trek road bikes for beginners

All you need to know

• What is a road bike?
• How to choose a road bike
• Road riding resources
• Road riding gear

What is a road bike? Road bikes are made for speed and efficiency whether you’re riding on smooth paved roads, chunky gravel backroads, or somewhere in between. However, there are a few key features – like drop bars, lightweight designs, and skinny(ish) tires – that set road bikes apart from their trail tackling cousins.

Drop bars provide a downward-swoop design for riding on the hoods, tops, and drops. They’re great for longer or faster rides because you can easily change your body’s positioning for more comfort, power, or aerodynamics.

Skinny (ish) tires

Traditional road tires are designed to roll fast and corner hard on paved roads. They typically come in sizes up to 28mm and are paired with bikes that have a more race-focused geometry. Road bikes with relaxed and endurance-focused geometry come with larger sized tires and can accommodate up to 45mm of tire clearance for increased comfort, traction, and control on tarmac, gravel, and dirt.

What kind of road bikes are there? Road bikes typically fall into four categories: Performance Road, Electric Road, Gravel, and Triathlon — each is designed to help you reach your goals in different ways. When choosing a road bike, you’ll want to consider where you’ll be riding, how hilly the terrain will be, and if you want a small boost from an electric assist.

Performance

Performance road bikes are made for efficiency and speed whether you're chasing KOMS or racing in the world's toughest races.

Madone Aero road

Madone is an aerodynamic road bike designed to slice through the wind. It’s our fastest road race bike ever. –Kammtail aero shapes from front to back for more free speed –Fast/aggressive race geometry –The top bike of choice for riders and racers who prioritize speed

Domane Endurance road

Domane is an “all-road” endurance bike that’s all about comfort on long rides with the features you need for mixed surface riding. –IsoSpeed road-smoothing tech enables you to ride faster and longer on anything from smooth pavement to cobblestones to light gravel –Comfortable endurance geometry –Great for new road riders and seasoned pros alike

Émonda Ultra-light road

Émonda is an ultra-light road bike designed for maximizing performance on hilly race courses and climbing the tallest mountains. It’s our lightest road race bike ever. –Ultra-lightweight design –Fast/aggressive race geometry –Excellent for dancing up inclines on race day and leading the pack on group rides

Electric road bikes provide a natural-feeling assist that lets you ride farther and faster than you ever thought possible.

Domane+ is an electric road bike designed to help flatten hills and take the tailwind with you on long the way. –Perfect for paved or light gravel roads –Models range from 38mm all-road to 40mm gravel tire clearance –Comfortable endurance geometry

Gravel bikes are true “jack-of-all-trades” bikes that can be ridden on all kinds of surfaces — from gravel to pavement and even light singletrack. They're designed with clearance to accommodate larger, more stable tires and are made for adventure with their ability to carry a whole range of accessories like bags, racks, and fenders. And if you're wondering, "can road bikes go on gravel?" be sure to check out the Domane.

Checkpoint Gravel

Checkpoint is a gravel bike designed for the pursuit of adventure on unpaved roads, exploring with friends, bikepacking, and gravel racing. –Up to 45mm gravel tire clearance –Plenty of mounts for storage and bikepacking bags –Progressive geometry that’s made for light gravel, heavy gravel, and everything in between

Domane Endurance all-road

Domane is an “all-road” endurance bike that’s ready to roll on anything from smooth pavement to rough country roads and light gravel. –Perfect for paved or light gravel roads –Up to 38mm all-road tire clearance –Comfortable endurance geometry for all day rides

Triathlon bikes are designed for setting PRs, racing against the clock, and efficiency during the toughest multi-sport events. They’re packed with loads of tri-specific features like optimized aerodynamics for long distances and storage for fuel on race day.

Speed Concept

Speed Concept is a triathlon bike that’s all about setting you up for your fastest bike split on the triathlon course. –Designed to make you faster than ever during your next Ironman or local triathlon –Fast triathlon geometry with a fully customizable rider-specific fit –Seamlessly integrated hydration and fueling systems

Carbon or aluminum? The construction and material of your bike can make a big difference in how it will feel when you ride it. Trek offers both carbon and 
aluminum options for most of our road bikes. And depending on how you like to ride, one may be better for you than the other.

Trek OCLV Carbon

Carbon fiber is a composite material that can be made into intricate, complex shapes and gives bike designers flexibility when crafting super-light bikes. Carbon fiber bikes are generally lighter and allow for heightened aerodynamics and ride quality. They also tend to take a lot more precision craftsmanship to manufacture and can be more expensive than their aluminum counterparts.

• Shop carbon road bikes

Trek Alpha Aluminum

Trek’s aluminum road bikes are packed with performance technology and share many of the same characteristics as other frame materials. Trek’s Alpha Aluminum uses Invisible Weld Technology for high-quality looks, are super durable, affordable, and a high-value option for the rider who wants a responsive and affordable ride.

• Shop aluminum road bikes

Choosing the level of carbon or aluminum What do the letters after the bike name mean?

The lightest and most premium carbon frames we offer for our models. 700 and 800 Series OCLV Carbon SLR frames feature top-tier tech and are the choice of top-level racers.

Our lightweight 500 Series OCLV Carbon. These road frames are a bit heavier than their SLR siblings, but still pack fantastic performance features into an affordable package.

Our highest-performing 300 Series Alpha Aluminum frames. They’re lightweight, feature elevated details like hydroforming and smooth welds, and don’t break the bank.

Our entry-level 100 Series Alpha Aluminum frames are made at the intersection of performance and value. They have smart features and great looks, and place high value front and center.

Choosing your drivetrain Every Trek road bike comes with a carefully selected combination of parts (the crank, gears, chain, and derailleur) that are more widely known as a drivetrain. Just like bike frames, drivetrains come in a variety of levels. Each road bike’s name includes a number that indicates the level of drivetrain that comes with the bike — 9 being the highest performance level and 2 being our highest value option. Another choice you may have within each drivetrain level is deciding between SRAM and Shimano. Each company makes incredible components for our bikes which have their own benefits to better suit how you like to ride.

SHIMANO DURA-ACE Di2

The pinnacle of Shimano’s road technology and innovation, the DURA-ACE 12-speed electronic drivetrain is Shimano’s fastest ever. Every component was refined, designed, and fine-tuned to make you faster – whether you’re sprinting to the finish on the Champs-Elysees or crushing your local climb for the KOM.

SRAM Red AXS

With RED AXS, you’re always in the right gear. SRAM’s lightest wireless drivetrain offers more range, a smoother gear progression, and simple shift logic. AXS technology allows you to easily personalize your components right from your phone. It’s true innovation, for true advancement, for the truest performance-minded riders.

SRAM Force AXS

The most precise Force AXS. Choose from integrated power options, go further with intelligent gear ranges, and personalize it with the power of AXS. Enjoy redesigned shifter paddles, a sleeker hood shape, and the consistent feel of hydraulic stopping power.

SHIMANO ULTEGRA Di2

The ULTEGRA drivetrain is packed with innovative game-changing features like Shimano’s exclusive wireless integrated circuit, an ULTEGRA power meter, increased ergonomics, and aerodynamic advantages that are combined into a 12-speed package to ensure you’ll have the gearing you need for wherever the road takes you.

Shimano GRX Di2

Shimano GRX Di2 pairs lightning fast electronic shifting power with rugged off-road capability for an adventure-focused drivetrain that excels when the road gets rough

SHIMANO 105 Di2

With a shared Di2 electronic shifting platform inherited from DURA-ACE and ULTEGRA, sophisticated ergonomics, SHIMANO 105-optimized gear combinations, and an exceptional brake system, SHIMANO 105 Di2 brings affordability to electronic performance.

SRAM Rival AXS

Rival AXS features the technology modern riders demand—wireless shifting, innovative gearing, integrated power measurement, and AXS connectivity. With exceptional ergonomics, braking and superb chain management, this group can take you anywhere.

SHIMANO GRX

SHIMANO GRX is designed from the ground up for gravel adventure with its gravel-specific ergonomics, optimized gearing options, rugged reliability, and quiet and stable mechanical drivetrain.

SHIMANO 105

The mechanical SHIMANO 105 drivetrain empowers more riders than ever before to embrace the sport of road cycling. It’s a supportive, high-value drivetrain that provides an accessible option to enable, motivate, and inspire riders of all backgrounds.

Shimano Tiagra

TIAGRA is a 10-speed drivetrain that pairs serious entry-level riding performance with technology from top-tier lines for more intuitive shifting.

Shimano Sora

SORA is Shimano’s most attractive and robust 9-speed drivetrain. It’s great for fitness and recreational cyclists because of its stylish and clean design.

Shimano Claris

CLARIS covers a wide range of uses and comes on fitness bikes, touring bikes, and road bikes. This durable and low-maintenance 8-speed drivetrain gives you the optimal range of gears for comfortable riding.

Quick tip: the drivetrain level of each bike is indicated with a number after the carbon or aluminum marking.

Should I go with electronic or mechanical shifting?

Electronic shifting

Electronic shifting provides a lightning fast and high-performance experience. It’s precise, durable, and can shift quick even while under load. However, with all this speed there is a small drawback — you’ll need to charge the battery every once and awhile.

Mechanical shifting

Mechanical drivetrains are the tried-and-true tech that’s been around for years. Each drivetrain offers high-value reliability, ease of use, and the peace of mind that comes with not needing a charger.

Can I fit bigger tires on my road or gravel bike? The tires that come stock with your Trek road or gravel bike are guaranteed to fit and designed to provide great performance. But you may find you’re looking for even more comfort, traction, and confidence for more off-the-beaten-path adventures. Wider road or gravel tires, which can be run at lower pressure, can provide this.

But not just any tire will fit! Each of our road and gravel bikes comes with a maximum tire size recommendation, which you can find in the details about each bike model. In the bike model details, you may see a maximum “as measured” tire size recommendation. "As measured" means the measured tire width while the tire is on the rim and inflated to the recommended pressure. We recommend at least 4mm of clearance between the tire and frame for road models and 6mm of clearance for gravel models. This clearance is what determines our maximum recommended tire size. A - measure width of the tire B - measure top clearance C - measure side clearance

Madone Gen 7, for example, can fit up to 32mm tires as measured. That means the maximum recommended width of the tire (measurement A) is 32mm, which should provide the recommended 4mm of clearance between the tire and frame (measurement B and C).

• Shop road tires
• Shop gravel tires

Road bike gear – the essentials Once you’ve found your perfect road bike, it’s time to add in the vital gear that every rider needs. Front and rear bike lights and a helmet are extremely important to help protect your head and keep yourself seen at any time of the day, and a bottle cage with a few water bottles are a must to make sure you’re hydrated wherever you roam. Other essentials like a flat kit and spare tube ensure you have a backup plan if you get a flat, and tools like a floor pump and chain lube help prolong the life of your components and keep tires inflated before every ride.

• Shop all road gear

Road bike apparel Road bike apparel is specifically designed to help you have your best rides. Bike shorts and bib shorts with features like a built in chamois provide comfort where your body meets the saddle. Sweat-wicking materials and pockets on jersey tops help keep you cool and offer a quick-access spot to store snacks or other ride essentials like your phone and credit card. Sunglasses are also a great addition to any bike kit as they help you see the road ahead and help protect your eyes from the wind and sun.

• Shop all road apparel

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The 8 Best Road Bikes for Beginners in 2024 (Rated) + Tips for Beginner Roadies

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This is my selection of the best road bikes for beginners . It includes road bikes from $700 to $1500 for men and women.

I’ve been road cycling for over five years and regularly monitor the cycling industry. So you learn a thing or two about road bikes and how to choose your first one. I also evaluated the bikes based on my road bike scoring system .

I wouldn’t be ashamed to ride any road bike listed in this article. I read reviews and did in-depth market research on what is currently available.

KEY TAKEAWAY

Depending on your budget and preferences, I recommend buying your first road bike from a less-known brand so you get the most out of your money. Alternatively, you might consider buying a second-hand bike to see if you enjoy road cycling at all.

If I were a beginner, I would seriously consider Polygon Strattos S3 as the best budget option. It’s more affordable than most competitors while offering the same or even better value. However, the best overall but also the most expensive is the Canyon Endurance AL Disc 6. Continue reading for more info.

What Are the Best Road Bikes for Beginners?

Best Budget

Best Overall

Best for Women

Skip to the comparison table…

The best beginner road bikes are affordable (around $1000). They mostly come with rim brakes, but a few models have disc brakes. Entry-level road bikes usually have low-end groupsets like Shimano Claris, Sora, or Tiagra and more relaxed (endurance) geometry.

The following roundup includes bikes from the top road bike brands as well as from those less known.

Read the How to Choose a Road Bike section first to learn more about your first road bike.

Polygon Strattos S3 (Best Budget Beginner Road Bike)

Weight   2/5 | Comfort 3/5 | Aerodynamics 3/5 | Components   4/5 | Build Quality 3/5 | Design 3/5 | Brand Recognition 3/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.0/5

Main Features

• Carbon fork
• Rear rack compatible
• Easy to assembly thanks to the ready-to-ride option

Technical Specifications

• Frame material: Aluminum
• Weight: 21.6 lb (9.8 kg) [size 51]
• Gearing: Shimano Sora 2x9spd (11×28 cassette)
• Brake Type: Rim brakes
• Tires: Kenda K-152 700 x 25C

Polygon Strattos S3 doesn’t try to be a bike that it’s not. Instead, it’s a simple rim brake road bike for a good price.

Surprisingly, it has a carbon fork to absorb vibrations better than steel or aluminum forks.

Thanks to the included mounts, you can equip it with panniers, racks, and additional accessories, making it a bike touring machine.

The 2023 model of Strattos S3 differs from the S2 model in the frame color and components, but they are comparable. The S3 is more expensive but lighter and more advanced. As the only bike (except for Canyon Endurance AL Disc 6), it has Shimano Sora, not Claris.

It’s a shame that the 2023 model replaced 28mm tires with 25mm ones. This is a step backward. Replace them with 28mm for better comfort.

I recommend checking out other models from the Strattos line if you are willing to expand your budget. It ranges from (S2 to S8). The higher-end models have better components and are lighter.

Canyon Endurance AL Disc 6 (Best Road Bike for Beginners Overall)

Weight   2/5 | Comfort   5/5 | Aerodynamics   4/5 | Components   5/5 | Build Quality   5/5 | Design   5/5 | Brand Recognition   5/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 4.2/5

• Good price-value ratio
• Comfortable (thanks to upright geometry and 32mm tires)
• Partially integrated cable routing
• Weight: 20.8 lb (9.44 kg) [M]
• Gearing: Shimano Tiagra 2x10spd (11-34 cassette)
• Brake Type : Hydraulic disc brakes
• Tires: Schwalbe One 32 mm

Canyon Endurance line belongs to the best road bikes in terms of price-value ratio. I had Canyon AL 6 from 2016 for several years. It was a perfect entry-level road bike.

This is mainly thanks to the direct sales business model, which allows Canyon to offer good bikes at an affordable price. However, their price-value ratio has worsened over the past few years.

The AL 6 for 2023 is heavier by about 1 lb (0.45 kg) than the previous generation and more expensive. But still lighter than some of the bikes in this roundup.

I also noticed that the aesthetics of welds greatly improved – their aluminum frames look like carbon ones.

AL 6 has Shimano Tiagra R4720 hydraulic disc brakes for effective stopping power in all conditions.

AL 6 is reasonably stiff and responsive but mainly comfortable thanks to its endurance geometry and 32mm tires. Those can even handle light gravel.

Canyon AL 6 is also slightly more expensive than the other road bikes in this article.

Don’t forget to wear a helmet on your bike. Feel free to check the selection of the best budget road bike helmets .

Liv Avail AR 4 (Best Road Bike for Beginner Women)

Weight   1/5 | Comfort   5/5 | Aerodynamics 3/5 | Components   4/5 | Build Quality 3/5 | Design   4/5 | Brand Recognition   4/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.3/5

• Disc brakes
• Partial internal cable routing
• Frame material : Aluminum
• Weight: ~23.59 lb (10.7 kg)
• Groupset : Shimano Claris 2x8spd (11-34)
• Wheel type : Clincher
• Tires: Giant S-R3 AC, 700x32c, puncture protect

Liv Avail AR 4 is a hidden gem. It offers an excellent price-value ratio that makes it one of the best road bikes for women in this price range.

Its endurance geometry was designed specifically for women. It is perfect for beginners or women with limited flexibility because it allows them to sit in a more comfortable, upright position.

Avail AR 4 has mechanical disc brakes that will stop you in wet conditions or long descents within a blink of an eye. Well, not as fast, of course, but you know what I mean – they are effective.

The carbon fork provides stiffness yet a good amount of comfort because it will absorb road vibrations.

Probably the only downside is the Shimano Claris groupset that offers 2x8spd. It would be great if AR 4 came with Shimano Sora or Tiagra. But these groupsets are rare in this price range. So if you want a better groupset with a wider gear selection and lower weight, you have to pay more for Liv Avail AR 3 .

For under $1000, Liv Avail AR 4 is a good bargain. Do you agree?

Trek Domane AL 2

Domane AL 2 scoring: Weight   2/5 | Comfort   4/5 | Aerodynamics 3/5 | Components 3/5 | Build Quality 3/5 | Design 3/5 | Brand Recognition   5/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.1/5

Domane AL 2 Disc scoring: Weight   1/5 | Comfort   4/5 | Aerodynamics 4/5 | Components   4/5 | Build Quality   4/5 | Design   4/5 | Brand Recognition   5/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.5/5

• Available in 2 colors
• Available with rim or disc brakes
• DuoTrap S sensor compatible
• Rear rack & fender compatible
• Weight: 21.09 lb (9.57 kg) [M]
• Gearing: Shimano Claris R2000 2x8spd (11-32 cassette)
• Brake Type : Rim brakes
• Tires: Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite, wire bead, 60 TPI, 700x28c

Domane AL 2 and AL 2 Disc are based on the Trek Domane family – a series of endurance road bikes. They are ideal for beginners because their geometry is focused on comfort, which allows a more relaxed upright riding position.

Their carbon fork is nice to have because it absorbs some vibrations that are not transferred to your hands, wrists, and shoulders. This means that the ride is more comfortable.

With the Domane AL 2, you can take trips, train, or even race. Of course, the bike has limits, but its owners appreciate this versatility. The 28mm puncture-resistant tires can also manage light gravel sections that can surprise you during a trip.

The components on this bike are made primarily by Shimano and Bontrager, so the price-value ratio is excellent. Unfortunately, the gear range is 2x8spd, which is limiting for some riders.

On the other hand, Domane AL 2 is compatible with the DuoTrap S speed sensor (not included), transmitting your speed, cadence, average speed, distance traveled, and other useful data to your smartphone or head unit .

If you decide to do some backpacking, you can because the frame is compatible with a rear rack and fenders that are very useful for bikepacking and touring.

By the way, Trek Domane AL 2 is also available with mechanical disc brakes. The Trek Domane AL 2 Disc offers a similar specification but is slightly heavier (23.68 lb / 10.74 kg).

Are you interested in gravel bikes? Then, check the selections of the best gravel bikes from various price ranges.

Cannondale CAAD Optimo 4

Weight   2/5 | Comfort 3/5 | Aerodynamics 3/5 | Components 3/5 | Build Quality 4/5 | Design 3/5 | Brand Recognition   5/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.0/5

• Performance-oriented geometry
• Clean and modern design
• Weight: 21.6 lb (9.8 kg) [M]
• Gearing: Shimano Claris 2x8spd (11-30 cassette)
• Tires: Vittoria Zaffiro, 700x25c

If you want an affordable road bike capable of winning races, CAAD Optimo 4 should grab your attention.

Its geometry is similar to the geometries of performance bikes. It is slightly more aggressive, pushing the rider into a more aerodynamic, faster position.

CAAD Optimo 4 offers an excellent price-value ratio – it features a carbon fork that absorbs vibrations and makes your ride more comfortable. And the Shimano Claris groupset combined with FSA Tempo cranks will ensure fast and precise gear changes.

Yes, the gear range is limited to 2×8 speeds, but you should be ok if you don’t need to climb gradients steeper than 10%.

The discreet logo makes the bike look clean and minimalistic, almost matching the frame color. So how do you like it?

You may also be interested in clipless pedals. Check this selection of the best road bike pedals for your new road bike.

Specialized Allez

Weight   2/5 | Comfort 3/5 | Aerodynamics 3/5 | Components 3/5 | Build Quality 4/5 | Design 4/5 | Brand Recognition   5/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.1/5

• Available in 3 colors
• Compatible with rear rack and fenders
• Weight: 20.61 lb (9.35 kg)
• Gearing: Shimano Claris 2x8spd (11-32 cassette)
• Brakes: Rim brakes
• Tires: Axis Sport 26mm

Specialized Allez is the most affordable road bike from Specialized. It is ideal for beginners or people who want to commute to and from their work.

Thanks to its compatibility with rear racks and fenders, you can also use it for long-distance trips. You will be able to equip it with panniers to store everything you may need.

Its geometry is relaxed and, therefore, comfortable for less flexible riders. It’s also one of the few road bikes with rim brakes.

The carbon fork makes the ride smoother by absorbing vibrations otherwise transferred to your hands and wrists.

The only main problem may be the limited gear choice (2x8spd), so Allez is unsuitable for too hilly areas or steep climbs.

Feel free to choose from multiple colors and sizes.

