How Much Does It Cost to Own a Tour de France Bike?

There are two types of people who tune into the Tour de France: those who soak up the breathtaking French countryside and those who drool over the coveted Tour de France bikes. This iconic cycling race is the pinnacle of the sport, attracting top manufacturers who want their equipment showcased on the world stage.

If you’re one of those fans who dreams of owning the latest aero-road frame, you’re in for a treat. In this article, we’ll break down the bikes and components used by the Tour de France 2023 teams, so you can get a glimpse of what the pros ride and daydream about spending your hard-earned cash.

How Much Will You Need to Empty Your Wallet?

It’s no surprise that the bikes used in the Tour de France are top-of-the-line, and their price tags reflect that. While the actual cost varies from team to team based on their budgets, you can expect to shell out between $13,000 and $16,000 (USD) for each bike. Keep in mind that each team has eight riders and requires spare bikes to conquer the challenging French terrain, so the bike sponsors invest a significant amount of money in fees and free equipment.

For the substantial investment they make, the sponsors expect their logos to be prominently displayed on the bike frames when a rider crosses the finish line. However, eagle-eyed tech enthusiasts may notice that some riders in the peloton use equipment from brands different from their sponsors. These exceptions are usually reserved only for the biggest stars, like Peter Sagan. In such cases, mechanics rely on the trusty black permanent marker to discreetly cover up non-contract logos.

Among the pro peloton, the most expensive bike is the Pinarello Bolide F time trial bike, ridden by the Ineos Grenadiers team. With a jaw-dropping price tag of $50,000 (USD), it may even make your trusty road bike blush.

Which Bikes and Equipment Do the Teams Use?

Now, let’s take a closer look at the frames and components chosen by each team competing in the Tour de France 2023.

AG2R Citroën Team

• Frame Manufacturer: BMC
• Components Manufacturer: Campagnolo
• Road Bike Frame: BMC Teammachine SLR01/BMC Timemachine Road 01
• Time Trial Bike: BMC Timemachine

AG2R Citroën Team has been riding BMC bikes for the past three years. However, this year, they’ve switched to a bright blue frame instead of the previous black and white color scheme. With a striking red cockpit featuring an integrated alloy mount for Garmin and Wahoo devices, this team stands out. Additionally, AG2R Citroën is the only team equipped with a venerable Campagnolo groupset, setting them apart from the majority of teams who use Shimano Dura-Ace groups. Keep an eye out for the latest Fizik Aliante saddle.

Alpecin-Deceuninck

• Frame Manufacturer: Canyon
• Components Manufacturer: Shimano
• Road Bike Frame: Canyon Aeroad/Canyon Ultimate
• Time Trial Bike: Canyon Speedmax TT

After a well-publicized incident with Matthew van der Poel’s front end during a race in 2021, Canyon went back to the drawing board and completely redesigned their Aeroad model. The new integrated front end offers industry-leading adjustment and impressive aerodynamics, yet manages to remain remarkably lightweight. Expect the Alpecin-Deceuninck team to ride the Aeroad, which is just 500g over the UCI minimum weight limit.

Astana Qazaqstan Team

• Frame Manufacturer: Wilier Triestina
• Components Manufacturer: Shimano
• Road Bike Frame: Wilier Triestina Filante SLR/Wilier Triestina Filante Zero SLR
• Time Trial Bike: Wilier Triestina SLR TT

Mark Cavendish, in his last Tour de France, will be relying on the Wilier Filante SLR to secure stage win number 35 and potentially break Eddy Merckx’s long-standing record. As expected from Wilier, this bike is a stunning piece of craftsmanship.

Bahrain-Victorious

• Frame Manufacturer: Merida
• Components Manufacturer: Shimano
• Road Bike Frame: Merida Reacto/Merida Scultura
• Time Trial Bike: Merida Time Warp TT

Bahrain-Victorious has given their Merida bikes a special Pearl Edition makeover for the Tour de France, paying homage to the region’s rich fishing history. Expect to see the team sport these visually striking bikes.

