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Best Road Bikes
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Value
Some may not see price as a factor, and it all depends on whether you're going to be using the bike professionally or more recreationally. You can end up spending too little or too much money on a road bike if you buy one spontaneously without fully knowing your overall intentions for it. Spending right around $500 (give or take a hundred dollars or so) will give you a long-lasting quality road bike, and it's not advised that you spend over $1,000 if you're not going to be using it very frequently or professionally. Of course, if there are features that you find attractive (even if you don't necessarily need them) by all means, buy them if you can afford them. But many everyday bicyclists may see these as unnecessary extras, and they have all the peace of mind they need with the reassurance of safety, lightness and a tough frame on their road bike.
Ride
The suspension is a consideration that’s made more on mountain bikes, but it’s also a very important comfort and safety feature to have on road bikes. Having good front suspension on a road bike is common, and having extra rear suspension is not always necessary, especially if you are going to be using your road bike mostly for exercising or a daily commute on smoother, less rugged trails. Road bicyclists take off-road trails at times too, and, when sitting on the seat, they don’t want to feel every single one of those bumps in the path. But, at the same time, having too much rear suspension can make a road bike harder to pedal, and a continuous bouncing action can make it that much more difficult to accelerate spontaneously during your ride.
Style
When someone is thinking of buying a road bicycle they have two main categories to pick from, racing and endurance. On a racing road bike, your torso is set lower, and steering angles are steeper overall, giving the rider greater handling and maneuverability. Bikes that are built for endurance offer a more upright seating position for the rider, Riders are much more relaxed, and have a feeling of enhanced stability on the road bicycle, even when they decide to ride in places other than a paved highway.
Features
You want your tires to last for a while, so you should get the ones that suit your needs best. For example, if you’re planning on racing, you may want to get high-performance tires that are normally thinner. Tires that are made to handle more endurance are normally less in price, but they aren’t lacking in quality, and serve bicyclists who regularly take long biking expeditions well. Whether you are racing or touring your road bike, you need to select the correct size frame for your body length and weight. Other than things like your seat and handlebars, the size of the frame is going to contribute the most to your comfort level during your bicycle rides.
The frame is generally made up of three sections – the seat tube, the top tube, and the head tube. The reach from your seat to the handlebars from a seated position on the bicycle is what should be most considered, as well as how easy it is for your feet to reach and rest onto the pedals. How high or low you have the seat will also make a lot of the difference between you being comfortable or uncomfortable while pedaling. Plus, if you’re a beginner, it’ll be kind of hard for you to simply look at a nice road bike and be able to tell accurately whether it’s the right size for you. It’s smart to try different sizes at your initial purchase and sit on different bikes with different seats, frames, and handlebars.
If you’re going to be using your road bike for longer endurance trips, then you’ll want a seat that is more cushioned. The most comfortable ones for this purpose are normally wider with softer, plush padding. Getting a seat post with springs will offer an even more comfortable ride.
On the other hand, if you have racing in mind for your road bike, you’ll want what is called a performance saddle. The seats are normally cut more narrowly and have much less padding. This is because when a bicyclist is using their bike for racing, their weight isn’t so much back on their sitting bones, being that they’re tucked very low towards the handlebars during the ride. The space between the bicyclist’s thighs should have as much motion as possible, and that’s another reason why a performance seat is cut so narrowly. The design of the seat minimizes chafing and gives the rider increased pedaling ability.
If you are just starting out racing your road bike, it’s okay to get a thinner performance seat, but your best bet would be to start off with one that actually has some cushioning in it. After a while, once you get used to that one, you can evolve into thinner performance road bike seats that’ll allow you more of a range of motion as you pedal faster for longer distances. Be sure that you’re not setting your seat up too high, because it can cause your body to shift more from left to right as you pedal, making acceleration more difficult and can cause your perennial area to become irritated. Whether you are racing or on a long distance endurance road bike ride, it’s advised that you stand up on the pedals every ten minutes or so, just to reduce the chances of your experiencing this type of irritation.
Top Ten Road Bikes
1. Merax Finiss Aluminum 21
The truth is, not everyone wants to spend hundreds of dollars more for a quality road bike if they don't have to. If you're simply looking for one that has high performance but that's still within your price range, the Merax Finiss 21 Speed 700C road bike may be just right for you. It's often compared to bikes that cost much more, and the mix of speed and sturdiness makes it a well-loved one of bicyclists everywhere.
