don't want to buy a lazy bike and loose speed. I don't know if these endurance bikes can keep up the pace or if I should go with the Viner and change the tires to 25mm.
I didnt have the chance to ride them yet, I am planing to travel to UK next month so I have little time to choose and really need all the help you can give me.
My favorites so far are the trek ( amazing orange painting) and Viner ( campagnolo + italiana bike = hapiness) but from what I read the BMC and cannondale should be more complete bikes.
Which one do you like better and why?
Many many thanks!
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Comments
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I think that Mitus is exceptionally good value, and looks great too. I guess it comes down to whether you want Shimano or Campag components...and/ or disc brakes!0
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Have a look at the Canyon Endurace and Rose Gran Fondo, both are sportive frames with reported speed to boot.
I can't imagine that any of your bikes would struggle to keep up speed. Have a look at the reviews of them on Bikeradar's main site, it'll give you an idea of each.
Personally, I'd go with whatever one I think looks best
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Hi,
Yes, I did read all the reviews in the website and they are in a way guiding me in this decision. Viner really seems good value for the money, but I am not sure if the ride is too firm or if I choose the 25mm tires instead 23mm it will increase comfort. This is one of the thigs I dislike about my fuji - the ride in bad roads is too firm and I get all this vibration to my shoulders/back/neck.
What I like about the endurace bikes is the fact they can filter these bad tarmac better, but not sure if it comes on cost of much speed.
Also, I am unsure if disc breaks are so important. Bike radar seems to like it very much, and some people say it is much more safe, so it could potentialy drive the decision0 -
I have tried the Cannondale, and own the Domane 5.2. And they are by no means sluggish or slow compared to my friends Madone or Tarmac. I like the Trek better than the Cannondale, obviously. I can't say enough good things about it.
I upgraded from a Caad 10 because of a bad neck and back injury. And the difference in comfort is extreme. The feel of the carbon frame is much better than the alloy, but that might be the pricetag speaking also.
All are good bikes, but the Domane gets my vote:)0 -
I have tried the Cannondale, and own the Domane 5.2. And they are by no means sluggish or slow compared to my friends Madone or Tarmac. I like the Trek better than the Cannondale, obviously. I can't say enough good things about it.
I upgraded from a Caad 10 because of a bad neck and back injury. And the difference in comfort is extreme. The feel of the carbon frame is much better than the alloy, but that might be the pricetag speaking also.
All are good bikes, but the Domane gets my vote:)
Thanks for the reply!
Is the speed difference noticiable when compared to Madone? Do you miss the disc brakes?0 -
I have tried the Cannondale, and own the Domane 5.2. And they are by no means sluggish or slow compared to my friends Madone or Tarmac. I like the Trek better than the Cannondale, obviously. I can't say enough good things about it.
I upgraded from a Caad 10 because of a bad neck and back injury. And the difference in comfort is extreme. The feel of the carbon frame is much better than the alloy, but that might be the pricetag speaking also.
All are good bikes, but the Domane gets my vote:)
Thanks for the reply!
Is the speed difference noticiable when compared to Madone? Do you miss the disc brakes?
The only difference is when you pedal hard and sit on the seat (as in sprint), you can feel the seat flexing some. But i have yet to find a situation where that is relevant:) I only have discs on my MTB, but the Ultegra brakes are very very good. I live in Norway, where the weather is s**t half the time you ride, and they perform well in rain also.0 -
Welcome!
They are all going to be good bikes tbh- your best bet would be to go for the one that a) fits you best and b) you like the look of and feel on a test the best (most bike shops I've spoken to recently have very good test ride policies inc pedal swaps etc. they do want you to buy their bike after all )
However, there are two on that list I would automatically gravitate to- the Domane and BMC.
The Domane always gets rave reviews- the handling is exactly what you should have on a road bike, and apparently the decoupler still hasn't been matched yet. I also currently own a now venerable Trek 1.1 and can confirm that Trek makes great handling bikes.
The BMC is almost certainly a great bike too- and I love the looks of BMC bikes (I'm biased...)
One of my friends races on his older alloy Granfondo and thinks its an awesome bike. It also has racier geometry which appeals to me, but is worth bearing in mind with respect to your needs.
