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New Bike… Strael 2 vs Definition 2 or am I missing something?

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  • June 12, 2019 at 9:39 pm #29746
    Rogybiv

    Currently ride an Arkose 3, looking to get a more road orientated bike to hammer around the roads around kent. Like the idea of doing more long distance rides but realistically I don’t have the time, so normally whatever I can fit into 3-4hours on a Sunday. Maybe the odd long ride a few times a year.

     

    Budget is 3k, ideal spec would be:

    – Discs (hydraulic)

    – Ultegra (although new 105 looks almost as good?)

    – Proper Mudguards

    – Lightweight

    – Nice colour

     

    I know the Strael and Definition are not exactly whippets in terms of weight, but they tick all the other boxes and look real nice. Rave reviews too seemingly. The mason definition seems to edge it in terms of weight, and I think I prefer the look a little. I also get the feeling that the definition might feel a little more sprightly from what I’ve read.

     

    Other bikes I’ve been looking at are:

     

    CAAD12 Disc Ultegra – Obviously a lot cheaper, is it as good?

    Reilly Spectre – Can only afford 105, seemingly unreviewed, don’t think it would be lighter than the Strael of Def.

    Canyon Endurace CF SL 8.0 – Never ridden a CF bike, would I need to take extra care (I can be a bit clumsy).

    Ribble Endurance SL Disc – Seems v similar to the Canyon

     

    Go!

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  • June 13, 2019 at 1:11 pm #943723
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    John_S

    Hi Rogybiv,

    Hi Rogybiv,

    If I had the money it would defiitely be the Strael for me because it’s my “if money was no object” dream bike.

    Whatever bike that you pick from your shortlist I hope that you enjoy it!

    John

     

     

    June 13, 2019 at 1:05 pm #943721
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    Joe Totale

    A touch strange that you

    A touch strange that you specify proper mudguards but then list a CAAD 12 and Endurace, both of which can’t take them. 

    There’s nothing to worry about regarding a carbon frame, in fact I’ve read horror stories about the CAAD 12 and how fragile the top tube can be: 

    https://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=147445&sid=15e92e1f8116fbb8b520ae8f1ab7ab55

    IMO I’d grab a Boardman, your budget will get you Di2, they meet all your specs including mudguard mounts:

    https://www.cyclerepublic.com/boardman-slr-9-4-disc-ultegra-di2-mens-road-bike-2019.html

    or

    https://www.cyclerepublic.com/boardman-slr-9-6-disc-ultegra-di2-mens-road-bike-2019.html

    Don’t forget that as Cycle Republic are Halfords in all but name that you get BC discount as well. 

    June 13, 2019 at 12:45 pm #943719
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    Swiss Tony
    Rogybiv wrote:
    That’s great to hear, I don’t know why there seems to be such a lack of press for the Reilly Spectre but I guess they are probably spending their time on bikes rather than PR which can only be a good thing really. It does look like a thing of beauty, I don’t suppose you have a rough on the overall weight? I’m going to try and get up to Brighton to do a test ride, just trying to find an excuse to for a trip up with the fam…

    There are quite a few reviews for the Gradient and to be honest the Spectre is just a more roadie orientated version of the Gradient.
    Not much in it but the Spectre is slightly lighter and nippier than the Grad (but the gradient can take bigger tyres and has rack mounts…)

    Can’t give you an accurate weight as i don’t have a weighing thingy but with the R8000 build that i have (large) I would be surprised if its much over 9kg.

    June 13, 2019 at 12:31 pm #943717
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    quiff

    I have a Definition ‘1’ (the

    I have a Definition ‘1’ (the main difference from Definition 2 being that the rear has a QR rather than thru-axle, and the rear caliper is not flat mount) with old 105, and it’s been great.

