Beat Brexit price rises, buy a 2016 road bike bargain

In compiling the Bike of the Year Awards articles recently, it became clear that the prices of many 2017 bikes have increased compared to 2016 models. That’s the result of Brexit, of course, and while price increases vary from brand to brand they can be as much as 12% in some cases, which certainly adds a sizeable chunk the price tag of a new road bike. 

- Brexit: what does it mean to you and your bike?

There is a way to beat the Brexit price increases, and that’s to act quickly and snap up a 2016 bargain. We’ve had a trawl around some of the best-known retailers and discovered there are some decent bikes still available and some with really quite hefty discounts. In many cases, the frames are identical between the 2016 and 2017 models, save for a different paint job, but we have noticed a few new bikes coming along this model year with a lower level specification compared to the previous year. So not only might you be getting a cheaper bike, you might be getting a better specced one too.  It’s really worth shopping around if you are in the mood for a new road bike this year.

Raleigh Militis Team - was £5,000, now £3000

We’ve been a fan of the Raleigh Militis since it was first launched, the carbon fibre road bike catapulted the iconic British bike brand back into the high-end performance road bike market. Two grand off a bike with a carbon frame and wheels and SRAM Red groupset is a bit of a steal.

Charge Plug 3 - was £849.99, now £549.99

Revamped with an aluminium frame and clearance increased for wide tyres, the latest Plug was a hit in its single speed guise in the Commuting Bike of the Year awards. Add some gears and this bike looks a steal if you want a speedy commuter or leisure cycling bike

Saracen Avro 2 2016 - was £2,099.99, now £1,259.99

The British designed carbon fibre road bike from a brand better known for its mountain bikes was well received when road.cc reviewed it, and it ticks a lot of boxes if you want a fast and comfortable road bike

Eastway Zener D2 - was £1,300.00, now £975.00

Eastway was reborn a couple of years ago by online retailer wiggle, and they’ve done a grand job of producing a range of smartly designed and well-specced road bikes, and the Zener D2 is a great option for the cyclist wanting to upgrade from their first road bike. A carbon frame with an endurance geometry will provide comfort and the Shimano 105 groupset with hydraulic disc brakes provides solid control.

Cube Agree C:62 SL - was £2599.00, now £2049.99

If you want a high-end carbon fibre performance road bike shaped by aerodynamics, look no further than this smart Cube Agree. Direct mount brakes, aero profiled tubes, tapered head tube, light carbon frame and, on this model, a Shimano Dura-Ace 9000 groupset. Okay, so Shimano might have just launched a new version of Dura-Ace, but the previous groupset is still a bloody good choice. 

GT Grade X 2016 Adventure Road Bike - was £1,499.99, £999.00

GT’s Grade was a hit from the moment it was released a few years ago, and as the adventure category has grown, it has stood the test of time. This model gets the fantastic SRAM Rival 1x11 groupset with hydraulic disc brakes and Clement 33mm tyres. 

BMC Granfondo GF02 Tiagra - was £1,499.00, now £1,099.00

If you want a comfortable bike for going the distance, the GranFondo from BMC is a popular option. This model combines a carbon fibre frame and fork with Shimano’s latest, and very good, Tiagra groupset. 

Verenti Technique Tiagra - was £650.00, now £494.98

Third place in the road.cc Sub-£1,000 Bike of the Year 2016-17 Awards, the Verenti Technique offers an excellent performance with great handling that doesn’t put a foot wrong whether you’re taking place in a sportive or commuting to work. 

Cannondale CAAD12 Disc Frameset - was £699.99, now £419.99

We’ve mainly included complete bikes here, but there are some good frameset deals to be had if you want to go down the route of building your own bike. Cannondale’s aluminium flagship race bike has long been a fave with home mechanics and the excellent disc-equipped version is the good basis for building a bike for the summer. 

Eddy Merckx Mourenx 69 - was £3,999, now £2,099.46

There are few bike brands with more race heritage as one bearing the name Merckx on the down tube. The Mourenx 69 though, isn’t designed for racing, it’s an endurance bike built for comfort and distance.

Trek Emonda SL 6 - was £2,100, now £1,500

Trek’s lightest carbon fibre model is the Emonda SL and you can get a sizeable discount off this Ultegra-equipped model. We love the paint job too!

Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc - was £1499, now £1049.99

Redesigned last year, the Cube Attain GTC Pro is a carbon fibre endurance model that is available with disc brakes. This model gets the latest Shimano 105 groupset with hydraulic disc brakes. 

Cube Attain Pro - was £699, now £518.99

If you want a cheaper Attain and don’t want disc brakes, this is a good option. It features an aluminium frame with a carbon fibre fork with a solid Shimano Sora groupset and comfortable 25mm tyres. Chain Reaction Cycles has a good range of sizes available, from 47 to 60cm. 

Specialized Tarmac Comp Ultegra Di2 - was £2,800, now £2,100

The Specialized Tarmac hasn’t changed for 2017 which means there are some good deals around, such as this Ultegra Di2 model. The only snag is that Sigma Sport only has stock of the 49cm model. Still, a good buy if it fits you.

Cannondale SuperSix Evo Tiagra - was £1,299, now £779.99

Originally conceived as a top-level race bike, the SuperSix Evo has since become much more affordable, making access to the great carbon fibre frame and the excellent performance and handling it offers open to many more people. This Tiagra model is available in a good few sizes including 56, 58 and 60cm.

Focus Cayo Aluminium Disc Tiagra - was £999, now £599

A high-performance bike, the Cayo has long been a popular model in the Germany company’s range, and you can have it with disc brakes too. Fully internal cable routeing on the smooth welded, triple butted aluminium frame, and Shimano’s latest Tiagra 4700 groupset.

Wilier Cento 1 SR Record - was £4,999, now £3,749

Pick up a slice of Italian race bike action at a discounted price, this Wilier Cento 1 SR packs a stylish carbon fibre frame and Campagnolo Record groupset with Shamal Mille wheels.