Giant Contend 3

Weight n/a | Comfort 4/5 | Aerodynamics 3/5 | Components 3/5 | Build Quality 3/5 | Design 3/5 | Brand Recognition   5/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 2.7/5

• Tire clearance for up to 32 mm tires
• Weight: n/a
• Gearing: Shimano Claris 2x8spd (11×34 cassette)
• Tires: Giant S-R3 AC, 700x28c, puncture protect

The Giant is known for its affordable but high-quality bikes. Contend 3 is the ideal road bike for beginners. It is comfortable thanks to more upright geometry and versatile at the same time.

You can use it for indoor training, bike trips, or maintaining your fitness level outside. In addition, the tire clearance allows you to equip it with up to 32 mm wide tires, which are good for rough tarmac or roads with potholes.

Based on the reviews, the bike rides smoothly and is relatively stiff. So you will feel a good acceleration every time you push into the pedals. This makes it perfect for more performance-oriented riders just starting with road cycling.

The main downside of this bike is the limiting 2x8spd gearing; if you visit steep mountains, you may have trouble finding the right gear for your preferred cadence.

What I like about Contend 3 is its clean design, thanks to partial internal cable routing.

And I also have good news for fans of disc brakes. Giant Contend 3 is available with disc brakes and a slightly different configuration (Giant Contend 3 AR). Just remember, it is more expensive than Contend 3.

Upgrade the stock wheels to make the bike faster. Browse the best budget road bike wheels on the market.

Tommaso Imola

Weight 1/5 | Comfort 3/5 | Aerodynamics 2/5 | Components 3/5 | Build Quality 2/5 | Design 2/5 | Brand Recognition 2/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 2.2/5

• Weight: 23.8 lb (10.8 kg) [S]
• Gearing: Shimano Claris 3x8spd (11×28 cassette)
• Tires: Kenda K152 700x25c

Considering its low price, Tommaso Imola is a good entry-level road bike with good components. Based on the owner’s reviews, it is a responsive, smooth bike that climbs well.

It is equipped with 25mm comfortable tires ( learn more ). Its fork is made of steel, which means it is durable but does not absorb vibration like carbon forks.

The geometry of Imola is perfect for beginners because it allows a more upright position. This comes in handy for long-distance rides. And this is a great bike for long distances.

It is compatible with a rear rack, so you can use panniers to increase your storage capacity for long trips and bike touring.

The biggest downside of this bike is the 3x groupset. Yes, it offers a wider gear selection, but it takes some time to get used to it and needs some practice to avoid cross-chaining.

On the other hand, the Shimano groupset works smoothly and is precise. So, make sure you take advantage of all gears.

Feel free to choose from 3 colors (black, white, and orange) and order the ready-to-ride build that you can assemble in 10 minutes.

Did you not choose any bike from this selection? Check the Best Gravel Bikes Under $1500 .

Polygon Strattos S3 is the best budget road bike for beginners. Considering its price, it offers better components than competitors. While it didn’t score the highest scores in individual categories, it provides excellent value for money.

For comparison, Canyon Endurance AL Disc 6 is better in every aspect but is much more expensive. It’s a great choice for those who know they will enjoy road cycling.

How Much Should You Spend on a Beginner Road Bike?

The short answer is: Spend around $1000 on a new road bike.

Isn’t it too much? Well, let me explain it more in detail in the long answer:

When I bought my first road bike, I started with market research. I found out that branded quality bikes start at around $800. It was a lot of money for me, so I needed more reasons to justify this price tag. So, I read a few bike forums and talked with people who sell bikes.

Cheap road bikes priced under $500 are fitted with cheap, heavy components and wear out more quickly. And, to be honest, I would be afraid of riding on a very cheap bike in descents and races.

I didn’t want to buy a bike that would ruin my road cycling experience because of its poor quality.

Ultimately, I bought a Canyon Endurance AL 6.0 2016 for about $1300. I own it to this day, and I can say that I am delighted with it. It offered an excellent price-value ratio (thanks to Canyon’s direct sales business model).

Of course, you don’t have to buy a bike for the same price. It also depends on what riding style you prefer.

If you want a road bike for casual trips through the countryside, $500 may be good enough. But remember, it has limits, and I don’t recommend pushing them too far. It may not end well.

Therefore, I recommend buying a beginner road bike for around $1000. A road bike for $300 will take you from point A to point B, but would you trust this bike in descents where you reach speeds above 40 mph (65 km/h)? I would not.

TIP : Check out this research based on hundreds of bikes to learn more about road bike prices .

Should You Buy a New or Used Road Bike?

If you are sure you will enjoy road cycling, I recommend buying a brand-new bike.

When buying a second-hand bike, you never know how well the previous owner cared for it. If you go for a second-hand bike, check it with a mechanic or buy from places like The Pros Closet .

On the other hand, some of my friends have found top deals on bikes for a fraction of the retail price. But you have to be lucky.

So, as always, it depends. New bikes are hassle-free, but second-hand bikes may provide a more interesting price-value ratio.

Read the following section to learn more about the bike’s features and what to expect at this price range.

How to Choose a Road Bike?

The following part explains what road bike features you should focus on as a beginner. You learn more about road bikes, groupsets, frames, brakes, etc. I simplified it for this article. Feel free to read the full How to choose a road bike guide.

Road Bike Type

Did you know that there are 8 basic road bike types?

I will explain the first 4 categories because they are the most relevant for beginners.

1. Endurance road bikes are probably the best choice for beginners. Their geometry allows a  more upright position  compared to other types of road bikes. It has a very similar geometry to that of fitness hybrid bikes . It is more comfortable and suitable for less flexible riders or riders not used to the more aggressive riding position.

I started with an endurance road bike when I got into road cycling. The transition from my old mountain bike was much smoother, and it was easier to get used to the different riding position.

The downside of an endurance road bike is that you are less aerodynamic due to a more upright position. This means that endurance road bikes tend to be slower than performance or aero road bikes.

2. Performance road bikes are also sometimes called lightweight or race road bikes. They are very like endurance road bikes. The main difference is their more aggressive geometry. It pushes the rider into a more aerodynamic position with a lower drag coefficient . They also tend to be very lightweight and stiff.

This type of road bike is perfect for performance-oriented riders. Pro riders use performance road bikes for mountain stages with a large elevation.

3. Aero road bikes are optimized to be as aerodynamic as possible. They allow riding in an  aerodynamic position  that is more aggressive than performance road bikes. Aero road bikes are popular among sprinters and racers, especially for criteriums, flats, and hilly races.

Aero road bikes’ downsides are the least comfortable riding position, slightly higher weight than performance road bikes, and high price (aero road bikes start at around $2500).

4. Touring road bikes form a very specific category of road bikes. They are designed for bike packing and touring. This means that a touring road bike has a geometry that allows a more relaxed riding position. Touring bikes are also compatible with various bike accessories like racks, fenders, etc., and have a longer wheelbase ( source ). An alternative to a touring bike may be a gravel bike .

Frame Material & Bike Weight

Entry-level road bikes priced between $300 to $1500 are mostly made of aluminum. Carbon or steel road bikes are rare in this price range.

• Aluminum road bike frames are the most affordable, thanks to lower manufacturing costs. Aluminum frames are not as stiff as steel or carbon frames but are lighter than steel frames. The biggest downside of aluminum frames is that they fatigue and corrode over time. Aluminum road bikes are the perfect entry-level point for beginners and advanced riders with a limited budget.
• Carbon road bike frames are very stiff and light (they offer the highest stiff-to-weight ratio). They are perfect for performance-oriented riders or people who want the latest and greatest. The biggest downside of the carbon frames is their price and the fact that they need to be inspected for cracks after a heavy crash to prevent failure under stress (but you should do that for aluminum frames as well).
• Steel road bikes are not as widespread anymore. Yet, they are stiff and durable but relatively heavy compared to aluminum or carbon frames. They provide good power transfer, won’t crack after a first crash, and have a unique look thanks to thin tubes.

Sources: CyclingWeekly , SheldonBrown , ScienceDirect

TIP : Read my article explaining bike frame materials to learn more about the pros & cons of materials used for bike frames.

Entry-level road bikes use mostly 2X groupsets. But there are also road bikes with 1X or even 3X groupsets. So, which one is the best and which one should you choose?

Go for a road bike with a 2X or 1X groupset. 2X shifting (2 chainrings) offers a wider gear range than 1X.

2X groupset is the most widespread among road cyclists. If you look at the bikes used by professional riders or do your research, you will find that most road bikes are fitted with 2X groupsets.

For example, in our 20 men’s cycling team, we all use a 2X groupset. I don’t know any road cyclists with 1X groupsets.

1X groupsets are much lighter and simpler. Unfortunately, they are also pretty expensive, so you won’t find them on beginner road bikes.

I don’t recommend a 3X groupset due to its weight, aerodynamics, and complexity.

TIP: Avoid cross-chaining if you ride a bike with a 2X (event ually 3X) groupset. It is a situation when you ride with the chain on the small chainring and the smallest sprocket on the cassette (and vice versa).

There are 3 main manufacturers of groupsets – Shimano*, Campagnolo, and SRAM. You can see groupsets comparisons from these manufacturers in the following table.

*According to Credit Suisse , Shimano had about 80% of the global share in bike components in 2016.

Budget road bikes almost always come with cheaper mechanical groupsets like Shimano Claris, Shimano Sora, Microshift, etc. Some road bikes feature components made in-house or from less-known brands.

These groupsets wear out more quickly and need to be maintained more often. They are also heavier, not as precise, and efficient as high-end groupsets.

I recommend the following article by BikeExchange if you want to learn more about individual groupsets.

Wheels & Tires

The standard wheel size of road bike tires is 700c (622 mm). You won’t have any other choice with a road bike. Anyway, what you can choose is the tire width. And here, things get interesting.

The general rule of thumb is the wider and higher volume of the tire, the more comfort you get. According to road.cc , the common standard was 23mm tires, but it slowly changed to 25mm tires. Nowadays, road bikes are designed to fit 28mm and sometimes even wider tires.

I used 25mm tires, but I currently use 28mm tires and can’t say enough good words about them. I recommend you do a few experiments and test rides with various tire widths inflated to different pressures to find which one best suits you.

Road bikes come with rim or disc brakes .

• Rim brakes exist in many variants , including ‘V brakes,’ ‘U brakes,’ etc. Their principle is simple – braking pads apply friction to the wheel’s rim and slow the bike. Rim brakes have been pretty popular for decades, but they have had a strong competitor in the last few years (read more about disc brakes below). The advantage of rim brakes is their lower weight, easier maintenance, and lower price than disc brakes, but they are not as effective in the rain and long descents.
• Mechanical disc brakes work similarly to rim brakes – a steel cable moves the pistons, creating friction that slows the bike. The advantage is that they are compatible with standard rim shifters and are easier to maintain at home. Their disadvantage is that the steel cable can wear out more quickly and break when you don’t expect it.
• Hydraulic disc brakes use fluid filled in the system. As CyclingAbout explains, when you pull the brake lever, the fluid rushes down to the caliper, closing the brake pads. This type of disc brake provides braking consistency in any riding condition. On the other hand, they are more difficult to maintain at home due to their complexity.

The cheap road bikes (around $500) are usually equipped with rim brakes. I believe rim brakes are better for beginners based on the info above.

If you want a road bike with disc brakes, you will have to pay more, especially for hydraulic disc brakes, which are more expensive than mechanical disc brakes.

On the other hand, they allow you to equip your bike with wider tires (28mm or more).

Road Bike Size

The correct road bike size is essential. But how to choose it when you can’t try the bike in person?

There are bike sizing methods , or you can take advantage of bike size charts on the retailer’s website.

Road bike size is usually  given  in centimeters or descriptive sizes (S, M, L, etc.). Women’s road bikes have some specifics (like lower standover height). However, most road bikes are unisex. So with slight adjustments (stem length, handlebar width, saddle height), they can be suitable for women.

To learn more about choosing the right bike size, read my article on How to Choose a Bike Size .

This tool by Bikeinsights will help you when comparing different road bike geometries.

Tips for Beginner Road Cyclists (to Make Your Riding More Enjoyable)

You can avoid many mistakes and unpleasant situations I have already experienced because of my ignorance. To name a few:

• I was stuck 20 miles from home because I got a flat tire and had no tire replacement kit or a mini bike pump.
• I didn’t know what chamois cream was and how it would make my rides more comfortable.
• I remember countless rides when I almost didn’t get home due to exhaustion.

You get the idea… So, here are a few tips you can take advantage of.

1. Get Cycling Clothing & Other Accessories

I know. Getting a new bike and other accessories is not cheap. I struggled to buy cycling clothes and other accessories because I had a tight budget.

The good news is that you don’t have to buy everything at once; you can slowly build up your equipment. But some things like a cycling helmet are a must-have!

Here is a list of cycling clothing and other accessories to buy:

• Road bike helmet to increase your safety on roads .
• Cycling jersey and bib shorts to make your rides more comfortable.
• Chamois cream to further increase your riding comfort during long rides.
• Cycling sunglasses to protect your eyes, improve your riding experience and avoid tearing your eyes.
• Clipless pedals with road cycling shoes to improve your pedal stroke efficiency.
• A saddle bag to store tools for tire replacement.
• A mini bike pump to inflate your tires after a puncture.

2. Download Useful Cycling Apps

Cycling apps will help you plan your trip, advise you on providing first aid or adjusting your bike, forecast what the weather will be like, etc. My favorite apps include:

• Windy for the weather forecast
• Red Cross for first aid
• Strava for ride tracking

You don’t need to download all the apps I recommend, but I believe some will improve your riding experience. Check out my selection of the Best Cycling Apps for more apps.

3. Tweak Your Riding Position

Setting the correct bike fit is alchemy. If you succeed, you will increase your riding comfort, prevent injuries, and enjoy your rides more.

Cam Nicholls and Neill Stanbury made one of the best road bike fitting series. Neill is a pro bike fitter that can explain bike fitting in an easy-to-understand way to set your bike fit at home.

4. Eat and Drink Properly During Your Ride

Estimating how much food and water you will need for your trip as a beginner can be difficult.

The longer the ride = the more food and water you need.

I always take more food with me than I need to prevent hunger-strike.

Trainright.com recommends eating about 100-150 calories of carbohydrates (25-37 g) per hour during rides longer than 90 minutes. But it is more complicated than that.

The number of burned calories depends on your weight, ride intensity, and many other factors .

TIP: Take some cash with you so you can buy water or food during your ride.

Every person has different needs, so it may take a while to figure out how much food you will need for your ride. I usually take a few bananas, bread with Nutella, rice cake, or oatmeal balls for rides longer than 2 hours.

What about the water? The British Cycling Organization  recommends  taking  500-750 ml of fluids per hour.  If you underestimate fluid intake during longer rides, you may have problems (cramps, dehydration, etc.).

If you don’t have a water bottle, get one. Check the selection of the best insulated and non-insulated cycling water bottles . If you want to find out more details about individual groupsets,

To learn more about fueling your body during a bike ride, check this article by Trainright.com .

5. Join a Club or Find Other Roadies in Your Area

During my first season, I rode my bike alone. But I enjoyed it less and less because it was too stereotypical. So that’s why I found other cyclists to ride and train together.

I managed to find a local club. The beauty of road cycling is, among other things , that you can visit places you didn’t know about, push your limits, meet new people, compete, and have fun.

Often, others motivate you to ride regularly or help you squeeze the most out of yourself. Believe me. You will ride further and probably even faster in the group.

And if everything goes well and you build new friendships, you can go on holiday together to places you would hardly get by yourself.

This post is regularly updated to provide the most up-to-date product tips. If you find a product that is not up to date, please contact me .

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Bike Finder

Results have arrived, trek road bike buyer’s guide: the best trek road bike models.

From the Tour de France to Unbound Gravel to your local group ride, a Trek road bike or gravel bike will deliver top performance. Here's your guide to the key models.

Written by: Bruce Lin

Published on: Feb 10, 2022

Posted in: Guides

The founders of Trek Bicycle believed there was special power in the name Trek. To them, it called forth the spirit of adventure and the promise of great things beyond the horizon. Their goal was to prove that an American brand could produce high-end, high-performance bicycles capable of competing with the best European and Japanese bikes.

Over the last 40 years, the little company from Waterloo, Wisconsin grew into one of the biggest manufacturers in the world, making more than one million bikes per year. It has supported some of the world’s top racers on their path to glory and introduced innovative bike technologies that have had a huge impact on modern cycling.

Trek’s huge catalog includes everything from race-ready road bikes, to trail-shredding mountain bikes, to reliable cruisers for your daily commute. But how do you know which Trek bike is right for you?

This overview will cover Trek’s extensive line of road, gravel, and cyclocross bikes, including Trek’s innovative technologies, model naming system, and most popular road models. Find out which Trek model fits best with your riding style, so that you can make an informed decision when buying your next road (or gravel) bike

[button] Shop Trek road bikes [/button]

Trek road bikes

Trek Madone

The Madone is Trek’s flagship aero road racing bike. Of Trek’s current road offerings, it has the longest history and has evolved the most. When introduced, the Madone was the successor to the 5900, a lightweight climbing bike for road races and grand tours like the Tour de France. As aerodynamic efficiency has become increasingly important in modern road racing, the Madone adapted to compete with bikes like the Specialized Venge, Giant Propel, and Cannondale SystemSix. The new generation of Madone features deep, aerodynamic tubes that reduce drag as much as possible. Since 2016, it’s been equipped with an IsoSpeed decoupler in the rear to also make it more comfortable.

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Who it’s for: Riders looking for maximum speed and aero gains on flat and rolling roads.

Trek Emonda

The Emonda is Trek’s lightweight road racing bike.When it was released in 2014, it was billed as one of the lightest production frames available. It has been a favorite of climbers and road racers who prioritize low weight above all else and it’s a good choice for riders who live in hilly and mountainous regions. As the Emonda has matured, it’s received some aerodynamic tube shaping to make it a more capable all-rounder. To maximize lightness and power transfer, the Emonda is the only Trek road bike without IsoSpeed.

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Who it’s for: Riders looking for a lightweight bike for climbing, racing, and all-around road riding.

Trek Domane

The Domane is Trek’s endurance road bike. It was famously developed, refined and raced by cobbled classics legend Fabian Cancellara. The key to Domane's rough road performance is Trek’s IsoSpeed technology, which increases compliance over bumps and absorbs vibration. Cancellara rode the Domane to multiple wins in the classics. Paired with more upright, endurance geometry, the Domane is perfect for riders looking to reduce fatigue on long rides and rough roads. The third-generation Domane can also fit larger tires up to 38mm, making it a great option for riders in search of a more road-oriented all-road or gravel bike.

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Who it’s for: Riders looking for more comfort for long rides, rough roads, and light gravel.

Trek gravel and cyclocross bikes

Trek Checkpoint

The Checkpoint is designed for gravel rides that venture far away from paved roads. Relaxed geometry and clearance for wide 45mm gravel tires allow the Checkpoint to tackle everything from rough and loose gravel and light singletrack. Rack and fender mounts make it versatile for bikepacking and commuting, and additional mounts on the top tube, seat tube, and both sides of the down tube allow riders to carry extra gear and water on the frame. Horizontal sliding rear dropouts also give riders the option to run the bike singlespeed or tune handling by adjusting chain stay length. All carbon Checkpoint models also use a rear IsoSpeed decoupler to improve comfort and compliance. The latest generation Checkpoint, has IsoSpeed at the head tube as well.

[product-block handle="2021-trek-checkpoint-sl-7-l-4"/]

Who it’s for: Riders looking to tackle rough and loose gravel roads on their regular rides

The Boone is Trek’s race-ready carbon cyclocross bike. With cyclocross geometry, it excels in demanding off-road conditions like mud, sand, and grass. Front and rear IsoSpeed improves traction and comfort during tough races. The Boone can also serve as a gravel bike for riders who prefer the more agile feeling of cyclocross geometry.

[product-block handle="2019-trek-boone-rsl-s"/]

Who it’s for: Cyclocross racers looking for maximum performance

Trek Crockett

The Crockett is Trek’s aluminum cyclocross bike. It shares geometry with the high-end Boone cyclocross bike and will perform similarly on mud, sand, and grass. To reduce cost, it uses an Alpha aluminum frame instead of a carbon frame with IsoSpeed. Like the Boone, the Crockett is capable enough for most gravel riding.

Who it’s for: Cyclocross racers looking for a budget-friendly race bike.

[product-block handle="2019-trek-crockett-7-disc-l-1"/]

Trek road bike technology

Trek has a long history of innovation, and it has introduced several ground-breaking technologies to the sport. Here is a list of technology and features that are only found on Trek bikes.

Trek IsoSpeed

IsoSpeed first appeared on the Trek Domane endurance road bike. Its goal was IsoSpeed to improve compliance and reduce vibration over rough surfaces while maintaining a bike’s stiffness, efficiency, and handling characteristics. It’s not a suspension system but a “decoupler” system with elastomers that allow for a small amount of movement between key junctions like the seat tube and top tube.

Rear IsoSpeed decouplers allow the seat tube to flex independently of the top tube and absorb bumps. The top tube is split so the seat tube can pass through it. The tubes don’t directly touch but are joined by a horizontal shaft and two sealed cartridge bearings. Two round elastomer inserts between the tubes absorb vibration. Because of its simplicity, it adds minimal weight and requires little to no maintenance.

The newer (2016+) Domane and Boone bikes and the 2022 Checkpoint also have a front IsoSpeed decoupler. A rocker cup is used on top of the headset and the steerer tube is joined to the rocker cup by a horizontal shaft and two sealed cartridge bearings. This allows the steerer tube to flex, improving compliance through the handlebars.

There is also a slider on high-end Domane SLR and Madone SL and SLR models to adjust the compliance of the rear IsoSpeed decoupler to suit conditions and rider preferences.

