Updated on August 18, 2022
To begin with, we think you’ve made a wise choice. Some of the most well-known brands in the market, such as Trek, Specialized, and Giant, are here to help you make an informed decision about your next bike purchase. Because riders come in diverse shapes and sizes, choosing a bike that values comfort above performance can make sense. Even so, if you’re just getting started, it’s intriguing to see what the pros ride.
The good news for us is that Pro Cycling Stats keeps track of the bike race champions wore for each of their triumphs. The results are nonetheless telling, despite the fact that they are specific to professional cycling and may not apply to other kinds of competitive riding.
Table of Contents
Road Bike Comparisons
If you’re just getting started, you might be asking what makes a road bike a road bike in the first place. Isn’t it true that all bikes are road-ready? Yes, and no. It’s true that you can ride just about any bike on the road, but don’t forget that Trek, Specialized, and Giant all offer performance bikes that are intended for speed and endurance. Trek
Drop bars on the handlebars distinguish road bikes from other types of bicycles. Even if you have no idea what drop bars are, there’s a decent chance you’ve heard of them. You long rides, drop bars allow for a wide range of grip options. For those times when you need a little extra speed, the sloping design allows for a number of varied body positions, including a low and leveraged posture.
For smooth services, certain road bikes have tyres with ultra-skinny tyres. For racing, these are excellent, but they aren’t particularly versatile or long-lasting. Newer road bicycles often feature tyres that are slightly broader and more traction-enhancing.
Frame and Design
In the front, Trek has 120mm of travel while the rear offers 130mm of movement. RockShox or FOX 34 or FOX 35 forks with frames measuring 10 to 20 millimetres are firmer than those with frames measuring 140 millimetres.
This Giant bike features SuntourRaidon rear suspension and the four-pivot point system invented by Maestro, which is a distinguishing feature of Giant’s premium line of bikes. The aluminium Giant Connect seat stays and chainstays act as a single pivot for shock absorption, thanks to their precise geometrical placement on the bike. It has a 120mm stroke.
Syntace Megaforce2 stem, unique command seat post, and a Phenom Expert style saddle are all included in the Specialized bike’s carbon fibre design. Bottom bracket shells are threaded SRAM as well.
In order to accommodate 29-inch wheels, Cannondale’s head angle is 66 degrees, and its offset forks are 51mm for the 29-inch model and 44mm for the 27.5″ model. Trail length is 112mm, chainstay is 435mm, and arms-reach is 430mm. Cannondale’s boost rear axle is 12x148mm, which is the normal Cannondale size.
Giant, Specialized, and Cannondale bikes all have 120mm of rear travel, but Trek bikes are the only ones with 130mm of rear travel.
Drivetrain
One hundred and thirty millimetres of travel is available on Trek bikes. A SRAM XO1 Eagle crankset, Float 36 Grip 2 fork, SRAM XG-1275 Eagle 10-50t cassette, and a rear SRAM Eagle Dub derailleur make it effortless to transfer gears.
An 11-50t cassette and an SRAM Eagle Dub crankset are supported by a Radon 34 Boost fork on Giant’s aluminium frame, which has an SRAM SX Eagle gear system. Protect yourself from pinch flats thanks to the tubeless-ready GiantXCT rims and MaxxisForekaster 29″ tyres.
They are made of carbon fibre and have a carbon fibre frame that supports the SRAM XX1 Eagle cranks and chain and the SRAM Eagle 10-50t cassette, as well as a rear derailleur that is supported by the Fox Float 34 Factory FIT4.
The suspension travel on Cannondale bikes is 120 millimetres. Shimano 1×10 groupset, RockShox Recon fork, and a fixed saddle post make up the drivetrain, which includes SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed gearing. With Shimano XTR 112 gearing and a Fox Transfer Dropper post, this carbon frame includes a FOX 34 fork.
While SRAM Eagle gears can be found on bikes from all four major bike brands, it’s Specialized’s Eagle XX1 carbon-built chainring system gives it an advantage over the competition.
