BEST Road Bikes For Every Budget 2023!
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- čas přidán 23. 07. 2024
- In this video, I will share what I believe are the best options for road bikes in 2023 for the following budgets:
$1000
$1500
$2000
$2500
$3500
$6500
$9000
The choices I selected are options that were very minimally affected by post covid price increases, or not affected at all. - Sport
Great info and vid. Bought my Trek AL2 rim during Covid and have had a blast with it. Tried to buy the AL2 or 3 disc but none were available at that point and the wait time was months. At age 62 and just getting back into cycling it’s been a great option and I’ve learned a ton while riding it. Figuring it will take me several years and has lots of upgrade options along the way. Also totally agree with your assessment on $9k bikes!
I love the AL 2 rim! Back when it sold for $879, it was the bike I recommended to absolutely everyone who was new to road biking. Even for experienced road bikers, it is such a fun option. They simply couldn't be found during covid for the most part. Glad you were able to get your hands on one!
@@happydogg312 Wow, that's awesome! Enjoy the bike, you'll love it!
@@happydogg312 congrats man, you’re gonna love the road bike experience!
You convinced me to go from a Mid-sized frame, Side of road hooptie Walmart bike to a Domane AL 4.
I was between the FX Sport 4 and the AL 4 but I plan on wanting to do a 83Mile Ride by end of summer and need something that will endure the trails for that length of time.
This and your other video comparison was EXACTLY what I needed and I thank you very much.
You are so welcome! The Domane AL 4 is awesome, and would be absolutely perfect for your situation. It’s one of my favorite bikes I’ve ever ridden. Thank you so much for watching!
I think the giant contend AR rivals if not beats the trek domane on value, but not having ridden both, comfort could be a defining factor. But the contend and domane are the two I'm looking at for the sub 1500 category. Great video!!
For many riders, going fast with their group means being comfortable. "Endurance" bikes are perhaps incrementally heavier and less aerodynamically efficient than their "performance" cousins, but it's a fair bet that a new rider will be better served and ultimately faster on an "endurance" bike. I completely agree that for a road bike that's going to be in service for many years, Tiagra is an excelent choice, not least because it's still available with a rim brake option. I'm with you also on spending over $3500 or so. Most riders will _never_ be fit enough to make a more expensive bike matter.
Absolutely!
"But I can't physically ride 3 times per year unless I get a 10 grand bike with electronic shifters and Bluetooth brakes"
the Ultimate CF SL 8 is now $3,699 not $2,499. Quite insane!
Giant Defy Advanced 3 now quoted in the same range of the Domane Al 4 with same Tiagra groupset but with a carbon frame looks a great value for money opportunity
I agree with the domane line, the comfort is beyond what I expected and converted me to road bike. Upgraded my AL2 to 105 and aero wheels which made it fast and comfortable.
That's awesome! The upgrades sound super cool, and the AL 2 is also one of my favorite bikes.
Hey Vin Ganzon, just curious how much did you spend total with the upgrades?
@@stevengarcia4217 Hi Steven, having sold the claris groupset including breaks and deducted it from the 105 price maybe around 300USD excellent condition came with ultegra rotors. HTH.
@@hikerbikeromar yes Sir! Next upgrade would be the cogs, thinking of going 11-34 or 11-36 for those climbs.
@@vinganzon9256 That would be amazing! An 11-36 would be incredible for the climbs for sure. If you ever do a review, I'd love to see it :)
Nice video and personal experience with the bikes mentioned. I'd like to add the sworks sl7 but I'm a specialized fan and I find them lightweight and good to ride bike ergonomics and aerodynamics too.
Thank you so much for sharing!
Great video 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Another great video, if I was in the market for another bike I definitely check out the recommendations you listed. I haven’t looked yet but have done a video on hybrid bikes?
Thank you! I haven’t done a video on hybrid bikes, but I am always looking for suggestions on video topics. Thanks for letting me know!
THANK YOU 😊 🙏 for making this video
Thank you so much for watching!
@@hikerbikeromar I thank you back. Your Canyon Ultimate review CURE my anti-RIM brake biasis. I dismiss CU due to older rim brake but change my mind watching yr review
Just started my Domane AL4, ordered same GP5000 tire and inner tube😂 thanks for the video
Awesome man, congrats! You’ll love it
Thanks! I’ve been eyeing the Soloist. But was unaware of the Canyon at those price ranges. I always thought they ran higher prices than that. Completely agree with your assessments of diminishing returns above $5k.
