Transitioning from hybrid to road/cyclocross

[Lady Hamilton]

Bad news on the Norco Search in steel I was considering. Here it is spring and the new 2018 version on their website is already sold out!!! If I want one, I will have to wait for the release of their 2019 version, later in the year. Just my luck. I find the bike I want and it's not available. The search for a 700x40 gravel bike continues.

How unfortunate (. Is there no dealers in the area, who might have one in stock on premises?

[Lady Hamilton]

Yes, of course.
Originally, carbon was all I was considering (in my head I already have a very good aluminum bike, so next bike should be an upgrade in every respect).
I am starting to think that I will spend this season enjoying the bike I have with some upgrades (get a grippier tire, I can go up to 30, possibly even 32 on my Vita with rim breaks) and wait for late summer sales. Specialized goes on sale in July, I believe.
In October there is always Fall Bike Blowout Sale. If you go prepared (know exactly what you want) you can get a smoking deal on a bike. I have seen those deals already during the Spring Show (as much as 50% off on last year's models) and roughly 20% off pretty much guaranteed, depending on a model. Of course, depending on LBS and brand (rules around MSRP, etc) it is possible to get about 15% off outside of the bike show.

[north woods gal]

How unfortunate (. Is there no dealers in the area, who might have one in stock on premises?

No, not a one left, anywhere with any shop. My bike guy called Norco, direct. Oh, well. Not like I am bike poor, anyway.

[Lady Hamilton]

So, this weekend I have seen and ridden Ruby Elite Disk and base Diverge (without future shock). I am stuck, as I have not yet seen 2018 Cannondale Synapse in any modification. None of the stores around have them on display and I am very interested in this bike, as they are the most affordable with the same components. For instance, Synapse disk Tiagra is $500 cheaper than comparable Domane ALR 4 and $300 cheaper than Diverge. For the price of Domane with Tiagra you get Synapse with 105. There is a $500 difference between Cannondale 105 and similarly built Diverge.
I am at loss to understand the price policy and why Cannondale bikes are so much cheaper.

[Lady Hamilton]

You could call around and see if anyone knows someone who would let you try someone's bike. (I saved a fortune, Surly is not custom ).

Just a thought.

The problem is, I can try a Domane no problem, even in the right size, but not Cannondale. I went to a women's ride last weekend, and nobody has a Cannondale (

I might have to do what I don't like doing. Have one of the larger shops bring one in...But in all honesty, I don't know why I wouldn't buy one if I like the ride and it fits well. No matter whichever way you look, both Tiagra and 105 Synapses are at least $300 cheaper than identical Trek and Specialized bikes.

Trek doesn't even bother putting 105 on aluminum Domane. You have to go carbon and $1300 over Synapse to get 105 group set. Yes, the bike will be carbon...

[Lady Hamilton]

The silver women's Synapse in carbon is beautiful. I suppose you are looking at that one since it's 105? It looks a lot like my CAADX, except it is raw aluminum silver, and it has the old cantilever brakes instead of disc! Another thing about the Synapse. It has thru axels instead of quick release, which is what mountain bikes typically have these days. (Better technology than quick release, and a safer design. You do need an allen key to remove the wheel, but it really isn't difficult. My CAADX has the 'old style' quick release.

The Synapse is a well-designed bike. A lot more advanced than the others you were looking at in many ways.

I am actually looking at the alloy one, white. Unfortunately, they decided not to put disk breaks on the 105 carbon (the only model in the line up without disk breaks)... And Ultegra is way outside of budget...

[north woods gal]

I'd take the current Tiagra in a heartbeat over Apex for quality and performance. Have owned both. Apex is bottom of the line in SRAM. Gave me nothing but headaches.

A top end aluminum frame is not significantly heavier than an entry-level carbon frame - if at all - and if you pair up a good aluminum frame with a carbon fork, it makes for a very nice ride. Great way to get a better component group. The only thing you'll notice with the aluminum frame versus carbon at this level is a different ride feel.

[MollyJ]

This is a fascinating thread but since I am just getting in to gravel riding, feel like I need a primer. Is there a good primer resource for gravel riding?