After putting more than 500 miles on my Northrock SC7 hybrid bike, I’m shopping for my first road bike. I’d like to keep the price under $1,500, and am aiming for a decent gruppo (or groupset), such as the Shimano 105.
The search is overwhelming. There are so many different manufacturers, brands, models, frames, forks, prices, local bike shops, etc. At this point I’ve narrowed the choices down to the Raleigh Revenio 3.0, the Felt Z85, or the Giant Defy 1. Please share any thoughts or suggestions to help with the decision.
Photos of Raleigh Revenio 3.0, Felt Z85, and Giant Defy 1
(click each photo to enlarge)
Specs of Raleigh Revenio 3.0, Felt Z85, and Giant Defy 1
| Specifications | Raleigh Revenio 3.0 | Felt Z85 | Giant Defy 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frame | Atomic 13 SL Hydroformed Aluminum | Felt Super-light Custom Butted 7005 Aluminum w/ Smooth Welding | ALUXX SL-Grade Aluminum |
| Fork | Custom Carbon Composite | Felt UHC Performance Carbon Fiber Design w/ 3KP Weave | Advanced-Grade Carbon Composite |
| Weight | Unspecified | 19.98lbs | Unspecified |
| Components | |||
| Seatpost | Avenir 200 Series 3 Aluminum | Felt UHC Performance Carbon Fiber Design | Giant Connect Carbon Composite |
| Saddle | Avenir 300 Series Road | Felt D2 Anatomic w/ Double-Density Gel Base | Selle Royal Seta M |
| Drivetrain | |||
| Shifters | Shimano 105 | Shimano 105 | Shimano 105 |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano 105 | Shimano 105 | Shimano 105 |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano 105 | Shimano 105 | Shimano 105 |
| Brakes | Shimano 105 | Dual Pivot w/ Cartridge Brake Shoes | Tektro TK-R540 Giant Specific, Dual Pivot |
| Brake Levers | Shimano 105 STI | Shimano 105 STI | Shimano 105 STI |
| Cassette | Shimano 105 11×28, 10-Speed | Shimano 105 11×28, 10-Speed | Shimano 105 11×28, 10-Speed |
| Chain | KMC DX10 | Shimano 105 | Shimano 105 |
| Crankset | Shimano R600 Compact 34/50t | FSA Vero Compact 50/34t | Shimano 105, 34/50t |
| Wheels | |||
| Rims | Weinmann TR18 Double Wall | MAVIC CXP-22N Aluminum Rim | Giant P-R2 |
| Hubs | Joytech Alloy QR, 28h | Felt Sealed Forged Aluminum w/ Quick Release 32h | Formula Sealed Cartridge Bearing 24/28h |
| Spokes | 14g Stainless MAC w/Alloy Nipples | Stainless Steel 2.0mm w/ Brass Nipples | Sapim Race, 14/15g |
| Tires | Vittoria Rubino Pro 700x23c | Vittoria Zaffiro, 700c x 25c | Giant P-R3, 60 tpi, Flat Guard, 700x25c |
| Other | |||
| Warranty | Lifetime – Frame | Lifetime – Frame | Lifetime – Frame |
| MSRP (Price) | $1,299 | $1,199 | $1,299 |
UPDATE: I ended up looking at a Cannondale CAAD10 and I fell in love, though it was a bit out of my budget. I finally came across a local dealer with a 2010 Cannondale CAAD9 4 with SRAM Rival/Force gruppo. I’m very happy with the bike!