[notfastenough]

Hey folks, it’s been years since I’ve posted. I’m looking at a new bike, and can’t believe how prices have gone crazy. I’d like one of the newer aero bikes that also manages to be reasonably comfortable and easy to live with. I test rode a Dogma F12 and loved it, but I’m not paying that kind of money. Ditto the Tarmac etc, it seems common these days for a good frame with second tier kit like Ultegra Di2 or Force AXS and decent wheels to be £7-8k.

However, there are a bunch of seemingly good value brands. British brand Handsling charge £5.4K for their aero bike with Force AXS (with a quarq PM!) and their own 50mm carbon wheels. They even own their own frame moulds.

North Road Cycles want even less, £4.5k for their equivalent with Ultegra Di2. Lios, £4.7k with Force AXS. 

So, does anyone have any experience with these brands? What are the bikes like? How do they ride? What are they sacrificing to hit these price points, even if the answer is ‘expensive marketing’?

 Thanks everyone!

Topic

[IanMSpencer]

I’m not sure where you would
I’m not sure where you would fit them but I’m currently riding two Giants (obvs not at the same time, Defy Advanced Pro 0, Ult. Di2, disc, carbon wheels which was just over £3k in 2017, and my winter bike is a gravel Revolt Advanced 2 at just over £2k bought last autumn

Love my Defy which I run with 25mm tubeless (Conti TL at the moment) – no punctures for 2 years (or rather no fix requiring punctures in 2 years). Considered moving up to 28s but not available at my usual sources. It’s done about 15,000 miles I think, just rode it today and still feeling good.

I ride the Revolt with 32mm tyres and either the wheels or tyres make it a bit heavy compared to the Defy on the road, but the fit is about the same as the Defy so I’m happy to use either depending on conditions.

So, is say Giant are worth considering for a “budget premium” bike.

[Author]

Replies