For sure!! Most of us don’t care that the top level bikes are so expensive. The problem is when bike companies think that charging $6-7k for a Rival equipped bike is ok…
@@tenspeedtears never pay retail. Simple. On the other hand, if it’s hot you’re paying retail. My local Specialized Dealer has sold every SL-8 they’ve gotten in.
I bought a $3000 usd 2006 Bianchi built in Italy on Craigslist for $500, full campy, four years ago and I love it. There’s a lot of nice bikes that people barely ride and then resell for a fraction.😎
I took a 2023 Roubaix with mechanical 105, 11 speed and the ability to accept 35mm tyres, the discount was 38% the saving allowed me to purchase an indoor trainer to get ready for the new season, great video
I still ride metal bikes with 7 or 8 speeds and down tube levers.My only carbon bike is the still excellent 2006 Scott CR1SL which last year I upgraded to Super Record 12 so I could have a 1:1 bottom gear. Still it's threaded BB external cables, mechanical shifting and rim brakes.I build and maintain my own bikes so like to keep it analogue
Rim brakes.... you are falling for the marketing. They are too complicated and costly, plus they cost too much to be serviced with all their hard to align parts. Everyone with a brain is on coaster brakes.
I just bought a new road bike and I still got an all aluminum 28c one with rim brakes because I will need to disassemble it a lot and travel with it for events.
I really wish it was more common for brands to make endurance bikes look a bit more exciting. I want to be comfortable, but I also want a bike that looks exciting and begs to be ridden.
We second this!!! In fairness this year has started to see some slightly more interesting endurance bikes but usually only at the very top end of the ranges, fingers crossed they trickle down!
105 Di2 is not necessary, it’s a luxury, but damn, once you ride one and experience perfect shifting and not having to deal with adjusting cables, it really is amazing. Pricey and a luxury, but it’s soooo nice to ride
Rim brakes will be hot forever and always. Enjoy your creaking, squeaking, rubbing discs that need constant realignment and make traveling with your bike a pain.
I bought a Vitus Vitesse Evo at the end of last year and it was such a bargain - basically the frame was free. AXS Red eTap and Reynolds carbon wheels (plus plenty of clearance) for less than £4k. And yes there is the worry about support from Chain Reaction, but one of my key considerations was that the components are all "standard" - seat posts, stem, etc so if anything goes wrong I'm not stranded with a bike needing bespoke parts (the less said about my Van Moof S2 the better...) and servicing costs should be ok. And it looks fantastic. First road bike I've bought in years and its re-ignited my enthusiasm for getting out on the road.
@@roadcc hey do you guys think that in the coming year I can somehow buy a road bike with a 105 groupset? At under $1000? Or do I have to search for something else?
I don't like disc brakes on a road bike or electronic shifting. And I don't want fat tyres on a road bike, who does? I want rim brakes that are easy to adjust, mechanical gears that never go wrong ( I'm not a pro rider in a race with a back up crew ) and 23mm traditional road tyres, if I want fatter tyres, I'll ride the mountain bike 👍
Interesting point of view Richard that disagrees with the evidence and experience of pretty much everyone else... Particularly the fatter tyres. They roll better/faster and are more comfortable... What's not to like???
@@tomblincoe interesting view point, everyone else? Thin tyres are traditional on a road bike, they've introduced fatter tyres to guess what? Sell them to people like you! You want 23s on a road bike, as always been. Disc brakes are heavier, squeal when wet, harder to set up and centralise, overheat and don't last as long, due to the fact it's easier to stop a wheel, from its rim than centre! Also a disc bikes power transfer is not as efficient as a rim brake bike due to a disc bike needing longer rear stays. Mechanical gears are far more reliable than electronic gears, no battery to go flat or worry about. They are a gimmick, look how much you have to move a lever and how hard it is too move, minimal 👍
@@tomblincoe I'm trying to find evidence that disagrees with my viewpoint. All I can see is commuters prefer fatter tyres and club and seasoned riders prefer traditional 23 tyres, rim brakes and mechanical gears. I've got 23 tyres and ultegra mechanical on the BMC road machine, Cervelo R3 and Bianci Oltre xr4. All ultegra rim brakes, I wouldn't go disc, rim brakes are coming back 👍
@@richardburns5925 I'm still on 25 mm tires, coming from 23 mm. Riding my road bike since 2015 (overall started riding in 2012). Still on rim brakes, but OK with disc and can work on both types. Groupset's still mechanical, realised I don't need electronic after I used one for a rew rides. Is this too modern for you?
Good words on integration. So many people get integrated routing/cockpits then get stung when they find how much getting anything serviced/ replaced costs at the local bike shop
I am riding Giant Revol 1 (2021) upgrated to full GRX groupset and now I am on the market looking for my first roadbike (Giant was in fact my first other then MTB bike) So thanks for all of the usefeull tips. Cheers.