IsoSpeed technology is used on the Domane, Madone (2018+), Checkpoint and Boone.

Hidden storage

The 2020 Trek Domane was the first model to feature Trek’s Hidden Storage compartment, a convenient hollow storage area in the down tube. The down tube bottle cage mount is attached to a removable hatch that’s accessed with a small lever. Attached to that cover is a holder for a multi-tool, and inside the down tube is a nylon tool roll for holding spare tubes and tools.

Hidden storage is found on the 2020+ Domane SL and SLR,  and 2022+ Checkpoint.

Decoding Trek road bike model names

Trek has a huge selection of road bike models, and within every model, there is a range of build options. The hierarchy uses letters and numbers that can be confusing to uninitiated buyers. Here's your guide to decoding Trek’s naming and numbering system.

Road bike models use a series of letters and numbers (e.g. Trek Madone SLR 9) to indicate the frame material and component build. SLR and SL models are carbon fiber while ALR and AL models are aluminum.

The top-of-the-line SLR models use a higher grade 700-series OCLV carbon (improved 800-series carbon is used for the new 2021+ Madone and Emonda) which is lighter but more expensive than the 500-series OCLV carbon used for SL models.

ALR models use 300-series Alpha aluminum which is lighter but more expensive than the 200-series Alpha aluminum used on entry-level AL models.

The number used will range from 5 to 9: 5 is an entry-level build and 9 is top of the line. Higher numbered bikes cost more but are equipped with better components.

For example, an Emonda SLR 9 ($12,499) has a top-of-the-line 800-series OCLV carbon frame, SRAM Red eTap AXS drivetrain, and carbon wheels, stem, and handlebars. An Emonda ALR 5 ($2,099) has a more budget-friendly 300-series Alpha aluminum frame, Shimano 105 drivetrain, and alloy wheels, stem, and handlebars. In between are several Emonda models that offer different frame materials and component builds so riders can pick the bike that fits their needs and budget.

WSD stands for Women's-Specific Design. WSD will usually be indicated after a bike’s model name (e.g. Trek Madone WSD). These bikes featured women’s-specific geometry and components. Lately, Trek has phased out its WSD bikes as data and market trends have shown that men and women can easily fit on the same bikes. WSD bikes are still available on the used market, and Trek continues to offer entry-level women’s models, but in general, all Trek bikes are unisex.

Trek Project One

Trek offers paint customization from the factory through its Project One program. Buyers ordering a new bike can select from a large library of colors and paint schemes to produce a one-of-a-kind bike. Project One bikes will have “Project One” listed with their model name, and also have it printed on the top tube. Depending on the paint scheme, it can increase a bike’s value.

Madone anagrams

Here’s a fun piece of Trek trivia. Trek’s flagship Madone road bike is named for the Col de la Madone, a legendary climb near the French Riviera that was a favorite training ground for Lance Armstrong. Trek gave its subsequent road bike models names that are anagrams of Madone (i.e. the letters are rearranged): Domane and Emonda.

Trek, of course, makes a lot more bikes than those listed here. If you need a triathlon bike, a basic urban bike, or an e-bike, Trek has plenty of options in every price category that can satisfy your needs. Check out our Trek collection to see all the Trek bikes we offer.

Still having trouble deciding which Trek road bike is right for you? Reach out to a TPC Ride Guide at (866) 401-9636 who can better help you understand the pros and cons, and ultimately find the right bike for you. Do you already have one of these Treks? Let us (and other cyclists) know in the comments what you love about your Trek road, gravel or CX bike.

What do you ride? Which Trek bike is your favorite? What questions do you have? Let us know in the comments!

All photos Courtesy of Trek Bicycle.

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Cycling Road

6 of the Best Entry-Level Road Bikes for Beginners

More and more people opt for biking as a form of leisure, to enjoy nature, to get some exercise, or to avoid traffic congestion when commuting. But, if you want to get faster on the bike, you might be interested in getting a road bike.

For beginners, it is best to start with an entry-level road bike that doesn’t cost too much. Choosing an entry-level road bike can be daunting as you want a versatile, comfortable, and affordable bike.

Here are the most important criteria when choosing an entry-level road bike for beginners.

Frame Geometry

The first thing you want to consider is the frame geometry. You want a road bike with a relaxed riding position that will be comfortable for a beginner’s body who has not adapted to a bicycle yet.

Good entry-level road bikes should be endurance-oriented and have a longer wheelbase than typical race bikes and a higher handlebar stack.

When possible, choose a frame with a carbon fork. Carbon as a material is lighter and will absorb vibrations better than steel or aluminum, making your bike more comfortable.

You shouldn’t spend all your bike budget on your first bike. Your first bike will not be your last, and you might make some mistakes when choosing the first bike, so it’s better to make a cheap mistake than an expensive one.

Plus, once you start riding, you will need to buy essential accessories like bike lights, bottle cages, bidons, jerseys and bibs, and probably cycling shoes.

You should be able to find an entry-level road bike for between $500 and $1,200.

The groupset is the collection of components that make up the drivetrain of the bicycle. It includes shifters, derailleurs, a crankset, a chain, and a cassette.

The best entry-level groupsets are Shimano Claris and Sora. They have 8 or 9-speed cassettes and 2 chainrings. They are good for beginner cyclists as they are easy to use and have a wide gear range that will help you up hills and make it easier to spin the pedals faster on flat terrain.

There’s the brake to consider too. Most entry-level bikes use rim brakes to save some cost. At this price level, (mechanical) disc brakes don’t offer an advantage in braking power but it does allow for wider tire clearance. If you want hydraulic disc brakes that do feel better than rim brakes, you will need to get a bike with Shimano Tiagra or higher which costs significantly more than Claris and Sora.

Cheaper bikes usually come in stock with a Microshift groupset. In our opinion, it’s not the best groupset for the price compared to Sensah or LTWOO, but we don’t recommend you buy a separate groupset just yet at this price level.

Bike sizing is important to get right because the best bike is a bike that fits you. You want a bike that is the right size for your height and inseam (the distance from your crotch to the floor). If the bike is too big, your body will be in a lot of pain, and if it’s too small, you will be too cramped.

Good road bikes come in five sizes or more. The more sizes it has, the more likely you will find one that fits you.

There are also women’s-specific road bikes that have a lower stand-over height and shorter reach to make them more comfortable for female riders. But, most bikes are unisex and the fit can be altered slightly with a change of stem and handlebar.

The best way to see if a bike is for you is to test-ride it. You can go to your local bike shop and ask to test ride some bikes.

Availability in Your Local Bike Shop

It’s hard to find good bikes in stock in local bike shops nowadays, but the best way to buy a bike is still in person from a good bike shop. This way you can test-ride the bike, get help with choosing the right size and model, and get professional advice on accessories.

It’s also easier to return or exchange a bike if there are any problems. And, if anything breaks on your bike, it will be easier to get it fixed quickly.

Buying a bike online can be cheaper and there is a wider range of models to choose from, but you will have to assemble the bike yourself, and if anything goes wrong, you might have to fix it yourself.

Less important criteria

When shopping for high-end carbon bikes, there are several more important criteria to consider such as the wheels, saddle, stem, tires, and handlebars. Also, a lot of people will care about the overall weight and the aerodynamic drag.

For entry-level bikes, these are less important because all the small components and wheels that you will get from them are pretty basic and there won’t be much of a difference between brands.

Now that you know what to look for in an entry-level road bike, it’s time to start looking at some specific bikes. Here are 6 of the best entry-level road bikes for beginners.

1. Triban RC120

The Triban RC120 comes with an aluminum frame with a comfortable geometry that puts the rider in an upright position, giving less strain on a rider’s lowers back.

Triban RC120 is equipped with a 2×8 Microshift groupset and mechanical disc brakes. There’s no significant advantage when comparing mechanical disc brakes and rim brakes, but disc brake wheels are more common nowadays in case you want to replace your wheels later.

At $700, the Triban RC120 is one of the cheapest road bikes for new entrants. The price may fool you into thinking that the bike is not exceptional, but that is not true. It has everything one would a road bike entrant will need, and Triban as a brand has a proven track record.

• Affordable price
• Comfortable geometry
• Mudguard mounting points
• No Shimano groupset (but it is expected at this price range)

2. Giant Contend 3

Giant Contend 3 is an entry-level aluminum endurance bike for beginners from the biggest bike brand in the world. It is designed to take a new beginner from pavements to bumpy back roads with maximum control and confidence. The Giant Contend 3 frame is made from 6061 alloys, which makes the bike a bit lighter than the rest at this price level.

The Giant Contend 3 comes in stock with the Shimano Claris groupset, albeit with Tektro brakes and an FSA crankset. It is priced just below $1000. The Giants Contend 3 might be one of the best bangs for your buck when it comes to road bikes.

• D-shaped seatpost should be more comfortable than standard rounded posts (but you can’t upgrade it)
• Maximum tire size up to 30mm vs the more common 28mm on a road bike
• OverDrive steerer is not a commonly used size, you will have a hard time finding aftermarket stems

If you prefer a disc brake version with wider tire clearance for going off-road, check out the Giant Contend AR 4 instead. It’s around $200 more expensive, but the difference is worth it if you want to ride gravel too, instead of buying a separate bike.

3. Specialized Allez

The Specialized Allez promises better handling, smoother riding, and lower weight than its competitors. Equipped with a Shimano Claris 2×8 groupset and Tektro rim brakes, it’s a great choice for a beginner. The price of this bike is just below $1000, so it’s pretty much comparable with Giant Contend 3. You can’t go wrong with either.

• Local Specialized dealers are easy to find
• The dropped seat stays look more modern
• Non-Shimano cassette might cause shifting performance to be less than ideal

4. Polygon Strattos S2

The Polygon Strattos S2 is a lightweight road bike with an alloy frame and a carbon fork. It has a race geometry, so not the best for beginners who are not used to riding bikes. However, it can be an advantage for competitive-minded people who want to get used to aggressive bikes early.

The Strattos S2 is equipped with the Shimano Claris 2×8 and costs $700, which is significantly lower than Specialized and Giant’s offering, making it the best value entry-level road bike on the market currently.

• Great value for the money
• Race geometry, which is uncommon for bikes at this price level
• Clean welding
• The geometry is not for total beginners
• Not many dealers in western countries
• Only available in 4 sizes

5. Cannondale CAAD Optimo 4

Cannondale CAAD Optimo 4 is another entry-level road bike with race geometry. Although not as aggressive as the Polygon Strattos, CAAD Optimo also has a lower front end that puts the rider in an aerodynamic position. It’s something worth considering if you’re a beginner with a plan in racing someday.

With the Shimano Claris 2×8 groupset and an asking price shy above $1000, it’s not the best value on the market, but what it offers is unique compared to its competitors.

• A beginner-friendly race geometry
• More popular than the Polygon, easier to buy locally
• Vittoria Zaffiro tires are nice for a bike at this price
• External cable routing on the top tube

6. Trek Domane AL 2 Disc

At the first sight, Trek Domane AL 2 might not seem like a good deal at all because it’s priced higher than its competitors with the same groupset. However, it is a disc brake bike, so the price difference is normal. The Domane AL 2 is one of the few entry-level bikes with Shimano Claris that’s available in a disc brake model, it also has lots of mounting points and generous tire clearance, making it a true all-roader.

• Fender and rack mounts, and top tube mounting points
• 35mm tire clearance in the disc brake model, can easily be used for gravel riding. Also available in rim brake for a cheaper price if you don’t care about the tire clearance
• On the expensive side if you don’t need the disc brake

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Best Entry-Level Road Bikes: Top 5 Beginner-Friendly Picks

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An entry-level road bike is a smart way to get into road riding, especially when you don’t want to invest a lot of money to test the waters.

However, not all entry-level bikes for road cycling are created equal, and the selection process can be quite overwhelming if you are unsure of how to discern the right bike from the plethora of options available in the market. This buying guide will save you hours of research while empowering you with the insights you need to make an informed buying decision.

Top 5 Entry-Level Road Bikes

Contrary to popular belief, purchasing an entry-level road bike does not mean that you have to settle for entry-level performance. Not so with today’s beginner bikes that don’t cut corners to meet the price points of the entry-level road bike market.

Many of today’s starter road bikes come packed with features that are usually the prerogative of their more expensive and advanced offerings.

From name-brand parts to quality frames, carbon forks, disc brakes, wider tires , drivetrains with multiple speeds, and a host of other modern specs, expect the best entry-level road bikes of today to make the latest technologies and features available to you at affordable price points.

Whether you are keen on utility cycling, recreational cycling, fitness rides, long rides, casual cruises around town, or exploratory tours – rest assured that a beginner road bike exists to suit your type of riding. And no matter what your deciding factor – budget, overall value, weight, reliable stopping power, or a multi-speed drivetrain – our buying guide will help you discern a good entry-level road bike that’s right for you.

This guide has been compiled keeping in mind the requirements of those who are just getting started on their cycling journey. Our choices are the result of hours of research, an unbiased study of scores of user reviews, and our own experience in riding a variety of bikes.

Eager to find out which ones made it to our list? Scroll down to unveil the top performers across our five categories of Best Overall, Best Budget, Best with Disc Brakes, Best Lightweight, and Best 21 Speed.

1. Best Overall - Tommaso Forcella

Specifications:

• Wheel Size: 700c
• Tire Width: 25mm
• Frame Material: Aluminum
• Weight: 22.7lbs

Key Features:

• 6061 SLA aluminum road frame
• Lightweight but high-performance HCT carbon fork
• 24-speed Shimano drivetrain and full Shimano Claris R2000 groupset
• Rim brakes and wheels with wider 25mm, 700c tires

Tommaso Forcella Endurance Road Bike Review

If you are eager to get into road cycling with a versatile two-wheeled vehicle that is reasonably priced but not cheaply built, find your dream entry-level bike in the Tommaso Forcella – our top pick in the category of “Best Overall”.

Whether you seek an entry bike for casual commutes, recreational cycling, or fitness rides, find great value for money in the Forcella that blends comfort with weight savings for lightweight, fast, and enjoyable riding on the road .

This premium entry-level endurance road bike can also be your go-to rig when getting back to road cycling after a long break, thanks to a very impressive tech spec that ensures new and returning cyclists don’t have to make do with an average performance which is commonly expected out of beginner road bikes.

From the shifters and derailleurs to the crank and brakes – every component in the Tommaso Forcella is Shimano Claris R2000 – remarkable for a beginner road bike priced under $1,000. The use of a full Shimano groupset means optimal performance that hasn’t been compromised by the mix and match of parts from different third-party manufacturers.

The Forcella strikes a fine balance between strength and light weight with its premium 6061 aluminum frame and an HCT carbon fork. The frame is sturdy enough to offer you years of riding fun, and the carbon fork does a great job of dampening road vibrations in all conditions, without adding considerable weight to the bike.

A compact-frame, endurance-type geometry, coupled with Tommaso’s ultralight sport series handlebars and stem, ensures an optimized fit and increased comfort.

The WTB Volt saddle is both cushiony and comfortable and makes for relaxed riding on long journeys. Cornering also feels smooth and stable with 700 x 25c Kenda K152 road tires added for extra control on turns.

Tommaso Corsa TC-30 rims deliver lightweight, aerodynamic performance and incredible rolling speed, while quick, reliable stopping power is offered by the Shimano Claris brake calipers.

Another USP of this entry-level bicycle is its wide range of gears, which makes it suitable for all levels of riders and diverse riding conditions. Add to this the flexibility of riding at 24 different speeds and you have the inspiration you need to attack and conquer surfaces as varied as flats, inclines, and downhills.

Tommaso understands that personalization can play a big part in one’s overall riding experience. So, all its frames come drilled to accommodate a variety of racks, fenders, and accessories – impressive to say the least.

The Forcella arrives almost fully assembled and minor installation steps and adjustments are needed for the remaining parts such as seat, handlebars, and front wheel. That said, the manufacturer recommends professional assembly for optimal performance and validation of the warranties of your new bike.

Final verdict? If you are in the market for the best entry-level endurance road bike, the well-built, well spec’d, and stylishly designed Forcella will not disappoint you.

With an industry-leading lifetime warranty to back your purchase, you really don’t have much to worry about. Go ahead and pull the trigger as you are sure to be impressed on many counts, including style, quality, performance, and price.

• Strong and lightweight build
• Compact frame geometry
• Premium compact handlebars
• Speedy and powerful performance
• Precise, smooth shifting in all riding conditions
• Great range of gears to support rides on varying terrain
• Customizable frame that can accommodate a range of bike accessories
• Backed up with industry-leading lifetime warranty on frame and fork
• Professional assembly/tuning recommended for avoiding installation errors
• Some reviewers did not find the seat to be very comfortable
• Not the cheapest entry-level bike in the market

2. Best Budget - Schwinn Volare 1400

• Tire Width: 28mm
• Weight: 28lbs
• Lightweight aluminum rigid fitness frame with rigid steel fork
• Shimano 14-speed integrated shifter/brake lever and Shimano rear derailleur combo
• Alloy crank and linear-pull alloy brakes
• Oversized Schwinn road tires and high-profile double-wall rims

Schwinn Volare 1400 Review

Wish to make an entry into the world of cycling and speed past the competition, but without forking out a lump sum? Discover an economical way to get into road cycling with this entry-level racing bike from one of America’s best known and most-loved bicycle brands, Schwinn.

Despite being at the lower end of the price spectrum, our best budget-friendly beginner road bike packs quite a powerful punch with its sturdy build and quality components that make it a great choice as one’s first road bike.

If you consider yourself a speed demon, trust the Volare 1400 to quench your thirst for speed with fast, agile riding. The attractive-looking bike is built to go fast . So, you have a light but rigid aluminum fitness frame outfitted with a Schwinn sport riding seat, flat-styled handlebar, stem, and seat post – all of which are lightweight and durable.

A rigid steel road fork ensures quick, nimble riding, and the integrated Shimano 14-speed shifter/brake lever is easy to use – even for novices. The latter combines with Shimano front and rear derailleurs to take the overall riding experience up a notch with precise, smooth shifting.

Front and rear alloy caliper brakes deliver crisp, quick stopping and steady speed control , which makes this budget bike a reliable pick for beginners and intermediate cyclists alike.

As for durability, the Volare 1400’s robust frame is bolstered with high-profile alloy double-wall rims that are both light and strong and give the bike the necessary toughness for the safety and riding enjoyment of the user. And with oversized 700c x 28mm road tires in use, your rides feel comfortable, fast, and smooth, even when the bike rolls over rough terrain.

The Volare 1400 is versatile enough to fit adult riders 5ft 4in to 6ft 2in tall and can accommodate a maximum weight of 250lbs. And like all Schwinn bikes, it comes backed with a limited lifetime warranty to give you complete peace of mind for as long as you own the bike.

Coming to assembly, the bike arrives nearly ready to ride and requires minor adjustments and assembly before you can take it out for a spin. It’s worth noting though that some comfort upgrades may be required in due course, but that’s purely based on your individual riding style, needs, and preferences.

All in all, if you are just getting started and looking for a good entry-level road bike under $500 , the Schwinn Volare 1400 will fit the bill. It won’t put a big dent in your wallet with an array of unnecessary bells and whistles and yet will score well for fitness, transport, and fun and that too at an incredible value price point .

• Light, speedy frame
• Flat styled, lightweight handlebar
• Sport riding seat
• Precise and smooth shifting
• Crisp, quick braking
• Easy to assemble
• Backed up with limited lifetime warranty
• Brakes may need tuning
• Pedals can be of a better quality

3. Best with Disc Brakes - Giant Escape

• Tire Width: 38mm
• Weight: Best-in-class
• Lightweight ALUXX-grade aluminum frame
• Innovative D-Fuse seat post
• Puncture-resistant Giant EasyRide Tubeless tires
• Smooth-rolling 700c wheels

Giant Escape 2 Disc Review

If superior stopping power and consistent, reliable braking in dry and wet conditions are your key considerations in an entry road bike for beginners, a bike equipped with disc brakes will be the best fit for you.

Equipped with powerful disc brakes for better braking power and accurate stopping , the Escape 2 Disc is an affordable beginner road bike that ticks all the right boxes when it comes to performance, efficiency, capability, reliability, versatility, and affordability.

One of the best entry-level road bikes under $1,000 and the top contender in our category of “Best with Disc Brakes”, the all-around Giant Escape 2 is built for comfort and longer rides and offers you dependable performance on the tarmac and light trails.

And even though it’s a moderately priced offering aimed at new to intermediate riders, it manages to bundle in several of Giant’s technologies and systems that are known to ensure smoother, faster, safer, and comfortable rides for the user.

From a lightweight but strong ALUXX-grade aluminum frame and an innovative D-Fuse seat post and handlebar to Giant’s oversized fork steerer tube technology and puncture-resistant tires featuring the new Giant EasyRide Tubeless system, this flat-bar road bike leverages key technologies to help elevate your riding performance with an optimized strength-to-weight ratio, superior road shock and vibration absorption, optimal steering stiffness, fewer flat tires, greater traction, and less rolling resistance.

As for the componentry, Giant scores some major hits here by way of Shimano shifters, derailleurs, and cassette, Tektro brakes and brake levers, alloy fork, a Giant Sport Comfort saddle, and a Giant Sport XC handlebar. And there is clearance for larger tires up to 45c to ensure seamless rides on difficult terrain.

The geometry favors an upright riding position – desirable for comfortable city riding and commutes to the workplace, local grocery shop, etc. A wide range of gears puts you in control of your riding when attacking hills and the smooth-rolling 700c wheels make your road adventures fun with speedy and efficient rides.

