I’m a triathlete and I was training for an Ironman but my race was recently canceled. With no indication of racing happening any time soon, I want to get a road bike because I’ve really been enjoying cycling and want to start doing group rides. All I currently have is my Felt B2 tri bike. I’m looking for either an aero or race bike for group rides and longer rides. I could see myself potentially getting into racing down the line. Sort of looking for a do it all type of road bike. Where I live it is mostly flat but I want to have something that is decent for climbing in case I make some trips to see friends, relocate, etc.
My LBS is a Specialized, Giant and Cervelo dealer. Today I rode a 2018 Tarmac SL6 Expert and a 2020 Giant Propel Advanced Disc 1. They felt pretty similar to me. I wanted to ride a Giant TCR Advanced Pro 0 Disc but they don’t have any in stock right now.
The Tarmac SL6 Expert has rim brakes and Shimano Ultergra gear set. List price is $4k but they will sell it to me for $3k since it’s a 2018, rim brake, and everyone wanting an SL7 since they just released it. The plus side here is the price of course and also my Felt B2 tri bike has rim brakes so I can get a set a Reynolds AR58’s that I can interchange on both bikes. On the flip side, I will need to buy a power meter and I kind of want disc brakes on my new bike. Everyone seems to be going that way and resale value for rim brakes I’d imagine won’t be there great. Another down side is no electronic shifting which I really enjoy on my Felt B2. That all being said, is this a good deal for $3,000?
Link to the bike: Men's Tarmac Expert | Specialized.com
The Giant Propel Advanced Disc 1 is fully loaded. Carbon wheels, disc brake, power meter, di2. Coming from a tri background I love the idea of a more aero bike built for speed. It really has everything I’m looking for and Giant seems to be the best bang for your buck out there. List price is $6,100 so it’s an extra $3,000 more.
Link to the bike: https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/propel-advanced-pro-1-disc
Thoughts on which bike would better suit my needs? Is $3,000 for a SL6 expert a good deal?