£1000 vs £10,000 Road Bike

[@kalebzehr6850]

I remember the first time I rode a Specialized Allez after only ever riding $150 walmart bikes and it absolutely blew my mind. Then a couple years later I tried a $3000 bike and that blew my mind. That same day I tried a $11,000 bike and was like "That's it?" lol My personal sweet spot is around The 105 mechanical with a carbon frame. The difference between the entry bike and the next level is massive, but between that and the super high end one is barely there in my opinion.

[@owensnicholas]

As soon as you hit 105, the returns diminish sharply. I agree. 105 is the sweet spot for me. It always works, it’s nice to use, and it’s not too pricey.

[@YuichiTamaki]

Great comment! I just got a bike equipped with 105. Good to know that after that you don't get much more.

[@arbuncklecycling]

#groupsetofthepeople

[@chickenpoodle]

which allez were you riding? there were quite a few iterations of them, and they weren't all built the same. if it were one of the better allez models, and if you were able to toss some top spec components on that allez, that would have blew your mind too. hahah

[@kalebzehr6850]

@@chickenpoodle Base model with claris! 2018

[@Ak-vc4oc]

I think the reason that there's such a stark difference between the 1000-pound bike and the more expensive ones is because Scott does not necessarily specialise in entry-level bikes and other bike brands such as B-Twin or Vitus tend to offer much better value bikes at the low-end price range. While I do understand you're sponsored by Scott, maybe comparing the absolute best bikes in each price range regardless of a brand would give a much better comparison, love the videos tho so keep doing what you're doing! Edit: spelling, also thank you sm Cade Media for responding!

[@evertonyoung4031]

Totally agree that Scott £1,000 bike is nowhere the same build as a Cannondale CAD 12 or 10.

[@NikeonaBike]

Another thing to consider is that in normal economies at the 1000 price point, a used bike stands a good chance of being a far, far, far better value proposition provided you know enough about bikes to not get ripped off.

[@fotografamos4083]

Totally agree. Decathlon and their RC520 range is unbelievably good value. 850 pounds for a 105 equipped disc brake bike is unbeatable, even if at 10kg.

[@gavinward3176]

I would be very interested in their thoughts on Colnagos, not many reviews of those, especially compared to other brands

[@cccpkingu]

The difference is the wheels. Put the better wheels on and it is up there too.

[@Johnox_]

£1000 bike with tourney groupset 🤯

[@dan_lazaro]

Ikr that's a Tiagra minimum for 1k maybe 105 and maybe even carbon on some brands

[@badspyro]

Carrera Vanquish, half the price with carbon fork and Claris. For just over £1k Boardman do a full carbon with 105 on special at the moment. £1k for tourney is quite frankly more money than sense.

[@planelover26]

@@dan_lazaro allow me to introduce the big Chinese bike brands of Asia: Java, Pardus, Elves, etc.

[@vaska00762]

I have a £1.5k custom build with SRAM Force 22. I've seen £200 bikes in Halfords and Decathlon with Tourney 7 speed.

[@GCPerformance18]

I have $600 dollar cruiser bikes on my sales floor with that same tourney group on there lol

[@chrisobyrne5675]

My £1k bike from 2018, an Allez Elite, has 105 and a carbon fork so it shows how at that price point today the spec has to be diluted to hit the same value. Recognised the testing hill!

[@a1white]

The Tourney bike here is so poor value. Really shocking. If you shop around you can get Sora or even Tiagra for not much more than that.

[@PhilOsGarage]

I was actually thinking the opposite, the £1000 bike is a terrible spec for the money. For significantly less you can get a Triban or Vitus that is not only lighter, but will have a carbon fork and a better group set. I don’t think it’s a fair representation of a £1000 bike, tbh the spec wouldn’t be competitive at half that price now.

[@tomweis1194]

2017 BMC Team Machine AL01 - aluminum + carbon fork + 105 5800: $1100 (on discount). On my budget and at my age, I don't see ever needing to spend more or to upgrade.

[@nen_star]

scott got terrible value for money

[@qibble455]

The 5k bike is the sweet spot, The 10k bike is aspirational and mainly for marketing imho. I really enjoy your videos CM.

[@JayLato]

That Blue Scott is one of the best looking bikes I’ve seen.