I’m a former track racer and I raced crits. I still like to go fast but I actually think I’m done with plastic bikes, and I think internal routing is actually ugly!! I’m considering a bike from Fairlight or Mason or used.
@@christopheroliver148 I'm on the opposite end of the age spectrum and believe it or not, I also dislike integrated internal routing, even though I can work on them and doing it alone at that too.
Some internal routing is okay. Steel frames with internally routed rear-brake cables plus brake and shift cables running underneath the bar tape look so much better than when everything is attached to the frame with loads of clamps and huge loops of brake lines flapping in the wind.
I ride a 1987 Eddy Merckx (Columbus SLX). It still looks good and handles like dream - even though it has Downtube shifters and rim brakes. It will only go as fast as I can pedal it. No thanks to a new road bike!
It seems like the industry is getting rid of rim brake option all together. Entry level roadbikes and even hybrid bikes mostly come with disc brake. I wish the manufacturers keep rim brake option at least for beginners and casual risers, at lower cost. It’s always good to have an option.
People want tech that looks like the big dogs. Chinese like L-TWOO and others have groupsets for cheap that work with rim brakes. Anything cable pull works with either. I bought high end carbon rim brake wheels a few months ago, China manufactures anything you want on demand, you just need to know who to ask.
@@thetoyota86perspective54 in order of appereance : dependant on quality, true/false (hydro/meca), false (never could get my vbrake to work and any slight bend will cause issues), true if you never drive in the wet (yes, even with special pads) false in any other case
I ride a Fuji Jari Carbon bike with 32 mm tires and its a great cross between a road bike speed with Gravel Bike comfort. I have 40 mm tires for the real dirt and mud. Like the idea of being comfortable and not blowing out a tire rolling over a bump.
I'm riding rim brake with 26mm. Wider tyres are nice but that's literally the only thing going for disc brake bikes for me. Will wear out my existing kit for a few more years and let let other mugs but this over priced stuff.
just put an order in for a new SLR7 Madone. Yeah it’s expensive but I worked hard during Covid, so I saved up $$. It’s more of a want, than I need but if it gets me out there riding more it’s worth it.
Make certain that you buy the latest, greatest, lightest, stiffest plastic "aero" bike Made in China with everything on it (love those fast hydraulic disc brakes)......., Made in China, good ol' China......., fully pre-built that comes in a nice box. Love the box! Just take it out, turn the handlebars and tighten down, make sure the saddle is fully forward and nose down by at least 30+ degrees, put some pedals on the Made in China 150mm cranks (the latest "gotta have") and voila, you're good to go. Focus on watts, constantly look at your computer. Spin.......... And in two years if not sooner when some new Holy Grail gizmo is foisted upon the public that claims the bike is "faster" as a result (it's all in the bike), throw out your old machine and start all over again......... Get hip. Be SO now............ ps: Check out the latest "aero" chain lube. You know you want it.
I think the Trek Domane Al2 is very good value for money as a first bike. I purchased one new myself towards end of summer and very quickly fell into the "Upgrade trap" and bought new carbon wheels, 105 12 speed mechanical group set and redshift stem and seat post. Yes the upgrades definitely improved the bike but at the same time reminded me how good the basic bike was already .......
Half the problem with Trek Is you're paying for the name, Hence you've made some upgrades already. And depending on your budget obviously! However, you can get so much more bike for you're money with other Great brands. Scott, Orbea, Specialized & Cube. That all being said, If it makes you happy when your Riding it, Why not!
@@georgecharman9012 I've just looked at each entry level endurance road bike from every brand you suggested...... Think you should do the same....... The Trek Domane Al2 is actually similarly priced to the other brands entry level stuff......
@gmivisualsjason3729 I have, I spent nearly a month looking everywhere, including my local bike shop. Different places, have all kinds of setups, usually going direct your stuck with a few choice of stems, bars, groupsets, wheels etc. All sorts of retailers combine different setups to get the most bang for your buck even at entry level. Remember, you don't have to get a completely new bike anytime you want to upgrade. If you take your time when shopping you can find some great deals with a lot of bike, for your price point. And with the industry in a bit of turmoil, there's some great deals to be had.
2:39 im a lenky 6’4”, I prefer a 58cm frame and 90mm stem regardless of fit. I know damn well on reach I could go to a 120-130mm stem, and probably a 60cm frame set, but no. I like the more aggressive feeling of a slightly smaller setup, more control, agility etc
my lbs cant move any of their stock, even basic bikes are 2x more than in 2019.. time for a reckoning... also lbs pushed disc brakes, etc because they mean can sell more services.. you dont need disc brakes for a basic commuter bike
Integration looks nice. Now that the disk brake hydraulic lines can be filled and bled easily, and the shifting is wireless, it's not even too much of a hassle to deal with.