I wouldn't let lack of disk brakes be a deal breaker for you- the Shimanos modern 105 and above brakes are very good and are much simpler (and probably cheaper) to maintain than disks. The only downside is that you will wear out rims, but if you get a nice pair of handbuilts that can have their rims replaced, it may be possible that you'll still save money over disks when one pair of standard pads can cost over £10- that's more than Swisstop alloy rim pads!!
Plus it's unlikely you'll be able to use them in bunch races anytime soon- but that might not be a downside for you.
Obviously disk brakes have are massively more reliable than rim brakes in the wet, and have better modulation so it's not hard to justify the extra expense that disks might incur.0 -
I maintain a fleet of the alu domane's with 105 lovely bike and the decoupler is fantastic even with the bad stock wheels. However I don't like the geo and I fined the frame comes up a little big and most people drop a size.
Really like the idea of the madone geo koppenberg for me.
Wouldn't be surprised to see some more disc Domane's for 2016 so if it happens a mech 105 with hyd discs would prob fit what you want.eating parmos since 1981
Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Aero 09
Cervelo P5 EPS
www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=40044&t=130387990 -
In fact there is one
http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/collections/road_weapons/road/endurance_race/domane/domane_4_5_disc_compact/eating parmos since 1981
Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Aero 09
Cervelo P5 EPS
www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=40044&t=130387990 -
Welcome!
They are all going to be good bikes tbh- your best bet would be to go for the one that a) fits you best and b) you like the look of and feel on a test the best (most bike shops I've spoken to recently have very good test ride policies inc pedal swaps etc. they do want you to buy their bike after all )
However, there are two on that list I would automatically gravitate to- the Domane and BMC.
The Domane always gets rave reviews- the handling is exactly what you should have on a road bike, and apparently the decoupler still hasn't been matched yet. I also currently own a now venerable Trek 1.1 and can confirm that Trek makes great handling bikes.
The BMC is almost certainly a great bike too- and I love the looks of BMC bikes (I'm biased...)
One of my friends races on his older alloy Granfondo and thinks its an awesome bike. It also has racier geometry which appeals to me, but is worth bearing in mind with respect to your needs.
I wouldn't let lack of disk brakes be a deal breaker for you- the Shimanos modern 105 and above brakes are very good and are much simpler (and probably cheaper) to maintain than disks. The only downside is that you will wear out rims, but if you get a nice pair of handbuilts that can have their rims replaced, it may be possible that you'll still save money over disks when one pair of standard pads can cost over £10- that's more than Swisstop alloy rim pads!!
Plus it's unlikely you'll be able to use them in bunch races anytime soon- but that might not be a downside for you.
Obviously disk brakes have are massively more reliable than rim brakes in the wet, and have better modulation so it's not hard to justify the extra expense that disks might incur.
Thanks for the very detailed post! It seems trek domane is a very good choice.
Now the question that remain is does it worth the extra price over the viner mitus?0 -
Guys,
Scenario have changed a bit - have changed my mind related to the options.
Had the chance to test trek and cannondale ( both synapse and sixevo) . All bikes felt great but sixevo ultegra got my attention.
Unfortunately it is impossivble to find a viner for testing here.
Só my options were narrowed to cannondale sixevo and viner mitus. The first is an amazing bike, but it charges an extra price for the brand. On the other hand, I have heard amazing things about viner frames, it is cheaper and italian!!
Which one would you choose and why?0 -
You've have pretty much answered your own question. One bike in your words is amazing, the other is an unknown quantity. Buy the bike you think is amazing, I'm sure the bike shop that allowed you to test ride the evo will offer better support than planet x (unless of course you live near Sheffield).0
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I have heard amazing things about viner frames, it is cheaper and italian!!
The Viner Mitus is a re-painted open mould chinese frame an FM066. Its about as italian as a pair of chopsticks. Not saying its a bad frame. I've got one (from China) they are decent. But the Cannondale Evo will be leagues better in term of construction,finish and ride quality. I know because i also own a supersix (non evo). So if the Evo is better than its older model. Which it certainly will be. The Evo will hands down be the better bike.0 -
I have heard amazing things about viner frames, it is cheaper and italian!!
