Latest rider reviews

91 new this week, from riders and from around the web.

TodayFri 23 Oct

SpecializedDiverge 4

Replaced a worn-out 2018 Diverge with a 2027 Diverge 4 Pro and, despite the big geometry changes, needed only minimal tweaks to get a perfect fit. Looking forward to the wider tyres on a 50-mile gravel event this autumn.

“Despite fairly large geometry changes between 2018 and 2027, I had to make minimal changes to get the new ride to fit perfectly.”
positive
SpecializedCrux 5

Rode their new Crux 5, their first Specialized, in the Girona mountains and absolutely loves it, both for racing and for casual road riding on slick tyres. The 44t chainring they fitted turned out a little too big for some of the climbs there.

“Recently invested in my first Specialized bike and absolutely love it. Perfect weapon for racing and even casual road riding with hard tyres.”
positive
SpecializedTarmac SL7

Bought a Tarmac SL7 Sport last year, upgraded to Roval C38 wheels and GP5000 tyres, and calls it a great bike, especially at around $3,000 CAD.

positivegreat value

Popular this week

most new reviews
  1. Roubaix SL8Specialized+9 reviews
  2. Crux 5Specialized+7 reviews
  3. Tarmac SL7Specialized+7 reviews
  4. Domane AL Gen 4Trek+7 reviews
TrekDomane AL Gen 4

Their brand-new Domane AL 4 Gen 4 with 2x10 Tiagra has shifted badly since the first ride: on several cogs the chain catches, slips or skips in either chainring, making those gears unusable, despite a fresh, oiled chain.

“I've been having trouble with the shifting right from day one. Several sprockets on the cassette just don't work properly—no matter which front chainring I'm on.”
negativequality control issues
TrekDomane SL Gen 4

Owns a Domane SL 6 Gen 4 that has been great but not perfect: they went through IsoSpeed problems until revised internals were fitted, and 40 mm tyres only barely fit, so they now want more tyre clearance for road, all-road and light gravel riding.

“I currently own a gen4 domane sl6 It's been great but it hasn't been perfect. I went through all the isospeed woes before finally getting rev 4 (or 4.5?) internals installed.”
mixed
TrekDomane SL Gen 5

Owns a Domane SL 5 Gen 5 and calls it a great bike, much better after switching to GP5000 tyres and carbon wheels. The only complaint is that the matte black paint scratches very easily; they would choose gloss next time.

“I have an Sl 5 gen 5, great bike. Felt much much better once I swapped the tyres to some g5000s and carbon wheels. Only complaint I have is the matte black paint scratches super easy”
positive
CanyonEndurace AllRoad

A 45-year-old returning after a long illness bought an Endurace AllRoad this year and found it great on road and gravel, building from 10 km rides to their first century in years on the stock bike. Has since added a lighter second wheelset and Shimano 105, with no regrets.

“I then bought the Endurace Allroad and it was great. A bit of road, a bit of gravel. But most importantly, I realised I loved cycling still!”
positive
CanyonEndurace CF SLX

Recently bought the new Endurace CF SLX, calls it a fantastic bike and rode their first middle-distance triathlon on it. Planning a bikepacking trip, they worry the cut-out comfort seatpost might not handle a heavy saddle bag, and Canyon would not advise.

“I recently bought the new Endurace CF SLX and absolutely love it. It’s simply a fantastic bike. I even completed my first middle-distance triathlon in Almere on it, which was an amazing experience.”
positive
CanyonEndurace CF

Moved from a hybrid commuter to a new Endurace CF 7 for more serious riding, and says it feels like a completely different sport.

“I'm upgrading from a hybrid commuter bike so this for more serious cycles and it feels like a completely different sport.”
positive
CanyonGrizl AL

First 30 km ride on a new Grizl 6 AL in size XS on the Trinity Trails in Fort Worth, and it rides very well; happy with the size choice.

“Thanks to those who recommended the size, this rides so well. Rode 30km around Fort Worth Trinity Trails, Texas.”
positive
CanyonGrizl CF

Upgraded from an Ozark Trail Explorer to a new Grizl CF 6 in Floating Violet, their first carbon bike, and could not be happier: it rides amazingly. Fitted Elite carbon wheels and 50 mm tyres; it weighs about 21.5 lb as ridden.

