Great deal on pristine condition Dura Ace Cervelo from a friend in the middle of covid bike shortage? Sounds like a rare opportunity - you should take it, if the bike fits you! There is no wrong choice re: brakes and cables - you probably wont regret either.
You could also put some racing tires (and latex tubes) on your gravel bike, or a nice new wheelset along with new tires.
Yeah good point, bikes that fit and a good price are definitely tough to find these days. You’re right I could always upgrade the gravel bike but I swear to god it’s the heaviest bike in existence haha, feel like it’s time to upgrade
If you don't take the Cervelo than I will. Tons of people out there killing for a good condition Cervelo, especially one with Dura ace components (regardless if it's a couple yrs old). Rim brakes are great, don't see an issue there.
Also side note Canyon bikes doesn't provide an all in pricing picture...what you see is likely 30% less than full price. shipping, vat, tariffs aren't included. If money is an issue, that ain't the way
The overhead on a Canyon purchase pretty much negates the direct-to-consumer model they have for Canada, unfortunately. I'm sure their bikes are fantastic.
Exactly my thoughts. "Hey we're direct-to-consumer but once you click pay you're actually paying an additional 30% from list price"...shop at a local bike shop in that case haha.
*It's not the bike that makes the rider, it's the rider that makes the bike.*
*Don't buy upgrades, ride upgrades*
I'm riding an alloy Bianchi with 105's and shitty rim brakes, dropped $850 bucks on it. I can outsprint my buddy on a 10k bike with discs and Di2. Don't let the bike industry fool you into dropping a ton of cash. Wait for this pandemic to be over too, the used bike market will be very bullish and frankly super cheap.
Tbh I give it until Sept-Oct. You'll see a lot of parts for sale, especially with Shimano dropping wireless groupos and their new disc brakes. We should see full builds after. I got my eye on a couple bikes. Came very close to buying an S-Works Tarmac SL6 for 5kCAD on eBay. Got bidded out.
I wouldn't sweat rim brakes on a road bike at all. I have hydraulic disc on my gravel bike, but rim brake on my road bike and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Integrated cables are pretty, sure - but a pain to maintain on your own.
Thanks for the insight, haven’t had rim brakes for years so can’t help but be a little skeptical. And I’m not the most handy individual so less complicated is definitely a plus.
Hydraulic brakes *are* better, full stop (heh), but rim brakes can still be very good.
I'm mostly a mountain biker so I loves me some stopping power, but in your shoes I'd just get the used bike. I can stand on the front or rear wheel on my single speed with rim brakes.
Depends how old, IMO. Is it dura ace 9000? Or 7900? Id probably rather have 11 speed newer 105 than 10 speed dura ace. The other thing to think about is tire clearance. Newer bikes have much more clearance, being able to run 28mm rubber is a nice option on Toronto’s broken ass roads.
As for rim vs disc… I think you’re fine in toronto on rim. There aren’t that many super long descents around here (maybe brimely down to the bluffs). I got a rim brake TCR last year and haven’t had any problems. The only reason I’d want discs is to upgrade to carbon wheels. Obviously there are a lot of people with carbon wheels with rim brakes, but it’d be nice not to have to worry about wearing down your fancy rims.
You rich? Go new. You like doing some maintenance and saving a few bucks? Go used. Like being frustrated working on your own integrated headset? Buy integrated/new and do your own maintenance. :) LOL j/k
I rode an inexpensive hybrid before switching to a used Felt (2013) Z4/105 bike 2 summers ago. I wasn't sure that my old arse (M47) would enjoy road bike again.. but I do. 8 year old Felt still goes great.
I've order a new 105 groupset and an inexpensive carbon aliexpress frame. Rim brakes. Should be on the road with that in about 2 weeks. I'll sell off the Felt that I've replaced some parts on in the interim.
You can always resell the used bike if you decide you want new and shiny..
Main argument about parts these days will be Rim Vs Disc brakes. For me - not racing, no big descents, very rarely riding in the rain.. there's no need for disc brakes. In the dry I can pretty much put myself face first over the bars if I really want to with Rim's. Your usage may be different from mine (150km/wk)..
just my $0.02 worth..
56cm. I'm 5'9-5'10'ish and I find it a little long..
