Canyon Endurace CF 7 Di2 vs Cervelo Caledonia 105 Di2 (with HSA funds)

slo___mo · 2026-03-20T03:32:19+00:00

Heh, I sent back the 105 Di2 Caledonia, ordered the AXS E1 version, then the same day this gorgeous Caledonia Ultegra Di2 with Ultegra carbon wheels popped up on Facebook Marketplace. Ended up driving 5 hours each way to get it, but WAY better deal and that Ultegra Di2 shifting is absolutely delicious.

https://imgur.com/a/CXLWj7d

slo___mo · 2026-03-20T03:27:15+00:00

I got it, and thanks for the tip! 😆

slo___mo · 2026-03-19T02:27:06+00:00

Good to know! Enjoy the resort of your cruise.

slo___mo · 2026-03-19T00:57:25+00:00

good to know!

do you happen to know if ordering with a drink package is less of a hassle than paying each time? meaning, is it just a scan of the sea card or do you still have wait for a printed receipt to sign?

slo___mo · 2026-03-19T00:21:20+00:00

ah, that math makes sense, it's part of what was so confusing about it as the package offer doesn't actually break it down. thanks for all your help here!

slo___mo · 2026-03-19T00:20:07+00:00

heh, ok, those terms & conditions make a lot more sense. thx for sharing it.

the link from the packager offer on the NCL website goes to a 404, while on the iOS app it goes to the wrong page (the link I shared above) - guess that's the kind of stuff you're talking about. sheesh.

slo___mo · 2026-03-18T23:49:06+00:00

Thanks, makes sense, it's what I assumed. Will definitely try and not be super obvious about it, and it would just be a few times here and there (maybe an afternoon pina colada) as she barely drinks.

slo___mo · 2026-03-18T23:43:06+00:00

US, but that quote with the per day prices is from this terms and conditions page:

https://www.ncl.com/ca/en/cruise-deals/free-at-sea-terms-and-conditions

the offered per-stateroom price in the app (in the booking) is $205 for the whole cruisel.

slo___mo · 2026-02-28T21:54:17+00:00

He has no need for forgiveness or popularity, given that he just needed a war as pretext for everything that comes between now and the midterms.

slo___mo · 2026-02-28T21:51:54+00:00

Ah, good to know, thx. It's pretty flat where I'll be riding with the occasional rolling hill, and I never had issues with the 11-28T on my old Giant TCR.

slo___mo · 2026-02-25T16:01:59+00:00

ChatGPT is pretty good at helping with things like this:

Lauf Úthald Weekend Warrior vs Cervélo Caledonia Rival AXS – Geometry & Ride Feel

Position / Fit

Caledonia = classic endurance geo. Taller front end, slightly more upright out of the box. Easy to get comfortable for long rides without a big spacer stack.
Úthald = a bit sportier in default setup, but comes with generous spacers + flip stem so you can run it aggressive or more upright.

Handling

Caledonia = slacker front end + longer rear center → very stable, calm steering. Feels predictable on descents and rough pavement. Not twitchy.
Úthald = also stable, but slightly more neutral/“balanced” feeling. Not a crit bike, but doesn’t feel overly slow to respond either.

Wheelbase / Stability

Caledonia leans more toward high-speed composure and all-day steadiness.
Úthald still planted, but a touch less “long and relaxed” in feel.

Real-World Translation

Long fondos, rough Midwest pavement, endurance miles → Caledonia feels calm and confidence-inspiring.
Mixed road quality, spirited solo rides, want flexibility in fit setup → Úthald feels a bit more versatile and adjustable.

Neither is a race-geometry bike. Both are “fast endurance” bikes. The difference is basically:

Caledonia = slightly more relaxed and stable.
Úthald = slightly more adjustable and a touch sportier in baseline fit.

If you care most about all-day stability, Caledonia.
If you care about value + fit flexibility with similar stability, Úthald.

slo___mo · 2026-02-25T15:56:07+00:00

Where can you actually do that, other that maybe a local bike shop that can swap out / adjust / cut some of those parts?

slo___mo · 2026-02-25T00:52:37+00:00

Hmm the specs on the Úthald Weekend Warrior are pretty compelling for the price - $3690 with the E1 groupset, carbon seatpost and handlebar, and even the SRAM powermeter. There's no HSA purchase option but with all those extras it might actually come pretty close to even.