“I still have some adjustments to make but so far I couldn’t be happier, the color has so much depth to it and the bike rides amazing!”
positive
CanyonGrail CF SLX

Their new Grail CF SLX 8 AXS arrived a month earlier than Canyon had promised, and they call it an absolute beast.

“It arrived a good month earlier than Canyon had said it would! It's an absolute beast.”
positive
CanyonGrail CF

First ride on a new Grail CF 7 Speed: fast despite feeling longer than their previous gravel bikes, very comfortable, and the included bags are excellent. At 191 cm they chose a size L over Canyon's recommended XL and it fits perfectly.

“This bike is wicked, it’s fast as hell despite feeling longer than other gravel bikes I’ve had. Comfy as hell with all the provided equipment, bags are so good. Good on you Canyon.”
positivefastcomfortable
CannondaleTopstone Alloy

Just bought an aluminium Topstone 3 with a carbon fork as their first gravel bike. Very happy with the fit and finds it extremely nimble compared with the mountain bikes they rode until recently.

“I just picked up the topstone 3 (aluminum frame with carbon fork). My first ever gravel bike! I'm super happy with the fit, and it is extremely nimble compared to the mtbs I've been riding up until recently.”
positivegreat handling
CannondaleTopstone Carbon

Bought a new Topstone Carbon 2 GRX a week ago, has already ridden about 250 km on it and can't get enough of it.

“got it one week ago. odo already \~250 km. can´t get enough of it. Topstone CF 2 GRX”
positive
SpecializedS-Works Tarmac SL9

Has owned every S-Works Tarmac since the SL7 and just took their new S-Works Tarmac SL9 on a thrilling first ride in rural eastern Oregon. Honestly finds little difference from the Project Black S-Works Tarmac SL8 it replaced.

“Lucky enough to have owned all S-Works Tarmacs since the SL7. I had a Project Black S-Works Tarmac SL8 before this and honestly, not much of a difference.”
mixed
SpecializedTarmac SL9

Switched from a Canyon Endurace CF SLX to a Tarmac SL9 for something more responsive and race-oriented, and is loving it. It feels quick out of the saddle and under power, climbs better than expected, and gave up much less comfort than they feared.

“Biggest difference for me is how quick it feels when I get out of the saddle or put some power down. It also climbs better than I expected”
positivefastclimbs wellcomfortable
TrekMadone SL Gen 8

Sold a size 52 Émonda SL 5 that gave them neck pain on longer rides and bought a Madone SL 5 Gen 8 in medium; so far it has been a great choice and they plan to put lots of miles on it this autumn.

“Had lots of neck pain on the Emonda whenever I did longer rides and so far this has been a great choice. Excited for this fall and putting tons of miles on it!”
positivecomfortable
CervéloSoloist

Test rode a current Cervélo Soloist and a Cannondale SuperSix EVO 3, both with SRAM Force, looking for something faster and livelier than their endurance bike for fast group rides. Liked the Soloist's ride slightly more, though they think its much nicer stock tyres played a big part; the Cannondale is $1,500 cheaper.

“Tried both and I liked the Soloist's ride slightly more, though the stock tires are significantly nicer on the Soloist so guessing that played a large part.”
positive
GiantRevolt Advanced Pro

Owns a 2026 Revolt Advanced Pro 1 and calls it a great bike, but warns that Giant's original CXR carbon wheels are fragile and delaminate easily, so they approve of swapping them out.

“Great choice of wheels. The original CXR's are made of cheese. Look at them the wrong way and they'll delaminate on you.”
mixed
SpecializedS-Works Roubaix SL8

Dialled in an S-Works Roubaix SL8 after trying many wheels and saddles. With Roval CLX III wheels it feels fast, smooth and agile, only slightly slower than their Tarmac SL9, and on the same wheels the Roubaix is much smoother; runs the hardest Future Shock spring.

“Overall, the bike feels great. With CLX III wheels, it feels fast, smooth, agile, and just a little slower than the Tarmac SL9.”
positivefastcomfortable
SpecializedAllez

A larger rider with a 2026 Allez Comp is very happy with it and has ridden it stock over rough roads without trouble. On rides of up to two hours the only comfort limit has been the stock saddle.