[@sail5820]

yeah looks really cool

[@silvagc]

Love it! Not sure about 1x setup, but for me, this looks like a great road bike!

[@cb6866]

Thanks Francis and Jimmi...the 1K , with a few upgrades . I have 3 bikes , MTB , gravel and road, cuz I'm a dope . Newly retired , knew nothing , and wasn't sure where I'd be riding ....yeah .The gravel is my favorite for many reasons , the other 2 barely get ridden . Horses for courses . Thanks to Nic and Catherine as well , for her stearn rebuttal , and sense of humor

[@vidyapremkumar3851]

Catherine has the best response to the 10000 pound bike i have ever seen !

[@DC-lu5qs]

No matter how great your bike, if you don't fuel properly you're gonna have a bad day. She has good instincts

[@theonemanopinion2764]

I’m riding a bike a built from bits! frame is a 2019 vitus zenium I paid £200 for, aluminium but full carbon forks. £400 for full 105 disc group set. Wheels need upgrading but we’re only £90 used shimano RS. Carbon seatpost, stem and bars. Weighs 8.7kg. Cost me £750 to build.

[@Craig_Beale]

Summed up perfectly guys! I think for most of us mere mortals the sweet spot is around 3-5k, although thanks to inflation that's getting harder to achieve! Appreciate your affiliation with Scott, but you can definitely get a much better spec'd bike for 1k too! Keep up the good work 👍

[@gregschramm8180]

My. Titanium lynskey is fantastic but the gear set isn’t any good.

[@bonbonflippers4298]

@@gregschramm8180 got a lynskey also. Best value for a ti bike or say for us normal people. Durable, little heavy but can take abuse and scratches no problem.

[@sv-cr5yo]

Riding Speedster 50; same model and enjoying a lot :)

[@PP-cm4re]

£1000 bike with tourney groupset and no carbon forks is a rip off.

[@michaellangfitt2077]

Perhaps the most realistic and honest review I have heard. Other than EGO [which is a definite factor for some] you only need what YOUR level of riding demands. Fantastic reviews.

[@brabrabarabra]

€10.000+ bikes exist so €5.000 bikes seem a reasonable priced bike to the buyer. It's a selling strategy.

[@Mas421]

Yes, called the „anchoring effect“

[@garethjackson3545]

Thanks Francis & Jimmy this comparison is great appreciated! I'm not fat free or whippet like so there's no point in me having a super-bike; however, the £5k would be just as far as I could justify for my weight and ability 😉. Thanks again, great work & keep it up.

[@Missinglink3003]

Just got myself a 750€ Triban Gravel bike. There is plenty room to improve of course but it's absolutely great value and is on par with a lot more expensive bikes. And if you'd put the difference in upgrades it is really superior.

[@entombed_kills]

I still love my 250 Euro Triban Roadbike. Some PRs with still hold, because I was fitter back then.

[@brizzie2009]

I’d buy the £5K bike. At the moment I ride a Bianchi Oltre on the road, Diamondback Haanjo on mixed surfaces and a Trek 1120 on adventures. You have set a very high bar with this new format - keep it going! 👍

[@WILDFOXRUNNING]

This video was awesome Francis. Great insight and funny as always. I got a 600€ road bike, upgraded to carbon wheels and a bigger Sora 9 speed cassette and it does everything amazingly well like you said. Also got a giant Trinity TT bike for Triathlon racing and some training but the road bike is where I do most of the mileage and I don’t need more, would be nice but don’t need it. Cheers

[@royevans4581]

I remember when not too long ago, you could get a lightweight alloy framed bike with carbon fork and 105 groupset (FSA crankset) plus Ritchey finishing kit for £650. A la Boardman Comp.

[@abedfo88]

Yes ! That was my first road bike in 2008. I was at uni and my dad got it for me on cycle2work scheme. I then paid the debt off to him 😅

[@adredy]

Now 1200 but i dont know nothing about frame quality .

[@sdolman79]

Agree my Scott speedster 20 came with 105 and a carbon fork for £600 reduced from £1000.

[@royevans4581]

@diesel They were bigger too.

