Choosing the right road bike can be difficult for newcomers. When deciding what to buy, the amount of information available can be overwhelming. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of the best beginner road bikes available, as well as a guide to selecting the best one for you.
5 Best Road Bikes for Beginners
Beginner road bikes are designed to provide the user with enough control while also providing an easy introduction to the hobby. It strikes a balance between usability and functionality. Here are some of the top options on the market.
Century Road Bike from Diamondback Bicycles
It is one of the most popular Diamondback bicycle models for beginning riders. Biking enthusiasts looking for a less expensive alternative to high-end racing bike models will find the Diamondback Century Road Bike appealing.
The frame is designed to relieve stress in the rider’s neck and back, allowing them to cycle for hours. It has very smooth handling over level terrain and was clearly designed with road biking in mind. This can be disorienting when entering rough terrain, as steering becomes difficult on rough roads.
Overall, the Diamondback Century Road Bike is a top model in its class. It shows beginners how intense the hobby can be without breaking the bank. Finally, it’s an excellent choice for those looking for entry-level bikes that don’t skimp on performance.
700c Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike
Many bike enthusiasts are aware that aluminium road bikes are relatively expensive. The Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike, on the other hand, does not. In comparison to other aluminium bikes in the same category, Vilano provides the same high performance at a significantly lower price. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to get into road biking.
Because of the material used in its construction, the Vilano R2 Commuter is very light. This may be perplexing to some, who believe that the Vilano R2 cannot be durable because it is not heavy enough to withstand the stresses of extended riding. This viewpoint shifts the moment you ride the bike for the first time. Its double-butted frame provides stability to the rider and a smooth ride to the owner.
However, the inner tubes on standard models tend to deflate faster than comparable bikes of the type. If you plan to use the Vilano R2 for short daily commutes, this will never be an issue. For longer trips, it’s best to replace the inner tubes as soon as possible. Some users report that the seat can be uncomfortable on long rides and that it should be replaced.
Overall, the Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike is an excellent value. It’s not the pinnacle of road biking, but those who give it a shot will more than get their money’s worth.
Bicycle Ridley Fenix Alloy 105 Mix Color FE701Am
Though most Ridley road bikes are built for racing, the Ridley Fenix Alloy was designed for those who enjoy long rides and want to be comfortable for a long time. This aluminum-framed road bike has steel and titanium reinforcements, giving it a lightweight and strong body. This results in a more comfortable ride while maintaining durability.
Its ergonomic design relieves stress on the rider, allowing them to ride for longer periods of time. It’s a high-performance bike designed for riders who adore riding.
However, this can also be a good option for beginners. The Ridley Fenix Alloy is intended for riders of all skill levels and combines an endurance bike and a racing bike in one package. In this regard, the Ridley Fenix is one of the best beginner road bikes on the market.
However, because it isn’t designed for racing, the brakes included in the model aren’t at the top of the range. Normal users will not have a problem with this, but those looking for a competitive edge in their bikes may want to upgrade. The bike also does not come with its own set of pedals. As a result, if you decide to go with the Ridley Fenix Alloy, you may want to pick up a set as well.
Carbon Road Bike SAVADECK
The SAVADECK Warwinds 3.0 Carbon Bike is a top performer in its class. It is from the high-end line and may be a little pricey for most beginners. However, if you’re looking for quality, you’ve come to the right place. Its carbon frame ensures not only a lightweight build, but also long-lasting durability.
Because the bike was designed for competition, the aerodynamic frame provides comfort while riding. The improved steering and braking system provides any rider with complete control of their bike on any terrain.
The lightweight design is also worth mentioning, as it allows the biker to ride for hours without tiring. Even beginners will be surprised at how easy it is to ride the SAVADECK Warwinds 3.0.
Those looking for the best beginner road bike may be put off by the SAVADECK’s price, but for a bike in this category, it’s a good buy. In terms of performance, quality, and dependability, the SAVADECK Warwinds 3.0 can compete with, and even outperform, bikes costing twice as much.
Road Bicycles Schwinn Phocus 1400 and 1600 Drop Bar
The Schwinn Phocus is a classic in the road biking market and an excellent choice for those who want to get serious about biking. Those looking for the best beginner road bikes may have found a perfect match with a competitive entry-level price.