“I’ve got the 2026 Allez comp. I’ve been very happy with it, and have taken it (stock) on some nasty roads without issue.”
positivecomfortable
TrekMarlin Gen 3

Bought a Marlin 5 Gen 3 to get back into mountain biking and says it rides like a dream. Has swapped the pedals and grips, plans a RockShox Judy fork and a dropper post, and is very happy with it for the price.

“I recently bought this Trek Marlin 5 (Gen 3), as I was looking to get back into Mountain Biking, It's been fantastic so far, rides like a dream, and helps make rides more fun.”
positivegreat value
TrekRoscoe Gen 4

Loves the new Roscoe: got one of the upgraded Roscoe 8s with a Lyrik Ultimate fork and calls it a killer bike, so much so that they now only ride their full-suspension bike at the bike park. Thinks the fork on the Roscoe 7 would leave them wanting more.

positive
TrekCheckmate SLR

A few months into a 2026 Checkmate that replaced a 2022 Domane, set up 2x with SRAM Force AXS and 40 mm Pirelli Cinturato tyres. Says it absolutely flies; the front derailleur battery leaves only about 5 mm of tyre clearance, so wider tyres are limited, but they are happy with 40s.

“A few months in to my 2026 Checkmate M/L, replacing a 2022 Domane. Prismatic to Trek Black. Fitted with 40mm Pirelli Cinturatos, measuring 42mm. 2x AXS Force Road.”
positivefast
TrekDomane SLR Gen 4

Bought a used Domane SLR 7 Gen 4 with Ultegra Di2, 45 mm carbon wheels and 32 mm tyres. Next to a Swift Ultravox it feels less nimble and responsive, yet on their usual 54 km loop they averaged 4 km/h faster at the same effort with a lower heart rate, which they put down to less fatigue from road buzz.

“Coming from a Swift Ultravox, which felt a lot more nimble and snappy, the Domane felt a lot less responsive and a bit less fun. It felt slower too.”
mixedfastcomfortable
SpecializedAethos 2

Replaced a Giant Defy Pro they rode for eight years with an Aethos 2 Pro. Says it fits like a glove, is comfortable on long rides and fast, accelerates superbly on climbs and feels solid descending; a little twitchy at first, and the electronic shifting won them over.

“I decided to get the Atheos 2 Pro. It fits like a glove. Comfortable in long rides. A little twitchy but got used to it quickly. It’s fast. Acceleration on hills is amazing. Descending feels solid.”
positivecomfortablefastclimbs well
TrekCheckpoint ALR Gen 3

Just bought a Checkpoint ALR 5 Gen 3, partly for the blue paint. Finds the SRAM shifting snappier than their 11-speed 105 road bike; the one quirk is that the single lever shifts both ways, so a missed downshift in the lowest gear shifts up instead.

“The shifting is really nice, I’m coming from a road bike with Shimano 105 11-speed and it’s definitely snappier. The only thing that’s weird is that the same lever is used for both upshift and downshift.”
positive
TrekMadone SLR Gen 8

Moved from a Gen 7 Madone SLR to a Gen 8 SLR with the same SRAM Force group. Finds the new frame much stiffer, which they prefer, and plans 30 mm tyres for comfort; the new sizing was odd and needed a shorter seatpost to reach their fit.

“Although the bike being stiffer was a problem to them I actually much prefer this and will just use bigger tires (30s) instead of stock (28s)”
mixedaggressive fit
SpecializedDiverge 4

Rides a Diverge 4 Expert on singletrack with 50 mm Pathfinders and loves it. Chose it over the Crux, whose geometry did not suit them on a test ride; the Diverge fit like a glove and the Future Shock suits their rough terrain, though they sometimes wish it away on pavement.

“The Diverge just fit like a glove, and I like the future shock for the terrain I ride. I sometimes kind of wish it wasn't there for pavement + smooth gravel rides”
positivecomfortable
SpecializedCrux 5

Owns a Crux 5 Comp in Satin Amethyst Frost and finds the blue-purple paint layer shockingly poor next to the seven other Specialized bikes they have owned: it arrived chipped at the seatpost clamp and peels easily, though the silver base coat is fine and they are not too worried.

