Buying a new road bike can feel overwhelming. The market is packed with options at every price point, and the sheer variety might leave you feeling more confused than excited. But don’t worry, we’re here to simplify things and help you discover the Great Road Bike that’s perfect for you.
We’ve rigorously tested countless road bikes, from beginner-friendly models ideal for newcomers to the sport, all the way up to professional-grade superbikes with price tags that match their performance. This extensive testing experience gives us a unique perspective on what makes a road bike truly exceptional. We understand the subtle details that influence ride quality, from frame materials and tube shapes to the components chosen.
Whether you’re on a tight budget or looking to invest in top-tier performance, we’ve got you covered. You can also explore our guides to the best cheap road bikes and our prestigious Race Bike of the Year 2024 awards. If you’re interested in venturing beyond paved roads, our guide to the best gravel bikes is also a valuable resource. For now, let’s dive into our top picks for the great road bikes of 2024.
Quick Picks: Great Road Bikes at a Glance
- Best Entry-Level All-Rounder: Specialized Allez
- Best Entry-Level for Racing: Cannondale CAAD13 Disc
- Best Entry-Level Value: Giant Contend SL1
- Best Versatile Road Bike: Vitus Venon Evo-RS
- Best Superbike Overall: Cervelo S5
- Best Value Superbike: Giant Propel Advanced SL
- Best Aero Superbike: Trek Madone
- Best Climbing Superbike: Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi Mod 2
Top Road Bikes We Recommend
Entry-Level Excellence: Great Road Bikes for Beginners
Finding a great road bike when you’re just starting out is crucial for developing your passion for cycling. Entry-level bikes should be reliable, comfortable, and inspire confidence. Here are our top choices that deliver exceptional performance without breaking the bank.
1. Specialized Allez: The Best Entry-Level Road Bike Overall
Specialized Allez 2023 road bike
Alt text: The Specialized Allez road bike in silver, showcasing its modern design and disc brakes, a great entry-level option.
Best entry-level overall
The Specialized Allez has been a respected name in road cycling for decades, and the latest iteration continues to impress. This model embraces modern features like disc brakes and generous tire clearance, making it a truly versatile great road bike for new riders. Its well-considered geometry provides a comfortable riding position, perfect for building confidence and enjoying longer rides.
2. Cannondale CAAD13 Disc: The Best Entry-Level Road Bike for Racing Aspirations
Cannondale CAAD13 Disc road bike
Alt text: The Cannondale CAAD13 Disc road bike in black, highlighting its sleek frame and racing geometry, a great choice for entry-level racers.
Best entry-level for racing
If you’re dreaming of racing, the Cannondale CAAD13 Disc proves that you don’t need carbon to compete. This aluminum frame is remarkably light and stiff, offering a ride quality that rivals many entry-level carbon bikes. It’s a great road bike for those who want performance and responsiveness without a hefty price tag.
3. Giant Contend SL1: The Best Entry-Level Road Bike for Unbeatable Value
Giant Contend SL 1 road bike
Alt text: The Giant Contend SL1 road bike in blue and white, emphasizing its comfortable endurance geometry, a great value entry-level bike.
Best entry-level for value
For riders who prioritize comfort and long-distance riding, the Giant Contend SL1 is an excellent match. This great road bike excels in providing a smooth and compliant ride, thanks to its forgiving rear end and well-chosen components. It’s an exceptional value proposition for those seeking a comfortable and capable entry into road cycling.
Versatility Champion: A Great Road Bike for Multiple Purposes
4. Vitus Venon Evo-RS: The Best Road Bike for Versatility
Vitus Venon Evo 105 Di2 road bike on a pink background
Alt text: The Vitus Venon Evo-RS road bike in grey with pink accents, showcasing its road and gravel versatility, a great all-rounder.
Best road bike for versatility
In a market increasingly segmented by specialization, the Vitus Venon Evo-RS stands out for its versatility. This great road bike is designed to excel on paved roads but also confidently handle light gravel trails. With generous tire clearance and the option for mudguards, it’s a fantastic choice for riders who want one bike to do it all, making it a truly great road bike for diverse riding experiences.