Ha - having bought a wide-tyred, disc-braked, Di2 endurance bike (a Volagi Liscio) well over ten years ago, it’s good to know that the industry has finally caught up 😂
I built 4 fully integrated bikes last year. With mechanical shifting. It's an exercise in meditation. You consider throwing the bike out of the window,c killing yourself, then ultimately you make it and the bike looks fantastic. It's like dating a crazy hot girlfriend. The lows are low and highs are high. It's probably not good for you but man the sex is mind-blowing and that body straight out of heaven. And so I bought another 4 fully integrated bikes, because they just look cool. I'm dreading having to build them though...
That's exactly why I don't want integrated internal routing for my own bikes despite knowing how to work on them and doing it alone at that. I'm totally fine with two-piece cockpits with regular internal routing (not passing through the headset assembly).
There are still a lot of would be bike customers who prefers to buy an OVERRATED bike where he/she will not be able to exploit the full potential of the subject bike. Therefore, the OVERRATED bike will become a waste of money, paper weight, clothes hanger and a display ornament to brag to their friends....I am still using my 2011 Specialized Allez with more than 25,000 kms. on it's clock (vrtual and on-road). Since I had a lot of upgrades on it and accumulated 5 sets of rim brake wheelsets (700x28C tires) for it, I have decided to defer my plan on getting a new bike for 2024.
Its a pity to see the demise of campy 😢 Never been a big fan of it (thumb shifter) but it was a part of the sports avantguard. Would love to see campag doing sth true to their nature - a beautyfull mechanical groupset that is a piece of art. The things they’ve beed doing lately seems not genuine and forced
They have about the lightest rim and disc (mechanic) groupsets on the market in 12 speed. They work and look great and are cheaper than DI2 and axs. If you care to look at their offerings, listen to real users and ignore the BS on UA-cam, you could be tempted to actually look at what they’re making.
Just replaced my aged old Cannondale Hi Mod with full campy super record mechanical after cracking the frame in 2 places, one too many crashes. One of the best climbing and descending bikes I've ever ridden. But time moves on, so I just purchased another Cannondale Supersix Hi Mod 1 for a great price. After testing the likes of Trek Emonda and the Specialized S Works and the Pinarello Dogma could, not find enough discernible differences other than saving over $4,500 with the Cannondale(February is always a good month to buy a bike). Bottom line you won't and can't go wrong on any of the best manufacturers in today's world. Look at aesthetics first,(one must always look good on one's bike, no matter how slow you are) price 2nd and third whether your significant other is going to kill you for purchasing something that could of been had for thousands of dollars less for a lesser model and always make sure you take out the trash. Hammers have a way of falling on a bike should you not..
I am looking to upgrade to a new bike but I see a lot of issues with almost nobody can make a round bottom bracket. I like BMC Teammachine srl01, new Cannondale Lab71, or Factor Ostro VAM but I am not sure about their ability to make a round bottom bracket.
If you buy a hambini style bottom bracket, ie two pieces of a metal tube that screw into each other, rather than two cups you press into the frame, the rigidity of that thing should supersede any less than perfect bottom bracket hole. And you can find these for relatively cheap.
No parts available for calipers, there's been untold millions of sets of calipers produced and still are being manufactured. There's some serious BS sprouted regarding cycling 🤔🙄
tyers yes there getting wider but I’d actually love it if tyer manufacturers and wheel manufacturers sat down together and get there sizing sorted. tyers are still largely being designed around rims that where “wide” 6-7 years ago ie 19mm ID. So 28s on some rims are puffing up to 30s and in extreme cases 32mm, for the general punter that’s proper confusing. And even leave experienced rider scratching there heads if such and such tyer will fit when used with such and such rim. There’s a lot that needs to be done. There was a time a 28would measure 28. All I can say is in 2015 people raised there eyebrows at Dom Mason for designing the definition with such wide clearances and even today the frame is still progressive amongst it piers and some are still catching up.
The sl7 is tucked up waiting for summer! The Allez is certainly fast but is noticeably harsher/less compliant on long rides even with wide tyres (probably not helped by alloy bars). The Allez is about 650g heavier but that doesn’t make much difference on my day to day riding 😊
I have a 2019 Allez Sprint - very underrated bike IMO. Quick, stiff, looks amazing and the welding makes them very strong. Bit heavier than carbon but I'd rather lose a few kilos off my mass than my bike 😂
I mean, i have 9k just sat about in my bank account doing nothing lol. The current prices are insane, someone somewhere is making a killing, its just not me!
hi i'm from the Netherlands , and one would think in the Netherlands the bike capitol of the planet you could buy a bike cheaper than anywhere else.. well that is a fantasy .. i can not find a decent new bike for new riders under €1000 in bike shops in my country . and the ones that are cheaper than that are all Drop-shiped out of china with a 5X sometimes up to 15X markup
I can’t see why I should spend money for overpriced roadbike or roadbike-stuff in 2024. I don’t care about what is „hot“ or the „latest sh*t“. I don’t need a new status symbol.