Read moreValue
This bicycle comes to you at a price of around $230, which is an excellent price for the quality and finesse of this bicycle. If you are in the market for a new bicycle, this may be the one for you.
Ride
This one comes equipped with Kendra's road clinching racing tires. These are much lighter when compared to other brands, have a long tread life, and offer less rolling resistance. This brand is not only good for accelerating to higher speeds but are also very suitable for long-distance endurance riding.
Style
It's is very portable, and has a quick release feature on the front wheel. You're not going to have your tools with you always, and if you spontaneously want to toss this in the back of the SUV or into the trunk of your car, the fact that you can conveniently remove that wheel will make your day go a lot smoother. Overall, for one of the best combinations of strength speed and portability, you can't go wrong with the Merax Finiss 21 Speed 700C road bicycle.
Features
The light frame of this bicycle makes it wonderful for workouts. But don't let that fool you, because this bike can carry riders who weigh over 300 pounds for long distances (it is still recommended that in order to get long-time usage out of this quality bike the regular rider be between 200 and 220 lbs). The manufacturer's kept user-friendliness in mind when creating this bicycle.
2. Sixthreezero Ride
This road bike from Sixthreezero is a stylish and comfortable road bike that is primarily made for cruising through a park. If you are not in a hurry and want a comfortable ride while looking stylish then this is the bike for you.
Read moreValue
This bicycle is a bit pricier than others on our list as it comes to you at a price of $430. The reason for this price is for its vintage design and quality parts that make up this great commuter bicycle.
Ride
The tires are stylish and measure to 700 x 32c. These tires are quite durable and will hold up in dry and wet weather to ensure you can get to where you are going without an issue.
Style
The frame on this bike is crafted with durability in mind and is constructed out of aluminum material. This ensures it is lightweight but will hold up as you explore the town.
Features
This bicycle has a vintage design and is great for cruising around time at your own pace, checking out the sights and enjoying the ride. This bicycle also comes with a back rear rack so you can attach a basket or baby carrier.
3. GoPlus Road
This bicycle from GoPlus is a great and affordable road bike that comes with Shimano gears, which means that you can rely on and trust this bicycle will get you where you need to be without issue.
Read moreValue
This bicycle comes to you at a price of around $230, which is a reasonable price for a quality bicycle that comes with Shimano gears. If you are looking to get your first bicycle, this would be a great option and will get you where you need to go without issue.
Ride
This bicycle is built with performance in mind and will provide a smooth ride. The 700c tires provide a comfortable ride and are perfect for street riding.
Style
This bicycle also does not come with great performance but also looks stylish. It has a sleek black look with minor design, but it is great as it will look stylish while you ride but also not cause too much attention to it getting stolen.
Features
This bicycle comes with a variety of extra features to make your ride as comfortable as possible. It is lightweight to ensure it is easy to transport and carry if needed, it also has easy access to your gear switch which is conveniently located on your handles bars.
4. Schwinn Phocus 1400
This road bike carries on the good tradition of quality Schwinn bicycles. Adult riders today may have used and trusted the brand ever since they were riding as a child with training wheels, and the Schwinn Phocus 1400 is a well-constructed one that's suitable for beginners or bicyclists who are more experienced.
Read moreValue
This bicycle from Schwinn comes to you at a price of around $400 which is a bit pricey for an average bike but this is no average road bicycle as it is from the trusted Schwinn. Great features and a smooth ride will justify this price tag.
Ride
You will feel greater agility when riding the Schwinn Phocus 1400. This is a wonderful feature because even expert riders need to feel that same sense of control after accelerating to high speeds. What allows them this is the bike's aluminum frame that's not heavy but is very sturdy. Features like this make this road bike that much more maneuverable and makes quick turns easier to handle. The drop handlebar puts you in that lower aerodynamic position, but the design still gives you that stability that you need.
Style
This bike has been popular so far for its frame strength and weight, making it just right for those with exercising in mind. The design of this model is so responsive to individual body motion that whether you were to use it for touring your city, or for taking sometimes rugged dirt bike paths, you would be just as comfortable during each type of these fun rides.
