Road Performance

2021 BUYER’S GUIDE

GEAR

ROAD PERFORMANCE

Felt AR Advanced $6,599

Felt’s AR road bikes are well-known as wind-cheating carbon options that deliver superior ride quality. The 2021 AR (as in “aero road”) Advanced Ultegra is a value-packed way to get into the lineup. The Shimano Ultegra version pairs a load of reliable components with Felt’s AeroRoad 3.0 UhC Advanced carbon disc frame. It uses the Ultegra R8020 mechanical drivetrain including hydraulic disc brakes stopping Reynolds AR58 DB Custom wheels. The cockpit features the Devox DBar.CO Aero bar setup. The beefy stem not only channels cables and hoses into the frame, it comes off the steering tube fairly easily. Felt designed an excellent bit of usability that you don’t see in other aero cockpits that can be a challenge when you are packing up your bike for trip. The AR Advanced is also available in frame-only, 105 or Ultegra Di2 options. (can-en.feltbicycles.com)

Cervélo Caledonia $3,900

Cervélo says it designed the Caledonia after trying to stuff wide tires into the R5 while also trying to make the gravelfocused Áspero less so. The result is the Caledonia frame, which fits that niche in between the other two models and delivers a do-it-all bike at a great value. The second-tier carbon frame is lightweight, durable and uses standard round stem, bars and seat posts. But it also comes equipped with integrated accessory mounts and hidden fender mounts. The 105 version uses Shimano’s durable mid-range drivetrain with Alexrims Boondocks wheels with 30c Vittoria Zaffiro Pro tires. Not big enough for you? You can squeeze 34c tires into the frame should your local routes call for them. Available in six sizes from 48 to 61 and in Ultegra and Ultegra Di2 builds. (cervelo.com)

Giant TCR Advanced Pro 1 Disc $5,299

The latest generation of Giant’s proven tCr architecture, which was released in 2020, is an impressive all-around performer featuring new aero-focused tube shaping. The carbon frame and fork have been updated to allow for tires as wide as 32c, improving the versatility of the platform even more. The Advanced Pro 1 model comes in six sizes and is equipped with a full Shimano Ultegra drivetrain including the crankset with a built-in Giant PowerPro power meter. Getting all those features for $5,299 is amazing value. This tCr rolls on Giant’s Slr-1 42 Carbon Disc wheels with Gavia Course 1 tubeless tires. The cockpit setup is Giant Contact SL with a composite Giant Variant seatpost and Fleet SL saddle. (giant-bicycles.com/ca)—Dan Dakin