When it comes to road bikes, light weight is one of the most sought-after aspects among cyclists of all levels. Unlike other properties, such as aerodynamics or stiffness, the weight of a bike can be noted as soon as you grab it and lift it, especially if your previous bike was on the heavy side.
Traditionally, lightness has been associated with high-end bikes and components with outrageous prices, but today we can find options that combine surprisingly low weight with a fairly affordable price.
By popular demand, here’s a selection of lightweight road bikes with disc brakes for €2,000 (some slightly above this threshold). These bikes offer exceptional value for money, with some of them approaching the weight of much more expensive models. The components might not match top-tier bikes, but it’s all about choosing which riding experience aspects you’re willing to compromise on.
The main challenge we faced while putting together this list was the lack of weight information in various models. The vast majority of brands do not provide such data and you have to resort to text or video reviews. The issue is that there are far more reviews and articles on higher-end bikes than there are about lower-end ones. Even so, we believe that the weight information for the following models is fairly accurate. Let’s take a look at them:
Trek Émonda ALR 5
Aluminum frame, carbon fork, internal cable routing, Shimano 105 mechanical 11-speed groupset and Bontrager wheels and components. As a result we get a bike that weighs 9 kg in size 56 without pedals for a price of €1,999. The Émonda top of the range model weighs 6.60 kg, but costs €11,999. The most surprising thing is that a superior model, the Émonda SL 5 with a carbon frame and a Shimano 105 12-speed groupset, weighs 500 g more than the aluminum model and costs €100 more.
Merida Scultura Endurance 400
With a 9.56 kg weight in size XL and a price of €1,899, the geometry of this bike is much more comfortable than the previous one, but also features the aluminum frame, carbon fork, brand’s own components and the Shimano 105 mechanical 11-speed groupset. Although it is over 500 g heavier than the Trek, this bike is much larger and, with an aluminum frame, the weight increases significantly compared to a carbon one.
Canyon Endurace CF 6
Speaking of carbon fiber, the German brand uses this material for the frame, fork, handlebars and seatpost. It also features aluminum Fulcrum wheels and a Shimano Tiagra 10-speed mechanical groupset (with the exception of the front derailleur which is Shimano 105). One speed and one level below the Shimano 105 groupset and we get the price of €2,049 and a weight of 9.18 kg in size M without pedals.
If you’re looking for something cheaper, here’s a model that’s a little heavier (9.4 kg), with aluminum frame, but with a Shimano 105 12-speed groupset: Canyon Endurace 7 for €1,749.
Cube Attain c:62 Race
Here’s another German brand, the Cube, and its Attain C:62 Race model. Carbon frame and fork, Shimano 105 mechanical 12-speed groupset, aluminum wheels and brand’s own components. All for €1,749 and a weight of 9.2 kg in size M without pedals.
Cannondale Caad13 Disc 105
Another model with an aluminum frame: a classic in the Cannondale catalog, but with revamped geometry adapted to disc brakes and new market trends. Carbon fork, Shimano 105 mechanical 11-speed groupset, aluminum Dt-Swiss wheels and brand’s own components. In this video you can see that, in size 48, with pedals, bottle cage and bike computer mount, the bike weighs 9.02 kg, which is a very good weight for only €1,999.
Radon Spire 7.0 and R1 Rival
Two models from another German brand with a very competitive price given their weight and components.
Let’s start with what’s new in 2024. The Spire 7.0 model with carbon frame and fork, aluminum Mavic wheels, Shimano 105 12-speed groupset and brand’s own components. All for €2,032 with a 8.45 kg weight in size 48 without pedals.
And then there is the R1 model. A bike with an aluminum frame and a carbon fork that offers something no other bike on this list has: electronic shifting. Specifically the Sram Rival 12-speed wireless groupset. Same price as the previous model, but with a 9.05 kg weight in size 50 without pedals.
Sava Vegur 4.0
A fairly unknown brand that offers very good quality at a great price. There are several models around €2,000 with impressive weight specifications. For example, this aero model that costs €1,999 and weighs 8.9 kg (the size isn’t indicated). Carbon frame and fork, aluminum wheels and Shimano 105 mechanical 12-speed groupset.
Van Rysel EDR 105
Let’s conclude with the lightest model in the article, part of Decathlon’s Van Rysel range: the EDR 105. Carbon frame and fork, Shimano 105 mechanical 11-speed groupset and aluminum wheels. All for €1,999 and only 8.2 kg in size M, which is a really impressive result. With better wheels, it would be on a par with much more expensive bikes in terms of weight.
As you can see, today’s market offers great options for riders looking for lightweight road bikes without having to shell out a fortune. With a budget of up to €2,000 you can find models that not only meet expectations in terms of weight, but also come surprisingly close to the performance of high-end bikes.
In the end, choosing the right bike comes down to finding that perfect balance between budget, needs and the desire to have the best possible equipment.
