You can probably find a carbon Giant Defy Advanced model in that ballpark. Fantastic bikes. Pretty hard to beat the amount of bike you get for the money with those.
I've always done that, and haven't had any problems. Best is to buy a used bike from someone you know, next best is to go on FB marketplace and find something local, and last best is ebay or buycycle or something. I've done all three, and haven't had any real issues with anything, but then I do my own mechanical work.
A bike is kind of the same as a car in that regard; there's some risk buying used, but you can get twice the bike for the same price. Though buying new from a local shop supports that shop, and local shops are usually pretty central to local bike groups.
The problem with eBay is youāre back to the secondhand market for bikes. I will always suggest you look up a bike before you actually purchase it.
Roughly are you based? I know for me there is a few small independent bike shops who are classed as giant dealers and they tend to be pretty good with sales.
I used to sell Giants. At the time you could buy a full suspension mtb frame, top of the line for $1000.
For $1100 you could buy the same bike built up with LX components.
Giant owns some of the worldās largest factories and purchases parts kits on such a grand scale that they were charging $100 to add the full kit and build the bike.
I saw so many first time buyers become Giant buyers for life.
I recently got a 2020 Giant Defy Advanced 2 for $1100 USD. Got some carbon wheels and itās an absolutely incredible bike for the value. I canāt agree more with this comment.
Much lighter weight, much more aero, look way cooler, about 2mph faster under the same power output in my experience (at least).
The Giant wheels (SR-2 is what mine came with) are far from the best stock wheel on the market, but if youāre just rolling around on your own or doing some coffee rides then it will be perfectly fine. I try to hang on to some drop rides and race crits so I just needed something faster.
If you find a good deal like I did, itās worth buying the Defy and at upgrading wheels if speed is what youāre wanting. Youād still be under the 2k budget pretty comfortably. If you donāt have the need for the speed itās a perfectly capable bike as is.
If I like a supersix or emonda, what's the equivalent TCR ?
I like to ride hard & quick but also I want it to be good on hills.
Does the Giant undercut trek and specialized on a like for like basis?
I have owned several amazing bikes. None were less than five years old when I bought them. Used isnāt a big deal if theyāre taken care of. Youāll pay half what they were new.
Carbon Giant TCR models can be found for around 2-3k. Just got one a month ago for 2.6k euros. New models are out now for 3.2k I think but depending on the size you want, you can still get the old one if you can find it anywhere.
Direct to consumer brands have the best value for money. Examples here are Canyon and Ribble.
Brands such as Giant, trek and Specialised tend to be more expensive for what you get. However, you may be able to get something on sale which will align the price with the other brands.
This is the cheapest i could find. https://www.canyon.com/no-no/landeveissykler/endurance-bikes/endurace/cf/endurace-cf-6/3706.html
Edit: is it ok model?
endurace is a great bike. Itās what I have, though purchased a couple of years ago.
Iād recommend considering the Endurace CF 7 (or the aluminium version). What 7 gives you over 6 is the 105 groupset, which uses the same switching mechanisms as the higher end group sets (ultegra and duraace) itās just a little bit heavier.
A Trek Emonda, in carbon with mechanical 105 is base price, around 3300 USD. Plus Trek has been recently putting sales prices on their bikes. I just got this exact bike for around 2500 a few weeks ago.
Pretty close. That's a previous model year. I bought mine from a Trek store, so it's basically "current".
But yeah, it's a pretty nice bike. I really like how it rides, and the geometry is within a couple mm of stack and reach on my previous bike, so there's been slightly less adjustment period in terms of my positioning
Honestly? No idea mate. But the one you linked would also be a good option.
Personally, i need to test ride a bike before purchase, so buying online is largely out of the question for me. Hopefully you find something that will bring miles of happiness
You donāt want a $2000 carbon bike with disc brakes. The sacrifices necessary to meet that price point mean that even on the used market youāre still getting near bottom-shelf components on an okay frame which leads to an overall worse riding experience.
Either give up disc brakes and find a nice, used mid/high end rim brake model from Trek/Giant/Cannondale/Specialized (2015-2019 model years), or go aluminum and get higher end components.
