Disc brakes, electric gears, system integration: new technical developments in particular have driven prices for racing bikes to dizzying heights over the last decade. We showed that there is another way in a Comparison test of inexpensive road bikes in the August 2024 issue. Of course, you can't expect low weights of less than seven kilograms or aero optimisations here. Not all of the latest technology features make it into the lower price categories either. However, it is remarkable that for only ten per cent of the price of top models, fully-fledged racing bikes are still possible, which function excellently and are fun to ride.
The biggest drawback in this price category is the high weight of the bikes. The Rose Blend Road was the cheapest racer to roll into our lab this year, costing 1199 euros. However, this model, which is specifically designed for entry-level road cyclists, also weighs more than ten kilograms. Apart from that, however, with the Shimano Tiagra it offers a perfectly functioning gear system with powerful hydraulic disc brakes and a tidy cockpit, it also offers modern road bike technology. The Rose is somewhat removed from the riding experience of a professional racer, and not just because of its higher weight. The very upright riding position and the sluggish steering behaviour also predestine the bike more for leisurely tours.
The Radon R1 Tiagra, which is only 100 euros more expensive and comes in second place in this ranking, offers a sportier orientation. Above all, the riding position on the bike comes pretty close to a competition model. However, the rather high overall weight and especially the heavy wheels also slow it down.
The Canyon Endurace 6 and the Giant Contend AR 2 share third place with an additional 100 euros each at 1399 euros. Both models show that there are technical differences even in this price range. At 9.5 kilos, the Canyon weighs a good 700 grams less than the heavyweights from Radon and Rose. The Giant, an all-road model that can easily be ridden over dirt tracks, earns top marks in the comfort category with its special carbon seat post, which makes even ten times more expensive endurance models envious.
This year, only the Graveler from the food discounter Lidlwhich we also ordered as a test bike. At 699 euros, the bike is unrivalled in terms of price. However, the individual test showed the expected: the bike reveals technical weaknesses and is not a serious competitor, which is why we only mention it here in the ranking.
Rose Blend Road
- Price: 1199 Euro
- Weight: 10.2 kilos
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Tiagra (2x10; 50/34, 11-34 t.)
- Impellers: Rose G20
- Tyres: Continental Ultra Sport (32 mm)
- Click here for the detailed test report
Radon R1 Tiagra
- Price: 1299 Euro
- Weight: 10.2 kilos
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Tiagra (2x10; 50/34, 11-34 t.)
- Impellers: Alexrims ATD560
- Tyres: Continental Ultra Sport (28 mm)
- Click here for the detailed test report
Canyon Endurace 6
- Price: 1399 Euro
- Weight: 9.5 kilos
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Tiagra (2x10; 50/34, 11-34 t.)
- Impellers: DT Swiss Endurance LN
- Tyres: Schwalbe One (30 mm)
- Click here for the detailed test report
Giant Contend AR 2
- Price: 1399 Euro
- Weight: 9.9 kilos
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Tiagra (2x10; 50/34, 11-34 t.)
- Impellers: Giant SR 2 Disc
- Tyres: Giant Gavia Fondo (32 mm)
- Click here for the detailed test report
Julian Schultz
Editor
