ENTRY-LEVEL ROAD BIKES

Giant Contend SL 1 Disc $1,849

An everyman whip, the Contend SL 1 Disc is light, lively and comes complete with disc brakes for added cornering control. The bike features Shimano 11-speed 105, Giant Conduct hydraulic brakes, a Giant PR-2 disc wheelset, Giant Gavia AC 2, 700 x 25c, tubeless tires and an aluxx Sl-grade frame with D-fuse composite seatpost to take on road vibrations. Engineered to deliver balance and compliance, the Contend is a perfect entry-level machine that churns out efficiency and comfort in every pedal stroke. ( giant-bicycles.com)

Garneau Gennix E1 Performance $2,200

Built with a Shimano 105 group, the Gennix E1 Performance offers the comfort of an ergonomic position combined with the stiffness of a carbon frame. The wheels are by Shimano. The rs010 24-mm-deep aluminum hoops are durable and feature the company’s wide-flange hubs and offset rims for increased rigidity. The drivetrain is Shimano’s solid 105 components. Shimano brakes (r561) take care of stopping. You’ll be able to log many miles on this machine. ( garneau.com)

Felt FR30 $1,900

Felt drew from its line of carbon FR models for the aluminum FR series. Carbon does make its way into this model with the uhc Advanced fork. The frame itself is a Dynaform Tig-welded 6061 aluminum unit. It’s dressed with a Shimano 105 group, Felt Road RSL3 (tubeless ready) wheels with Schwalbe Durano Race Guard, 700c x 25c tires and Felt and Prologo components in the cockpit. It all comes in at a respectable 9.2 kg. ( feltbicycles.com)

Kuota Kobalt $2,560

While the Kobalt is Kuota’s entry-level endurance bike, this build has some top-notch features. The Shimano Ultegra groupset is not far from a Dura-ace level of performance. The 50/34-tooth crankset paired with the 11–28 tooth cassette means you should be able to tackle most hills with a good cadence. The frame is available in a wide range of sizes, from xxs to xxl, so there’s a Kobalt that will fit you well as you ride down the road. ( damourbicycle.com) —markcohen