Last but not least, the functional Escape 2 Disc features integrated mounts, which makes it a great commuter bike that can be customized with racks and fenders.

No deal-breakers here but the pedals are something to watch out for as they may come across a tad bit heavy to you.

Also, while the bike’s Performance-level ALUXX Aluminum technology is meant to cater to a range of riding styles, it is worth bearing in mind that it is the entry level of this technology and the components are also entry-level. Then again, that’s expected considering the rider profile that this bike caters to.

In closing, if you are on the hunt for a top entry-level road bike from a brand you can trust, you can’t go wrong with this versatile offering from Giant.

From casual rides and rides to keep yourself active to everyday commutes and recreational trips, this capable starter cycling bike will support you well no matter what your chosen path – busy city street, quiet country lane, or a more adventurous route.

• Lightweight but durable
• Upright riding position
• Reliable stopping power
• High-quality parts and innovative technologies
• Integrated rack mounts
• Pedals can be of a superior quality

4. Best Lightweight - Schwinn Phocus

• Frame Size: 41cm (small) and 56cm (large)
• Weight: 30lbs
• Shimano 16-speed drivetrain
• Promax alloy caliper brakes
• High profile double-wall alloy wheel rims
• Alloy crank and carbon fiber road fork

Schwinn Phocus 1600 Drop Bar Road Bicycle Review

Looking for a steal of a deal on a starter bike that offers lightweight strength and versatile riding? Stay active and explore the open roads on the Schwinn Phocus 1600 – the top contender in our category of “Best Lightweight Entry-Level Road Bike”.

Schwinn’s drop bar road bike features an aluminum fitness frame , which makes it a great addition to your workout regime if you are looking to get a good workout now and then.

Although not strictly meant for professional competitions, the Phocus 1600 features a design that complements the sport of competitive racing.

Build for speed, this bike comes with drop handlebars that allow for a powerful and aerodynamic riding position. And despite being priced under $600, it manages to incorporate a carbon fiber road fork to add smoothness to your rides and facilitate better control over the bike without adding bulk.

Balanced rides are also ensured with the bike’s perfectly integrated Microshift shifter/brake lever that makes sure you never have to reach too far to control the action. Promax alloy caliper brakes give you the confidence you need to make sure stops in wet conditions and a Shimano 16-speed drivetrain delivers precise, effortless shifting.

The bike’s 700c wheels are equipped with double-wall alloy wheel rims to keep the weight in check.

The high-pressure road-style tread tires are thin but strong and offer minimal rolling resistance, meaning fast and smooth riding when burning the calories, cruising from A to B, or exploring new trails. Do note that you may have to use a bike pump to pump the tires to their optimal PSI before riding.

According to the manufacturer, this bike fits riders 5ft 4in to 6ft 2in tall. Also, while it comes as a pre-assembled package, some assembly steps and tuning are needed to make it road-ready at home or a bike shop.

Barring the tubes which could be prone to flats, there aren’t any outstanding weaknesses to cite with this entry bike.

In conclusion, the versatile Schwinn Phocus 1600 drop bar road bicycle is a good investment for you if you don’t want to splurge on a top-end model right at the start of your cycling journey.

Get yourself this beginner road bike if you want to hit the sweet spot between price and performance and equip yourself with a multifaceted bicycle that will be your go-to vehicle for a variety of riding needs .

• Lightweight fitness frame
• Powerful and aerodynamic riding position
• Minimal rolling resistance
• Smooth, fast gear changes
• Reliable braking power
• Limited lifetime warranty
• May require professional assembly and tuning
• The tubes are not heavy-duty enough

5. Best 21 Speed - Kent RoadTech

• Frame Size: 32mm
• Frame Size: 22.5 inches
• Frame Material: Steel
• Steel road bike frame
• Shimano rear derailleur and Shimano Revo shifts
• Alloy caliper brakes and high-profile alloy Vitesse racing rims
• High-performance 700c tires

Kent RoadTech Road Bike Review

A multi-speed bike, such as a 21-speed road bike, is a good investment for a starter bike if you are keen to take your passion for two-wheel adventure to varying terrain. Such a bike will offer you a greater combination of changeable gears and facilitate comfortable rides at different speeds, which makes riding on a broad range of surfaces more enjoyable and fun.

The affordably priced Kent RoadTech offers a 21-speed range and is a good entry-level gravel bike for any beginner cyclist looking to explore new areas to experience the freedom and enjoyment that comes from riding a bike.

From casual riding on tarmac and gravel to outdoor recreation, training, and exercise, the Kent RoadTech can easily fit into your lifestyle to support your diverse riding needs.

This bike is built around a steel road bike frame , which makes it sturdy, albeit a tad bit heavy. The gorgeous frame is customizable and allows comfort upgrades to help you extract the best experience out of this entry-level 21-speed rig.

Regardless of whether you are buying your first road bike or a continuing bicycle, prepare yourself for miles of confident, enjoyable rides – thanks to the Kent RoadTech’s alloy calipers and brake levers that facilitate quick stopping and a Shimano derailleur-equipped drivetrain that offers quick and smooth gear changes across the RoadTech’s 21-speed range.

A Vitesse racing seat is a thoughtful addition for sustained comfort during fast racing and slow riding . Although some reviewers did not find the saddle to be comfortable and ergonomic enough, we feel this is a matter of personal preference.

Other key features of the Kent RoadTech include high-performance 700c tires and high-profile alloy Vitesse racing rims. We must also mention the Shimano Revo shifters which aid easy and reliable shifting without you having to take your hands off the bike’s handlebar.

All in all, the Kent RoadTech is a good bang for the buck for budget-conscious cyclists and newbies.

Sure, it won’t blow your socks away with top-of-the-line features . This entry-level road bike is not meant for that. It is the kind of bike that grows on you with every ride and has enough going for it to get you outside and active for casual commutes, fun weekend rides, and light training.

• Strong build
• Beautifully engineered design
• Comfortable racing seat
• 21-speed range
• Smooth gear changes
• Quick stopping
• Reasonably priced
• Some reviewers did not find the seat comfortable enough
• Relatively heavy

Entry-Level Road Bikes: Frequently Asked Questions

There are several factors to look for when buying a road bike, especially if it’s your first bike. First and foremost is the quality of the frame. Unlike parts such as wheels, tires, seats, etc., which are prone to wear and tear and more likely to be replaced or upgraded down the line, the frame stays on the bike for as long as the life of the vehicle. So, it is crucial that you select an entry-level road bike with a frame that’s built to last. Besides the frame, you must also pay attention to the bike’s fork. Although the fork is replaceable, it is not as easily replaced as some of the other parts, such as the bike’s groupset. Hence, it is essential that your chosen entry-level road bike also comes equipped with a quality fork. Third, make sure you choose a beginner bike that’s the right size for you as not all models are meant to fit riders of all heights. Once these three factors have been taken into consideration, you can narrow down your search based on other aspects such as the stiffness of the wheels, quality of the pedals, comfort quotient of the seat, etc.

A good entry-level road bike is one that finds a sweet spot in terms of price and quality. When it comes to a beginner bike, you wouldn't want to splurge unnecessarily in the early stage of your hobby or sport. And it is also not recommended that you completely overlook the aspect of quality for the sake of price. All the best entry-level road bikes featured on our list strike a good balance between price, performance, functionality, and quality and make for sound investments for new and intermediate riders.

At ~$500, the Schwinn Volare 1400 is one of the best cheap road bikes for beginners that money can buy. Other options include the Schwinn Phocus 1600, Schwinn Volare 1200, Giordano Libero, Giordano Acciao, Raleigh Cadent 1 ST, GMC Denali, and Vilano R2.

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Trek 1000: Unveiling The Ultimate Road Bike Experience

October 25, 2023

‍ Key Takeaways

• The Trek 1000 road bike harmoniously blends vintage aesthetics with modern-day functionality, perfect for nostalgic touring.
• Offering a lightweight aluminum frame and reliable components, it stands as a top pick among affordable yet high-performance bikes.
• As a testament to Trek's renowned quality, the Trek 1000 provides a seamless balance of durability, comfort, and efficient road cycling experience.

This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

‍ Trek stands out as a top bike manufacturer because of the quality and comfort. And because of this, one of the top road bikes worth trying is the Trek 1000.

The Trek 1000 road bike combines vintage charm with contemporary functionality. Designed for touring, its lightweight aluminum frame ensures nimble handling, while reliable components promise durability. It’s also packed with modern features and a durable aluminum frame for longevity.

After rigorously testing the Trek 1000 road bike on various terrains and conditions, we've compiled an in-depth review based on our first-hand experience. Our team, with years of expertise in cycling and gear evaluation, offers an authoritative insight into this iconic bike's performance, aesthetics, and value.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

‍ Trek 1000 Road Bike Overview

The Trek 1000 road bike, a classic in the world of vintage bikes, offers a delightful blend of past aesthetics with present-day functionality. For those passionate about taking a journey down memory lane or wanting to embark on a touring adventure, the Trek 1000 serves as a trusted companion.

Many bike enthusiasts looking for the ideal touring bike are immediately drawn to the Trek 1000. Its design considers the long-distance traveler, ensuring smooth, efficient, and reliable rides. Its frame geometry and components are conducive to both leisurely jaunts through the countryside and more rigorous multi-day journeys.

The Trek 1000 isn’t just any road bike; it truly captures the essence of what makes a vintage bike so special. Every curve, weld, and detail echoes an era where craftsmanship and bike design went hand in hand.

In today’s market flooded with high-end, costly models, the Trek 1000 stands out as one of the more affordable options, making it a top pick among low-cost bikes. However, don't let the price tag fool you. This bike’s affordability doesn’t compromise its quality. It's constructed with the care that one would expect from the Trek brand, ensuring durability and performance.

The Birth Of Trek 1000

The Trek 1000 was first introduced in the 1980s but gained popularity in the mid-1990s. This road bike's design has evolved over time with continual updates, making it a popular choice for riders seeking a reliable yet affordable option.

With its sleek design and efficient components, the Trek 1000 is a timeless classic in modern bikes.

Why You Should Consider The Trek 1000

There are numerous reasons why the Trek 1000 is a great bike for riders of all levels. One of the main contributing factors is its 7005 series aluminum frame, which keeps the weight low at just over 1.5kg for the frame only.

This lightweight aspect allows for both speedy rides and easier handling on the road. In addition, the Trek 1000 comes equipped with a responsive and efficient drivetrain, ensuring smooth shifting and consistent speed management.

Its lightweight and durable wheels offer stability while minimizing the bike's overall weight, making climbs and descents more enjoyable. Moreover, the Trek 1000's comfortable and adjustable geometry ensures a great fit for a variety of riders.

It also has Bontrager Ergo handlebars, which contribute to a comfy grip and riding position. This bike provides good components such as Shimano Sora Triple derailleurs, giving riders access to a mid-range configuration without the high price tag of high-end bikes like the Trek Domane.

Technical Specifications Of Trek 1000

Frame and construction.

The Trek 1000 road bike features an Alpha SL Aluminum frame that ensures a balance between lightweight and durability. The frame provides a responsive and efficient ride, which is essential for road bikes.

The bike also comes with a Bontrager-approved carbon fork to help absorb road vibrations, thus offering a more comfortable ride. The aluminum frame and carbon fork construction make it a great choice for various terrains and long rides.

Drivetrain And Gearing

The Trek 1000's drivetrain features Shimano Sora components, ensuring smooth shifting and a wide range of gears for tackling different riding conditions.

The bike's Shimano Sora Triple front derailleur and the Shimano Sora STI Dual Control Brake Levers provide a responsive and reliable gear shifting system. This combination ensures good bike performance and enjoyable rides on various terrains.

Brakes And Safety

Safety is critical when riding at fast speeds, and the Trek 1000 road bike's braking system doesn't disappoint. The bike comes with Shimano Sora STI Dual Control brake levers that provide precise braking control while ensuring smooth gear shifts.

This makes the bike suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike when riding or cycling in various conditions.

Tires And Wheels

The Trek 1000 road bike is equipped with durable tires and wheels designed for road cycling. The bike features Bontrager tires that offer excellent rolling resistance and grip for fast speeds and consistent performance.

On the other hand, the wheels ensure stability and comfort during long rides, as they're designed to handle the demands of road biking. These components make the Trek 1000 road bike a dependable option for riders seeking high-speed performance and reliable handling.

The Ultimate Road Bike Experience

Unmatched comfort.

The Trek 1000 road bike is designed to provide riders with maximum comfort. The lightweight aluminum frame ensures that it's easy to handle and maneuver, while the supportive saddle and well-designed handlebars enable a comfortable position for longer rides.

• Aluminum Frame: Lightweight and durable, perfect for efficient riding
• Handlebars: Drop handlebars that provide great grip and control
• Saddle: Supportive and designed for long rides

Cycling on the Trek 1000, you might find yourself momentarily transported to the Tour de France. Its design, reminiscent of an old bike, captures the essence of iconic races of yore.

Even if you're just cruising around your neighborhood, the bike exudes a competitive spirit that makes you feel as if you're on the grand stages of the world's most famous cycling race.

Delivering Speed

When it comes to speed, the Trek 1000 road bike does not disappoint. The skinny tires and 14-speed configuration make for a nimble and fast ride.

Furthermore, the carbon fiber components add to the bike's overall lightweight, allowing riders to pick up speed and easily tackle various terrains.

The Trek 1000's vacuum tires, paired with the ability to maintain higher tire pressure, set it apart from many bikes. This combination ensures smoother rides, even on challenging terrains, offering both comfort and speed.

The higher tire pressure increases efficiency and gives the rider a significant performance advantage, especially when aiming to win races or outpace fellow cyclists.

Enhancing Endurance

For riders looking to push their limits and improve endurance, the Trek 1000 road bike is a fantastic option. In addition to its lightweight, its responsive handling makes tackling long distances and challenging rides more enjoyable.

This provides a road bike experience allowing riders to push their boundaries confidently.

• Responsive Handling: Smooth and swift, making navigating different types of terrain easier
• Wide Gear Range: The 14-speed configuration gives riders more options when tackling hills and varying gradients
• Light Weight: The aluminum frame and carbon fiber components make the Trek 1000 easier for riders to maintain their pace and power over long distances

Riding the Trek 1000 requires and fosters consistent rational thinking. Its shifting style and the Bontrager sport components demand an engaged rider who is constantly attuned to the bike's responses and the road's demands.

Investing In Trek 1000

Price and value.

Investing in a Trek 1000 road bike is wise for those seeking a versatile and affordable option. This popular road bike offers great value for money, with many riders enjoying its performance and durability.

While the Trek 1000 used to sell for under $1000, new additions have slightly increased the price. However, the Trek 1000 remains affordable compared to many modern bikes.

When it comes to value, the Trek 1000 delivers. The aluminum frame ensures longevity, while the lightweight and quality components provide an enjoyable cycling experience. Cyclists seeking a good road bike without breaking the bank will find the Trek 1000 a great choice.

Maintenance And Durability

Many riders prefer road bikes that require minimal maintenance and can withstand the rigors of daily use. The Trek 1000 is one such bike known for its durability.

With its sturdy aluminum frame, resilient components, and quality construction, the Trek 1000 appeals to cyclists who demand a combination of longevity and performance.

Maintaining the Trek 1000 is relatively simple. We recommend regular upkeep on the bike, such as checking tire pressure, lubricating the chain, and making minor adjustments to the gears as needed.

By performing these routine maintenance tasks, cyclists can ensure the Trek 1000 remains in optimal condition for miles of riding enjoyment. In the long run, the Trek 1000 offers an excellent balance between low-cost investment and consistent performance.

Is The Trek 1000 Road Bike Worth Buying?

The Trek 1000 road bike is definitely worth considering for multiple reasons. First and foremost, Trek is a renowned brand with a reputation for producing high-quality, durable bicycles.

This entry-level road bike offers a great balance between price and performance. Its lightweight aluminum frame provides a smooth ride and is ideal for both beginners and more experienced riders looking for a reliable road bike.

The components, including the gear shifting mechanism and brakes, are consistent and dependable. Additionally, the ergonomic design ensures comfortable long rides. Finally, the value for money is impressive.

It offers features and performance often found in more expensive models. In conclusion, if you're seeking a dependable, well-designed, and cost-effective road bike, the Trek 1000 is a commendable choice.

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About THE AUTHOR

Danny Lawson

Mountain biking is more than just a hobby for me - it's a way of life. I love the challenge and excitement that comes with it, and I'm always pushing myself to go faster and ride harder. Some people might think that mountain biking is dangerous, but I see it as the only way to live.

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The Best Road Bikes For Beginners – Top 5 Of 2024

This is our review of the best road bikes for beginners of 2024.

The best road bike for a beginner is one that’s affordable enough to give cycling a try without breaking the bank, but good enough not to put you off the sport because of a bad experience.

When I was looking to buy my first road bike, I was a student with an empty wallet.

Clearly, I had to think carefully about my future purchase.

I spent weeks compiling a list of the most important things to consider when buying your first road bike and came up with a list of the best bikes for the job. Since then, I’ve tested several of them and I’d like to share my impressions with you.

I present in this article what I have selected as the 5 best road bikes for beginners. At the end, you’ll also find the essentials to bear in mind before making a purchase.

Overall, the Decathlon Triban RC120 is the best compromise between quality and price. This is the first one I’m going to tell you about.

Table of Contents

Our Best Entry Level Road Bikes

• Triban RC120 (Best Value – Personal favorite)
• Giant Contend 3 (Honorable mention)
• Trek Domane AL 2 Disc (Upgrade pick)
• Marin Gestalt (Nice value)

Orbea Avant H60-D

5 best road bikes for beginners, triban rc120.

• Aluminum frame
• Carbon fork
• 8-speed Microshift transmission
• Mechanical Disc brakes

This is my personal favorite on the list, and with the Triban RC120 , you can’t go wrong.

Decathlon is a French brand developing sports products of impressive quality at unbeatable prices, and this bike is one of them.

For beginner road cyclists, the RC120 ticks all the boxes you’re looking for.

First of all, the bike is very comfortable. The position is natural thanks to its relaxed geometry, and all this comfort means you can easily attempt a few longer rides (I’ve done several 90-mile rides without any trouble).

I didn’t know about the Microshift transmission before my purchase, and I can tell you that it’s an excellent surprise, with absolutely nothing to complain about. I have occasionally skipped a gear when using it, but this has not been a frequent problem for me.

Of course, purists may grumble at the absence of a Shimano 105 on the bike, but for the price range Decathlon is targeting with the RC120, there’s really nothing to criticize.

The mechanical disc brakes work perfectly and are a real plus at this price. Dare I say it, they’re normally impossible to find at this price.

As for the tires, they’re just right for beginners, and those who want to go even wider for even greater comfort will be able to change them easily and even go tubeless! The wheels are tubeless-ready, which is normally a costly purchase requiring new wheels.

My only negative point (there has to be one) concerns the pedals, which I strongly recommend changing for automatic ones.

So, for less than $500, the Triban RC120 is, in my opinion, the ideal road bike for beginners. Inexpensive, fun to ride, and reliable, it’s a lot of quality for very few drawbacks.

Another bonus: Decathlon’s after-sales service is top-notch. It’s easy to contact them and they’re always happy to help.

Giant Content 3

• Aluminum fork
• Shimano Claris groupset

I hesitated to put it in first place because it’s been my own bike for so long, it has a special place in my heart.

The Giant Contend 3  was my first bike when I started out on the road. So? I highly recommend it.

But to be objective, compared to the RC120, the price argument made the difference.

It’s more expensive than the previous road bike, it’s true. But coming out of the factories of Giant, one of the biggest brands on the market, the bike’s price is amply justified by its features and components.

The Giant Contend 3 rides well, very well. With its compact, lightweight, and rigid geometry, you can easily learn to ride a road bike, but you’ll also be able to tickle a few sensations and performances that will make you want to switch to the range above. It’s a real pleasure to have a polyvalent frame.

The bike is made entirely of aluminum (Aluxx Aluminum, featuring 6061 alloy) but remains relatively light (25 lbs – 11.37 kg). Of course, you can’t expect to buy a carbon frame at this price.

As for the drivetrain, the Shimano Claris groupset is a great addition, providing smooth, precise shifting. I have nothing to complain about on this matter, the brake levers are also nice to use. I’ve never had any unpleasant surprises.

The tires are 28mm, so you can ride comfortably and occasionally take a path that’s a little less smooth than the road. Of course, this isn’t a gravel bike, so don’t go too crazy.

The rim brakes are simple and effective, and work as they should. I admit that when you see the RC120, you might think it would have been better to have disc brakes, but I think that’s my only remark.

Other than that, the bike looks great. With its clean, elegant finish, I personally think it’s a real eye-catcher. A special mention for the internal cables, normally visible on much more high-end road bikes.

The Contend 3 may be the most affordable endurance road bike in Giant’s Contend range, but it’s the one I recommend with my eyes closed. However, if you prefer a better groupset and a carbon fork, the Giant Content 1 is equipped with Shimano Sora and will meet your needs.

Trek Domane AL 2 Disc

• Carbon fiber fork
• Mechanical disc brakes

Trek is a bit of a holy grail when it comes to bicycle brands, so it may come as a surprise to see it on this list.

With the Domane AL 2 Disc , Trek offers an affordable endurance bike (albeit a little more expensive than the other models featured in this article) designed for beginners.

Let’s take a look at what the brand has to offer.

First of all, the bike is comfortable, with a design focused on this objective. With an aluminum frame and carbon fork, the bike is lightweight and its stability inspires confidence. It’s a pleasure to ride.