The Viner Mitus is a re-painted open mould chinese frame an FM066. Its about as italian as a pair of chopsticks. Not saying its a bad frame. I've got one (from China) they are decent. But the Cannondale Evo will be leagues better in term of construction,finish and ride quality. I know because i also own a supersix (non evo). So if the Evo is better than its older model. Which it certainly will be. The Evo will hands down be the better bike.
Really?? I thought Viner frames were handmade in Italy... What a disapointment...
If that true you nailed the question, no doubt left.0 -
A guy on our Tuesday evening club ride recently purchased a Viners Mitus 0.6 with chorus from Planet X and it looks very nice. As trailflow pointed out it is a Hong Fu FM066 with as fancy paint job.
It doesn't look like a bad bike at all for the money, but Italian it isn't.0 -
I'd not neccesarily dismiss the Viner on ride quality unless you've ridden one back to back with the other candidates.
But, when I checked, I might dismiss it on gear choice. It has a double and a not especially big cassette. Changeable, of course, but at expense.My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
Facebook? No. Just say no.0 -
A guy on our Tuesday evening club ride recently purchased a Viners Mitus 0.6 with chorus from Planet X and it looks very nice. As trailflow pointed out it is a Hong Fu FM066 with as fancy paint job.
It doesn't look like a bad bike at all for the money, but Italian it isn't.
Does he like it? How good this bike is?
I am not saying that the frame is bad b/c it is a Hong fu, but I was expecting something above average, because the supersix evo rides insanely well and probably a bike built with this frame won't match the supersix evo.0 -
A guy on our Tuesday evening club ride recently purchased a Viners Mitus 0.6 with chorus from Planet X and it looks very nice. As trailflow pointed out it is a Hong Fu FM066 with as fancy paint job.
It doesn't look like a bad bike at all for the money, but Italian it isn't.
Does he like it? How good this bike is?
I am not saying that the frame is bad b/c it is a Hong fu, but I was expecting something above average, because the supersix evo rides insanely well and probably a bike built with this frame won't match the supersix evo.
I could say the viner is the best frame that I have ridden, however, my experience in this case is irrelevant, if the evo ride rides insanely well for you and you cannot test the other bike then surely the decision is a no brainer.0 -
I don't know, I don't really now the guy. It is only the second time he has turned out on a club run. if he is out with us this week I will certainly ask.
The Viners looked very nice and I quite like Chorus anyway, but if you can pick up a similar spec'd Cannondale at a similar price I'd spend my money on that.
I've heard very mixed reports on the service you get from Planet X !0 -
Guys,
Decided for the supersix... Now I just got one last question... Ultegra or Force?0 -
Guys,
Decided for the supersix... Now I just got one last question... Ultegra or Force?
Aesthetically Ultegra isn't very pleasing on the eye, and its heavier than Sram Force.I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles0 -
Guys,
Decided for the supersix... Now I just got one last question... Ultegra or Force?
They are equally good. IMO it comes down to the feel of the hoods and the preferred method of operation, ie double tap or single tap double lever.0 -
Guys, for 420pounds less there is a SRAM rival version, which besides the price difference, has a frame painting that I like much more.
I was reading some reviews about the rival 22 and they say pretty good stuff about this groupset, it feels exactly the same as red and foce. In a nutshell, it seems to be the same difference between the new 105 and ultegra. Have never tried one, so what is what is your opinion? Should I save $420 pounds or not?0 -
Guys, for 420pounds less there is a SRAM rival version, which besides the price difference, has a frame painting that I like much more.
I was reading some reviews about the rival 22 and they say pretty good stuff about this groupset, it feels exactly the same as red and foce. In a nutshell, it seems to be the same difference between the new 105 and ultegra. Have never tried one, so what is what is your opinion? Should I save $420 pounds or not?
ProbablyI'm sorry you don't believe in miracles0 -
If you look carefully the Planet X RT-90 and Viner Mitus are exactly the same frame with different paint jobs.This is because Planet X bought Vineer and now have the frames made in the same Chinese factory.
Sadly Italian made Viners are a thing of the past.0 -
Anyone has experience with this rival 22 groupset?0
