00:00Don't count rim brakes out just yet. Though the days of rim brake Tour de France wins is long gone,
00:06it doesn't stop them from winning the hearts of many, and in many cases, providing brilliant value
00:11too. So, here are 7 of the best rim brake bikes on the market in every price category.
00:18Cannondale has long been celebrated as a leader in aluminium frame design,
00:22and the CAD Optimo range firmly upholds that legacy. Drawing on decades of expertise since
00:28the original CAD bikes were first launched in 1997, the Optimo offers an accessible entry into
00:34the world of road cycling. The range starts at an approachable price point of £900 and features
00:40Cannondale SmartForm C2 alloy frames. These are paired with carbon forks for a combination of stiffness,
00:46responsiveness, and modest comfort. While aluminium bikes can be less forgiving than their carbon
00:52counterparts, the Optimo's drop seat stays and quality frame design help to add comfort.
00:56The Optimo is Cannondale's entry-level road bike, so features more relaxed geometry,
01:01providing stable and predictable handling. All models are built to last too, with sturdy aluminium
01:07wheels. The compact gearing offers sufficient range for casual outings, though steep climbs
01:12may feel challenging due to weight and gear gaps. If you're looking for a dependable,
01:17budget-friendly road bike with a dash of Cannondale's iconic expertise, the CAD Optimo is worth a spin.
01:25The Merida Sculptura Rimbrake range is a standout choice for riders seeking a lightweight,
01:31race-ready road bike with an emphasis on versatility and value. Built around the Sculptura light aluminium
01:37frame, the range showcases Merida's quality manufacturing and racing pedigree. With smooth
01:43welded Hydroform 6066 aluminium tubing and a tapered carbon fork, these bikes deliver precise steering and
01:50a responsive ride that excels in both climbs and sprints.
01:55The Sculptura 400 at £1,335 is equipped with Shimano's 105 groupset. It's a full groupset too,
02:04with Shimano 105 brake calipers which offer more reliable stopping power than aftermarket brakes.
02:09The Maxxis Pursuer 700x25C tyres might not be a household name choice, but they certainly get the job done.
02:17Designed with racing geometry, the Sculptura range caters to performance-focused riders while
02:22maintaining enough comfort for endurance efforts. With a claimed weight of just 9.7 kilos for the
02:29Sculptura Rim 400, the bike offers enough performance for leisure rides, amateur racing or spirited group outings.
02:38The Trek Damane AL2 stands out as the only rim brake option in Trek's Damane line-up, offering a budget
02:45-friendly gateway into endurance road cycling.
02:48The 100 Series Alpha aluminium frame is coupled with an iso-speed carbon fork, aiding the bike's comfort and compliance
02:55while not breaking the bank.
02:57Though the frame lacks the advanced compliance features of higher tier Damane's, its geometry balances stability and sporty responsiveness,
03:06making it approachable for a wide range of riders.
03:09The Damane AL2 is equipped with Shimano's 8-speed Klarus groupset, which, while not the most flashy groupset on the
03:15market, does deliver reliable shifting.
03:18Though the non-series RS200 chainset and unbranded rim brakes reveal some cost-saving compromises compared to the competition,
03:26despite these, the Damane AL2 shines with great handling and confident cornering, amplified by its Bontrager R1 hard case light
03:3425mm tyres,
03:36which perform admirably for their size and will help protect you from punctures.
03:41This bike excels as a budget-friendly endurance model that could double as a winter trainer or commuter thanks to
03:48rack and mudguard mounts.
03:49With thoughtful upgrades, such as better brake pads or a wheelset overhaul, it could easily punch above its price point.
03:58The Boardman SLR 8.6 is a commendable aluminium road bike that punches well above its weight in terms of
04:04performance to cost ratio.
04:07Its triple-butted 6061X7 aluminium frame boasts near-invisible welds, giving it a sleek, carbon-like appearance,
04:14while a C7 carbon fibre fork helps reduce weight and absorb road vibrations.
04:20Riding impressions are solid, with geometry that leans slightly toward performance while maintaining accessibility.
04:27In our testing, we found the frame to be stiff under most conditions, though some flex is noticeable during hard
04:33sprints.
04:34Component-wise, Shimano Claris shines in front shifting, rivaling higher-end group sets, but the rear mech feels a little
04:41less precise.
04:43Tektro rim brakes lack stopping power on descents, while the 8-speaker set's wide gear range comes with awkward jumps.
04:50At £650, the SLR 8.6 undercuts premium brands like Trek and Specialized, so for winter training or all-round
04:57use, it's a reliable and stylish choice.
05:02Now, for something a little bit different, one for the purists.
05:07The Villiers Superleggera is a masterpiece that seamlessly blends vintage charm with modern craftsmanship,
05:13delivering a bike that is as elegant as it is functional.
05:17Paying homage to Villiers storied history, the lugged steel frame celebrates the brand's Italian heritage with its stunning copper colourway,
05:25a nod to the iconic finishes of the 1940s.
05:29Beyond its aesthetic allure, the Superleggera benefits from steel's natural vibration dampening properties,
05:35helping to make the bike far more comfortable than some of the others on our list.
05:39Three drivetrain options are available, including Campagnolo Record and Chorus 12-speed setups paired with Campagnolo Zonda wheels.
05:47If 12-speed is too modern for you though, there is a Centaur 11-speed version that maintains the same
05:54classic elegance at a more accessible price point.
05:57With quality craftsmanship and timeless allure, the Villiers Superleggera is not just a bike, it's a statement.
06:05It's a celebration of cycling's rich past, imbued with the spirit of Italian artistry and innovation.
06:12Colnago C series of bikes has long been hailed a frame for the purists.
06:17Though the latest frameset doesn't feature the traditional lugged manufacturing techniques of old, it does still cater to the die
06:24-hard enthusiasts of rim brakes.
06:26Known for its Italian heritage and top-level craftsmanship, Colnago still includes a rim brake version of its hand-assembled
06:33carbon fibre race bike.
06:35Key adaptations for rim brakes include a re-engineered fork and seat stays designed to accommodate direct mount calipers, which
06:42help deliver the best of rim brake stopping power.
06:45The frameset retains modern features like a T47 bottom bracket and compatibility with electronic group sets, making it a perfect
06:53base for ultra-high-end custom builds with a touch of nostalgia to boot.
06:57At an unpainted frame weight of 925 grams, the C68 rim brake still sits a little way away from the
07:04lightest bikes on the market, but it more than makes up for that with its class.
07:08Priced at £6,299.99, the C68 rim brake offers an exclusive nod to cycling history while ensuring riders experience
07:18Colnago's hallmark quality and performance.
07:23So, there we have it, out of all of the rim brake bikes that are still available to buy in
07:282025, which would you buy?
07:30Flavery.
07:30Flavery.
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