Cannondale Quick 1 vs Merida Speeder 400 vs Giant FastRoad SL1

[Ballmead]

I'm looking at buying a new bike.
I ride predominately on the M7 Cycleway (in Western Sydney) for fitness.
I'm 52 years old and I'm thinking that a comfortable Flatbar roadbike is the go. I'm not interested in an Endurance roadbike.
The 3 bikes that I'm interested in are the Cannondale Quick 1, Merida Speeder 400 and the Giant FastRoad SL1.
The Cannondale is at the top of my price range at $1800 odd.
The specs on all of these are very similar, they all run 2x11 speed 105.
None of them are in stock atm, so I've got some time to make my mind up and save some cash.
What bike do you prefer for cycleway riding and why?
Pictures for reference:

Cannondale Quick1

Giant FastRoad SL1

Merida Speeder 400

[RonK]

I recently found a Fastroad Advanced 2 on Gumtree for a friend. The seller claimed it had been ridden only 300km and it looked it - immaculate showroom condition. RRP $1999 but my friend got it for $1100. It’s a very nice light and responsive carbon bike, and a bargain at that price and condition.

[bychosis]

The specs on all of these are very similar, they all run 2x11 speed 105.

This is the key. Ultimately, if the price nd specs are similar pick the one that makes you feel the best. You need to make sure it fits well, feels nice to ride me you are happy with the style and colour. Fit is most important, but it also needs to make you feel like you want to ride it. Minor variance is spec will make less difference in the end.
I have a similar style flat bar road bike and find it comfortable and efficient as a commuter.

[Ballmead]

I ended up putting a deposit on a 2022 Giant FastRoad SL1.
Getting a test ride on any of these bikes is impossible as there are none in Sydney.
The reviews of the bike look good so I'm sure I'll like it when it hopefully arrives in 2 months time.

[DavidS]

I have a Cannondale Quick Speed 2 from some years ago. 2x11 gears and 105 group set. Has worked well for me and I've done 46,000 KMs on it (busted a frame, but they did replace it), so I reckon you'll be ok with a Cannondale. I also found the geometry of the bike good, well, for me anyway.

Enjoy.

DS

[Andy01]

I ended up putting a deposit on a 2022 Giant FastRoad SL1.
Getting a test ride on any of these bikes is impossible as there are none in Sydney.
The reviews of the bike look good so I'm sure I'll like it when it hopefully arrives in 2 months time.

I hope you have better luck with Giant's "estimated" delivery date than I did. At the beginning of June I was told 4-5 weeks (which was early July). A month later that became mid-to late July. Three weeks later that because early to mid-August. Mid-August that became Week 35 (late August). In Week 35 I was told another 3 weeks. In Week 38 I was told that the store was waiting for Giant to invoice them, and I eventually picked it up yesterday (end of Week 39). So it moved from Week 27 to Week 39 - 12 weeks later.

So be warned that it can be a bit of a "moving feast" so expect it somewhere between 2 and 4 months from now

[Ballmead]

I ended up putting a deposit on a 2022 Giant FastRoad SL1.
Getting a test ride on any of these bikes is impossible as there are none in Sydney.
The reviews of the bike look good so I'm sure I'll like it when it hopefully arrives in 2 months time.

I hope you have better luck with Giant's "estimated" delivery date than I did. At the beginning of June I was told 4-5 weeks (which was early July). A month later that became mid-to late July. Three weeks later that because early to mid-August. Mid-August that became Week 35 (late August). In Week 35 I was told another 3 weeks. In Week 38 I was told that the store was waiting for Giant to invoice them, and I eventually picked it up yesterday (end of Week 39). So it moved from Week 27 to Week 39 - 12 weeks later.

So be warned that it can be a bit of a "moving feast" so expect it somewhere between 2 and 4 months from now

Yes, I've heard that it can be difficult getting an accurate eta with all manufacturers atm. It's all good, as it will just give me more time to put money away for it.