The history of carbon road bikes
Carbon fibre is the premier bike material of the 21st century and has come on a long way since manufacturers first started trying to use it back in the 70s. Although first used in the 1980s, it wasn’t until LeMond won the Tour de France on a carbon Look KG86 in 1986 that it became more common place. From then until now, it is pretty most the most sought after material type. This is mainly due to it being super light and strong leading to a very stiff frame. Carbon frames can also be moulded into any shape. However, they can also came with a hefty price tag.
However, buy carefully and you can get yourself a really great carbon fibre bike without blowing the budget. It’s good to note that most brands have their own name for their own carbon construction: Giant call theirs Advanced Composite, Specialized have FACT and Cervelo call theirs All-Carbon.
What to look for in a carbon road bike in 2019
It’s not just the quality of carbon you need to consider when looking for carbon road bikes. Overall Shimano 105 (R7000) is new for 2019 bikes which makes for some particularly good value 105 equipped bikes with hydraulic disc brakes (non-disc 105 bikes still benefit from the update). In general the number of disc brake bikes continues to increase.
Below we run through a range of bikes to help you choose which is the best value carbon bike for you and your riding needs.
We currently have selected models of Giant Bikes on Sale or a full section with discount cycles.
Great value carbon road bikes to consider:
Name: Giant TCR Advanced 2
Price: £2,149 (save £550 while stock lasts)
Why it’s in our best carbon road bikes shortlist: Represents exceptional value for money for a carbon frame
Lightweight, efficient, and integrated for speed, it’s engineered to give you a competitive edge in every situation.
Name: Liv Avail Advanced 2
Price: £2299 (save £400 while stock lasts)
Why it’s in our best carbon road bikes shortlist: It was great value even before the discount. That, and it’s a women’s bike with women’s geometry.Designed for performance and capable on any surface, this road warrior is ready to take you as far as you can go, which is always farther than you think.
Name: Giant Defy Advanced 2
Price: £2299 (save £400 while stock lasts)
Why it’s in our best carbon road bikes shortlist: More great value from Giant – and one of the most comfortable frames.
With effortless efficiency and quiet compliance, this lightweight endurance road machine helps you ride stronger and longer. The composite frame and purpose-built components smooth out rough roads and minimise fatigue.
Name: Specialized Roubaix SL8
Price: £2500
Why it’s in our best carbon road bikes shortlist: Built for incredible comfort with carbon frame and fork and future shock 3.0 front end vibration damping.
Name: Liv Enviliv Advanced 1
Price: £4299
Why it’s in our best carbon road bikes shortlist: It’s fast! Like, really fast. Also features Liv’s women’s specific geometry.
Name: Giant Propel Advanced 1
Price: £4299
Why it’s in our best carbon road bikes shortlist: The male equivalent of the Enviliv above. Also extremely fast.
Name: Merida Scultura 8000
Price: £4800
Why it’s in our best carbon road bikes shortlist: The SCULTURA 8000 is a high-performance road bike designed for climbing and comfort.
