$1,200
Cube
Attain SLX
~9.5 kg|Tiagra|32 mm
Endurance
Aluminum
Fast and lively handling; smooth welds; good climbing weight
View on CubeCompare
Trek
Domane AL 2 Gen 4
$1,200
Endurance
Aluminum
2026
BikeRadar 2024 Budget Road Bike of the Year; best upgrade foundation
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Compare
Analysis
BikeRadar's 2024 Budget Road Bike of the Year. The frameset is excellent — carbon fork, internal cable routing, tubeless-ready wheels, and 38 mm tire clearance — all features that make it a strong upgrade foundation. Claris 8-speed is basic but reliable. If you plan to upgrade the groupset eventually, this is the best frame to start with.
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$1,200
Giant
Contend SL 2
~9.5 kg|CUES|32 mm
Endurance
Aluminum
Same ALUXX SL frame as Contend SL 1; best frame in segment at lower spec
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Merida
Scultura 300
~9.5 kg|Tiagra|30 mm
Race
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Race geometry; carbon fork; strong climber at the price
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Orbea
Avant H40
~9.8 kg|Tiagra|35 mm
Endurance
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Hydroformed triple-butted alloy; MyO customization; lifetime warranty
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Also featured in:Best Endurance Road Bikes