Budget-friendly road bikes are getting better and better, borrowing technology from their high-end counterparts. While top-of-the-line road bikes can be incredibly expensive, thankfully, manufacturers are creating more accessible options that still offer many of the modern features and a great riding experience. These Good Starter Road Bikes might be easier on the wallet, but they don’t skimp on quality where it counts, providing reliable components and a fun introduction to road cycling.
You might find these starter bikes come with a slightly heavier frame, often made from aluminum alloy instead of carbon fiber. However, the essential geometry and handling are often surprisingly similar to pricier models. You can expect dependable shifting from lower-spec road bike groupsets, even if they have fewer gears.
Similarly, while the wheels might not be as fancy as top-tier road bike wheels, they’ll be durable and practical. Often, upgrading the wheels later on is a great way to boost your bike’s performance as your riding progresses. And you’ll typically find good quality tires included too.
Buying your first road bike can feel overwhelming with all the technical details. To help you navigate the choices, we’ve put together a guide with everything you need to know about selecting a great entry-level road bike before you make your purchase.
So, let’s dive into our top picks for the best good starter road bikes available right now.
Quick List
Giant Contend 2 with a white backgroundBest all-around starter road bike
Giant Contend
The Giant Contend is a fantastic all-rounder, offering a quality aluminum frame, carbon fork, and Shimano Claris groupset. It’s a reliable and upgrade-friendly option, perfect for new road cyclists.
Liv Avail with a white backgroundBest women’s specific starter road bike
Liv Avail AR 4
The Liv Avail AR 4 is designed specifically for women, with geometry and contact points tailored for female riders. This attractive bike features mechanical disc brakes and a Shimano drivetrain, making it a great starter bike for women.
Specialized allez with a white backgroundBest starter road bike for aspiring racers
Specialized Allez
The Specialized Allez is a well-loved aluminum frame bike known for its excellent ride quality. Its stiffness and affordability make it a popular choice for those looking to get into racing.
Triban RC 520 Disc Brake studio imageBest high-spec starter road bikeTriban RC 520
The Triban RC520 boasts impressive components for its price. It features a Shimano 105 R7000 groupset, TRP disc brakes, and mounts for mudguards and racks, offering a high-performance starter package.
Trek Domane AL 2 Gen 4 with a white backgroundBest starter road bike for long rides
Trek Domane AL3
The Trek Domane is designed for comfortable endurance riding, featuring a carbon fiber fork, tubeless-ready wheels, and plush 32mm tires. It’s a great choice for riders planning longer distances.
Cube Attain Pro with a white backgroundBest looking starter road bike
Cube Attain Pro
The Cube Attain Pro is not only well-equipped for its price but also visually appealing with its sleek fork and stylish paint. Its semi-aero design adds a touch of performance flair.
Written by
Written by Will Jones
Having tested countless high-end bikes, I believe the sub-£1,000 bike category is crucial, especially for newcomers to cycling. My own Specialized Allez, a bike that would fit perfectly in this guide, is the only one I regret selling. Good starter road bikes are the entry point to this amazing sport, and it’s vital they perform well enough to encourage new riders to continue.
Recent updates
November 12th, 2024 With disc brakes becoming more common, many rim brake models previously featured are now less available. We’ve updated this guide to reflect current disc brake successors, ensuring it’s current as of November 2024.
Best Good Starter Road Bikes
The best for all-round riding
Giant Contend 2 2024 on white background
(Image credit: Giant)
1. Giant Contend 2
The best good starter road bike for versatile riding.
Specifications
Weight: 9.5kg
Groupset: Shimano Claris
Wheels: Giant S-R3
Frame Sizes: S-XL
Reasons to buy
- Full carbon fork for enhanced comfort and handling.
- D-Fuse technology seatpost for added vibration damping.
- Impressively lightweight for its category, under 10kg.
Reasons to avoid
- Rim brakes may not offer the same stopping power as disc brakes, particularly in wet conditions.
- Some riders might find the aesthetic design to be understated.
BUY IT IF
✅ You’re seeking a high-quality yet affordable entry into road cycling: Giant’s scale allows them to offer excellent value, delivering a superior frame and components for the price.
