Is This The Best Value Road Bike in 2023?

[@tomedward8652]

Rose and Canyon bikes are great value…….as long as you don’t mind the 6 month to 1 year delivery time. No joke.

[@touchdown081]

maybe try Cube

[@ccadp1219]

Nice…long overdue for us mortals. Please do more like this in the $1500/2500 range….👍🏻

[@davidarthur]

Thanks and watch this space

[@jamesscoltock4837]

First road bike I bought was a Felt F95 for £600 (2012). Took me from John O’Groats to Lands End and on countless sportives. It’s sad that the big brands don’t offer more options at a lower price, a £2,000 bill for a bike must put a lot of people off, and there’s better value to be found from companies such as Planet X and Fuji.

[@gavinward3176]

I have a Planet X RDT 80, unfortunately had a lot of problems with it. Main issue resolved by replacing the front derailleur with SRAM Force but issues with the front folks (bent on delivery) with tyre rubbing. Customer service was appalling, wouldn't resolve the fork issue even with an independent assessment.

[@jamesscoltock4837]

@@gavinward3176 That's unfortunate. I had a Planet-X RT-57 that was brilliant out of the box.

[@fotografamos4083]

And Decathlon!

[@jason200912]

I have a felt s32 right now.

[@theatomic430]

You can still buy many old road bikes today.

[@sdgmrs]

I have had my Giant TCR since 2014.. great bike.. if you keep your bike clean.. chain clean.. when i save up i upgraded wheels.. custom saddle.. have done multiple triathlons and iron.. no need for a 10k+ bike

[@JohnDoe-yh9gi]

The best bike is your current bike. My 2016 Endurace still rides like a charm. Upgraded the groupset to axs.

[@CanyonWanderer]

Feeling really lucky with my end 2020 Canyon Ultimate CF SL 7 - rim brake (I live in the Netherlands, so all is flat), Shimano105-, then it was EUR 1699, 7.72 kg, super stoked with it! I see that now there is no rim brake version anymore and it is 2699 !

[@theatomic430]

I also got in on the last of the Canyon rim brake bikes-- CF SL 8. Perfect.

[@CanyonWanderer]

@@theatomic430 I still love it, last week it passed the 10000 km mark

[@junrama1148]

I got mine last week. A 2017 canyon ultimate cf sl 9.0 with sram force groupset and rimbrake. Aside from the whole bike the seller gave me freebies of fizik antares saddle, canyon stem and dropbar,look pedal, carbon bottle holders and a sram force RD with short cage for 800€. Most of Todays brand new bike are so expensive thats why i go for second hand.

[@kieron88ward]

That Rose is an alloy frame (disguised as a carbon frame) but it looks beautifully made.

[@banjomechanic]

I’ve ridden, but not owned, a couple of Giant bikes and I’ll have to say the ride quality is impressive. I’m not getting off my old Bianchi just yet, but Giant will be my next serious consideration. Great video!

[@liamblood5239]

I just got a Giant Revolt 2 for 1100 euro straight from Giant. It's a gravel bike but still wonderful on road, changing out the crosscut 2 tyres to something more road worthy would really improve it aswell but I live in Ireland and even our bike lanes have potholes. It's a lovely ride and could not recommend Giant enough to people, especially those who are starting out cycling, like myself

[@AnnaMeredith-e1m]

rad

[@jc2685]

Just bought my 1st road bike, a mint condition Ribble fully carbon Endurance SL, 105 groupset for £550, 2nd hand! Worth 2k brand new. Now thats value. It is freaking light!

[@rodcosta2345]

Thanks for reviewing more affordable bikes that are accessible to the masses - cheers!

[@davidarthur]

More to come!

[@benleatherland7020]

£2000 bikes are now considered affordable are they. People are being brainwashed. That is ridiculous money for a bike.

[@100drips]

​​@@benleatherland7020 true. when i spend 2000 euro on a road bike 5 years ago, i considered it to be a luxury item. and that was after many years and kilometers on a steel randoneur. i still own and ride both. disk brakes, tubeless, electronic shifting, carbon etc... you don't need all of that to have a good and fun ride.

[@jmounce50]

Trek Domane AL5 is another great value bike with 105 group set and good specs and good quality parts. Tires would be the only thing out of the box I’d upgrade but that’s with any of these bikes in this price range.

