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Not all of us are fans of contributing to environmental pollution with our fancy engines and, therefore, opt for a more environment-friendly option of using a bike.
Meanwhile, some are great health enthusiasts who like keeping in shape. Whatever the reason may be, road bikes are pretty popular among people.
If you, too, want to join this healthier mode of commute, we have a list of the ideal models waiting for you.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Road Bikes
- OUR TOP PICK: Tommaso Imola
- RUNNER-UP: 6KU Aluminum Fixed Gear Single-Speed
- BEST BEGINNER ROAD BIKE: Vilano Shadow Road Bike
Comparison Chart of the Best Road Bikes
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What is a Road Bike?
We have all ridden bikes at some point in our life. If not now, then in our childhood, but either way, we are no aliens to these vehicles. But how is a road bike different? A road bike is basically intended for fitness purposes and also for events and competitive riding. It features a unique design meant for paved surfaces and faster speeds.
They are designed to have narrow wheels and a drop handlebar or a flat bar. They also lack any front or rear suspensions. This sort of design allows them to be ideal for supporting multi-day touring and longer cycling periods, but are not compatible with heavy loads.
Are All Road Bikes The Same?
Yes, road bikes are different from standard bikes that we're used to. But are all the road bikes the same? The answer is no. Road bikes are indeed very different from one another. Their different forms are designed to provide different features, and in order to choose the right one for yourself, you need a basic knowledge of the different types.
Aero Road Bike
These are the type of road bike designed to optimize wind resistance. It does so by using tubes that are more aerodynamically-shaped, as well as other elements that are particularly designed to cut through the wind. You will find that these bikes feature the look of the standard racing bikes that you see.
Bikepacking Bike
Thinking of setting out for a trip on your bike? Then this is the type for you. The word bikepacking is a take off of backpacking, which is what this bike is perfect for. It is set up to ensure that cyclists can easily pack and carry all their gear on the bike itself for events like camping. They do not provide the same speed, but are ideal for carrying greater loads.
Commuter Road Bike
Tired of contributing to environmental pollution by commuting using engines? Well, this bike is the one that will put an end to it all. It is designed to make the commute to work or school easier and more environment-friendly. Its design allows it to handle the daily grind and provide users with a reliable model.
How to Choose a Road Bike
Road bikes are not only great from an athletic point of view, they are also perfect for short rides around the block or going to meet up with your friends. These vehicles are fairly simple to pick, as well. Just a close consideration of a few features and you'll have the unit that you need.
Frame Size
While picking a road bike for yourself, one of the most important things to look out for is the frame size. Getting the wrong size according to your height and build can result in extremely uncomfortable rides and also decreases the efficiency of the bike itself, as you won't be able to handle it as well.
Frame Materials
Road bikes are usually designed with one of two materials for its basic framework and it depends upon your preferences as to which one to choose. The first is an aluminum frame ideal for a smooth ride and is cheaper. The other is made out of carbon-fiber, which ensures the utmost comfort of the cyclist and a great vibration-absorbing ride.
Test Ride
The bottom line is, you need to take a road bike for a test ride before you declare which is right for you. You can stand and look at the features and size all you want, but nothing gives you a better sense than taking it out on the road for a test ride. Without that, you can never tell how good the bike is for you.
Review of the Best Road Bikes
Once you have decided which type of road bike you need and have an idea of how to pick one, you can finally get down to choosing the right model for yourself. In order to give you somewhere to start, here is a list of some of the best road bikes available in the market. You only need to find one that suits your needs.
Best Overall:
Tommaso Imola
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Those who have recently tried this product have been absolutely blown away by its performance. It has succeeded in impressing all of its users, with not just one or two, but all of its features. All the users have found themselves singing praises for it, terming it to be a complete mixture of excellence and performance.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The bike itself has a lot to offer for users, but if you ask us, there is one feature that stands out more than others, and that is its compact geometry. The specific design of the bike not only optimizes its performance but also provides users with a lot more comfort than they would find in other models.
Who Will Use This Most
This is a unit that comes at a very reasonable price, given all its features. And these are not just entry-level features, but allow even experienced cyclists to have a great experience. For this reason, it is the perfect unit for all those new to the cycling scene or getting back to it after a longer period of time. Instead of investing in a unit that is professional and too expensive or one that's cheap but too basic, this one will be the perfect pick.