I want to buy my first road bike but on a tight budget. I don't care about the geometry and groupset I'd ride anything but I don't want an aero wallet.
If your ideal frame size for the CAAD12 is Size 52 or smaller, target the 2017 - 2019 model years as these have slightly sloping top tubes that lower their standover height, increasing rider compatibility.
In my experience, 28 is the sweet spot for mere mortals on UK roads. I tried really hard to make 25s work but they can't handle the slow but steady proliferation of Tory government sponsored potholes.
At dauphine last year nearly everyone was on 28mm tyres bar the specialized teams that are on 26mm (which measure up wide on roval rims). Matteo Trentin and other uae riders were even on 30mm tyres for some stages! We’ve got the pictures to prove it
But did you see how much stuff the pro riders got in EF team? Bring these companies have a glut of inventory. They just aren't lowering prices because they'd be under water.
Not to knock on Specialized but last year model SL7 cost the same as it did before pandemic which is ridiculous and they practically give them away to influencers. And dont get me started on Facebook ads. I click every one and they have 0 bikes available because all the rich Californians that us tax payers in the rest of the country pay for them to not work and just ride bikes. The next few years will be a wake up call for them when sponsors drop them and they can't compete because gels still cost $5 each
Why do they have to invest into rim brakes? They are tested and working technology and I don't think there will be any shortage of parts any time soon.
Or just wait until the industry decides not to rip us off
It's coming!
Should be coming in a few months
I just got a great deal on a spanking new Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 1 for $4K.
For sure!! Most of us don’t care that the top level bikes are so expensive. The problem is when bike companies think that charging $6-7k for a Rival equipped bike is ok…
@@tenspeedtears never pay retail. Simple. On the other hand, if it’s hot you’re paying retail. My local Specialized Dealer has sold every SL-8 they’ve gotten in.
You will always be on the wrong bike, according to the people that want to sell you your next bike.
Moral: be happy riding the "wrong" bike but riding. ua-cam.com/users/shorts5aB-qwhYVZ0
I bought a $3000 usd 2006 Bianchi built in Italy on Craigslist for $500, full campy, four years ago and I love it. There’s a lot of nice bikes that people barely ride and then resell for a fraction.😎
There are* a lot of nice bikes ... and in 2006 Bianchi had no bikes made in Italy but in East Asia. Still great bikes.
"Don't fall into the integration trap"
**stands behind his fully integrated bike**
😆
Learn from my mistakes! I’m dreading it’s first brake service!
I took a 2023 Roubaix with mechanical 105, 11 speed and the ability to accept 35mm tyres, the discount was 38% the saving allowed me to purchase an indoor trainer to get ready for the new season, great video
I still ride metal bikes with 7 or 8 speeds and down tube levers.My only carbon bike is the still excellent 2006 Scott CR1SL which last year I upgraded to Super Record 12 so I could have a 1:1 bottom gear. Still it's threaded BB external cables, mechanical shifting and rim brakes.I build and maintain my own bikes so like to keep it analogue
Rim brakes and mechanical shifting for the win in 2024!
Rim brakes.... you are falling for the marketing. They are too complicated and costly, plus they cost too much to be serviced with all their hard to align parts. Everyone with a brain is on coaster brakes.
I just bought a new road bike and I still got an all aluminum 28c one with rim brakes because I will need to disassemble it a lot and travel with it for events.
I really wish it was more common for brands to make endurance bikes look a bit more exciting. I want to be comfortable, but I also want a bike that looks exciting and begs to be ridden.
We second this!!! In fairness this year has started to see some slightly more interesting endurance bikes but usually only at the very top end of the ranges, fingers crossed they trickle down!
feel you... have a scott addict 20 without the RC ;(
Trek Domane SL5 looks pretty exciting to me. They usually also come in nice paint job.
For me , the Trek Émonda looks to be a sweet spot between comfort and racing style
@@milan4ever but it ain't entry level and that means most can't afford it
Upgrading what I have. Buy used
105 Di2 is not necessary, it’s a luxury, but damn, once you ride one and experience perfect shifting and not having to deal with adjusting cables, it really is amazing. Pricey and a luxury, but it’s soooo nice to ride
I’m watching this after I bought my bike
Very naughty!
As a Belgian, I love this channel.