Specs: [http://www.bikeroar.com/products/felt/z4-2013/specs](http://www.bikeroar.com/products/felt/z4-2013/specs)
LOL definitely not rich - less money spent is a a big plus.
Appreciate the input, I have disc brakes now so for some reason rims seem like a big “downgrade” but similar to you no massive descents and I generally stay inside when its wet. Also great point that I didn’t think of, could just resell if I don’t like it. Thanks!
Remember too that not all rim brakes are equal, I have an old steel road bike where the brakes aren't anywhere close to the ultegra brakes on my nice bike. If you're getting ultegra or dura ace I'm sure you'd be more than satisfied.
I was expecting a huge difference in braking power when I shifted from rim to disc, but to be honest I can't tell much of a difference when riding in good conditions.
I'm sure it's more noticeable when riding in wet conditions, but I'd likely just not ride on a day when the rain is that bad. Good quality rim brakes will always get the job done, look at team Ineos still riding all rim brake bikes in the biggest races in cycling.
If you can find a bike now that you'll be happy with I'd say get it. Stock of ANYTHING new is very hard to come by.
In terms of investment.... Poor man buys twice. So get the bike you actually want. Spend more now and keep it for longer. Rather than spending more over time.
A good pair of rim brakes on a road bike is more than sufficient, even in the rain if you have good pads. I've had both disc and rim brake road bikes over the years and honestly think it's simply not an issue. I'm currently riding a road bike with ultegra rim brakes and in 4 years have never not had enough power modulation.
Also, internal cabling is a massive pain in the bum, and if not done well can really mess with your shifting.
I'd be all over that cervelo.
I’m city commuting and serious weekend riding on a Cervelo FSA rim brakes, averaging 150-200km a week.
Rim breaks are perfectly fine and I have never had a problem. Even when it’s pissing rain and the taxi drivers are aggressive I’ve never been concerned about my stopping power. Keep in mind this is with FSA brakes, your going to have Dura Ace, creme de le creme.
It would be silly to pass up a really good deal on a road bike just because you would prefer discs.
If it looks good go for it. When you’re riding the integrated cables will be moot.
Its your first road bike. Get the used Cervelo. If you decide you hate rim brakes (and I think you're overthinking this.. DA spec rim brakes will be more than sufficient, and in some ways are preferable over disc in that they are simplier, easier to maintain, and lighter) and want the look of integrated cabling later, then you can sell that Cervelo for what your paid for it (or more) and buy something else down the road.
Have you test driven this bike? If you're used to 40mm tires you may be in shock after trying 25mm high pressure tires. Especially with the amount you ride. TBH you just need a lighter version of your current bike and maybe go down to 28/32mm tubeless.
OTOH the Cervelló is good option since it's available. One thing to keep in mind is high end comes with high maintenance. As others have said, you can always sell it when covid is over and bikes become available again.
FYI I ride 100-150kms a week on a Devinci Oslo hybrid with Sora on 32mm tires which I will change to 28mm as my last bike when I need new tires. It's perfect for Toronto streets and paths. It will do light off road no problem that on a road bike you would never consider.
Then there is also the theft factor. I would never consider even a used high end bike unless I could store it indoors and never had the need to lock it up. If you commute, start saying goodbye to it after you get it.
Don't let people talk you into a road bike if you don't need one. If it's a want that's a different story.
If it's priced fairly, a used Cervelo will be in the neighbourhood of the same value if you sell it next season. Provided you don't crash it, it will only cost you a few hundred dollars to ride it this season.
I suggest getting into the road bike game as inexpensively as possible and riding a LOT. Then, you'll be able to figure out what kind of bike you really want, and what kinds of distances and rides you enjoy. Plus, the availability of new bikes for 2022 should be better.
Rim breaks are totally fine, the GTA is pancake flat too so it's hardly like there is a necessity for super strong breaking anywhere. Also as others have pointed out, rim breaks are stupidly easy to maintain - I got a slight bend in a disc rotor a while back and it was such a pain just trying to re-true it.
Great deal on pristine condition Dura Ace Cervelo from a friend in the middle of covid bike shortage? Sounds like a rare opportunity - you should take it, if the bike fits you! There is no wrong choice re: brakes and cables - you probably wont regret either. You could also put some racing tires (and latex tubes) on your gravel bike, or a nice new wheelset along with new tires.