Superbike Supremacy: The Pinnacle of Great Road Bike Performance
For those seeking the ultimate in performance, superbikes represent the cutting edge of road bike technology. These bikes are engineered for speed, aerodynamics, and efficiency, often seen under professional riders. Here are our top superbike recommendations, each a great road bike in its own right.
5. Cervelo S5: Superbikes: Overall Winner
Cervelo S5 race bike
Alt text: The Cervelo S5 road bike in black and white, angled for aerodynamic efficiency, recognized as the overall best superbike.
Best superbike overall
The Cervelo S5 is a proven race winner, gracing the podiums of Grand Tours. This great road bike is not just aerodynamic and incredibly fast; it also boasts sublime handling and surprising comfort for longer distances. Its wider tire clearance further enhances its versatility, making it a top choice for demanding riders.
6. Giant Propel Advanced SL: Superbikes: Best Value
Giant Propel Advanced Pro 1 road bike
Alt text: The Giant Propel Advanced SL road bike in black and red, highlighting its aerodynamic frame and value-oriented build, a great value superbike.
Best value superbike
Giant consistently delivers exceptional value, and the Propel Advanced SL is no exception. This great road bike offers superbike performance at a more accessible price point. Especially in its lower-priced models, the Propel provides a fantastic combination of aerodynamics, stiffness, and smooth ride quality.
7. Trek Madone: Superbikes: Best Aero Bike
Trek Madone SLR 7 aero road bike
Alt text: The Trek Madone aero road bike in dark blue, showcasing its unique IsoFlow frame design, the best aero superbike.
Best aero superbike
The Trek Madone stands out with its radical frameset featuring IsoFlow technology and a newly designed aero cockpit. This great road bike is engineered for maximum aerodynamic efficiency, making it incredibly fast. The Madone is a statement of speed and innovation.
8. Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi Mod 2: Superbikes: Best Climbing Bike
Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi Mod 2 on a pink background
Alt text: The Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi Mod 2 road bike in light blue, emphasizing its lightweight and climbing prowess, the best climbing superbike.
Best climbing superbike
The Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi Mod 2 is a climber’s dream. This great road bike is incredibly light, stiff, and responsive, making it a joy to ride uphill. While optimized for climbing, it also offers excellent handling and a surprising level of aerodynamic efficiency for a climbing-focused bike.
Detailed Reviews of Great Road Bikes
The Entry Level: Great Starting Points
The Best Entry-Level Road Bike Overall: Specialized Allez
Specialized Allez Disc on a yellow background
Alt text: Close-up of the Specialized Allez Disc road bike, highlighting its disc brakes and modern features, a great entry-level choice.
The Specialized Allez has evolved significantly over five decades, and the current model is perfectly in tune with modern road cycling demands. The addition of disc brakes, replacing rim brakes on earlier versions, is a significant upgrade. This change has allowed for increased tire clearance, now accommodating up to 35mm tires (or 32mm with mudguards). This enhanced tire clearance dramatically improves ride comfort and extends the Allez’s capabilities beyond smooth pavement, making it suitable for light gravel paths.
During our testing, we were particularly impressed by this newfound versatility. The Allez even includes rack mounts, opening up possibilities for light touring or commuting. Despite its added practicality, the Allez retains a sporty character. With a slammed stem, we found it to be a quick and playful bike, eager to respond to rider input.
The base model features Shimano Claris 8-speed shifting and mechanical disc brakes. While Claris provides reliable performance, the gear jumps on the 11-32t cassette are noticeable. The mechanical disc brakes, while an upgrade over rim brakes in some conditions, lack the outright stopping power and modulation of hydraulic systems.
The Allez range includes two main models, plus the performance-oriented Allez Sprint. The higher-spec Allez Sport upgrades to 10-speed shifting and hydraulic disc brakes, but this comes with a significant price increase. For many riders, the base model Allez represents an excellent starting point.
Upgrading the wheelset would noticeably improve the Allez’s overall performance, but even in its stock configuration, it’s a well-rounded package for the price. The Specialized Allez is a strong contender in the realm of best cheap road bikes, offering a blend of comfort, versatility, and performance that makes it a great road bike for entry-level riders.
