50 years ago they were great, then they became utter crap. In the past few years they have had a revival and their CX bikes, in particular, are great.
Isn't Raleigh also a big brand name also? (Merit 3)
it starts at 2.9k. lower than that, you should look to used/demo bikes
I'm with you. One of the deterrent of doing road biking was that I didn't want to look like those douchey cyclists with maxed out logo-spammed tights.
The mechanic at the LBS was comparing his Raleigh Merit 3 (he owns it) to Diverge DWS Elite, both at pretty much same price.
He was wondering why his Merit 3 has all Shimano 105, yet the Diverge don't even them have 'em. Then where's all the money going?
I obviously couldn't answer. Can someone tell me?
The Diverge sells like hotcakes, dealers don't mark these down on their own. Deals can be had if its a Specialized promotion, but I don't know when those happen.
Damn. I was planning on getting a Diverge a couple seasons from now. I might get one next year if next year's promotion is like that.The Specialized promotion to get rid of the year old models was in February of this year. I picked up a 2015 Diverge Expert Carbon for half price during the sale.
It is an impressive bike.
Isn't Raleigh also a big brand name also? (Merit 3)
Is that what happened to you, poor baby? Did we hurt your wittle wittle feewings?It's going to be hilarious when you get your first flat tire, get fed up, and sell your bike.
Specialized and Trek in the US tend to sell for higher list prices due to their huge marketing efforts. I love the quality and designs of both, they tend trickle down their pro designs or features to their sub 2k bikes. Sometimes it's marketing hype, sometimes its good stuff.
Giant and Cannondale make great Spec/Trek alternatives that might be a couple hundred less for a comparable spec sheet. Bikes sometimes are hard to cross shop since they avoid using the same exact option sheet. And when it comes to these road/adventure bikes...they have slightly different approaches.
The Diverge sells like hotcakes, dealers don't mark these down on their own. Deals can be had if its a Specialized promotion, but I don't know when those happen.
Steel is reel, baby. I'd go with the Salsa Vaya. (I've been looking for used Salsa Casseroll forever, but they just don't come up for sale very often in my size around here.)
Unless you're a weight weenie, if you can't afford titanium or carbon, steel frames are way more comfy than aluminum. Your butt will thank you.
Eh. I love Salsa bikes, but the whole aluminum hurts thing is so 5 years ago. Also you have today's wider tire sizes. 26 tires on my entry level Allez frame makes to plenty comfortable. I stopped wanting a Roubaix or Tarmac at that point.Steel is reel, baby. I'd go with the Salsa Vaya. (I've been looking for used Salsa Casseroll forever, but they just don't come up for sale very often in my size around here.)
Unless you're a weight weenie, if you can't afford titanium or carbon, steel frames are way more comfy than aluminum. Your butt will thank you.
I'm just operating on an assumption that the STOCK tire width these bikes come in are naturally their primary purpose.
So skinnier = more road (30mm~), fatter = slower, better comfort & off-roading.
I'm charmed by that ad video of Jamis Renegade series, but judging by its 36mm, I feel that's too much towards off-road. Who knows. Only way to find out is by riding.
my damn bike is stuck in the lowest? or is it highest gear...makes pedalling up hills a real workout. No hill is a challenge to me after a couple more weeks.
The Specialized promotion to get rid of the year old models was in February of this year. I picked up a 2015 Diverge Expert Carbon for half price during the sale.
It is an impressive bike.
Just got my new ride today. Cervelo P3 Di2!
That's a tri bike. Even the roadies can make fun of you...