It's that time again!

[mythste]

Right! In a month or so I'm going to be in a position to pull the trigger again. I've had my Genesis Equilibrium disk 20 for almost a year (!) and she's been immensely faithful and now I'm looking for something a bit more sporty.

There are a couple of requirements I have. I'm happy to be challenged on them. I reserve the right to reject them for no other reason than I don't like them!

The main purpose is to be a nimble little hill climber as opposed to my wonderful workhorse of steel. Genevieve spends her life with a rack and mudguards on but I'm finding I'm going further and climbing higher every weekend that passes.

- must be carbon. Because.
- at least 105 level gearset. Or SRAM/Campagnolo equivalent
- can't be too dull of a colour or some horrendous red and blue Warhol vibe (I'm looking at you, cube)
- ideally upgradable to Di2
- IMPORTANT must be sourced from somewhere I can use a C2W voucher. (Please, I know the rules, I also know a number of shops that can source most things that will work with me to get what I want and I'm not here to discuss that) - that rules out canyon, ribble, Planet X etc.
- budget ~£1800

Top of my list at the moment is the Trek Emonda SL5 - followed closely by the sizeable saving the Emonda S5 would give me for upgrades.

Any ideas?

 

[vickster]

Trek Emonda SL5 why torture yourself trying to decide

If not wanting something so common, Focus always look good

Or bugger c2w and the budget and get a de rosa

 

[mythste]

Or bugger c2w and the budget and get a de rosa

You'll be the death of me

 

[vickster]

Might as well ride to work in style

 

[steveindenmark]

The problem with upgrading to Di2 is that it is hugely expensive. I looked at this option but then bought a Koga Solicio with Ultegra and Di2 for an excellent price.

 

[mythste]

The problem with upgrading to Di2 is that it is hugely expensive. I looked at this option but then bought a Koga Solicio with Ultegra and Di2 for an excellent price.

True that! However I'm fortunate enough that I typically get 2 bonuses a year that are well and truly earmarked as "fun money" which would cover an upgrade.

 

[steveindenmark]

I have fun money as well but adding on Di2 later on just seems like throwing money away. Then its not fun anymore.

 

[jowwy]

I have fun money as well but adding on Di2 later on just seems like throwing money away. Then its not fun anymore.

He obviously thinks it is and has a different mindset to you.

For 1800 and upgradable, good climber, i would look at the tarmac sl4.....still miss mine, but it wasnt getting used enough

 

[mythste]

He obviously thinks it is and has a different mindset to you.

For 1800 and upgradable, good climber, i would look at the tarmac sl4.....still miss mine, but it wasnt getting used enough

For some reason specialised have never really resonated with me, but the Tarmac has a frame I really like the look of. I've heard people complain that the wheels didn't scream quality, was that your impression?

 

[mark st1]

For some reason specialised have never really resonated with me, but the Tarmac has a frame I really like the look of. I've heard people complain that the wheels didn't scream quality, was that your impression?

Your never going to be blown away by any stock wheel set imo seems to be one of the key cost shaving parts on stock bikes. For me the SL4 is a weapon for hills zero flex and transmits power like no bike I've ever ridden up gradients. Lovely frame set racey geomatry if that's what floats your boat.

 

[Darren Gregory]

I've been thinking almost the same as you. Bought my Arkose 3 two years ago and it will be paid off in September. Want to buy another "summer" bike, nice and light.

I've been looking at the Emonda ALR6 which is Aluminium rather than carbon ( but you did say you were open to be challenged) and at £1400 is slightly over my budget but doable. It would leave you with £400 for a nice wheel upgrade.

 

[jowwy]

For some reason specialised have never really resonated with me, but the Tarmac has a frame I really like the look of. I've heard people complain that the wheels didn't scream quality, was that your impression?

Yes.....but then i already had zipp firecrest 202s to put on it

 

[mythste]

Thanks for all the input so far. Some food for thought!

I had a trapse around some shops that could help today and had a spanner well and truly thrown in the works!

One of my local LBS is doing a special on a cannondale super six ultegra with kyrsium elite wheels for £2k which seems like amazing value! But it's red and I can't stand red on a bike!

Would I grow to love it enough?

 

[wheresthetorch]

Thanks for all the input so far. Some food for thought!

I had a trapse around some shops that could help today and had a spanner well and truly thrown in the works!

One of my local LBS is doing a special on a cannondale super six ultegra with kyrsium elite wheels for £2k which seems like amazing value! But it's red and I can't stand red on a bike!

Would I grow to love it enough?

Nope - it needs to take your breath away, so you look back just one more time before you shut the garage door. That won't happen if you don't like the colour.

 

[vickster]

Don't spend £2k on a bike you don't like aesthetically however much a bargain