Read more: Specialized Allez first ride review
The Best Entry-Level Road Bike for Racing: Cannondale CAAD13 Disc 105
Caad 13 Disc
Alt text: Detail shot of the Cannondale CAAD13 Disc frame, showcasing its aluminum construction and clean lines, a great entry-level racing bike.
Cannondale has long been recognized for its expertise in crafting high-performance aluminum frames, and the CAAD13 Disc is a prime example. It inherits its geometry, which is relatively long and low, from the pro-level carbon SuperSix EVO. In fact, the CAAD13 shares the same stack height and reach figures as the SuperSix EVO, with a size 54 frame having a stack of 55.5cm and a reach of 38.4cm.
The CAAD13 also borrows aerodynamic tube profiles from Cannondale’s WorldTour bikes. During testing, we found that this combination of geometry and tube shaping resulted in exceptional handling and a surprisingly smooth ride – one that closely resembled the feel of a carbon frameset. It’s worth noting that our test bike was a higher-spec model with upgraded wheels and tires, which undoubtedly contributed to the positive experience.
However, even at lower price points, the CAAD13 remains a fantastic option. It’s affordable enough to be a first road bike, yet its frame is of such high quality that it’s unlikely to be outgrown quickly. We believe the CAAD13 frame is worthy of future component upgrades, whether it’s wheels or groupset. This makes it a great road bike to invest in for the long term.
Even the more budget-conscious CAAD13 models come well-equipped. You can find options with a Shimano 105 hydraulic groupset and an RS510 crankset, along with DT Swiss R470 rims and Formula hubs – all reliable and functional components. For even more affordability, there are Tiagra-equipped versions, and for traditionalists, rim brake models are still available.
Cannondale offers an extensive size range for the CAAD13, from 44cm to 62cm, with six sizes in between. This broad range is a significant advantage, making the CAAD13 accessible to a wide variety of riders, regardless of their budget or body type.
One minor drawback we noted was the relatively high front end stack height. While easily adjustable by removing headset spacers, it might require cutting down the head tube for the most aesthetically pleasing setup, especially for riders seeking a very aggressive position.
In conclusion, the Cannondale CAAD13 Disc 105 is a standout entry-level race bike. Its performance-oriented frame, combined with a range of build options, makes it a great road bike for aspiring racers and enthusiasts alike.
Read more: Cannondale CAAD13 Disc full review
The Best Entry-Level Road Bike for Value: Giant Contend SL1
Giant Contend SL1
Alt text: The Giant Contend SL1 road bike in a scenic outdoor setting, demonstrating its versatility and comfortable riding position, a great value entry-level bike.
The Giant Contend SL1 draws inspiration from Giant’s higher-end models, incorporating features that enhance both performance and comfort. It features a compact aluminum frame with a sloping top tube, a design element often seen in more expensive bikes. Giant’s D-Fuse seatpost and a carbon fork are specifically engineered to increase compliance at the rear and front of the bike, respectively. Coupled with endurance-focused frame geometry, this combination results in exceptional comfort and confident handling, encouraging longer rides.
We were particularly impressed by the Contend SL1’s ability to absorb road vibrations. Aluminum frames are not always known for their smoothness, but the Contend SL1 effectively minimizes road chatter. This, combined with its sensible geometry (longer wheelbase for stability and higher stack height for a more upright position) and generous tire clearance (up to 34mm), firmly places the Contend SL1 in the endurance category. It’s designed to comfortably cover miles, making it a great road bike for riders who prioritize long-distance comfort. For an entry-level bike, this approach is particularly well-suited to a broader range of cyclists compared to more aggressively positioned bikes.
While the Contend SL range hasn’t seen a recent update, both rim and disc brake versions remain available. Both options are equipped with Shimano’s highly regarded 105 groupset and a Shimano RS510 chainset. The rim brake model uses Tektro calipers, while the disc brake version features 105 hydraulic brakes.
Reflecting its entry-level and endurance focus, the Contend SL1 offers ample low gearing, with ratios going down to 1:1 for tackling steep climbs. Shimano 105 provides its characteristic smooth and reliable shifting performance. Being an entry-level bike, it’s not the lightest, which we noticed slightly impacting its responsiveness. However, considering its price point, the Giant Contend SL1 is an outstanding value proposition. It’s a genuine contender for the title of great road bike in the entry-level category, offering a compelling blend of comfort, capability, and affordability.
