Back in 2014 I bought an aluminum Giant Defy 5 at my LBS for $680 out the door. Over the years I swapped out the Claris for 105 (52-36, 11-34), and the original hoops for 42mm carbon fiber hoops. I consistently ride this bike 450-550 miles per month. It’s my super-bike. I’ll never get rid of it.
That’s the spirit. I love looking at high end Treks and the Pinarellos , Bianchis etc are things of beauty. But they weren’t designed for someone of my modest abilities or lack of flexibility. Some great mid point bikes out there, eminently upgradeable when things need replacing or as ability noticeably improves. High end bikes admirable though. A bit like Ferraris, Mclarens…🤔🚴🏾
After riding on my Cervelo for the last decade, I went out and bought myself a superbike. I want to experience the joys of knowing that the only reason I'm trapping slow times is because of my fitness. You only live once and if you can afford it, might as well treat yourself and enjoy it.
Came to road biking from 7 years of mountain biking. Thought road riding would help with my conditioning for technical mountain climbs. Initially purchased a 2020 Trek Checkpoint AL4. A 2020 Domane SL5 was also in the store but I convinced myself that was more bike than I needed. Well, I never planned on falling in love with road biking like I did. The LBS took back my Checkpoint after a few months and credited me as a rental towards the Domane. Since 2000 I have become a board member of a local riding club, become a ride leader for B rides and try to ride 60-100 miles per week most of the season. I have also upgraded to carbon rims, bar, new seat, tires and sold my 2017 Trek Fuel EX-8 27.5 plus mountain bike for a full group set swap from the stock mechanical 105 to SRAM Rival AXS (sold the 105 group set too). Yup, I'm now a full time roadie lol. Did I need the Domane? Probably not. Did I need to make the upgrades? Probably not. Do I have a bike I thoroughly love and enjoy? Yup. There are far worse things that I could be spending money on. I look at it as an investment in myself. I don't drink, smoke or gamble. At 59 I am probably in the best shape of my life from a life of resistance training plus the riding I have been doing. I've met some great people and ride with people I now consider my friends. We share the pure love and joy of riding. I say ride the best bike you can afford and stop caring what others think of your choices.
Interesting take. I recently sold my Ultimate and kept my Specialized Allez (which is aluminium btw and it's quite a mediocre bike compared to the ultimate) because i couldn't justify the money I spent on that Ultimate and all the upgrades i've made over the last 2 years. I do not race and I put less than 100kms/week on the bike (maybe less than 50 in the winter) so for me personally it was just an overkill. Ofc it was a beautiful bike, a joy to ride but still, an overkill. I think that it's really important to do a reality check from time to time and even before buying a bike and be honest about it. Everyone likes the electronic shifting, fancy deep section carbon wheels, top grade carbon frames..but at the end of the day, how many of us do actually need it? The bike industry is going in a weird direction, pushing new tech, gutting the entry-level market and raising prices to the point where a carbon bike with ultegra groupset can cost as much as a good second hand car. It's crazy
honestly, I love my di2 but I would never race on it. I use ultegra to race on because if it breaks I will just replace it with 105. Electronic is nice for those long rides but just that, nice, if you can afford it or find a great deal get it.
Great video. Best value for me is an aluminum frame with regular Shimano 105 and no carbon wheels - at least for my use: commuting, exercise and the odd grand fondo with friends.
Awesome content! I defenitely believe 3-5k is where the good value for money is. Carbon bikes with 105-ultegra groupsets and light carbon wheels. Past that point, it's very hard to get good watt per dollar savings. Even on the cheaper 1-2k range, you can basically get a great bike that you're hardly going to outperform unless your FTP is well above the 4w/kg mark.
Agreed. The law of diminishing returns seems to be strongly in play here. A "Superbike" or even many mjd-level bikes are beyond the level of many riders. But, if you want one and can afford it, go ahead and indulge yourself.
Carbon framed bikes with 105 are even cheaper if you buy second hand. He mine for years and love it. Besides, not looking like a pro rider I would feel darned silly riding one of those bikes.
This sounds great, if it were to actually exist, but what major manufacturer is offering a carbon frame, carbon wheels, and >= 105 groupset for anywhere close to $3k? In my experience what you're describing retails for closer to $6k than $3k, and the value proposition actually falls off a cliff.
What ever happened to building your own bike? Piecing together stuff from sales or auctions? Or gasp, getting a last year (or earlier) model? You can do very well if you scour and know how to turn wrenches. A brand new bike is crazy to me at this point.
That's the way I'll do it, had this idea since 2013, only one year after I got into the sport. I did it once last May, now gathering parts for the next build.
