I may be able to purchase a new bike within the month and have narrowed it down to the 2 above. Both cost about the same. I have a good Specialized LBS near me who answers my questions quickly regarding bikes. They don't carry the Smartweld Diverge, so I'd have to buy w/o test riding it.
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\nThere's a Cannobdale Corporate store about 90 minutes away. They just started getting the Carbon Grades in. I can probably test ride in a few weeks. Only issue is loosing that LBS relationship. However, it's gotten rave reviews from many sources.
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\nLooking for recommendations, things to think about from experienced riders. Here are some questions: looking at the specs,
\nWhich is a better all around bike? I want something comfortable for long rides, durable for off road (gravel), fast enough to keep up in group road rides, looks good (sorry alloy Grade 105) and is reasonably priced. Is Carbon just as strong as alloy? To me this is a big purchase and will probably be my only new bike purchase for a long while. How does it compare to the Raleigh which Guitar Ted has stated is the bike to compare to?
I'll add a 3rd bike to the list, the Specialized Crux Elite Evo, I can get it discounted to 2,750, tax included. The Specialized LBS has it in stock, I did an hour ride on the bike path and it road real nice.
Any of the three will be good gravel bikes (I have a carbon Crux and love it, it's a super versatile bike). I suggest sticking with the LBS you have a relationship with as there is a much larger difference between bike shops than there is between bicycles. If fact I often suggest to newer riders to forget shopping for bikes and focus on shopping for a bike shop, then have them help you find the best bike for your needs.
Those are all good bikes. I've ridden the carbon grade 105 and the Specialized, and I have to say the Grade is just a whole new experience in terms of how it deals with bumpiness. That glass fibre seatstay thing it has going really works. It's just a different level of comfort and it still appears to go as fast as a road bike (more of an endurance road bike than a racer, but that's a good thing for me) on a road.
So, I'm a bit wary of the carbon and all, and I think the Specialized may be a better bet for mountain-bike level terrain, but I just can't argue with the way the Grade rides. Bumps just sort of aren't there.
Incidentally I test rode the metal Grade 105 too, and it was nothing special, it seemed to me -- nice bike but pretty much like what I'd expect, whereas the carbon was amazing.
I agree with Kahei--- The Carbon 105 Grade is a joy to ride long distances over rough terrain. I have put around five hundred miles on mine and have no regrets about selling my old full suspension mountain bike! The Grade handles asphalt as well as my titanium road bike and then lights up when I hit gravel and single track.
Thanks for the help. Reviewed the finances with the wife and concluded both are out of our price range for now. I'll be starting a new thread. I think the comments above are a great help for anyone in this price range.
I'm struggling with this same decision. I am currently riding an All City Macho Man and want to upgrade to something lighter/faster on the pavement and I want disc brakes. I train on a mix of dirt roads and non-paved bike paths, but I really enjoy fast paced group rides when I get away. I am definitely of the mindset of one really nice bike instead of having two mediocre bikes. I'm trying to decide between the Diverge, Grade and Crux all at the ultegra level group set. Thanks in advance for your input!
My LSBS favors the Crux over the Diverge and at the Ultegra level it's $300 less. After all my research I concluded that if I wanted more of a race bike to go with the Crux and if I was more interested in completing events more comfortably I'd go with the GT. Since $1500 is my new price point I'm probably getting the Crux E5 and upgrade overtime. I don't like the GT alloys.
I'm looking at the 105 Groupset. I find that I'm trying to convince myself I like the color and look. The guys at the shop admit it's not for everyone. The shop that sells the Grade is also over an hour away, another check against it for me. Someone posted they road the carbon and alloy, the carbon was out of this world but they thought the alloy was nothing special. I can get a CAADX from the shop down the street, which is the way I'm leaning. Having said all that, the Alloy Grade is the best deal on the market. If you like the look and ride I think you'd be happy with it.
Thanks for the info. I'm not thrilled with the look, but it does seem to be a great value. I want to stick with a 50/34 as I adjust to the rollers in Kansas, and Missouri, those don't exist in SE Wisconsin. Thanks again.
Walt Brown wrote:Craig,
\nHow's the tire clearance? I'm hoping to test ride a 105 carbon tomorrow.
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\nI have 35mm USH from Clement and there is tons of clearance.
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\nMy next tires will be the MSO in 40mm. I think they will fit, but time will tell. I will post pictures in a couple of weeks when they arrive.
Hi, I'm revising this post and need your help. I just spent over 50 miles on the Diverge Carbon and loved it. The only problem is the $3500 price tag. I'm hoping to capture the same or very similar ride experience ( fast, comfortable and confident on the road and capable off road) at lower cost.
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\n1) Smartweld version ($2700): my only concern is that it'll have a noticeably harsher ride or not deal as quick.
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\n2) Carbon 105 Grade ($2500): I rode it shortly last fall and loved its compliance and have no doubt concerning its off-road capability. My only question is whether or not it feels fast.
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\nAny experience advice on the three bikes would be appreciated, even if it's that the Carbon Diverge is worth the extra $1,000.
hey Walt -- I love my carbon 105 Diverge! So smoooooth, so nimble. Have not been on the Smartweld version, so can't offer a comparison. Wish the Diverge could accept larger tires, but 36mm suffices for most use. The short chain stays and wheelbase are nice on tight stuff, and I have not felt held back on descents (low BB probably helps). In fact, lift the front wheel on waterbars and the rear pops right over beneath you. I think Spesh is on to something.