SCWgreg, I was deciding between the Cervelo Soloist and the Canyon Aeroad as well. I ended up getting the Soloist with 105 Di2 based a lot on all the info and review video from Omar. He basically highlighted everything I love about the bike. I think it’s such a great package and along with the dealer support that you MAY not quite get with the canyon since it’s direct to consumer.
@@nelsdale1137 thanks! Yeah I’m really leaning to the Cervélo. So much frame for the money. And good call-out on the brand service.
@@SCWgreg ultegra di2 soloist on the way - did you guys buy one?
@@Circletakesthejake frame just arrived yesterday! I have the Ultegra Groupset already, Speicialized Roval Rapide handlebar on the way. Have the saddle. Just waiting on the wheels from Hunt. This build out should be around 15.75 lbs with pedals and bottle cages.
Excellent value - particularly for the price
Just got the last Madone gen 7 in quick silver color in the US. No regret to spend 10k+
Beautiful bike!!
In the UK I am thinking of getting the Boardman SLR 9.4 Disc. It's a carbon bike with electronic shifting. It retails for £2800 and the spec looks great for the price.
Looks like an awesome option! I don't see too many Boardman bikes here in the US, but they have a solid reputation. I agree, specs are great for the price!
In regard to the Canyons, Hiker Biker is dead on. The weakness of pre-built bikes have traditionally incorporated cheap wheel sets. With the better Canyons, you get great wheelsets. On the Canyon CXL , the DT Swiss ARC 1400 wheelset is a 2,500-wheel set and a damn good one.
I'm deeply offended that the cannondale synapse 105 wasn't mentioned. Kidding. Great video running the different price points.
Haha thank you!
in the canyon store I can't find the Aeroad CF SL 7 disc. only the Aeroad CF SL 8 . does someone mayby knwo why that is? would be pretty sad if it isn't available in the netherlands because the 8 in 500 euros more. and does someone know the diffrence between those two?
Seems like they just recently discontinued it! It's not available in the US anymore either. What an absolute bummer! You can however sometimes find it in the outlet section. The difference is the groupset (and color scheme). SL7 had 105 whereas SL8 has Ultegra.
What about the giant scr 2? Currently here in the UAE it is available for just 463$ with shimano Claris group set but with a prowheel crank.
Is that USD? If so, I think it’s a great option for that price point!
Have you tried 28" tires on the canyon ultimate? Notice any tire rubbing on the calipers?
I haven’t tried 28mm tires on the canyon ultimate rim, but my sense is 28mm would work just fine. Technically the frame is supposed to support 25mm and 28mm.
$200, Specialized Allez 2nd hand 😃
If you’re not racing and you’re going to spend over $5000 then a custom steel bike is something to consider. A 17.5 lb bike is plenty light and fast plus you’ll have a custom fit geometry and design and if you go the artisan route you’ll have a superb machine but a work of art and high craftsmanship.
Thank you for sharing! I know a couple people who ride custom steel bikes and they swear by them. Admitedly, I don't have a lot of experience with custom steel bikes, but I'd love to learn more and have that experience.
Where does the Trek SLR MADONE fit in the line up of bikes in the $6500 & over range? What is your take and also mention the SLR EMONDA , same price range $6500 & above!!!!
Both of those two bikes I don't think are very good options for the prices they sell for. Both the Madone and Emonda are known to be heavy for their class, and so you get much better values elsewhere. The exception is the brand new next generation Madone which is supposed to be excellent, but since it starts at $8k, I still think other manufacturers offer better value. This is just my opinion!
It is crazy to think about. I just bought a Rose PRO SL 105 .. so Shimano 105, Rimbrakes and with 8,5kg Aluminium. Looking at the Cervelo at 3500€ with the same Groupset just gives me a very good feeling about my purchase. Worth to mention is i only paid 750€ for a used one and the new bike ist just above 1.000€
I'm curious about the Canyon Ultimate now. How does it compare to the Specialized Allez Sprint, Cannondale CAAD13, and Pinarello Gan? I feel like the Allez Sprint and Pinarello are too race-oriented geometry-wise - that's why I got a CAAD13. I feel like the CAAD has a good balance between performance and comfort. Not to mention the Allez has a $700 premium for... who knows what, being a Specialized?