I did this, just built a Supersix Evo Hi Mod with full Dura Ace Di2 (11 speed), deep lightweight carbon rim and carbon spoke wheels, integrated cockpit and lots of lightweight parts. The cost after selling the take off parts was under £4K. The equivalent new Supersix Hi-Mod with Dura Ace 11 speed retailed at £10,500, the new 12 speed version £11,500. And mine is actually higher spec and substantially lighter than those new bikes. You can build a super bike a lot cheaper than buying one complete, even if you buy all the components brand new.
@@huntos83 did a 2019 argon 18 gallium pro frameset build, sram red etap axs, and built my own wheels same. 3200 bucks but I did recycle cranks and pedals from old bike. But seriously that's 1/3 the price of these new bikes, or more, and it's totally fine.
That's exactly what I did in the midst of the COVID shortage too. Found a 2014 Argon 18 that a guy was selling. Frame was in excellent condition. Replaced rear and front derailleur, handlebars, stem, and wheels. What's great about older bikes is how easy they are to work on, you can tinker to optimize performance. With the new bikes, imo, they've made it so much harder meaning you basically end up fitting to the bike or not. Integrated cockpits, internal cable routing and disc brakes are all harder to play around with. Plus it's way more fun! My whole bike cost like $2k and people are seriously impressed with the build and performance I can get out of it.
I still ride my 1971 Peugeot PX10. I have upgraded the drive train over the years, I used to ride 150 Km a day, now I ride 50 Km a day. Still work fantastic.
Not only do you not need a super bike, unless you're actually racing, you will probably be better off on something ergonomically friendlier. I have a fancy, handmade titanium road bike, but if I'm planning a really long day in the saddle (>150 miles), I get on my hybrid flat bar bike...comfy!
Cannot agree more! I got my previous bike with SRAM Force, then got my latest bike with SRAM Rival. There is no point in getting the highest specs like Red or Dura-ace - except for those in serious racing
There is so much more to it than that. Superbikes have the best carbon layups, full ceramic bearings everywhere, the best wheels, the best kit. It's nice to have that and it's a tangible difference. It increases enjoyment. Sure, you don' t NEED it but its nice to have if you can afford it.
Makes good points for not splashing out on a "Superbike" but rides a 6.5k bike himself. A lot of people, including myself, would consider this a superbike also. I could make the same case for not buying a 6.5k bike and sticking with my 2.5k bike with similar features and if someone with a 1k bike argued their bike against mine and labelled mine a superbike then their point would be valid too. It's all relative and really depends on what you want out from cycling and prepared to or can afford to spend on it.
Was about to call you out on your $2.5k bike but you took care of it yourself. LOL Most people I know buy the S-Works level because they can afford it; same reason many people buy the top-tier trim level package on a new vehicle instead of the base model. It's all relative. The video's message is accurate though: spending more doesn't necessarily make you faster.
honestly the biggest reason is that most of us don't ride for the pace but for the effort(or atleast should). Does it matter to you training if you make loose 10 Watts more to rolling resistance instead of wind resistance
Bought an end of line "superbike" a 2017 model in 2022 a huge reduction in price, it's the best I can afford and that I'm prepared to maintain. The difference from my £1200 bike is hugely noticeable, I loved every mile of the 3k I rode last year. If you want it and can afford it buy it. But 2.5k will get you an amazing bike. Turned 50, it's the best bike I'll ever own. Made an effort to get fitter to ride it. Improve your health and fitness and enjoy riding, you can make massive "gains" by looking after yourself first. But love the bike and you'll love riding it.
Great video.. seen too many people that have more money than sense.. there is more to cycling which include spending the money you save from not purchasing a super-bike on a PT, cycling trips, cycling wear & gear, etc…. and when drop it, because you will eventually drop the bike you won’t go nuts! 😁
Every point you made is 100% correct. The point that you missed is people WANT a super bike. I do. I did not settle. Dogma F with SRAM Red axs, 404’s, oversize pulley wheels and custom paint. I fu*king love it. Wouldn’t have it any other way.
THANK YOU!! The ‘want’ factor is always missed in these kinds of videos. One frustrating thing about the cycling community is they love telling you how you should spend your money. Buy what you want and enjoy yourself
Can't agree more. I built the same bike: dogma F + red powermeter simply because I want it. The only difference is I use lightweight meilenstein coz 404 is not top tiered.
Glad you got what you want, enjoy it. Now don't be a dick. Donate, contribute and share with the local cycling community. If you have the $$$$$ to throw at a Pinnernago you have the dollars to "grow" our passion - bikes.