With an aluminium frame and a carbon fibre fork, this offers excellent durability for the price. Many people who buy a Schwinn Phocus 1400 or 1600 consider it a good entry-level bike as well as a good frameset base for future upgrades.
Having said that, the Schwinn Phocus, while not heavy, may not be as light as other bikes in its class. Beginners should have no trouble with this, but enthusiasts and competitive bikers may find it unsatisfactory. Furthermore, if the seat is adjustable, the frames are only available in one size. Riding it may be uncomfortable for people with smaller or larger builds than recommended.
Buyer’s Manual
Choosing the best beginner road bike is difficult if you don’t know what to look for. Fortunately, we’ve included some specifications that you can look over when buying a bike to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.
Frame
Choosing the right frame for your bike can be difficult. Modern bicycles are made of a variety of materials, each with its own set of advantages. Carbon steel, chrome, aluminium, titanium, and carbon fibre are just a few examples.
Weight is one of the first factors to consider when selecting a bike frame. Aluminum and carbon frames provide durability while remaining lightweight. Steel and titanium exchange strength for weight. When selecting a suitable bike frame, the balance of endurance and weight is important.
There’s also the issue of the frame design’s angles. Some bikes are designed for casual riding, while others are designed for more competitive riders. The angles of a bike’s frame reveal which riding style it is best suited to. If you’ve already decided how you want to approach biking, whether casually or as the start of a more serious endeavour, your bike’s frame should reflect that.
Wheels
Along with modern bike design, the bike wheel has evolved to accommodate a wide range of riding styles, including racing, off-road biking, and casual riding. Before deciding on the type of wheel you want to buy, consider the type of riding you want to do.
Mountain bike wheels, for example, were designed to withstand the rigours of rough terrain, whereas road bike wheels were designed to travel more comfortably on smooth roads. Some are built to be comfortable for long rides, while others are built to withstand rough handling.
You can also choose between tubed and tubeless wheels. Tube wheels, as the name implies, have inner tubes, whereas tubeless wheels do not. Tubeless wheels allow the rider to run their wheels at a lower pressure, resulting in a much smoother ride.
Bike Dimensions and Fit
Bikes are available in a variety of sizes, with the most common being small, medium, and large, as well as numerical measurements. Knowing the right size and fit for a bike is critical because it directly correlates to the comfort you experience while riding it.
A poorly fitted bike will cause excruciating pain to anyone who rides it for any length of time. Fortunately, a good bike design allows users to customise their bike’s settings to accommodate different riders. Bike seats can be lowered or raised as needed, and handlebars can be modified to provide better control.
Measuring a bike’s stand over height is one of the best ways to ensure a great fit. You should be able to straddle the frame with your feet flat on the ground. If your feet do not touch the ground while straddling your bike, it is too large and could cause problems while riding. The stand over height of the bike is measured from the top frame to the ground.
Handlebars
The type of handlebars you use can also have a significant impact on your riding style. The modern handlebar has undergone extensive design, and some are made to accommodate various riding styles. It’s best to know what handlebar you’re going to get before purchasing the best beginner road bike of your dreams.
Flat bars are typically used for cross-country riding. They’re versatile, and they usually come with a road bike. Risers bars, which have grips in the middle, are ideal for trail biking because they provide more control over uneven terrain.
Bullhorn bars, as the name implies, curve forward and are ideal for adding speed to your bike riding. Drop bars provide greater control and more speed for riders who want to ride with a competitive edge.
Groupings of Items
Bike group sets are the components that have a significant impact on the bike’s ability to perform. This category includes the shifters, gears, and brakes. Standard bikes typically come with nonbrand, generic group sets, and many enthusiasts enjoy replacing the standard with high-end combinations.
New riders looking for the best beginner road bike may be overwhelmed by the number of group sets available. There are dozens upon dozens of combinations to choose from, each with their own set of advantages. Unless you want to go all out, most standard group sets provided by manufacturers should suffice. After some time on the open road, you may want to upgrade to a different gear or brake to better suit your needs.
The Ideal Bicycle
Finding the best beginner road bike isn’t difficult if you know what specs to look for. Many road bikes are designed to perform differently depending on what the rider wants from their bike. Knowing how you want to approach riding is an important step toward finding the best bike for you.
