Coupled with Giant's OverDrive steerer, this creates a stiffer ride quality and better handling.Įquipped with Shimano 105 rim brakes, it is however possible to upgrade to disc brakes (see box out). It doesn't sacrifice on performance, either: we found the bike's balance of handling, compliance and punchy ride quality to be in perfect harmony - we awarded the machine a near-perfect 9/10.Īt just 7.8kg / 17.64lbs, it's a lightweight machine, and the frame is strong, performance grade composite. Nestled within the 'performance' category of Giant's range, the Advanced 2 is at the lower end of the scale but shares the same lightweight carbon frame as the more expensive Advanced Pro models. Rim brakes might not be to everyone's liking But if your budget is a strict one then you might want to consider the CAAD Optimo featured here. We rode the higher spec'ed SRAM Force AXS version of the Cannondale CAAD13, but the slightly more wallet friendly CAAD13 Disc 105 is just as fun to ride. The DT Swiss rims with Formula hubs wheel build and 28mm Vittoria Rubino Pro Bright tires might be grounds for an upgrade at some point though.Įlsewhere you get sensible components that match the bike's racing DNA, such as a Hollogram 27 KNOT seatpost and a set of compact Cannondale alloy bars. The quality of the frameset is reflected in the number of build options that Cannondale offers.Īt this price point, you get a Shimano 105 hydraulic groupset with a chainset featuring 52/36 chainrings, perfect for crit racers (as is the aluminium frame). Combined with the BallisTec Carbon SAVE fork, the dropped stays and the additional clearance that allows for 28mm tyres and you get a road racer that also delivers plenty of comfort too. The tubing has been reconfigured to help reduce drag while at the same time offering a great low weight to high stiffness balance. The SmartForm C1 Premium aluminum alloy frameset has plenty of upside. We reviewed the Trek Emonda ALR Disc 5 but with the same frame and many similar components, it's fair to say that the ALR 4 should deliver a similar performance. This means a Bontrager alloy cockpit with drop bars that feature a sensible drop and reach for most riders as well as a Bontrager Montrose Comp saddle. Trek have matched a 50/34t chainset with a 12-28t cassette, though it's worth nothing that the rear derailleur can take up to a 34t cassette- another smart upgrade if you're planning on heading to the Alps or tackling long, hilly rides at home.Įlsewhere the bike is equipped with components that make sense, whether you're planning on dipping your toes into the racing scene or just want a capable road bike for exploring the lanes at the weekend. The groupset here is Shinamo Tiagra 10-speed. The Affinity Disc wheels are also tubeless-ready - an upgrade you might want to consider. The alloy frame, that features flat mount disc and thru axles, is paired with an Emonda carbon fork, which when combined with the Bontrager Alloy wheels and 25c Bontrager H1 Hard-Case Lite tyres does a fantastic job at road buzz reduction. The disc brake-ready frameset is made using Ultralight 300 Series Alpha aluminum to create a great ride quality, as well as a strong structure, and a aesthetic finish that isn't that dissimilar to carbon, thanks to Trek's Invisible Weld Technology. If you love the frameset you can always swap out the wheels at a later date, with the added bonus of retaining the original set as your new winter training hoops.ġ0-speed groupset might need upgrading at some point It’s worth remembering of course that components can be upgraded and therefore a compromise on, say a wheelset, can be remedied. Equally, a switch to an aluminium frame means that you can expect to find it better equipped that a carbon frameset in the same price bracket. However, if you opt for a bike from a direct-to-consumer operation you’re probably going to get more for your money. If you’re dead set on a carbon frame with disc brakes from one of the big brands then its unlikely that this will come with a high-end groupset. This will help inform choices with regards to frame material, geometry, groupsets and more.ĭo you want to spend long days in the saddle, tackling tough and varied terrain? Do you have an eye on racing at the weekend? Or maybe the idea of ‘credit card’ touring appeals? You could probably do all of these on the same bike, but there will certainly be specific models that are best suited to each of these different usages.Īs for those compromises, it’s likely that you’ll need to make a few key decisions along the way. At this price point, like any, you need to approach your search for a new bike with a view to the kind of riding you’re going to be doing.
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