OT: AKB Bicycle knowledge/recommendation

[AvgUser]

AKB. I’m in the market for a new Endurance Road Bike. I have narrowed selection to these three:

• Trek Domane SL5
• Orbea Avant H30-D
• Cannondale Synapse 105 (aluminum, but considering Carbon)

I’ve read all the specs and a lot of the “jargon” frankly doesn’t register with me one way or the other. The Trek is $2050, Orbea is $2120 and Cannondale is $1625 (or $2600 for carbon).

My current bike is a hybrid, flat handlebar Cannondale. I want something new (endurance fit/ride) with drop handlebars. I will ride mostly on pavement (trails mostly but roads when I go on vacations) and some on gravel (<5% time).

So, I’m looking for board opinions on what makes one of these ‘better’ than the other.

Thank You in advance for advice/knowledge

 

[BostonNit]

There is only one bike option....

 

[PSU1993]

All look good, be careful about riding a true road bike on gravel/dirt even if it is smooth. So easy to get flat tires on that stuff. Carbon fiber is great, lightweight, fast, etc. but you gotta be careful with that too. It is easily dinged and dented when storing or riding. I am pretty tough on my road bike so I have stuck with aluminum frame with carbon fiber forks and seat post. I am old so the speed of the carbon fiber doesn't matter as much, it's not like I am out there racing it. Enjoy. Been riding pretty steady for 25+ years, great form of exercise and not as tough on the joints as running but not staring at walls and turning every 25 yards like swimming in pools.

 

[ClarkstonMark]

Assuming all these are available at local shop, pick the one that feel best when you ride it.
Or just pick the most sexy one.
I'll second being careful riding these bikes on any non-paved surface - I would never do it.

Any of those bikes would get you through Ironman 70.3 Happy Valley if you are interested in triathlons (I'll be there doing it).