@@mjf1975 They don’t tell you what to do. They just tell you that you don’t NEED a super bike, and still own a great riding bike. What you WANT is up to you.
@@dvdp4513 That’s pretty much my point. I’m fairly sure anyone who buys a superbike already knows they don’t actually need one so there’s not really a need for the video in the first place
I don't own superbikes anymore, but I have decent ultegra based carbon bike which lately had frame issues (rear wheel was getting loose on every ride). Bike is on warranty repair/check now and store gave me replacement tiagra based aluminium bike (same race geometry, not endurance). Bike is over 1kg heavier and I can feel it while lifting the bike but except for that there are no other differences. Average speed on my standard 140km ride is the same, acceleration should be worse but in practice I could not feel it. Maybe the replacement bike is more stiff - it shakes a bit more and I can tell the granularity of the tarmac easier but it might due the fact of cheaper narrower tire. I live and train on flat terrain, maybe in the mountains this 1kg would make some noticeable difference. So my opinion is that unless you are TDF pro or gadget guy and you ride mainly on flats you definitely don't need super bike and probably not even ultegra class bike.
Yip, all I want is a reliable bike that doesn't cost an arm or a leg to buy or maintain. Cycling is about simplicity, the modern race machines (do you really need a highly strung thoroughbred?) have moved so far away from simple it's a bit un-nerving! It seems to me that 'trickle down technology' is suspiciously like passing the R&D costs of the high end products on to a wider range of consumers, rather than keeping things for the everyday rider simple, cheap and above all reliable.
Great to see some common sense from the cycling media. Superbikes are the Lamborghinis of cycling - ridiculously expensive and impractical in the real world. My “superbike” is a custom-built steel frame with mechanical 😱 105 that cost a quarter of what can be spent on a top end superbike, and it’s awesome!
Great video, all those things are really important to consider while you are buying a bike. But there is one thing that's goes with top range bikes. Expensive bike is always more exciting. So what I always recommend I to chose more expensive option in your budget range, cause this excitement will very often push you to ride more often. And for 99% of us bike is just a passion so why not make this passion more exciting ofc I'm not telling to go with the option that you cannot afford. But lets say that you are choosing between same bike, one is on Ultegra/Force level and second one is on 105/Rival level, and you can afford proper maintenance of both levels, then go with more expensive one, cause this guilty pleasure will motivate you to ride more ;) That's why I'm intentionally choosing top of the range bikes even if it is a waste of money. So after a year my Canyon Ultimate CFR eTap is still an exciting bike for me, and its much easier for me to motivate myself to do my workout even after hard day at work. And I'm 100% sure that my gains from that bike are maybe somewhere around 1 sec per 100 km :P And even my 2010 Santa Cruz Blur XC Carbon on full XTR, with Mavic Crossmax SLR' wheels, and Rock Shox Sid XX WC is stil something that I like to admire, even if I use it as.a decoration in my garage, cause I have now different XC bike ;)
Agree 100 per cent. I recently bought a new bike that was expensive. I knew I didn't need an electronic groupset, deep carbon wheels, fully integrated cables etc... However, I still wanted one, and I love getting out and taking it for a spin. As w/ my previous bikes it'll get used heavily and w/ the amount of money I'll save on not driving and parking my car at work, plus the health benefits, it'll eventually pay for itself. I'd also recommend buying the missus some flowers to keep her happy too!
If you’re riding a bike for fun and/or fitness, 105di2 or sram rival is enough. Also, nobody who doesn’t race for a living needs an aero bike. I’ve got a domane with 105di2 and a Scott addict with sram rival. I enjoy both as much as I would a madone or foil. And both were half the price.
@@claynails4391 There has to be a mechanical 105. This is practically Shimano's workhorse groupset, the ticket to the upper half of the Shimano road groupset hierarchy. My current bike will use mechanical 105 once I rebuild it with a performance spec.
My superbike? A tall framed 1970's Schwinn Continental. The only stock components left on the frame are the center-pull calipers. Everything else has been upgraded to modern sub-systems and standards. It has over 10k miles on it so far. I'm currently in the process of performing the same upgrades to the next largest frame of the same make and era for a bit more pilot comfort. It is, however, always neat to see those expensive state-of-the-art bikes go by as I pass them on long rides.
I’ve been trying to talk myself into getting a Salsa Warroad which would cost anywhere from $3500-4500 USD. But the truth is, dropping that cash isn’t going to make me go from 17MPH to 22MPH..maybe I’ll get 1-2MPH extra because it’s about 4lbs lighter than my current bike? I could also just lose 4 lbs too 🤷🏻♂️
@@larrylem3582 I know:/ They’re hard to find where in my area. REI has the 2020 105 version..but I already have 105s. I also need to remodel my shower and have some plumbing work done this summer which will set me back probably $7-8k. I could just get some drinks in me and say screw it.