[@mrichards55]

Yes, the first think I do when I see rubbish Tektro brakes is swap them out for 105.

[@yu-chiyeh2959]

Replacing stock tires with 28c faster and lighter tires is a big improvement of my riding experience. Love my Domane AL5 despite the bike is a bit heavy at 10 kg. Probably can make the bike lighter if going for carbon wheels (guessing like 700g lighter?)

[@normhanson981]

I’m in Langkawi , Malaysia, there is a nice Gusto with DI2 and calliper brakes , Taiwan carbon frame , 12500 RM or about £2200 . 👍

[@acemodean]

Very interesting. That giant is a screaming deal in UK. Can't get close to that price in the US.

[@SlickSniper3]

Bought a 2019 Giant Defy Advanced 2 with Shimano 105 gearset just before covid for a pretty good price at the time. Super happy i did, similar spec 2023 models are nearly double the price here in Canada...

[@joem3701]

I recently bought the giant tcr trading my canyon and my what a difference in comfort and ride quality.Giant is by far the best value

[@granthutchinson5937]

£2,000 for a low-end road bike, no wonder bike sales are down. We can blame the bike industry for phasing out rim brake bikes, which allowed light weight bikes at affordable prices.

[@egigstertroll3521]

trying to make money off the folks with money.

[@clintonjthurman]

The first bike is not 2000, as of today it’s 4500. Not exactly bargain basement prices.

[@samiktiri]

These prices are singly obscene

[@ThomassEvo]

Buy direct from China

[@calebniederhofer6529]

It is not a low end road bike, but the best performance and value bikes, that perform at a higher quality, performance level.

[@agstudioband]

2000euro cathegory and not pick any Cube bike is a big blunder. That would be my first choice out of all your recommendetions without thinking toolong. Awesome frames of really high quality, top groupsets. Attain or Agree lines are what everyone should be considering in 2000 budget

[@StanEby1]

This one of your best videos. You have applied your extraordinary judgment to the ordinary world in which we live and to great practical and quality of life benefit for us all. Thank you once again, and all the best.

[@davidarthur]

Wow, thank you!

[@peterxyz3541]

This channel is not aimed at me. Happy for your joy of this hobby

[@davidarthur]

the clue is in the name ;)

[@technikhub4050]

Finally! WE like this type of videos. Affordable bikes

[@davidarthur]

Glad you liked it!

[@courtney2835]

A bike for 2000 quids is affordable?

[@jennings016]

Yes bikes prices have gone up, also has car prices and pretty much everything else also.

[@Cortes19882012]

I have a 2019 CAAD12 Ultegra. Still rides amazing today. Cannondale is the best when it comes to Alloy. Same with Specialized with the Allez.

[@Glebaka]

I have Caad 5 from 2005, still rides amazing😅 actualy theres no big differnce between new and old bikes, specially if old is upgraded

[@Hauptstufe]

@@Glebaka 1998 CAD3 checking in.

[@FriendlyFarmMachineryToolCpBel]

I sold my old Allez, a stiff, beautiful frame. Steep angles made it a great bike for crit racing. Specialized alloy frames up there with anyone's!

[@Cortes19882012]

@@FriendlyFarmMachineryToolCpBel The Allez still remains to be the best bike for crit racing. The frames even got better.

[@FriendlyFarmMachineryToolCpBel]

@@Cortes19882012 , great 😃😃😃

[@Cyclingchoice]

Rose decided to clean up the front end but route cable housing under chain stay! The frame design looks good though.

[@gijs3474]

I have been riding/racing Rose Bikes for far over 10 years, however their bikes are great value, I must add that one should avoid their carbon fibre frames. My MTB is now on it's sixth frame in 7 years time, all the frames broke down due to manufacturing issues. My racing bike is the same as I'm on my second frame after 8 years but still kinda sad to have to go back to the german shop (live in the Netherlands) to bring the bike away and pick it up a few weeks later. On the ALU bikes I only have positive experiences tho!