[@TenSapphires]

I bought Gianr Contend AR2 2020 in 2021 with Tiagra 4700 and Tectro c550 mechanical disc brakes for 900$, 10.50kg

[@Aragorn.Strider]

Last year I kinda bought the middle one (although half of that price even) and still feels amazing to me. Carbon frame and fork. Hydraulic disc brakes.

[@malcontent_1]

My daily driver/commuter is a steel framed single speed-love it

[@michaelscholl4541]

I would take the 5000 bike, it is just looks simple and beautiful

[@tdavis85]

i love you guys vids. they're totally no bull and relate to us normal people who don't or can't afford mental bikes. and your sense of humour adds to it

[@ElGranCoati]

Oh man, I have a 6-year with me, already used when I bought it, aluminium frame with carbon *steel* forks, old 9s-sora with replaced Sensah Ignite shifters (my poor STIs just DIED at the beginning of the year), and I absolutely LOVE that bike, it was cheap, everything is cheap to replace when needed, and I don't race, just ride for fun!

[@_vinceverano]

I totally agree with you guys. Cheap bikes are "very, very, very capable very good bike". I just had my first race yesterday using my £500 bike. Though I didn't win, I finished the race and the ride felt good and had no issues at all. Really all comes down to if you have the budget for more expensive, high performance bikes.

[@malcontent_1]

Loving this collaboration. Carry on gents.

[@thatwebbloke]

My £5,000 bike (picked up for £3,500 in on sale) that I brought for weekend rides, ruined my commuter, which was on a £1,000. Every time I rode to work, which has a couple of massive hills, I wished I was on my other bike. The lightness, better brakes, range of gears and electronic groupset just make the ride more enjoyable, so I recently ordered a £2,500 gravel bike for my commute, same groupset, but 1x, lighter titanium frame, rather than alloy. So in summary, unless you have the money to spend, don't try a more expensive bike, as you will just yearn for the better one.

[@enuazeal]

i'm ridding 2016. Toemus Sliker, bought it 3 years ago from bike shop owner, was his personal bike. it has ultegra di2 11speed, and its full carbon for 1600eur. im happy with it, road thousands and thousands miles on it, enjoying it

[@PeerensClement]

Thanks, this is a refreshing take. You can do any event an amateur would conceivably do on a 1000$ bike. Most amateurs overspend by a lot.

[@matt_m126]

I've been riding an alloy Devinci Hatchet Claris and upgraded to a Trek Domane SL5 Gen 4. No electronic gears yet, but mechanical 105. I have not ridden it yet, because Canada + snow, but this video got me even more excited.

[@Woopigmavs]

When I first got into riding/triathlon about 5 years ago I bought a cannondale caad3 frame from around 2000 and put on a new tiagra 10-speed group set. About a year later I added $400 superteam carbon wheels and GP 5000 tires to it. A year later I found a 2017 giant tcr advanced pro frame and moved all of my components onto it. Absolutely loved that bike and only had about $2000 into it, but unfortunately it was stolen recently. Lucky for me, insurance replaced it with a brand new TCR advanced pro disc. $5000 bike stock with carbon wheels, disc brakes, ultegra, dual sided power meter, etc. In all of that, the biggest difference to me was adding the $400 carbon wheels and GP 5000 tires to my 20 year old cannondale lol. The jump to a carbon frame was noticeably more stiff and comfortable, but the jump from my 2017 TCR to a brand new one really wasn’t that significant (but I do love it!)

[@billferguson2609]

I have several classic steel bikes but my favorite to ride is my 2007 Scott Speedster 40s. It is a bike that seems at home doing it all. It has Tiagra derailleurs and though a aluminum frame with carbon fork and seatpost it rides smooth. Riding below 20mph it seems docile but above that the bike surprises you with a quicker attitude more like a race bike The newer models have changed a bit but I will keep my older model for great riding fun.

[@jrother]

Having begun to do the maintenance on my own bike, I'd take the mid-range Scott you ran with. Changing brakes with all internal routing is just a nightmare for the garage builder, in my mind. I bought my Felt Z100 in 2016 and it's the only roadie I have owned. It's fitted with Shimano Claris, except for the chainset. I'm just a guy who likes riding around in the sun; I never thought I needed something more high-end. Though, I still do want to swap that chainset...

