u/Wonderful-Onion9884

Hi all,

I am at a crossroads.

I have an option to buy a 2026 Trek Madone SL6 Gen 8 from my local bike show. price 4799 euro, I was set to pull the trigger but I happened to be with a friend in a bike shop in the next town over and tested a 2025 Merida Reactor 8000 and also loved it. it's priced at 4,999 euro.

Madone is 105Di2, Reacto is Ultegra Di2.

Can anyone share some thoughts of views to help me decide please.

Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,

Apologies but this may be long winded but I'll put a TD:LR at the bottom.

I am upgrading my bike this month, I won't be keeping my bike, as if I am being honest, it's a bit too big for me even with adjusting the saddle and stem.

I moved to a new town about 5 years ago and want to support my local bike shop. There are 2x shops here.

Shop #1. A long standing family owned shop, I've got some work done from them previously on my current bike. they are an authorised Giant dealer.

Shop #2. An independent shop that supports the local club and race scene. I've bought a few bits from them and they fixed a puncture for me while on the road once. They are an authorised Trek dealer.

So happy with the service both provide, prices on parts and services to me are reasonable and both friendly spots.

So my fist question is, am I going Trek or Giant? Any and all feedback welcome.

My next question is; what bike suits what I need right now and in the future?

A bit about me, I am 35M. I am an average cyclist I suppose. I like a long day in the saddle - sportives, bike packing. club rides and charity events etc.

Over the last few months, I have started training to get race ready, I'm not looking for Elite level, I'm just looking to be competent and not get dropped in the lowest level of amateur racing here in my country, although from the outside looking in, it still seems quite an impressive level. All going well, I would be hoping to race during the 2027 season.

I do a few gravel events throughout the year, mostly supported sportives around a high level race. I have been doing them on my brother's CX bike with 38c tyres.

My budget is MAX 5k euro,. I've tried Madone, Domane and a Defy. All 105 Di2. I didn't get a chance to try a Propel yet but I there was nothing I didn't like about any of them. One thing I can't test is the body position over an extended period of time.

I have seen a few people use the Domane as a road and Gravel bike, which has peaked my interest as it might suit what I am currently doing but I am wondering if anyone has experience using it off roadM

Although not a deal breaker, I would love a Di2 model and 105 seems to be the most realistic at my price point.

Also for the full picture, my nearest city is 2 hours away, there would be a CUBE and Specialized store there for sure, not sure about anything else.

What advice would you give someone in my position, wanting to support the LBS, this will probably be the only bike I buy for 2-4 years, what bike would suit my needs short and long term goals? I would love some feedback on the Trek bikes too, reviews (not on YouTube) seem like a very mixed bag.

thanks in advance.

TL:Dr; Looking to support LBS - Trek or Giant dealer. Looking for advice as someone trying to get competitive, but that also enjoys more casual long spins and gravel. Looking for some feedback and user experience on Trek bikes.