❤
Rim brakes will be hot forever and always. Enjoy your creaking, squeaking, rubbing discs that need constant realignment and make traveling with your bike a pain.
I bought a Vitus Vitesse Evo at the end of last year and it was such a bargain - basically the frame was free. AXS Red eTap and Reynolds carbon wheels (plus plenty of clearance) for less than £4k. And yes there is the worry about support from Chain Reaction, but one of my key considerations was that the components are all "standard" - seat posts, stem, etc so if anything goes wrong I'm not stranded with a bike needing bespoke parts (the less said about my Van Moof S2 the better...) and servicing costs should be ok. And it looks fantastic. First road bike I've bought in years and its re-ignited my enthusiasm for getting out on the road.
Nice bike that! Definitely plenty of bargains out there atm but that sounds wicked!
My Vitesse Evo is the last rim brake model the sold. Complete build was under £2k including carbon SP, aero bars, HED Jets in 50mms and race rubber.
@@RuffRides now that's a proper bargain. I have an old Vitus Zenium as well and it's solid as a rock.
@@roadcc hey do you guys think that in the coming year I can somehow buy a road bike with a 105 groupset? At under $1000? Or do I have to search for something else?
I don't like disc brakes on a road bike or electronic shifting. And I don't want fat tyres on a road bike, who does?
I want rim brakes that are easy to adjust, mechanical gears that never go wrong ( I'm not a pro rider in a race with a back up crew ) and 23mm traditional road tyres, if I want fatter tyres, I'll ride the mountain bike 👍
Interesting point of view Richard that disagrees with the evidence and experience of pretty much everyone else...
Particularly the fatter tyres. They roll better/faster and are more comfortable... What's not to like???
@@tomblincoe interesting view point, everyone else? Thin tyres are traditional on a road bike, they've introduced fatter tyres to guess what? Sell them to people like you! You want 23s on a road bike, as always been.
Disc brakes are heavier, squeal when wet, harder to set up and centralise, overheat and don't last as long, due to the fact it's easier to stop a wheel, from its rim than centre! Also a disc bikes power transfer is not as efficient as a rim brake bike due to a disc bike needing longer rear stays.
Mechanical gears are far more reliable than electronic gears, no battery to go flat or worry about. They are a gimmick, look how much you have to move a lever and how hard it is too move, minimal 👍
@@tomblincoe I'm trying to find evidence that disagrees with my viewpoint. All I can see is commuters prefer fatter tyres and club and seasoned riders prefer traditional 23 tyres, rim brakes and mechanical gears.
I've got 23 tyres and ultegra mechanical on the BMC road machine, Cervelo R3 and Bianci Oltre xr4.
All ultegra rim brakes, I wouldn't go disc, rim brakes are coming back 👍
@@tomblincoe how can a fatter tyre possibly roll faster than a thinner tyre, defies physics!
@@richardburns5925 I'm still on 25 mm tires, coming from 23 mm. Riding my road bike since 2015 (overall started riding in 2012). Still on rim brakes, but OK with disc and can work on both types. Groupset's still mechanical, realised I don't need electronic after I used one for a rew rides.
Is this too modern for you?
Good words on integration. So many people get integrated routing/cockpits then get stung when they find how much getting anything serviced/ replaced costs at the local bike shop
I've yet to see such a reaction, I've always wanted to see their faces of disbelief, the moment their bikes bite back.
I am riding Giant Revol 1 (2021) upgrated to full GRX groupset and now I am on the market looking for my first roadbike (Giant was in fact my first other then MTB bike) So thanks for all of the usefeull tips. Cheers.
Just recieved my new SL8 last saturday. Cant wait to ride it in spring.
I’m a former track racer and I raced crits. I still like to go fast but I actually think I’m done with plastic bikes, and I think internal routing is actually ugly!! I’m considering a bike from Fairlight or Mason or used.
I so agree. I am an old fart that bought a couple of Campy equipped custom steel rigs twenty years ago, and modern bikes are expensive eye sores.
@@christopheroliver148 I'm on the opposite end of the age spectrum and believe it or not, I also dislike integrated internal routing, even though I can work on them and doing it alone at that too.
Some internal routing is okay. Steel frames with internally routed rear-brake cables plus brake and shift cables running underneath the bar tape look so much better than when everything is attached to the frame with loads of clamps and huge loops of brake lines flapping in the wind.
i just bought a new (last year model) BMC with 105 mechanical, at effectively half the original RRP. very happy with that.
I ride a 1987 Eddy Merckx (Columbus SLX). It still looks good and handles like dream - even though it has Downtube shifters and rim brakes. It will only go as fast as I can pedal it. No thanks to a new road bike!
Sounds like a nice bike. I have a couple of Peter Mooneys, but I wouldn't mind having a classic DeRosa (in red of course).