[@adrianherrell661]

I bought a 2yr old Ford Focus for less than 10k and my Genesis Volare ( 2nd hand £200) fits in the back just fine. Previous bike owner bought high end carbon weapon and didn't need the money so I'm happy that people want these upgrades , good for 2nd hand buyers. I have £1k legs.

[@newoldsteel]

Glad you guys are being realistic with this. Nothing is more annoying than the cycling community putting down people who cannot afford some of these crazy price tags. I have so much experience with not being able to afford much but realized that you don’t NEED super expensive bikes. Plus I get it with elite racers of course you need the top of the line, but there’s so much potential in lower cost bikes and with modern bikes there is too much diminishing returns for majority of us riders when spending higher amounts.

[@TeeKoon]

Exactly, and high price tags are more prone to thieves'choice, fast and easy to sell, more pro and organized gang with the Ebike wave following higher value of specialized bikes, I bought popular brand name, frame and fork life guaranty One year for the bike in general! All my ride each day was biking and making delivery meds in a large sector. Plus later bike messenger downtown paid by commission and up to 75 km a day, 5 days a week. I had no trouble to keep the pace from my previous daily bike use! Being so in shape, a heart at 60 bps, never out of breath! Nothing can replace muscles and cardio, 2 Michelin tires stick so well in curves even at low angle, last for a month on average for downtown job, a spoke job at the rear done too! And red pads to replace regular black brake pads useless in rain, the red ones kept braking in the wet condition, a must for hilly downtown riding! An expensive bike don't make better riders, building your muscles and cardio at the same times that gives balance to the body. It's free to do if you're planning a daily use! A good solid bike quality and warranty from local shop and servicing if you prefer a pro job respecting warranty! All year around, maintenance of bike paths today make it easier to travel if dressed properly and faster from no traffic jam and reduced car lanes from construction and maintenance.

[@Hintonbro.]

We need more of this kind of discussion! Folks looking to buy have to remember that the upfront outlay of cash is not the end of the story. There are constant expenses with cycling - almost everything on the bike is ’consumable’. So a $10,000 bike means much higher ongoing costs. It’s not one expense and done. Also I’d argue it is a great idea to set aside cycling budget for **travel**- rides or events in epic locations are cycling moments that you will never forget and I’d say is worth much much more than showing off your $10,000 super bike at a café.

[@WredFawks]

/late coming in with a 54cm 2x7 converted 52/39 11/28 C. Itoh badged Bridgestone Kabuki. Original weight 15.8kg with the pedals on, 12.9 after swapping in single wall aluminum rims, a matching rear center pull dual pivot brake, and a new saddle. 3kg has been quite the difference and I'm hoping the next build is just under 10kg, material and tube shape doesn't matter that much to me. That said, glad to hear about the Tourney shifters being workable, if a touch awkward. Given the state of 105 mechanical going for around US $600 currently, I might just save that extra cash and try to budget US $1,500-2,000 for the 'good range' on a light steel frame (if new new).

[@chrisscott8362]

My main bike is a 2010 Titanium Ritchey Break Away w / Sram etap. Ride mostly group rides in flat midwest usa. I have no plans to go aero or downgrade to disc brakes.

[@edwoodsnowden]

Also grabbed a Specialized Allez for £215 during lock down! Another bargain and great ride! Have £3k bike but just as happy on the Defy and Allez!

[@GallardoFreak888]

Riding on a multitude of bikes but… road bike is a 2013 Specialized Allez. It’s been upgraded over the years with carbon wheels and 105 components. Road an Aethos a few weeks back and a tarmac SL6 years ago and it made my bike feel like lead. But I love my lead bike 🥳

[@Roger101Watson]

Two bikes. Scott CX RC Comp from 2020 cost me £3300 upgraded wheels to Zipp Firecrest and fitted 700x40c tyres. I also have a Vielo V+1 Race Editon from 2022 which I've just had fitted with some Zipp 353NSW wheels. The Vielo is more comfortable, faster and confidence-inspiring it's truly an incredible machine. That Scott is bloody excellent, I enjoy riding it and it still looks pretty despite some war wounds.