Read more: Giant Contend full review
The Best Road Bike for Versatility: Vitus Venon Evo-RS
Vitus Venon Evo 105 Di2 road bike on a pink background
Alt text: The Vitus Venon Evo-RS road bike frame detail, highlighting its carbon construction and versatile design, a great road bike for diverse terrains.
While specialization is increasingly common in road bikes, Vitus has taken a different approach with the Venon Evo-RS, prioritizing versatility. This bike is designed to be more than just a one-trick pony. The Venon Evo boasts a significant advantage: wide tire clearance of up to 45mm. This opens up possibilities beyond just paved roads. Vitus even offers the same frame in gravel-specific configurations, denoted by the “GR” suffix, such as the Vitus Venon Evo-GR gravel bike we’ve also reviewed.
The carbon frame of the Venon Evo-RS weighs under 1kg and incorporates notable compliance, contributing to a comfortable ride. The road-oriented models are equipped with Michelin Power Cup 28mm tubeless tires mounted on Prime Attaquer alloy wheels. Our test model was the Shimano 105 Di2 version, but the Venon Evo range includes a variety of electronic and mechanical groupset options from both Shimano and SRAM, catering to different budgets and preferences.
During our road testing, we found the Venon Evo-RS to deliver a well-balanced ride. It felt firm and efficient yet remained remarkably comfortable, even on longer rides. Continuing its theme of versatility, the frame includes hidden mudguard mounts, making the Venon Evo-RS a practical choice for year-round riding in varied conditions. Its ability to handle both paved roads and light gravel, combined with its comfortable geometry and practical features, makes the Vitus Venon Evo-RS a truly great road bike for riders seeking adaptability and all-around performance.
Read more: Vitus Venon Evo-RS full review
SUPERBIKES: The Apex of Performance
Superbikes: Overall Winner – Cervélo S5
Cervélo S5 on a yellow background
Alt text: The Cervélo S5 road bike in a studio setting, highlighting its aerodynamic features and race-ready design, the overall best superbike.
The Cervélo S5 earned our top rating for its exceptional combination of straight-line speed, cornering prowess, and impressive ride quality. While many aero bikes excel in flat-out speed, the S5’s handling is what truly sets it apart. It’s incredibly responsive to changes in direction, yet never feels nervous or twitchy, inspiring confidence at high speeds and in tight corners.
We were also particularly impressed with the Reserve wheels spec’d on the S5. These wheels feature a 52mm depth at the front and a deeper 63mm profile at the rear. Their generous 24.4mm internal width significantly enhances tire comfort and grip. Our 28mm Vittoria Corsa tires, when mounted on these rims, measured over 31mm, further contributing to a plush and grippy ride, especially when cornering.
The S5’s primary drawback is its weight; at over 8kg, it’s not the lightest superbike available. For example, it’s approximately 1kg heavier than the Scott Foil. However, the S5’s outstanding ride quality effectively minimizes the impact of this extra weight, even on moderately steep climbs.
Superbikes are inherently designed with professional racers in mind, and the Cervélo S5’s palmarès speaks volumes. Victories include multiple Tour de France yellow jerseys in 2022 and 2023, the 2022 TdF green jersey, and numerous one-day race wins. While these victories are testaments to the incredible talent of riders like Jonas Vingegaard and Wout van Aert, they also underscore the S5’s versatility across diverse race stages and conditions. Our own testing experience confirms this: the Cervélo S5 is an exceptionally well-rounded race bike, making it a great road bike for demanding riders seeking top-tier performance in all aspects of road cycling.
Read more: Cervélo S5 full review
Superbikes: Best Value – Giant Propel
Giant Propel on a orange background.
Alt text: The Giant Propel road bike in orange and black, angled to emphasize its aerodynamic frame and value proposition, the best value superbike.
The latest Giant Propel represents a significant evolution from its predecessors. Giant has slimmed down the frameset, reducing weight and improving comfort while simultaneously claiming improved aerodynamics – a claimed 6.2-watt saving at 40kph compared to the previous model.
