So I'm looking to get a second bike. More than a week with my current bike (2014 Giant Defy 2) in the shop after a crash convinced me that I want a second bike. So I just sold my Miata to fund a new bike. I kept writing this post then deleting it when I'd tell myself that I'd just test ride a whole bunch of bikes and then simply pick the one I like best... but at this point I'm not sure anymore which bikes I should focus on. I've gained an interest in criterium racing and the local club does weekly 20km TTs as well. So the bike would be for both of those plus attacking the local bike trails. (The Defy's getting wider tires, racks and bags and is becoming more of a commuter/tourer and grocery-getter that can be converted back to a racier setup if need be.)
I'm trying to keep myself to spending less than 3500 USD for bike, pedals, computer, and a fitting session. (So ideally < 3k for the bike itself.) Local dealers sell mostly Giant, Specialized, Cannondale, Trek, and Felt bikes. I don't really know what makes a good crit bike but the partial use as a TT bike had me thinking aerobike plus aerobars. I've been looking at Giant's Propel Advanced 3 & Felt's AR5 in this category. However, outside of reviews and sales pitches, I haven't heard much said about these bikes... so I've also been looking at TCR, Tarmac, SuperSix, Madones, and what feels like half a dozen other models. That's the reason I've decided to finally make a post... not only am I not sure what characteristics to look for in these bikes but my current list of bikes is too long to reasonable do back-to-back test rides.
Or should I just go out and test ride everything in my price range and then get thoroughly confused when I find myself riding a MTB home instead of the intended road race bike...... (i.e. wing it and impulse buy) j/k
I'm trying to keep myself to spending less than 3500 USD for bike, pedals, computer, and a fitting session. (So ideally < 3k for the bike itself.) Local dealers sell mostly Giant, Specialized, Cannondale, Trek, and Felt bikes. I don't really know what makes a good crit bike but the partial use as a TT bike had me thinking aerobike plus aerobars. I've been looking at Giant's Propel Advanced 3 & Felt's AR5 in this category. However, outside of reviews and sales pitches, I haven't heard much said about these bikes... so I've also been looking at TCR, Tarmac, SuperSix, Madones, and what feels like half a dozen other models. That's the reason I've decided to finally make a post... not only am I not sure what characteristics to look for in these bikes but my current list of bikes is too long to reasonable do back-to-back test rides.
Or should I just go out and test ride everything in my price range and then get thoroughly confused when I find myself riding a MTB home instead of the intended road race bike...... (i.e. wing it and impulse buy) j/k