[@jamesmoros1274]

In the land of Oz that’s Australia for you chaps.. Chinese unbranded carbon frames are very common and the quality is not that far off the brands you mentioned and in some cases the mix up of unknown brands do give better value for many especially for beginners and mid level riders. Great review as always 😊

[@charleywaynehinkle6358]

Could you give me a link to a good recommendation of these bikes

[@desmoMarco91]

the worst thing about the cycling industry aren't 15k bikes, those are built to win the tour de france....the worst thing is entry level bikes being 3k+

[@indiebikes]

“But you missed out [insert random name of every bike ever made here]”. Seems you can’t win. Something to keep in mind with this price point is resale value. Getting a “branded” bike often means when people buy at this level, don’t ride it much and then decide to sell, they fetch a better price back than “lesser” brands. Facebook marketplace is littered with examples of broken dreams and best intentions. Plus always buy a bike you like the look of, as if you are not a super enthusiast roadie, it’ll make you want to ride it just that little bit more! The list you have provided is an excellent start point for sure.

[@Not_Sure_]

If you're not racing you don't need a fancy bike. You can get a really nice bike for less than $1,000 with Shimano Claris 8x2

[@firematt422]

Buy the best bike they made.... 20 years ago.

[@worldofameiso5491]

For two grand you can get a fantastic second hand bike. A mate of mine picked up a carbon Fondriest, Full Ultegra with Zipp 404v wheels for £600. It had hardly been ridden and was like new.

[@InfinityProTeam]

Yeah this is a good point, surely with two grand you can get some incredible spec bikes second hand

[@danarello2563]

@@InfinityProTeam That's a good idea. I'm nervous about buying a used carbon road bike because the frame could have an issue. Probably unwarranted.

[@JumpingWatermelons]

Yep, it was many years ago but in the past I paid $2,000 for a barely used Colnago C40 with Campy Record, some kind of rare special carbon cranks that Colnago sourced for a while, and a set of some special edition (extra light) Zip 303s (I think to buy all that new was over $10,000 at the time). Your friend got a really great deal on that Fondriest

[@marktindale5647]

No David!! Alloy is NOT short for Aluminium. An alloy is a blend of metals. Steel is an alloy, as opposed to iron, for example. Please don’t spread this common misconception. Thanks for the video all the same

[@davidarthur]

You're technically right of course but in general in cycling alloy is used as shorthand for aluminium

[@larrycurran7005]

​@@davidarthur In your world perhaps they are interchangeable but in tbe real world and in every bike shop I have been in over 40 years they are as different as apples and oranges. My first really good bike was made of Reynolds 531 alloy I believe, a steel alloy. It was not sold as an aluminum frams bike by the shop. I have had an aluminum frame road bike and it was sold as an aluminum frame bike not an alloy bike. Both bikes were soldd in different states (US) by different bike shops. As well after I first seen your video I called six different dealers separated by hundreds of miles snd brands and not one has ever heard of using alloy and aluminum interchangeably when referring to bike frames. As well i called a biking friend in England, outside of London, and he had never heard of using the two different materials interchangeably over his 60 plus years. Further, aluminum generally gives a rather stiff ride while an alloy frame usually provides a more forgiving ride. The two materials are worlds apart in the biking world as well as the rest of the world. You should just accept an error when you make one not try to cover it up with a false statement. There is never a problem with an occasional slip up. We all make them. The problems arise from trying to cover it up. This is hoping you just made a mistake and not are actually that unaware of bike materials. Outside of this obvious error I enjoy your videos and would not comment on it except your reply is too off base to ignore, sorry.

[@davidarthur]

@@larrycurran7005 Type alloy bike into google and see what comes back, much easier than phoning all these dealers. I'm well aware of the material differences I was using a common shortening of the name which while incorrect has been in common usage as long as I can remember. I'm not really sure why it has caused you so much upset is it worth it?

[@larrycurran7005]

@@davidarthur It did not upset me. Those are your words not mine. Yes it was worth it to put in my reply. The way you used the term could be very misleading to someone who is not aware of the difference in materials. Further, if you are so aware of the difference then why did you use a misleading term? If you trust Google surches so much that is a shame. They are noted for information, not always correct information. Accepting a misuse of terms is ok, defending it with not very valid statements makes me wonder if you are the one upset over it. Hence your type of non relevant defense.