As with our previous road bikes, the Domane is equipped with Shimano Claris. Shifting gears is smooth and seamless, so you can be sure of good function in this respect.

The proposal of a bike fitted with disc brakes here is very interesting, as the model has a clearance tire allowing wider wheels to be fitted if you want to try out new practices.

Fitting wider tires for an even more comfortable, all-around ride is ideal when you’re just starting out and want to find out what you like by trying out new things. Of course, you’ll need to buy new tires (and wheels if necessary), which represents a cost not to be underestimated.

If you don’t see the benefit of such an option, Trek offers the Domane AL 2, fitted with rim brakes, for $70 less. Honestly, even if you don’t see the point now, trust me and pay the $70. It will be well invested.

In conclusion, while it represents a slightly larger budget than the others, the Domane AL 2 Disc is a product that gives you a taste of the upper end of the market. With a legendary brand name, internal wiring, and the finishing touches that go with it, this is a great bike for beginners.

Clearly, this is a nice gift for yourself.

Marin Gestalt

What I love about the Marin Gestalt is how pleasant it is to ride. Its comfortable geometry gives you an upright riding position, and its wider-than-average tires (32mm) make any terrain smoother.

If you’re even greedier, the bike has enough tire clearance to go up to 35mm, and maybe try gravel tires (the frame isn’t a pure gravel frame though, but if you want to test some dirt trails to try out new ways of cycling, do it! Of course, I can’t recommend buying a gravel bike enough if your initial goal is to ride everywhere).

As for braking, it’s interesting, especially at this price. As we saw with the RC120, disc brakes are always welcome if you want to widen your tires.

And speaking of tire changes, tubeless-ready rims allow you to try out tubeless tires if you feel like it. Tubeless tires are becoming increasingly popular on road bikes.

With a Shimano Claris groupset, there’s no need to worry about shifting gears or malfunctions. It’s a basic, simple but effective group.

If you want to get your first taste of road cycling, the Orbea Avant H60 could be a great way to start.

If you do a little research, you’ll see Orbea everywhere, and that’s only to be expected – the brand deserves its reputation. The Avant H60 is the ideal road bike for beginners.

The Avant H60 is a versatile, relaxed bike for longer rides without difficulty. Its comfortable posture reduces body strain.

With an aluminum frame and carbon fork, Orbea positions itself at the upper end of the entry-level market, using high-quality materials to ensure reliability.

Like the other bikes on the list, the Shimano Claris drivetrain is a classic but safe choice. I don’t want to demand Shimano Ultegra, because, at this price of the bike, I’d be worried about the quality of the rest.

On flat roads as well as on more hilly sections, the gear ratios should enable you to do everything, promising great rides all over the place.

In terms of braking, I’m happy to see disc brakes that allow me to fit wider tires. The brakes are obviously mechanical, so unfortunately if you’re hoping to see hydraulic disc brakes, you’ll have to shell out a little cash and look for higher-end bikes.

For a price in the upper range of this selection, Orbea offers a nice entry-level road bike, with a beautiful finish and clean styling. As I like to point out, the internal wiring is a real plus.

A safe, reliable, and durable purchase.

Beginner Road Bike Buying Guide

This section lists the tips you need to know before buying your beginner’s road bike.

Think about your type of practice

Before you start, there are several questions you should ask yourself.

Why do you want to buy a road bike? To get to work every day or for long outings on weekends? Do you want to go out in a group? Are you planning to go shopping?

These questions are important because they will determine the type of bike you need. It may seem obvious, but it’s not necessary to buy a racing bike to go to work.

Generally speaking, if your goal – as mine was when I started out – is to ride occasionally to get into shape and enjoy some nice rides, I strongly recommend you buy an endurance bike.

There’s no need to look for geometries that are too specific or technical. If you’re just starting out, get a more comfortable endurance road bike, with a tall head tube and a shorter top tube.

Putting you in an upright position will allow you to familiarize yourself with the sport and avoid imposing constraints on your body (which some geometries do) that will make you hate road biking.

As the wise man said: “If it is uncomfortable you won’t ride. If it is comfortable you won’t stop riding.”

Set yourself a budget

When starting out on an entry-level road bike, it’s difficult to give an exact budget that meets everyone’s needs. To echo the previous paragraph, the type of riding you do has a lot to do with the price you pay.

In my opinion, finding a bike for under $1,000 is perfectly reasonable, and even some $500 models will do the trick. As an example, I recommend you buy the RC120.

In any case, don’t forget that your riding will evolve over time, you’ll discover what you like and don’t like, and it’s most likely that you’ll want to change your bike in the future to stick as closely as possible to what you really want to ride.

It will always be possible to change after a few months or years by reselling your purchase, you never lose your money.

Frame materials

There are 4 possible frame materials for road bike frames:

• Steel frames
• Aluminum frames
• Carbon fiber frames
• Titanium frames (way too expensive for us here)

Steel and aluminum are the budget-friendly materials of the range. On the other hand, they weigh more. For a cheap road bike, aim for an aluminum frame, as it’s lighter than steel.

Carbon fiber has the optimum characteristics for a road bike. A carbon frame is very light and there are many frame shapes to choose from, but the price is much higher (almost all high-end and expensive bikes are made of carbon fiber).

In our case, there’s no need to look for a carbon frame: for a small budget, only a carbon fork is an option.

The right fit

Before you purchase anything, take the time to find out what size bike is right for you. It’s the bike that has to fit you, not you to fit the bike.

Unlike bike components, once you’ve bought a bike, it’s difficult to change the size of the frame, so make sure you choose the right one for you.

Manufacturers provide numerous size guides on their websites or on distributor platforms, so take your time to choose the right frame size and ensure a good fit.

If you’re really in doubt, go into a shop and get measured to find out what you need.

Once you’re done, check out our article on how to properly sit on your bike .

Consider buying second-hand

As an affiliate, I could tell you to absolutely buy your first road bike on the Internet, but this would be dishonest of me. You should think about buying second-hand too.

Buying second-hand is recommended because it allows you to get a road bike that would be out of your budget (if new) for much less. It can be the opportunity to get a great deal on a nice little nugget.

There are many ways to find them:

• Facebook Marketplace / Facebook groups
• Cycling clubs
• Some bike shops

However, you need to be careful, because buying second-hand means buying a bike that’s already been used, and therefore potentially damaged. There are a number of points to bear in mind.

If you want to take up road biking, chances are your knowledge is limited, so I’m not going to go into the technicalities. Pay attention to what seems to be common sense:

• Visually check the condition of the frame and paintwork, looking for snags, cracks, or any questionable marks;
• Spin the wheels and check for distortion;
• Move the bike, test it, and change gears, do you feel anything fishy?

Of course, you can’t expect the bike to fall apart all of a sudden, but if there’s a problem, you’ll feel it right away.

• There’s no harm in being interested in the life of the bike, the reasons for the sale, etc… Feel free to ask questions;
• What about the feeling with the seller?

By following these points, you can avoid bad surprises

Our Verdict

With a price that’s almost unbeatable and an endurance profile that’s ideal for starting out with comfortable rides, Décathlon seems to me to be offering a very tempting package.

For me, the Triban RC120 is the go-to entry-level bike on this list, an affordable road bike for beginners that also offers the opportunity to try out other things with the tire clearance that makes it possible.

As far as I’m concerned, you can go for it with your eyes closed, and if you’re curious to see what Décathlon is doing in the higher range, the Triban RC520 is the road bike to check out.

Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.

Copyright © All rights reserved 2024

Trek bikes range: which model is right for you?

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The humble beginning of Trek bicycles took place in the "red barn" - once a carpet warehouse - in Waterloo, USA. The first bikes were steel touring frames , but within three years the brand had expanded substantially.

Eventually outgrowing the barn, Trek moved into a much larger headquarters - still in Waterloo - in the year 1980. From there it began to manufacture road racing bikes, then in 1983 created its first mountain bike before moving into accessories come 1984.

Having started out in steel, Trek moved into developing aluminium bikes in 1985. The first Trek branded full carbon frame came in 1989 - the Trek 5000 had a frame weight of 1.5kg. It was built by an outside manufacturer and discontinued after a year. Trek made its own efforts at carbon, with an in-house production, in 1992 to much greater success.

>>> Trek mountain bikes: which model is right for you?

Now, Trek offers the Madone (aero bike), Domane (endurance bike), Emonda (lightweight race bike) and Checkpoint (gravel bike) as well as the Boone cyclocross and Speed Concept time trial machine.

Trek's OCLV Carbon

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Trek's carbon bikes have always used their own patented 'OCLV carbon' - this stands for Optimum Compaction Low Void. It believes this carbon creates the best compromise between low weight and high strength and stiffness.

Optimum Compaction refers to the way sheets of carbon are layered into the mould, and optimised via heat and pressure - in Trek's opinion the two treatments are administered to the perfect ratio. Low Void refers to the minimisation of space between the layers of carbon, which might otherwise reduce strength and durability.

In 1995, Trek opened an independent facility inWhitewater, Wisconsin. The idea being that the Waterloo factory would work in frame development only. For those who want to customise their ride, the'Project One' custom paint programme arrived in 2001.

Trek's pro cycling support

Trek supported now disgraced American cyclist, Lance Armstrong, through his peak years. In 1997, it helped him sign with their sponsored team, US Postal Service Pro Cycling. He won his seven editions of the Tour de Frances on bikes bearing the brand name, but all of said wins were later taken from him following doping violations.

In 2014, the brand sponsored the Trek Factory Racing Team, now calledTrek–Segafredo. In that role, it provided bikes for high profile winners such as Fabian Cancellara and Alberto Contador,as well as Jens Voigt, and notably his Hour Record in September 2014.

In 2020, Trek continued to support the Trek-Segafredo men's and women's race outfits, two highly successful teams.

Trek's acquisitions

Over the years, Trek has made a number of high profile acquisitions. The most famous, perhaps, Gary Fisher bicycles - the mountain bike brand which it took over in 1993.

Later came Bontrager Cycles in 1995 and Electra Bicycle Company in 2014. Bontrager, now Trek's component and apparel brand, maintains the same name as does Electra, the creator of leisure bikes and accessories.

Useful links for road bike shoppers…

Trek's road bike models

Trek is able to offer a wide range of different bikes, each tuned to a slightly different purpose. Some model families are available in a selection of standards (SLR premium carbon, SL carbon, ALR premium aluminium and AL aluminium), and then these come with assorted levels of componentry to suit your price bracket.

To add even more depth to the range, Trek offers many models in two different 'fits'. The Madone and Émonda come as standard in an H2 (traditional) fit, but there are versions in what it calls 'H1' fit. This is more aggressive, shaving off about 30mm on the head tube to create a longer, lower ride. The Domane comes in an H2 'Endurance' fit, with a few models in 'Pro Endurance', again with a longer and lower stance on offer.

Here's a look at the key model families...

With each product is a ‘Buy Now’ or ‘Best Deal’ link. If you click on this then we may receive a small amount of money from the retailer when you purchase the item. This doesn’t affect the amount you pay.

Trek Domane

Our expert review:

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid.

The Trek Domane was introduced in 2012. It was created to offer a comfortable ride, the key feature being an IsoSpeed decoupler which separated the seat tube from the top tube, thus reducing vibrations and fatigue.

In 2016 it gained theFront IsoSpeed, which helps to reduce vibrations at the front end without impacting handling. This came alongside a new slider, which alters the level of dampening offered by the rear.

In its most recent update , the Domane took notes from the Madone with an aero fork profile, whilst becoming more versatile thanks to clearance for 38mm tyres (without mudguards, 35mm with). It also gained a downtube compartment for stashing tools (or snacks!).

Though comfort is important to the Trek Domane, it's still a racing frame, and its prowess has been demonstrated by UCI WorldTour riders at major one-day Classics, such as Strade Bianche and the Tour of Flanders. The top Domane bikes come with an H1.5 fit, which was developed with the Trek-Segafredo teams to offer the optimal balance between aerodynamics and endurance.

The Trek Domane - available as a men's build or with women's specific componentry - is a fast selling model, which comes in a range of frame materials.

The Domane SLR uses the lightest carbon Trek offers, the SL is one step down, whilst the AL uses aluminium and is the cheapest of the range.

Trek Madone

The Trek Madone is quite another beast, and the bikes come built for men and women; the latter's models with women's saddles and narrower handlebars . With an aggressive geometry and stiffness to boot, it's a road race hero, and aerodynamics have become part of its lifeblood. When we tested five aero bikes , head to head, the Trek Madone came out fastest.

Modern Trek Madone's feature a high level of integration, with the cables tucked away yet reachable via an access point at the top of the down tube.Wind tunnel testing has helped Trek to create theirKVF (Kammtail Virtual Foil) tube shapes, used on the frame and fork. These unconventional tube shapes are designed to further reduce drag, helping the rider/bike unit to slice through the air efficiently.

Because being bumped around doesn't make you faster, the Madone also features an IsoSpeed decoupler at the seat tube and more recently an adjustable one at the head tube, which offers greater compliance whilst still being integrated to prevent adding drag.

The newest model, according to Trek, can offer 17 per cent more compliance through to 21 per cent more stiffness, depending upon your chosen setting. A damper at the seatpost is also said to cut rebound by 13 per cent. All of these stats add up to a bike that can be comfortable and stiff at the same time - and one that earned a place in our 2018 Editor's Choice awards.

The majority of the bikes come in a more relaxed 'H2' geometry, save for the Madone SLR, which is in an 'H1.5' fit - this is designed to allow riders to achieve an H1 fit or an H2, depending upon their set up.

Trek Émonda

Adding more depth to the Trek family is the Trek Émonda, launched in 2014. Designed to be a climbing bike, newer adaptations are capable of negotiating mixed terrains - with disc brakes available and tyre clearance to 28mm.

>>> Trek Émonda range explained

Trek continues to work on developing the Émonda, dropping the weight of the top end Trek Émonda SLR to 640g in a size 56cm (665g with discs) and 1091g for the Trek Émonda SL (1149g with discs). The weight difference is largely achieved by the use of700 Series OCLV carbon on the SLR, as opposed to 500 series on the SL.

The aluminium model has seen some major work and the result earned it a place in the Editor's Choice 2019 awards. The key characteristic we loved was the way it simply didn't look, or ride, like aluminium. A lot of this is down to Trek's 'Invisible Weld Technology' which increases the surface area of the frame, adding to strength and reducing weight. The ALR model's frame weight comes in at a competitive 1112g, or 1131g with discs, and it uses the brand's 300 Series Alpha Aluminium.

The carbon models are available in 'SLR' build or 'SL', the former being the lightest and the latter more affordable. The majority of Trek Émonda bikes cone in an 'H2' fit, but they can be purchased in an 'H1' geometry, if you choose the top end 'Race Shop' version.

There are a few nods to neatness and integration around, such as the use of 'Blendr Integration' which seamlessly mounts Bontrager’s cycling computer, Ionbike lights or even Garmin computers directly to the handlebars. On SLR versions there's ‘Control Freak Cable Management’ which allows for shifter and brake cables to be housed through the frame.

Trek Checkpoint

With gravel and adventure bikes a fast growing category, the Checkpoint is Trek's offering to fill that sector. The crucial element here is that both the SL and ALR frame options come fitted out with 35c gravel tyres, and can accommodate rubber up to 45c. They've all got internal cable routing, to ensure much stays out, whilst the higher end models use 'Control Freak' routing which is neater.

>>> Best gravel bikes: the top models reviewed

If you opt for the carbon SL model, you get vibration dampening from an IsoSpeed decoupler at the rear, too.  To provide stability and confidence on light trails as well as comfort on all-day adventures, the geometry is not as aggressive as the road bikes elsewhere in the range. Such all-day rides warrant plenty of kit, so there's mounts for racks and mounts. Similar to elsewhere in the range, there's AL, ALR and SL models.

Trek Speed Concept

Trek's Speed Concept time trial bike has been raced by the pros yet is still seen on the amateur race scene as a popular option.

>>> Check out Fabian Cancellara's 2016 Speed Concept

The frames use 500 Series OCLV Carbon, boasting the KVF (Kammtail Virtual Foil) tube shapes described in the Madone, plus a carbon fork with integrated brake and stem - the key goal being cutting through the air quickly.There's space to fit Trek's SC Draft Box and SC Sped Box, largely used by triathletes carrying snacks.

Trek Boone 5

Trek's got plenty of experience in the muddy realm of off-road cycling - and they've got a selection of cyclocross bikes. The Trek Boone 7 model comes with hydraulic disc brakes, a one-by crank and 12-speed cassette and they've all got Bontrager's own 33c cyclocross tyres.

The frame material is Trek's 600 series OCLV carbon, and there's front and rear IsoSpeed decouplers to help riders negotiate the mud without excess transfer of vibration. Combining the mud ready tyres, disc brakes, 'cross focused cable routing and geo into an aluminium package is the Trek Crockett family.

They key differentiation is the frame material, which is300 Series Alpha Aluminium, and there's no decoupler. However, it's still a performance bike that's ready to race.

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Michelle Arthurs-Brennan the Editor of Cycling Weekly website. An NCTJ qualified traditional journalist by trade, Michelle began her career working for local newspapers. She's worked within the cycling industry since 2012, and joined the Cycling Weekly team in 2017, having previously been Editor at Total Women's Cycling. Prior to welcoming her daughter in 2022, Michelle raced on the road, track, and in time trials, and still rides as much as she can - albeit a fair proportion indoors, for now.

British rider remembers his victory at Paris-Roubaix juniors

By Tom Thewlis Published 4 May 24

Alfonsina Strada made headlines when she entered the 1924 edition of the Giro d’Italia, under the name 'Alfonsin', and the story of her grit and determination to finish against all odds lives on today

By Giles Belbin Published 4 May 24

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Specialized vs Trek Road Bikes: My Comparison Guide

So you’re interested in comparing the road bike ranges of Trek and Specialized, huh?

Well, you’ve come to the right… oh wait, you’re not?

No matter. I’m going to write about it anyway.

I’m interested and that’s all that matters (and you may find it useful, entertaining, a useful sleep aid). Onward!

This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy something, I may get a commission.

Why Specialized and Trek For This Special Comparison, Mont?

Well, I’ve ridden a Trek carbon road bike for these past (nearly) six years and I’ve been very happy with it. I’d certainly consider buying another one.

We’ll get onto this, but one of the (less rational) reasons for buying my bike (the Domane) was that it was both an ‘endurance’ bike (built for the less fit who want a more comfortable ride) and cool* (it was the bike Fabian Cancellara would use to ride Paris-Roubaix).

(* I … M … H … O)

Things have moved on slightly (‘endurance’ and all out racing bikes have converged somewhat), but Specialized also had (still have) a cool ‘endurance’ bike (i.e. aimed at the less flexible gent) that evoked the spring classics: the Specialized Roubaix – the clue’s in the title.

So Specialized remains the bike manufacturer I almost went for (the one that got away).

Other Slightly Related Facts

I did end up buying a Specialized steed a year after the conclusion of my endurance bike purchasing quest.

Only it was a 20″ Specialized Hotrock hardtail mountain bike for my son. Whilst an excellent bike, less relevant for this post.

Finally, true fact, the colour scheme for this ‘ere blog, which I updated last year is based on my current favourite team jersey: the Trek-Segafredo women’s kit (circa 2019).

So Let’s Start With The Basics

Both Trek and Specialized are US manufacturers.

Trek was founded in 1976 in Waterloo, Wisconsin by Richard Burke, owner of an appliance distribution business, and Bevil Hogg, a bike shop owner. As a lifelong fan of Lord Wellington and Abba (both of who loved distributing appliances), this appeals to me.

The company started life in a barn , a building which I recall from an episode of the Cycling Tips podcast, Trek still keeps as part of its current ‘campus’.

(Come on, that’s history, innit.)

The company (as far as I can tell) continues to be owned by the family of the original founders, and is run by John Burke, son of Richard.

Specialized was founded in 1974, two years earlier than Trek, by Mike Sinyard. Initially Sinyard imported Italian bike parts that he’d discovered on his bike travels, but by 1981, Specialized had started making its own bikes, with one of the first being the Allez road bike*.

(* Wait! They still make the Allez, all these years later. Amazing…).

The company is 49%-owned by Merida, a Taiwanese firm that also make bikes. I think I probably knew this (prior to undertaking the ‘sort-of-research’ for this post) but was more surprised to discover that it made the acquisition in 2001. Anyway, Sinyard remains CEO.

Where Do Trek and Specialized Make Their Bikes?

Both companies undertake a large amount of their manufacturing overseas. It’s difficult (or impossible) to get precise figures as both are privately owned.

I can see why companies keep this information to themselves. When she was standing for political office a few years ago, the opponents of Mary Burke (of the Trek family) focused heavily on the fact that Trek bikes were made overseas and not supporting American jobs…

Trek sells in the millions of bikes per year (not all road bikes), of which maybe 10,000 of the really high end ones are manufactured in the US. Whilst much of the overseas production is (I think) in China, it also manufactures in Holland and Germany.

According to this article (which sounds legit but don’t believe everything you read on the internet, kids), all Specialized bikes are made in Asia, with key suppliers being Merida (makes sense), Giant and ‘Ideal’ (?!?)

Summary of the two ranges

I doubt you came here just for the history and some speculation over manufacturing facilities (though you should be aware that I do have actually have a history degree).

Wherez arez the bikez.

I thought I’d try to break down the road bike ranges of each company to help understand what compares with what. I could try to do that for their mountain bikes as well, but with my lack of knowledge on that front, I’d quickly be well over my skis. Look for that info elsewhere.

Similarly for their hybrid, e-bikes and other random ranges, well… whatever.