Adjustability has also been enhanced with a newly designed two-piece handlebar and stem, without compromising aerodynamic efficiency. Cables are neatly routed through the handlebars and under the channeled stem before entering the frame, resulting in a clean and aerodynamic aesthetic.
Giant has also refined the Propel’s geometry, bringing it closer to that of their TCR climbing bike, aiming for a more responsive ride feel. Maximum tire clearance is now 32mm. During our testing, we found the Propel to be both fast and stable. The slimmer tube profiles performed well in crosswinds, a common challenge for aero bikes with deeper sections. We were also impressed with the comfort levels; the wider tires and well-designed front end effectively dampened road vibrations.
While we tested the SRAM Rival AXS build, the real value in the Propel range lies in the entry-level models. These versions offer exceptional performance for the price, outperforming other bikes in our Race Bike of the Year awards in terms of value. The Giant Propel is a great road bike choice for riders seeking superbike performance without the flagship price tag. Its blend of aerodynamics, comfort, and value makes it a compelling option in the superbike category.
Read more: Giant Propel Advanced Pro 1 full review
Superbikes: Best Aero Bike – Trek Madone
Trek Madone SL7 Gen 7 on a pink background
Alt text: The Trek Madone SL7 Gen 7 road bike in a studio setting, showcasing its IsoFlow technology and aero cockpit, the best aero superbike.
The Trek Madone Gen 7 has undergone a significant weight reduction, shedding 300g compared to its predecessor. This weight saving is largely attributed to the adoption of IsoFlow technology, replacing the previous IsoSpeed system. IsoFlow creates a distinctive frame design with an opening under the saddle, achieved by cantilevering the seatpost over the rear of the frame. This not only contributes to weight reduction but also enhances aerodynamics.
However, IsoFlow is only half of the Madone’s aerodynamic story. The newly designed handlebars contribute the other half of the claimed 20-watt drag reduction compared to the older Madone. These bars position the hands 30mm closer together on the tops, promoting a more aerodynamic tuck. For example, a 42cm bar actually measures 39cm at the hoods and 42cm at the drops. Trek offers 14 different cockpit combinations, allowing riders to fine-tune their position for optimal aerodynamics and comfort.
During testing, we found the Madone to be incredibly stable and confidence-inspiring. It handles superbly, offers a comfortable ride, and delivers exceptional straight-line speed. For an aero bike, it’s also remarkably light, with our review model weighing in at 7.5kg. Like many superbikes, the Trek Madone SL7 Gen 7 comes with a premium price tag, placing it firmly in the expensive category, especially considering its second-tier Ultegra groupset. However, for riders who prioritize maximum aerodynamic performance, the Madone is a great road bike that delivers on its promises.
Read more: Trek Madone SL7 Gen 7 full review
Superbikes: Best Climbing Bike – Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi Mod 2
Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi Mod 2 on a pink background
Alt text: The Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi Mod 2 road bike, angled to show its lightweight frame and climbing geometry, the best climbing superbike.
This fourth generation of the Cannondale SuperSix Evo represents subtle yet significant improvements over its predecessor. Cannondale has made it both more aerodynamic and lighter, refining an already exceptional platform. Key visual changes include a more steeply sloped top tube and lowered seat stays, contributing to both weight reduction and aerodynamic gains.
Tire clearance has been increased, now accommodating tires up to 34mm wide, adding versatility. A notable and welcome change is the switch from a press-fit bottom bracket to a BSA 68mm threaded bottom bracket – a feature many mechanics and home-maintainers appreciate for its ease of serviceability. These updates result in a claimed frame weight of just 770g, making it the lightest frame in our Race Bike of the Year awards in the previous year.
Our testing confirmed that the latest SuperSix Evo is better than ever. It’s incredibly fast and efficiently maintains speed, aided by its 50mm deep aero wheelset. It also excels as a climbing bike, thanks to its low weight and optimized geometry for out-of-the-saddle efforts. Descending on the SuperSix Evo is equally impressive, inspiring confidence and control.
We did observe that comfort is slightly compromised on longer rides compared to more endurance-focused superbikes like the Cervélo S5. However, this is typical of stiff, lightweight race bikes designed for maximum responsiveness and power transfer. Cannondale typically offers a good range of SuperSix Evo models at various price points, making it accessible to a broader range of riders. For those seeking a great road bike that excels in climbing and offers a race-ready feel, the Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi Mod 2 is an outstanding choice.
