Road bike recommendations

plus one for Di2

really that good? I'll have to save a few more pennies then!

You can get Emonda frame only and build with Di2 and Flo30 at approx 2.5k I reckon ..

Not sure of a suitable thread. this is an interesting read:
http://cyclingtips.com.au/2015/02/a-tour-of-giants-taichung-factory/

@Moserism aero bikes do not handle better - if anything the opposite is true. Your mates are talking total BS.

I've owned an s2, ridden an s3, s5 and currently own an r5 - the r5 is hands down the best bike I have ever ridden, the s5 was one of the worst (slippery as fuck but handled like a boat and so harsh).

The the new s2 has a much cheaper fork than the old one, so isn't as stiff as it once was, but the ride is a bit more forgiving now. The s3 is a good compromise, but if I were you I would get the r3. If it's even half the bike that the r5 is then its still miles better than the rest.

Also - di2 (despite my scepticism) is awesome. It's not strictly necessary though and I only notice how awesome di2 is when I ride another bike that doesn't have it :)

but if I were you I would get the r3. If it's even half the bike that the r5 is then its still miles better than the rest.

What about the R2? mainly because it's the cheapest model.

Can't comment, have never ridden one.

That's not how it works, Dan.

@andyp Ok ok.. jeez..

If the R5 is 2 better than the R3, then I would say that the R2 is 3 worse than the R5, but only 1 worse than the R3.

Happy now?

I want a R4.

*an R4

R6 mate. That's at least 1 better than my bike.

I want an R8. Matching names Audi and Cervelo. Proper dentist heaven that.

Took the plunge and bought a propel advanced 2 myself a few weeks back. I can put some words together on my experience so far if it's any help?

Yeah a bit of feedback would be awesome, i think i'll definitely be test riding one, any obvious plus points or negatives that have become apparent?

I've only put about 100 miles in on it so far but these are my initial thoughts..

Good

Light - Obviously, but the weight feels well distributed. Wheelset is actually quite light for standard kit.

Stiff - Pedaling feels direct, practically no flex. Feels comfortable for longer rides although if you hit a grain of salt you'll know about it.

Noise - This bike makes a super sweet wooshing sound when you're nipping along.

Groupset - 105 is great, cranks aren't 105 but I can't see any problem with them other than looks.

Finishing kit - No complaints with the rest of the kit on the bike, other than the white seat.

Not so good

Brakes - Seem to be a popular topic on these bikes but I'll try to keep it brief. First few miles on the bike were trouble free until I noticed the front wasn't returning on one side and therefore rubbing on the rim. Carried on riding it and noticed the rear wasn't working very well either, it wasn't rubbing but just not very sharp.

Decided to give the bike a good clean and check everything over. Turns out the calipers being located behind the fork attract more dirt than usual , not helped by the cables which it super close to the tyre too. After a good clean though they seem to be behaving again and the rear is much better after cleaning the rim down thoroughly. Definitely something to keep an eye on..

Rattle - One of those irritating rattles that I'm still trying to locate. Sounds like it's coming from where the cables enter the frame but need to investigate further. Could possibly be a set up fault but worth mentioning.

Aero frames always rattle somewhere

http://road.cc/content/news/143527-exclusive-first-ride-mason-progressive-cycles-resolution

They seem good

Pretty, I think.

That cable stop under the BB looks like a maintenance nightmare.

Yeah, not convinced by that

Fork is one of the most interesting things on that. Well for me at least.

It's written in the comments that the wrong bolts are used by on the test bike. A recessed bolt wouldn't interfere with the cable.

Well spotted, I agree. The screws in that pic are not correct as it's a final sample and they drilled the BB incorrectly. The correct screws will be M3 Torx and the channel designed into the BB guide shoots the cable cleanly over the recessed screw head. The final bikes will also have an extra length of cable liner extending up from the stop towards the mech.

The BB on the Definition Alu bike is correct and as production.

http://road.cc/sites/default/files/Screen%20Shot%202015-02-24%20at%2011.42.30.png

The more I look at this the more I like it. So many smart little details.

Opinion on Dom Mason's new steel frame is in from Road CC. Very positive. Can't help but feel it's going to be very expensive as well.

http://road.cc/content/news/143527-exclusive-first-ride-mason-progressive-cycles-resolution