Up to this point, Australian consumer-direct brand Reid has been best known for producing bikes designed to hit a price point, sometimes at the cost of performance, but in the past couple of years, the brand has put a serious emphasis on improving finishing and overall quality. The fruits of its labour are apparent in the brand's first performance carbon fibre frame, the Vantage Comp 1.0.
This new frame marks a departure from Reid’s bread and butter of alloy fitness, commuter and lifestyle bikes, to targeting those who may be looking to tackle their first century or possibly even pin on a number.
It’s clear that the Aussie brand has done its homework too, with the build quality and components being on trend with what the big brands are doing — but it’s not without its quirks.
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At £999 / $1,700/ AU$1,700 the Vantage Comp is also Reid’s most expensive ride to date — and no that's not a typo, it's evenly priced in Australia and the US. With a full carbon frame, Shimano 105 drivetrain front and rear, thru-axles and hydraulic disc brake calipers, this bike is punching well above its weight in terms of build with big brand bikes featuring similar spec costing well over $2,000.
Too good to be true?
There is no doubt that the Vantage Comp marks a change in focus for Reid and a quick survey of the bike cements its intent. First and foremost the Vantage Comp is built around a more race oriented geometry than any of its previous models. It’s not quite as aggressive as something like a Specialized Tarmac or a Trek Madone, but the steeper 72.5-degree head angle and 544mm top tube proved for a slightly longer and lower position than the endurance oriented geometry of a Trek Domane or Specialized Roubaix.
Batting well above its average
Bang for your buck
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
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