Road Bike Comparisons
If you’re just getting started, you might be curious as to what exactly distinguishes a road bike from other types of bicycles. Isn’t it the case with all bikes? Both yes and no You can ride practically any bike on the road, but keep in mind that Trek, Specialized, and Giant all produce performance bikes that are built for speed and endurance.
Drop bars, a type of handlebar unique to road bikes, are the first characteristic that sets them apart from other bicycles. You probably recognise drop bars even if you have no idea what they’re for. Drop bars provide for a wide range of grip positions, making long rides more bearable. For those times when you need a little extra speed, the sloping design allows for a variety of body positions.
Road bikes with ultra-skinny tyres, which reduce friction on surfaces, are also available. For racing, these are excellent, but they aren’t particularly adaptable or durable. Some contemporary road bikes are equipped with bigger tyres that provide better traction.
Extra Features
The downtube of the Trek has a built-in trap-door that allows you to store a tube, an inflator head, a cartridge, and a tyre lever in an organiser roll. A sideload cage for your water bottle is also included into the frame.
The four-point fork trademarked by Maestro is found on all Giant bicycles. Using the Giant Connect saddle gives a stable platform for the Giant Contact saddle, which is comfortable to ride for long periods of time
For ultimate safety when riding, the Command Post seat post is raised 160mm and the SIP grips are moulded to fit the Phenom Expert saddle.
Internal cable routing, a water bottle mount, a boost rear axle, and carbon frames with full-length tubes all come standard on Cannondale bikes.
They have an advantage over Giant and Specialized because of Trek’s secret storage and Cannondale’s Ai offset feature.
Trek Road Bikes
You would think that all road bikes are the same, but this is not the case. Every sort of road rider has their own set of preferred wheels. There are four distinct families of road bikes to choose from, so you can pick the right bike for your needs.
Trek Checkpoint
Trek’s all-purpose road bike, the Checkpoint, is a favourite of ours because of its adaptability. The Trek Checkpoint is one of the toughest and most durable road bikes you’ll find.
Although it is primarily designed for gravel backroads, it can also be used for standard road biking. A carbon frame or an aluminium frame are available. The Trek Checkpoint has integrated frame bags and fender mounts that make it easy to carry everything you could need if you’re not sure about bike-packing.
Trek Madone
In contrast, the Madone by Trek is designed for individuals who crave a burst of acceleration. Typically, this is the type of bike you’d expect to see after the end of a race. A superbike by some accounts, the Trek Madone is certainly that.
The frame is aerodynamically engineered for maximum speed, and the modern suspension system makes it possible to travel comfortably on any route. Moreover, when we state that the Trek Madone is aerodynamically engineered, we mean that it was tested in wind tunnels to maximise the bike’s aerodynamic efficiency. However, our favourite aspect of Madone’s design is the fact that it has integrated brakes and unobtrusive wire routing.
Which Bike Is Worth The Investment?
As a kid, choosing a bike was rather straightforward. Picked out the coolest-looking mountain bike you could find at a local box store. Choosing a bike as an adult is more difficult, in part because bikes have evolved so much since we were children. In the end, your choice between Trek, Specialized, and Giant will come down to two factors: the intended usage of the bike, and personal preference. That’s how straightforward it is, in many respects.
All three companies offer high-end bicycles that may be upgraded to include more amenities at an additional cost, so price comparison and budget considerations aren’t the only factors to consider. For those of us who want to get our hearts racing, but know we’re not Peter Sagan, there are entry-level and average Joe-priced bikes available. In my opinion, that’s just OK too. It is only right and fair that weekend warriors be rewarded with the greatest gear money can buy.
Conclusion
All of these bikes are excellent for tackling rocky terrain, while the Cannondale bike is the most aerodynamic of the bunch, making it a great choice for racing.
Hey, all I am Joe Marino I love to ride bikes and teach others how to ride them. Most of my articles are about which bike is best for others. I am passionate about cycling and it shows, whether I am writing about a $25 bicycle from any random website or a $5000 Santa Cruz.
I have always been the guy who gets calls from friends while at work asking which bike they should buy. I have written about the best city bike for commuting, the best folding bike for use on public transit, and even what to keep in mind when shopping for kids’ bikes.
You can follow my blog and read all of my other articles on my website.
