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Trek Emonda SL5 vs Cannondale SuperSix Evo Carbon 105


Horsey031

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Hi everyone, 

 

I MTB but I am looking to start road riding (once we are out of lockdown), mainly so I can train in the middle of the week. I thought about an indoor trainer but I think getting out there and riding is more appealing to me.

 

I am looking for some advice on which one of these bikes is better. I am 169cm so I am leaning towards 54cm. I really would like to try them before buying but they are both currently online deals (about R25 500) for the lockdown.

 

The two options are Trek Emonda SL5 vs Cannondale SuperSix Evo Carbon 105. 

 

I am also considering buying a used bike with much higher specs but I have heard horror stories of people buying frames and they are damaged. If I went this route I am looking at a Giant Propel or a Scott Foil (or something similar).

 

I see giant Propels going for about 20k, would this be a good deal? 

 

Thanks in advance kind people! 

 

 

 

 

Cannondale SuperSix Evo Carbon 105. 

 

Frame:
All-New, BallisTec Carbon, direct mount rim brake, integrated cable routing w/ Switchplate, 130x9mm QR, SAVE, PF30a, integrated seat binder

Fork:
All-New, BallisTec Carbon, direct mount rim brake, SAVE, 1-1/8 to 1-1/4 steerer, integrated crown race, 100x9mm QR, 55mm offset (47-54cm) 45mm offset (56-62cm)

Front Derailleur:
Shimano 105, braze-on

Rear Derailleur:
Shimano 105 GS

Shifters:
Shimano 105, 2x11

Chain:
Shimano HG601, 11-speed

Crank:
Cannondale 1, BB30a, FSA rings, 52/36

Cassette:
Headset: SuperSix, 1-1/4 lower bearing, 25mm top cap

Bottom Bracket:
Cannondale Alloy PressFit30

Brakes:
Shimano 105

Brake Levers:
Shimano 105

Tyres:
Vittoria Zaffiro Pro Slick, 700 x 25c

Rims:
Fulcrum Racing 900

Front Hub:
Fulcrum Racing 900

Rear Hub:
Fulcrum Racing 900

Spokes:
Fulcrum, Stainless steel

Handlebar:
Cannondale 3, 6061 alloy, Compact

Grips:
Cannondale Grip Bar Tape w/Gel, 3.5mm

Stem:
Cannondale 3, 6061 alloy, 7-degree

Saddle:
Prologo Nago RS STN

Seatpost:
All-New HollowGram 27 KNØT, Alloy, 2 bolt clamp, 330mm

 

 

Trek Emonda SL5

 

 

  • Frameset
     
    Frame Ultralight 500 Series OCLV Carbon, tapered head tube, BB90, direct mount rim brakes, internal cable routing, DuoTrap S compatible, Ride Tuned seatmast
     
    Fork Émonda carbon, tapered steerer, direct-mount rim brakes
  • Wheels
     
    Front hub Alloy
     
    Rear hub Alloy
     
    Rims Bontrager Affinity Tubeless Ready
     
    Tyres Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite, 700x 25c
     
    Max tyre size 25 c Bontrager tyres (with at least 4 mm of clearance to frame)
  • Drivetrain
     
    Shifters Shimano 105, 11-speed
     
    Front derailleur Shimano 105, braze-on
     
    Rear derailleur Shimano 105
     
    Crank Shimano 105, 50/34 (compact)
     
    Bottom bracket BB90
     
    Cassette Shimano 105, 11-28, 11-speed
     
    Chain Shimano 105
     
    Pedals Not included
  • Components
     
    Saddle Bontrager Montrose Comp, chromoly rails
     
    Seatpost Bontrager Ride Tuned alloy seatmast cap, 10 mm offset
     
    Handlebar Bontrager Comp VR-C, 31.8 mm
     
    Grips Bontrager tape
     
    Stem Bontrager Elite, 31.8 mm, 7-degree, w/computer and light mounts
     
    Head set Integrated, cartridge bearing, sealed, 1-1/8˝ top, 1.5˝ bottom
     
    Brake set Shimano 105 direct mount
  •  
  • Weight
     
    Weight 56 - 8.68 kg / 19.13 lbs
     
    Weight limit This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider and cargo) of 125 kg (275 lb).
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Out of those 2 options I would go with the Cannondale, but that's personal preference. Both are good bikes.

