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.
01:24The 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
01:36light aluminium frame, the range showcases Merida's quality manufacturing and racing pedigree.
01:42With smooth-welded Hydroform 6066 aluminium tubing and a tapered carbon fork, these bikes deliver precise
01:49steering and a 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
02:16the job done. Designed with racing geometry, the Sculptura range caters to performance-focused
02:22riders while maintaining enough comfort for endurance efforts. With a claimed weight of just
02:279.7 kilos for the Sculptura Rim 400, the bike offers enough performance for leisure rides,
02:33amateur racing or spirited group outings. The Trek Domane AL2 stands out as the only
02:42rim brake option in Trek's Domane line-up, offering a budget-friendly gateway into endurance road cycling.
02:48The 100 Series Alpha aluminium frame is coupled with an isospeed carbon fork,
02:53aiding the bike's comfort and compliance while not breaking the bank. Though the frame lacks the
02:59advanced compliance features of higher tier Domane's, its geometry balances stability and sporty
03:04responsiveness, making it approachable for a wide range of riders. The Domane AL2 is equipped with
03:11Shimano's 8-speed Claris groupset, which, while not the most flashy groupset on the market, does deliver
03:17reliable shifting. Though the non-series RS200 chainset and unbranded rim brakes reveal some cost-saving
03:23compromises compared to the competition. Despite these, the Domane AL2 shines with great handling
03:29and confident cornering, amplified by its Bontrager R1 hard case light 25mm tyres, which perform admirably
03:37for their size and will help protect you from punctures. This bike excels as a budget-friendly endurance
03:44model that could double as a winter trainer or commuter thanks to rack and mudguard mounts. With thoughtful
03:50upgrades, such as better brake pads or a wheelset overhaul, it could easily punch above its price
03:56point. The Boardman SLR 8.6 is a commendable aluminium road bike that punches well above its weight in terms
04:04of performance to cost ratio. Its triple-butted 6061X7 aluminium frame boasts near-invisible welds,
04:12giving it a sleek carbon-like appearance, while a C7 carbon fibre fork helps reduce weight and absorb
04:18road vibrations. Riding impressions are solid, with geometry that leans slightly toward performance
04:25while maintaining accessibility. In our testing, we found the frame to be stiff under most conditions,
04:31though some flex is noticeable during hard sprints. Component-wise, Shimano Klaris shines in front
04:37shifting, rivaling higher-end group sets, but the rear mech feels a little less precise. Tektro rim brakes
04:44lack 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,
04:55so for winter training or all-round use, it's a reliable and stylish choice.
05:03Now, for something a little bit different, one for the purists. The Villiers Superleggera is a
05:09masterpiece that seamlessly blends vintage charm with modern craftsmanship, delivering a bike that
05:14is as elegant as it is functional. Paying homage to Villiers' storied history, the Lugsteel frame
05:21celebrates the brand's Italian heritage with its stunning copper colourway, a nod to the iconic
05:27finishes of the 1940s. Beyond its aesthetic allure, the Superleggera benefits from Steel's natural
05:33vibration-dampening properties, helping to make the bike far more comfortable than some of the others on our
05:38list. Three drivetrain options are available, including Campagnolo Record and Chorus 12-speed
05:44setups paired with Campagnolo Zonda wheels. If 12-speed is too modern for you though, there is a
05:51Centaur 11-speed version that maintains the same classic elegance at a more accessible price point.
05:57With quality craftsmanship and timeless allure, the Villiers Superleggera is not just a bike,
06:03it's a statement. It's a celebration of cycling's rich past, imbued with the spirit of Italian
06:09artistry and innovation. Colnago's C series of bikes has long been hailed a frame for the purists.
06:18Though the latest frameset doesn't feature the traditional lugged manufacturing techniques of old,
06:23it does still cater to the die-hard enthusiasts of rim brakes. Known for its Italian heritage and top
06:29level craftsmanship, Colnago still includes a rim brake version of its hand-assembled carbon fiber
06:34race bike. Key adaptations for rim brakes include a re-engineered fork and seat stays designed to
06:40accommodate direct mount calipers, which help deliver the best of rim brake stopping power.
06:45The frameset retains modern features like a T47 bottom bracket and compatibility with electronic
06:51groupsets, making it a perfect base for ultra-high-end custom builds with a touch of nostalgia to boot.
06:57At an unpainted frame weight of 925g, 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.
07:09Priced at £6,299.99, the C68 rim brake offers an exclusive nod to cycling history while ensuring
07:17riders experience Colnago's hallmark quality and performance.
07:21So there we have it, out of all of the rim brake bikes that are still available to buy in 2025,
07:29which would you buy?
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