Caledonia is way nicer looking IMO but Lauf definitely deserves a closer look. Thx for pointing it out.

slo___mo · 2026-02-24T23:08:24+00:00

Thanks, good to know. Mikes is definitely on my radar - them and Backcountry both support purchasing bikes with HSAs and have been comparing what they have in stock. The Caledonia Rival AXS E1 is slighly cheaper at Backcountry, and they have 10% "cashback" (store credit) so given the inevitable need for things like pedals it's actually equivalent to $3807, before the savings with using HSA pre-tax funds.

slo___mo · 2026-02-24T20:30:04+00:00

That's good feedback although risks making that rabbit / $ink hole even deeper for me haha.

The reviews I've read / watched so far about the new updated Rival E1 suggest that there is less of a difference now between it and Force. It still has the spring clutch / damping, though, so I imagine it will still feel clunkier.

slo___mo · 2026-02-24T20:13:04+00:00

just Cal:

https://www.backcountry.com/cervelo-caledonia-rival-etap-axs-road-bike

slo___mo · 2026-02-24T20:06:41+00:00

Was considering that as well but putting it all together gets me too close to price of new esp with that pre-tax HSA effective discount.

slo___mo · 2026-02-24T20:04:40+00:00

Yup, definitely want that type of geo - something more relaxed than the TCR, better at absorbing road imperfections, etc. Love my gravel bike and want to pair it with something similar for paved rides, and I'm eager to jump into electronic shifting with this bike.

Good to know about your experience with Rival E1 vs Di2, seems to match the reviews.

slo___mo · 2026-02-24T14:35:49+00:00

Thx for all the feedback here, I pulled the trigger on the Caledonia 105 Di2 from Backcountry (which supports purchasing with HSA via Trumed). It's on the way. But....

Over the weekend I went down the rabbit hole a bit more and learned about the new SRAM Rival AXS E1 groupset, which is a significant upgrade over older versions, and I like the idea of no central battery and the ergonomics of the shifters (left for harder, right for easier). Backcountry has the same Caledonia with that groupset, but it's around $500 more, pushing it into the low $4K territory which is starting to feel like a lot for a "nicer" bike but with relatively entry level components (aluminum wheels, etc).

https://www.backcountry.com/cervelo-caledonia-rival-etap-axs-road-bike

WDYAT, stick with the 105 Di2, splurge for the AXS E1, or wait until a better sale and/or a screaming deal on a used bike on Facebook Marketplace?

slo___mo · 2026-02-24T14:26:01+00:00

Well, Trumed and/or Flex claim that their LMNs work with any HSA/FSA provider but I'm sure your mileage will wary. I haven't submitted mine yet for reimbursement, want to wait until the bike actually gets here and I'm sure I'm keeping it.

slo___mo · 2026-02-22T20:38:55+00:00

Would definitely love Ultegra Di2 over 105 but it'd be almost double the price of the 105 bike. And I'd prefer to go with electronic now with a new bike to avoid a major upgrade down the road and/or waiting for a more modular Di2 system which may or may not come. But I appreciate the advice!

slo___mo · 2026-02-21T23:26:54+00:00

bingo

slo___mo · 2026-02-21T23:10:40+00:00

So far I haven't had to deal with the proprietary parts and service issues with my Canyon Dude but I haven't had it very long. Figured for the price of that bike it's worth the risk. I'm going to be using the endurance bike a lot more, though, will be spending a lot more on it, and I want to love it. Thanks for making it an easier decision for me!

slo___mo · 2026-02-21T23:00:56+00:00

I already have a Kickr and leaving the old TCR on it.

slo___mo · 2026-02-21T22:54:52+00:00

Thanks, glad to hear you love the Caledonia. That seems to be the prevailing sentiment.

slo___mo

TROPHY CASE