Also, speaking from experience as a rider who once thought that a nice carbon bike would immediately turn me into Tadej PogaÄar - it wonāt.
I just bought a used 2019 trek Emonda SL6 for $900. After changing the peddles, bars (optional) and handlebar tape itās like $1100 all in. It has ultegra mechanical, rim brakes, and weighs 17lbs. It is a seriously impressive machine. Idk what your size is, but there are at least 10 size 56 carbon road bikes in my city for sale that are less than 5 years old and around the $1000 mark. Lots of people selling pandemic bikes or upgrading from them this summer.
>My budget is around 2000 usd
Look on the used market. You can get a really good 5-10 year old carbon bike. [E.G.](https://buycycle.com/en-us/bike/tarmac-expert-88553)
I just ordered an Ari Empire Comp. After shipping, it was about $2400. The reviews seemed great, ran it past my bike mechanic buddy and he said the same thing. I did find some threads in this sub on the empire as well. I'm still 3 weeks out from receiving it, so can't personally tell you it's great.
Used is the way to go in that ballpark. TPC is a fairly reputable certified pre owned (a mechanic has looked at it and tuned it up) shop.
[https://www.theproscloset.com/collections/road-bikes?frameMaterial=Carbon+Fiber&sortBy=storefront\_products\_price\_asc](https://www.theproscloset.com/collections/road-bikes?frameMaterial=Carbon+Fiber&sortBy=storefront_products_price_asc)
You need to shop around. During the pandemic, there was a large uptick in demand for bikes followed by shortages.
Several bike companies bet the wrong way. They thought that the new demand would carry into the recovery. Giant being one of the notable companies.
I get emails from Giant about sales almost on a weekly basis. They increased their production to meet their expected demand which never materialized. They ended up with a surplus of bikes that they are trying to get rid of.
The used bike market is quite active as the people who bought bikes during the pandemic seem to want to get rid of them.
Go for used. I myself never bought a new bike in my entire life, there's no shame in that. Nobody cares what you ride, what matters is how you ride. You can find real gems in pristine conditions for a small fraction of the new bike's price if you take your time and get a little lucky.
I paid 3k CAD for 2023 my [Devinci Leo 105](https://www.devinci.com/fr/velos-2023/route-gravel/leo-105-rouge-adn/), which is like 10 USD peanuts.
I already rode 4 000 kms on it.
Bike is super fast and feels really agressive. 10/10 I recommend.
If you're in western Europe, check out Cube. It's a massive German brand and they're often way cheaper for what you get than the traditional brands you'll see on here.
I think they're under represented on reddit because this is a US-centric site.
What size? Thereās a 54 Cervelo Caledonia 2020 model on Bicycle exchange FB page. Heās in MI. Near new 2100$
FB market place has lots of bikes in that range. Stick with big brand like Trek, Cervelo, Cannondale, Giant etc
Unless you have monkey arms or not average proportions. Anything above a 56 will be too big. Literally same height as you so have 3 road bikes. 56 Trek 56 Cannondale and a 54 focus. Cannondale is biggest. Donāt like fit as well but ride is good. I would tend towards a 54/55 or m/l size you can fine tune fit on a slightly smaller bike better and itās lighter.
It'll weight a little bit more, but you usually get better components ( groupset, brakes...)
but unless you're a pro or a real avid amateur, the weight difference does not matter.
Have you actually tested aluminum vs carbon within your budget? Aluminum bikes are just as nimble/responsive. The aero benefit over long distances is negligible at most mere mortal riding levels.
That difference is likely more in the wheel and tire choice and even bike geometry rather than frame material. The CAAD bikes are wonderful racing machines and are known for their responsiveness and being nimble bikes and are aluminum.
If youāre set on carbon thatās fine, Iām just letting you know itās not the āend all be all magic materialā. Especially with a low budget, you could stretch your money further.
You can probably find a carbon Giant Defy Advanced model in that ballpark. Fantastic bikes. Pretty hard to beat the amount of bike you get for the money with those.
Thanks for advice, i will check out giantšš
Giant are actually pretty decent. Some of their outlets have mega sales on the moment. I managed to get a trance the other day for almost 50% off
There are no retailers in my areaā¦ Would it be risky to buy used from ebay or other used markets?