 

Giant has probably the best warranty and back up in SA, but the Propel is an extremely rigid Aero frame. So comfort wont be as good as you first 2 options.

The Giant TCR would be a better option IMO

 

For what you want the bike for why not look for a Cannondale CAAD 12 Aluminium frame, but certainly the best in its segment and as good if not better than most carbon frames.

 

Buying used will always have its risks and frame warranty normally doesn't apply to the second owner.  

There are a lot of good value for money bikes around, maybe don't limit yourself to just 1 or 2 brands.

In saying that, try and buy something with good backup in SA. Giant, Silverback, Merida, Trek, Brands like that.

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I ride the Emonda SL6. It climb better than my Madone 5.2 I had, but is more nervous than the Madone. I am very happy with it.

Don't know Cannondale so can't compare

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Maybe look at 51/52cm size frames, given your height. Rather buy a frame on the small size. A 54 (typically for riders 174 -178cm) will come with 172 cranks, whereas a 52 should have 170mm cranks. Also make sure the fork steerer is long enough. In fact I would strongly recommend you talk to a bike fitment specialist.

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Out of those 2 options I would go with the Cannondale, but that's personal preference. Both are good bikes.

 

Giant has probably the best warranty and back up in SA, but the Propel is an extremely rigid Aero frame. So comfort wont be as good as you first 2 options.

The Giant TCR would be a better option IMO

 

For what you want the bike for why not look for a Cannondale CAAD 12 Aluminium frame, but certainly the best in its segment and as good if not better than most carbon frames.

 

Buying used will always have its risks and frame warranty normally doesn't apply to the second owner.

There are a lot of good value for money bikes around, maybe don't limit yourself to just 1 or 2 brands.

In saying that, try and buy something with good backup in SA. Giant, Silverback, Merida, Trek, Brands like that.

Thanks for the advice. Will definitely have a look at Giant! I really would like a Carbon frame so will keep looking.

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Maybe look at 51/52cm size frames, given your height. Rather buy a frame on the small size. A 54 (typically for riders 174 -178cm) will come with 172 cranks, whereas a 52 should have 170mm cranks. Also make sure the fork steerer is long enough. In fact I would strongly recommend you talk to a bike fitment specialist.

Thanks for the advice. All the sizing charts said I should be a 54 but what you say also makes sense. I will look for a 51/52.

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Firstly at 169cm you're 3 cm shorter than I am. I ride a 53cm with an overall reach of 64.5cm. My stem is about 8cm below the saddle top.

So I'm not sure that a 54cm will be the right fit unless you use a short 80mm stem. 

 

Secondly of the two I'd opt for the Cannondale, mostly because it doesn't have that utterly crap BB90 with birdshot for ball bearings.

The other reason I'd opt for the Cannondale is because the Ultegra equiped bike has won bike of the year awards all over the planet for its value for money, handling and light weight.

You also have different options for bottom brackets whereas with the Trek you're just stuck with a **** bike.

 

If you wanted to opt for a Giant TCR then well then I'd say you have a tough choice on your hands as that is also an absolute belter of a bike for the money.

But for the price point, the Cannondale just takes the win from every angle

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The new ‘Dale at 51cm (52 cm was the previous model and a different carbon mould) would likely be a better fit.

Reviews are great.

Aesthetically not as great as the Trek.

 

I’m biased as all my bicycles are Cannondale. ????

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BTW The Propel is an aero bike and reports from peers is that it is a hard, unyielding ride. Perfect for racing.

