Want to make yourself crazy? Roam the Internet, visit retailers and show up at expos and conventions that cater to road bike warriors. There are so many brands, types and styles of road bikes on today’s market, trying to select just one can take a serious time commitment—time you could spend riding your hot new bike rather than shopping for it.
One of the best ways to approach the challenge of selecting a road bike—for which you are going to fork over serious bucks even if you hit sales and close-outs—is to ask yourself the questions that lead to a wise buying decision (and avoid buyer’s remorse). We’ve got you covered by doing the research on your behalf so you can get on with the fun part of your athletic goals sooner rather than later!
What to Consider Before You Buy
Our quick quiz is going to help you winnow down your short list fast. Be honest as you answer each question so you are armed with a proper framework from which to start perusing our list of recommended best road bikes.
- What do you plan to accomplish? Is your goal staying fit, commuting, racing or touring?
- What’s your bottom line? There’s nothing wrong with making a choice based on budget; especially if this is your first road bike buy.
- Does size really matter? What do you think? If you were forced to ride your big sister’s bike as a kid, you know the answer. If a bike doesn’t fit, you just might quit!
- What does your inner peacock say? How important is it to pick a road bike that stops traffic because it’s so flashy, exotic or decked out? Sure, the world may take note. But thieves do, too.
- Must you have it all? The great thing about road bikes is that you’ll never run out of upgrades, so if you practice the Zen of shopping, you can tamp down your urge to buy everything in sight. Patience, Grasshopper.
- Does material matter? You bet. Good old aluminum, popular carbon fiber and state-of-the-art steel and titanium are all suitable, but can you take the financial hit if your taste for champagne transcends your beer budget?
- How much power do you need? Your head may be awash in dreams of unlimited gears, but do your personal needs warrant picking an electronic model over a mechanical bike?
- How important is branding to you? You may be surprised to learn that even legendary names in the industry farm out production to other factories, so consider this fact.
- What are your expectations? It’s fun to envision yourself on the Tour de France circuit, but if the only reason you need a road bike is to stay fit, remember that you can always trade up in the future to suit your needs.
- How fast is fast and why is it important to spend more to get that speed? Bottom line is that the bike won’t make you fast; only you will. Doubling down on price because you think otherwise makes no sense.
Today’s Best Road Bikes
Road bikes have pedigrees. Some are hand-crafted by European masters just as they have been for hundreds of years. Others originate in start-up factories more concerned with technological innovation than history and heritage. From Italian masters to Japanese and American engineering, there are road bikes on today’s market that suit every need and speed. Our recommendations cover a wide range of prices, features and countries of origin. We invite you to winnow down the following list of 15 popular and best-selling road bikes to come up with the one that’s exactly right for you.
Bianchi Via Nirone 2300; Italian Race Bike
Pedigree: Bianchi is an Italian road bike producer with a reputation to uphold, yet crafters manages to pair ancestry with state-of-the art materials and engineering excellence to produce a bike that’s so lightweight, if your performance has suffered from riding a hefty bike in the past, surprises await you. Starting with a triple-butted aluminum frame, the Via Nirone’s C2C K-VID carbon fork is known for its exceptional vibration tolerance and Shimano derailleurs and shifters operate as smoothly as olive oil. No Italian lessons required if you buy this top seller.
Why buy this road bike: Because this racing bike is a favorite of Olympic cyclists at both London and Rio, but the price tag is affordable.
BMC Alpenchallenge AC02 Deore Flat Bar Bike
Pedigree: There’s a lot to like about this Swiss-inspired road bike that has earned the reputation of being an urban cycling legend. You might call this a two-for-one model since it makes quick work of ordinary challenges and then morphs into a speed bike on a dime. Operate this bike in traditional mountain bike style: head-up. If you like a flat bar bike, ride easier and look sportier since BMC is known for head-turning style that’s a great mix of lateral stiffness and lightweight operation. Expect dramatic accelerations, so whether you’re focused on a Swiss Alps run or you just want to beat your competitors where it counts, opt for this marriage of European and American features to get you where you want to go fast.
Why buy this road bike: Having gotten yourself acclimated to a variety of terrains, this bike promises to take you down rough rural roads without a hitch. Seeking a middle-range price on a top notch bike? Look no further.
Colnago CLX 3.0 Ultegra 11 Carbon Road Bike
Pedigree: Everything old is new again when it comes to this new take on a classic Italian road bike. Anticipate vintage style, high-end performance and an extra helping of nostalgia. Electronic shifting gets you through the worst road conditions and updated features include rewired rear brake cable, sleek fork and a C-HS1 headset system. Mavic wheels, Vittoria Zaffiro tires and Shimano Ultegra 6800 brakes, plus 11 speed shifters, deliver on style, engineering excellence and brand recognition.
Why buy this road bike: There’s a reason members of Italian race teams insist on this road bike brand, so if you can afford to ride at their level, avail yourself of one of the most prestigious road bikes on the planet. Think of this as an investment rather than transportation; and be sure to add it to your homeowner’s insurance policy!