Exactly. Just lose 4 lbs. That's better than getting lighter parts or a lighter bike. It cost nothing and your health is more important than bike weight.
As long as people are buying Ferraris, Lamborghinis there will be a market for superbikes too. It’s not because those are wannabe world tour riders but they have the $$$$$ to fork out. If somebody is after performance then a good frame with 105 or Ultegra and some nice wheels are sufficient.
I have a nearly 10 year old Carbon frame and routinely pass people on much newer, nicer, bikes. Granted, there is a point you need to get to in order to put up serious numbers (I'd say carbon frame, good wheels and at least 105). It's gotten to a point where it's not about actual performance, it's about showing off. If you want to perform better, train. The improvements you get from a "super bike" are minimal at best. Remember 80% or so of the drag comes from the rider not the bike.
Good content here. I think it's totally true that a top-of-the-range bike that may cost 2-3 times more than a more modest version probably isn't going to be 2-3 times better than a mid-range version. Even so-called cheap bikes can be quite good now, once you adjust for modern expectations. A 2023 $1500 alloy bike with a Tiagra groupset probably doesn't seem too exciting to a lot of people, but it almost certainly shifts and rolls more smoothly than bikes once considered to be at the pinnacle of bicycle technology.
No one needs a superbike, the pros are furnished with their sponsors' steeds, and the rest of us buy what we want or we can afford. If you damn good, you'll be damn good no matter the bike, if your average or you suck, you'll continue to be so unless things change physically. To hear someone try to justify spending gobs of money for a watt or two over a 100 km ride is laughable. Just say that's what you wanted, and no other justification is needed.
Integrated cockpits limit the adjustability in body position. Since this is where the most aero gains are achieved, these bicycles are actually slower for anyone who hasn't found an optimal position, which is the majority of amateur riders. Moreover, bike fit changes over time and even during one season, so unless you are a professional who can get an unlimited number of bicycles, these limited cockpits are a bad idea.
One of the customers I've served wanted one on his new bike right from the get-go. The problem is he never had a bike fit before, so I wasn't really willing to sell him one. No prior fit, no purchase.
This has many more facets than this video, but seeing club riders go no faster on bikes that are out and out race bikes and the sales and marketing departments have gone into overdrive with makes me smile... The first rule is you have to sit efficiently & comfortably on your bike ( Gerald O'Donovan the man behind the all conquering Ti-Raleigh team bikes). A bike is a tool, get the right tool at the right price for the job... And whilst it is true dearer components cost more to service my experience is properly maintained the pay back is their service life... For example my Campagnolo Shamal's are coming to the end of their rims brake surface life BUT 'CYCLING WEEKLY' their ceramic bearings still spin effortlessly at circa 12 years old ! The Super Record group set is the same... But my Potenza and Chorus are working and lasting just fine too... Whilst I agree most cyclists do not need super bikes or race bikes as we say in Yorkshire " Buy cheap, buy twice"
My current rim brake bike cost me 3000$CAD 105 groupset weighting 7.5KG , and those new bikes (disc brake ) cost whopping 6000-8000CAD weighting 7.9-8.2KG , i don't really see any reason buying new bike.
Because weight is the least important limiting factor in terms of average speed or climbing. Assuming that you ride climbs only 1 kg heavier bike will make you 0.5% slower overall on the 20 km climb which is nothing for the amateur. Rolling resistance/wind/drag/aerodynamics/bike fit (this one probably the most important factor) tire type and pressure even the air density and humidity are all more important aspects impacting your speed. Weight of the bike is massively overrated and psychological mostly.
My aluminum rim Brake bike with 105 10 speed from over a decade ago weights less than 7.4 kg with bottle cages and pedals lmao. It didn't cost me 3k$ back then either.
@@michadebicki6534 You sounded like those bike bike companies trying to convince ppls how they can get 30 secs faster in an hour with those $13000 bikes , i been riding for many years and with my current bike the ppls i ride with in the group have SL 7 S-works , Pinarello gran fondo etc all those expensive bikes, in the end it all comes down to your legs , a better rider can ride just as fast as anyone with higher FTP even with a heavier(lower value and older model) bike am i correct?