[@M3GRSD]

Great video, top marks. Seeing that I'm already the chap who has a $1,000 bike and upgraded it to the very limit, I would go with the $10,000 if money were no option. Even though the parts can be upgraded, the frame material, power transfer from the bottom bracket, and the weight of the frame... Upgrading parts can't make your $1,000 bike a $10,000. It just wouldn't be the same. Once you've been cycling for several years, the obsession with the very best overcomes you.

[@salzhaltigersalzhaufen586]

well I do own a cheap road bike (Trek domane al2 disc) and there are defenitly times when I notice that you just gotta train harder to keep up with other people I mean even I was able to go up a hill with 40km/h with that bike and you can easly drop E-Bikes or even other road cyclist on these bikes just invest your money in some nice clothing get in a really aero position (if you think you are aero try to go even lower xD) and just have fun riding. One good thing about a cheap bike is you dont have to feel bad when people pass you but if you pass someone else man you can be happy and also if something breaks its not as expensive to replace

[@edwoodsnowden]

Love my Aero Bike! Felt AR4, its a beast and soo fast it scares me sometimes!! However got a Giant Defy I bought off eBay during lockdown for £115 and that is a superb bike as well!

[@global_nomad.]

good to see you presenting in an 'entry level' way - your use of language is accessible to newcomers by not using jargon or knowledge of terms that comes with years of riding, so kudos for that. asking a money no object question is rather moot though, anyone who is into their riding is likely to take the most expensive. how many weeks income would you spend on a bike might reveal more...my current bike is around 6/7 weeks net income.

[@getfuzed1887]

Very well done, that was one of the best feedback videos ive seen in a while

[@Xarx42]

I had the same discussion recently with a colleague. At the end we all have to find our sweet spot how much money we like to throw into our hobbys. Because even if the feeling might be not so different you do get something for the higher price (to a certain point; looking at specialized and colnago eg...). I'll be a happy owner of a Simplon Pride II in 2 months (but with ultegra) and I am already looking forward to have electronic shifting with automatic gear adjustment. Dont need to ask my girlfriend to keep paddeling on the smarttrainer while I am stuck in the corner adjusting the screws... :D

[@rangersmith4652]

I really enjoy comparisons like this. The Speedster's spec is very similar to a bike in the same price range that I bought -- the Tommaso Imola. It's got an alloy frame and a steel fork, but it's also wearing Claris 3x8. With that small chain ring, the Imola, even at at 10.9 kilos, can nicely serve 80-85% of riders (a guess, but you get the idea), especially riders with no racing aspirations and who don't plan on winning any KOMs. And it can be had at times for

[@rancescott]

I’ve had a cannondale synapse 105 carbon since 2014 cost £1400. Great bike. Recently bought an evo supersix £4000 honestly I think I prefer my synapse, expensive bike definitely isn’t worth it.

[@entombed_kills]

My Specialized isn't 10 times better than my Triban to be honest.

[@endatheworld]

Francis your channel has always been excellent. I just want to say that it is even excellenter with full-time Jimmy. 👌

[@MasteringGrappling]

I am riding a Yoeleo R11 which is a climbing bike. I went from aluminum Cannondale synapse to this bike. Yes, during acceleration you feel the difference in the carbon frame and in the aero tube profiles. It is easier to hold speed with the carbon bike than with my aluminum bike.

[@markreams3192]

Rim brakes with carbon rims is a deal killer especially in wet climates. At that price you should get disc brakes. The performance advantage of a very expensive bike is real if you’re a professional racer where seconds count. For the every day rider it’s more about conspicuous consumption. Everyone likes to show up to a ride with a great looking bike and the latest tech! The least expensive bike is certainly rideable but it may be a bit of a letdown if you’re used to riding high tech expensive machines. It’s great for a beginner who is testing the cycling waters to see if it’s for them. It doesn’t break the bank and provides a reasonably good ride.

[@tobycolin6271]

Trouble with bikes like the foil (and bikes like it) is if you haven’t got the engine to beat Average Jo on a group ride you just look a fool. On a bad day no one notices you on an average bike. But good luck to the people that have them. There is nothing better than hanging on or over taking an aero bike on something with down tube shifters.

[@MxCrab]

You'd get bigger aero gains by zipping up your jersey ;) I do love the mid range (the true mid range, Tiagra/Sora groupsets) of bikes. 2nd hand you can get them for a steal, put the widest tyres you can on them, and you're good to go for cafe rides and general purpose tourist cycling.