    The Definition and the Strael are definitely intended more as year-round bikes – they will score a bit less well than the CAAD12, Canyon and Ribble on your “lightweight” criterion (but still perfectly respectable – the Def is quoted at 8.3kg for a size 54; the Canyon is 8.1 (size unknown)), but better on things like maximum tyre size (somewhere in the 30 – 32mm area) and ability to mount ‘proper’ mudguards and a rack, should you want to. I don’t think the Canyon for example has full mudguard mounts (there’s no chainstay bridge, so you would need to use something like Raceblades.  

    June 13, 2019 at 12:22 pm #943715
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    Rogybiv
    Swiss Tony wrote:
    I can’t offer much input on the other bikes listed but I have the Reilly Spectre.
    I have the R8000 version but if i was buying now (with the slight price increase) I would go with the R7000 as i doubt there is much real world difference.

    Its  the best bike i’ve ever had and i have ridden quite a few bikes over the last 25 years or so.
    Its not a full on race bike like the Caad 12 but it ticks all the boxes for me. I no longer race (other thank the odd TT) and its everything i need, comfy, looks awesome, is sprightly enough to keep up on a good burn up and has the abiltly to take larger tyres 38’s at least and has mudguard mounts.

    If you can get a test ride i would really recommend it..

     

    That’s great to hear, I don’t know why there seems to be such a lack of press for the Reilly Spectre but I guess they are probably spending their time on bikes rather than PR which can only be a good thing really. It does look like a thing of beauty, I don’t suppose you have a rough on the overall weight? I’m going to try and get up to Brighton to do a test ride, just trying to find an excuse to for a trip up with the fam…

    June 13, 2019 at 12:17 pm #943713
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    Rogybiv
    sith64 wrote:
    I can’t tell you much about any of these bikes only about the Canyon, since I own exactly that one (only difference is mine’s got rim brakes). Eventhough it’s an endurance model it definitely goes fast when you make it. Can’t say anything bad about the bike as a whole, really. 

    I switched over from a rather heavy (12,5kg) alloy bike to an 8kg carbon frame and I’ve never had any issues with comfort, handling or whatever. There’s really nothing you need to take extra care of. I would advise you to just try out a carbon frame and a similar alloy frame at your LBS, just to get an idea.

    Have heard very good things about Ribble, quality/price wise. Can definitely say the same about Canyon though, Cannondale seems a little more expensive for the specs.

     

    Thanks for the reply! Yes I’m going to try and drop in to the Ribble showroom in Preston next time I’m up north and have a go on one, I think it would be fairly similar to the Canyon as far as I can see… Ribble gets extra points as you can design your own colour scheme using the bike builder which for a tart like me would be v tempting!

    June 13, 2019 at 12:08 pm #943711
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    Swiss Tony

    I can’t offer much input on

    I can’t offer much input on the other bikes listed but I have the Reilly Spectre.
    I have the R8000 version but if i was buying now (with the slight price increase) I would go with the R7000 as i doubt there is much real world difference.

    Its  the best bike i’ve ever had and i have ridden quite a few bikes over the last 25 years or so.
    Its not a full on race bike like the Caad 12 but it ticks all the boxes for me. I no longer race (other thank the odd TT) and its everything i need, comfy, looks awesome, is sprightly enough to keep up on a good burn up and has the abiltly to take larger tyres 38’s at least and has mudguard mounts.

    If you can get a test ride i would really recommend it..

    June 13, 2019 at 11:44 am #943709
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    sith64

    I can’t tell you much about

    I can’t tell you much about any of these bikes only about the Canyon, since I own exactly that one (only difference is mine’s got rim brakes). Eventhough it’s an endurance model it definitely goes fast when you make it. Can’t say anything bad about the bike as a whole, really. 

    I switched over from a rather heavy (12,5kg) alloy bike to an 8kg carbon frame and I’ve never had any issues with comfort, handling or whatever. There’s really nothing you need to take extra care of. I would advise you to just try out a carbon frame and a similar alloy frame at your LBS, just to get an idea.

    Have heard very good things about Ribble, quality/price wise. Can definitely say the same about Canyon though, Cannondale seems a little more expensive for the specs.

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