We’re all aware that bicycle prices have seemingly gone through the roof, so we thought it would be a great time to put together our top picks for certain price points and to be honest, it wasn’t easy finding 5 new road bikes at this price point!
For R15 000 you won’t be finding a Cape Town Cycle Tour winning machine (unless someone wants to prove us wrong?), you will however find peace of mind seeing some great steeds from the world’s largest bicycle manufacturers. Whilst you could browse the second hand market or head down to your local Cash Crusaders, there are a few things to consider when buying a bike. If you’re dead set on buying second hand, we put together a guide to help you on that journey.
If you’re just planning on riding around the block every once in a while, then there’s nothing wrong with going for the cheaper options, but if you’re looking for some longevity and plan on tackling some road events, we’d definitely recommend hitting your local bike shop and opting for one of the mainstream brands.
In no particular order, here are our top 5 picks:
The Avalanche Solo
Price: R9 590
Material: Alloy
The South African brand Avalanche has become somewhat a household name, we’ve almost all had one at some point in our life be it our first bicycle or one of the many bikes you’ve had to buy for your child as they progress through the different sizes. As with most bikes at this price point, it is equipped with drop bars, STI gear shifters, slick road tires and rim brakes.
Rim brakes are not ‘dead’ just yet, however you will start seeing disc brake equipped bicycles at lower price points across categories. The ‘compact’ frame design makes for a suitable first road bike and is sure to go the distance with you, backed up by a five year warranty on the frame, however we’re fairly certain you won’t be needing that. We’re not overly excited by the 2×7 Microshift groupset, mainly because of its limited range, however I wouldn’t slam it too quickly, you can definitely rely on this drivetrain for affordability and durability.
The recent supply chain issues amongst the big hitter groupset companies have opened a gap for the smaller fish, such as Microshift and L-Twoo, I’d keep an eye on these brands who will be looking to capitalise on the shortcomings of other brands.
Like: Compact Geometry, Price Point.
Dislike: 2×7 Drivetrain.
Giant Contend 3
Price: R14 990.
Material: Alloy.
You can definitely be content with the Contend, backed by Giant Bicycles’ lifetime warranty and 50 years of manufacturing experience, this is a solid option. The frame and fork are made up of Giant’s proprietary ALUXX grade of aluminium.
This bike is fitted with Shimano Claris 8 speed, like most of the bikes at this price point, we’re also a big fan of the 11-34 cassette which will get you up and over those steep climbs with no problem. Overall it is a great all round build, featuring Giant’s D-Fuse seatpost for compliance, comfortable cork bar tape and rounded off with 28C tires on Giant’s in house S-R3 wheelset.
The Contend 3 is finished off with a clean paint job and internal cable routing, all in all this is a great bang for your buck road bike that will go the distance.
Like: Great All-rounder, Lifetime Warranty.
Dislike: Max tire size 30C.
Decathlon Triban RC 120 Disc
Price: R11 999.
Material: Alloy, Carbon Fork.
Yes, you read that correctly, disc brakes and a carbon fork on a road bicycle at under R15 000. The Decathlon group is relatively new to South Africa so it’s understandable to not be all that familiar with their range, the lineup has been widely distributed and sold in other parts of the world however.
The Triban also comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame, unlike the Giant, this warranty also extends to the in-house components such as the stem, handlebar and seatpost. Much like the Avalanche Solo, the RC 120 is equipped with a Microshift groupset, but this time an 8 speed option with a 11-34 cassette like that of the Shimano Claris.
Some other nice notable features is the ability to run pannier racks on the fork, as well as the aftermarket option to run tubeless. At a claimed weight of 11.25kg (size M without pedals), this is not a bad option given the price point.
Like: Carbon Fork.
Dislike: Looks.
Merida Scultura 100
Price: R15 999.
Material: Alloy, Carbon Fork.
Merida is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of bicycles, some of the world’s leading brands of bicycles come out of their factory, so you can expect some decent build quality with this one.
Whilst the Scultura 100 is a touch out of the R15K price bracket, you can always scour the web or your local bicycle store to find previous year models and do some good ol fashioned haggling if you have to. There isn’t too much to write home about on the Scultura 100, it’s a good looking bike and ticks all the ‘first road bike’ box’s much like the Giant. The carbon fork is more than likely what pushes the price point up a touch, along with some neat internal cable routing.
You can expect a good quality build and better ride quality compared to the more affordable options, the carbon fork should lighten up the front end improving compliance and handling. By going with one of the bigger brands, you will generally get trickle down technology from their higher end bicycles, whether that is for the geometry or frame and fork materials. The Merida has a Shimano Claris groupset, 11-28 cassette, a mostly in-house build kit and comes in at a claimed 9.47kg.
Like: Carbon Fork, Internal Cable Routing.
Dislike: 25C Tires.
Liv Avail 3
Price: R14 925
Material: Alloy.
The Liv Avail 3 comes in at a very similar price point and spec as the Giant Contend 3, which is not very surprising as it comes out of the Giant factory. The Liv brand is owned by the Giant Group, the world’s largest manufacturers of bicycles. Whilst the bike and spec may appear almost identical, there is a big difference. The Liv brand tailors bicycles specifically for women, the frame geometry, components and contact points are purposefully tweaked and chosen by woman, for woman.
Liv prides itself in not only being a brand of bicycles but a community, so for a female first timer we think this is a great option. As with the Giant, the frame has a lifetime warranty, is designed to be compact, lightweight and balanced, although the Avail is definitely more endurance focused and can accommodate up to 35C tires. The above results in a smooth riding experience for long days in the saddle.
Like: Women Specific.
Dislike: Resale Value.