[@zedddddful]

Tiagra is properly decent Sora is just too big gear jump's tiagra hit's the sweet spot 👌

[@vidyapremkumar3851]

i have a focus izalco max which weighs under 7 kgs with the di2, a supersix with the older 6700 groupset and weighs about 9 kgs and some other bikes with lower-end groupsets . on any climb I've done in the last year the supersix is comfortably faster than the 9k $ izalco. ( the power numbers are similar on both ). and on while doing long group tt rides with friends who had the giant tt bike and one had a merida tt bike, at that point of time i had a hybrid that i had put tt bars on ( and changed the groupset on as well ) that bike ''had '' to be slower than a trinity and the merida tt bike right ? it wasn't . much later when i got the s-works shiv with all the bells and whistles, i thought , ok now. i deserve this and i am going to go 5 kmph faster than the hybrid with tt bars. it was barely faster than a bike that cost less than 1/10th the price. what i've learnt from all this is . 1. body position matters a great deal, especially on flatter terrains. 2. get good tires, get a good fitted jersey ( or a skinsuit if you can afford it ). 3. work hard at point 1. you'd be surprised at how much faster you would be on a considerably cheaper bike than the fancy ones. the only thing you don't get to do so much is brag on the price or the groupset etc. phallic waving is the only time you lose :)

[@MikeNorthrup]

Have to agree about the new format-you’re setting a high bar. A great vertical comparison at 3 price points.

[@sabaffira]

Still regret selling my $400 Merida Ride91 alloy bike with Sora groupset. It was so smooth with hardly any noise.

[@samtravis4822]

For me the best upgrade is electronic gears, they just work, stay perfect, are super smooth when changing, when you're changing gears thousands of times on a long ride the difference really adds up

[@PunjabiCyclist]

I think £5k to £6K is more than enough for a solid bike that lasts you a long time; and beyond this is diminishing returns as you guys rightly put it!

[@JakeMay]

I think complete beginners would find it useful to do a functional comparison between a road bike, a hybrid bike and a gravel / adventure bike - what and who is each type of bike for

[@mikelivingston2845]

I continue to ride my 2009 Cervelo S2 aero road bike. Over the years I’ve replaced the drivetrain and wheels several times but always stayed close to the original build. I currently have mechanical 11-speed Ultegra components and Vision Team 35 alloy wheels. I’d love to see a comparison of a 2009 S2 and a 2023 Cervelo S2 - or similar comparison of the same make and model bike 10-15 apart. Loved this video. Looking forward to more like it.

[@goodcompanycoffee]

Fellas, I appreciate the honest opinions here, as the majority of your target audience cannot afford a 5000 Euro bike for a hobby. The Scott speedster + smart upgrades like tires and improving fitness is the best bang for your buck. I also find that upgrading over time is more rewarding, as you earn your stripes and learn to appreciate the performance or comfort changes.

[@geoff5623]

My 2008 Specialized Secteur (Alu frame, carbon fork, 105 group) that I got second hand (for $900 cad) has served me well for many years now, and I'm glad I got it over a new bike at a comparable price that would have been all alloy and a lower spec groupset. I rented a Cannondale Supersix a few years ago on a trip and liked it - a little sharper handling, and the Ultegra groupset was noticeably better shifting - but as much as I keep considering an upgrade since then I just haven't felt that spending $2-3000 is going to be worthwhile for the improvement (especially if I'm not sure it's going to be a bike I'll love the fit and geometry of). (I have also been spending money on my track bike instead :)

[@MegaSixpac]

For my road bike I have a 2017 Wilier Centro Air. Really like it other than going down hill in cross winds which makes descending a nightmare.

[@spaghettibadger647]

I'm still riding my Merida Ride 400 from 2015 But i've upgraded the wheels/ tyres and just changed handle bars after seeing your videos about bar width. Went from a 44cm bar to 40

[@davidmulligan42]

I ordered a Trek Emonda during Covid, and after a few months the bike shop said none of the bikes were coming to the east coast. I ended up ordering a much more expensive 2020 Trek Emonda SLR7 eTap Project One (just under $10k). I doubt it makes any difference to my performance, but it's a nice bike. If there were no supply chain issues, I'd look to spend less than $6k.

