Bike Fitter RANKS Entry Level Bikes Worst to Best

New bike day soon? Pro bike fitter James Thomas ranks entry level bikes from worst to best so you can choose more easily.

Check out James' new YouTube channel here @Bikefitjames

SUPPORT Francis Cade and Cade Media directly:

AFFILIATE LINKS

Thanks to our CHANNEL SPONSORS:
Garmin
Silca

[Penalist]

From worst to best:

Liv bikes
Scott Speedster 50 RB
Carrera Vanquish
Pinnacle Laterite One
Canyon Endurace 7 RB / DB
Triban RC 520
Trek Domane AL 2
Specialized Allez

[davebarrett]

Had the Canyon Endurace 7 RB for over 2 years and still my pride & joy. I'd agree with James though and go for the disc version - not because rim brakes are being left behind but because the clearance only allows for 28mm tires.

[scottdean]

Consider also the Van Rysel EDR-AF.
Shimano 105 groupset, disc brakes and carbon fork for only £999

[jimbojellylegs]

Can James please do a run down of a range of steel bikes on the market? See what less mainstream brands offer in terms of fit? This was a great episode!

[tommytippee]

Thank to Francis and James and all at CADE i am awaiting delivery of a beautiful Mulsanne blue TREK AL2 Domaine.
Im 62 and getting back into the cycling.
Tommy in Dublin 🤗😊🚴

[noahhupe]

How could anyone go for anything else than the RC520.. fantastic value, easy to maintain. Have had one myself for several years now, built up as a gravel bike. ❤

[mitch_smith]

Amazing what a grand will get you now days. Glad to see a video like this. well done all..

[TehNubTwinz]

I love my Triban 120, it is the perfect entry level bike in my mind! Added a Garmin 130 compact and just can't get enough of my rides.

[deej]

Some nice options, I'll stick with my Boardman 8.9c, carbon fork+frame and 105 gearing ( minus the crank and brakes ).

[Brookes]

If i was to spend £1000 on the Allez, i would of hoped for 10 speed Tiagra, or at least 9 speed Sora for that money

[duvels]

Got a Canyon Endurace AL 7.0 rim brake back in 2019 and I'm still happy riding that bike. Was just over €1000 back then.

[RickRolling-tcvb]

Looking forward to seeing Francis on a bicycle again soon. Enough talking, more riding.

[bedathprop]

I saved up and got a Voodoo gravel bike from Halfords. No, set up wasn't perfect-front mech rubbed-but £700 for Sora transmission and a 48-32 /11-34 combo is great for what I need it for. It's got an alloy fork but quite frankly I dont really notice, even on local bridle paths which are often sketchy AF. Keep up the good work.

[repo]

Tourney brifters are just fine. I've got them on my 30 years old steel bike, it's a 2x7, hence. I usually ride with hands on the hoods or top of the bar, I love just flicking my thumbs or other available fingers to change down, not having to reach down for the brake lever.

[gcaldwell]

Always love when James is on screen! Time to take notes!

[grahamriley]

In my experience the comfort of relaxed geometry wins every time. Ridden for hours at a time on my Giant Anyroad which is even more relaxed than the Allez and Domane and I don’t get a peep from any part of my body and I am not flexible or young. I bought an old Defy with the old Sora group set with levers on the side of the shifters and I cannot actually believe how well it all works. Really old but well maintained and as good as the 105 on my Anyroad.

[alexhadfield]

I picked up a Domane AL2 disc a couple of months ago, discounted to £685, and it's a fantastic bike.

[calluml]

Can't recommend the Allez enough, have an old Allez Sprint from 2003, still a racey feel, still works great and fits lovely. And for 3 years of ownership my total costs for it are £200.

[grahambell]

Top informative video Francis 👏 really good to see James having good chat ! 👍

[SuperJaw]

Not all Halfords stores are the same. Between me and the other tech we have over 50 years of experience at my store.