I converted my first Eddy Mercky from downtube shifters to integrated brake-shift levers in 1994. Do not miss the outdated technology at all.
It seems like the industry is getting rid of rim brake option all together. Entry level roadbikes and even hybrid bikes mostly come with disc brake. I wish the manufacturers keep rim brake option at least for beginners and casual risers, at lower cost. It’s always good to have an option.
People want tech that looks like the big dogs. Chinese like L-TWOO and others have groupsets for cheap that work with rim brakes. Anything cable pull works with either. I bought high end carbon rim brake wheels a few months ago, China manufactures anything you want on demand, you just need to know who to ask.
One reason I won't ever sell my Specialized Allez Sprint - rim brakes are easier to calibrate, service, centre and work perfectly fine
@@thetoyota86perspective54 in order of appereance : dependant on quality, true/false (hydro/meca), false (never could get my vbrake to work and any slight bend will cause issues), true if you never drive in the wet (yes, even with special pads) false in any other case
@@thetoyota86perspective54 spot on. IYKYK
I just hope I can continue to buy pads for my rim brakes.
Honest and objective. Thank you!
Cheers! Stay tuned for more!
I ride a Fuji Jari Carbon bike with 32 mm tires and its a great cross between a road bike speed with Gravel Bike comfort. I have 40 mm tires for the real dirt and mud. Like the idea of being comfortable and not blowing out a tire rolling over a bump.
I'm riding rim brake with 26mm. Wider tyres are nice but that's literally the only thing going for disc brake bikes for me. Will wear out my existing kit for a few more years and let let other mugs but this over priced stuff.
Finally. Some well-spoken truths in this video.
just put an order in for a new SLR7 Madone. Yeah it’s expensive but I worked hard during Covid, so I saved up $$. It’s more of a want, than I need but if it gets me out there riding more it’s worth it.
Make certain that you buy the latest, greatest, lightest, stiffest plastic "aero" bike Made in China with everything on it (love those fast hydraulic disc brakes)......., Made in China, good ol' China......., fully pre-built that comes in a nice box. Love the box! Just take it out, turn the handlebars and tighten down, make sure the saddle is fully forward and nose down by at least 30+ degrees, put some pedals on the Made in China 150mm cranks (the latest "gotta have") and voila, you're good to go. Focus on watts, constantly look at your computer. Spin.......... And in two years if not sooner when some new Holy Grail gizmo is foisted upon the public that claims the bike is "faster" as a result (it's all in the bike), throw out your old machine and start all over again......... Get hip. Be SO now............
ps: Check out the latest "aero" chain lube. You know you want it.
I think the Trek Domane Al2 is very good value for money as a first bike.
I purchased one new myself towards end of summer and very quickly fell into the "Upgrade trap" and bought new carbon wheels, 105 12 speed mechanical group set and redshift stem and seat post.
Yes the upgrades definitely improved the bike but at the same time reminded me how good the basic bike was already .......
Half the problem with Trek Is you're paying for the name, Hence you've made some upgrades already. And depending on your budget obviously! However, you can get so much more bike for you're money with other Great brands. Scott, Orbea, Specialized & Cube. That all being said, If it makes you happy when your Riding it, Why not!
@@georgecharman9012 I've just looked at each entry level endurance road bike from every brand you suggested......
Think you should do the same.......
The Trek Domane Al2 is actually similarly priced to the other brands entry level stuff......
@gmivisualsjason3729 I have, I spent nearly a month looking everywhere, including my local bike shop. Different places, have all kinds of setups, usually going direct your stuck with a few choice of stems, bars, groupsets, wheels etc. All sorts of retailers combine different setups to get the most bang for your buck even at entry level. Remember, you don't have to get a completely new bike anytime you want to upgrade.
If you take your time when shopping you can find some great deals with a lot of bike, for your price point. And with the industry in a bit of turmoil, there's some great deals to be had.
@@georgecharman9012 True......
My first bike was an AL3
Perfect entry level ❤
2:39 im a lenky 6’4”, I prefer a 58cm frame and 90mm stem regardless of fit. I know damn well on reach I could go to a 120-130mm stem, and probably a 60cm frame set, but no.
I like the more aggressive feeling of a slightly smaller setup, more control, agility etc
A smaller frameset size, but with a shorter stem? Is your upper half relatively short?
I got myself an endurance geometry road bike with 28mm tires and disc brakes ... in 2015. Sheesh. Nothing new.
Same here the newer models don’t seem much different I like the hydraulic brakes though
my lbs cant move any of their stock, even basic bikes are 2x more than in 2019.. time for a reckoning... also lbs pushed disc brakes, etc because they mean can sell more services.. you dont need disc brakes for a basic commuter bike
It was exactly in heavy traffic and sudden car stops in front of me where I realized I needed disc brakes😊
Internal cabling in frame is great but cockpit is overrated and a waste of
The only internal routing I'm fine with is those that don't go into the headset assembly.
