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5 Rim Brake Road Bikes Still In Production
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Jul 1, 2025
Rim brakes on road bikes ain't dead yet! There's still a vast swathe of brands that still produce rim brake road bikes in 2025, and the best part is, many of them are very affordable. We have also included options for people that want to spend a little bit more, but it has to be said, if you want to throw it back to bike tech of yesteryear, then here are the best rim brake road bikes you can still buy.
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Don't count rim brakes out just yet. Though the days of rim brake Tour de France wins is long gone
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it doesn't stop them from winning the hearts of many, and in many cases, providing brilliant value
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too. So here are seven of the best rim brake bikes on the market in every price category
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Cannondale has long been celebrated as a leader in aluminium frame design
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and the CAD Optimo range firmly upholds that legacy. Drawing on decades of expertise since
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the original CAD bikes were first launched in 1997, the Optimo offers an accessible entry into
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the world of road cycling. The range starts at an approachable price point of £900 and features
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Cannondale SmartForm C2 alloy frames. These are paired with carbon forks for a combination of
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stiffness, responsiveness and modest comfort. While aluminium bikes can be less forgiving than
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their carbon counterparts, the Optimo's drop seat stays and quality frame design help to add comfort
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The Optimo is Cannondale's entry-level road bike, so features more relaxed geometry, providing stable and predictable handling
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All models are built to last too, with sturdy aluminium wheels. The compact gearing offers sufficient range for casual outings, though steep climbs may feel challenging due to weight and gear gaps
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If you're looking for a dependable, budget-friendly road bike with a dash of Cannondale's iconic expertise, the CAD Optimo is worth a spin
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The Merida Sculptura Rimbrake range is a standout choice for riders seeking a lightweight
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race-ready road bike with an emphasis on versatility and value. Built around the Sculptura light aluminium frame, the range showcases Merida's quality
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manufacturing and racing pedigree. With smooth welded hydroformed 6066 aluminium tubing and a
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tapered carbon fork these bikes deliver precise steering and a responsive ride that excels in both climbs and sprints The Scultura 400 at is equipped with Shimano 105 groupset
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It's a full groupset too, with Shimano 105 brake calipers, which offer more reliable stopping power than aftermarket brakes
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The Maxxis Pursuer 700x25c tyres might not be a household name choice
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but they certainly get the job done. Designed with racing geometry, the Sculptura range caters to performance-focused riders while maintaining enough comfort for endurance efforts
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With a claimed weight of just 9.7 kilos for the Sculptura Rim 400, the bike offers enough performance for leisure rides, amateur racing or spirited group outings
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The Trek Damane AL2 stands out as the only rim brake option in Trek's Damane lineup
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offering a budget-friendly gateway into endurance road cycling. The 100 Series Alpha
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aluminium frame is coupled with an isospeed carbon fork, aiding the bike's comfort and
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compliance while not breaking the bank. Though the frame lacks the advanced compliance features
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of higher tier Damane's, its geometry balances stability and sporty responsiveness, making it approachable for a wide range of riders
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The Domane AL2 is equipped with Shimano's 8-speed Clarus groupset, which, while not the most flashy groupset on the market, does deliver reliable shifting
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Though the non-series RS200 chainset and unbranded rim brakes reveal some cost-saving
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compromises compared to the competition, despite these, the Domane AL2 shines with great handling
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and confident cornering, amplified by its Bontrager R1 hard case light 25mm tyres
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which perform admirably for their size and will help protect you from punctures This bike excels as a budget friendly endurance model that could double as a winter trainer or commuter thanks to rack and mudguard mounts With thoughtful upgrades such as better brake
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pads or a wheelset overhaul, it could easily punch above its price point
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The Boardman SLR 8.6 is a commendable aluminium road bike that punches well above its weight in
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in terms of performance to cost ratio. Its triple butted 6061X7 aluminium frame boasts near invisible
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welds, giving it a sleek carbon-like appearance, while a C7 carbon fibre fork helps reduce weight
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and absorb road vibrations. Riding impressions are solid, with geometry that leans slightly
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toward performance while maintaining accessibility. In our testing, we found the frame to be stiff
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under most conditions, though some flex is noticeable during hard sprints. Component-wise, Shimano Claris shines in front shifting, rivaling higher-end group sets
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but the rear mech feels a little less precise. Tektro rim brakes lack stopping power on descents
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while the 8-speaker set's wide gear range comes with awkward jumps. At £650, the SLR 8.6 undercuts
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premium brands like Trek and Specialized, so for winter training or all-round use, it's a reliable
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and stylish choice. Now, for something a little bit different, one for the purists
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The Villiers Superleggera is a masterpiece that seamlessly blends vintage charm with modern
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craftsmanship, delivering a bike that is as elegant as it is functional. Paying homage to
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Villiers storied history, the lug steel frame celebrates the brand's Italian heritage with its
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stunning copper colorway, a nod to the iconic finishes of the 1940s
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Beyond its aesthetic allure the Superleggera benefits from steel natural vibration dampening properties helping to make the bike far more comfortable than some of the others on our list Three drivetrain options are available including Campagnolo Record and Chorus 12
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setups paired with Campagnolo Zonda wheels. If 12-speed is too modern for you though
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there is a Centaur 11-speed version that maintains the same classic elegance at a more accessible
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price point. With quality craftsmanship and timeless allure, the Villiers Superleggera is
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not just a bike, it's a statement. It's a celebration of cycling's rich past
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imbued with the spirit of Italian artistry and innovation. Colnago's C-series of bikes has long been hailed a frame for the purists. Though the latest frame
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set doesn't feature the traditional lugged manufacturing techniques of old, it does still
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cater to the die-hard enthusiasts of rim brakes. Known for its Italian heritage and top-level
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craftsmanship, Colnago still includes a rim brake version of its hand-assembled carbon fiber race
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bike. Key adaptations for rim brakes include a re-engineered fork and seat stays designed to
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accommodate direct mount calipers, which help deliver the best of rim brake stopping power
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The frame set retains modern features like a T47 bottom bracket and compatibility with electronic
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group sets, making it a perfect base for ultra-high-end custom builds with a touch of
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nostalgia to boot. At an unpainted frame weight of 925 grams, the C68 Rimbrake still sits a little
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way away from the lightest bikes on the market, but it more than makes up for that with its class
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Priced at £6,299.99, the C68 Rimbrake offers an exclusive nod to cycling history while ensuring
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riders experience Carl Nago's hallmark quality and performance. So there we have it, out of all
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the rim brake bikes that are still available to buy in 2025 which would you buy
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