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Material costs, supply bottlenecks, production problems: racing bikes are becoming more and more expensive. Last year, TOUR readers spent an average of almost 3,500 euros on a new model - 1,000 euros more than ten years ago. But even those on a tight budget can find what they are looking for today. The road bikes around €1,500 in the test are similar in terms of material and equipment, but still have very different strengths and weaknesses.
Small advertising presence - big market relevance?
Anyone scouring the websites of the most popular bike brands for an inexpensive road bike will quickly be brought back down to earth. Because at first glance, you will find: nothing. Instead, the manufacturers showcase their high-end models at high prices - which doesn't fail to have the desired effect: you'll really want one of these stylish carbon racing bikes with an electronic groupset or aggressive aero geometry.
But even if the heart says yes, a glance at the price tag brings the mind back into play. That's right ... You originally wanted to look for a racer around 1,500 euros - and after a little research, you find it. The frames are almost exclusively made of aluminium and the groupsets are all mechanical instead of electronic. In addition, the geometries, gear ratios and tyre widths make the bikes comfortable and easily accessible even for less experienced cyclists. Our test shows that you can get a well-functioning road bike for comparatively little money.
It is not surprising that all six test bikes actually come with aluminium frames, as the price of carbon has risen significantly in recent months. According to an industry insider, an inexpensive carbon frame is now at least four times as expensive to manufacture as its aluminium counterpart - and cyclists are feeling the pinch in their wallets. Even if you want the cheapest possible complete carbon bike, you have to spend at least 20 per cent more than two years ago. Until recently, only Canyon had a complete carbon bike for around 1,500 euros in its programme. However, the Koblenz-based manufacturer and mail order company will discontinue this rim brake model, as confirmed by a company spokesperson.
The braking system is a matter of type
The reason: disc models have long been in the fast lane and demand is increasing inexorably. This is also reflected in last year's TOUR reader survey: 85 per cent of our readers stated that they believe in the success of disc brakes. Five years previously, acceptance was less than half (41 per cent). Although the range of affordable road bikes with rim and disc brakes is still more or less balanced; in the pre-selection for our test, the ratio was 10:13, only Cannondale and Stevens still had rim brake models available - or wanted to make them available.
But do you really need a modern and more expensive disc brake on an inexpensive road bike? Or would a model with rim brakes do just as well for around 1,500 euros? There is no general answer to this question. In our detailed Shimano comparison test, the disc brake performed slightly better than the rim brake in technical terms. In terms of weight and maintenance, however, the disc brake also has clear disadvantages.
Advantage of disc brakes?
- Braking distance
The disc brake narrowly wins the most important criterion. In an emergency stop (10 percent downhill gradient; 46 km/h; 95 kg wheel and rider), you come to a standstill 0.5 metres* earlier.
- Response time
The disc brake clearly wins the endurance test in the rain (12 per cent; 60 km/h; 100 kg). The full braking force is applied immediately when the lever is pulled. The reason: the disc in the centre of the wheel receives fewer raindrops. With the rim brake, the water film is only wiped away after one or two wheel rotations.
- Cornering speed
Thanks to a predictable power build-up and later braking point, the disc model steers around the bend almost 6 km/h faster (7 percent; 70 km/h approach speed). This is a clear advantage in technically difficult sections.
- Average weight
The disc loses this discipline. On average, rim brake bikes are around 850 grams lighter. However, the difference can be greater on cheaper bikes because the more expensive disc brake technology requires cheaper and therefore heavier parts elsewhere.
- Temperature
Sudden brake failure under full load cannot be ruled out with either brake system. Tip: Pay attention to which disc is fitted. Some manufacturers - Cube, Giant and Radon in the current test - often fit cheaper and therefore inferior brake discs, especially on inexpensive bikes.
- Costs
Bikes with disc brakes are generally more expensive than those with rim brakes. Example from the test: The Canyon bike is 400 euros more expensive than the version with rim brakes. You should also bear in mind that hydraulic disc brakes are more expensive to maintain.
*Note: The measurement data are based on the detailed comparison test of disc and rim brakes from Shimano's Ultegra groupset in TOUR 08/2018. The results are still valid and comparable with the Shimano 105 models from our current test series.
Marathon bike or stretched racing position?