@@sbccbc7471totally agree
Integration looks nice. Now that the disk brake hydraulic lines can be filled and bled easily, and the shifting is wireless, it's not even too much of a hassle to deal with.
Ha - having bought a wide-tyred, disc-braked, Di2 endurance bike (a Volagi Liscio) well over ten years ago, it’s good to know that the industry has finally caught up 😂
Elimination of rim brakes from marketplace = STUPID.
I built 4 fully integrated bikes last year. With mechanical shifting. It's an exercise in meditation. You consider throwing the bike out of the window,c killing yourself, then ultimately you make it and the bike looks fantastic. It's like dating a crazy hot girlfriend. The lows are low and highs are high. It's probably not good for you but man the sex is mind-blowing and that body straight out of heaven.
And so I bought another 4 fully integrated bikes, because they just look cool. I'm dreading having to build them though...
That's exactly why I don't want integrated internal routing for my own bikes despite knowing how to work on them and doing it alone at that. I'm totally fine with two-piece cockpits with regular internal routing (not passing through the headset assembly).
There are still a lot of would be bike customers who prefers to buy an OVERRATED bike where he/she will not be able to exploit the full potential of the subject bike. Therefore, the OVERRATED bike will become a waste of money, paper weight, clothes hanger and a display ornament to brag to their friends....I am still using my 2011 Specialized Allez with more than 25,000 kms. on it's clock (vrtual and on-road). Since I had a lot of upgrades on it and accumulated 5 sets of rim brake wheelsets (700x28C tires) for it, I have decided to defer my plan on getting a new bike for 2024.
The latest industry scam is selling us tyres at £150 a pair.
Its a pity to see the demise of campy 😢 Never been a big fan of it (thumb shifter) but it was a part of the sports avantguard. Would love to see campag doing sth true to their nature - a beautyfull mechanical groupset that is a piece of art. The things they’ve beed doing lately seems not genuine and forced
Agreed! We’d love to see that!
They have about the lightest rim and disc (mechanic) groupsets on the market in 12 speed. They work and look great and are cheaper than DI2 and axs. If you care to look at their offerings, listen to real users and ignore the BS on UA-cam, you could be tempted to actually look at what they’re making.
Well my Madone SLR Gen 7 fit 32mm tires...
Precisely, the lines are blurred - potential buyers need to check bikes on an individual basis
want heavier bike and more maintenance - buy disc.
Sadly enough there aren't sales on entry-ish level bikes. Those still sell well I reckon.
Good video, thanks.
Cheers Simon!
Just replaced my aged old Cannondale Hi Mod with full campy super record mechanical after cracking the frame in 2 places, one too many crashes. One of the best climbing and descending bikes I've ever ridden. But time moves on, so I just purchased another Cannondale Supersix Hi Mod 1 for a great price. After testing the likes of Trek Emonda and the Specialized S Works and the Pinarello Dogma could, not find enough discernible differences other than saving over $4,500 with the Cannondale(February is always a good month to buy a bike).
Bottom line you won't and can't go wrong on any of the best manufacturers in today's world. Look at aesthetics first,(one must always look good on one's bike, no matter how slow you are) price 2nd and third whether your significant other is going to kill you for purchasing something that could of been had for thousands of dollars less for a lesser model and always make sure you take out the trash. Hammers have a way of falling on a bike should you not..
looking to get my first Canyon Ultimate this year
I am looking to upgrade to a new bike but I see a lot of issues with almost nobody can make a round bottom bracket. I like BMC Teammachine srl01, new Cannondale Lab71, or Factor Ostro VAM but I am not sure about their ability to make a round bottom bracket.
If you buy a hambini style bottom bracket, ie two pieces of a metal tube that screw into each other, rather than two cups you press into the frame, the rigidity of that thing should supersede any less than perfect bottom bracket hole. And you can find these for relatively cheap.
@@pierrex3226 Thank you for the excellent advice
stay away from cannondale then. overpriced rubbish
Yes i am minted as fuck but i want a bike that's compatible with what i own which means rim brakes. Therefore looking at used.
No parts available for calipers, there's been untold millions of sets of calipers produced and still are being manufactured. There's some serious BS sprouted regarding cycling 🤔🙄
tyers yes there getting wider but I’d actually love it if tyer manufacturers and wheel manufacturers sat down together and get there sizing sorted. tyers are still largely being designed around rims that where “wide” 6-7 years ago ie 19mm ID.
