We recommend 7 road bikes under €3,500

When we look for a new bicycle, the vast majority first focus on the top-of-the-line models. Given the current prices, the view can be quite disheartening. However, many overlook the mid-range options that are often much more suitable for the capabilities and use that most cyclists will give to the bike. A segment often ignored but where you can find high-performance bikes at much more reasonable prices.

Change bikes without going broke. The best mid-range bikes on the market.

We won't deceive you. Traditionally, the mid-range options from various brands have been somewhat the ugly duckling of the catalogs. A real headache for product managers who have to thread the needle to equip these bikes notably while keeping costs as low as possible.

To achieve this, they often resort to frames that, although they share molds with their top-of-the-line sisters, use a more economical carbon, which translates to greater weight, but also to a point less rigidity that tends to be more appropriate for the average cyclist, resulting in more comfortable bikes that are less demanding on the cyclist's physique. The Shimano 105 has been the star group for decades in this type of setup, a group that has leveled up in recent years with the arrival of its electronic version. These setups are usually completed with robust combat wheels that fulfill their function; and with anonymous components or those branded by the manufacturer that simply meet the requirements, making these bikes have a great margin for improvement later on.

Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4

RECOMENDADO

More than 50 km/h on average and without a time trial bike: Evenepoel flies in a time trial marked by the wind

New Megamo Gravel Racing: a powerful women's gravel team based in Girona

The production of bicycles in Spain continues to decline

Quality and comfort go hand in hand in the new Trek Charter+

The international XCO kicks off this weekend in La Nucía with live broadcasting: Vlad Dascalu, Jofre Cullel, Evie Richards, Loana Lecomte...

The helmet worn by Kate Courtney, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot or Vingegaard: this is the new Giro Eclipse Pro Aero helmet

Synapse is the name that Cannondale has used for its endurance bikes for years, now referred to as all-road. It is a bike with a geometry designed for long hours on it and absorption zones to achieve maximum comfort. As is customary in this type of bike, it has storage space in the down tube to carry the necessary tools to solve any problem.

• Price: €3,499
• Frame: Synapse Carbon
• Group: Shimano 105 Di2
• Wheels: DT Swiss R470 DB

Giant TCR Advanced 1

Giant is one of those brands that maintains very high performance across its range, and a clear example is this Advanced 1, which has little to envy from its older sisters in what is undoubtedly the most iconic model from the Taiwanese brand.

• Price: €3,299
• Frame: Advanced Grade Composite
• Group: Shimano 105 Di2
• Wheels: Giant P-R1

Orbea Orca M30i

The flagship of Orbea, the Orca, transfers all its qualities to the mid-range without hardly sacrificing performance compared to the top-of-the-line models used by the Lotto-Intermarché team, in this case, based on its climbing version, a bike with clean and streamlined lines.

• Price: €3,399
• Frame: Orbea Orca Carbon OMR
• Group: Shimano 105 Di2
• Wheels: Aluminum

Scott Addict 40

The time when Scott developed a specific bike for the mid and low range is behind us. Now, like other brands, they maximize the mold of their climbing Addict so that, without having to make a huge investment, you can enjoy the sportiness and excellent performance of their Addict.

• Price: €3,349
• Frame: HMF Carbon
• Group: Shimano 105 Di2
• Wheels: Syncros RP2.0 Disc

Specialized Roubaix SL8

One of the bikes that created the endurance concept continues to be at the forefront today with a machine that boasts technology like few others. Mainly if we look at the Future Shock 3.0 suspension system and the After Shock design of its seat tube and seat post that maximize absorption and comfort so that those endless cycling days don't take a toll.

• Price: €2,499
• Frame: FACT 10r
• Group: Shimano Tiagra
• Wheels: Axis Elite Disc

Trek Madone SL5 Gen 8

Few bikes are as recognizable and characteristic as the current Trek Madone with its IsoFlow design that allows for superior aerodynamics and that Trek has made available to the more sporty cyclists by bringing that design to the mid-range. An IsoFlow that also contributes to endowing this Madone with an unusual comfort when we talk about sporty models.

• Price: €2,999
• Frame: OCLV 500
• Group: Shimano 105
• Wheels: Bontrager Paradigm SL

Van Rysel EDR CF Ultra

Beyond the renowned Van Rysel RCR Pro from the Decathlon-CMA CGM team, the French sports chain also has the EDR model in its catalog aimed at endurance use that combines an extremely lightweight frame, a more forgiving geometry, and simple and attractive lines to build a bike destined to be a top seller.

• Price: €3,499
• Frame: CF Ultra
• Group: Shimano 105 Di2
• Wheels: Van Rysel VR 35 Carbon