With 2027 bike ranges rolling out, 2026 models are discounted. It is a great time to hunt for bargains on floor stock that shops want to shift. Some of the current price gaps are wild, especially when the tech difference is minimal.
For example, the 2026 Giant TCR Advanced 0 is £2,639, while the 2027 Defy Advanced-Ui2 is £3,999. The frameset of the TCR and Defy is identical, and the only difference between the two models is the groupset: Shimano 105 Di2 vs Ultegra Di2. There is also the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 at £8,999, down from £11,999, while the new SL9 is £11,999. The SL9 is claimed to be 4 watts faster than the SL8 at 45km/h.
I reckon that getting on two wheels is what matters most, and judging a rider by the price of their bike is pure snobbery. Grabbing a discounted model is the smartest way to stretch a budget, provided you build a good relationship with a local mechanic for the servicing side of things.
Is it worth buying last year's model for significant savings, or should you wait for the latest technology?
How do you balance the cost of a brand new model against the actual performance gains of the latest frames?