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Runner’s World; Courtesy Schwinn
If you’re looking to move from an exercise bike to the outdoors, you may be considering a road bike. These bikes are designed for use on paved roads, unlike the off-road capabilities of, say, a mountain bike. In terms of design, they’re pretty basic—most notably they lack the suspension of a mountain bike—but their lightweight frames and advanced features like electronic drivetrains separate them from bulkier, heavier, multi-purpose options. Whether you just want to travel fast and far on your own, or are interested in tackling speed or triathlon races, a road bike is essential.
First, think about what type of road bike would work best for you. Although most road bikes share similar characteristics–they’re lightweight, have narrow tires, and typically use drop handlebars—they can be roughly grouped into three categories: racing, endurance, and hybrid.
Racing bikes are designed for speed. These will usually feature extra skinny tires to reduce road resistance, and have the lightest overall weight of road bikes. Their frame is also shaped to be as aerodynamic as possible, ensuring that you’re not battling against any unnecessary drag. Endurance bikes are similar, but since they’re intended to be ridden very long distances, they pay a little more attention to overall comfort. Their saddles tend to be more comfortable than racing bikes, and their frame design allows you to sit upright a bit more. Wider tires and extra cushioning also mean you won’t be feeling every tiny bump in the road, either.
A hybrid bike could be the solution for someone who wants something more functional. These use a flat handlebar—like a mountain bike—instead of the low bars found on typical road bikes. This allows riders to sit a bit more upright, and have more control, which could be beneficial for those who want to use their bike for commuting as opposed to strict training. The tires are usually a little beefier too, which makes them better for any potential off-roading, but they’re not typically as fast as the slim tires of dedicated road bikes.
How We Selected
To confidently choose the options for this list, we researched both road bikes in general, as well as leaning on road bike testing conducted by editors at Bicycling to get a confident grasp on the best road bikes out there. We also made sure to include a good mix of different types of road bikes, as well as models at a wide range of prices. Since road bikes can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to well over $10,000, we made a concerted effort to include options at every price level. This way, even if you’re just starting out and don’t need a high-end option, you can still find a quality road bike that fits your budget.
If you’re eager to get in a great cycling workout at home, check out our picks for the best exercise bikes.
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1
Best Overall
Paris 105 Road Bike
Pinarello
Key Specs
Weight: 19.2 pounds
Frame Material: Carbon fiber
Speeds: 11
Type: Endurance
A light, 19.2-pound weight and high-performance design makes this Pinarello bike our best choice overall. The flatback tube shape increases overall aerodynamic performance, and combined with an asymmetrical frame, makes this a great choice for endurance riding. The Onda fork is made of lightweight carbon fiber, and its shape is specifically designed for precision control and stability during turns. The 5-year manufacturer’s warranty is a nice perk as well.
2
Best Budget Option
Diverse 3.0 Performance Hybrid Road Bike
Vilano
Key Specs
Weight: 26.5 pounds
Frame Material: Aluminum
Speeds: 24
Type: Hybrid
It might not be as light as the carbon fiber options on our list, but the low price of this Vilano hybrid model makes it a good choice for riders on a tight budget. Its hybrid design makes it ideal for those looking for something a little more versatile than a traditional road bike, and the flat handlebars could be preferred for those who want a bit more control and comfort during their commute.
This bike comes direct from the factory and will require some assembly, but if you have some basic tools and a few hours to spare, you should be just fine.
3
Best for Beginners
Fastback Tourney AL Performance Road Bike
Schwinn
Key Specs
Weight: 24.98 pounds
Frame Material: Aluminum
Speeds: 14
Type: Racing
The relatively low cost and comfortable design of this Schwinn bike make it a great option for beginners looking to get into biking. Although the aluminum frame is a bit heavier than more expensive carbon fiber models, it shouldn’t be a dealbreaker unless you’re using it for serious long-distance racing.
The STI shift and brake levers allow you to seamlessly shift gears, and the Schwinn sport saddle should provide a comfortable seat while you ride. Schwinn also includes a limited lifetime warranty for as long as you own the bike.
4
Best Splurge
Oltre XR4 Disc Force AXS Exclusive Road Bike
Bianchi
Key Specs
Weight: 17.8 pounds
Frame Material: Carbon
Speeds: 12
Type: Racing
If money is no object, and your priority is enjoying an extremely smooth ride on a bike made with only the finest quality components, this high-end Bianchi model should tick all the necessary boxes. Every piece of this bike is manufactured with speed and airflow in mind, making it a great choice for a dedicated racer looking to maximize their riding efficiency.
The electronic shifting system allows you to effortlessly adjust your speed, and thanks to the internal cable management system, you won’t have any loose cables or wires cluttering up your bike and creating unnecessary drag.
5
Best Lightweight Option
Phantom 2.0 Carbon Fiber Road Bike
SAVADECK
Key Specs
Weight: 17.2 pounds
Frame Material: Carbon fiber
Speeds: 22
Type: Racing
If speed is a priority and you want to cut down on weight wherever possible, this 17.1-pound Savadeck model could be the perfect fit. The carbon fiber frame, fork, seat post, wheel set, and handlebar help maintain this light weight, and the aerodynamic contours make it even easier to hit high speeds quickly.
Assembling this bike is convenient as well: Simply attach the front wheel, saddle, and pedals, and you’re set to go. You can choose from either the red decals shown here, or an all-gray option.
6
Best Budget Carbon Fiber Option
Windwar5.0 Carbon Road Bike
SAVADECK
Key Specs
Weight: 21.1 pounds
Frame Material: Carbon
Speeds: 22
Type: Racing
This Savadeck bike features a carbon fiber frame, fork, and seat tube–impressive considering its relatively low price. It also features German-made non-slip and wear-resistant Continental tires, making it suitable for frequent use. We’re also fans of the internal cable routing, which both makes the bike more aerodynamic and also protects the wires and cables from being potentially damaged by the elements. Not only is assembly fairly straightforward—it comes 90 percent assembled, anyway—it also includes all the tools necessary to do it yourself. A helpful video will walk you through the entire process as well. It’s available in 5 bright colors, too, making it easy to alert drivers and other riders of your presence on the road.
7
Best Budget Endurance Option
Forcella Endurance Aluminum Road Bike
Tommaso
Key Specs
Weight: 22.7 pounds
Frame Material: Aluminum and carbon fiber
Speeds: 24
Type: Endurance
If you’re looking for a high-quality bike that’s designed for endurance riding, this low-cost Tommaso model could be a great fit. The compact frame and ergonomic handlebars are designed for maximum comfort during those long rides, and with a choice of six sizes, you’ll be able to find the perfect height for your body type. Plus, thanks to the numerous drilled holes in the frame, you can customize this bike with your choice of racks, fenders, and other accessories. Both the aluminum frame and carbon fork are also covered by a lifetime warranty, adding to the overall value even more.
8
Best Hybrid Option
CTY 1.1 Step-Through Bike
Co-Op Cycles
Key Specs
Weight: 26.8 pounds
Frame Material: Aluminum
Speeds: 24
Type: Hybrid
This cost-friendly hybrid model is a great example of why Co-Op Cycles has become so popular with riders. Its flat handlebars will appeal to those more comfortable with mountain-bike style controls, and the puncture-resistant tires should come in handy if you decide to test its “urban cycling” limits.
Its “Spa Blue” color gives it more of a casual look, too, and is a pleasant alternative to the black or bright, bold colors road bikes are typically painted in. At 26.8 pounds, this is the heaviest of all the bikes on our list, so keep that in mind if minimal weight is a priority.
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