Opinions on these bikes...which one?

[Slothman]

So, after much Googling, investigating and asking various questions on here, I have (I think) whittled it down to 3 options for my new bike.
All are within (pretty much) my budget if I buy new (providing I can get one of course!)
I have also deduced from various LBS advice that, at 5'8" (30-31" inside leg) I am infact a small frame rather than a medium, although it is close. Based on the fact that it's easier to make a small a little bigger and a larger size being harder to make smaller.
I havev also settled on flat bars, a hybrid or flat bar road bike, but in either case with a more relaxed endurance geometry.
So here's my short list, please let me know which one you'd choose and if you don't mind why?

Merida Speeder 400
https://www.merida-bikes.com/en/bike/ar ... peeder-400

Giant Fastroad SL1
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/fastroad-sl-1

Canyon Roadlite 6
https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/hybrid-bik ... ngroesse=S

Cube SL Road Pro
https://www.cube.eu/en/2022/bikes/urban ... narngreen/

All are Hydraulic discs and Shimano 105 2x11, except for the Cube, which is Shimano GRX RD-RX400 (2x10)

I welcome your opinions and advice but please don't suggest anything more expensive.
I could go pre-owned but it's hard to find the right bike, with the right spec, in the right size, in the right condition.

[Paulatic]

I voted Cube because it’s got lower gearing

[Slothman]

I voted Cube because it’s got lower gearing

So better for hills then?

[Nearholmer]

The GRX gubbins is exceedingly good, when set-up properly, and with that bit lower gearing it makes off-road climbing a less exhausting exercise.

That bike has the same spread of gears as mine, which is definitely a hill-friendly machine.

With those gears and tyres, you would be buying “a flat bar gravel bike”, so potentially comfy on road and capable off. Personally, I’d say that flat bars are only good for a couple of hours at a go, making the shoulders ache after that, but I know that’s a personal thing.

The tyres are good, but not all that puncture resistant as tubed tyres, so you might want to go tubeless with them.

[Slothman]

So how does the Cube stand up in build quality vs the others, or the others vs each other for that matter?

[Nearholmer]

My son and I share a Giant 29er, and the quality of wheels and BB is poor. A friend has a Cube road bike, and quality overall on that is very good. I don’t know the other two makes.

[Jamesh]

I wouldn't buy a giant tbh. Not bad bikes but very common.
Canyons tend to be good value.

Have you looked at Ribble or boardman? Both gvm.

Tends to be which paint job you like? as most are pretty simalar spec wise.

[mattsccm]

Which feels best? VWhich has a local dealer? Any prefences regarding kit? What looks nicest to you? Probably about all left for you to decide and we can't.

[Slothman]

I wouldn't buy a giant tbh. Not bad bikes but very common.
Canyons tend to be good value.

Have you looked at Ribble or boardman? Both gvm.

Tends to be which paint job you like? as most are pretty simalar spec wise.

Ribble seem to only do the 1x11 gear set on hybrids.
If I'm going 1x then it would be the Boardman Hybrid 8.9 with a Deore 1x12 set up.
However, the others on this list are better specified (105 etc.)
What I'm after is a light(ish) frame (say 9.5 to 10.5kg max), Shimano 105 or GRX and decent hydraulic brakes.
Yes looking good is nice as well.
I'm sure that providing I get the right size, they will all feel great copmpared to what I'm riding at present (2002 Claude Butler 'Cape Wrath' 18" MTB).

I suppose it is really about build quality and asthetics?

[Nearholmer]

One further thought on gearing: although I’m a fan of GRX for its off-road-hill-friendliness, I have a feeling that parts might be a shade more expensive, and a shade harder to come by, than 105, which is also extremely good, so if you expect to wear things out frequently, that may be a minor consideration.

[Slothman]

Lets add this one to the mix....

Cannondale Quick 1
https://www.cannondale.com/en-gb/bikes/ ... ck/quick-1

[sefe2022]

I would go with the Cube. Better on climbs than the other three, but it also depends if you live in a hilly/mountain area.
My second choice would be the Canyon Roadlite - just because of the look

Cheers.

[Paulatic]

Lets add this one to the mix....

Cannondale Quick 1
https://www.cannondale.com/en-gb/bikes/ ... ck/quick-1

Similar bike again with 50/34.
34 - 32 is manageable on tarmacced hills but if you find yourself off road on steep hills then the Cube 30 - 34 will be a lot easier.

[Slothman]

Would the Giant Fastroad SL1 and the Merida Speeder 400 be suitable for rough, potholed country lanes and roads?
I have no plans or desire to go off-road but the roads I do ride on are rural and poorly maintained as well as frequented by tractors etc.

I don't really want the drag and weight of fat tyres but don't want something so delicate and precious that it gets damaged on anything other than smooth, well maintained tarmac.

[Slothman]

I have also been told elsewhere, that the Canyon Roadlite 6 has a more aggressive, forward reaching ride position? Do you agree?

I am also told the Cube SL Road Pro seems more of a Gravel bike with the gear set up (GRX 2x10) being more appropriate to off-road/tracks etc. Also it has fatter more grippy tyres, which may drag and make it harder on roads and up hills? Do you agree?

I have also been advised that even the Giant Fastroad could be too much of an aggressive ride position, compared to the Merida, which looks like the stem is a little higher/more angles upwards than the Giant? Do you agree?