All of those are great options, but I still think the Canyon will beat them in terms of performance and dollar value, becuase with the Canyon, you're getting an aero handlebar stem integrated combo, and ultegra level componentry. I just haven't seen anything beat the Canyon in terms of price, and with my testing of it, it was an absurdly excellent performer. Although again, all are great options!
Hmm, I don't dispute the bang for the buck value of the Canyon at all, no other bike can match it's spec-level at that price point. It's just that I've come to realize it's not all about performance for me - I enjoy the slightly relaxed geometry of the CAAD and I don't slam my stem. The stack on the Canyon looks quite aggressive - that alone could be a non-starter for me, no matter how great it's performance might be. But this is coming from a guy whose second bike is a hybrid - tells you where my priorities are haha.
@@johnyoon5399 Oh yes, you make a very good point! It's not always about performance, comfort is absouletly important. I didn't find the Canyon to be too uncomfortable. It's more comfortable than my Cervelo S3, but not as comfortable as my Trek Domane. But I am sure it's all totally relative. Cannondale CAAD certainly has a great reputation for comfort!
For under $10,000 US, one can buy a Triumph Tiger Sport 660 motorcycle. Given I already own five awesome road bikes (none of which cost me over $3,200), if I had 9 grand to spend on a bike, I'd swipe the other grand from my rainy-day account and buy the Triumph.
This is so true!!
Completely agree with you! $9k+ on something that doesn't come with an engine very hard to justify.
Just got a canyon CF 8 disk for $2199. My first road bike!
You’ll love it!
Started off on a £300 triban 500 and then bought a Scott addict 20 (105 groupset ) 8kg for £1250 !
Got to spend a lot more ££££ to save a kilo !
If I get super fit and dedicated and lose 10 kg then maybe I spend £3500 !
Most km’s I did in one year was 5000 !
$2500 still have rim brake on Canyon, that's a deal killer for me
New subscriber!
Thank you!
i notice you have road the al4 and al5. how much of a difference do you feel between the two bikes since they have different groupset?
I ridden both and I felt there is hardly a difference at all. I personally would just choose the al4 since it is cheaper.
@@hikerbikeromar thank you for this advice!
Surprised both my top 2 choices made the list ( areoad / soloist) - opted for soloist = got a deal , liked it a bit more for climbing and the style
Congrats! It’s such an awesome bike.
What’s your opinion on the Domane AL5? Is the $300 not worth the difference between the AL4?
In my personal opinion, it's not worth the difference. The AL5 ships with an IsoZone handlebar which dampens the road vibration a bit more than the AL 4, and the AL 5 also ships with the Shimano 105. I used to own the AL 5, and I found the AL 4 to be a better value personally. It's comfortable enough to the point where I don't think the IsoZone handlebar will make much difference, and the Shimano Tiagra is excellent.
I just looked up the canyon ultimate cf sl 8 and it's going for $3700 where can i find the $2500 one?
Unfortunately, it seems like Canyon just discontinued it. However, if you check their outlet section, they frequently still sell it on there, and for even cheaper now. I've seen it as low as $1949.
I would love to know your thoughts on the Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 (2023) is the bike worthy for that price point?? If you could help
I've been super interested in that one too! I've gotten the chance to check it out in store several times, and it's an awesome bike. Probably the bike that most of us who want a higher end carbon fiber frame should be riding. Pre-covid pricing for a 105 equipped frame was usually around $3200. So the SL5 gen 4 is pretty close to that. Perhaps a hair overpriced, but I bet a lot of dealers would offer a small discount if asked. So yes in my opinion, I highly recommend it!
@@hikerbikeromar Hi Omar. First of all, appreciate your reviews which are really helpful to me.
I've been searching for my first road bike, and was almost convinced to get Domane AL4. Your reviews played a great part in the decision :-) . By the way, recently I got interested in Domane SL5. I am 55 and used to ride a bike a long time ago (usually hybrid - so first for road bike). And I don't think I'll always race against others with fancy clothes. Mostly, I will just enjoy the weekend ride ( of course, occasionally I may want to test me for a long ride and speed..) In that circumstance, AL4 would be almost a good fit - or too good for the beginner like me.
But still can't resist the temptation of SL5.
Actually, budget is not a big issue - although I may need my wife's final approval. :-) )
Just wondering if SL5 would be something you can recommend. As it is the same Domane, I think it will offer the comfort on long rides with more racing capability, less weight, carbon frame and better components, etc. But not sure if it can justify the jump up from $1799 to $3499 in my case. So I searched for other reviews, but the review I wanted most was the one from you. Sadly, not yet on your website. Do you have any plan to review it in the near future? Or can you give me some quick thoughts?