Bottom Line
No matter if you're a professional cyclist or are just starting to learn your way around, this road bike will definitely be the perfect choice for you. From the perfect design to ideal performance, it has all the features to be perfect for all purposes. No matter what you pick this model for, it will be sure to impress you.
Runner-up:
6KU Aluminum Fixed Gear Single-Speed
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This is yet another unit that has absolutely stunned users. Those who took this bike out for a ride were all greatly amazed by the smooth ride it allowed. Users did have some issues with picking the right size, but once they did, they claimed that no other road bike worked as well as this one.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you ask us why this bike made it to this list over the vast number of products available in the market, then let us tell you it is one that provides a greater size range than any other product. With an astounding range of 12 different sizes, there is a size for almost anyone.
Who Will Use This Most
Since this unit comes in such a great range of sizes, everyone can rest assured that they would find a model to fit their size perfectly. Because of this, all those cyclists that find it hard to get a bike to match their size with other products will find it no problem with this one, preferring it over all others.
Bottom Line
From great sizes to great features, this model has it all. It will not only provide a ride for everyone, but it will ensure that the ride is nothing less than absolutely smooth and comfortable. Given all these features, there is no reason this unit wouldn't be the perfect pick for you.
Best Beginner Road Bike:
Vilano Shadow Road Bike
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most users that invested in this bike and tried it for themselves were beginners. All such users found it to be an absolute delight to ride. It provided them with great performance and a ride that was nothing less than one of the smoothest they ever had.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Of all the features this outstanding bike has to offer, the one that stands out to us the most is the free pedals it comes with. It's not a feature that many bikes allow for their users. But what's even better is that these pedals are not just any cheap pedals, but those of utmost quality.
Who Will Use This Most
Here we are looking at a unit that comes with good quality features, but the functionality isn't too complex or technical. This makes it the perfect model for any beginner that has recently developed an interest in cycling and wants to invest in a road bike. Being a unit that is particularly designed for this purpose, we doubt any other model would do a better job.
Bottom Line
If you are starting your journey of learning to road bike, this is the model you want to start with. It is not too expensive or complicated to use, but also not too cheap to keep you from the real biking experience. It is the perfect mixture of all the right features you need.
Best Road Bike for Women:
Giordano Libero Acciao Road Bike
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
For those that have recently invested in this unit, no other road bike model has worked better for women. From the sizes and colors, to the design and form, absolutely everything is on-point for users, considering that it is specifically designed for women.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Why do we love this model? It's simple. It provides a great smooth ride, like no other model. Usual bikes are almost always too big and bulky for women to experience optimal performance, but with this unit, women get to experience nothing less than the perfect ride.
Who Will Use This Most
Given that all the aspects of this bike are optimized for use by women, there is no doubt that it is absolutely perfect for the job. All women out there that find it hard to find a bike for themselves that provides a great performance will find it to be a permanent solution to their problem.
Bottom Line
No more disappointment for all the ladies out there when it comes to road bikes. It is a model that is equipped with everything you'd need for a perfect ride, with specific modifications for the female gender. If you want a road bike for women, you won't find one better than this.
Best Steel Road Bike:
Hiland 700c Road Bike
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Those that have recently bought this unit themselves will tell how outstanding it really is. From its design to its performance, it is a unit that excels in all aspects. And what the users really love is the smooth ride it provides with the vast selection of gears. With that feature, it is unbeatable for users.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you ask us why we think this unit deserves to be on this list, the simple answer is due to the great selection of gears. You won't come across many models that will allow you to shift between an impressive range of 21 gears. Therefore, we consider this to be an outstanding unit that deserves a position on this list.
Who Will Use This Most
The design and frame of this bike are nothing less than absolute perfection, which is not just what we think, but the users do, too. So everyone looking for a steel road bike would find this to be the perfect model to provide them with a great framework, as well as performance.
Bottom Line
Whether you are looking for a steel road bike or not, this model can still be the perfect one for you. It has all the features it needs and provides the performance users expect from it. Therefore, we think it is indeed one of the best models out there.