[@jonburnell532]

For me, the Addict Gravel 30 with a wheel and tyre upgrade is pretty much perfect and more than I could ever fully use. And it'd cost less than £4k. But that still isn't "cheap". As for what I'm riding, a 2003 Trek 5200.

[@BaTHoRy85]

those shoes look like he is wearing slippers with white socks on.

[@asim9379]

Bike prices are ridiculous these days for anything half decent 😭. I bought a giant road bike for 1k and it had claris on it!!! I ended up having to upgrade the bike for a top end spec giant contend AR 1 just so I had 105 groupset. They are night and day apart.

[@johndef5075]

If you put claris and 105 on the same frame there isnt that much difference.

[@greggjames448]

Having ridden a £400 bike for several years and then upgrading to a £3000 bike in 2020, one of the biggest differences is fatigue on longer rides. As the cheaper bike was heavier, lost power through everything and didn’t have as wide a cassette range I would feel tired quicker on it compared to my more expensive bike

[@alefone2]

I've have/had many. Budget bike for me CAAD12 with 105 would be #1 choice for anyone starting. After testing many I settled on SWORKS Crux but still have a my CAAD12...If you can afford, it's fine but 1500$ CAD can bring you just as much fun for sure:)

[@mlee6050]

That is my issue, I want aero bike but with standard round seatpost so can use axs dropper in it if want

[@paullefko]

Would love to see the real world differences between say a Cervello Caledonia and the soloist, they seem so close on paper, does the endurance bike beat the race /hill climbing bike or vise versa

[@zimboy777]

the value sweet spot def around 5k used to be 3k. carbon frame fork and ultegra equivalent groupset (electronic) deep section light wheels bike weight in 7kg range decent tires - enough to really enjoy then just lose body weight and ride hard -good video right conclusion 👍

[@dinosor8819]

Riding the Trek Emonda SL5 rim brake with upgraded carbon saddle, seat mast & handlebars. With vision wheel set

[@leonschumann2361]

l have an elves falath pro 2022, ultegra 11s Di2, elite wheels 80/60mm wheels. overall cost probably around 5k. fully integrated, aero, electronic, tubeless everything. especially with the new UCI legal falath evo coming out. would never spend more for a bike. l think everybody can 100% agree with you on this topic

[@markusseppala6547]

Upgrade the £1000 with something like 105 5800 11s groupset, I just found one used for 140€. Then it would be a great value for money.

[@claudiofiero8523]

The "problem" is that you'd need a new wheel as well, as it probably doesn't have a cassette

[@madsheepz]

Excited to see what you think of the reform, I work with the guys that make it it’s so cool

[@MrHaydenJacobs]

I’ve always said that even if I had the money, I’m not sure I could justify a £10k bike, but riding with people that do, I can see why they do! I think the £5k is definitely the sweet spot. Although that’s still a dream for me.

[@simonpolakoff9047]

I’d love to see you compare the s-works aethos or a really high end light bike to an aero bike.

[@johndef5075]

Its fun passing 10k bikes on my 22 lb. steel Raleigh 😅

[@zedddddful]

I've blasted past many a weekend warrior on my commuter hybrid bike fully loaded with a week's worth of shopping lol YOU CAN'T BUY LEG'S.

[@j.k.b9247]

I dont now how they are selling you tourney for 1k, in germany you can get a 11sp 105, alloy bike from Rosebikes for 1300€ msrp

[@thewayisbetter4695]

Thank you for this video. I am a newbie and have been struggling with what to buy but this confirmed my thinking. I got the middle range Giant Propel and I love it.

[@dsarcevic]

Glad that you had rim brake bikes. I learned the necessities of cycling on my aluminum alloy Trek Emonda ALR5 and I upgraded to a carbon Trek Emonda SL5 with disc brakes. Still not a fan of the disc brakes. But had few options during covid lockdown when I purchased it.

[@aizins3420]

@@kimhoffmannandersen5477 rim brakes are becoming "obsolete" because of marketing lol

[@muhammedaliaydin4984]

I have a Bianchi SLR 500 and I am very satisfied. Don't forget; On the bike, you are the engine. Instead of spending too much money on equipment, you should develop their muscles. This is both more economical and healthier.

