After our review of the best high-end budget road bikes and the other one on mid-range bikes between €3,000 and €5,000, let’s take a look at the best road bikes in 2022 for under €3,000.
Canyon
As in our previous articles, we will start the list with the models from Canyon offering 4 quite remarkable bikes between €2,000 and €3,000. First, the Endurace CF 7 eTap model (photo above), one of the two bikes on this list with electronic groupset (Sram Rival eTap AXS). It weighs 8.62 kg and is right at the price limit: €2,999. For €2,799 you can get the Endurace CF SL 8 model with Shimano Ultegra 11v and a lighter frame that reduces the weight to 8.06 kg. In the same category and for €1999, there’s also the Endurace CF 7 model with Shimano 105 (weight 8.62 kg).
In the climbing bikes’ category there is the Ultimate CF SL 8 Disc (pictured above). The price is €2,899, it weighs 7.58 kg and has a Shimano Ultegra 11v mechanical groupset.
Giant
The Taiwanese brand is one of the world’s leading manufacturers. In their wide product range, you can find light bikes like the TCR, aero bikes like the Propel and multi-purpose bikes like the Defy. In the photo above you can see the TCR Advanced Disc 1 Pro model. Brand’s own components and Shimano Ultegra mechanical 11-speed groupset. List price €2,849 and about 7.5 kg.
The Propel Advanced Disc 2 (pictured above) has a list price of €2,799, features brand’s own components and a Shimano 105 mechanical 11-speed groupset. It is a model with internal cable routing, designed for cyclists more focused on aerodynamics than on weight.
The Giant Defy is a comfortable bike engineered to spend hours and hours on the saddle without compromising speed or efficiency. This bike allows you to ride on roads, trails and singletrack with complete peace of mind. If you’re looking for a versatile bike at a good price, take a look at the Defy Advanced 1 model you can see in the photo. It is equipped with Shimano Ultegra 11v mechanical groupset. List price €2,699.
MMR
The Adrenaline 30 model pictured above costs €2,750 and is equipped with Shimano Ultegra 11v, Ritchey components, San Marco saddle and DT Swiss P1800 wheels.
Slightly above the price range we marked at the beginning there is the Adrenaline Aero 50 (€3,099) you can see in the photo above. It is equipped with Shimano Ultegra 11v mechanical groupset, DT Swiss P1800 wheels, FSA components and San Marco saddle. With the same components, but with Shimano 105 11v mechanical groupset, there is the 70 model for €2,799.
Radon
Recently released, which means we have to wait to be able to get it, is the second and last bike on this list with electronic groupset. It is the Radon Vaillant Disc 8.0 with Sram Rival eTap AXS. List price €2,799. It has reliable and high-quality Mavic Ksyrium wheels, and the rest of the components are either brand’s own or Newmen’s.
Cube
Two models from the German brand we can recommend:
The Agree C:62 in the photo above, equipped with Shimano Ultegra 11v mechanical groupset, Newmen wheels and brand’s own components. The price is €2,699 and it weighs 8.5 kg.
Perfect if you are looking for something more comfortable and versatile, but without compromising on stiffness and component quality. The Attain GTC SL is available in two color options and also features Shimano Ultegra 11-speed mechanical groupset.
Orbea
The Spanish brand offers three different color combinations in its Orca M20 model: white-iris, orange-black and blue carbon-titan. It has Shimano Ultegra 11v mechanical groupset, internal cable routing, brand’s own wheels and components and Fizik Aliante saddle. List price €2,999.
Trek
We have chosen the Émonda SL 5 Disc from the American manufacturer. It has Shimano 105 groupset, brand’s own components (Bontrager), it weighs over 9 kg for size 56 and its price, €2,999, is just below our limit. Admittedly, if we compare it with other bikes on the list, it is expensive for what it offers, but aesthetically, both in blue and white, it is a bike to fall in love with.
Merida
Merida is another of the world’s largest bicycle manufacturers. The Taiwanese brand sponsors the Bahrain Victorious team whose colors you can see on the Reacto 5000 model pictured above. It is the brand’s aero bike and this model has Shimano Ultegra 11-speed mechanical groupset (excluding cranks, chain and cassette), internal cable routing and brand’s own components except for the headset (FSA). List price €2,999.
If you’re looking for something less aero, the Scultura is the bike of choice for Bahrain’s riders when they are looking for lightness or a telescopic seatpost like Matej Mohorič did to win the Milan-San Remo 2022, taking a huge risk going all-in on the Poggio descent. The Scultura 5000 is not as well equipped as the Slovenian rider’s model, but for €2,849 you can get a bike with similar components to the Reacto.
Scott
Let’s wrap up with two models from the Swiss brand. The Addict 20 Prism Green which (although it is over our budget with the list price of €3,099) features internal cable routing, Shimano Ultegra 11v mechanical groupset and the rest are brand’s own components. The Addict 30 Red is almost identical to the previous one, but has a lower-range groupset (Shimano 105) and costs €2,699.