✅ You need a wide range of gears for varied terrain: The gear ratios, reaching a 1:1 low gear, simplify hill climbs, though the 8-speed cassette means larger gaps between gears.
DON’T BUY IT IF
❌ You prioritize modern disc brakes: Mechanical disc brakes often provide superior stopping power compared to the fitted rim brakes.
❌ You prefer a more visually striking bike: There are potentially more visually dynamic options within this category.
The Giant Contend 2 features mostly Giant-branded components, excluding the groupset and brakes, which are all of reputable quality. It includes reliable Giant wheels and 28mm tires, along with a D-Fuse alloy seatpost designed to enhance comfort by allowing flex in key directions while maintaining overall stiffness.
Constructed from ALUXX-Grade aluminum, the frame incorporates Giant’s signature compact design and a full carbon OverDrive fork. It’s equipped with Shimano’s 8-speed Claris groupset, creating a nearly complete Shimano package, only substituting an FSA crankset and Tektro TK-B177 rim brakes, which are still reliable components.
It also includes mounts for mudguards and a rack, increasing its versatility for commuting, touring, or winter riding. The only minor drawback is its somewhat understated appearance compared to some competitors.
The best good starter road bike for women
Liv Avail AR 2022 on white background
(Image credit: Liv Avail AR 2022)
2. Liv Avail AR 4
The best good starter road bike specifically designed for women riders.
Specifications
Weight: 10.77kg
Groupset: Shimano Claris
Wheels: Giant S-R2 Disc
Frame sizes: XXS-L
Reasons to buy
- Engineered with women’s body dimension data for optimal fit and comfort.
- Tubeless-ready wheels offer versatility and potential for enhanced ride quality.
- Available in a broad range of smaller sizes, catering to petite riders.
Reasons to avoid
- The Shimano Claris groupset is functional but could be considered entry-level.
- An upgrade to a higher-tier groupset would improve overall performance over time.
BUY IT IF
✅ You require a smaller frame size: Liv specializes in women’s bikes, offering a greater selection of smaller sizes compared to unisex brands.
✅ You desire all-road versatility: With 32mm tires, the Avail AR is capable on light trails as well as paved roads.
DON’T BUY IT IF
❌ You plan on tackling serious gravel riding: While suitable for mixed surfaces, a dedicated gravel bike with wider tires is better for rougher terrain.
❌ You prefer tighter gear ratios: The 8-speed setup may have noticeable jumps between gears for experienced riders.
While the question of whether women can ride ‘men’s bikes’ still lingers for some, Liv Cycling focuses on creating high-performance bikes tailored to women’s needs. Designed, engineered, and tested by women, using women-specific body data, the Liv Avail AR 4 offers a remarkably comfortable and well-suited road bike experience for many women on a budget.
Liv’s ALUXX-Grade aluminum frame is surprisingly compliant and comfortable, while the Advanced-Grade carbon composite fork reduces weight and enhances front-end responsiveness.
Component-wise, the Avail AR 4 aligns with others in this category, featuring Shimano Claris gearing, Tektro mechanical disc brakes, and tubeless-ready wheels.
The best good starter road bike for aspiring racers
Specialized Allez white bike on rocks
(Image credit: Josh Croxton)
3. Specialized Allez
The best good starter road bike for riders looking to race.
Our expert review:
Specifications
Weight: 10kg
Groupset: Shimano Claris
Wheels: Specialized Axis Sport Disc
Frame Sizes: 44-61cm
Reasons to buy
- Well-finished frame available in multiple color options.
- High-quality components for the price point.
- Generous tire clearance for enhanced comfort and versatility.
- Equipped with mounting points for accessories.
Reasons to avoid
- Tektro brakes are not quite as refined as Shimano equivalents.
- More upright geometry compared to older Allez models, which is less aerodynamic.
BUY IT IF
✅ You want a versatile starter road bike: Specialized designed the Allez to be adaptable for various riding styles and purposes.
✅ You value extra tire clearance for varied road surfaces: While it comes with 30mm tires, it accommodates up to 35mm, improving comfort on rougher roads.
DON’T BUY IT IF
❌ You seek an aggressive, race-focused riding position: The Allez is now more upright, enhancing comfort but reducing aerodynamic efficiency.