Not sure when you can check & answer my questions - but take your time.
And again, I'd like to say again your contents are really good and believe they've helped lots of people on their journey to riding.
Cheers
@@simonshin2529 Thank you so much for the kind words! I am so happy to help, even at whatever little capacity I can.
As you've noticed, unfortunately, I have never ridden the SL5. I very much want to, as it's one of the bikes that I am most interested in.
What I can say for sure is that the Domane line up in general is an excellent first road bike - in fact, I would say it's the absolute best, regardless if you go AL or SL. I would even go so far as to say it is my favorite road bikes of all time, because of its versatility and comfort. I think it is the bike that the vast majority of people should be riding.
I've checked out the SL5 in person, and everything about it is excellent. I love the geometry of the AL version, and the SL has the exact same geometry, but it is fully carbon fiber, so it should be even more comfortable.
I also love how it has hidden cables that hide underneath the stem, making it look super clean and also more aerodynamic. In addition, it's got the storage compartment in the down tube which is super handy and convenient. Every time I've gotten to check it out in person, it's seemed like the perfect bike, and everything I've seen about it would make me recommend it 100%. I've ridden enough aluminum Domane's to truly believe in them, and the SL versions are the same thing but better.
Personally, if I had the cash, I would go for the SL over the AL. I think overall, it's a better value. If it's going to be your one bike, I would totally splurge and enjoy it.
btw, I totally hear you on getting the wife's approval! I'm not married, but I have enough friends who are, and it's always the same story, ha! :D
@@hikerbikeromar Thank you!! Splurge or not .. I'll let you know final decision later. About wife approval thing, you will understand someday :-)
Great video man 🔥🔥 ....
Greetings from India 💗 .... Bro I am going to buy my first road bike - BTWIN triban rc 100 .... Which is just below $400 pretty cheap right 😅 .... It is 1×7 Shimano tourney with microshift shifters , aluminium frame and wheelset , rim brakes , steel fork and pretty much every other thing is basic .... weight - 11.3 kg .... So my question is - would you like to suggest any other road bike under $500 .... And what was your first road bike and how much did it cost you ??
Awesome man, congrats on the purchase! I've actually never ridden a Triban, but I hear great things about them. I think the setup you describe is probably one of the best deals you can get below $500. The only other options that come to mind for that price range would be the Trek FX 1 (which is more of a hybrid bike), or you might be able to find a used Giant Content 3 for around that price.
My first road bike was used Scott CR 1 from 2017. It had rim breaks and Shimano Sora components.
Thank you so much for watching!
@@hikerbikeromar thanks bro 👍 ....
how about the giant tcr advanced 2? this one runs the shimano 105 with rim brakes at $2999 CAD
Not a bad option at all! I think the Canyon Ultimate might still be a better value, but I'm sure both would be great. Thanks for sharing!
@@hikerbikeromar I’m honoured by your reply! I just checked that the lowest Canyon Ultimate model is $600 CAD more expensive than the Giant TCR Advanced 2 (rim brake model), so that’s a completely elevated price range though, but I suppose the stance of value still remains.
@@Apacha-nd3dj haha hey I am honored by YOUR viewership!
Feel free to check the outlet section for the Canyon Ultimate CL SL 8 on Canyons website, as they often run sales there which makes the value even more attractive, but still, the Giant would be awesome too I am sure.
Interesting that the Aeroad in your $6,500 category is shown on Canyon's site for $6,499 (DI2), but now shows as $6,999. I really have a jones for this bike, but have hesitated spending that much, especially seeing how some other models have come down in price a smidge.
Yes I agree, it seems Canyon completely changed their pricing and lineup! What a bummer. Their outlet section still has some good deals though.
@@hikerbikeromar Completely agree. Everyone I know that got a Canyon got it from the outlet.
@@nelsdale1137 That's awesome! Yeah especially when they have free shipping and their extra 10% sales, the outlet section are truly terrific.
Great video. Was wondering if you could do something like this for used bikes. Lots of covid bikes for sale. So many in fact it's hard to pin one down. Just curious what you think
Thank you so much for the suggestion! I think it's a great idea and I will certainly consider doing that.
