BUYER'S GUIDE: Road bikes under $1500
As part of our mega guide to the best bikes on the market, we look at those that won't cost the earth.
“I want a good road bike, but I don't want to spend more than $1,500,” you may say. No worries, that’s totally achievable.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DEMAND FOR UNDER $1.5K
1. Safe
2. Comfortable
3. Fun to ride
HOW TO GET ALL THAT IN YOUR PRICE RANGE:
ALUMINIUM. New aluminium manufacturing techniques have made it possible to create a frame for the price-conscious that’s relatively lightweight and quick-feeling.
SHIMANO SORA. Shimano’s recently improved, budget-oriented component group uses trickle-down tech from higher-end versions for lighter-action shifting and a lighter-weight crank. The 105 groupset is the next level up and is also available on certain bikes in this fixed budget.
CONSIDER…
Giant Contend 1 – $1,099
We recommend the Giant Contend 1, which feels and looks way more expensive than it actually is. The butted aluminium frame, a mash-up of Giant’s racy TCR and endurance-focused Defy (aluminium versions of both are now replaced by the Contend), cherry-picks the best geometry attributes from each: the TCR’s snappy rear end with the more upright and stable front from the Defy.
The smart parts package – Shimano Sora with a compact (34/50) crankset and wide, 11×32 cassette – helped me spin easily on pretty much any grade, and the shifting was smooth and responsive, even under load. The brakes require significantly more hand squeeze than higher-end versions, but I felt confident in the stopping power.
The bike feels smooth and quick on all manner of road surfaces, from chunky asphalt to potholed dirt. Its 9.11kg weight is on the low side for a bike at this price, and I was pleasantly surprised by how efficient it felt, even on super-steep climbs. Best of all, I had a ton of fun – even when I was with friends who were riding high-end wonderbikes. Regardless of how much you spend, that feeling is what it’s all about. – Taylor Rojek
Reid Vantage Endurance 2.0 Disc - $1,199
The Vantage Endurance offers a lot of bang for your buck given it comes with Shimano’s ever-reliable 105 gears and shifters, plus a full carbon fork.
Another big selling point is the massive gear range, thanks to its 2×11 compact gearing with 34/50T up front and an 11-32T cassette at the rear.
Spyre mechanical disc brakes provide confidence when stopping, especially in the wet, making this Reid a real contender for anyone looking for a budget-friendly roadie.
From: reidcycles.com.au
Bossi Pilot - $1,250
The Pilot, from independent Sydney-based bike company Bossi Bicycles, is kitted out with Shimano Tiagra groupset and components – and will leave you with enough money from your budget for some basic cycling shoes and a new jersey.
The double-butted hydroformed aluminium aero frame features internally routed cabling, while stopping power comes from the Tektro M280 (non-hydraulic) disc brakes front and rear.
In our extended test with the Pilot this year we highlighted the increased tyre clearance would allow you to transform this bike into a budget-friendly multi-day touring rig.
From: bossibicycles.com
Merida Scultura 400 - $1,499
The Scultura 400 pushes the $1,500 budget to the limit, but returns a lightweight racer at the cutting edge of design. It offers outstanding acceleration and comfort thanks to a sporty triple butted aluminium frame, allied with a road carbon race fork and Shimano 105 groupset.
The key feature of the Scultura, especially in this price range, is its weight – tipping the scales at just 8.65kg to boost its racing pedigree even further.
Cheaper options are also available with the Scultura 200 (with Shimano Sora) and Scultura 100 (with Shimano Claris) costing $1,199 and $949 respectively.
From: merida.com.au
Cannondale CAAD Optimo Sora - $1,349
By sticking absolutely strictly to a $1,500 budget then Cannondale’s CAAD Optimo Sora falls in range, with its alloy frame and carbon blade fork.
As the name suggests, this version comes with 9-speed Shimano Sora groupset and offers the perfect gateway bike for aspiring riders. However, if you can stretch to an extra $99 over the maximum $1.5k budget, you’ll get full 105 components on a race-bred bike that is based heavily on its high-end big brother – the CAAD 12 (which costs around $1,000 more).
From: cannondale.com