@@Taihaki of course. I ride alloy cannondale caad12 with hydraulic 105 groupset and custom made by local shop alloy race bike also with 105. Both bikes have basic 40 mm carbon wheelsets some custom parts and they're worth maybe 6000 dollars combined. I feel alloy better, like it more, like the road sound on it more so I did complex scientific research if this additional 0.5 or 1 kg will make me slower. It won't. I broke all the personal records (even on uphill races) on the custom alloy bike just because it fits me like a glove. With previous statements I just wanted to point out that weight is totally overrated factor. The fact, that the industry is full of bullshit and these overly expensive bikes full of features we don't need or asked for - are not worth it and won't matter for us - this is different matter.
Only reason I own superbikes, I used public transit (trains, buses, planes) to get to rides, so lifting a 14-16 pound bike is much easier! Every other benefit is just gravy! Great video!! btw: I never owned a car, so big savings there!
I am partial to my 2021 Trek Emonda SLR series. At a very fit 48Kg, 55Kg combined bike and rider weight, good luck keeping up with me on ascents. All the extra crap on more expensive bikes isn't going to make you fast. Being seated on your ass, pedaling for many kilometers on end building endurance and strength by riding up ascents makes you faster.
Can’t argue with these points, but you’re missing a HUGE element of owning and riding a super bike: psychological factor. I cannot express how much joy riding super bikes has given me. The realization that there is nothing to upgrade to is an extremely powerful and satisfying feeling that further enhances each ride. And there is a difference in how these bikes handle and feel. I have no regrets whatsoever on spending the ridiculous money on the bikes. I worked hard for it, and cycling is my zen and passion. It’s more than worth the cost. To me. A Pinto will get you from point A to point B, but people still buy Porsches and Ferraris to drive for the pure pleasure of driving and pride of ownership. It cannot be discounted.
Compare it like supercars if you want. They are always out of our league. I won't denie that i really love looking at the superbikes but on the other hand some people sometimes forget that superbikes also need service and that the price of spareparts also are on the hefty side. Personally i think that the most people could get a very decent bike between the 2-4 k range, which is still a lot of money. The best upgrade for my bike where handbuild wheels. For me as a tall and heavy rider ( not obese ) this made a huge difference. In the past i have broken several stock wheelsets ( except for my old campy khamsin wheels)
I've come to the point very often, thinking I could totally afford a more expensive bike, but then was just like: What for? If I want to get faster and competitive, any kind of structured training will give me higher benefits than 5 watts aero savings. Plus, my 105-equipped bike is reliable, it fits and has a more relaxed geometry and is less likely to get stolen. So, as much as wanted a fancy Dogma F or something in that range, it's just not worth it. Doesn't mean I can put some nicer bits on my current bike and upgrade it but I a 10k all-carbon, electronic bike would just be a waste in my hands.
I am really curious as to why Europeans/US people keep on saying that they are afraid of their bikes getting stolen as if they live in some 3rd world country surrounded by poor people hell bent and always on a lookout to steal their bike. Is bike theft so common in your countries? Also there seems to be a almost universal idea that you need to buy a expensive bike to be competitive......do most people ride their cycles just to compete or to enjoy the experience of the ride?
@@main_stream_media_is_a_joke Yeah, bike theft happens. It's not just mean starving people, but it's also a business. And it's not too hard when you can run a heist over night and escape over the border in another EU country with ease. And of course more expensive bikes offer features that help you in races. You can sport an entry level Allez in a crit race or TT but having good aero usually doesn't come for free. And it matters, because that's way beyond marginal gains, would you keep a loose jacket on?
@@DoNuT_1985 I understand using a expensive bike, clothes etc that give you definite advantages when in a race.....when competing.....but seriously what percentage of the cycling population are competing in a race vs people cycling for the joy of cycling without caring about topping a leaderboard or winning a race? I suspect that there are way more people who can do with a basic cycle without all the bells and whistles of a "pro level bike." My experience has been that the cycling industry has been very successful in brainwashing people....even average joe's that they need a $2000+ cycle to enjoy cycling. Most of these average joe's/wannabe pro's could do with some serious exercises to develop their body before even going in for the types of cycles that the industry/shills are shoving down their throats.
@@main_stream_media_is_a_joke Agreed, spot on. I would argue that at least in triathlon realms, that might be a little different because it's more nichè/specialized equipment, but especially for traditional road cycling, you're mostly buying expensive stuff for the joy of it, and it's OK if you're in for that just because you want a nice bike. Anyway, it's true... There is too much marketing brabble and even channels like GCN are mostly about marginal gains, aero and top-spec bikes even though 99 percent of their viewers are average Joes.
I bought a super six team edition with red 22 for 5000-€ at my local dealer. Spent 1200 in proper wheels and it ist still not the half the price of a actual super bike. I don't miss 12/24 speed. The best racing bike I`ve ever owned.
