ENTRY-LEVEL ROAD

Giant TCR Advanced 2 Disc $2,549

The tcr Advanced 2 Disc may be Giant’s most inexpensive climber’s bike, but the machine has some high-level features. The grade of carbon, Advanced, is the Taiwan-based company’s second-tier composite formula. The Shimano 105 drivetrain is smooth and durable. When you face steep ramps, the 30-tooth cog in the cassette will be your best friend. Giant takes care of the handbar and stem (Contact and Connect), saddle (Contact for a forward-sitting rider) and wheels (Pr2-disc). ( giant-bicycles.com)

Garneau Gennix D1 Performance $3,850

Garneau’s Gennix D1 Performance is a carbon-fibre frame built through a process that keeps voids from appearing within the composite structure. In less-precise construction processes, tiny air pockets can form within the materials. These gaps can reduce the power-transferring abilities of a frame. The Gennix comes with Shimano 105 and some non-series Shimano parts, such as an RS510, 52/36-tooth crankset and RS505 flat-mount disc-brake calipers. The 28c Vittoria Rubino Pro tires will help you roll smoothly across various road surfaces. ( garneau.com)

Trek Émonda ALR 5 Disc $2,400

Well-crafted aluminum is way, way better than cheap carbon. Also, with an aluminum bike, you don’t have to stress about throwing it on a trunk rack that holds onto the frame’s top tube. Trek shapes the tubes on the Émonda alr 5 Disc through a hydroforming process, which uses water at high pressures. Builders then join the parts with a minimum amount of material at the junctions. The joints are strong and don’t hinder the performance of the tubes, which are tuned to flex or remain stiff depending on their roles. Solid Shimano 105 parts will get you up to speed, and help you scrub it, throughout your long rides. ( trekbikes.com)—matthewpioro