Read more: Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi Mod 2 full review
Road Bike Specifications at a Glance
| Bike | Frame material | Groupset | Tire clearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specialized Allez | Aluminium | Shimano Claris | 35mm |
| Cannondale CAAD13 Disc 105 | Aluminium | Shimano 105 | 30mm |
| Giant Contend SL1 | Aluminium | Shimano 105 | 28mm |
| Vitus Venon Evo-RS | Carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 | 40mm |
| Cervélo S5 | Carbon | SRAM Force AXS | 35mm |
| Giant Propel | Carbon | SRAM Rival AXS | 30mm |
| Trek Madone Gen 7 SL 7 | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra | 28mm |
| Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi Mod 2 | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra | 34mm |
Choosing the Best Great Road Bike for You: Key Considerations
Selecting the great road bike that perfectly matches your needs involves considering several key factors. Your riding style, budget, and priorities will all influence the ideal choice. Here’s a breakdown of essential aspects to consider:
Race vs. Endurance Geometry: Finding Your Riding Position
One of the first crucial decisions is determining your preferred riding style and intended use. Are you aiming for speed and racing, or do you prioritize comfort for longer, more leisurely rides? The answer to this question will guide you towards either a race-oriented or endurance-focused geometry.
Geometry is the fundamental factor here. Race bikes are designed to position you in a more aggressive, bent-over posture, lowering your upper body and head closer to the handlebars. This aerodynamic position minimizes frontal area and reduces wind resistance, making you faster. However, it can be less comfortable, especially for beginners or those unaccustomed to a more stretched-out position.
Endurance or sportive bikes, conversely, prioritize a more upright riding position. The handlebars are positioned higher and closer to the saddle, resulting in less strain on your back and neck. This upright posture enhances comfort for long rides and makes the bike more manageable for less experienced riders. While you might sacrifice a small amount of aerodynamic efficiency compared to a race bike, the increased comfort often translates to greater enjoyment and longer ride durations.
Consider your typical terrain and riding goals. If you frequently ride in hilly areas or plan challenging climbs, a lightweight bike will be beneficial. However, if your rides are primarily on flatter terrain and speed is your priority, aerodynamics become more important. For racing, the sharper, more responsive handling of a race bike is generally preferred over the more stable handling of an endurance machine.
The lines are blurring, however, and many modern road bikes are designed to be versatile. Gravel bikes offer wide tires and lower gears for off-pavement adventures. Many endurance or “all-road” bikes now also feature generous tire clearance and wide-range gearing, allowing you to explore a wider variety of routes beyond smooth tarmac.
Budgeting for Your Great Road Bike: Initial Cost and Beyond
Your budget is a primary factor in choosing a great road bike. However, consider not just the initial purchase price but also the long-term costs of ownership. This includes replacing worn parts (tires, chains, cassettes), routine servicing, and potential upgrades. Component levels significantly impact price, with a substantial difference between entry-level mechanical parts and top-of-the-line electronic groupsets.
Bike specifications vary across brands, and prices can differ significantly. Direct-to-consumer brands (like Canyon and Ribble) and in-house brands (Vitus at Wiggle, Boardman at Halfords) often offer more competitive pricing. Here’s a general guide to expect at different price points:
- £750 – £999 / $1000 – $1500: Aluminum frame with carbon fork, aluminum components (seatpost, handlebar/stem), Shimano Sora or Claris level shifting, aluminum wheels, rim brakes.
- £1000 – £2000 / $1500 – $2500: Aluminum frame/carbon fork with Shimano 105 or carbon frame/fork with Shimano Tiagra. Aluminum components, aluminum wheels. Disc or rim brakes.
- £2000 – £3500 / $2500 – $4000: Carbon frame/fork, Shimano 105 or Ultegra, aluminum or carbon rims, carbon seatpost, aluminum handlebar/stem, hydraulic disc brakes. Titanium frames become an option.
- £3500 – £5000/ $4000 – $6000: Carbon or titanium frame/fork, Shimano Ultegra or SRAM AXS eTap, carbon seatpost, aluminum bar/stem, carbon rims.