[@davidarthur]

I’m just not sure why you are pursuing it so much that’s all, just accept that while technically incorrect it’s a common term used to describe aluminium. Sometimes things stick

[@stevek4382]

Aluminum has a bad reputation? Never heard that. Bike companies are ripping everyone a new one. I wouldn’t spend 2000 on tiagra group set. I also don’t need batteries on a road bike, something else that breaks down. I think 105 non Di2 at 1800 reasonable. If not I’ll keep riding what I have. Rose Ultegra, mechanical groupset that sounds good.

[@davidarthur]

It doesn't have a bad reputation, but it has an unfair reputation for offering a harsh ride, a hangover from the 90s and early 2000s but that just isn't the case these days imo

[@gregmorrison7320]

@@davidarthur Even my early 2000's GT ZR3.0 with 28mm tires rides very comfortable with it's carbon fork, the bike it replaced an earlier GT with aluminum fork however was a hard ride.

[@MrValthier]

Great video and great choice for value roadbikes. Small correction David. The Rose road bike is very light aluminium build with a very fine finished, which it looks like carbon. Greetings from Germany.

[@DilbertMuc]

Absolutely. I mistook the Rose Pro SL for a carbon bike until I saw the aluminium weldings at the bottom bracket. 😅

[@hoizkiacha]

unfortunately the pro sl is no longer available

[@darthvulcanis4002]

I'm looking forward to the Vitus bike reviews. Great brand with great value

[@paultaylor8735]

I bought the same bike in just before Christmas and can’t recommend it highly enough.

[@nomadcarpenter8549]

I give you crap for not holding the manufacturers to account on their batshit prices. But, fair play, you've done a good job here of giving the masses useful info.

[@malcolmhendra20]

My ORRO Terra C 105 came to £100.00 less than the £2000 and that included pedals and mudguards and a personal bike fit. Im absolutely delighted. Although its my first bike so I have nothing to compare, what I used to cycle in 1 hour on my wife's bike I can now achieve in 45min on the ORRO and her bike is a good quality Specialised hybrid. I feel every ounce of downward pressure is converted to the drive train. Ive now cycled almost 500 miles with no issues at all.

[@slipknotsoad86]

Where did you buy that?

[@malcolmhendra20]

@@slipknotsoad86 I bought it from The Bicycle Lounge in Ormskirk, Lancashire. If your local and interested have a look at Merlin cycles in Chorlely. The have a 2022 Terra C at a very competitive price (at least it was there last week when I called in!).

[@slipknotsoad86]

@@malcolmhendra20 I'm in kent so far from local! thanks for replying though, it was worth a shot as that is a great deal!

[@richardggeorge]

Really interested to see what you think of budget brands like Vitus. Keep up the great work. Cheers from hot sunny Melbourne

[@stanislavkindiakov6334]

Vitus is not a ‚budget‘, it is a good second tier brand with great value for money.

[@xelseartheonlyone1267]

I love the Giant Contend AR! Beautiful all road bike. And very capable!

[@cyclingsfatsuma9808]

Merida used to have some well spec'd mid range bikes even in carbon but they seem to have disappeared. but I saw an escultura 400 for £2400, which seems pretty cheap for electric assistance, with hydraulics discs and 105. Might be worth reviewing the e-road bike market. La Pierre seem to have nice ones as do giant and trek

[@stephencarr9342]

I have that exact same TCR that was £600 more expensive in 2021. Great bike, great groupset. The wheels are ‘meh’ and the front thru axle adapter collapsed within 2 rides. The tyres - nice that it comes set up tubeless, but the tyres are heavy, and like treacle on tarmac. However- like your comments, I changed the wheels to some 50/60mm and added some F1 tyres and it’s absolutely transformed! Not much else I’d change - might add a thicker bar tape down the line. The saddle is ok as well although it creaked after a while so I’ve replaced it only due to that.

[@zwifting]

Great review of some excellent options - if you can find them in stock 😂. But I do believe the Rose is AL frame not CR. Still a stunning bike though.

[@mrichards55]

I have that Trek Emonda ALR and tarted it up with Dura Ace 😊

[@ditto1958]

Did that make a difference?

[@mrichards55]

@@ditto1958 Has actually made buying replacement 11 speed Dura Ace components super hard to find.

[@aerowilly65]

You can actually get the Emonda SL5 disc for £2k if you look around. Good discount and I did consider it but ended up with a TCR,based on the frame weight.