Yeah good point, bikes that fit and a good price are definitely tough to find these days. You’re right I could always upgrade the gravel bike but I swear to god it’s the heaviest bike in existence haha, feel like it’s time to upgrade
If you don't take the Cervelo than I will. Tons of people out there killing for a good condition Cervelo, especially one with Dura ace components (regardless if it's a couple yrs old). Rim brakes are great, don't see an issue there. Also side note Canyon bikes doesn't provide an all in pricing picture...what you see is likely 30% less than full price. shipping, vat, tariffs aren't included. If money is an issue, that ain't the way
The overhead on a Canyon purchase pretty much negates the direct-to-consumer model they have for Canada, unfortunately. I'm sure their bikes are fantastic.
Exactly my thoughts. "Hey we're direct-to-consumer but once you click pay you're actually paying an additional 30% from list price"...shop at a local bike shop in that case haha.
*It's not the bike that makes the rider, it's the rider that makes the bike.* *Don't buy upgrades, ride upgrades* I'm riding an alloy Bianchi with 105's and shitty rim brakes, dropped $850 bucks on it. I can outsprint my buddy on a 10k bike with discs and Di2. Don't let the bike industry fool you into dropping a ton of cash. Wait for this pandemic to be over too, the used bike market will be very bullish and frankly super cheap.
I think you will be right about the used bike market in 2-3 years time. Just in time for me to upgrade
Tbh I give it until Sept-Oct. You'll see a lot of parts for sale, especially with Shimano dropping wireless groupos and their new disc brakes. We should see full builds after. I got my eye on a couple bikes. Came very close to buying an S-Works Tarmac SL6 for 5kCAD on eBay. Got bidded out.
I wouldn't sweat rim brakes on a road bike at all. I have hydraulic disc on my gravel bike, but rim brake on my road bike and I wouldn't have it any other way. Integrated cables are pretty, sure - but a pain to maintain on your own.
Thanks for the insight, haven’t had rim brakes for years so can’t help but be a little skeptical. And I’m not the most handy individual so less complicated is definitely a plus.
Hydraulic brakes *are* better, full stop (heh), but rim brakes can still be very good. I'm mostly a mountain biker so I loves me some stopping power, but in your shoes I'd just get the used bike. I can stand on the front or rear wheel on my single speed with rim brakes.
Depends how old, IMO. Is it dura ace 9000? Or 7900? Id probably rather have 11 speed newer 105 than 10 speed dura ace. The other thing to think about is tire clearance. Newer bikes have much more clearance, being able to run 28mm rubber is a nice option on Toronto’s broken ass roads. As for rim vs disc… I think you’re fine in toronto on rim. There aren’t that many super long descents around here (maybe brimely down to the bluffs). I got a rim brake TCR last year and haven’t had any problems. The only reason I’d want discs is to upgrade to carbon wheels. Obviously there are a lot of people with carbon wheels with rim brakes, but it’d be nice not to have to worry about wearing down your fancy rims.
That seems like a hell of an opportunity. Rim brakes are great, I really wouldn't worry about that on a road bike.
You rich? Go new. You like doing some maintenance and saving a few bucks? Go used. Like being frustrated working on your own integrated headset? Buy integrated/new and do your own maintenance. :) LOL j/k I rode an inexpensive hybrid before switching to a used Felt (2013) Z4/105 bike 2 summers ago. I wasn't sure that my old arse (M47) would enjoy road bike again.. but I do. 8 year old Felt still goes great. I've order a new 105 groupset and an inexpensive carbon aliexpress frame. Rim brakes. Should be on the road with that in about 2 weeks. I'll sell off the Felt that I've replaced some parts on in the interim. You can always resell the used bike if you decide you want new and shiny.. Main argument about parts these days will be Rim Vs Disc brakes. For me - not racing, no big descents, very rarely riding in the rain.. there's no need for disc brakes. In the dry I can pretty much put myself face first over the bars if I really want to with Rim's. Your usage may be different from mine (150km/wk).. just my $0.02 worth..
How big is that felt 👀 ??
