Maybe you've just started getting into road cycling, or perhaps you've gradually realized the truth of "Once you step into the world of road cycling, your budget goes out the window." But you won't always be satisfied with the "beginner" status. Your next bike is likely to be a mid-to-high-end model from a well-known brand. However, a mid-to-high-end bike doesn't necessarily mean an unattainable price. With a bit of effort, there will be bread, and there will also be high-end bikes that aren't much different from the top-level ones! As a cycling enthusiast, one of the most exciting things might be owning a bike that's the same as those ridden by Tour de France cyclists. But the top-level bikes used in events like the Tour de France come with a price tag that not everyone can afford. Now, instead, why not visit a bike shop and try out these models that are similar to the top-level bikes but more affordable? These bikes are very similar to the top-level models in terms of performance and overall structure. The biggest difference is that their prices are more accessible to the general public.
Of course, some people might say, "The editor is lying. These bikes are still expensive." Well, that's true. These popular models aren't exactly the kind of "cheap bikes that can be bought for just two or three thousand yuan." But compared to top-level luxury bikes, their prices are indeed lower and more acceptable to the public. These bikes aren't simple "replicas" of high-end models; they are race-level bicycles that use the same technology. These six bikes from Cannondale, Trek, Specialized, Giant, Canyon, and Pinarello can also give you the racing genes. With the same frames as the top-level bikes and slightly lower configurations, you can get a bike with only a small performance gap compared to the top-level models at a much lower cost. As long as you upgrade components like the wheels, drivetrain, and handlebars, you can be ready to go and compete.
▲Specialized Tarmac Expert
As the main sponsor of three top-level teams, Specialized's Tarmac model is highly favored by cyclists. Among all the configurations, the model priced at £3,000 (approximately ¥26,000), which uses the same frame as the top-level bike, offers the best value for money. The most basic Tarmac model, priced at £1,500 (approximately ¥13,000), uses the previous generation's frame. The previous generation's frame is very similar to the new one, with slight changes in size, tube shape, and the integrated seat post clamp, which can support more seat post models.
▲Pinarello Gan
If you're really fond of the Pinarello Dogma F8 ridden by Froome but can't afford its starting price of £6,199, it is recommended that you take a look at the "affordable F8" launched by Pinarello - the Gan. The frame of the Gan is very similar to that of the "Dogma" F8 in terms of both geometry and tube shape. However, the use of different carbon fiber materials reduces the overall price. You can own a Gan with a full 105 component set for just £2,399.
▲Canyon Aeroad
Perhaps the only difference between you and Kristoff is a Canyon Aeroad. The greatest advantage of buying from this online direct-selling brand is that it eliminates the middleman's profit margin. Sounds familiar, right? Canyon doesn't have physical bike shops or distributors, which means that an entry-level configured Aeroad can be yours for just £2,149 (approximately ¥18,000). With the same frame as the top configuration, optimized wind tunnel design, Ultegra component set, and Mavic Cosmic Pro wheels, it's a great deal. What are you waiting for? Hurry up and make the purchase!
▲SuperSix EVO High Modulus Version
Cannondale's SuperSix EVO high modulus version is very popular among cycling enthusiasts. The new version has improved aerodynamics and comfort and is even lighter. This is the model that uses the most expensive high modulus carbon fiber among all the bikes that are affordable within a reasonable budget. It has exactly the same frame as that used by the Cannondale-Drapac team and is equipped with an Ultegra component set and Mavic Ksyrium wheels, offering excellent value for money.
▲SuperSix EVO
If £3,000 is still a stretch for you, then the SuperSix EVO Tiagra might be a more suitable choice. The frame uses a different grade of carbon fiber, which adds a bit of weight, but the price is much more affordable. The Tiagra-configured model starts at £1,299 (approximately ¥11,000), and the Ultegra configuration is only £1,899 (approximately ¥15,000).
▲Emonda SL5
Trek offers three models, Domane, Emonda, and Madone, for the teams it sponsors. And there are even more models available for commercial sale, with the price range covering from the cheapest Emonda SL5 at £1,800 (approximately ¥15,000) to the super-luxury bikes that cost close to £10,000. The Emonda frame is largely similar to the team version, with the only difference being the use of 700 series OCLV and 500 series OCLV materials. This difference leads to a significant change in price, but many key designs, including internal cable routing, tapered head tube, full carbon fork, and Ride Tuned seat post, are the same as those of the team version.
▲Trek Madone9.2
The Madone9.2 has a frame with performance equivalent to that of the team version. The Isospeed structure can enhance riding comfort, and the aerodynamic optimization of the low-drag tube shape is very obvious. The Ultegra configuration is also up to date.
▲Giant TCR Advanced SL2
The redesigned 2016 Giant TCR Advanced SL is the model ridden by Warren Barguil and John Degenkolb during the Tour de France. The TCR Advanced SL has been a staple in Giant's product line for many years, thanks to its leading stiffness-to-weight ratio. There are three models of the TCR Advanced SL available for selection. The most cost-effective model uses an Advanced SL-Grade frame and is equipped with an Ultegra component set, while the top-of-the-line Advanced SL0 is ready to be used directly in top-level competitions.
▲Giant TCR Advanced 3
If you're on a tight budget, there are even cheaper models of the TCR Advanced available for you to choose from. The Advanced 3 has a similar frame structure and is made of Giant's own Advanced-Grade composite carbon fiber, with a Shimano Tiagra 4700 configuration.