- £5000 – £10,000 / $6,000 – $12,000: Carbon frame/fork, Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 or SRAM Red AXS eTap, 50mm+ carbon wheels, carbon bars and stem.
- £10,000+ / $12,000+: Top-tier carbon frame/fork (stiffer, lighter), 50mm+ carbon wheels, one-piece carbon bar/stem, Shimano Dura-Ace, SRAM Red AXS, or Campagnolo Super Record Wireless, power meter standard.
Frame Materials: Aluminum, Carbon, Titanium, and Steel
Frame material is a significant differentiator between road bikes, impacting weight, ride quality, and cost.
- Aluminum alloy: Common in bikes under $/£1000 and in higher-end models. Lightweight, strong, and cost-effective. Best aluminium bikes offer excellent performance for the price.
- Carbon fiber: Predominant in pricier bikes. Offers a superior strength-to-weight ratio and allows for engineered ride characteristics. Carbon road bike frames vary in stiffness and compliance based on carbon fiber type and layup. High-modulus carbon reduces weight without sacrificing strength.
- Titanium: Used in high-end bikes. Lightweight, strong, corrosion-resistant, and fatigue-resistant. Titanium bikes offer a unique ride feel and exceptional durability.
- Steel: Traditional frame material. Best steel road bikes are known for robustness and a distinctive ride feel, though heavier than other options.
Fork material is also important. Many bikes have all-carbon forks or carbon blades with an alloy steerer, which effectively absorb road vibrations. Lower-priced bikes may use alloy or steel forks.
Road Bike Sizing: Ensuring the Right Fit
Getting the right size bike is crucial for comfort, efficiency, and injury prevention. Most manufacturers provide size charts based on rider height.
When standing over the bike, you should have clearance between the top tube and yourself. More detailed frame dimensions, like reach and stack, provide further insight into fit.
- Stack: Vertical distance from bottom bracket to top of head tube. Higher stack = more upright position.
- Reach: Horizontal distance from bottom bracket to center of head tube. Shorter reach = more upright position.
Race bikes typically have lower stack heights than endurance models. A professional bike fit is highly recommended to optimize your position and ensure proper setup. It’s an investment in comfort and performance.
Best road bikes
Alt text: A cyclist getting a bike fit in a bike shop, emphasizing the importance of professional fitting for a great road bike experience.
Aero Road Bikes: Speed vs. Real-World Gains
Bike manufacturers heavily promote aerodynamic features, especially on higher-end models. Best aero bikes are designed to minimize wind resistance, claiming wind tunnel testing and time savings.
While early aero bikes were often heavier, modern aero bikes can be as light as non-aero counterparts. However, remember that approximately 80% of wind resistance comes from the rider, not the bike. Aerodynamic gains are most significant at higher speeds (around 45kph/28mph). At lower speeds, the benefits diminish considerably.
Gears: How Many and What Ratios?
Gearing is another critical component. Top-end road bikes often feature 12-speed cassettes, providing 24 potential gears with a double chainring. More affordable bikes typically have 8-speed to 10-speed cassettes, also usually with double chainrings.
Shimano is the most common groupset brand, followed by SRAM and Campagnolo. Shimano’s top groupsets (Dura-Ace, Ultegra, 105) are 12-speed. Lower-priced bikes may use 10-speed Tiagra, 9-speed Sora, or 8-speed Claris.
Road bike groupsets offer various gear ranges and shifting technologies (mechanical or electronic).
Best road bikes
Alt text: Close up of a road bike cassette and derailleur, highlighting the gearing system and its importance for a great road bike.
Gear Options: Finding the Right Range for Your Riding
Consider your typical terrain when choosing gear ratios. Race bikes often have traditional gearing (e.g., 53/39 chainring with 11-30 cassette). Endurance and sportive bikes typically use compact chainsets (e.g., 50/34) and wider-range cassettes (e.g., 11-32 or 11-34), providing easier climbing gears.
Wider range cassettes and compact chainsets, while helpful for climbing, can result in larger gaps between gear ratios. SRAM eTap AXS groupsets offer alternative chainring sizes (e.g., 48/35, 46/33, 43/30) paired with 10-tooth start cassettes, providing similar high-end ratios but wider low-end range and reduced need for front derailleur shifts.