BORA-hansgrohe

• Frame Manufacturer: Specialized
• Components Manufacturer: Shimano
• Road Bike Frame: Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7/Specialized Roubaix
• Time Trial Bike: Specialized Shiv TT

BORA-hansgrohe, one of two WorldTour teams riding Specialized bikes, has a fantastic lineup this year. Keep an eye out for their riders on the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 and Roubaix models.

Cofidis

• Frame Manufacturer: Look
• Components Manufacturer: Shimano
• Road Bike Frame: TBA
• Time Trial Bike: TBA

Cofidis recently switched from De Rosa to the French manufacturer Look, although details about their actual frameset have been scarce. Social media teasers suggest that Cofidis will unveil a new road bike, which appears to be a versatile all-rounder.

EF Education-EasyPost

• Frame Manufacturer: Cannondale
• Components Manufacturer: Shimano
• Road Bike Frame: Cannondale SuperSix EVO/Cannondale SystemSix
• Time Trial Bike: Cannondale SuperSlice TT

As a personal fan of Cannondale bikes, I always keep an eye on the EF Education-EasyPost team. The Cannondale SuperSix EVO is a personal favorite and offers an exhilarating ride. I’m particularly envious of their threaded bottom bracket, which is an upgrade from the press-fit version on my own bike.

Groupama-FDJ

• Frame Manufacturer: Lapierre
• Components Manufacturer: Shimano
• Road Bike Frame: Lapierre Xelius SL3/Lapierre Aircode DRS
• Time Trial Bike: Lapierre Aérostorm DRS

Groupama-FDJ has been loyal to French brand Lapierre since 2002. The Lapierre Xelius SL3 and Aircode DRS frames continue to serve them well.

INEOS Grenadiers

• Frame Manufacturer: Pinarello
• Components Manufacturer: Shimano
• Road Bike Frame: Pinarello Dogma F12
• Time Trial Bike: Pinarello Bolide F TT

INEOS Grenadiers, the team with the largest budget in the pro peloton, rides the most expensive bike in the race, the Pinarello Bolide F TT. This partnership has brought them immense success, and they’ll be aiming to continue their winning streak in this year’s Tour. The F12 model boasts a 7.3% reduction in drag compared to its predecessor, ensuring a step in the right direction.

Intermarché-Circus-Wanty

• Frame Manufacturer: Cube
• Components Manufacturer: Shimano
• Road Bike Frame: Cube Litening Aero C:68X Pro
• Time Trial Bike: Cube Aerium TT

Intermarché-Circus-Wanty has stuck with Cube frames this year. Keep an eye out for their innovative Newmen wheels, which feature a hidden Schrader valve in the rim, reducing aerodynamic drag by approximately 1 watt compared to a standard Presta valve. We’ll have to wait and see if this design catches on.

Jumbo-Visma

• Frame Manufacturer: Cervélo
• Components Manufacturer: SRAM
• Road Bike Frame: Cervélo R5 Disc/S5/Caledonia
• Time Trial Bike: Cervélo P5 TT

Jumbo-Visma switched to Cervélo bikes in 2021 and claimed their first Tour de France victory in 2022 with Jonas Vingegaard. This year, they might showcase the 1x SRAM drivetrain that helped Primož Roglič win the Giro d’Italia, although we’d rather not mention Roglič’s chain slipping off during the race.

Movistar Team

• Frame Manufacturer: Canyon
• Components Manufacturer: SRAM
• Road Bike Frame: Aeroad CFR
• Time Trial Bike: Speedmax CF SLX

Movistar Team has opted for Canyon frames again this year. While there haven’t been any major equipment changes, the improved comfort and aerodynamics of the Foil RC make it the team’s primary choice.

Soudal-Quick Step

• Frame Manufacturer: Specialized
• Components Manufacturer: Shimano
• Road Bike Frame: Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7/Specialized Roubaix
• Time Trial Bike: Specialized Shiv TT

The Soudal-Quick-Step team shares the same bikes as BORA-hansgrohe, with only a few minor updates from last year.