[@yonglingng5640]

You also end up with a bike that's easier to work on (sub-hour headset service) and compatible with almost any, if not any direct-drive turbo trainer. There's simply not much to fault about this bike.

[@stanislavkindiakov6334]

Haha, same did I, also took TCR and saved 800 Euro 😅

[@alfabethev2.074]

Biig thumbs up for having the courage to include other bikes than the usual one's 👍🏻 Tnx. Dave.

[@davidarthur]

My pleasure!

[@charlesblithfield6182]

The big brands also need to get with the program with respect to crank length and handlebar width. Too often the offerings are too big. The only way to get 165mm cranks is with a small or extra small frame. Sub 400mm handlebars likewise.

[@jamesmorris858]

2:49 I have a Giant Propel 2022 model. I know it's not in this price range of road bikes, but I just wanted to say that I love the bike so much! Giant is a great value for money regardless of what price range you're looking at. I'd love to save up for a TCR one day, but right now I'm having fun enjoying my Propel ❤

[@sorexys5756]

Im considering to buy the propel 2. And i dont have written so many Bikes, but others thank components of course the ride Feeling is very Important

[@SG-dg6oi]

I wanted an American (Wooo America!!! We rock!!!! Don't forget we saved you Brits in WW2, the big one) bike but none of the local dealers had my size and price point in stock!!! So I bought a Giant Revolt 2... It's okay, but I haven't broken past 30 miles per hour downhill yet... Trying to ride every day or other day!!!!

[@desaparafusado]

David, great vídeo, thank you for the options. Giant and Rose are my favorite, for my first road bike. Regards from Porto City, Portugal 💪🏼🇵🇹🚲

[@maniastrat]

Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8 Rim brake is a great deal full Ultegra

[@cesaramoga]

I just order it the same ultimate yesterday for 2100 US. I am training for an Ironman. I cannot wait to see what this new bad boy can do. I think this bike is a great deal. Sadly, the new canyon bikes have higher prices so the value per dollar has decreased.

[@geospatialdata]

I can't find a similarly equipped TCR for that price point in the US market - I would buy it if I could find it!

[@Toto8opus]

1:03 I think alloy and alu are two different things. In the (not that remote) past, all bicycles were made out of steel; which is a combination (alloy) of iron and carbon, whereas alu is the material on its own. Now, maybe, that's an habit you have in the Anglosphere to call it like this.

[@XerxesGustav]

Alloy is by definition a mixture of different types of metals. All aluminum bikes are alloy too, since no bike today is made from 100% aluminum. One quite common type of aluminium, named 6061 for example also contains magnesium, silicone, copper and chrome.

[@viktorb2688]

David Arthur you're aware that alloy isn't the short version of aluminum right?

[@chones_]

One thing that drives me crazy is that quality aluminum bikes are going out of style. It's so hard to find a quality aluminum bike with decent components these days; everything is carbon fiber. But you're spot on about your comments about gravel bikes. I have an Canyon Ultimate w/ ultegra di2 and a Grail AL w/ mechanical grx. I much prefer my grail for most riding because it feels more planted on windy days going downhill. If Canyon had a aluminum ultimate with similar components to my cf sl with ultegra di2, i would have gotten that one in a heartbeat.

[@davekendall1338]

Other than price, what advantages do you see in aluminum over carbon?

[@cjohnson3836]

@@davekendall1338 Ability to bolt things to a bike. If you're looking for something with utility. Bolt holes on carbon are never going to be a good thing.

[@ketle369]

If you want to drill hole in things and also want comfortable bike-steel frames are much better than aluminum. Aluminum is very stiff. Steel soak up much more road buzz.

[@CristianoVicente]

Van Rysel the Decathlon in-house brand also offers, both alloy and carbon, well specced road bikes in this price range. Unfortunately there still is some stigma buying from Decathlon.

[@ZaydDepaor]

You don't need to spend anywhere near £2,000 to get a decent bike and enjoy cycling. You can spend £350/£400-£600 (or even less there are new road bikes at Decathlon starting at £250-£350) and get a reliable new bike from a reputable company. And people don't need 'road' (i.e. racing) bikes with drop handle-bars, they can get hybrid bikes, mountain bikes, town bikes etc.

