Did not see this as a topic yet, if I just missed something feel free to combine and close.
I’m finally ready to replace my 2017 allez sprint and excited about it! But I’m confused by the bike industry in 2024. there are some direct to consumer, all the classic brands with aero claims, the newer players like decathlon etc…
I’m pretty flexible and race a lot, so my primary concern is all around speed. Not a lot of crits, more road races and circuit races. What are people liking now? Would love to hear opinions and experiences. You all helped me pick my mtb and that went quite well, so I trust the hive mind.
I’ve also been saving money for a few years, so cost is not a primary consideration, though obviously value is better.
That thing looks sweet! And fast. My only concern would be the built in seat post… I do a bit of flying with my bike and I think I would at least have to do a new case.
It’s too bad though. I wish I had a better excuse to get a fancy new aero carbon road bike! But I just can’t imagine it’s much of a meaningful improvement over my Sprint.
Oh yeah no complaints at all about my allez! It’s been through a lot and going strong. The only issue is the rim brakes. My weakest thing is descending and with my current carbon wheels it’s just not that confidence inspiring. That and now that I’m living in Europe and have some sportives in the Pyrenees and alps planed this year, the disc calls.
If you’re in Europe I’d definitely go and check out the new Van Rysel (Decathlon) bikes if they’re available now. Looks like great value and with SwissSide involved in the design it should be fast.
As others have said above, I don’t think there is going to be much performance difference between any of the race bikes used by Worldtour teams (and plenty outside the Worldtour teams as well). So I’d put more weight on availability, fit (especially with integrated front ends which may be hard to swap out), local support and warranty, and cosmetics (if you’re dropping that much money on a new bike you’d better like the look of it!). Also other factors - you’ve already mentioned that the Propel comes with an integrated seat mast in the higher models, it also comes with Cadex wheels which are hookless and that would put some people off.
Yeah thanks. Planning on checking the decathlon bikes out, they look pretty nice tbh. This will probably be a summer purchase but appreciate all the responses
Tarmac SL8
Canyon Aeroad
Scott Foil with the new syncros wheelset
Trek Madone
Really can’t go wrong with any of the big brand’s right now, they are all within a few watts and within .5 kg of each other. I would pick whichever steed’s appearance is most striking to you.
I have Cannondale supersix Evo 3 and really like it the Evo 4 also looks nice. Overall I think all the modern race bikes are good and it is more about preference and fit.
I would say the Van Rysel and canyon bikes can’t be beat for value. But if a local bike shop is important to you check what they have.
I was in a similar situation and picked up a Cervelo Soloist about a month ago. One major plus is that there are no proprietary cockpit components and it is easy to service. I’m very happy with my decision, the only downside is there aren’t many color choices.
Could fork out for a custom paint job if money isn’t an issue. Though I love the look of the Gold Dust Soloist and hoping to get my hands on one in the next few months