“I have it and the blue/purple layer seems shockingly low quality compared to every other Specialized bike I've had (like 7 at this point).”
mixedquality control issues
TrekDomane AL Gen 4

Started as a complete novice on a Domane AL 2 Gen 4 with mechanical brakes and 8-speed Claris. A year later, with better skills and fitness, they outgrew the drivetrain and are having 12-speed 105 fitted.

“I bought the Al2 Gen 4, with mechanical brakes and 8 speed claris. One year later,better biking skills ,better fitness now as well. Just updated to 12 speed 105 ,still in the shop getting installed.”
mixed
TrekDomane SL Gen 4

The IsoSpeed bolt on their 2024 Domane SL 7 Gen 4 sheared while descending at about 50 km/h. Trek replaced it under warranty with a Gen 5 SLR frame in four weeks (the shop charged for the swap), and a friend with repeated IsoSpeed problems on the same bike got the same; they are very happy with Trek's warranty.

“I was going down a hill at \~50km/hr when I heard a popping sound. I thought an acorn or maybe a stone had hit the frame. Bolt had sheared off the isospeed.”
mixedquality control issues
TrekDomane SL Gen 5

Owns a Domane SL 6 Gen 5 with about 500 miles on it and calls it a pretty fantastic bike; the only real letdown is the stock Bontrager tyres.

positive
CanyonEndurace AllRoad

Bought an Endurace AllRoad in August and fell in love with it after years on a hardtail. Swapped to GP5000 tyres straight away and later ERE carbon wheels, saving about 1.2 kg over the heavy stock wheels and tyres.

“Bought my Allroad in august this year and massively fell in love with it. Have been riding the wheels off it since.”
positive
CanyonGrizl AL

Loved the first ride on a new Grizl 6 and much prefers it to the Scott Addict Gravel it replaced, mainly for its bigger tyre clearance and the extra mounts for bikepacking.

“First ride out this evening and loved it. Swapped from a Scott Addict Gravel and much prefer the Grizl. Partly because of the limited tyre clearance on the Scott”
positive
CanyonGrizl CF

Coming from a fixie, rode their brand-new Grizl CF 50 miles a week after delivery and could not be happier with it as a gravel and bikepacking bike. After a small tip-over it shifted by itself under load, which half a turn of the barrel adjuster fixed.

“I finally had a free day and took it out for something longer. I bought this bike as a gravel/backpacking bike and couldn’t be happier.”
positive
CanyonGrail CF SLX

Upgraded from an earlier Grail to the new Grail CF SLX 8, fitted with Zipp 303 XPLR wheels and 50 mm tyres. After a first 30 km it rides significantly better than their old Grail, feeling more aero and stiff but not overly so.

“My previous bike was also a Grail; in terms of ride quality and weight, this one rides significantly better. You can feel that the bike is more aero-focused; it feels stiff, but not overly so.”
positivefast
CanyonGrail CF

Rides the new Grail CF 7 in the Rival build, size S as the chart suggested, and says it fits and feels perfect. Angled the hoods inward on the 420 mm bars, runs the stock-size tyres tubeless at low pressure and plans to go lower.

“I was also worried that the 420 mm handlebars might be too wide, but after angling the hoods inward, they feel great. The bike feels absolutely perfect for me.”
positive
SpecializedTarmac SL9

Moved to a Tarmac SL9 from two rim-brake Giant TCRs, their first bike with electronic shifting. Calls it a great upgrade: the 40-mile ride home was fast even with a very heavy backpack.

“Coming from 2 rim brake TCRs. Pretty sick upgrade and it’s my first time having electronic shifting. My 40 mile ride home was pretty fast even with a ridiculously heavy backpack.”
positivefast
TrekMadone SL Gen 8

Raced their Madone SL 7 Gen 8 (Gloss Dark Star / Matte Deep Smoke) with a race number stuck on the matte section for one day; removing it left a large uneven mark that isopropyl alcohol would not clean, apparently damaging the matte clear coat.

“Yesterday I had a race number sticker attached to the matte part of the frame for a race. When I removed it afterwards, it left this large uneven mark on the surface - see photo.”
negative
SpecializedAllez

Runs a 2026 Allez with two wheelsets, 30 mm road and 35 mm gravel tyres. Has ridden a few gravel and rail trails on it and it feels great, but 35 mm is the widest tyre the frame takes.