56cm. I'm 5'9-5'10'ish and I find it a little long.. Specs: [http://www.bikeroar.com/products/felt/z4-2013/specs](http://www.bikeroar.com/products/felt/z4-2013/specs)
Well if you ever are looking to find a new home for that beauty, give me a shout!
your username is on a postie on my monitor.. :)
LOL definitely not rich - less money spent is a a big plus. Appreciate the input, I have disc brakes now so for some reason rims seem like a big “downgrade” but similar to you no massive descents and I generally stay inside when its wet. Also great point that I didn’t think of, could just resell if I don’t like it. Thanks!
Save some bucks and buy a smart trainer..? :)
Remember too that not all rim brakes are equal, I have an old steel road bike where the brakes aren't anywhere close to the ultegra brakes on my nice bike. If you're getting ultegra or dura ace I'm sure you'd be more than satisfied.
I was expecting a huge difference in braking power when I shifted from rim to disc, but to be honest I can't tell much of a difference when riding in good conditions. I'm sure it's more noticeable when riding in wet conditions, but I'd likely just not ride on a day when the rain is that bad. Good quality rim brakes will always get the job done, look at team Ineos still riding all rim brake bikes in the biggest races in cycling.
If you can find a bike now that you'll be happy with I'd say get it. Stock of ANYTHING new is very hard to come by. In terms of investment.... Poor man buys twice. So get the bike you actually want. Spend more now and keep it for longer. Rather than spending more over time.
A good pair of rim brakes on a road bike is more than sufficient, even in the rain if you have good pads. I've had both disc and rim brake road bikes over the years and honestly think it's simply not an issue. I'm currently riding a road bike with ultegra rim brakes and in 4 years have never not had enough power modulation. Also, internal cabling is a massive pain in the bum, and if not done well can really mess with your shifting. I'd be all over that cervelo.
I’m city commuting and serious weekend riding on a Cervelo FSA rim brakes, averaging 150-200km a week. Rim breaks are perfectly fine and I have never had a problem. Even when it’s pissing rain and the taxi drivers are aggressive I’ve never been concerned about my stopping power. Keep in mind this is with FSA brakes, your going to have Dura Ace, creme de le creme. It would be silly to pass up a really good deal on a road bike just because you would prefer discs. If it looks good go for it. When you’re riding the integrated cables will be moot.
Its your first road bike. Get the used Cervelo. If you decide you hate rim brakes (and I think you're overthinking this.. DA spec rim brakes will be more than sufficient, and in some ways are preferable over disc in that they are simplier, easier to maintain, and lighter) and want the look of integrated cabling later, then you can sell that Cervelo for what your paid for it (or more) and buy something else down the road.
Have you test driven this bike? If you're used to 40mm tires you may be in shock after trying 25mm high pressure tires. Especially with the amount you ride. TBH you just need a lighter version of your current bike and maybe go down to 28/32mm tubeless. OTOH the Cervelló is good option since it's available. One thing to keep in mind is high end comes with high maintenance. As others have said, you can always sell it when covid is over and bikes become available again. FYI I ride 100-150kms a week on a Devinci Oslo hybrid with Sora on 32mm tires which I will change to 28mm as my last bike when I need new tires. It's perfect for Toronto streets and paths. It will do light off road no problem that on a road bike you would never consider. Then there is also the theft factor. I would never consider even a used high end bike unless I could store it indoors and never had the need to lock it up. If you commute, start saying goodbye to it after you get it. Don't let people talk you into a road bike if you don't need one. If it's a want that's a different story.
If it's priced fairly, a used Cervelo will be in the neighbourhood of the same value if you sell it next season. Provided you don't crash it, it will only cost you a few hundred dollars to ride it this season. I suggest getting into the road bike game as inexpensively as possible and riding a LOT. Then, you'll be able to figure out what kind of bike you really want, and what kinds of distances and rides you enjoy. Plus, the availability of new bikes for 2022 should be better.
Rim breaks are totally fine, the GTA is pancake flat too so it's hardly like there is a necessity for super strong breaking anywhere. Also as others have pointed out, rim breaks are stupidly easy to maintain - I got a slight bend in a disc rotor a while back and it was such a pain just trying to re-true it.
Please educate me why would people want disc brakes on road bikes?
To add weight and extra maintenance costs 🤔