If you can afford a super bike. Buy one for your self. That's the best thing I did to me. My Pinararello Dogma F12 just glides . No bone shattering vibrations. Just plush ride. Love it.
For over thirty years I've bought leftover or slightly used bikes at about half their full retail. A couple even had whiskers on the tires still. During the covid (still here right) scare the new bikes got scarce, so the used bikes are priced high--way higher than they used to be. I see five year old models priced near what they were new. Hopefully things will adjust soon. A can't see over 2k on something that is so easy to steal and resell because the manufacturers don't emboss a VIN, or how about 12k?
im 55 years old and don't really have the flexibility and power to ride a super bike. But im a sucker for the look of a nice aero bike. So who cares if i go for a super bike and just ride it at 25km/h? As long as it makes me happy.
I think the bike market is going to leave a gap for quality lower end bikes. I'm going to keep my eyes open for new companies trying to fill this gap, and I'm looking less to the major brands. It's just crazy how expensive bikes are now.
My main bike is a DOLAN E'Tape carbon frame, very good value.for a carbon frame under £500 I've equiped it with Campag 9 speed Record groupset. from 2004 the wheels are Campag Zonda.with Challenge amber wall tyres. I love it. Mind you I do have a 2011Colnago M10 whith Super Record 11 speed and shamal wheels, but because i'm too slow to ride it, it stays in the shed. PS 'NO DISC BRAKES !!!! not required on a road bike.
I agree. A light modern steel bike with Campy Chorus, and Zonda wheels, and pro from a few years back bars/stem/saddle etc, that's kinda m-m also, is superbikery enough for me. The third way is the Brompton 2 speed which is surprising fun to ride 'fast' and climbs just as nicely on small rises and you feel like a pro at a third of the speed, plus you can take it in nearly everywhere. It's a bit silly buying a CF superbike when you can only ride it on your day off. My steel racer with CF judiciously applied was under £3K and I don't have to worry about crashes and longevity issues, but again I hardly use it esp in winter. Bike thievery is at an all time high, and light fast tires will puncture in the first mile on my roads. Campy is the magic sauce of cycling and a work of art in your flat. Or bed sit. Or whatever.
@@MrChippinator I've used 'em on now stolen bikes for around 10 years now. They are the same weight as deep section carbon hoops and I'm not a tour de francer so who cares what wheels are faster.
absolutely agree. i just build custom 7kg bike in under £1K. second hand carbon frame: Planet X evo pro £260, 105 r7000 rim brake groupset 399.99 in Merlin cycles Fulcrum racing 900 wheels £96.99 for 1.880kg on wiggle and another £100ish on tape, tyres (conti ultrasport 3), seat post, bars etc And this beast is fast :D Absolutely love it. :D
It comes down to this: there are _super bikes_ and then there is _a bike that is super well-suited_ for that particular rider. Probably 95% of us don't need the same equipment ridden by the pros and should spend the extra money on a bike fit and cycling adventures.
speaking for road bikes: I think dimishing returns kickin in very fast. After the most effective and conformable components you are entering the elitist area(at the time around 2k). You can already get below 10 kg, what is a good weight(can lift it easy). In my opinion after 105 or even newer tiagra it's only about weight. Can here and there use better brakes but that's it. Only in rims i would invest a bit more. Personal opinion: Build your own bike with a steel frame and keep it for life.
"some guys on GCN (yt) did a quick video, with one guy doing a VO2 max and muscle strength test; conducted by a sports physiologist. His results were basically 1/2 of what professional riders generate/exhibit, so pro racing was out for him. But the moral to the story is that investing in ten grand superbikes, that's a hobby for professional bike racers, where slight tweaks, fancy components can take a few seconds off your final race time."
You didn't mention the obvious: Your fitness. If you're not at the top of the range of fitness, the top of the range bike is just a luxury flex because you aren't capable of getting the maximum from the bike anyway.
On point #2, I wonder if bike companies will copy auto companies and make lower priced models ugly on purpose so as to psychological trick consumers into paying more.
No..... they are gradually brainwashing regular joe's into believing that a 2000$ bike is a "good entry level budget bike'......it's fucking hilarious how easily wannabe "pro riders" digest his utter bs. I have been using a steel 21 speed roto shifter bike (200$'s) for the past 14 years. It obviously doesn't have the latest shiny paint job, but on pure aesthetics, it doesn't look any different or ugly than more expensive hybrid/gravel bikes. (I have installed bar ends and wrapped thin strips from a yoga mat to provide cushioning. This gives me the prefect hood position as well as a much better "Semi Aero" rider stance.) The only people who zoom past me are super fit riders on pro level road bikes and an occasional guy on a hybrid. Cant believe how easily people fall for this nonsense marketing from the cycle manufacturers that "anything below 2000$ is junk".