Features
No bicycle rider likes when it's complicated to switch gears. On this Schwinn model, an SR Suntour alloy crank provides a range that's wide enough to change gears fluidly. The 14 speed rear derailleur stands up in various weather conditions and gives the rider the peace of mind of knowing that if they decided to ride on a somewhat rocky path, or if it started raining out of the blue, they wouldn't have a problem switching gears whenever they're ready to. The Shimano shifters (which are bar mounted) contribute to the quick shifting.
Overall, the Schwinn Phocus 1400 is a wonderful choice for experienced and novice road riders. And, you won't have to break the bank to enjoy a high-quality road bicycle.
5. U Aluminum
This bicycle is a great road bike if you are looking for a durable and simple bicycle that will get you where you need to be. It comes in a variety of sizes and also a variety of colors so you will find the perfect size and style for you.
Read moreValue
This bicycle comes to you at a price of around $300 which is a little high for a bicycle but is reasonable due to the durability of this bicycle and that with proper care you can expect to have this bicycle for years to come.
Ride
This bicycle produces a smooth ride and is meant for road riding. This bicycle will not do its best if used for mountain biking or off-road.
Style
This bicycle comes in a variety of colors and sizes to ensure you will get a bicycle that will match your personality and fit you well for a comfortable ride.
Features
This bicycle is quite a basic design but it is lightweight for easy transport if you need to carry it.
6. The Windsor Wellington 2.0
The Windsor Wellington 2.0 Shimano caters to people of all heights and sizes. This is why it's one that's most popular among beginners, especially if they're using the bicycle for a regular exercise routine and/or lots of recreational riding.
Read moreValue
Affordability is also what attracts a lot of buyers, being that the quality of this one is comparable to road bicycles that cost a lot more. Overall you won't be sacrificing a bit of quality just because of the reasonable price of the Windsor Wellington 2.0.
Ride
This bike may look plain at first sight, but it outperforms a lot of is competitors easily. It has multiple upper-level components that make it very reliable and durable. The Windsor Wellington 2.0 has a different set of gears than similar road bikes. It's called a dual pivot brake and allows you to switch gears more easily, even on rough roads at accelerated speeds.
Style
One of the first things to pop in a road bicycle buyer’s mind is if it is the right size for their body. The frame on this Windsor Wellington suits people who are the medium height (between 5'7 and 6 feet), as well as folks who are considered tall, over six feet. It also doesn't accumulate a lot of wear and tears very easily.
Features
This bicycle comes with the racer handlebars for a comfortable feel and is lightweight for easy transport if you have to carry your bicycle.
7. Giordano Libero 1.6
The Giordano Libero 1.6 road bike is for those people who want a blend between a racing bike and one that's good for taking the more extended city and back road tours. This bicycle is a wonderful option for riders who are just starting out. Some of these riders may or may not be completely sure what they'll be using their road bike mostly for. But, they do know that they will be doing both on and off-road riding.
Read moreValue
This bicycle comes to you at a price tag of around $380 which is a great price for a quality bicycle. If you are looking to invest in your first road bicycle this just might be the one for you that won't break the bank.
Ride
One of the best safety features on this road bike is a wonderful set of brakes that perform well anywhere from the racecourse to a dirt road with potholes, roots and other obstacles. This bicycle also has a great up and downhill performance and provides a very comfortable ride. Switching speeds while pedaling will be mostly a spontaneous action, and there's nothing worse than wanting to accelerate or decelerate at the moment and you have trouble doing it when you need to.
Style
This one comes in the black or red frame which is made of lightweight aluminum. If you're going to be going on biking expeditions in different places across the country, you want to be able to load and unload your bicycle easily. The Giordano Libero 1.6 is just the right weight and size for travelers who'll be driving to different touring destinations.
Features
This bicycle has a total of 16 speeds, so at different points, during your ride, you can shift through gears fluidly from your handlebars.
Another thing you’ll like about the Giordano Libero 1.6 road bike is the 17' wheels. They can handle all types of surfaces from mud to grass, and still hug a paved road noticeably well at high speeds. And, the 32 spoke high-profile rims offer great stability.
You can't go wrong with the Giordano Libero 1.6, a road bike with all the speed, performance and features you'll need.
8. Retrospec AMOK V2
Cyclocross road bikes are better on rough terrain, so if you're interested in the Retrospec AMOK V2 you want more speed, better handling, and precise braking on back trails. The way that this frame is built you'll definitely get that mix of speed and toughness. It's hand-crafted, offers high performance, and has an attractive finish that'll turn heads.