In addition to the brake types, the overall well-equipped test bikes also differ significantly in their orientation. The best examples of this are the Giant Contend AR 1 and the Stevens Aspin. Thanks to its upright riding position, excellent suspension comfort and the option of fitting tyres up to 38 millimetres wide, the Giant is the most comfortable bike. The disc model from the Dutch company is correspondingly versatile and can even compete with some gravel bikes. The Aspin, on the other hand, which Stevens has had in its range for more than ten years, is a sporty old-school aluminium racer: no other road bike in the test has a more stretched-out position, and the crisp gear ratio is another indicator of the Stevens' sporty genes.
With a measured total weight of 8.2 kilograms, the Hamburg-based company also sent the Aspin into the test as the lightest bike. Overall, however, the test bikes confirm the trend of bikes becoming heavier and heavier, especially when it comes to price. The Cube Attain SL's whopping 10 kilograms mark the inglorious peak value in this test field. That's around three kilos more than top racers, which also cost many times more.
In addition to the weight, you also have to accept compromises in the quality of workmanship in the lower price range. Rattling brake cables or rough weld seams are not uncommon. Even the Canyon Endurace AL Disc 7.0, which narrowly won the test ahead of the Stevens Aspin, could be more beautifully finished.
The Canyon compensates for its minor weaknesses with high-quality equipment for the price of the bike. The frame geometry places the cyclist relatively upright in the saddle, which also allows less trained riders to go on longer tours. And the option of fitting tyres up to 32 millimetres wide underlines the versatility of the test winner.
The tested racing bikes for 1,500 euros in detail
Cannondale CAAD Optimo 2
Price: 1,299 euros >> e.g. available here
Weight: 9.7 kilos
Frame sizes: 48, 51, 54, 56, 58 cm
EQUIPMENT
Drivetrain: FSA Omega ME Alloy (50/34, 11-32 t.)
Gear system: Shimano Tiagra
Brakes: Promax RC-476
Wheels/tyres: Maddux RS 30/Vittoria Zaffiro 25 mm tyres
Canyon Endurace AL Disc 7.0
Price 1,599 euros
Weight 8.9 kilos
Frame sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
EQUIPMENT
Drivetrain:; Shimano 105 (52/36, 11-34 t.)
Gear system: Shimano 105
Brakes: Shimano 105 Disc (160/160 mm)
Wheels/tyres: DT Swiss E 1850 Spline/Continental Grand Prix 28mm tyres
Cube Attain SL
Price: 1,499 euros >> e.g. available here
Weight: 10 kilos
Frame sizes: 50, 53, 56, 58, 60, 62 cm
EQUIPMENT
Drivetrain: Shimano FC-RS510 (50/34, 11-34 t.)
Gear system: Shimano 105
Brakes: Shimano 105 Disc (160/160 mm)
Wheels/tyres: Cube RA 1.9/Continental Ultra Sport 28 mm
Giant Contend AR 1
Price 1,599 euros
Weight 9.5 kilos
Frame sizes: S, M, ML, L, XL
EQUIPMENT
Drivetrain: Shimano FC-RS510 (50/34, 11-34 t.)
Gear system: Shimano 105
Brakes: Shimano 105 Disc (160/160 mm)
Wheels/tyres: Giant P-R2 Disc, Giant Gavia Fondo II 32 mm
Radon R1 Ultegra
Price 1,629 euros
Weight 9.3 kilos
Frame sizes: 50, 53, 56, 58, 60, 63 cm
EQUIPMENT
Drivetrain: Shimano Ultegra (50/34, 11-34 t.)
Gear system: Shimano Ultegra
Brakes: Shimano Ultegra Disc (160/160 mm)
Wheels/tyres: Fulcrum Racing 900 DB, Continental Grand Sport Race 28 mm tyres
Stevens Aspin 105 (Custom)
Price: 1,628 euros
Weight: 8.2 kilos
Frame sizes: 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64 cm
EQUIPMENT
Drivetrain: Shimano 105 (52/36, 11-34 t.)
Gear system: Shimano 105
Brakes: Shimano 105
Wheels/tyres: Fulcrum Racing 600/Continental Grand Prix 5000 25 mm tyres
You can download the full comparison test of the six entry-level road bikes for around € 1,500 with detailed grades and measured values for weight, stiffness and equipment for € 1.99 below.
Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has its price. That's why we guarantee independence and objectivity. The TOUR tests are based on standardised and reproducible test procedures, which we always disclose. TOUR articles can be bought - TOUR test victories cannot!
Julian Schultz
Editor