Trying to boil it down, here is a list of the road bike model ‘families’ made by each company, classified by the target sub-segment of the roadie market:

Trek’s Road Bike Range

• Aluminium (beginner/budget) road bike: aluminium versions of the Domane and Emonda
• Endurance (relaxed fit): Domane
• Lightweight (racey climby): Emonda
• Aero road (as opposed to pure aero): Madone
• Gravel (adventure): Checkpoint, Boone and Crockett (not a 1960s group of protest musicians)

Here’s a link to the full range of Trek’s road bikes , in case you can’t work out how to Google.

Specialized’s Road Bike Range

• Aluminium (beginner/budget) road bike: Allez
• Endurance (relaxed fit): Roubaix
• Lightweight (racey climby): Tarmac
• Aero road (as opposed to pure aero): Venge
• Gravel (adventure): Diverge

And here’s a cheeky link to the Specialized website , so you can see all the up-to-date variants.

How Do Trek And Specialized Denote Better Bikes (Model Naming Conventions)?

This is not always an exact science, as specifications can vary as models can be updated each year.

(Inexact science is my jam…)

Trek signal different levels of specification, higher quality (or lighter) frames, additional expensive features, through a combination of numbers (mainly) and letters (to a limited degree).

Higher numbers denote a higher specc’ed bike. The current Domane SL 5 has a Shimano 105 groupset. The SL 6 has Ultegra. Top of the range, the SLR 9 has full Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 electronic gears.

Trek bikes at the lower end of the price scale generally have the ‘SL’ designation (unless they’re aluminium frames, in which case they’re ‘AL’). I query if all the bikes in a range can be Super Light (or superleggara ) but there you go.

At the upper end an R is added, to arrive at SLR (I’m guessing Super Light Race). The key difference between SL and SLR bikes is the frame.

Using the Domane as an example, the SLR frame has adjustable resistance settings on the Isospeed ‘suspension’ at the front and rear of the bike. The SL frame doesn’t (you’ll get the level of resistance you’re given).

The Emonda SL frame is made from 500 series OCLV* carbon and weighs 1.68kg. The SLR version is upgraded to 700 series OCLV and weighs 1.19kg.

(* Optimum Compaction Low Void, in case you’re wondering…)

Specialized (thankfully) adopt a slightly more straightforward forward approach to naming their bikes.

Generally speaking, the basic version is just called the, er, name. So the basic Specialized Roubaix is called the… Roubaix.

Then as you go up the spec tree (this monkey loves climbing the spec tree), you have the following suffixes:

Finally, at the top end, presumably in a nod to Lockheed’s advanced aircraft development arm (Skunk Works), Specialized does an ‘S-Works’ version of each bike (although ‘S-Works’ goes at the start, i.e. ‘S-Works Roubaix’ rather than ‘Specialized Roubaix S-Works’…).

Want To See More Photos Of Beautiful Trek and Specialized Road Bikes?

Of course you do.

The websites of both Trek and Specialized do a fine job of showing off their bikes to the fullest.

I ride a Trek Domane as my main road bike. I *love* the look of the new Emonda (shown here). Gold though...?

I am rather partial to the S-Works Tarmac (pictured here), if Specialized want to send me one to review....

Well there is no conclusion, is there?

Because I haven’t finished.

The first draft of this post (which wasn’t even finished) was knocking on 5,000 words. Too much for even the most patient blogfans to bear.

I’ve broken it down into what looks like four future posts, each one dealing with a different bike category. So I’ll compare the Trek Emonda with the Specialized Tarmac, the Madone with the Venge. You get the idea.

Update: I’m pleased to report that I’ve published the Trek/Specialized endurance bike comparison – so now you can read it:

• Trek Domane vs Specialized Roubaix: Endurance Road Bike Comparison  

Now, quick show of hands.

Who here owns a Trek road bike or a Specialized? Which one? What are your thoughts and would recommend the one you’ve got?

Let me know in the comments section below.

Cheers Monty

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33 thoughts on “Specialized vs Trek Road Bikes: My Comparison Guide”

I have 2013 S Roubaix and love it. Not sure I would purchase the latest model, everything seems to be getting to ‘technical’ and awkward to fix out on the road. I like to keep things simple stupid.

2016 Roubaix with 105 was my first drop bar bike, loved it but over time it became clear I needed a size 58 rather than the 61. Replaced it with a 2018 Roubaix and got it pro fitted, it’s amazing now. Followed up with a 2018 Diverge E5 to have an aluminum bike without the future shock but with the same fitting for dog trailer pulling, winter, and trainer use (SUPER similar geometry to the Roubaix)

I’ve been really happy with them, and never felt like it was holding me back compared to a Tarmac. They can be set up similar regardless, and the accumulated fatigue of chip seal around here makes the Roubaix a no brainer.

How tall are you? I’ve been waffling about a 58

Hi Jonathan – I’m between 5’9 and 5’10. Hope that helps!

I have a 2019 Roubaix Expert.

IT’S FABULOUS!!!!!

2018 Specialized Allez Sport. My first bike since I was a kid, so I don’t have much to compare it to, but it seems fast enough (I have a couple KOMs locally) and is comfortable at a century so nothing to complain about. It could be a little lighter, I’ve been thinking of upgrading and keeping the Allez for commuting but it will be hard to convince the wife it is a worthwhile expense.

Trek Domane. Great bike.

I have a Trek Checkpoint 5.0 and a Specialized Diverge Sport. I like both bikes. As a general comment, the Trek is heavier than the Specialized. So when you are buying at the bottom price of each carbon model, Trek seems to go for durability and flexibility of use over lightweight. By the way, my Checkpoint was made by Giant in Taiwan (on the bike box).

I finished 4 RAAM times on a Specialized S-Works Roubaix – loved it ; very comfortable to ride for hours, but slow and hard to ride fast. Just did RAW on my Trek Emonda – the best! Super light and fast. Actually, I love both of these bikes – there are just very different.

Had a 2013 Roubaix for a couple of years, loved it, did some 100 milers and the Grand Depart 2019 for Prostate Cancer UK 130 miles including cobbles. Last ride on Doris (the Roubaix) was Revolve 24 at Brands Hatch, again she performed well. I now have a 2016 Tarmac SL3 Expert, early days but loving the sportier geometry and the ability to put the power down.

I have a 2014 Trek Domane 4.5 which I purchased after a bike fit with my Boardman Team Carbon demonstrated that I needed a smaller bike. If this sounds familiar I went for the bike fit after reading your blog as I prepared for Ride London – just as you did a year before! I love this bike and have rode Ride London in 2014, Velothon Wales in 2015, Ride London 46 in 2016 and Velo Birmingham in 2017 numerous 100Km plus rides. I must have ridden well over 4000 miles. BUT – this year I was due to ride it on Ride London again. Following a gear cable break on a training ride I discovered play in the cranks and this was traced to a siezed BB bearing which was spinning in the frame and had worn the BB housing. This required a return of the frame to Trek for a repair which they would not do under the lifetime warranty- apparently this is wear and tear. The repair wasn’t cheap but wasn’t as bad as I first feared but couldn’t be done in time for this years Ride London. So I’d be interested to know what maintenance regime other Trek users have used to avoid this happening to them. With the Trek unavailable for RL this year used a smaller 2014 Boardman Team Carbon which I bought at the end of 2014 for £750 when it was end of line at Halfords, an absolute bargain and a third of the price of the Trek. Upgraded from 10-speed 105 to 11 speed Ultegra, and getting it set up properly for me it is just as good as the Trek and climbs better although is perhaps a little harsher on rough roads. I use Specialised Toupe saddles on all my bikes though!

I have a 2017 Trek Domane SL7 (Ultegra Di2) for my normal road bike. I’ve updated it in a few places, Deda Zero 100 bars and Stem, Hunt wheels with Swalbe Pro one tubeless tires, Absolute Black Oval chainrings,Selle Italia Superflow SLR saddle. Weight saved was 0.8KG. Overall love my Domane, a much better ride on the welsh pothole riddled roads than previous bikes. Will use it on next years Ride London (assuming I get a place) rather than my Look Huez (great as a lightweight climbing bike for the welsh hills).

I had a 2015 Specialized Roubaix expert. It was good. Made the mistake of test riding a 2018 Roubaix Comp with Future Shock. First ride not much difference. We changed the shock spring from the stiffest to lightest. Night and day better. This bike floats over bumps compared to my previous Roubaix. It’s quick and fast. The 28 tires are excellent too.

Thanks for the great post.

After laboring (or “labouring” if you are in Europe) – or really obsessing – about my “retirement” bike, I finally chose the 2019 Specialized Tarmac Pro frameset (my first full carbon bike was the first iteration of the carbon Tarmac – so many decades ago!) I chose this over the Trek Domane SLR, and the Cervelo S-3 for its slight weight advantage and because it seemed to have the best overall reviews in terms of speed, weight and comfort. As I still race in age-grouped triathlons and aquabikes, but am now at an age when a full-on tri frame is too jarring, the last attribute was important.

Simply put, I love this bike. Though the others are amazing in their own right, the Tarmac has offered the speed and comfort that I longed for. I have raced it (including an aquabike with a 26-mile bike leg, and the one-person sprint tri that I did yesterday, (I came in first on that one, ) it has exceeded my expectations and wishes. It is built with Sram Etap, Reynolds Attack wheels (with 25mm tubeless tires,) a Zipp cockpit, and the stupidly expensive s-works saddle the name of which I have forgotten, but which is heaven to sit on.

I choose the 2017 Specialized Roubaix sport w/105 . Added Zipp’s course 30 wheel set W/ S-Work 28mm tires. this year Absolute black oval chain ring sub compact 32/48 for lots of climbing and 34/11 in the rear. I love the ride and the feel of the bike wish I could afford the S Works Roubaix

First road bike was an Allez and loved it several bikes and many years later I have a Roubaix Comp. This has to be the best bike I have ridden the perfect balance of comfort and pace, ok younger legs might get better speed out of a Tarmac, loving it.

I have a 2017 Roubaix with Specialized’s future shock suspension and at 50 years old appreciate that little bit of comfort. The rest of the standard bike is pretty good too

I’m not a top-end rider. I don’t race or compete at all, I’m just an average guy that likes to ride. I owned a Specialized hybrid and it was a very good bike. When I decided I wanted a road bike I found both Specialized and Trek lacking unless you were willing to spend a *lot* of money. My preference was a road bike with a Shimano 105 group set. While both Specialized and Trek advertized a 105 group set, both were only partially 105’s. Many of the components were not 105’s ( read “less expensive”). I wanted to by from an American manufacturer (I live in America), but I bought a bike from a German manufacturer (Bulls). The Bulls bike had 105 components across the board and cost about 1/2 (yes, a full half) of the closest equivalent Specialized or Trek. In my opinion, Specialized and Trek make some very good bikes, but they are more expensive.

I have a Specialized Roubaix Sport 2017 model which I bought to do Ride London 100 in August this year. My first carbon bike. I bought it on recomendation from a work colleague and I love it. Such a good comfortable bike. I had a professional fit on your recomendation Monty. 105 groupset. I put a 34/11 cassette on the rear to help me up the hills in the peak district. Don’t believe Shimano. 105 can take a 34 rear cog without any adjustment. All in all very happy.

Despite all the advice regarding Disk brakes I went for the Trek Emonda SL7 Disk, purchased at the end of May this year (2019) and not at all what I set out to buy. I use a Spa Audax Ti bike for winter and commuting so have only done 506 miles so far but have to say that the SL7 has exceeded my expectations in many areas including the Disk brakes. The bike was set up with data from a previous Retul bike fit in 2016 done on a Bianchi Infinito CV (loaned to me for a couple of years by my Son) and from the beginning has given me pain free cycling, I do intend to have another Retul fit done on the Trek when time and money allows. I would not hesitate to recommend both Trek as the manufacturer and the SL7 Disk as a fast, sporty climber that ticks many of the “Endurance” qualities along with a comfortable and smooth ride.

Trek Emonda ALR 5, this is my first bike since my Schwinn Varsity when I was a kid a long time ago. So not much to compare to, it goes up hills really nice, around turns with confidence. If I want to reduce any weight, the best way would be to lighten the rider not the bike! I think it is lightweight, had several people have asked if it is carbon, the welds are great. I ride it on the road and rail trails.

I’ve got a Trek Domane 5.2, 2014 vintage, replacing a Cannondale R2.8 that I really liked. But I was really amazed at the differences in the old Dale vs. the Trek. I had ridden several other bikes before selecting the Domane and all the others seemed to be just a newer version of the Dale, the trek felt like an actual upgrade beyond just newer.

Finally, I’ll be expecting Mont to compile these comments and add these survey notes to one of the remaining 3 posts : )

iI am a vintage weekend warrior (so to speak) ie +50 , i bought a Trek Emonda SL6 with upgraded Mavic wheel set about three years ago – best bike I have had ! especially on the hilly bits. Before this i was ( in recent times anyhow) a Specialized convert with an aluminium Allez followed by a carbon Roubaix – both great bikes

Thanks for posting this blog.. I’m recently getting back into road biking after over 20 years away from it when i was in college riding my, then at the time, Bianchi race bike. I’m been riding pretty regularly recently and just did a recent sportive, and looking to upgrade my bike, originally was thinking ‘endurance’ but others in my ‘sportive team’ all ride the ‘race’ bikes. Been back and forth between Trek Emonda vs Cannondale Supersix / CAAD13, as well as carbon vs aluminium. Specialized keeps coming up in my research but not sold by my LBS. Just asking out of curiosity and because I’m really interested in learning more.. 1) why you didn’t include Cannondale in your blog.. I thought this would have been a natural comparison in the mix (is there a reason i should discount Cannondale) 2) are any bikes still manufactured in the US by Trek and Specialized?… and more specifically the models you listed above? This would be helpful as I continue my search for my next bike and value the opinion in the other comments above. Cheers!

Hi Monty Firstly love your work please keep it up especially the videos, great fun 👍

I missed this last year so apologies

I spent a year waiting for the new Roubaix to be released in Australia and went to buy one May 2019 I wanted the Di2 version with a 61cm frame Well the only color Specialized would offer was Matt black I’m not a drug dealer so why would I want s stealth matt black bike

My local bike shop where amazing, they asked Specialized to offer another color anything but black but no luck After a month or so of trying the bike shop even offered to paint the bike for me

At that point I decided Specialized did not deserve my $6000 and purchased a Cervelo R3 which I am really happy with in fluro green 😎

May be you could do a blog on bike color/ paint jobs in the future

Keep up the great work Safe riding

KS Brisbane AUS

Thanks KS. Glad you’re enjoying the blog and the vids. That’s great to hear. I’ll keep the bike colour topic in mind for future content. Cheers, Monty

Kinda late, but just reading this. The Trek Domane versus S Works Roubaix argument. I have a 2012 Domane 6.1 P1 with the Ultegra, a superb bike, but no front suspension dampening. I’ve demo’d the Spech Roubaix also, and these bikes are quite different in their handling, IMO Mostly due to frame dimensions.

The Spech has a ton of stack ( I ride 58 cm at 5-10 ) and is a bit.more jittery at higher speeds on windy roads. So, I’m buying another Domane, the SLR 9 with Dura Ace as a P1 (mostly paint). I may also get the Spech S Works, same components, but I really need to ride the 56 and 58 again.

I’m older (62), so no racing, just like nice bikes!!

Did you ever wrote the comparison articles as I cannot find them

Hmm, I did…. but then I haven’t quite finished and posted them. You’re prompt is a helpful kick up the bum. I’ll get them published. loveyoubyeeee

Hi there, i hope you can help me out.

Im looking for a road bike. i am 5’8″ and 130 lbs. What size is good for me? thanks so much

I have trek madone 2013 after specialized tarmac 2016 now i have giant tcr advance 2019 and its the best for qualité and price

I have a Trek Emonda SL6 disc, which I bought new a little over 2 years ago. After reading about how light the Emonda was, I went to the Trek store to ride one. They didn’t have any SLs, but one of the guys at the shop let me ride his personal SLR disc. On a quick spin, the bike felt amazingly responsive and quick. I figured how much difference could there be between the SL and SLR, so for probably 1/2 the price, I got the SL6 instead of the SLR6. HUGE MISTAKE! The two bikes are nothing alike. I’m super disappointed in the SL, which weighed 17.75 lb without pedals or bottle cages at delivery. Plus it came with 60 tpi tires that roll like square blocks. I replaced the tires with Conti GP5000s, so at least the bike is rideable, but I now ride my wife’s old Trek 5000 WSD instead. I average about 10,000 miles per year, but I probably have only about 5000 miles on the Emonda in the past two or three years. That’s what I get for trying to save a few bucks.

2012 Madone 4.5, great bike, fast very comfortable 2015 S-Works Tarmac, great bike, extremely fast

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Best Entry Level Road Bikes for Beginners

Many people frown when they hear the term ‘best entry – level road bikes. ’ Mainly, because of vanity. We do not see anything wrong with basic road bikes that are well-built by a known brand.

These cheap road bikes listed below are perfect for anyone who isn’t willing to break the bank by spending too much, but still wants to get a glimpse of what road biking is all about. We must warn you – road biking is very addictive!

Entry-level road bikes are generally affordable road bikes that are designed to ‘lure in’ potential road bikers who are on a tight budget. That doesn’t always mean that those bikes are poorly made, instead they are equipped with the essential basics one would need to get going with the new hobby.

In this case, beginner’s road bikes are typically built on an aluminum frame and carbon fork, coupled with a 2x front cog drivetrain, mechanical disc brakes or caliper brakes.

The 9 Best Beginner Road Bikes

1 . tommaso – fascino.

Best value beginners road bike!

Tommaso bikes come pre-assembled, pre-tuned, which means that they are ready to roll out the box. You’ll be needing to do some basic assembly, but that’s about it.

MSRP: $880 Tommaso Cycling

Are you ready for some original Italian design?

Yes, bikes should be utilitarian, but there’s nothing wrong if they are a fashion statement at the same time. Tommaso Fascino meets both of these criteria, which is why I had no doubts to include it as one of the best beginner road bikes. It’s light, it’s customizable, it’s painted a sexy shade of black – it has all that you need!

Let’s make it clear, I have nothing against so-called Frankenbikes which mix components from different manufacturers. If done right, they can be awesome. However, it’s nice to see a bike with matching components throughout.

This is a lightweight bicycle made 100% from aluminum , which is the best material for an entry-level road bike.

Tommaso Fascino promises exactly that – it comes with a full Shimano drivetrain, Shimano derailleurs, as well as Shimano brake levers. This means that all of the parts are guaranteed to be compatible and to work seamlessly together.

I also need to mention that you’ll be shifting through 21 gears on the Tommaso Fascino, which is plenty even for more experienced riders.

The lightweight Tommaso TC-20 wheels and Kenda 700x25c tires are easy to get going and increase your speed threshold. Even though Tommaso Fascino is a good entry-level road bike, it’s built for those who plan to ride more and more and need a bicycle that would support their growing fitness demands.

Frames XXS to XL 4’9″ to 6’5″

Buy from TommasoCycling.com

2 . Co-op Cycles – ADV 2.1

A gravel/road bike

700x35mm tires road/gravel tires mean that this bike can be used in all sorts of terrains – road, gravel, light trails.

MSRP: $1,249 REI.com

Getting a new road bike under $1,000 in 2024 sounds way better than it did five years ago. By today, the price and quality gap have finally come down to a suitable price range, allowing recreational and beginner riders to get a good quality road bike at just three digits. Yes, the ADV 2.1 is not a thousand-dollar road bike, instead, it is a gravel/road bike 2in1.

• Related: ADV-series review
• Also Featured In: Best Gravel Bikes Under $2,000

The bike is built on a 6061 double-butted frame with a carbon fork, coupled with Shimano Claris 2×9 speed drivetrain, Pro-max mechanical disc brakes, and Marin’s WTB ST i19 rims. The tires are 700x35mm Kenda Flintridge gravel/road tires.

The ADV 2.1 features all the essentials to get you going, and participate in long endurance rides, some intermediate climbs and why not use it for bikepacking . 

Frames : XS to XL 5′ to 6’3″

Buy from REI.com

3 . Cannondale – Synapse 105 

Best road bike for women

MSRP: $2,025 REI.com

The Cannondale Synapse Women’s road bike is a female-specific, Shimano 105 version of the popular endurance line. 

The Synapse has all the characteristics of a great road bike, and you can easily transform it into a light gravel machine with wider 32mm tires and fenders.

The Cannondale Synapse Women’s 105 has a lightweight SmartForm 2 aluminum frame and an incredibly comfortable and lightweight carbon fork.

The carbon fork saves weight and makes all the difference in smoothness on imperfect roads. The Vittoria Zaffiro 700x30c tires are wide enough to tackle even bumpier roads, so if you live somewhere like this, it’s a great choice for you.

Road riders who would like to step up their training or just get around the city much faster than before will love the Cannondale Synapse Women’s 105 road bike.

Frames : 44, 48, 51, 54cm

Buy on REI.com

4 . Schwinn – Sporterra

One of the cheapest & best looking

MSRP : Check on Amazon Schwinn Bikes

That’s the lowest you can go and still expect a decent ride of. The one-size frame fits riders 5’7″ to 6’0″ and can work as a great commuter/gravel bike for those on the lowest possible budget.

• 2x7speed Shimano Tourney
• Mechanical disc brakes
• 700c wheels

Buy on Amazon

5 . Cannondale – CAAD Optimo 4 

A Great Mix of Components

MSRP: $1,000 Mike’s Bikes

Cannondale is one of the biggest road bike manufacturers nowadays. Some of the most successful elite road racers ride their bikes, such as the EF-Education Team from the US, one of the biggest names in cycling right now! The Cannondale CAAD Optimo 4 is super-lightweight due to the CAAD Optimo Full Carbon fork and SmartForm C2 Alloy Aluminum frame. It’s one of the top picks on the list!