[@faequeenapril6921]

I agree especially decathlon they have amazing value for the average person, even Halfords have bikes at this price point. But what worries me is that big brands have basically ditched the sub £500 bikes and I guess in part it's because Shimano is now more expensive, it would be amazing for the market if decathlon licenced out Microshift to other companies to build bikes with. My worry is that as time goes on the average person who cannot drop £2k on a bike will be stuck with buying 2nd hand or just going to decathlon.

[@ZaydDepaor]

​@@faequeenapril6921 ANother problem now is electric 'bikes' as they are getting many people away from actual cycling and is contrary to point of cycling and many of its benefits...and eBikes are expensive and so will be an excuse to drag up the prices of normal bikes as they will be compared to eBike prices.

[@faequeenapril6921]

@@ZaydDepaor oh yeah for sure, to me bicycles is all about low tech, repairing at home with nothing more than a few tools that anyone can do. To me bicycles are already really expensive, the "budget" specced bikes now being way more expensive than they use to, I'm at the point that instead of buying brand new I'm tempted to buy 2nd hand and then specc it up myself to how I want a bicycle for my needs.

[@jonpoon3896]

Trek Domane AL is a good option in the US. Trek are expanding their retail shop coverage pretty well. Which means good warranty coverage countrywide

[@joed7185]

Had the AL5 Disc not even for a year and sold it. Such a heavy slug of a bike.

[@jonpoon3896]

@@joed7185 1. Are there lighter options for the price? 2. Is it the bike? I kid

[@joed7185]

@@jonpoon3896 Its Disc Brakes. Look to get a Specialized Allez Elite rim brake.Thats what I got. SO much better response wise and lighter.

[@erlendsteren9466]

Thanks for good video! If I should by a roadbike now I would look for tyre clearance. The Canyon Endurace looks interesting. Gravel bikes are probably the kings of clearance and a versatile choice. My first "roadbike" was a Rocky Mountain Rail cyclodrossbike and has given me thousands of good kilometers during almost 20 years.

[@jason200912]

Get a road bike. make sure the brakes are high screw n shaped so they can fit fat tires. Buy gravel tires. Problem solved.

[@xrenx4921]

@@jason200912 wouldn’t drive gravel with a road bike. Buy a 2nd bike specially for gravel and you’ll be happier

[@ciaranmcmahon3024]

for me its all about the quality of the wheels, I bought a set of v fast deep 50mm Chinese wheels 10 years ago and they have not needed as much as a spoke change, get an average bike with fast wheels

[@robster6868]

Still rocking my trek sl6 2017 rim brake 2500€,bought some zipp 303´s for racing,still good enough today.

[@davidblanchard6785]

Cannondale caad optima 1 for 1600 with 105 is hard too beat

[@beaub9098]

Giant TCR advance 1 I love it !

[@christophercortes1524]

Just scored a Ridley Fenix SLIC for $2400 … totally loving it!

[@LOZUPONEJ]

Buy used. Be patient

[@StanEby1]

Amen and amen!!!

[@niklaskristensson2231]

Hear hear!

[@PHHE1]

One year ago, canyon aeroad 2019 incl. Everything, ultegra di2, dtswiss arc1400 62mm, 7,8kg, 3,3k€ almost new. And now stores are presenting me super base level, partially aluminium entry level bikes for almost 3k. Yeah, not feeling it. Little better than a good used deal. However, the used market has realized that and increased prizes harshly over the pandemic

[@blablablubbiblubb]

Wait for the new Shimano drivetrains, the old parts will be on sale soon

[@mr.k7197]

Exactly!

[@Star14trek]

Surprised no Boardman slr 8.9 £1750 ... It always seems to get on other lists? I only ever had the TT bike but from others+reviewers it is still great value!

[@sgp7975]

I've got one. One of the best bikes I've ever owned and very upgradable.

[@gepardtilly]

I'd love to ride a road bike, but they are too difficult for me, I'm not flexible enough. Could you make a video with more upright, comfortable bikes?

[@andyc9187]

Just found a Giant Defy with a paint blemish on the frame in my local bike shop, massive discount, collection next weekend 😊

[@blaze1148]

Bought a 2nd hand Scott Addict (2020) for £1200 last year and absolutely love it !

[@dicconhill5593]

I have to say nice video and the price point more realistic. Does seem some people think you should have covered every bike in the world in the 2k range. Clearly not possible.

