Road bike (3)

Triathlon Forum
1

I’m looking to pick up a road bike. Getting tired of only having a tri bike and want to be able to mix it up on outdoor rides and have a road bike to use when I want.

Any recommendations for a decent bike in the $2,500 - $3,000 range? Doesn’t necessarily need to be new.

Thanks!

2

Giant TCR is a great bike. Fantastic bang for your buck compared to other brands. Giant actually does the manufacturing for a lot of brands.

3

If it was me: I’d go with a new high-end aluminum bike and Ultegra (or 105) group at this price point.

You’ll get more bang for your buck than with low-end carbon in terms of performance, road feel, and overall value (eg, wheels, cockpit, etc).

Trek Émonda ALR
Spec Allez
Cannondale CAAD13

Going used at this price point wont get you as good a deal as new, unless you’re buying from a friend at a discount.
And going new: you’ll get latest and greatest 12spd electronic groups.

4

If either of these are your size, these are some great deals right here.
I have no affiliation with this shop…

https://tenafly-bicycle-workshop-658866.shoplightspeed.com/2022-orbea-orca-m20-shimano-ultegra.html

https://tenafly-bicycle-workshop-658866.shoplightspeed.com/2022-trek-emonda-sl-6.html?id=82338502&quantity=1

5

I would get a gravel bike that can serve as a road bike. The all road bike if you will. Go ahead and get some 28 tires for the days you stay on the tarmac. You will probably find that you end up using those 28’s less than you think and leave the larger tires on the bike for comfort and off-tarmac fun.

6

I’d choose a disc brakes road bike (not pure aero, something aero endurance or endurance) with wide tire clearance (at least 32) so that you can use on the occasional gravel by swapping tyres or wheels.

7

Trek Émonda ALR

Those new Emonda ALR’s look sick.

8

I would get a gravel bike that can serve as a road bike. The all road bike if you will. Go ahead and get some 28 tires for the days you stay on the tarmac. You will probably find that you end up using those 28’s less than you think and leave the larger tires on the bike for comfort and off-tarmac fun.

+1 Best thing if you can only afford one or the other would be two wheelsets for a gravel bike: one for road and the other for off-road.

I believe this year I only have about 100 miles on my tri-bike and that is all racing. The other 6000 is probably a 60/40 split between gravel and road.

The tri-bike is the fastest bike in the stable but I’m all about comfort and enjoyment now days.