Best Road Bike Under $200:
KENT GZR700
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
If you were to go by the words of those that have recently bought this unit, you would be sure to buy it. It is one that has greatly impressed the users by its outstanding features at an incredibly low price-point for a road bike. They had not expected much from this model, but it definitely surprised them.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There is surely a lot this unit has to offer for its buyers, but what really stands out for us is its outstanding performance. At the low price-point, one would expect it to provide a substandard performance. It definitely surpasses a lot of standard products, leaving us all greatly stunned.
Who Will Use This Most
If you, too, are interested in road bikes, but cannot afford the high price-point for most products, then you will find this to be the perfect pick for you. It is light, not just on its wheels, but also in your pocket, providing you a great set of features without being too expensive.
Bottom Line
Why pay more when you can experience a great, quality ride at such a low price? This unit will provide you with the kind of ride you dream of without ripping you off. It surely gives users nothing to compromise on, which is why it has found its place on this list.
Best Road Bike Under $500:
Eurobike Bikes EURXC550
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
One of the reasons this unit has been included on this list is because of how well-received it has been by its users. It not only satisfies users in terms of price but also provides better performance than they expected. For users, these two qualities put together give this model an advantage over almost any other product.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There are a lot of things we love about this unit, but one that particularly stands out to us is the great customer service the manufacturer provides. No matter what issues you deal with, you will be backed by great customer service that will help you with any problems in no time.
Who Will Use This Most
Given its features, we would say this is a product that is perfect for almost everyone. It might not be as low-priced as the last product, but it still provides users with a great bargain, as well as features. This makes it a perfect unit for any cycling enthusiast looking for a new road bike.
Bottom Line
With just a little stretch of your budget, you can experience a whole different set of features this unit offers. It not only provides great performance on the road, but does so while ensuring your comfort and satisfaction. Is there more we can ask for?
Best Road Bike Under $1000:
SAVADECK Carbon Road Bike
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This is a unit with almost no bad reviews. Everyone that used it found nothing but good things to say about it. Those that are new to cycling may find it to be a little tricky, but users also agree this only goes to say it is truly a professional road bike meant to provide the best performance.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It would be hard for us to pick one feature of this bike that we specifically like, but if we really had to pick one, it would definitely be the aerodynamic contour that it features. Everyone knows that road bikes are faster than all others, but with this specific design, it surpasses all other bikes.
Who Will Use This Most
This is one unit that comes with a long list of features and a little technical functionality but provides a performance that is definitely above what is provided by all the others. Therefore, we consider this to be a perfect model for all professional cyclists out there, looking for a new road bike.
Bottom Line
Be it for a racing event or the sake of simple practice for the professionals, this bike never fails to perform its absolute best. It is one product geared with all the features users expect from it and then some. And all these features combined provide it with the functionality that impresses us most.
Best Road Bike Under $2000:
Schwinn Fastback AL 105
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Those who have bought this unit will tell you that it may be an expensive one, but it is definitely worth all the money. It provides features and a framework that is simply above any other that users have seen. They do not see any other model surpassing this one in terms of features or design.
Why it Stands Out to Us
A unit like this, undoubtedly, gives you a lot to look forward to, but with this one, what particularly stood out to us, was its design. Nothing in this road bike is added just for the sake of it. Every component serves to enhance its functionality and performance, which is why it performs better than all other units out there.
Who Will Use This Most
While this unit is one that has everything one could ask for, it also has something not everyone could deal with, and that is its price tag. This makes it suitable for professionals who are ready to spend a greater amount in order to experience features like never before.
Bottom Line
A little money goes a long way but the amount that you invest in this bike will be sure to take you much longer and it will surely be a smooth, comfortable ride. There isn't one feature of this bike that you would find worth complaining about, which is why it is the best of the best.
What Do I Need to Know Before Buying a Road Bike?
If you have finally decided to invest in a road bike, you are definitely in for the ride of your life. But before buying one for yourself, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. These are the points that won't directly contribute to the quality of the road bike, but will definitely ensure your enjoyment while you ride it.