“I have a 2026 Allez with two wheel sets, one with 30mm race tires and one with 35mm gravel tires. I have done a few gravel/rail trails with it and it feels great”
positive
TrekMarlin Gen 3

Rides a four-week-old Marlin 5 Gen 3 as a fitness bike on asphalt and gravel. After about 800 km with no hard drops, the stock nylon pedals had broken; the shop knocked their price off a pair of Bontrager Line Elite pedals.

“Bit disappointed to notice this yesterday, been riding this for maybe 800km mostly as fitness bike on asphalt and gravel, no hard drops etc. Surely this can't be normal”
negative
TrekRoscoe Gen 4

Owns a Roscoe 7 Gen 4 in olive and loves it. Having ridden plenty of Marlins, finds the Roscoe a clear step up and fully worth the price.

“I have this bike. But in Olive. It’s great love it. Tons of Marlins around me and I have ridden them a ton. This is a step up for sure and 100% worth it.”
positivegreat value
TrekCheckpoint ALR Gen 3

Owns a Checkpoint ALR 5 Gen 3 with SRAM 1x12. Planned to buy a 2x Diverge but liked how the Checkpoint rode on a test ride; still finds 1x12 not ideal, prefers the feel of the CUES hydraulic brakes over Apex, and thinks SRAM's metal parts may last longer.

“I actually wanted 2x, and was planning to Specialized Diverge with CUES 2x10. But test riding, I just like how the Checkpoint feels, so ended up with 1x. And I find even 1x12 is not ideal.”
mixed
TrekMadone SLR Gen 8

Ordered a size S Madone SLR 7 Gen 8 after a test ride. Found the sizing spot on (a size M felt too big) and the power transfer excellent; also owns a Domane SLR 7 and an Émonda SLR 7.

“Have a S SLR7 gen 8 on order comes in this week. On my test ride the sizing was perfect! And the power transfer is amazing.”
positiveefficient pedaling
SpecializedCrux 5

Inspecting their new Crux 5 on delivery day, their first carbon frame, they found paint adhesion problems near the front axle and worry it may peel or flake, which they had not seen on mountain bikes.

“I took delivery of my crux 5 this afternoon and I was doing an inspection on it and noticed some paint adhesion issues near the front axle.”
negativequality control issues
SpecializedTarmac SL7

New to road cycling when they bought a 2025 Tarmac SL7 Comp 11 months ago, they love riding it and just finished a first solo century with 4,800 ft of climbing in six hours. Has upgraded the wheels, tyres, bar, pedals, rotors and saddle.

“I love riding this bike. I was new to road cycling when I bought it 11 months ago, and I just completed my first century last weekend in 6h last weekend (solo, with 4800 ft elevation).”
positive
SpecializedRoubaix SL8

Bought a Roubaix SL8 Comp Di2 on a holiday deal after years off the bike and assembled the last bits at home. After about 300 miles it creaks on bumps and the headset area moves noticeably when braking; they took it to a Specialized dealer to be checked.

“I feel like the bike is weirdly screaky on bumps. I'm not sure if this is a carbon thing or what as I've never had a carbon frame before.”
negative
TrekDomane AL Gen 4

Overall happy with a Domane AL 2 Gen 4, but the 8-speed Claris cassette leaves them between gears at their preferred cadence. Considering swapping the stock 11-34 for a 12-28 to get closer gear steps, since the Chicago area has few real climbs.

“Overall happy with my Domane Al 2 Gen 4, but the 8 speed Shimano Claris cassette has been killing me - feels like I’m always between gears for preferred cadence.”
mixed
TrekDomane SL Gen 4

Bought a 2024 Domane SL 7 Gen 4 on sale despite not liking IsoSpeed, and after three 40-mile rides is really happy with it as an upgrade from a Trek Boone 6 cyclocross bike. Runs 32 mm tyres for rough roads and still needs to fine-tune the stem and saddle.