❌ You prefer a bike that needs no immediate upgrades: The wheels are the most basic component and upgrading them would significantly improve performance.
The Allez is Specialized’s longest-standing road bike model, one of their original trio of bikes, and this latest iteration is completely updated. It now features disc brakes for improved control, maintaining its status as a top choice for a rider’s first ‘serious’ road bike.
The geometry has been adjusted to be slightly more upright than previous versions, as highlighted in our Specialized Allez Sport 2024 review. It also offers increased tire clearance (up to 35mm) and mounts for full mudguards and a pannier rack. The aim seems to be to broaden the Allez’s appeal from a purely race-oriented bike to a more versatile all-rounder, suitable for everything from weekend group rides to commuting, winter training, and light touring.
The range of Specialized road bikes can seem extensive, but our guide can help you navigate their offerings.
Best component specification in a starter road bike
Triban RC 520 Disc Brake studio image against white background
(Image credit: Triban / Decathlon)
4. Triban RC 520 Disc Brake
The best good starter road bike with Shimano 105 components.
Specifications
Weight: 10.4kg
Groupset: Shimano 105 R7000
Wheels: Triban Tubeless Ready Light
Frame Sizes: XS-XL
Reasons to buy
- Equipped with a high-quality Shimano 105 R7000 groupset, uncommon at this price.
- Tubeless-ready wheels and ample clearance for up to 36mm tires.
- Cable-operated hydraulic disc brakes offer enhanced braking performance.
Reasons to avoid
- The aesthetic is functional rather than stylish.
- Stock tires are not tubeless-ready, requiring replacement for tubeless setup.
BUY IT IF
✅ You prioritize high-end components at an accessible price: Shimano 105 provides 11-speed shifting, a feature usually found on more expensive bikes.
✅ You need reliable braking in wet conditions: TRP Spyre hybrid brakes are a significant upgrade over mechanical disc or rim brakes in wet weather.
DON’T BUY IT IF
❌ You want to immediately run tubeless tires: The wheels are compatible, but the stock tires need to be swapped for tubeless-ready versions.
❌ You prefer fully sealed cable routing: External cables require more upkeep to maintain smooth shifting compared to fully internal systems.
It’s rare to find Shimano 105 R7000 on a starter road bike, making the Triban RC 520 Disc exceptional. This isn’t just about the groupset; it features a modern frame with dropped seat stays for comfort and generous tire clearance (up to 36mm with slick tires).
It also includes mounts for racks and mudguards, tubeless-ready wheels, and Decathlon provides a lifetime warranty on the frame, stem, and handlebars.
Another standout feature is the TRP HY/RD mechanical-hydraulic disc brakes. While most bikes at this price have rim or mechanical disc brakes, the HY/RD offers significantly better power and control. They may need slightly more maintenance and add a bit of weight, but the improved performance is worthwhile, especially for frequent riding in adverse weather.
What’s the trade-off? The aesthetics are quite utilitarian – practical but not particularly exciting. The external cable routing means more attention is needed to keep exposed sections clean and functional, though it simplifies maintenance.
The best good starter road bike for mile-munching
Trek Domane AL 2 Gen 4 on white background
(Image credit: Future)
5. Trek Domane AL 2 Gen 4
The best good starter road bike for comfortable long-distance riding.
Specifications
Weight: 10.55kg
Groupset: Shimano Claris
Wheels: Bontrager Paradigm SL rims on Formula Hubs
Frame Sizes: 44-61cm
Reasons to buy
- Attractive frame design with multiple color choices and a wide size range.
- 32mm tires and tubeless-ready wheels enhance comfort and reduce rolling resistance.
- Numerous mounting points increase versatility for various accessories and gear.
Reasons to avoid
- Gearing does not go as low as a 1:1 ratio, which some riders prefer for steep climbs.
BUY IT IF
✅ You need numerous mounting points for accessories: Rack and mudguard mounts, plus top tube bag bolts, make the Domane highly adaptable for carrying gear.
✅ You require a broad range of frame sizes: With seven sizes from 44 to 61, nearly every rider can find an optimal fit.
DON’T BUY IT IF
❌ You need extremely low climbing gears: While suitable for most hills, its lowest gear is slightly higher than a 1:1 ratio, which is ideal for very steep inclines.