So 28s on some rims are puffing up to 30s and in extreme cases 32mm, for the general punter that’s proper confusing. And even leave experienced rider scratching there heads if such and such tyer will fit when used with such and such rim.
There’s a lot that needs to be done. There was a time a 28would measure 28.
All I can say is in 2015 people raised there eyebrows at Dom Mason for designing the definition with such wide clearances and even today the frame is still progressive amongst it piers and some are still catching up.
Please learn the difference between "there" (a place) and "their" (3rd person plural posessive)
... they're* getting wider / get their* sizing sorted / scratching their* heads / raised their* eybrows / among* its* peers*
Jamie I’ve seen that you’ve been using ur Allez sprint more often lately how is it compared to the sl7 are the differences huge ?
The sl7 is tucked up waiting for summer! The Allez is certainly fast but is noticeably harsher/less compliant on long rides even with wide tyres (probably not helped by alloy bars). The Allez is about 650g heavier but that doesn’t make much difference on my day to day riding 😊
I have a 2019 Allez Sprint - very underrated bike IMO. Quick, stiff, looks amazing and the welding makes them very strong. Bit heavier than carbon but I'd rather lose a few kilos off my mass than my bike 😂
I mean, i have 9k just sat about in my bank account doing nothing lol. The current prices are insane, someone somewhere is making a killing, its just not me!
The jargon makes it an impenetrable market for anyone just starting.
hi i'm from the Netherlands , and one would think in the Netherlands the bike capitol of the planet you could buy a bike cheaper than anywhere else.. well that is a fantasy .. i can not find a decent new bike for new riders under €1000 in bike shops in my country . and the ones that are cheaper than that are all Drop-shiped out of china with a 5X sometimes up to 15X markup
i could find items sold in stores ( online and realworld) that complete and shipped for € 278 try to be sold for 900 and up
Canyon endurace CF7 105 group 28c tires
I can’t see why I should spend money for overpriced roadbike or roadbike-stuff in 2024. I don’t care about what is „hot“ or the „latest sh*t“. I don’t need a new status symbol.
Im eyeing giant contend. Tire range from 30 to 38 mm. Could easily be road and gravel sweet spot for two wheelset
I want to buy my first road bike but on a tight budget. I don't care about the geometry and groupset I'd ride anything but I don't want an aero wallet.
Consider a Caad 12 rim brake on the used market. Inexpensive, easy to maintain, durable and decent geometry.
If your ideal frame size for the CAAD12 is Size 52 or smaller, target the 2017 - 2019 model years as these have slightly sloping top tubes that lower their standover height, increasing rider compatibility.
I want a travel bike this year
Pain in the ass ihave rimbrake bicycles so can't afford disc brakes or di2
Actually, most of the world Tour pros are still riding 25s and 26s.
In my experience, 28 is the sweet spot for mere mortals on UK roads. I tried really hard to make 25s work but they can't handle the slow but steady proliferation of Tory government sponsored potholes.
At dauphine last year nearly everyone was on 28mm tyres bar the specialized teams that are on 26mm (which measure up wide on roval rims). Matteo Trentin and other uae riders were even on 30mm tyres for some stages! We’ve got the pictures to prove it
But did you see how much stuff the pro riders got in EF team? Bring these companies have a glut of inventory. They just aren't lowering prices because they'd be under water.
Not to knock on Specialized but last year model SL7 cost the same as it did before pandemic which is ridiculous and they practically give them away to influencers. And dont get me started on Facebook ads. I click every one and they have 0 bikes available because all the rich Californians that us tax payers in the rest of the country pay for them to not work and just ride bikes. The next few years will be a wake up call for them when sponsors drop them and they can't compete because gels still cost $5 each
Wait for the industry to solely use threaded bb‘s …for heaven’s sake!
Most riders are on bikes to bike. Facts
... to* bike
@@einundsiebenziger5488 fixed 👍
Orbea orca aero 2023
Why do they have to invest into rim brakes? They are tested and working technology and I don't think there will be any shortage of parts any time soon.
Fcuk the bike industry. French-threaded steel frame, 19mm tubular tyres, rim brakes . . . FOREVER!
19 mm tyres are great on flat, freshly paved, absolutely perfect roads. Where do you have more than one km of these?
@@einundsiebenziger5488 Let's put it THIS way, BEFORE the 25mm-plus CRAZE, what did people ride, and for how long, and on which roads?
1:53 Correction: the NUMBER of people . . . AMOUNT of people only if you're selling HUMAN flesh at the local market, how gross!
Stop saying "shram", there is no H in Sram.
... there is nothing wrong w/ a 3X10 group set or rim brakes ... on road bikes ... don't make what I want ... my $$$'s stay in my bank account ...
number of people, not amount of people SMH
bollocks
Technology wins,rim brake bikes is out