GEAR
2021 BUYER’S GUIDE
ROAD PRICE POINT
Argon 18 Krypton CS $2,800 If you are keen on a fast road bike, but might not have the flexibility – yet – to get low in the drops, the Krypton CS is your machine. The Montreal-based brand put its innovative 3D+ system on the headset. It lets you raise your bars up as much as 60 mm, while still keeping the steering precise. Don’t need that much stack? Great. You’ll enjoy the bike’s lively handling as you ride low and pro. The endurance frame does an excellent job of dampening road vibrations, which can be energy draining. With the Krypton, you can push yourself to ride farther and farther. For 2021, Argon is spec’ing a SRAM Rival drivetrain and mechanical disc brakes. It rolls on Vision Team 30 wheels. (argon18.com)
Cube Attain GTC SL $3,599 The Cube Attain GTC SL was designed in Waldershof, Germany, with an eye to mile-after-mile comfort. Its carbon-fibre frame puts you in a good position for long rides. The bike’s spec is a quality mix of Shimano components, with the Ultegra 50/34-tooth crankset and derailleur on the higher-end of the parts range and 105-level brakes in the middle. The seatpost, stem and handlebar are by another German brand: Newmen. Fulcrum Racing wheels round out the package. If you are a hardy rider, take advantage of the bike’s fender compatibility and head out in sloppy weather. (cube-bikes.ca)
Trek Émonda SL 5 Disc $3,850 Trek relaunched its climber’s bike, the Émonda, just before summer 2020. One of its new features is its aerodynamic tube shapes. While the SL models of the Émonda use a slightly heavier carbon-fibre formula than the premium SLR frames, all Émondas have the same wind-cheating tubes. The SL 5 comes with Shimano’s rock-solid 105 gruppo. House-brand Bontrager provides the alloy bars, stem and seat mast. The Bontrager Verse Comp is a versatile saddle that will keep you comfortable on your long rides, whether you’re going uphill or down. (trekbikes.com)—Matthew Pioro
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Canadian Cycling April & May 2021