Dawes 2014 Lightning DT Shimano SunRace 700c Road Bike
Pedigree: Dawes has been kicking around for decades and expresses its diversity these days by partnering with Shimano to craft an aluminum road bike that’s as versatile as it is a performance ace. Adjust your seat to assume an upright or racing form and you’re ready to tackle anything Mother Nature throws your way. The curved seat with rack mount hugs the frame and replaceable derailleur hanger fork is custom made of compact aluminum. The Lightning DT features a Dawes 1.125-inch steering mechanism and Steel Road crankset, comes with Kenda Kwest 700 x 28C black tires, 24-speed Shimano drivetrain, downtube shifters and an ergonomically-comfortable saddle. Owners applaud the cool look, light weight and, in some cases, history: One reviewer has enjoyed owning his for 7 years and swears he’s happy to stick with his Dawes to the end.
Why buy this road bike: Want to own a road bike that’s truly international but doesn’t cost a fortune? This is it. In addition to the influence of Japanese-maker Shimano, Dawes remains a British enterprise with roots in Birmingham, England since 1926, so you get a lot of bang for your buck if this proves to be your choice.
Felt F3 SRAM Red 11 Carbon Road Bike
Pedigree: When you’re ready to step into the big leagues, this road bike has been known to stop competitors in their tracks. Ready for any race course or terrain, the design is the brainchild of motocross genius mechanic and cyclist Jim Felt. Superior fabrication includes proprietary Felt Race Road UHC carbon fiber frame and fork, the FSA Felt top cap, SRAM RED 22-speed shifters and front derailleur. Despite the hefty price tag, these road bikes disappear from bike shops at an impressive rate of speed so if you’re ready to make a statement about your road running skills, this Felt says it all.
Why buy this road bike: To up your game if you’ve been gradually building your acumen and reputation and aren’t willing to compromise on comfort when rubber meets the road–especially if a prize or medal awaits at the finish line.
Fuji Sunfire 3.0 700c Adventure Hybrid Bike
Pedigree: It’s a Japanese mountain. A type of apple. The brand name of bottled water. But none of these products get you up to speed like the Japanese road bike made for adventure. The Shimano 24-speed road bike designed with a racy Suntour fork is a no-nonsense gray racer that’s easy to ride, especially for beginners. If you have the need for speed, it won’t disappoint, but if your lone goal is looking cool perched on one of the more comfortable saddles on the market atop a reinforced aluminum frame fitted with Shimano front and rear derailleurs, you’ll still be able to stop on a dime courtesy of responsive alloy direct pull brakes.
Why buy this road bike: There’s a reason this model is called an adventure hybrid: take it out on the bumpiest trails to find out why rear rack mounting points and solid suspension let you test your mettle with every pedal.
GMC Denali Pro Road Bike; 700c
Pedigree: Like the car brand and Alaskan mountain range, the rugged Denali Pro road bike has been designed specifically for riders between 5-foot-9 and 6-feet, so if you’re in this height range, your legs and torso will fit comfortably astride the saddle knowing that the 22-inch aluminum frame will support your adventures nicely. The manufacturer claims that this bike stops on a dime courtesy of the dual-pivot brake system, so if you worry about fast stops, you can relax. The 16-speed Microshift drive train with integrated brake and shift levers move smoothly toward your destination atop 700c x 25 tires surrounding aluminum rims stainless steel spokes.
Why buy this road bike: Perhaps you’re eager to be the owner of a top-of-the-line GMC Denali but you’re not in a position to afford the pricier Denali LTD. This road bike gives you the experience without the heart-stopping price tag and makes a great first road bike that can be traded for its big brother down the road.
Pedigree: When you’re at the top of your game, only an old-world Italian cycling name will do. Select the Gemini and there’s not a detail or feature that isn’t top-of-the-line, so if your checkbook can take the hit, you’ll be in for quite a ride. Guerciotti is known for using cutting-edge Mitsubishi carbon fiber technology, so climbing on board this space age road bike—-with monocoque frameset built from 12K weave, TR505 carbon fiber—-delivers all the thrills you can handle courtesy of a Shimano Ultegra 11-speed mechanical group set in concert with Fulcrum Racing Quattro aluminum wheels featuring 35mm deep rims. The luxurious Italian-made cockpit and trim add to the mystique of this elegant bike.
Why buy this road bike: Because your biggest goal is to own a first-class Italian road bike that’s got enough history and technology behind it to make you stand out from the crowd.
Pedigree: There’s a reason this hot road bike comes in gloss red: you’re going to want to stand out among the boring, pedestrian cycles that aren’t brave enough to call attention to themselves. The brand’s signature KHS Alloy frame and carbon fork set the stage for the model’s Shimano 11-speed drive train. The Q2 Carbon micro-adjust seat post accommodates your height perfectly and double wall tire rims beneath Maxxis Detonator tires are ready when you are for the ride of your life. Front and rear Shimano derailleurs, shifters, chain, crankset and brakes make it easy to find replacement parts when it’s time to update. Don’t hang back if the red color turns you off: this road bike comes in conservative matte charcoal gray, just in case you’re in the Witness Protection Program and don’t want the attention!