[@aj1575]

The way to get the best bike for 2'000€ is going used. I just bought a Simplon Pavo Granfondo (Full Carbon, Shimano Ultegra, 5 years old, 4'500€ new, 3'300km) for 1'600€

[@michaelpeppersack8599]

I am going to follow you because I get some good ideas of what to buy for my cycling hobby

[@MrMaxusy]

The old gen ultimate cf sl 7 is not available anymore. They replaced it with an 'updated' version that now costs €2699 and has worse components.

[@besnikajdari9296]

Bought a polygon stratos with shimano 105 Groupies for 1039€. The cheapest bike with shimyno 105.

[@ChristopherLee-o5b]

I have had carbon and aluminum,one of my bikes used paid 800.00 and have had no issues it has a Claris

[@davependragon1]

Bit deceptive on the Giant TCR 1, as this is the 2021 model and they have none in stock anywhere, the 2022 model they have loads of, but they are 3k

[@RobertSimpson-wp3pr]

I have bought 3 exceptional bikes used and in great shape. Bianchi 928 2011 Cervelo RS 2009 Daccordi Vinci 2017. Paid under 5k for all 3. The Daccordi has Campagnolo Super Record electronic. The worst wheels i have are Shimanos R50, they are bullet proof and ok. Just of all the wheels these are the only entre level wheelset that came with the Cervelo.

[@PHHE1]

In my experience you can get about 20-30% off base price if you look for 1-2 year old bikes that have only been ridden for a few hundred kilometres. If they are close enough for you to take a thorough look before buying you can potentially get a proper deal and essentially bump your aspirations up a complete price bracket. For some reason there seem to be quite a lot of people buying new bikes every year and getting rid of the old ones. Especially in the pricier "entry to full carbon and aero" 2k-4.5k range. And buying almost TDF grade stuff for 3k instead of >4k sure feels better. Just stay away from the trek stuff that always seems to cost 40% more than it delivers compared to good value brands..

[@JumpingWatermelons]

Yep. About 5 years ago I bought a Felt F6x (forget the last number), barely used, at a 50% discount from MSRP. I think is a cyclocross bike, aluminum frame, Shimano 105. The retail price at that time was $1,500 and I bought it for $750 which was very close to the wholesale cost. It's a great bike

[@jason200912]

Only competition people count the km ridden. Everyone else just says used.

[@johngilhooley4296]

Quick question Dave. Why do you never review PlanetX bikes? A british brand with a good Rep. Just Interested. Cheers

[@a1mcneagu602]

Not quite the group set you mention on the GIANT, comes with Shimano 105

[@LagunaRider1961]

I’m wondering if Shimano is still producing mechanical 11 speed group sets for sale? I haven’t seen any full groups sets for sale, I just bought a full mechanical Dura Ace but had to buy it in pieces. Love my mechanical!

[@marktownend3782]

They do but it's difficult to get hold of

[@MikeBaloga]

Giant is the best value in this group by a mile, especially considering the group set.

[@iraqiq]

Online price in USD is way higher than the prices on the video even after taking currency difference. Is that because US prices are just higher?

[@Pfeifenmarsmaes]

You forgot another good german Brand. I bought a Stevens Aspin to ride during winter. A really fantastic bike. Complete Ultegra Groupset with only Rim Brakes, but this is for me ok.

[@youngson6005]

I live in Utah and i Got to talk to a specialized engineer. I asked him why Carbon bikes are so expensive. He said they're most expensive bike with material cost and labor with 35% profit should cost about $5500.

[@newoldsteel]

Let me tell you as a vintage and new old stock kind of rider, anything Shimano Claris and Sora that’s being made by Shimano now, is as good if not better than Dura Ace and Ultegra of yesteryear. AND is compatible with previous groupsets. Where as new Tiagra id im not mistaken isn’t compatible with other precious 10 speed groupsets.

[@osterlitz1]

I am surprised that you left out Cannondale? They have a couple of road/race/gravel bikes that would fall into your price point.

[@hyena8385]

Great bikes /trusted quality but personally never seen a great value 'dale unless on sale (excuse the rhyme) - which is more what this video is all about. They always seem just that bit slightly more expensive than same spec competition.