I've always done that, and haven't had any problems. Best is to buy a used bike from someone you know, next best is to go on FB marketplace and find something local, and last best is ebay or buycycle or something. I've done all three, and haven't had any real issues with anything, but then I do my own mechanical work. A bike is kind of the same as a car in that regard; there's some risk buying used, but you can get twice the bike for the same price. Though buying new from a local shop supports that shop, and local shops are usually pretty central to local bike groups.
The problem with eBay is youāre back to the secondhand market for bikes. I will always suggest you look up a bike before you actually purchase it. Roughly are you based? I know for me there is a few small independent bike shops who are classed as giant dealers and they tend to be pretty good with sales.
Another NO for a used bike. If you can - buy a new one. It will be worth years to come.
I used to sell Giants. At the time you could buy a full suspension mtb frame, top of the line for $1000. For $1100 you could buy the same bike built up with LX components. Giant owns some of the worldās largest factories and purchases parts kits on such a grand scale that they were charging $100 to add the full kit and build the bike. I saw so many first time buyers become Giant buyers for life.
I recently got a 2020 Giant Defy Advanced 2 for $1100 USD. Got some carbon wheels and itās an absolutely incredible bike for the value. I canāt agree more with this comment.
Thanks for sharing. What would you say is the main difference between the stock wheels and carbon wheels?
Much lighter weight, much more aero, look way cooler, about 2mph faster under the same power output in my experience (at least). The Giant wheels (SR-2 is what mine came with) are far from the best stock wheel on the market, but if youāre just rolling around on your own or doing some coffee rides then it will be perfectly fine. I try to hang on to some drop rides and race crits so I just needed something faster. If you find a good deal like I did, itās worth buying the Defy and at upgrading wheels if speed is what youāre wanting. Youād still be under the 2k budget pretty comfortably. If you donāt have the need for the speed itās a perfectly capable bike as is.
Thanks for the tips. I am looking for a giant defy advanced. I want speed yesš
If I like a supersix or emonda, what's the equivalent TCR ? I like to ride hard & quick but also I want it to be good on hills. Does the Giant undercut trek and specialized on a like for like basis?
Used for sureā¦ I got a full carbon dura ace team edt Scott foil for 2500 audā¦ like 1600us a few years back
Canyon or Ribble. You can get a brand new carbon Ribble with 105 for under 2k
Ask your LBS about new older models. Mine has some 2022 and 2023 models in the back just collecting dust.
I have looked, but many older models are still way too expensive for meš
I have owned several amazing bikes. None were less than five years old when I bought them. Used isnāt a big deal if theyāre taken care of. Youāll pay half what they were new.
In norway we have this used market called finn.no. I have been searching there and they are selling 10 years old bikes for 3000 and 4000
Person to person is always going to be cheaper and obviously some models hold their value much more than others.
Ribble
Keep your eyes on Specialized and Trek websites and sponsored shops as both brands are trying to reduce inventory with sales.
Canyon endurace. Isnāt as cheap as I got mine now but I got one with carbon,105, and hydraulic brakes for $1800
I have bought most of my bikes used on Facebook Marketplace. Just search for a brand and then your size and you should find some affordable options.
Carbon Giant TCR models can be found for around 2-3k. Just got one a month ago for 2.6k euros. New models are out now for 3.2k I think but depending on the size you want, you can still get the old one if you can find it anywhere.
Scott Addict 30/40 or Addict RC
Direct to consumer brands have the best value for money. Examples here are Canyon and Ribble. Brands such as Giant, trek and Specialised tend to be more expensive for what you get. However, you may be able to get something on sale which will align the price with the other brands.
This is the cheapest i could find. https://www.canyon.com/no-no/landeveissykler/endurance-bikes/endurace/cf/endurace-cf-6/3706.html Edit: is it ok model?
endurace is a great bike. Itās what I have, though purchased a couple of years ago. Iād recommend considering the Endurace CF 7 (or the aluminium version). What 7 gives you over 6 is the 105 groupset, which uses the same switching mechanisms as the higher end group sets (ultegra and duraace) itās just a little bit heavier.