“Really happy with it so far on 3 40-mile rides. I came from a Trek Boone 6 cyclocross so this feels like a decent upgrade.”
positive
TrekDomane SL Gen 5

Wanted a Domane SL 6 Gen 5 but it was back-ordered, so bought the SL 4 and fitted used Bontrager carbon wheels with GP 5000 tyres, which made a huge difference. Finds the Tiagra drivetrain pretty nice, with a 36-tooth cassette for easier climbing.

“I ended up buying an SL4 and found some used Bontrager carbon wheels with GP 5000 tires. Made a huge difference. The Tiagra drivetrain is actually pretty nice and has a 36 tooth cassette for easier climbing.”
positiveclimbs well
CanyonEndurace AllRoad

Picked up a new Endurace AllRoad after riding a 2021 Rockhopper and rode 30 miles on day one, building to 56 miles a week later; enjoying the move to road cycling. Has added aero bars for training towards a 70.3 and is keeping the stock wheels and drivetrain for now.

“Did 30.65 miles on the first day and worked my way up to 56.03 miles on October 19th, exactly a week later. Definitely enjoying the transition to road cycling so far.”
positive
CanyonGrail CF SLX

A roadie at 184 cm loves their new third-generation Grail CF SLX 7 Di2 in size M, set up with a shorter 100 mm stem and tubeless tyres for the first time. Likes the road-style GRX shifters, but wants a bigger chainring for fast flat rides.

“Absolute love this gen 3 Grail! Pro 100mm stem is a must for me. I’m 184cm. Aeroad 26 in M with 110 pro stem.”
positive
CanyonGrail CF

Just bought a new Grail CF 7 after a Specialized Diverge whose front end was too high. It is much stiffer and rides harsher even on 55 mm tyres, but it feels racier as they wanted; they sized down to XS on Canyon's confusing chart and later fitted a longer 80 mm stem.

“It'll take some getting used to a much stiffer bike, even with 55mm tires it's a harsher ride, but I wanted something that felt racier.”
mixedharsh rideaggressive fit
SpecializedTarmac SL9

Upgraded from a first-generation Aethos to a Tarmac SL9. On the first ride it climbed the same as the Aethos but felt more stable descending, like an aero Aethos.

“First ride: feels the same climbing but feels more stable descending. Just feels like I have an aero Aethos now lol”
positiveclimbs wellconfident descending
TrekMadone SL Gen 8

Rides a Domane SL7 Gen 4 and ordered a Madone SL7 Gen 8 after a test ride. Found the fit comfortable straight away and the ride very different from the Gen 7 Madone: comfortable and fast, close to the Domane. Liked the 39/42 handlebar enough to order an RSL bar and move the stock one to the Domane.

“After test riding it, I found it very comfortable out of the box without doing anything special regarding fit. Totally different ride experience compared to the Madone Gen 7. The Madone Gen 8 is a great bike.”
positivecomfortablefast
TrekRoscoe Gen 4

Just bought a Roscoe 7 Gen 4 and loves it so far. Wanted better components than a Marlin without the budget for full suspension, and calls it a great hardtail for a $1,500 budget.

“If you are in the market for a new hardtail and have a max budget of $1500, this is a great bike for you. ProCaliber is another Trek to consider, but it's an XC bike.”
positivegreat value
TrekCheckpoint ALR Gen 3

Bought the Checkpoint ALR 4 in the summer after riding higher-end groupsets. Says CUES works really well for the money even if it is not GRX or Ultegra, and loves the light frame, the geometry, the many mounts and clearance for 55 mm tyres.

“Bought this bike this summer, have had other group sets before that we’re higher end. The Cues group set works really really well. Yes it does not work as good as a GRX or Ultegra or Sam Red”
positivegreat valuelightweight
SpecializedCrux 5

A 47-year-old rider calls their Crux 5, now on Enve G 4.5 wheels and road tyres, the favourite bike they have owned. It is not as fast as their old Tarmac SL8 but far more comfortable and holds speed easily; they only miss the punch when jumping onto fast wheels in group rides.

“It’s not as fast as my Tarmac SL8 was but it is way more comfortable and holds fast speeds easily.”
positivecomfortablefast
SpecializedTarmac SL7

A 73-year-old rider with a 225 W FTP bought a Tarmac SL7 six years ago and says it is so much fun that it has kept them riding. In their steep area the low weight and good brakes matter a lot; they have just replaced the SRAM Rival AXS cassette and fourth chain.

