Tour de France 2024: Comparing the Cheapest and Priciest Bikes
As a cycling lover who’s been following the Tour de France for decades, I’ve always been fascinated by those bicycles used by the world’s top riders. So I did some survey and research and want to show you the difference between the cheapest and priciest bikes in the 2024 Tour de France. You might also be curious about the prices of the Tour de France bikes and how they vary. Are they worth the prices or just a bunch of commercials and endorsements?
The Price Gap: From Budget to Luxury
First, let’s talk numbers. The cheapest bike in this year’s Tour is the Dare VSRu, ridden by Team UNO-X. If it were available in the U.S. (which it isn’t), it would cost around $7,450. On the other end of the spectrum, we have the Colnago V4Rs used by UAE Team Emirates, which comes in at a whopping $18,000. That’s a difference of over $10,000!
As someone who’s ridden everything from entry-level aluminum frames to high-end carbon fiber race bikes, I can tell you that the difference in price doesn’t always translate directly to performance. But let’s break down what you’re getting for your money with these two bikes.
Dare VSRu
The Dare VSRu is a bit of a mystery to many cycling fans, as it’s not a widely known brand outside of certain European markets. However, don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s not a capable machine. This bike comes equipped with a full Shimano Dura-Ace groupset and DT Swiss ARC 1400 carbon wheels – components that you’d typically find on much more expensive bikes.
From my experience, Shimano Dura-Ace is top-notch when it comes to shifting performance and reliability. The DT Swiss wheels are also a solid choice, offering good aerodynamics and stability. For a bike at this price point to come with such high-end components is pretty impressive.
The frame itself is likely made of high-quality carbon fiber, though I’d need to do more research to confirm its exact specifications. However, given that it’s being ridden in the Tour de France, we can assume it meets the rigorous standards required for professional racing.
Colnago V4Rs
Now, let’s look at the Colnago V4Rs. Colnago is a legendary name in cycling, known for producing some of the most coveted frames in the sport. The V4Rs is their top-of-the-line model, and it shows in both the price and the specs. By the way, this one is the most expensive bikes in the 2023 tour de France.
Like the Dare, it’s equipped with Shimano Dura-Ace components. However, the UAE Team Emirates bikes take things a step further with some ultra-lightweight, boutique parts. They use Carbon-Ti chainrings and disc rotors, which are incredibly light and also quite expensive. The team bikes also feature a Darimo seatpost, another weight-saving component that comes with a hefty price tag.
The wheels on the Colnago are Enve SES, which are known for their excellent aerodynamics and low weight. Enve is a premium brand, and their wheels alone can cost several thousand dollars.
The frame itself is where a lot of the cost comes in. Colnago has a long history of producing top-tier frames, and the V4Rs represents the culmination of decades of development. It’s likely made from the highest-grade carbon fiber available, with a design optimized for both aerodynamics and low weight.
Any Performance Differences between the cheapest bike and the most expensive one?
Now, the big question: Does the Colnago’s $10,000+ price premium translate to better performance on the road?
The answer, as is often the case in cycling, is “it depends.” In terms of pure mechanical efficiency – how much of the rider’s power is translated into forward motion – the differences are likely to be minimal. Both bikes are using top-end components that operate with incredible efficiency.
Where you might see differences is in areas like weight and aerodynamics. The Colnago, with its ultra-light boutique components, is likely to be slightly lighter than the Dare. This could provide a small advantage on steep climbs. The Colnago’s frame might also have a slight edge in terms of aerodynamics, which could make a difference in time trials or long solo breakaways.
However, it’s important to remember that at this level, we’re talking about very small margins. The difference in weight between these bikes is likely less than a full water bottle. The aerodynamic differences would probably save a rider a handful of watts at most.
In my years of riding and racing, I’ve learned that while equipment is important, it’s the engine (the rider) that makes the most difference. A strong rider on the Dare VSRu could certainly outperform a weaker rider on the Colnago V4Rs.
Team Performance and Bike Choice
Interestingly, when we look at the performance of the teams riding these bikes, we see that expensive equipment doesn’t always correlate with better results. As of the first rest day in this year’s Tour, Team UNO-X (riding the “budget” Dare bikes) was ranked fourth in terms of prize money won. They were outperforming many teams on much more expensive bikes.
This isn’t to say that the more expensive bikes aren’t providing any advantage. UAE Team Emirates, riding the Colnago V4Rs, was ranked second in prize money. However, it does show that at the highest levels of the sport, the differences in equipment are much less significant than factors like team strategy, rider fitness, and race tactics.
The Role of Sponsorship
It’s worth noting that the prices we’re discussing are the retail prices for these bikes. The teams themselves aren’t paying these amounts. Bike manufacturers sponsor teams as a way to showcase their products at the highest level of the sport. Often, the bikes are provided to the teams for free, or even with additional financial sponsorship.
This arrangement allows teams to access the best equipment available, regardless of cost. It also means that the choice of bike isn’t always purely about performance. Teams may choose to work with certain brands based on factors like sponsorship deals, brand alignment, or long-standing relationships.
Do we need these bikes?
As an amateur cyclist myself, I often get asked by fellow riders whether it’s worth spending more on a bike. The Tour de France bikes provide an interesting case study for this question.
On one hand, the Dare VSRu shows that it’s possible to have a Tour-level bike for under $8,000. That’s still a lot of money, but it’s within reach for many serious amateur cyclists. This bike proves that you don’t need to spend five figures to get a professional-quality ride.
On the other hand, the existence of $18,000 bikes like the Colnago V4Rs shows that there’s always room for improvement and optimization in cycling technology. For those who have the means and the desire to own the absolute best, these ultra-high-end bikes provide that option.
My advice is to find a middle ground. A bike in the $3,000 to $5,000 range will provide excellent performance that’s not far off from what the pros are riding. Beyond that, you’re often paying for marginal gains that most amateur riders won’t fully utilize.
However, whether you’re riding a $7,000 bike or an $18,000 one, the most important thing is to get out there and ride. After all, that’s what cycling is all about – the joy of pedaling, the thrill of speed, and the satisfaction of pushing your limits. No matter what bike you’re on, those experiences are priceless.