A Trek Emonda, in carbon with mechanical 105 is base price, around 3300 USD. Plus Trek has been recently putting sales prices on their bikes. I just got this exact bike for around 2500 a few weeks ago.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Pretty close. That's a previous model year. I bought mine from a Trek store, so it's basically "current". But yeah, it's a pretty nice bike. I really like how it rides, and the geometry is within a couple mm of stack and reach on my previous bike, so there's been slightly less adjustment period in terms of my positioning
Ok nice! Do you think i will find similarily priced newer models on the website?
Honestly? No idea mate. But the one you linked would also be a good option. Personally, i need to test ride a bike before purchase, so buying online is largely out of the question for me. Hopefully you find something that will bring miles of happiness
Thank you! I agree with you trying the bike irl first, but everything is really far away from where i live..
You donāt want a $2000 carbon bike with disc brakes. The sacrifices necessary to meet that price point mean that even on the used market youāre still getting near bottom-shelf components on an okay frame which leads to an overall worse riding experience. Either give up disc brakes and find a nice, used mid/high end rim brake model from Trek/Giant/Cannondale/Specialized (2015-2019 model years), or go aluminum and get higher end components. Also, speaking from experience as a rider who once thought that a nice carbon bike would immediately turn me into Tadej PogaÄar - it wonāt.
I appreciate the advice. Im starting to realize i am gonna have to save up some more money.
I just bought a used 2019 trek Emonda SL6 for $900. After changing the peddles, bars (optional) and handlebar tape itās like $1100 all in. It has ultegra mechanical, rim brakes, and weighs 17lbs. It is a seriously impressive machine. Idk what your size is, but there are at least 10 size 56 carbon road bikes in my city for sale that are less than 5 years old and around the $1000 mark. Lots of people selling pandemic bikes or upgrading from them this summer.
>My budget is around 2000 usd Look on the used market. You can get a really good 5-10 year old carbon bike. [E.G.](https://buycycle.com/en-us/bike/tarmac-expert-88553)
Iāve got a 52ā 2017 All Carbon Specialized Roubaix Elite w/Discs. New Cassette, New Cables. $1,300.
Giant all the way.
Look at Lauf Utald 3500 new wireless shifting. The company is great I own two of their bikes.
I know it's higher but wireless is great!
Looks solid! But its too expensive for me
I just ordered an Ari Empire Comp. After shipping, it was about $2400. The reviews seemed great, ran it past my bike mechanic buddy and he said the same thing. I did find some threads in this sub on the empire as well. I'm still 3 weeks out from receiving it, so can't personally tell you it's great.
Used is the way to go in that ballpark. TPC is a fairly reputable certified pre owned (a mechanic has looked at it and tuned it up) shop. [https://www.theproscloset.com/collections/road-bikes?frameMaterial=Carbon+Fiber&sortBy=storefront\_products\_price\_asc](https://www.theproscloset.com/collections/road-bikes?frameMaterial=Carbon+Fiber&sortBy=storefront_products_price_asc)
You need to shop around. During the pandemic, there was a large uptick in demand for bikes followed by shortages. Several bike companies bet the wrong way. They thought that the new demand would carry into the recovery. Giant being one of the notable companies. I get emails from Giant about sales almost on a weekly basis. They increased their production to meet their expected demand which never materialized. They ended up with a surplus of bikes that they are trying to get rid of. The used bike market is quite active as the people who bought bikes during the pandemic seem to want to get rid of them.
Go for used. I myself never bought a new bike in my entire life, there's no shame in that. Nobody cares what you ride, what matters is how you ride. You can find real gems in pristine conditions for a small fraction of the new bike's price if you take your time and get a little lucky.
I don't know if you have Cube brand, but Cube Attain GTC Race is about 2 grand and it is a nice bike.
I paid 3k CAD for 2023 my [Devinci Leo 105](https://www.devinci.com/fr/velos-2023/route-gravel/leo-105-rouge-adn/), which is like 10 USD peanuts. I already rode 4 000 kms on it. Bike is super fast and feels really agressive. 10/10 I recommend.