[@toastrecon]

Lol. I bought my old road bike from a guy on the local classified ads for $80. It was a piece of junk, and I had to put about $250 into it to get it working and safe, but I've ridden it for hundreds of miles, and it's great. $2,000 for the "best value" road bike is just insane.

[@soulstyledevon]

Interesting comments on the gravel. Considering one to replace my current. Warwickshire lanes are awful these days. I’m getting to old for thin rubber 😂

[@anaussieinvietnam]

If you 1. Pack your bike in a car 2. Take your bike on a plane 3. Ride for fun 4. Do overnight rides 5. Are over 90kg 6. Ride on a variety of roads - then you need Alloy Frames... If you 1. A show off 2. A tosser 3. Think you are some elite racer... You need a carbon frame.

[@marccarter1350]

Buy these types of bikes in September or October when the shops are selling that year's stock off to make room for the next season's stuff. Or go to one of the online dealers like Ribble etc. Same prices all years round, but they still have some bargins. Failing that, its ebay for a 2nd hand. Make sure you go and test it first

[@denislan1829]

Nice content! But the Piano(or so) background loop is KILLING me!!!

[@MrAnon-2024]

I’d have an alloy frame over a cheaper carbon frame every time, in fact, probably even a more expensive carbon frame.

[@Lander76]

You missed out the vitus zenium crs. I own one and there us no better bike for under 2k - high quality carbon frame, ultegra groupset,8kg weight and it rides fantastic - very comfortable with excellent road manners and handling.

[@cyclofeedubox8332]

This is a step in the right direction. Let the market lead the industry giants, not the other way around

[@TarekWohncke]

I think in this Pricerange Cube has good offerings.

[@adrianvisentin534]

None of those bikes work for me because they have disc brakes which makes my collection of high end wheels invalid.

[@charlesblithfield6182]

I’d like to see the big brands offer the different classes of frame and groupset but with an a la carte menu of finishing kit and wheels with a new kind of relationship with the vendors/bike shops doing the implementation. Some bigger bike vendors seem to be doing something like this already. In this case different vendors might offer different options but the buyer is just getting the frame and groupo from the big company. Bike shops often or usually do assembly anyway so why not let them in on the action more but bearing some risk also? I don’t think this would work with the customer who just wants a bike for x price that works, but is more for the person who is a little more invested in the product. I just see a lot of the mid tier bikes with not very good wheels and finishing and it seems a waste when it’s known from the start that the tires and seat and pedals etc… are just going to be thrown away on day one.

[@motostarmx1777]

Dave..I truly enjoy your channel..thank you sir !!!

[@davidarthur]

You are very welcome

[@twatts4436]

Specialised don't make a road bike in the price range because they are over priced! They seem to have decided to see just how far they can push prices until people stop buying. I remember the look at the allez sprint, a £2.7k bike which had hideous welds and heavy, boxy, wheels.

[@marktownend3782]

They do. The Allez Elite. 1500. Rim brake. Not great wheels but I swapped them for my Hunt Carbon. Job done

[@smosescle1]

How bout the Cannondale Carbon 4 with Tiagra groupset?

[@CrazyCranker]

The one thing I hate about Giant, is the way they market their bikes in different countries. That model TCR is not available in Japan. In fact the only models available with the Ultegra are the Di2. The lower end models come with the 105 group sets.

[@themanabroad7800]

My problem with wheels and tires is that if I upgrade them then I feel like I may as well spend a bit more and get a whole new bike. Or if I don’t and I do by the wheels and then I decide to get a new bike later, then I have an extra set of wheels that I may not want… so I really struggle to decide whether or not I think it’s worth upgrading the wheels on my cheaper frame

[@Crap4me2]

Agreed. I will had, however, that I upgraded my tires [Giant Gavia to Continental GP5000] and the difference is INSANE. No components, just tires, and I honestly believe wattage has increased as well as feel and handling.

[@themanabroad7800]

@@Crap4me2 That's interesting, I might look into that. For me though, I feel that my money is better spent on a good bike fit, some bike shoes that are right for me and a few alterations to make my ride more comfortable. But I have also heard that the tires can make a massive difference.

[@johnlowkey359]

If I didn't have a discount on Trek, I would go for a TCR Frame. Upgrade to some Bontrager Aeolus, and you could have one heck of a bike.

[@tbear4291]

Excellent stuff sir.Very impressive.