Hi, i have bought a trek sl5 emonda. It cost 3,000 euros. Though it is the cheapest carbon trek, is it still a mid range bike would you say? 3,000 euros isnt cheap and hard to believe it would be entry!!
I would say it is still fairly midrange, but mostly because of the wheels, tires, and innertubes. The good news with the SL5 is that even though it is fairly mid range, it is a bike that can be easily upgraded as your cycling journey progresses. Swap out those wheels with something nicer and it will totally enhance the performance. Either way, don't be too discouraged. It's still awesome, and a beautiful looking bike!
@@hikerbikeromar yep, it is a good racing bike, i have put on some continental gp attack and force which gives me some speed
for a beginner would u recommend Trek
Domane AL 3 4 or Allez
Definitely the Domane AL 3! It has the most comfortable geometry of any bike I’ve ever seen and is extremely versatile. You can go wrong with it!
@@hikerbikeromar thanks for the quick reply I really appreciate your help and your videos thanks 🤝
@kendrickparks6885 happy to help, thanks for watching!
How about emonda sl 6 pro cost 3929? Thx
I think the Emonda SL6 pro looks awesome, but I think your money will go a lot farther with the Canyon options.
Please take a look at cube bikes. Everything they offer is cheaper than you mentioned.
Thanks for letting me know! I definitely will.
The Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8 is now $3699! At that price I’d rather purchase from a dealer with after sale service. I’m quite high on the Cervelo Caledonia Ultegra DI2 buy once , cry once
For sure!
Scott addict 20 $3600 with 105 di2 group set
This is an excellent option, thank you for the suggestion!
Best endurance road bike under 2000 dollar plz
Trek AL 4 not available in India
Sorry to hear that! Do you have Canyon available to you in India? If so, I'd recommend the Canyon Endurace 8 Disc
You've got close to 5k in just your computer and watch in this video. To some, money is an object. For others, their bikes cost more than their cars even if they can't necessarily afford it. Anything high quality in any market is going to cost more. The best power tools, golf clubs, mobile phones, computers, etc. Diminishing returns hold true to a certain point - I'd never spend 15k on a SuperSix Evo or Tarmac, but I've got the Di2 version of the Soloist and don't regret a single penny. When you start looking at electronic groupsets and high end carbon wheels individually, you realize why the high end bikes cost more. If it's something you love, you'll find a way to come up with the dough.
I totally agree! I spend lots of money on bikes too, more than I should. And the same Soloist model that you have will likely be my next purchase, as that bike is absolutely awesome.
I would just like for beginners new to the sport to realize that purchasing a $7k bike is not mandatory to have fun and be an effective cyclist.
Btw, the computer I have is paid for by the company I work for, and the watch was a gift ;)
@@hikerbikeromar 7k bikes also don't make most of us any faster, either! 😅
For a great starter bike go Giant contend for under $1000.
Thanks for sharing!
@@hikerbikeromar no problem i just started taking cycling serious last year to help fight my depression of losing my mother to covid.
@@jeffreyanthony7348 I am so so sorry to hear that. I wish you inner peace and healing. I agree, cycling is a very proven method to help with health, both mental and physical.
For entey level bike, you forgot Decathlon .
Saw this list and the Aeroad CF sl 7 looks perfect for me but now that's no longer available and they only have the sl 8 and that starts at 4,499. not show why the price went up over 1k for basically the same features.
I just saw that, no idea why they did that! Check the outlet section in their website though, as they sometimes have refurbished options on there.
For bike under 3000, disc is a negative, not a positive. Because it takes away from other components.
Trek will checkmate you at every price range. They'll get your money, believe me.
The specialized is allright but its in non way comparable with a polygon stratos with 105
Would not recommend spending all of your budget on the complete bike tho, set aside some of the budget for a bike fit, potential upgrades like a saddle, pedals, shoes, jersey or bib, accessories like bottle cages or saddle bag, tires or wheels - big mistake to spend your stretch and spend the entire budget on just the bike 🤔
If your going to spend 2000, domane al 5. I got pissed with price hikes, so I’m holding out. I told my friend until prices drop the best bike is the one you already have. Lmao
If you had the extra 3k to go to 6k or to 9k even. It's better donated to charity imo, at that point it's more an issue of who could better use it as a 3k bike may be more than enough for you.
Sponsored by Trek?😂
Sora for 1500? Seriously?
You have a Canyon Endurace with full 105 for that amount of money lol