Hi! Buying my first ever road bike. Use case would be trying to learn road biking and eventually joining triathlons. But not exclusively for that. As of the moment, it would be used for casual rides and probably 90% road. Budget is about $1k. But savings will be used for accessories such as helmet and others. Any opinions appreciated!
Option 1: Giant TCR Aluxx SL
Roughly $700 Barely used
Older Shimano 105 11 speed
Apparently a South East Asia exclusive variant
Option 2: Giant Contend AR 1 2026
Roughly $1370 Brand new
New Shimano 105 12 speed
by Competitive-Wind-262
2 Comments
Should modern bikes really be worth twice as much than older models?
Was initially looking at cannondale’s range as well but it is not as widely available where I’m from.
I’d check the tyre clearance. Not sure about alloy, but older carbon TCRs are designed around 23mm tyres. You can sometimes squeeze 25mm on there but not much more than that. An older Giant Defy may give you more tyre options.
Also as you’re looking at XS sizes, check out the Liv bikes and women’s Specialized like the Amira. Often there are more of those available than the “men’s” frames in these XS sizes.