❌ You prioritize speed over comfort: Designed for endurance, the Domane is more focused on long-distance comfort than outright speed.
Trek, often seen as a higher-end brand, offers surprising value with the Trek Domane AL 2 in this category. It features a well-finished 100 Series Alpha Aluminum frame and a carbon fork.
The groupset is Shimano Claris with Tektro C550 dual-piston mechanical flat mount disc brakes. Impressively, it includes comfortable 32mm tires and tubeless-ready Bontrager wheels at this price. With eight size options, finding the perfect fit is highly likely.
Trek offers more advanced Domane models if you decide to increase your budget; explore our guide to Trek road bikes for more information.
Best all-road starter road bike
Marin Gestalt 2 studio image against white background
(Image credit: Marin)
6. Marin Gestalt 2
The best good starter road bike for venturing onto light off-road terrain.
Specifications
Weight: Not specified
Groupset: Shimano GRX
Wheels: Marin alloy
Frame sizes: 50-60cm
Reasons to buy
- Wide tire clearance allows for greater versatility across different surfaces.
- Carbon fork enhances ride comfort and reduces weight.
- 10-speed Shimano GRX shifting provides a broader gear range.
- Equipped with rack and mudguard mounts for practicality.
Reasons to avoid
- The Gestalt 2 model’s specifications slightly exceed the typical budget for starter bikes.
- Low gearing might be less ideal for high-speed road riding.
BUY IT IF
✅ You plan to ride on varied surfaces including off-road trails: The Shimano GRX groupset offers low gears suitable for off-road climbs and varied terrains.
✅ You prefer hydraulic disc braking for superior control: Hydraulic discs are a significant advantage over rim or mechanical disc brakes commonly found at this price.
DON’T BUY IT IF
❌ You need high gears for fast road riding: A 46x11t top gear may limit speed on flat paved roads.
❌ You are strictly adhering to a very tight budget: The Gestalt 2’s higher-end components make it slightly more expensive than other bikes in this guide.
Marin Bikes is known for producing adaptable and affordable bikes, and the Gestalt 2, with its 35mm tires, is perfect for light gravel and mixed-surface riding. While the stock tires might not be aggressive enough for extreme conditions, they allow you to explore gravel riding comfortably.
It features a 10-speed Shimano GRX gravel groupset with very low gears for tackling steep inclines and trails. Shimano hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable stopping power. Mudguard and rack mounts further enhance its all-season, all-surface versatility. If the Gestalt 2 is too expensive, consider the Gestalt 1 or the base model Gestalt for lower-spec, more budget-friendly options.
Best starter road bike for off-road adventures
Diamondback Haanjo 2 studio image against white background
(Image credit: Diamondback)
7. Diamondback Haanjo 2
The best good starter road bike for gravel and adventure riding.
Specifications
Weight: 11.34kg (claimed)
Groupset: Shimano Claris
Wheels: Diamondback Equation rims on unbranded hubs
Frame sizes: XS/47 – XL/59
Reasons to buy
- Exceptionally versatile, suitable for various types of riding.
- Gravel-ready design for off-pavement exploration.
- Abundant mounting options, including on the fork, for gear and accessories.
Reasons to avoid
- Heavier than other starter road bikes in this category.
- Steel fork instead of carbon, which affects weight and ride compliance.
BUY IT IF
✅ You prioritize versatility in a single bike: The Haanjo can be configured for touring, gravel riding, commuting, and general road cycling.
✅ You prefer a comfortable and plush ride: 40mm tires can be run at lower pressures for enhanced comfort and traction.
DON’T BUY IT IF
❌ You are concerned about weight: The Haanjo is on the heavier side compared to typical road bikes.
❌ You want a carbon fork for vibration damping: The steel fork is less compliant than carbon forks, potentially resulting in a firmer ride.
The Diamondback Haanjo 2 leans towards being a best budget gravel bike, offering substantial gravel capability. However, it’s primarily designed as a versatile, do-it-all bike, ideal for those needing one affordable machine for multiple purposes. If you have limited storage and need a bike for road riding, commuting, touring, and light off-road excursions, the Haanjo is an excellent choice.
