Specialized Tarmac SL6 vs Trek Domane SL5

[monkers]

Exactly. None of those bikes are the sort I would ride anyway, but it just goes to show how much mark-up there is on the "premium" brands, despite a lot of them being pretty much the same under the skin. Some of the pricey ones are also plagued with creaking BBs and really crap manufacturing tolerances, so it's not like you are necessarily even getting a better product for all the extra cash.

I have a 2018 Trek Emonda, so far it is creak-free, but I recognise that the BB90 bottom bracket is far from infalible, but the frameset does seem very well engineered. I've read cases where owners have had a whole bike replaced by Trek with no quibbles due to creak, in one case I read the bike was 8 years old, replaced within 1 week with a much higher spec model since the equivalent was out of stock.

I think the new Emonda is more similar to the Tarmac than the Domane that the OP is considering. Given a choice of the Specialised or a Trek, I'd go for Trek for two reasons. Firstly the latest Emonda and Domane no longer use those potentially creaky press fit bottom brackets but the T47 threaded type instead; secondly Trek have a particularly good rep for warranty. Otherwise Hambini Performance Engineering seem to have a range of solutions to sort many of these problems - though at cost I grant you.

Having said all of that I'd also be tempted by the Merida Reacto, Ultegra and disc brake equipped for £2500, with Fulcrum wheels available from stock at the time of writing from Tredz ... and then there are those porn star looks.

I'd probably ride wondering how long the BB30 bottom bracket will last though, and eventually wish I'd bought the 2021 Emonda when it gives out!

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Merida-Reacto-Disc-5000-2020-Road-Bike_219173.htm

 

[Kestevan]

I've had Planet X, Dolan and Trek bikes

Nothing wrong with any of their bikes. However, the level of post sales support from the cheaper brands is noticeably lower than from Trek. Compare the warranty periods offered as an example... And planet X in particular can be shocking if anything goes awry.

Ribble bikes have a good rep, but my experience with their "service” when I bought some wheels which developed a fault means I've never dealt with them again.

 

[Tripster]

I've had a properly set up Ultegra. It's been perfect.
I've had a properly set up 105. It's been perfect.
I've had a properly set up Tiagra. It's been perfect.
I've had a properly set up Sora. It's been perfect. (not kidding, it really was very good, and that was over a decade ago!)
In fact, a properly set up Sora is way better than a cockadoodledo Ultegra. It's all about market segmentation. If you can pay more tax, the govt wants you to. If you can pay more for your groupset, the companies want you to. If you can pay for a blingey brand, and so on.

The reason I buy a higher end groupset is because it usually comes on bikes which have more appealing colours. Damn those marketing people!!

I partly agree. I didn’t pick Ultegra for any marketing, the bike was exactly the same regardless of groupset. But I agree it will be no better than the 105

 

[si_c]

I partly agree. I didn’t pick Ultegra for any marketing, the bike was exactly the same regardless of groupset. But I agree it will be no better than the 105

Even Shimano state there is no mechanical difference between the three groupsets (105/Ultegra/Dura-Ace) the only difference is materials (weight, potential component longevity) and price.

 

[Tripster]

I've had Planet X, Dolan and Trek bikes

Nothing wrong with any of their bikes. However, the level of post sales support from the cheaper brands is noticeably lower than from Trek. Compare the warranty periods offered as an example... And planet X in particular can be shocking if anything goes awry.

Ribble bikes have a good rep, but my experience with their "service” when I bought some wheels which developed a fault means I've never dealt with them again.

Heard good and bad about Ribble.

 

[Tripster]

More than which group set, I would prefer great customer service. Too often these days it’s utter crap in all walks of life. I was ready to purchase a bike from a store in York but after repeatedly trying to book bike fits and been fobbed off or promises of phone calls and never hearing, I decided they had shoot customer care and after sales would no doubt be as bad. Glad I went elsewhere and although I have paid a premium I am super confident in the support and back up I know I will receive. Way more important than a groupset choice..... why the hell did I pick Ultegra again 🤔

 

[Distorted Vision]

Okay so the Trek Domane SL5 is back on the table. Despite what's been said about paying for sponsorship - I do still prefer buying from a brand I know that also has a good reputation with regards to their warranty. I will visit Dolan though.

I'm not in any rush and may wait until Autumn next year to see if any discounts are available.

 

[vickster]

Won’t you want your new bike for the prime cycling of spring and summer?

 

[Distorted Vision]

I have a 2018 Trek Emonda, so far it is creak-free, but I recognise that the BB90 bottom bracket is far from infalible, but the frameset does seem very well engineered. I've read cases where owners have had a whole bike replaced by Trek with no quibbles due to creak, in one case I read the bike was 8 years old, replaced within 1 week with a much higher spec model since the equivalent was out of stock.

I think the new Emonda is more similar to the Tarmac than the Domane that the OP is considering. Given a choice of the Specialised or a Trek, I'd go for Trek for two reasons. Firstly the latest Emonda and Domane no longer use those potentially creaky press fit bottom brackets but the T47 threaded type instead; secondly Trek have a particularly good rep for warranty. Otherwise Hambini Performance Engineering seem to have a range of solutions to sort many of these problems - though at cost I grant you.

Having said all of that I'd also be tempted by the Merida Reacto, Ultegra and disc brake equipped for £2500, with Formula wheels available from stock at the time of writing from Tredz ... and then there are those porn star looks.

I'd probably ride wondering how long the BB30 bottom bracket will last though, and eventually wish I'd bought the 2021 Emonda when it gives out!

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Merida-Reacto-Disc-5000-2020-Road-Bike_219173.htm

You could buy that bike at 0% APR over 36 months at £69.378 per month.

 

[vickster]

You could buy that bike at 0% APR over 36 months at £69.378 per month.

That’s a long term debt for a depreciating item!

 

[Distorted Vision]

Won’t you want your new bike for the prime cycling of spring and summer?

Ideally yes but if I can buy it a discount I'd rather wait.

 

[vickster]

To save £200?
problem is there are no guarantees there’ll be reduced stock given the supply issues. What size will you need, you might get lucky if an unusual one, 54-58cm less likely I’d say given you want a specific model and colour

 

[Distorted Vision]

I'm pretty sure I need a 54cm frame. I need to visit the local Trek store. Trek are out of stock until May anyway.

 

[vickster]

I'm pretty sure I need a 54cm frame. I need to visit the local Trek store. Trek are out of stock until May anyway.

In which case I’d say there’s very low chance of a deal in September as most will have been pre ordered!

 

[monkers]

You could buy that bike at 0% APR over 36 months at £69.378 per month.

I only bought the Trek in July this year. It was NOS - I bought it for a thousand cash. absolute bargain.