Team Arkéa Samsic

• Frame Manufacturer: Bianchi
• Components Manufacturer: Shimano
• Road Bike Frame: Bianchi Specialissima/Bianchi Oltre RC
• Time Trial Bike: Bianchi Aquila TT

Having recently stepped up to the WorldTour level, Team Arkéa Samsic has embraced the allure of Bianchi bikes. It’s fantastic to see this iconic brand back in the WorldTour and competing in the ultimate bike race.

Team Jayco AlUla

• Frame Manufacturer: Giant
• Components Manufacturer: Shimano
• Road Bike Frame: Giant Propel Advanced Disc/TCR Advanced SL Disc
• Time Trial Bike: Giant Trinity Advanced Pro TT

Most of the Team Jayco AlUla riders are expected to stick with the aero-focused Giant Propel Advanced Disc, which combines aerodynamic features with a weight under 7kg. The slightly older TCR Advanced SL Disc might also make an appearance.

Team DSM-Firmenich

• Frame Manufacturer: SCOTT
• Components Manufacturer: Shimano
• Road Bike Frame: SCOTT Foil RC
• Time Trial Bike: SCOTT Plasma RC TT

Team DSM-Firmenich continues with their SCOTT frames this year, with the Foil RC taking over as the team’s main bike of choice due to improvements in comfort and aerodynamics.

Lidl-Trek

• Frame Manufacturer: Trek
• Components Manufacturer: SRAM
• Road Bike Frame: Trek Madone SLR/Émonda SLR/Domane
• Time Trial Bike: Speed Concept (TT)

Lidl-Trek riders will mostly opt for the Trek Madone SLR, although the Émonda is also popular. As the new co-sponsor alongside Lidl takes over from Segafredo, we can’t wait to see what unique design they bring to the team’s kit.

UAE Team Emirates

• Frame Manufacturer: Colnago
• Components Manufacturer: Shimano
• Road Bike Frame: Colnago V4Rs
• Time Trial Bike: Colnago K.one TT

Tadej Pogačar’s UAE Team Emirates has made the switch from Campagnolo to Shimano groupsets this year while sticking with the reliable Colnago V4Rs frames. The team’s performance will be closely watched, especially after Pogačar’s incredible victories in previous editions.

Lotto Dstny

• Frame Manufacturer: Ridley
• Components Manufacturer: Shimano
• Road Bike Frame: Noah FAST/Helium
• Time Trial Bike: Dean Fast TT

Lotto Dstny riders were seen testing unmarked prototypes at the Critérium du Dauphiné recently, hinting at something new for the Tour de France. Keep an eye out for their sleek matte black frames.

TotalEnergies

• Frame Manufacturer: Specialized
• Components Manufacturer: Shimano
• Road Bike Frame: Tarmac SL7/Roubaix
• Time Trial Bike: Shiv TT Disc

TotalEnergies has chosen Specialized bikes this year, seizing the opportunity when Peter Sagan joined the team. The Californian manufacturer surely appreciates the exposure that comes with having such a widely recognized star in their lineup.

Uno-X Pro Cycling Team

• Frame Manufacturer: DARE
• Components Manufacturer: Shimano
• Road Bike Frame: DARE MA-AFO/DARE VSRu
• Time Trial Bike: DARE TSRf

Although DARE might not be as well-known as some other bike brands, their direct-sales model offers potential savings compared to larger names in the industry.

Israel-Premier Tech

• Frame Manufacturer: Factor
• Components Manufacturer: Shimano (FSA chainsets)
• Road Bike Frame: Factor Ostro Vam (?)
• Time Trial Bike: TBA

Israel-Premier Tech primarily used the Factor Ostro Vam this season. However, rumors suggest that Factor will be announcing a new road racing frame in the coming weeks, making it likely that the team will debut it at this year’s Tour de France.

We hope this comprehensive breakdown of the bikes used in the Tour de France 2023 has satisfied your curiosity. If you think we’ve missed any essential details or have additional insights, please let us know in the comments below!

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