The aluminum frame is paired with a steel fork, contributing to its heavier weight. However, numerous mounting options, including on the fork, allow for extensive customization.
It’s equipped with a Shimano Claris 2×8-speed drivetrain and Tektro Lyra mechanical disc brakes. Stock 40mm Vee Rubber Speedster tires provide a comfortable ride and reduced rolling resistance when inflated appropriately.
Best starter road bike for future upgrades
Cannondale Synapse 3 studio image against white background
(Image credit: cannondale)
8. Cannondale Synapse 3
The best good starter road bike designed for component upgrades over time.
Specifications
Weight: Not specified
Groupset: Shimano Sora
Wheels: RD rims on Formula Hubs
Frame Sizes: 48-61cm
Reasons to buy
- High-quality frame and full carbon fork provide a solid foundation for upgrades.
- Front and rear thru-axles enhance stiffness and handling precision.
Reasons to avoid
- More expensive compared to other starter road bikes with similar component specs.
BUY IT IF
✅ You plan to upgrade components later: Cannondale’s quality alloy frame justifies future investment in better parts.
✅ You value frame comfort technology: SAVE technology enhances frame and fork compliance, improving ride comfort.
DON’T BUY IT IF
❌ You are strictly budget-conscious: The Synapse is pricier than many other bikes in this category.
❌ You need significant off-road capability: The Synapse is optimized for endurance road riding and lacks clearance for wide gravel tires.
The Cannondale Synapse 3 might seem slightly expensive initially, but it offers a high-quality platform intended to grow with your riding skills. It features a well-made SmartForm C2 alloy frame and full carbon fork, both incorporating Cannondale’s SAVE (Synapse Active Vibration Elimination) technology for increased comfort, and modern thru-axles.
The disc brakes are cable-actuated, but the frame includes internal cable routing through both the frame and fork. The Shimano Sora groupset borrows technology from higher-tier Shimano drivetrains, offering reliable performance. Vittoria Zaffiro tires, while not top-of-the-line, are from a reputable brand and come in a comfortable 28mm size for enhanced grip and ride quality.
See where the Synapse fits within Cannondale’s range in our guide to Cannondale road bikes.
Best looking starter road bike
cube attain pro 2024 against a white background
(Image credit: Future)
9. Cube Attain Pro
The best good starter road bike for riders who value aesthetics.
Specifications
Weight: 10.3kg
Groupset: Shimano Claris
Wheels: Cube RA 2.3 Aero Disc
Frame Sizes: 47-62cm
Reasons to buy
- Full carbon fork improves ride quality and reduces front-end weight.
- Color-matched components and frame provide a cohesive and premium look.
- Thru-axles front and rear enhance frame stiffness and handling.
Reasons to avoid
- No mudguard mounting points, limiting its practicality in wet conditions.
BUY IT IF
✅ You appreciate aerodynamic features in your bike’s design: Cube markets the frame as semi-aero, featuring a profiled downtube for aerodynamic benefits.
✅ You prefer a complete Shimano drivetrain: Even at the 8-speed Claris level, Cube includes a full Shimano groupset, often not the case on budget bikes.
DON’T BUY IT IF
❌ You need wide tire clearance for rough roads or gravel: The frame only accommodates up to 32mm tires.
❌ You require mudguard compatibility for all-weather riding: The Attain lacks mounting points for bolt-on mudguards.
German brand Cube is known for progressive designs, often standing out from conventional ‘plain black bikes’. The Cube Attain Pro, weighing just over 10kg, is impressive for a disc brake-equipped starter bike. It boasts a full carbon fork, internal cable routing, and color-coordinated components, giving it a more premium appearance than its price suggests.
The full Shimano Claris groupset offers excellent value and smooth, reliable shifting. While Cube offers a more affordable Attain model, this Pro version includes significant upgrades that justify the extra cost.
How to choose the best good starter road bike for you
You can trust Cyclingnews. Our experts dedicate numerous hours to testing cycling technology, providing honest and unbiased advice to aid your choices. Learn more about our testing process.
If you’re in the market for a more affordable road bike, you’ll find your options are far from limited. Most reputable brands aim to offer an entry-level road bike that provides good quality for those new to road cycling or needing a budget-friendly option for commuting, possibly alongside a more expensive bike.