Gear choice should match your riding style and terrain.
Electronic vs. Mechanical Shifting: Is Electronic Worth It?
Electronic shifting has become increasingly prevalent on road bikes. Electronic systems like Shimano Di2, SRAM eTap AXS, and Campagnolo Wireless offer 12-speed options.
Mechanical groupsets are generally cheaper, lighter, and often easier to repair. Electronic groupsets offer precise, reliable shifting and can be personalized through apps. Electronic shifting can be particularly beneficial for riders with hand injuries or those seeking seamless gear changes. However, electronic groupsets are more expensive, and require battery charging.
Best road bikes
Alt text: Close up of electronic shifters on a road bike handlebar, showcasing the modern technology for a great road bike experience.
Rim vs. Disc Brakes: The Braking Debate
Disc brakes have largely become the standard on road bikes, except for the lowest-priced models and some high-end lightweight builds.
Disc brakes generally offer more consistent braking performance in all weather conditions, better modulation, and greater stopping power. Rim brakes are lighter but can be less effective in wet conditions. Disc brakes are heavier but frame weight reductions have mitigated this difference. Most disc brake bikes use hydraulic calipers, while cheaper models may have mechanical disc brakes. Disc brakes are increasingly common even on budget-conscious bikes.
Best road bikes
Alt text: Close up of hydraulic disc brakes on a road bike wheel, highlighting the modern braking technology for a great road bike.
Wheels: Carbon vs. Alloy Rims
Road bike wheels are typically 700c, with some smaller frames using 650b. Both carbon and alloy rims are available.
Best road bike wheelsets often use carbon fiber rims. Carbon rims are lighter, and can be made in aerodynamic shapes. Alloy rims are generally more affordable and common on complete bikes. Lightweight alloy options are available. Wheels are a common area for manufacturers to economize; upgrading wheels can significantly improve bike performance. Consider upgrading to carbon wheels for enhanced performance and keeping the original set for winter riding.
Best road bikes
Alt text: Close up of road bike wheels and tires, emphasizing the wheelset as a key component for a great road bike.
Tire Width: Comfort, Grip, and Rolling Resistance
Road bike tire widths have increased significantly. 23mm tires were once common, but 25mm and 28mm are now standard, and many bikes accommodate even wider tires (30mm-32mm+). Disc brakes have facilitated wider tire clearance.
Wider tires allow for lower tire pressure, increasing comfort and grip. Wider tires can be as fast or faster than narrower tires. Tubeless-ready wheels and tires are increasingly common, offering reduced puncture risk, improved grip, and enhanced ride comfort. Tubeless tires are generally faster and more comfortable.
Meet Our Expert Testers
Simon Smythe
Simon Smythe is a seasoned cycling tech writer with extensive experience at Cycling Weekly since 2003. A former Senior Tech Writer, Simon’s cycling background is primarily in time trialling, with national-level achievements. As a reviewer, he has tested countless road bikes, from high-end aero models to budget-friendly options, providing a wealth of expertise across the spectrum of road cycling.
Stefan Abram
Stefan Abram, a former National Single-Speed Cross-Country Mountain Biking Champion, transitioned to drop-bar cycling and quickly progressed in road racing. Earning his 2nd cat racing license in his first season, Stefan brings a competitive cyclist’s perspective to road bike testing, having also completed challenging endurance rides like the South Downs Double and Everesting.
Our Road Bike Testing Methodology
How We Test Great Road Bikes
The Cycling Weekly testing team comprises dedicated experts who rigorously review a wide array of cycling products. Our testers conduct objective, real-world reviews based on day-in, day-out use in diverse conditions.
With extensive experience, our testers are uniquely qualified to compare products, identify strengths and weaknesses, and provide honest, unbiased performance assessments.
Road bike testing involves logging hundreds of miles and evaluating numerous factors. We consider the bike’s intended purpose (aero race, lightweight climber, endurance) and also assess broader aspects such as build quality, component specifications, durability, and overall value for money. Our goal is to help you find your great road bike by providing comprehensive and reliable reviews.