The biggest difference between a $500 road bike and a $1,000 road bike is seen in the components. With the CAAD Optimo 4, you get a nice improvement. This model comes with Shimano Claris, which is expected for this price range.

The RS 3.0 wheelset and Vittoria Zaffiro 25c tires will give you an idea of what riding a real road bicycle feels like; these tires are super fast.

Finally, what’s worth mentioning are the Promax v-brakes brakes, which will provide you with a decent braking experience in dry weather but poor braking in wet weather. The bottom point is, if you want to start training more seriously and have longer and more arduous rides, this Cannondale bike is one of the best entry-level road bikes for you!

Buy on Mike's Bikes

6 . Marin – Gestalt 2  🏆

The best starter gravel bike

MSRP: $1,359 Jenson USA

The Marin Gestalt 2 makes a great entry-level road bike for anyone out there. The new models feature must-have components packed at a very good value: Starting from the 6061 Aluminum frame coupled with Marin’s full-carbon fork, 2×10 speed Shimano Tiagra groupset, 700x32c WTB Exposure Comp tires.

Mechanical disc brakes and tubeless-ready rims with rack and fender mounts also add a ton of versatility which makes the bike quite modern if you are looking for a bike for the next 5-10 years.

Besides the tech specs, the looks of the bike matter a ton as well, right? Well there you have it, the all-new bike looks, excuse me, but way better than most other bikes around! Go check out Marin’s size chart and available models to see if there’s still something for you there!

Buy from Jenson USA Buy from GovVelo.com

7 . All-City Cycles – Thunderdome

The best single-speed road bike

MSRP: $1,850 Jenson USA

All-City has moved the limits of the money-value ratio with this model. Built around an All-City Alumasonic frame and Whisky No.7 carbon fork is a bicycle that looks like a million dollars, but costs just $1850.

The Thunderdome comes with durable components so it will be hard to resist riding it every day. This is a fantastic road bicycle for beginners who know they will not stay on the entry-level road cycling level for much longer.

The single-speed drivetrain helps to keep weight, maintenance, and costs down, making it the perfect city commuter. This bike is built to withstand much more than you can throw at it. 

The All-City Thunderdome is an excellent choice for speed with the Donnelly Strada LGG, 700 x 25mm tires. This bike is for anyone who doesn’t feel like an absolute beginner anymore and wants to take their fitness to the next level.

Buy from Jenson USA

8 . Orbea – Avant H30D

Premium look with Shimano 105 

MSRP:   $2,499 Jenson USA

Orbea is one of the best bicycle manufacturers today. This is evident in the Avant H30D model, which has everything a rider might want in a beginner road bike.

The Avant H30D comes in a sleek silver color with a semi-integrated headset that makes for an eye-catching design. This bike uses a 6061  Aluminum frame and carbon fork, which provides a lightweight and responsive ride.

Shimano took care of the shifting with their 105 groupset, which is seen on many models you can get at this price. The brakes are hydraulic discs, which means you’ll have a powerful, controlled braking experience. 

Finally, the Avant also has Vittoria Zafiro V Rigid Bead 700x28mm tires which are fast and durable. 

9 . Hiland – Aluminum Road Bike 

Cheapest Road Bike

MSRP: Check on Amazon

The Hiland Aluminum bike is a perfect budget road bike at just $400. The bike is great for beginners who want to try their hand at road rides. The 3×7-speed drivetrain is represented by Shimano, the bike’s frame, fork, and wheelset are all made of lightweight yet durable aluminum.

The 28c tires on this bike provide some extra comfort and traction and are right around the middle to use for training purposes and races alike. Finally, Hiland also managed to squeeze in disc brakes despite the low price. 

Buy from Amazon

What to Expect from Affordable Road Bikes?

As mentioned earlier, you probably wouldn’t be able to win Tour de France on an entry-level road bike. These bikes are intended for light, occasional training, and casual rides on the weekend.

If you want to get a bicycle just to stay fit, to commute from time to time, or simply have fun now and then, there are many entry-level road bikes under $500 that would make you perfectly happy.

Their components are not as durable as those on high-end bicycles , so they require more care.

However, as long as you are mindful of the most crucial parts, you can rest assured that your entry-level road bike will last you for many years.

Bottom Line

All of the bikes on this list are good starter road bikes , that with proper care and maintenance will last for years and years of regular riding. They are all a very good buy, so it’s up to you to make up your mind and choose the one that created the biggest spark in your eyes. If your excuse for not cycling was that you couldn’t afford it, I hope that I’ve eliminated it and proved you wrong.

So, ride more, stay fit, look good, join a group ride, and become a cyclist with one of these budget road bikes!

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About the Author

Sam Millers

Best budget road bikes 2024 - Quality bikes at an affordable price point

The best budget road bikes still offer solid performance and reliability

• Best-all-rounder
• Best women-specific
• Best for aspiring racers
• Best component spec
• Best for endurance
• Best for custom spec
• Best of the rest

How to choose the best budget road bike for you

1. Quick list 2. Best for all-around riding 3. Best budget road bike for women 4. Best for aspiring racers 5. Best component spec 6. Best for mile-munching 7. Best for custom options 8. Best of the rest 9. How to choose

The best budget road bikes benefit from trickle-down tech from much more expensive models. Although many of the best road bikes are increasingly unaffordable for the average rider, bike manufacturers typically offer low cost road bikes that have many of the same modern features as their top-tier models. These bikes, although being at the more budget end of the spectrum, will provide a great ride experience and feel, as well as serviceable componentry.

They might have a heavier frame that's usually aluminium alloy rather than carbon fibre, but their geometry and handling may not be that different from more expensive models. They will have lower-spec road bike groupsets with fewer gears, but you can expect good shifting performance nevertheless.

Likewise, the wheels will be lower priced than the best road bike wheels , but you can expect them to be robust and serviceable and you'll usually get quality tyres . 

Buying your first bike can be daunting from a technical standpoint, so if you're not sure what you're looking for then we've included a handy guide at the bottom to take you through all you need to know about the best low cost bikes before jumping in. 

But first, here is our pick of the best budget road bikes.

1. Giant Contend 

The Giant Contend is a really solid all-rounder. Comprising an overall package made up of a quality aluminium frame, carbon fork and Shimano Sora groupset. It's serviceable and would suit future upgrades well. 

Read more below

2. Liv Avail AR 4

The Liv Avail AR 4 is a female-specific road bike that has been designed by women for women using specific geometry and contact points. It's a good-looking bike that has mechanical disc brakes and a Shimano drivetrain. 

3. Specialized Allez

The Allez is a popular aluminium framed bike with an excellent ride feel. It's popular amongst racers as an affordable, stiff bike that's well-suited to racing. 

4. Triban RC 520

The Triban RC520 comes loaded up with a great spec. A quality Shimano 105 R7000 groupset is complemented by TRP disc brakes and a range of mudguard and rack mount points. 

5. Trek Domane AL 3 

Trek's Domane is designed to provide a comfortable ride and comes with some nice features. There's a carbon fibre fork, tubeless-ready wheels and plush 32mm tyres. 

6. Ribble R872

The Ribble R872 is a nice option if you want to push the boat out a little more. There's a carbon frame and fork, Shimano Tiagra groupset as well as the option to customise your build online. 

Best budget road bikes

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Recent updates

The increasing availability of disc brake bikes means that many of the rim brake bikes which we included when we first wrote this guide are no longer available. Where there's a disc brake successor, we've pointed to that, so that the guide is up to date as of April 2024.

The best for all-round riding

1. Giant Contend 1

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Pretty much everything on the Giant Contend 1, other than the groupset and brakes, comes from Giant. That’s no bad thing though, as it’s all good quality stuff. You get a decent set of wheels and 28mm tyres from Giant, along with a D-Fuse alloy seatpost, which Giant says increases comfort by allowing greater flex in desired directions, without sacrificing stiffness in others.

The frame is made from ALUXX-Grade aluminium, with Giant’s iconic compact frame design and a full carbon OverDrive fork. The groupset is Shimano’s Sora R3000, and you get an almost complete package of components – the only non-Shimano substitute is the Tektro TK-B177 rim brakes but these are good performers nevertheless, so it’s not a huge loss.

It also has mounts for mudguards and a rack, extending its usefulness into the winter months or for commuting/touring. Our only criticism is that it’s arguably a little bit dull, compared to some other bikes listed here.

The best budget road bike for women

While some people are still asking the question, ' can women ride men's bikes? ', Liv Cycling just goes ahead and creates high-performing bikes for women's specific needs. Designed by women, engineered by women, and tested by women, using women-only body data, it's fair to say that many women will find the Liv Avail AR 4 an incredibly comfortable road bike on a budget. 

Liv's own ALUXX-Grade aluminium frame is a lot more compliant and comfortable than most would expect, while the Advanced-Grade carbon composite fork reduces the overall weight and keeps the front end of the bike light and snappy. 

In terms of spec, the Avail AR 4 matches what many of the other bikes in this list have to offer, with Shimano Claris gearing, mechanical Tektro disc brakes, and tubeless-ready wheels. 

The best for aspiring racers

The Allez is Specialized's longest serving road model, one of the brand's original three bikes, and has been updated completely for 2023. Disc brakes reach down to every level, adding greater control to what is a firm favourite for riders' first 'proper' road bike. 

The geometry has been tweaked to be slightly more upright than the outgoing model, as we detailed in our first ride review , as well as adding more tyre clearance (up to 35mm), and mounts for permanent mudguards and a pannier rack. The aim seems to have been to make what was a racy bike much more of an all-round package, and should suit anything from Sunday club runs, through commuting and winter duties, to light touring and everything in between.

The range of Specialized road bikes can be a bit confusing, but we've got a guide to help you navigate it.

Best component specification

4. Triban RC 520 Disc Brake

It’s pretty rare to see Shimano 105 R7000 on a budget bike, but that’s exactly what the Triban RC 520 Disc offers. And it’s not just a pricey groupset at the expense of everything else either – you get a modern styled frame with dropped seat stays for extra comfort and heaps of tyre clearance (slick tyres up to 36mm will fit). 

It’s also got mounts for a rack and mudguards, the wheels can be converted to tubeless, and Decathlon offers a lifetime warranty on the frame, stem and handlebars. 

Another interesting spec choice is the TRP HY/RD mechanical actuated hydraulic disc brakes. While most bikes at this price point get rim or mechanical disc brakes, the HY/RD offer a significant improvement in power and control. They do require a little more maintenance and certainly add on some weight but the performance benefit is worth it if you are frequently riding in poor weather conditions. 

So what’s the catch? Well, the looks are a little workhorse-like – not bad per se , but just nothing to set your heart fluttering. The externally routed cables also mean you need to be careful with keeping the exposed sections clean and in good condition, to keep everything working smoothly, though this does make for simple maintenance when the time comes. 

The best for mile-munching

5. Trek Domane AL 3 Disc

Trek is usually considered to make bikes that are on the pricier end of the spectrum, so you might be surprised to see a Trek on this list, especially at this price. The Trek Domane AL 3 packs in plenty of value though, with a nicely finished 100 Series Alpha Aluminium frame and Trek’s clever IsoSpeed carbon fork – which swoops forward before the dropout to increase compliance without affecting wheelbase length.

The groupset is Shimano Sora R3000 with Tektro C550 dual-piston mechanical flat mount disc brakes. You get comfortable 32mm tyres and tubeless-ready Bontrager wheels, which is seriously impressive at this price point. There are also eight different size choices, so you can really narrow down the frame size to find the perfect fit.

Trek produces some other options if you suddenly want to expand your budget; head to our guide to Trek road bikes to find out more.

The best for custom options

The Ribble R872 has a thoroughly modern frameset, and both the frame and fork are full carbon. A chunky downtube and chainstays offer great pedalling stiffness, while slim, dropped seatstays increase compliance and comfort over rough roads. 

At 9kg, it’s decently lightweight (though there are lighter alloy bikes at this price point), but the Raleigh Mach 1 CFX wheels are more suitable for training rather than racing. You do get a full Shimano Tiagra 4700 groupset though, as well as a dependable finishing kit from Level, Ribble’s in-house brand.

If you absolutely have to have a carbon frame, the Ribble R872 is a great option. Ribble also offers a large degree of customisation through its BikeBuilder tool – meaning you can change key components for size, make upgrades or you can go a step further and build a completely custom bike with a custom paint job - if your budget is really flexible.

Best of the rest - UK and US

7. Trek Domane AL 2

Another surprisingly good value option from Trek, the Domane AL 2 offers great value for money, considering the inclusion of the brand's IsoSpeed decoupler technology, which builds compliance into the carbon fork to absorb vibrations from the road and make for a more comfortable ride.

The Shimano Claris R2000 8-speed groupset, despite not being quite top of the range, offers a smooth shifting experience and is easy to maintain and fettle. Providing the stopping power are alloy dual-pivot rim brakes, while the Bontrager tubeless-ready wheels roll on 28mm wide Bontrager R1 Hard-Case tyres.

Finally, with eight sizes to choose from, plus two colour options, it should be plenty easy to find the right Domane for you without breaking the bank.

Head to our roundup of Trek road bikes if you want to know a bit more about the whole range.

8. Fuji Sportif 2.3

If you're in the market for a low-priced mile-munching road bike with endurance geometry, and compliance built into the frame, look no further because you've found it.

The Fuji Sportif 2.3 gives you plenty of spare change to spend on other road cycling essentials, yet it delivers a surprisingly comfortable all-day ride. It's built with a high front end, which will put the rider in a fairly relaxed and upright position, ideal for long hours in the saddle. Meanwhile Fuji's 'Wave' seat stays have a curve built into them, which adds some flex into the alloy frame to absorb some of the road chatter and smooth out the ride.

The frame offers internal cable routing for a tidier look, mounts for a rear rack and fenders, and comes with a choice of either a Shimano Claris groupset, or a microSHIFT R8 group instead.

9. Marin Gestalt 2

Marin Bikes makes some adaptable budget bikes, with the Gestalt 2 offering WTB Exposure Comp 32mm tyres and the option to fit wider tyres up to 35mm, giving the flexibility to head off road for some light gravel riding.

It's equipped with 10-speed Shimano Tiagra gearing, with a 1:1 lowest gear to help you get up the steepest roads, while stopping power comes from Tektro mechanical disc brakes. There are mudguard and rack mounts, making the Gestalt 2 a versatile all-season/all-surface option. If the Gestalt 2 blows the budget, the Gestalt 1 or the base model Gestalt lower the spec but come in less expensive.

10. Diamondback Haanjo 2

The Diamondback Haanjo 2 may appear to be a better fit for our guide to the best budget gravel bikes , and it certainly comes with gravel capabilities, but first and foremost it's designed to be a do-it-all bike that can perform all the main functions needed without the need to own a quiver of machines. If you're short on storage space and need something affordable that can be used for road riding, commuting, touring and recreational off-road stints, the Haanjo is the one.

The aluminium frame is paired with a steel fork, which admittedly does put it at the heavier end of the spectrum. However, with plenty of mounting options including on the fork, you can set it up however you wish to, and switch things up whenever you need to take the Haanjo for a different kind of ride.

Driven by a Shimano Claris 2x8-speed drivetrain and controlled with Tektro Lyra mechanical disc brakes, the Haanjo 2 comes stock with plush 40mm Vee Rubber Speedster tyres for a super comfortable ride and reduced rolling resistance when fully inflated.

11. Cannondale Synapse Disc Sora

At face value, the Cannondale Synapse Disc Sora might seem a little expensive in this company, but Cannondale is providing a high-quality platform that is capable of growing with you as a rider. The bike is built around a tidy SmartForm C2 alloy frame and full carbon fork, both of which have Cannondale’s SAVE (Synapse Active Vibration Elimination) technology built in to increase comfort.

The disc brakes are cable-actuated, but the frame has internal cable routing, through both the frame and fork. The Shimano Sora groupset borrows technology from Shimano's previous top-end drivetrain generations, making for a high performing workhorse-like groupset. Likewise, the Vittoria Zaffiro tyres aren’t the best road bike tyres on the market, but they are from a recognisable, well-regarded brand, and handily come in a 28mm size for extra grip and comfort. 

Head to our guide to Cannondale road bikes to see where the Synapse sits in the range.

12. Cube Attain Pro

German brand Cube isn’t the most well-known maker of road bikes but the company is known for its progressive designs – often bucking the trend for ‘boring black bikes’. Weighing in a touch above 10kg is impressive for a budget bike that has disc brakes, as is the fact that the Cube Attain comes with a full carbon fork, internal cable routing and nicely colour-matched finishing kit, meaning it looks more expensive than it is.

The durability of Shimano's Sora groupset makes for good value at this price; it all functions perfectly well, offering a slick shifting experience. Cube does a cheaper Attain model, however this Pro version offers some significant upgrades that make the extra cash easily justifiable.

13. Liv Avail 1

No longer just a sister-brand to Giant, Liv Cycling stands on its own as a women-for-women cycling brand that focuses all its energy on creating bikes that women will love. The Avail 1 is its endurance road bike offering, which is versatile enough for long-distance rides as well as weekend sportives and Sunday club rides. 

Rolling along with Shimano's Sora groupset and Giant S-R3 tubeless-ready wheels, the Avail 1 offers reliable and smooth shifting, with a decent range of gears to tackle most terrains.

The spec is excellent at this price point, making the Liv Avail 1 a choice entry-level road bike for anyone hoping to fall in love with the sport. The only drawback is that there's no size large available, so tall women will have to look elsewhere.

14. Scott Speedster 50

For your first ever road bike, a Scott Speedster 50 is a cost-effective and good quality machine that will deliver a fun ride to get you hooked on the sport. The 6061 alloy frame and fork feature internal cable routing for a neat and clean aesthetic, and the 7-speed Shimano drivetrain with double chainset offers a decent number of gears to power you through most entry-level road rides and sportives.

Tektro rim brakes offer efficient stopping power and simple maintenance, while the Syncros Race 24 rims are paired with Formula Comp hubs and Schwalbe Lugano 28mm tyres for smooth rolling and puncture resistance.

If you're willing to spend a little more, you can get Shimano brakes and a full, named groupset. However, if you're on a tight budget and want something simple that will help you get out on the road to hone your skills, this is a great value option.

If you're looking for a lower-priced road bike, that doesn't need to limit your options. Most brands will strive to offer an entry-level road bike that offers a quality spec for those just getting started with road cycling or who want a budget road bike for commuting duties and who maybe have a more expensive machine already.

Here's the lowdown on everything you need to think about when looking for the best budget road bike.

Can beginners use road bikes?

We understand that drop bars, skinny tyres and clip-in pedals can be daunting for some riders, but if you can ride a bike then you can definitely ride a road bike. Getting used to the differences happens pretty swiftly, and if you're worried about clip in pedals then start off with some of the best flat pedals until you're confident enough to make the switch.

Tyres on road bikes have got a lot wider too over the last few years, and many bikes will have tyres that are 28mm wide or more. That offers more grip and a more comfortable ride, as the extra width lets you lower your tyre pressure .

How much should I spend on a road bike?

If you pick a number it's pretty likely you can find a bike for that price, be it £20,000 or £20. The £1,000/$1,000 price point is, in our opinion, where you can start to find really high quality machines that will be reliable as well as able to give you a real performance boost.

There's been significant bike price inflation over the last few years though, so if you can afford it, it's worth looking a bit over this price threshold. The good news though is that the best low priced bikes now increasingly come with features like disc brakes, internal cable routing and quality finishing kit.

What frame material do I need?

Carbon fibre reigns supreme at the top end of the performance pyramid, whereas aluminium framesets tend to occupy the lower end. There's nothing intrinsically worse about aluminium as a material, however, so don't be put off in this regard - we even have a guide to the best aluminium road bikes that clearly shows they can mix it with the best. 

Aluminium bikes will generally be heavier than carbon, but lighter than steel. For an entry level bike they make perfect sense as they're less fragile than their carbon siblings, but won't rust like those made of steel, so you can get a decent level of performance whilst still being able to leave it locked up outside if you need to.

We wouldn't recommend cheap carbon bikes that don't come from trusted manufacturers; good aluminium is better than cheap carbon.

How many gears do I need on my bike?

This will be a function of the groupset that comes with the bike you buy (all the drivetrain components). Budget road bikes will almost invariably come with Shimano components, which is no bad thing as they're reliable, robust and easy to use and service. 

More expensive offerings may reach 11 speeds, while more wallet friendly models may only have 8 or 9 speeds. More isn't necessarily better though, provided the bike has ample range for the terrain you're riding on - the more gears you have the finer the tolerances are for smooth shifting, and so the more maintenance they require. 

In short, fewer gears will be more forgiving if you're not the sort of person who takes the utmost care of their bike, and they're a little easier to learn basic bike maintenance on too.

Do I need disc brakes?

While discs have taken over at almost all price points, they haven't yet begun to totally dominate road bikes at the entry level. Discs are on the whole better, especially in the wet, but riders have been using rim brakes without issue for decades so they aren't the be-all and end-all. 

Our top tip would be to invest in some quality brake pads, which can make lacklustre rim brakes a noticeable amount better. 

What components should I get on my bike?

If you're buying with a set budget there will always be a compromise. A better frame will likely come with worse components, but this leaves it ripe for future upgrades. Conversely a less expensive frame may be built with higher quality componentry.