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At 169cm i ride a 52 rode bike. Haven't even considered anything else. Proper bike fit done and bike fits like a glove.

 

Of the listed options, 'dale would be my recommendation as well. More potential.

 

All the best!

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Firstly at 169cm you're 3 cm shorter than I am. I ride a 53cm with an overall reach of 64.5cm. My stem is about 8cm below the saddle top.

So I'm not sure that a 54cm will be the right fit unless you use a short 80mm stem.

 

Secondly of the two I'd opt for the Cannondale, mostly because it doesn't have that utterly crap BB90 with birdshot for ball bearings.

The other reason I'd opt for the Cannondale is because the Ultegra equiped bike has won bike of the year awards all over the planet for its value for money, handling and light weight.

You also have different options for bottom brackets whereas with the Trek you're just stuck with a **** bike.

 

If you wanted to opt for a Giant TCR then well then I'd say you have a tough choice on your hands as that is also an absolute belter of a bike for the money.

But for the price point, the Cannondale just takes the win from every angle

Thank you for the advice. I have never owned a road bike before so the size you are suggesting is a huge help. Will definitely look at getting the sizes 51/52.

 

Okay I guess you put me off Trek with the BB90, no the first I read about this.

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The new ‘Dale at 51cm (52 cm was the previous model and a different carbon mould) would likely be a better fit.

Reviews are great.

Aesthetically not as great as the Trek.

 

I’m biased as all my bicycles are Cannondale. ????

Thanks, will definitely consider the Cannondale 51!

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At 169cm i ride a 52 rode bike. Haven't even considered anything else. Proper bike fit done and bike fits like a glove.

 

Of the listed options, 'dale would be my recommendation as well. More potential.

 

All the best!

Perfect, thanks for the help, I will look for 51/52 bikes.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hi everyone, reviving the topic with a new option. I wonder if anyone could give me some advice? 

 

I am also looking at Giant TCR and Giant Propel now. As mentioned I am 169.5cm tall. According o the Giant website I should be looking at a size small or a size 52m, is this the correct size for me?

The logical thing to do is to go and ride one but we are in lockdown and the bikes I am looking at are online, pre-owned and in another province. 

I also saw a Scott Foil Medium which I assume is a 54. I like this bike but I think this could be a bit big for me. 

 

Giant Size Chart
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/_upload_au/rider_height_frame_size.pdf

Edited by Horsey031
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I have an older 2015 TCR .  Im 173cm .  Its a size 54.  Fits perfectly.  Been riding this bike for 5 years and no issues with neck or back.  The bike is increible.  I ride with laanies who all have the latest and greatest Pinarello and BMC and Bianchi.  And every now and then we swop bikes on climbs etc to feel the difference.  TBH i think the Giant is better , probably because of the fit .  Look im more a mountain biker so take my words with  apinch of salt, but  Giant do make great value bikes and every write up on the TCR backs this up.  So i would go with  smaller size 52 maybe and look at the TCR.

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I have an older 2015 TCR .  Im 173cm .  Its a size 54.  Fits perfectly.  Been riding this bike for 5 years and no issues with neck or back.  The bike is increible.  I ride with laanies who all have the latest and greatest Pinarello and BMC and Bianchi.  And every now and then we swop bikes on climbs etc to feel the difference.  TBH i think the Giant is better , probably because of the fit .  Look im more a mountain biker so take my words with  apinch of salt, but  Giant do make great value bikes and every write up on the TCR backs this up.  So i would go with  smaller size 52 maybe and look at the TCR.

 

Hi Stevief,

 

Thanks for the reply. I am also a mountain biker, looking to get in to road riding for some midweek morning club rides. 

 

I see that Giant Sizes like TCR and Propel come in Small, Medium, Large, etc... does this mean I should be looking at Size Small (52)?

 

thanks! 

Edited by Horsey031
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