I'm here just enjoying my Canyon ultimate f8, oldie but goldie. One of the more legendary bikes that has alloy and carbon fork and just feels like a super bike.
I bought a Tarmac S-Works back in 2015. It's equipped with Sram Red 11-speed and a Quarq Zero power meter. For the last 12,000 miles its needed nothing beyond the standard consumables...tires, chains, cassettes, brake pads, etc. All of its ceramic bearings spin gloriously. I have literally only one complaint...obsolescence. High end, consumable 11-speed parts will be discontinued at some point soon and I'll have the highest spec bike Specialized made in 2015 and I'll be replacing worn parts with mid-tier stuff. I recently got a new gravel bike at my local shop. While lifting my bike up to get measurements to put onto the new gravel rig, the shop owner was floored. "This is the lightest bike we've had in the shop for a long time". If super bikes were a bad deal, they would an unsustainable business model. Do some research. Buy the right one. Fall in love.
Just my 2 cents, if you can afford it and by having a superbike can motivate yourself to ride more often, just go ahead. But otherwise, normally 2nd tier product is always value for money.
I think currently it stops at like 3500-5000$ for the maximum you can get for your money that is worth spending if you want to have fun on the road and be as fast as possible as an amateur rider. For about 4000$ you can get a carbon aero roadbike sub 8kg with electronic group set. what else do you want? Most of what comes after that is just reduced weight and maybe a little bit more aero. It feels like for every 1000$ more you save a 250g and get 2s faster for the watts produced. so you can pay 4k and be good to go in most situations or pay 10k just to arrive 10s faster than last time. idk if you aint racing and even then, nobody really needs a top end bike - its just that people want it because they wanna feel like a pro. Friend of mine built a Pinarello for 12k to commute at 25kph to work.
In the future I reckon road bikes aimed at amateurs need to separate themselves away from Pro Tour level machinery, the riding requirements are really not as related as even the fastest amateurs would hope them to be. If you're not racing just get a nice reliable, simple & easiest to maintain setup possible - one that puts the biggest smile on your face through its ride feel, handling and fit. Save a tonne of cash realising that the biggest speed gains for this rider will come from training the legs properly, not the prohibitively expensive marginal gains.
You don’t have to wait as those bikes are already available. It’s people who want to feel themselves like Pogacar etc. and buying maxed out superbikes.
@@tamasvarga67 It's an issue for the industry though as most high performance bikes are heading in a certain direction, and lots of riders like me won't be buying their new offerings. I want a classic fast road bike, something like a Colnago C50 or exquisitely made Ti frame... most of the things that interest me are now on the second hand market only, or so niche as to be unobtanium as new. Of course, I'm talking rim for road...its the way forward.
@@nellyx1x493 Yes, high performance bikes are heading in a certain direction but amateurs don't really need Pro Tour level bikes. In my opinion, the bike offerings are fragmented enough and you can buy anything that suits your needs. Usually, you can buy the same frames with two different types of carbon - one ultra light for pros and one for us - and the component selections are endless I can't see a real problem. Ti frames are available too...
@@tamasvarga67 One of the problems I have is that the 'affordable' modern versions are closer in weight to my 9kg XC Mtb hardtail, than my 6.5kg decade old tech road bike - which is why I won't be 'upgrading' in a hurry.
@@nellyx1x493 I'm fine with 8-9kg bikes as I'm not planning to race. Weight is not everything - for me at least. My decade old road bike could barely run 25mm tires and I prefer 28-30 I wouldn't run narrower.
Before I even watch the video there is only 1 reason to "not" get a super bike; 99% of civilian riders (aka non-pros) will never be able to exploit what the bike is capable of. Other than that, if you can afford it, go for it and screw anybody else's opinion.
Agree. Quite a few of these "civilian riders aka pro wannabe's" are what I call HSB (Human Shaped Blobs), resting their soft asses on expensive bike...desperate to look cool. These HSB's have been successfully brainwashed to believe that they need these expensive cycles for even their basic 40 km rides. Sometimes I feel like I am missing out by not purchasing a 2000+ "budget entry level gravel bike'.......but then I remind myself that these are just bikes.
Do I NEED a superbike? No I absolutely do not Do I WANT a superbike? Yes, yes I absolutely do. And that’s the difference. If you want one, and can afford one (including maintenance costs) then go and spend your money. It’s yours to spend The right bike is the one that gets you out riding, not the one someone else tells you you should have
@Cycling Weekley: What are you talking about? Most people can't afford or can't justify paying top dollar for a super bike. If you think top of the line super bikes are the top sellers in the bicycle industry you're out of your mind. Most people buy entry level or mid level priced bikes. The top end are a small fraction of buyers from amateur racers to your upper class - rich people who like having nice toys. The latter don't NEED it but it doesn't matter because they can AFFORD it.