[@danielfoster1322]

I have a Scott Speedster 10 disc 105 11 speed 2022, I love it and so comfy just wish it was a little bit lighter my only complaint 🙈

[@iobmmarketing4543]

I am Riding a Scott speedster 20 Tiagiara with carbon forks cost be 1000 USD in Pakistan 🇵🇰 and I love it can u compare it to the tornet one?

[@artistglyn]

It's the same as in the old days of Hi Fi systems. the difference between a £200 and £600 system was very noticeable, but the difference between the £600 and £3000 was much less. The old diminishing returns philosophy.

[@coreyallert1482]

5k bike I have a cannondale Topstone (Sora) and a Canyon Endurace with DI2 I enjoy electronic shifting a lot

[@draugmithrin]

Gone retro on my Surly LHT, fitted 7 speed Vintage NOS Shimano Exage Sport LX Downtube Shifters and a shiny Wipperman 708 chain. Also ordered microSHIFT R473 3x7 Speed Dual Control Lever Set for just £28 from Wiggle. Who needs Shimano Cues?

[@leissp1]

Thanks Francis keeping it real. You are doing us great service. Ive been around a while .... a long while and remember when 1000 bought a really good bike.

[@natechen534]

The 10,000 pound bike was heavier because of the wheels. The same set up wither other wheels like the zipp 454 might make it lighter?

[@Stormer1633]

I wonder what an aero h/bar, 50mm deep carbon rimmed wheelset + TT tyres and ultegra 11speed mechanical g/set, or equivalent would do to the aluminum frame to compare against the £5000 bike ??

[@gavinward3176]

I currently have a PlanetX RTD80, SRAM Rival x11 mechanical and mechanical disc brakes. Cost just under £1k in 2018 with discount from £1,200. It's been a difficult bike with maintenance, main problem with front derailleur alignment. Cannot say I have had the best of experiences with this bike one way or another. Currently I have on order a Colnago V3 Ultegra di2 x12, should arrive in a month or so, cost is £5,399. Thinking of a Colnago C68 but an Ultegra di2 x12 build is coming in at £8,599. Question I have is whether I should just get some summer wheels for the V3? This is likely to push up the price to £6.5k. The alternative being I would go for the C68 but accept that it will only have entry level alloy wheels? Personally, I think bike prices have gone crazy. If the C68 was £6-7k including carbon wheels I would go for it but I hesitate when the price goes so high. Let me know what you think.

[@owensnicholas]

I ride a Specialized Roubaix, which I bought when I lived in a flat place with garbage roads. Now I live in a mountainous place with beautiful tarmac. I’ve considered a lighter ‘climbing’ bike, but the stack heights on them are as much as 80mm(!) lower than my Roubaix. I’m not sure I can do that.

[@ariffau]

Do it step by step over the years. Slam the Roubaix. Ride on. Slap on a -17 stem. Ride on. Once you can’t go lower, get the new bike and don’t slam it just yet. Ride on. Once you’re ready, you’ll get yourself dialled in. Took me 8 months to go down another 23mm after riding a -17 on an endurance frame with a frame stack of 563. Right now I’m at 540 stack and I’m still working my way down. I’ve convinced myself that it’s going to be a long & slow process and I’ve learned to trust and enjoy the process. For context, I’m 170.5cm tall with 84cm inseam.

[@adriancozma6161]

I've had a 3k€ bike for several years and recently a friend gave me his 8k€ or so bike and I was impressed how much a difference it made. Even though mine was an aero bike and his was a more normal one, I still managed to beat some of my shorter KOM which was interesting 🤔🎉

[@lukesanders768]

I've always ridden alloy or cromoly bikes. I once rode a carbon roubaix with all the bells and whistles and I felt it too stiff for me. haven't tried other carbon frames but it all depends on the type of riding and the rider you are. I don't take part in races and I don't intend to do so. Alloy is good for me.

[@mwbpo1]

Really enjoying this new format.

[@davemoss6976]

the speed of the £1000 bike downhill might not be that far behind the aero bike, the extra 3kg gives you 30 newtons ( i think) extra force ( does that mean 30 watts?) going downhill , which maybe about the same as the aero disadvantage. of course, if there are corners involved the cheap bike would loose out on the braking.