Why buy this road bike: When you’re ready to step up to a road bike that doesn’t cost a fortune yet it looks as good as it functions, this fire-engine red ride won’t disappoint.
Marin Bridgeway 700c 19-inch single-speed Metro Cross Bike
Pedigree: If you want a prestigious name but not the price tag that often comes with it, a Marin road bike gets you both with this sleek black aluminum model that weighs just 70 pounds. Part of the popular Metro family, this bike is designed and built for riders who like to cruise in style but don’t want to compromise on comfort. Chain guards repel anything the road kicks up and the cargo rack allows you to do your best Sherpa imitation without breaking a sweat. Equipped with puncture-proof Vittoria Adventure tires and dual density padding on the saddle, these road bikes sell fast, so if this is your top pick, go for it.
Why buy this road bike: Details weren’t compromised when this high-quality road bike was on the drawing board, yet it’s eminently affordable if you like a lightweight bike that’s extremely versatile.
Pinarello Diesel “Only the Brave” Urban Bike
Pedigree: In Italian road bike circles, the name Pinarello triggers second looks and respect because it’s been around long enough to set some records and it’s a staple on the Olympics scene. The frame and fork are both crafted of signature Aluminum Hydroforming 6061 T6, and the 18 fixed/free gears move effortlessly through their paces, exhibiting strength only a 130-pound urban street machine can. Light and adaptable, this road bike comes from engineering and creative teams seriously committed to producing quality products that have no equal.
Why buy this road bike: If you’ve been citified for one reason or another—perhaps you commute to work or your lifestyle begs for the convenience of a bike that zips through traffic–“Only the Brave” has your name written all over it.
Ridley Fenix CR2 105 Road Bike
Pedigree: Road bike warriors agree that the Fenix is as close to an all-purpose road bike as you will find on the market. The secret to this bike’s longevity and fortitude has to do with carbon fiber tubes; diamond-shaped tubes stand up to every challenge thrown their way, yet comfort and handling are never compromised. Few road bikes in this price category tolerate turns and lurches like the Fenix, ready to absorb road shock and vibration on the fly. Engineers say that the Fenix is inspired by pricier Dura-Ace and Ultegra road bikes, but from the minute you downshift for the first time, you’ll understand that this road bike rolls on its own merits!
Why buy this road bike: Because it’s been designed to conquer Northern France and Flanders road races and competitions and repeated tests show that this lean machine stands up to 160 miles of cobblestone roads, yet riders hit finish lines without a complaint.
Schwinn Men’s Volare 1200 Road Bike
Pedigree: This legendary brand has been around forever and if you are committed to buying a road bike produced by an American maker, deciding on this Schwinn, with its Italian styling and domestic engineering, is your obvious choice. Perhaps it’s due to the exceptionally low price, but this Volare sells out as fast as the factory can produce them, so if they’re in stock, don’t hesitate too long. The Volare’s aluminum frame features a rigid fork, alloy linear pull brakes and crank and popular Shimano 21 speed EZ Fire shifters plus rear derailleurs to shift on the fly. Show your patriotism and eagerness for a great ride by selecting America’s top bike brand.
Why buy this road bike: If buying homeland products is your first priority and you seek a solid, sleek ride that meets your fitness goals and leisure time activities, you won’t have to raid the kids’ college fund to snag this popular road bike.
Shimano 54cm Aluminum Road Bike
Pedigree: If it seems as though the name Shimano pops up everywhere, you’re not imagining things. Even Italian makers use parts from this Japanese company when they craft their road bikes, so it stands to reason that Shimano would also make a signature road bike that deserves your attention. This sleek black model is both strong and lightweight. Not only is the framework a great example of proprietary Shimano design, but you also get a 21-speed A050 shifter and derailleur when you buy this model. Built to accommodate riders from 5-feet-4 to over 6-feet, customize the height to suit your size. As one of the least expensive models on our list, it’s an ideal starter bike.
Why buy this road bike: If you’re seeking a structurally and technologically sound road bike with upgraded wheels (28mm rather than the thick ones that come standard with affordable bikes), you can’t lose on any front with this Shimano.
Wilier Triestina GTR Ultegra 11 Carbon Road Bike
Pedigree: The Wilier brand has been a staple on European roads for too long to count. Some road cyclists wouldn’t ride anything else and refer to this manufacturer’s quality in poetic terms: “the GranTurismo experience flows in its soul.” In other words, the GTR Ultegra is the latest iteration of a legendary road bike that was put into production as long ago as 1906. Manufactured of carbon fiber composite, the attention to detail that regularly turns shoppers away from other brands is what distinguishes this model from competitors. Features include a renewed tapered head tube, internal cable routing that makes frame assembly a snap, appreciably less vertical vibration than most road bikes and handsome, elegant, razor-edge design.
Why buy this road bike: Given its craftsmanship and the company’s long history of award-winning road bikes, you get more than you pay for if you’re lucky enough to be able to buy this particular machine.
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