These Are Not the Usual Bicycles
A lot of people just think of road bikes as a fancier version of the usual bikes and they often find themselves quite disappointed. Thus, you need to know beforehand that these units are quite different. They are better suited for racing and health enthusiasts who like event cycling. They are very different from the standard bikes in their design, as well as function.
Always Take a Test Ride
We've said this before, and we'll say it again, you can never be sure if a road bike is good enough for you unless you have taken it for a test ride. A list of features may give you a good idea of what it would be like to ride the bike, but nothing will tell you if it's right for you better than a test ride. Therefore, it is important that you do not invest in a unit unless you've taken it for a test ride.
Keeping a Budget
Road bikes are specifically designed to provide users with better performance and design than other standard bikes. Therefore, these bikes also tend to cost more than others. So if you are planning on buying a road bike, you will have to keep your budget higher than you would for a normal bike.
Pros and Cons of Road Bikes
You may still be wondering if you should or shouldn't invest in one of these bikes. The decision is completely up to you. Like every other product, these bikes, too, have certain pros and cons. If the pros weigh heavier than the cons, then you know you need to get yourself one. In order to help you out, here are a few of the pros and cons of these units.
Pros of Road Bikes
- These units are designed to be stronger than the standard bikes, but they are also fairly gentle when on the road.
- The rapid axle technology allows you to make a quick pit stop for easy tire changes.
- Their unique designs ensure a faster speed, one you could only dream of achieving with the standard bikes
- With a road bike, you can go for longer distances and still be at your utmost level of comfort
- Better quality tires used on these bikes allow a firmer grip on the roads
Cons of Road Bikes
- Unlike standard bikes, these bikes take a little longer to get the hang of and get the right balance
- Since they provide cyclists with more, they are also considerably more expensive than standard bikes
- The parts of these units are not as easily replaceable as any other bike
Conclusion
With all this said, if you have finally decided on a road bike for yourself, you are going to be in for great, smooth rides. If not, you can choose one now. Just remember to pick the right features and go on a test ride before you buy. In no time, you too, will have a model that will take you on rides that you have dreamed of.
People Also Ask
Finally invested in a road bike yourself, but still have a few questions? We understand the confusion. Anyone is bound to have a number of questions while buying a product like this. In order to ensure all your queries are answered and that you get the best out of these units, here are a few questions frequently asked by other users, too.
What is a Road Bike Used For?
Road bikes look almost the same as any other bicycle you may have seen. So what exactly are they good for? Well, these are designed in such a way to allow cyclists to ride at a faster speed, especially on smooth pavements. With their skinny tires and handlebars, they are absolutely ideal for road racing.
What is a Good Average Speed on a Road Bike?
Different road bikes will allow you to achieve different speeds. Evidently, better quality bikes will allow you to achieve greater speeds than a standard one. But if we were to speak roughly, most road bikes can go up to an average speed of 15 mph. You might find yourself around 10 mph, but it doesn't take very long to move faster.
How Can I Make My Road Bike Faster?
Your road bike may be fast, but not as fast as you would like it to be. Well there are quite a few ways to make your road bike faster, including:
- Ensure that you lube your chain on a regular basis
- Try lowering the front end, in order to improve the aerodynamics of your bike
- Make sure that the saddle is placed at the right height for yourself
- Adjust the pedal tension such that it offers you the best speed
- Check your tire pressure and ensure that your gears are adjusted
Is It Difficult to Ride a Road Bike?
Riding a road bike is just like any other task. If you take a keen interest in it, it is not hard at all. But if you don't, you might never be able to learn how to ride it. Simply put, you, yourself dictate how hard of a task it is. It is true that the older version of these bikes was tricky to get the hang of. But the newer version is a lot easier to adapt to.
How Can I Lower My Road Bike Weight?
You can adopt various ways to make your road bike lighter than it already is. Here are a few of them.
- Use latex tubes instead of butyl tubes
- Exchange your rim tape for Velo plugs, which are also considerably lighter
- Use a less bar tape while wrapping bars and use a lighter alternative
- Upgrade your bike with carbon bars and it'll also help you shed some weight
- Try full-carbon ultralight saddles or their even more lightweight upgrades
Road Bike Guides
If you are interested in road bikes, we have compiled all reviews in one place for your convenience. Check out the links below:
