KyleDurh

I had a great first Ride Joburg and enjoyed the closed roads and vibe. I will definitely do another one. I did unfortunately have an unfortunate experience with a guest in the car park that was “helping” park cars and got quite aggressive because I had parked in his area. I did unfortunately have to pay something to get him to leave me alone. I genuinely was worried about my vehicle and personal safety.

Thanks. That makes sense. Still a really great spec at a good price.

Thanks for the review and can echo these views as a new owner. Just checking the correctness in that the Carbon Empire is the 3rd from top specification. My understanding is that there is a Carbon Ultimate as top-spec and then the Carbon Empire?

I actually agree with you. It’s crazy what the price of this sport has grown into. The irony is that this bike represents value in that it’s well discounted from its sticker price and comparable bikes are R130,000 upwards. The spec levels below this still represent great value too and geo remains the same.

Thanks. This is great feedback. Much appreciated

Yup. That is the one. Agreed on the dropper, my LBS will help with the dropper swap

That’s awesome and really good to hear. What frame does yours have? I see the article also quotes a UCL frame but seems Titan has moved to their heavier Carbon frame in the latest spec. I also need to have the dropper changed to fit my short legs.

My “concern” is the price difference relative to market. It’s around R20k to 30k less than comparable bikes from big brands. I guess it’s my South African nature but where is the catch.

I am 90% sold on a Titan Racing Cypher DC Gen 2 Carbon Empire as it represents great value, ticks the new geometry box and I like what the Titan brand represents. This bike will be used for trails and marathon racing (including. Stage Races). I am looking for a confidence inspiring bike. I am just a bit short on hands on feedback on how the bike rides and what it is like to live with. So would appreciate some comments from the forum In addition, if you have a Carbon Empire, what frame does it have? The one at my LBC has the SLC Frame and not the UCL frame that is specced on the website which is a bit of a let down.

This forum has really been a great help and I’m learning a lot. Thanks again I’m going to answer as best I can on some of the questions: 1. I am based in Midstream and have done bike fittings at Midstream Cycles. The guy who generally helps me has unfortunately left and seems like there is a void in knowledge. I am happy for some other local suggestions. 2. My Pinarello is around a 50cm if I recall. I can’t seem to find the size indication. It is a bit small but lives on a trainer and does the job for that and the odd road ride. 3. I am 168cm with a 79cm inseam. The Canyon website recommends an XS frame. Whilst this bike is a Small but I didn’t have any obvious fit issues that I could immediately feel like stand over height. 4. My other challenge is that I am traveling in for the next two weeks so this becomes a bit pressured. Let’s see if this bike is still available.

Thanks all for the guidance and learning here. I am very tempted to pick up this bike but the question of fit is the unknown for me as I have very little point of reference as to what feels right or what fits and with the steerer cut, I genuinely don’t know what that could mean for a bike fitting in the future. My gut feeling is to put it on pause and try some other frames and bikes and then take it from there.

Hi Ross, out of interest. How did you spot that the steerer was cut?

Hi Ross, thanks so much for the in depth look. It is indeed the one on BikeMarket. I did look at it in person and clearly my lack of experience shows but did spot the chain ring but missed the cut steerer which is probably a deal breaker for me. Not necessarily set on Canyon Endurace but in my desktop research they seem to come highly recommended in this category. I will look at some of these other options. Thanks so much.

Appreciate the guidance and feedback here. Let me sleep on it. If I were to consider an alternative new bike, what are some of the options to consider for a budget of up to R65k? The Titan Racing Valerian seems to deliver a lot of bang for buck but unsure of geometry.

Afternoon all, I have started enjoying Road Riding and currently have a 2014 Pinarello Treviso Commuter bike that is doing decently albeit its age to scratch the proverbial itch. I have an itch to upgrade and from all my reading I am leaning towards an Endurance style Road Bike. I then bumped into a 2020 Canyon Endurace CF SL 8.0 Disc for sale. It’s in a reasonable to good condition and has the following components: Wheels: Zip 303s Carbon Wheels Brakes: Shimano Ultegra Crankset: Shimano Ultegra 2x11 Speed Derailleurs: Shimano Ultegra Di2 The price is R47 500 with some extras thrown in. I am not experienced in bike pricing so need some guidance. I am not rushed and would rather buy the right bike (new or used) and also open to suggestions on alternatives.