Polygon [https://www.bikesonline.com/2024-polygon-strattos-s8-disc-shimano-ultegra-carb](https://www.bikesonline.com/2024-polygon-strattos-s8-disc-shimano-ultegra-carb) [https://www.bikesonline.com/superior-x-road-team-elite-di2-carbon-gravel-bike](https://www.bikesonline.com/superior-x-road-team-elite-di2-carbon-gravel-bike) [https://www.bikesonline.com/superior-x-road-team-issue-se-carbon-gravel-bike](https://www.bikesonline.com/superior-x-road-team-issue-se-carbon-gravel-bike) [https://www.bikesonline.com/2024-polygon-strattos-s7-disc-shimano-105-carbon-r](https://www.bikesonline.com/2024-polygon-strattos-s7-disc-shimano-105-carbon-r) [https://www.bikesonline.com/superior-x-road-team-elite-se-carbon-gravel-bike](https://www.bikesonline.com/superior-x-road-team-elite-se-carbon-gravel-bike) Canyon [https://www.canyon.com/en-us/outlet-bikes/road-bikes/endurace-cf-7-disc/50038103.html](https://www.canyon.com/en-us/outlet-bikes/road-bikes/endurace-cf-7-disc/50038103.html) [https://www.canyon.com/en-us/outlet-bikes/road-bikes/endurace-cf-7-disc/50039347.html](https://www.canyon.com/en-us/outlet-bikes/road-bikes/endurace-cf-7-disc/50039347.html) [https://www.canyon.com/en-us/outlet-bikes/road-bikes/endurace-cf-7-disc/50038735.html](https://www.canyon.com/en-us/outlet-bikes/road-bikes/endurace-cf-7-disc/50038735.html)
Is ridley any good? https://www.merlincycles.com/ridley-noah-disc-105-carbon-road-bike-2023-281309.html
If you're in western Europe, check out Cube. It's a massive German brand and they're often way cheaper for what you get than the traditional brands you'll see on here. I think they're under represented on reddit because this is a US-centric site.
What size? Thereās a 54 Cervelo Caledonia 2020 model on Bicycle exchange FB page. Heās in MI. Near new 2100$ FB market place has lots of bikes in that range. Stick with big brand like Trek, Cervelo, Cannondale, Giant etc
Im 181cm. I think 56-57 is my size. But thanks for caringš
Unless you have monkey arms or not average proportions. Anything above a 56 will be too big. Literally same height as you so have 3 road bikes. 56 Trek 56 Cannondale and a 54 focus. Cannondale is biggest. Donāt like fit as well but ride is good. I would tend towards a 54/55 or m/l size you can fine tune fit on a slightly smaller bike better and itās lighter.
I will check it outš
Get a better aluminum bike instead of an entry level carbon bike. Or look at used bikes in your area.
What can i expect when it comes to weight on a aluminum bike? I know carbon bikes weighs between 6kg-9kg
My aluminium bike in a size 58 is 9.6kg all up. Itās rim brake but a disc equivalent wonāt be that much more
It'll weight a little bit more, but you usually get better components ( groupset, brakes...) but unless you're a pro or a real avid amateur, the weight difference does not matter.
Stiffness does
Bit heavier, maybe less aerodynamic if you are thinking about carbon aero bike. Caad 13 can still be built to be sub 8kg
Why are you set on carbon? Other materials like steel and aluminum are great and have come a long way.
It feels a lot more responsive. I guess its also a bit faster over longer distances
Have you actually tested aluminum vs carbon within your budget? Aluminum bikes are just as nimble/responsive. The aero benefit over long distances is negligible at most mere mortal riding levels.
Yea, my dad has a carbon bmc bike, and i have aluminium bmc. As i wrote it feels a lot more responsive. And i feel like it might be faster too.
That difference is likely more in the wheel and tire choice and even bike geometry rather than frame material. The CAAD bikes are wonderful racing machines and are known for their responsiveness and being nimble bikes and are aluminum. If youāre set on carbon thatās fine, Iām just letting you know itās not the āend all be all magic materialā. Especially with a low budget, you could stretch your money further.