Read moreValue
This bicycle comes to you at a price tag of around $460 which is a bit pricey for a bicycle but if you plan on using this bicycle quite frequently and are looking for a bicycle to be durable to frequent riding, then this just may be the bike for you.
Ride
One of the most loved features on this on and off-road bicycle is the Block 8 Kenda tires, whether you're rolling on pavement, dirt or gravel. The Retrospec AMOK V2 takes on all of these surfaces well with wonderful traction and control. Block tires offer the rider the ability to maneuver quickly and are a wonderful addition to this nice road bike.
Style
Overall if you are looking for a road bike that can perform very well on rougher trails but still has speed on the highway, go with the Retrospec AMOK V2.
Features
The flat handlebar is a feature that allows you to dig deeper when pedaling, and put extra energy into your workout. You can accelerate the speed and still experience enhanced control. The Shimano derailleurs come in multiple sizes, and this road bicycle handles well whether you're going up or downhill.
The crank and chain are protected because of the way this bike is built for riding through muddy, wet terrain. The Cantilever brakes on the front and back are very easy to tune, and the bearing hubs on this bicycle are also sealed. This means that you won't have to worry about so much maintenance on them. The Low Pro pedals on this one are also comfortable for those longer rides.
9. Vilano Aluminum
Vilano is a brand that has a reputation for providing quality road bicycles, and this 21-speed aluminum Shimano is just that. Beginning bike riders sometimes go into purchasing a bike with the notion that they will have to spend way more than they want to in order to get quality. But then, they run into a road bike like this Vilano and realize that they don't have to empty their entire wallet or pocketbook in order to get one of the best bikes out there.
Read moreValue
This bicycle comes to you at a price of around $220 and for that price tag, this is a great bicycle for city riding. If you are looking for a new bicycle, definitely check this model out.
Ride
You don't want to feel restricted in any way during your ride, and the fact that this Vilano has 21 gears makes it easier for you to adjust to your most comfortable riding speed when you need to. There's a Shimano drivetrain that makes shifting very easy, and the bike also comes with a good set of rim brakes that allow you to come to quick stops. If you're wondering how your bike will feel on rough terrain, the 700c threadless fork helps to minimize the shock factor when going through those bumpy areas. You feel like you have better control of the bicycle on its nice, comfortable set of pedals, another wonderful feature.
Style
This is one of those bikes that has all of the quality components that you could ask for. Whether you're racing, touring, or exercising, each ride is comfortable and enjoyable because the frame is very well built. Aluminum frames have a good reputation for durability. This 21 speed has a 6061 double-butted frame, which is very strong and can last for years to come.
Features
There are various colors to choose from, and a padded handle for good grip at low or high speeds on smooth or rugged terrain.
Overall, this Vilano Aluminium road bike lives up to the brand’s good name and is a quality choice if you want a long-lasting, reliable one.
10. Diamondback Century Sport
Although Diamondback has developed a reputation over the years for developing quality BMX bikes, many of their fans were surprised when the brand manufactured this wonderful Century Sport road bike. If endurance and speed are what make you happy, then this durable bicycle could be the choice for you.
Read moreValue
The cool design and racing features make this a well-loved road bike by more new bicyclists every day. it comes to you at a price tag of $700.
Ride
Although this bicycle can survive on somewhat bumpy terrain, it's better suited for a smooth road ride on a paved surface. It gets excellent acceleration on the highway and is comparable to racing road bikes that are hundreds of dollars more. It's a lot more comfortable initially than a racing road bicycle normally is, and there are not much if any changes that need to be made from the beginning. All you really need is an open highway, and you’ll see just how much speed and control this bike offers. It actually feels as if you are gliding as you pedal. And, when it comes to making short turns and/or going around tight corners, this Diamondback model will make them look easy.
Style
At first, this Enduro design wasn't all that attractive to many riders, and some folks even cited difficulties in steering. But it was that exact same feature that made the Diamondback Century sport road bike more likable and exciting to other riders who enjoyed the unique design.
Features
The Enduro design was one of the most unique features on this road bicycle when compared to others in its class. The top tube was considerably shorter than other models, and the head tube was taller. The lengthier head tube on this bike allows the rider to sit into a more comfortable upright position, which is evidence that the bike's manufacturers had the long distance bicycle rider in mind.