“I M73 got myself a SL7 six years ago. 225W FTP. It’s so fun to ride it’s kept me riding. I live in a steep area, so low weight and good brakes count for a lot.”
positivelightweightclimbs well
SpecializedRoubaix SL8

A 205 lb rider glazed the Roubaix SL8's 105 disc brakes on a steep descent a few weeks after buying it and fitted Dura-Ace rotors. Also swapped to a tighter 11-34 cassette, and finds the stock Power Comp saddle very good; Hover bars made little difference since the Future Shock already smooths the front.

“I'm 205lbs and overheated/glazed the 105 disc brakes on a steep descent with a stop sign at the bottom just a few weeks after buying the bike, upgraded to the Dura-Ace rotors”
mixed
TrekDomane AL Gen 4

Has had a Domane AL 2 Gen 4 for a year for road and gravel, chosen over a Checkpoint for its 2x gearing. Rode the Delaware tow path on the stock 32 mm tyres without trouble, finds it comfortable with fine Claris shifting, and has fitted tubeless Girona Pro tyres for trail bikepacking.

“I rode road and gravel last year on the Delaware Tow Path with no problems on the stock 32’s. The bike is comfortable and shifts fine with the Clairis.”
positivecomfortable
TrekDomane SL Gen 4

Bought a Domane SL 5 Gen 4 with 105 as their first road bike about six months into riding, a year ago, and is very happy with it. Says the carbon frame helped them progress, has since upgraded to Ultegra Di2, and thinks an aluminium bike would have been replaced within a year.

“I went with the SL5 Gen 4 with the 105 gear set and was extremely happy I did. Having the carbon frame really helped me progress in riding. I have since upgraded the gear set to the Ultegra Di2.”
positive
TrekDomane SL Gen 5

Rode a Domane SL 6 AXS Gen 5 in June and liked it, especially the AXS shifting. Coming from a Madone it felt a little slower on 35 mm tyres instead of 28s, but expects it to be very comfortable and stable, and plans to buy a 1x version with 40 mm tyres for rough roads and light gravel.

“I got to ride one in June and it was great! I’m a SRAM fan so the AXS was great as usual. I currently ride a Madone so it was a little slower going from 28 to 35mm tires.”
positivecomfortable
CanyonGrail CF

A mountain biker loves their brand-new current Grail CF 7 but not its out-of-the-box GRX 1x12: the chain rattles under load on the biggest cogs and drops gears when backpedalling, and it did not settle after the 20–30 km break-in the dealer suggested. Considering a return or an upgrade to an electronic build.

“I just received a brand-new Grail CF 7 with mechanical Shimano GRX 1x12. I actually love the bike itself, but the drivetrain is driving me crazy:”
mixedquality control issues
SpecializedTarmac SL9

Owns both a Tarmac SL7 and an SL9 and feels no real difference between them; swapping wheelsets changes the ride far more. Does not find the SL9 more compliant, though notes that they set tyre pressure carefully for comfort.

“I also don’t feel the SL9 to be more compliant but might be the case that I focus on the correct tire pressure to achieve a comfortable ride.”
mixed
TrekCheckpoint ALR Gen 3

Ten days and about 100 miles in on a Checkpoint ALR 4, commuting and on gravel. Finds CUES shifting good with a wide range that climbs a 15% grade comfortably, and the hydraulic brakes excellent; compared with their Domane SL6 Gen 4 with 105 Di2, the difference in shifting speed barely matters.

“Yes, I've had one for 10 days and put about 100 miles on it commuting and doing a couple of gravel rides. CUES is perfectly fine; shifting is good and the ranges are properly broad;”
positive
SpecializedCrux 5

Rides a Crux 5 as a road bike alongside a 2026 Cervélo S5, on the same 60 mm wheels with 32/34 mm road tyres. Does not feel slower than on the S5, only less twitchy and slower to turn; is waiting for a narrower Terra cockpit to match their road position.

“I have an 2026 S5 and now the Crux 5 as well. Riding both with the same wheels. I don’t feel any slower, but just reaction-wise it’s less twitchy.”
positivefast

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