Here’s what to consider when choosing the best good starter road bike.
Can beginners use road bikes?
We understand that drop handlebars, narrow tires, and clip-in pedals can seem daunting to new riders. However, if you can ride a bike, you can certainly ride a road bike. Adapting to these features is usually quick, and if you’re concerned about clip-in pedals, start with some of the best flat pedals until you feel more confident.
Road bike tires have become wider in recent years, with many bikes now equipped with 28mm or wider tires. This provides more grip and a more comfortable ride, as the increased width allows for lower tire pressure.
How much should I spend on a starter road bike?
Whatever price you have in mind, you can likely find a bike at that price, from £20,000 to £20. However, the £1,000/$1,000 mark is where you start to see truly high-quality bikes that are both reliable and capable of enhancing your performance.
Bike prices have increased in recent years. If you can stretch your budget slightly beyond this threshold, it’s often worthwhile. The good news is that today’s best starter bikes increasingly include features like disc brakes, internal cable routing, and quality finishing components.
What frame material is best for a starter road bike?
Carbon fiber dominates at the high-performance end, while aluminum frames are more common at the entry level. Aluminum is not inherently inferior; in fact, our guide to the best aluminum road bikes shows they can compete with the best.
Aluminum bikes are typically heavier than carbon but lighter than steel. For a starter bike, they are ideal because they are more durable than carbon and won’t rust like steel. They offer a good balance of performance and practicality, even allowing you to lock them up outdoors when necessary.
We advise against very cheap carbon bikes from unknown manufacturers; good aluminum is preferable to low-quality carbon.
How many gears are needed on a starter road bike?
The number of gears depends on the groupset included with the bike. Starter road bikes almost always use Shimano components, which are dependable, robust, and easy to use and maintain.
Higher-end bikes may have 11 speeds, while more budget-friendly models might have 8 or 9. More speeds mean smaller steps between gears across the same gear range.
More gears aren’t necessarily better, as long as the bike provides sufficient range for your riding terrain. More gears also mean tighter tolerances for smooth shifting and require more maintenance.
Fewer gears are more forgiving if you’re not meticulous about bike care and are simpler for learning basic maintenance.
Are disc brakes necessary on a starter road bike?
While disc brakes are now prevalent across most price points, they haven’t completely taken over entry-level road bikes. Disc brakes generally offer better performance, especially in wet conditions, but rim brakes have been reliably used for decades.
Our advice is to invest in good quality brake pads, which can significantly improve the performance of standard rim brakes.
Which components are important on a starter road bike?
When buying within a budget, there will always be compromises. A better frame might come with less impressive components, which sets it up for future upgrades. Conversely, a more basic frame might be paired with higher-quality components.
If component quality is a priority, consider direct-to-consumer brands like Ribble or Canyon. They often offer better value by cutting out the middleman. However, ensure you’re confident about your sizing before purchasing.
What else to consider when buying a starter road bike?
If this is your first road bike, and you plan to use it year-round, mudguard mounts are very useful. If you intend to use it for commuting, the ability to add a pannier rack is also beneficial. This also makes the bike suitable for light touring.
Don’t forget to budget for essential accessories like a helmet, lights, and a pump. Investing in a pair of the best cycling shorts can also significantly enhance saddle comfort.
How much maintenance does a starter road bike need?
For your first bike, the most crucial tip is: keep it clean! A clean bike is a happy bike—it saves money, performs better, and keeps you cleaner. We have a guide on how to clean your bike and a guide to the best bike chain lubes to maintain a smooth-running chain after cleaning.
Once your bike is running smoothly, consider best bike insurance and one of the best bike locks for security and peace of mind.
What are the key differences between cheap and expensive bicycles?
Significant differences exist between cheap and expensive bikes, but remember, regardless of price, you still need to pedal and exert effort.
Cheaper bikes typically have heavier frames made from materials like aluminum and steel. You might still get a carbon fiber fork, similar to higher-end models. Components will be heavier and may lack the durability or quality of more expensive parts. Expect less advanced technology and fewer features like integrated suspension, storage, or electronic components.
Crucially, avoid the very cheapest road bikes, as they often represent false economy in terms of durability and ride enjoyment. They might not provide a satisfying introduction to road cycling.