Superbikes are designed for about 5% of the riders on the planet, but marketed to a much larger percentage. The vast majority of road bike riders wouldn't get the beneficial differences that a superbike offers over a mid tier bike because their bodies haven't hit a performance wall where the bike itself is holding them back. They feel buying a more expensive bike will unlock performance, but a superbike simply extends the potential of performance without giving much back.
Most of it comes down to physical ability, skill set and personal discipline (and money) in order to experience some of the the benefits of a super bike. Even someone with good car racing experience would not qualify to drive a Formula 1 car. I fail to see the wisdom of riding a super bike unless being a fully fledged pro competitor. All these reviews of 'Super Bikes' maybe somewhat interesting but may also distort the perspective of some peoples perception of their own abilities and create unrealistic desires. Well, sometimes it's fun being rich and stupid.
Devils advocate: The value of the pound and the value of cycling is different to everyone depending on their situation. If you can afford it, why not? Most people have a car on finance. I bet most of us have a car that is not the best value. If you're into racing you'll know that consistency is the most important thing. If you have a bike you're excited to ride, you'll be more consistent in riding it. Bottom line: Do what makes YOU happy.
If you are not on a pro peloton, you don't need a "super bike" - - There have been too many range-topping bikes with ridiculous prices in the past year, let's focus on mid range bikes. it doesn't even have to be sub $1,000 "entry level" bikes - even tho for some people, or people getting into cycling of any stripe - that is alot of initial investment, plus clothes, plus shoes, plus lights and other kit. Let's get more value in the $1,000 - 3,000 range for a bike - all in. (mind you my own "forever" titanium bike's value is 2x the top of that range) bike costs have gone way way too high and the fact is with demand in the floor - bike and part manufacturers better wise up quick.
A superbike could be worth it if it is going to motivate you to ride it, and thus, derive health benefits. ANY superbike is much cheaper, and has less life impact, than a heart attack or stroke as a result of inactivity.
If one is fit, young enough, well trained, fast on the bike and would like to ride as fast as possible, but has not so much money, he could consider to buy a superbike frame, and to buy good enough wheels (the best used by professionals for training for example), groupset (105 for example), and other much cheaper components than those sold with the complete superbike. A second hand bike/frame can be very good, or very bad, if used by a pro it can be "dead", or near that point it has lost all its quality. Titanium and best steel quality should also be considered.
Super bike is out of the range of $ and good sense for me. At the same time, I would like to own one before I die. I'm 51 today, so my deadline is approaching quickly
No one needs one!!! However what if we want them? No one needs anything other than a sedan on the road but no one wants them, get what makes you happy and smile on.
Unless you’re at the very top of cycling or are seriously chasing seconds or you have more money than sense todays Super Bikes are a waste of money for the overwhelming majority of riders. Three items that have been added to todays bikes that provide marginal, if any, gains that have driven up prices substantially are disk brakes, e-shifters and integrated cockpits. Deep section carbon wheels are also over rated and overpriced for the supposed gains. Not only that they are adding unnecessary weight to the bike. At the same time you’re sacrificing simplicity, ease of maintenance and far higher maintenance cost due to proprietary components that aren’t worth a hill of beans. Not only that but the bicycle manufacturers are taking choice away from consumers by making these so called upgrades standard equipment on bikes even though far less costly but just as efficient, more reliable and easier to use and maintain are available to consumers. That choice has been taken away from consumers. One of the best cycling decisions I made ever was when I sold my Trek Madone and bought a custom steel bike. Turned out my modern steel bike is at no disadvantage in a criterium. In fact it’s springiness is a significant advantage on attacks and just about every crit you go to there’s almost always a rider there crying by the side of the road who just broke a very expensive wheel or worse the cracked their carbon frame beyond repair and with all the proprietary components can’t even swap those out into a new replacement frame. I never lost a crit because I was ridding a steel bike. I’ve only lost them because I wasn’t the strongest rider. Yet I paid about half for my custom steel with mechanical shifters, rim breaks and Ksyrium wheel set then I paid for the Madone. That’s how a lot of people end up throwing away money is when the don’t calculate the human interface with the bike as a machine when they make their purchase. The irony here is when I go out on fast group rides and long group rides more people come up an Ohhh and Ahhh over my custom steel bike then the carbon super bikes.