If quality build kits are what you're after then you can usually get a little more bang for your buck with direct to consumer brands like Ribble or Canyon, who cut costs by cutting out the middleman. Be sure of your sizing before you commit though!

What else should I look for?

If this is your first road bike you'll probably be looking to use it year round, so mudguard mounts will be particularly useful. Also, if you plan on using it for commuting then the ability to add a pannier rack to take your belongings to and from the office will also be of benefit to you. This will also mean you can use it for some light touring too, if the mood takes you.

Don't forget to budget for the extras you'll need like a helmet , lights and a pump . A pair of the best cycling shorts can be expensive but will help to make the saddle a lot more comfortable.

How much maintenance does a bike need?

If this is your first bike then we have one tip for you that's likely more important than any other: keep it clean! A clean bike is a happy bike - it'll save you money, it'll run better, and it'll stop you getting filthy. We've got a guide on how to clean your bike if you've never done it before, as well as a guide to the best bike chain lube to keep your freshly washed chain running smoothly afterwards.

Once you've got it running smoothly you'd do well to make sure you've got the best bike insurance and one of the best bike locks just in case the worst happens and someone tries to steal your pride and joy.

What are the differences between a cheap and expensive bicycle?

There are going to be a good few differences between a cheap and expensive bike. But remember, regardless of price you still need to pedal a bike and put the effort in. 

Cheaper bikes will use have heavier frames made of metal like aluminium and steel. You may get a carbon fibre fork included though, like more expensive models. Components will be heavier and may not share the same serviceability or quality. You will usually see less technology and an absence of features such as built-in frame suspension, storage aids or electronics. 

The key point we would make is, if you can, to avoid buying the very cheapest road bikes on the market that often offer a false economy in terms of serviceability and lifespan. They also won't provide a very enjoyable ride experience. 

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Will joined the Cyclingnews team as a reviews writer in 2022, having previously written for Cyclist, BikeRadar and Advntr. There are very few types of cycling he's not dabbled in, and he has a particular affection for older bikes and long lasting components. Road riding was his first love, before graduating to racing CX in Yorkshire. He's been touring on a vintage tandem all the way through to fixed gear gravel riding and MTB too. When he's not out riding one of his many bikes he can usually be found in the garage tinkering with another of them, or getting obsessive about tyres. Also, as he doesn't use Zwift, he's our go-to guy for bad weather testing... bless him.

Rides: Custom Zetland Audax, Bowman Palace:R, Peugeot Grand Tourisme Tandem, Falcon Explorer Tracklocross, Fairlight Secan & Strael

• Josh Croxton Associate Editor (Tech)

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Best Trek Bikes You Can Get: Complete Lineup Overview for 2024

Trek is one of the first brands that comes to the mind of both beginners and experienced cycling enthusiasts. But what are the best Trek bikes on the market? Let’s see

They have a HUGE range of bikes , in all price categories, for different purposes, many of which are often seen at top-level competitions, such as the Grand Tours. This American bicycle and product manufacturer enjoys respect in all cycling categories, including road, mountain, gravel, cyclocross, touring, and commuting.

We’ll take a closer look at the lineup of best Trek bikes across different model series and tell you more about each!

Where It All Began…

Marlin series, domane series, supercaliber series, émonda series, speed concept, roscoe series, fuel series, 520 – 920 – 1120 adventure series, farley series, slash series, powerfly series, checkpoint series, ticket series.

Trek Bikes was established in 1976 , in a small shed in Waterloo, Wisconsin. It is the brainchild of Bevill Hogg and Dick Burke who started making their first steel bikes with just five employees.

Trek made their first mountain bike in 1983, which quickly became very popular across the USA. The first carbon frames came off the production line a few years later, and Trek was already a well-known name worldwide by 1990s.

Among other things, Trek is also a big advocate for women cycling , being one of the first companies to design women-specific frames in the early 2000s.

Also read:  Trek vs. Giant Bike Brands Comparison

Perfect Trail Glider

Marlin is one of Trek’s most popular trail lines . It’s intended for beginners with prices that stay around $1,000 and includes both models suitable for both men and women.

The number of models changes, but it usually stays at around 5 or 6 models that differ in terms of components and colors.

All Trek Marlin models are hardtail , with 100 mm of front travel, lots of gears, Shimano components, and disc brakes.

What’s interesting is that these models are available with either 27.5″ or 29″ wheels , depending on the size of the frame.

It’s an excellent choice for mountain biking beginners and casual riders who like hitting the trails from time to time.

Our Top Pick: Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2

Our favorite model and the true representative of this Trek’s versatile line is Trek Marlin 5. It is a reasonably priced hardtail bike that offers a lot for the money and will not disappoint any mountain biking newbie.

This bike comes equipped with SR Suntour’s 100 mm of travel and rolls on Bontrager tires that are 2.20″ wide . That makes it an excellent choice for XC riders, mild trails, and even daily commutes on less than ideally paved roads.

What sets Marlin 5 from other bikes that cost around $700 are hydraulic disc brakes . They’re a rare find in the entry-level trail world and they mean a lot to transform the on-trail experience.

Shimano Altus components and a 2×8 drivetrain are a good starting point and suit well with this model.

See the Model on Trek Bikes

Proper Road Warrior

Domane is one of Trek’s most popular lines of endurance road bikes . This line usually numbers between 20 and 30 models in different price categories. There are a few entry-level and mid-range bikes to choose from, but the majority are high-end road machines that cost thousands of dollars.

As expected, there are both men’s and women’s models to choose from, but the majority of them are unisex. Apart from these, the Trek Domane series also includes several e-bikes, such as the Domane+ LT.

As one can expect, Domane models come with nothing short but the best SRAM and Shimano component groups. Some of them sport V-brakes, whereas others brake with discs.

This line is also known for featuring Trek’s front and rear IsoSpeed decouplers that decrease vibrations in the headset and the seat tube.

Check out our reviews on Domane models:  2 –  3 – 4 .

Our Top Pick: Domane+ LT

Choosing one favorite Trek Domane model is not an easy job — most of them are jaw-droppingly good . However, when it comes to the electric models, Domane+ LT really stands out.

This high-end electric machine is built around a full carbon frame and fork with adjustable IsoSpeed decouplers both up-front and in the back.

Its e-parts are cleverly hidden in the oversized down tube, so this bike is pretty discrete. The motor and the battery will assist you up to 20 mph , and after that, you’re on your own.

Domane+ LT can also boast with a full Ultegra drivetrain and disc brakes, so it’s intended for serious roadies who will know how to use these components to their full potential.

This model sells for between $5,000 and $12,500 , but it’s well worth the money because it is one of the best Trek bikes you can get.

See the Models on Trek Bikes

True XC Machine

If you want the best of the best in the cross country world , then you should end your quest with Trek Supercaliber. This is a line of crème de la crème XC bikes with carbon frames, full suspension, and pretty steep price tags.

There are around 7 models you can choose from, but you’ll have to save between 5K and 12K  to own one. Ouch!

Trek Supercaliber models are light, fast, nimble, and swift. They feature strong and responsive carbon frames and short travel that makes these bikes precise in the corners.

Trek designed Supercaliber models with a rear shock IsoStrut design that puts the shock into the top tube. That gives Supercaliber models characteristics of both hardtail and full-suspension bikes.

Our Top Pick: Trek Supercaliber 9.9 AXS

Trek Supercaliber 9.9 AXS is simply the best you can get in the XC Mountain Biking world at the moment. This is a top-of-the-line XC racing monster that will instil fear in the opponents at the start line.

Like all other models in this line, Supercaliber 9.9 AXS comes with the IsoStrut integrated shock design that makes this bike fast and responsive. It’s extremely light as well, weighing under 21.83 lbs .

The drivetrain and the list of components are crowned with a fully wireless SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS groupset that shifts quickly, smoothly, and precisely.

Its 29″ wheels and 2.20″ Bontrager XR1 Team Issue tires will gobble obstacles like they don’t exist.

According to Trek, this is one of the lightest, fastest, and stiffest XC race bikes they have ever made. There’s nothing else we can do but agree.

Lightest Road Bikes

Trek created the Émonda series for roadies who are in the game because of speed, performance, and timed personal records.

These are high-end road bikes with racing geometry and some of the lightest carbon road frames Trek has ever made.

Trek Émonda consists of more than 10 models that cost between around $2,300 and $13,000 . This includes unisex models that can be ridden by all genders and no women-specific models.

The cheaper, ALR models, are made from aluminum, whereas the higher-specked SL models have stiff carbon.

Émonda was intended as a group of efficient climbing bikes , with up to 28 mm tires and disc brakes

Our Top Pick: Émonda SLR 9

If you’d fall asleep and dream about the world’s best and lightest performance carbon road bike in the world, you’d probably be dreaming about Trek Émonda SLR 9.

This bike exceeds expectations in all areas of road racing performance. It’s built around Trek’s lightest disc road frame that weighs just 665g, whereas the entire bike weighs less than 6.5kg (~14 lbs).

This mouth-watering package also includes Bontrager Aeolus carbon wheels, a carbon bar/stem combination, and a full 2×11 Shimano Dura-Ace drivetrain.

All Émonda models are equipped with hydraulic disc brakes. In the case of SLR 9, they’re Shimano Dura-Ace.

This bike costs $12,500 but comes with components and technological solutions that will allow the right pair of legs to win podiums and competitions on a regular basis.

Beat The Wind

Trek Speed Concept is a super-fast and super-light aero bike, ideal for triathlons and TT races . If you believe that time is valuable and that every second counts, you’ll fall in love with its tech and aerodynamics.

Related: Best Triathlon Bikes

Trek Speed Concept sells for between $8,800 – $14,000 , which is why it is common to see it both with pro and with amateur races.

Its main selling points include an adjustable aero frame developed in a wind tunnel , a headset integrated into the frame, deep carbon aero wheels, Ultegra components, and more.

Through Trek’s Project One , Speed Concept can be adjusted to fit your body perfectly and become 100% percent unique and yours.

Speed Concept is also known for the Bontrager Integrated Speed Storage that blends with the frame and does not affect the aerodynamic properties.

True Trail Hardtail 

Roscoe is a line of reasonably-priced hardtail bikes intended for trail-loving mountain bikers. There aren’t too many models in the Roscoe line (around 5) and one of them can be yours for between $1,200 and $2,800.

Here you’ll find both men’s and women’s models, each one being unique and offering different specs and colors. What’s common for all of them are massive 27.5+ tires that make no compromises on the trails.

Trek Roscoe bikes can also boast with light and efficient 1x drivetrains , playful frame geometry, and hydraulic disc brakes.

All but the cheapest Roscoe 6 also have dropper posts which is always a big advantage and a pleasant surprise in this price range.

Trail enthusiasts and first-timers will love the Roscoe line!

Our top pick: Roscoe 8

Roscoe 8 is one of the highest-specked models from this line.

Those who choose to spend $2,400 on it will get a capable and fun two-wheel package that offers excellent value for money.

You’ll get a 1×11 SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain with a wide-range 11-50T cassette. The 27.5″ x 2.80″ tires are massive; they’ll give you enough confidence to always choose the more demanding line and go out and ride no matter the conditions.

The frame is made of aluminum , which makes the bike slightly heavy (14.32 kg / 31.57 lbs), but the frame performs well on the trails and offers good responsiveness and great power transfer.

Trek Fuel is a line of versatile all-mountain bikes ideal for aggressive singletracks and descents. This is a gang of around 15 high-end bikes with lightweight aluminum or carbon frames, slack geometries, and lots of travel.

If you want to own one, you’ll have to spend between $2,500 and $4,000 for an aluminum model and up to $11,000 for a carbon frame. That’s steep but well worth it.

These are 29ers , but XS and S frames come with 27.5 wheels. When it comes to components, the list differs greatly relative to the price point.

Travel is usually in the 130mm to 140mm range , which makes Trek Fuel bikes real all-mountain monsters and gives them the necessary capabilities to dominate trails.

Our top pick: Fuel EX 8

We chose Fuel EX 8 as our favorite model from this Trek’s lineup. At $4,000 it’s not a budget bike, but it’s pretty reasonably priced considering the components you get with it.

It’s ideal for all-mountain enthusiasts who simply love hitting all types of trails and terrains and spending time outside.

This model has a lightweight aluminum frame coupled with 140 mm Fox Rhythm 34 fork and a 130 mm Fox Performance Float EVOL rear shock.

Apart from that, it has a 1×12 SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain with a massive 10-50T gear range. Coupled with excellent Shimano Deore hydraulic disc brakes, you can climb and descend any hill that comes in your way.

Best for touring

Apart from excellent road and mountain bikes, Trek is also a commonly seen name in the bike touring and bikepacking categories.

Their offer for this type of adventuring includes three models called 520, 920, and 1120 . The first two are intended for bike touring expeditions, whereas 1120 is best for bikepacking. Their prices range between $1,500 and $3,000.

The 520 and 920 models feature touring frames with comfortable touring geometries. The frames are already equipped with lightweight aluminum front and rear racks, so you’re ready to rumble.

1120 is a bikepacker’s dream , ideal for off-road adventures thanks to the aluminum frame, carbon fork, wide wheels, and front and rear racks.

If your idea of cycling includes exploring the world , there are few better choices than Trek 520, 920, and 1120.

Our Top Pick:  520

Trek 520 is a bike touring beast, perfect for open roads and all-day explorations . This bike has a very long tradition, as the first model was built in the 1970s. It costs around $1,800, which makes it even more desirable in the bike touring world.

The 520 comes with a practical and durable steel frame and custom-made front and rear racks that can carry a lot of weight.

The drivetrain has 27 gears with Shimano Sora and Alivio components, ideal for long days when you need to pedal for 10 hours over a variety of terrains.

If you plan to spend months on the road and carry front and rear panniers loaded with food and gear, Trek 520 is a bike that can keep up.

Expand the borders

Farley is Trek’s collection of extremely capable fat bikes with massive tires and stocky frames. They’re ideal for men and women who find regular mountain bikes can’t keep up with their adventurous spirit.

If you want to ride on snow, sand, over sharp rocks, and through mud, then you need a Trek Farley. There are around 5 models you can choose from here, priced between $2,000 and $3,500 . But prices can vary.

Frame materials include both aluminum and carbon , depending on how much money you’re ready to spend. However, what’s common for all models are intimidating 27.5 x 4.5″ tires . They’re some of the widest you can find in the world of fat bikes.

What’s also commonly seen on all Farley models are 1x drivetrains with quality Shimano and SRAM components that can get you through any challenging terrain.

Our top pick: Trek Farley 5

Trek Farley 5 is by far our favorite model from this series. It’s the best value fat bike you can find around with a light and compliant aluminum frame and an even lighter carbon fork that’s stiff and responsive.

The first thing you’ll notice on it is its 4.5″ wide Bontrager tires that are unstoppable when you take them over rocks, tree stumps, and through snow and sand.

A 1×10 Shimano Deore drivetrain gives you plenty of gears and a pretty decent value for around $2,000.

The package also includes hydraulic disc brakes , an internal derailleur, and dropper post routing, as well as plenty of rack and water bottle mounts.

For Commuting

A hybrid bike is used for different things by different people. Some use hybrids to commute, others to exercise, and some just to be on the move. The Trek FX series has the perfect hybrid for all of these purposes.

It’s a collection of a large number of different hybrids with step-over and step-through frames , men and women-specific models, and different price points.

The majority of bikes in this range are entry-level models , costing between $600 and $1,000, but there are some more serious models as well that reach $2,000.

All come with 700c wheels, flat bars, slightly wider tires, and aluminum or carbon frames and forks.

If you need a bike to get from home to work, run errands around the city or lose some weight and get fit, you’ll find it in the Trek FX lineup.

Our Top Pick: FX 1

The one we recommend entry-level cyclists to go for is the Trek FX 1 — the cheapest and most versatile option. This bike costs just $700 and has components and characteristics that suit the entire family.

It sports a lightweight aluminum frame and a comfortable and strong steel fork that accommodates 700c wheels and 35mm wide tires.

This makes it possible for FX 1 to commute on paved and unpaved roads equally well.

Shimano Tourney and Altus derailleurs put 21 gears at your disposal, which is more than enough for casual city riding on bike paths and streets.

Bottom point is that this is a simple and comfortable bike ideal for casual riders who just need to get from point A to point B and not spend an awful lot of money.

Proper Enduro

Trek Slash are proper enduro bikes built to dominate sketchy descents and demanding singletracks. They’re equipped with massive 29″ wheels, carbon or aluminum frames, and excellent mid-range and high-end Shimano and SRAM components.

The Slash line numbers around 10 bikes that cost $4,500 to $12,500 , so they are definitely not cheap. However, keep in mind that these enduro machines are intended for professionals and those who feel that way.

These bikes are characterized by a long wheelbase, very slack geometry , and impressively long travel.

You’ll be working with Fox and RockShox suspension that gives you 150 to 160 mm of travel , which is ideal for challenging enduro rides and downhills.

All Slash models also come with dropper posts and high-end braking systems that ensure precision and confidence. 

If you like it when things get rough, then get a Trek Slash bike!

Our Top Pick: Trek Slash 8

We believe that the best representative of the Slash family is Trek Slash 8. At $4,200, it’s pretty reasonably priced, even though still intended for experienced riders who will know how to put it to good use.

It sports a lightweight yet burly Alpha Aluminum frame with a 65-degree head tube angle , internal routing, and downtube guard.

Slash 8 is bejewelled with RockShox suspension with 160 mm of travel on the fork and 150 mm of give on the shock.

Other highlights include the SRAM GX Eagle 1×12 drivetrain, SRAM Guide R 4-piston brakes, and grippy 2.40″/2.60″ Bontrager XR5 tires.

The value for money Trek Slash 8 offers is excellent and its performance on the trails is even better.

Electric bikes have been a full-fledged member of the mountain biking family for a long time now. Trek is giving their contribution to e-MTBs with their Powerfly series.

This a selection of around five hardtail and full-suspension bikes with powerful electric motors and durable batteries. To own one, you’ll have to spend around $5,000 on average.

Trek Powerfly bikes are ideal for riders who struggle with some injuries or just can’t be bothered to tackle grueling climbs in order to enjoy some nice descents.

Powerfly models are available with both aluminum and carbon frames and with 27.5″ and 29″ wheels. They’re equipped with a wide range of high-end Shimano and SRAM components, all of which feature capable 1x drivetrains.

If you want to keep smashing challenging trails but you need some extra juice now and then, Trek Powerfly will meet your demands.

Our Top Pick: Powerfly 5

The versatility and capability of Trek’s e-bikes can best be seen on the example of Trek Powerfly 5. It’s a practical bike with an excellent value that will enable you to get back in the saddle and set new records.

This model is priced at $4,200 and is built around an Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame. The 500 Wh battery is fully encased in the downtube and the Bosch 250W motor is located in the bottom bracket.

Therefore, the bike looks sleek and all of the electric components are protected well. The motor will assist you up to 20 mph, and after that, you’re on your own with a 1×12 SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain.

All in all, if you want a high-performing trail e-bike with 120 mm of travel and durable Bosch electric parts, you’ll be quite happy with the Powerfly 5.

Versatile Gravel

Gravel riding is slowly but surely becoming one of the most popular cycling disciplines in the world. Gravel bikes are talked about everywhere and the number of gravel events is on the rise.

Trek’s response to the expanding gravel culture is the Checkpoint line . This is a range of around 10 excellent gravel-specific bikes, suitable for everyone’s pocket.

They are built with aluminum or carbon frames and forks, with plenty of eyelets to equip them with racks and water bottles and ride for days.

All Checkpoint models have 700c wheels with wide and knobby tires ideal for soft gravel and hardpacked dirt. They’re equipped with high-end and mid-range components, disc brakes, drop bars, and 1x or 2x drivetrains.

If you want to get on the Gravel bandwagon, Trek Checkpoint is your ticket.

Our Top Pick: Checkpoint AL 3

Trek Checkpoint AL 3 is the cheapest of all models in this range, which makes it affordable and accessible. It costs just $1,200, so it’s the perfect first gravel bike for those who want to explore the world.

Even though this is an introductory model in the lineup, it’s still packed with neat features that will allow you to use and abuse this bike.

It comes with a 200 Series Alpha Aluminum frame, a carbon fork , versatile 32c tires, and Shimano Sora components. You’ll have access to 18 speeds on your adventures with a 2×9 drivetrain, which is a pretty good range.

Checkpoint AL 3 also has mechanical disc brakes and weighs just 10.5 kg (23 lbs), which is excellent for a bike in this price range.

Even though most riders prefer buying complete bikes, there are those who want their bikes to be unique and just their own. If you’re one of those and you want to build your own trail bike , you can consider the Trek Ticket series frames.

These are lightweight framesets made from aluminum, perfect for building trick bikes, dirt bikes, and jump bikes. They’re available in both hardtail and full-suspension iterations, so you can make your pick depending on your preferences.

The hardtail Ticket frame is characterized by a compact rear end, long top tube, and horizontal sliding dropouts. Therefore, you can built it into a geared or a single-speed setup.

The FS frame is ideal for building a slopestyle MTB . It comes with a 100 mm Fox rear shock and is commonly used by Trek C3 Project riders.

If you wish to build your own bike from scratch , Trek Ticket frames are a good place to start.

See the Ticket Frames on Trek Bikes

Trek does not excel only when it comes to adult bikes. They make plenty of models for their youngest fans as well. Trek’s collection of bikes for kids is pretty impressive and includes lots of MTBs and cruiser bikes.

The wheel sizes range from 16″ to 24″, and there are models both for boys and for girls.

Trek’s lineup for kids also includes plenty of models with training wheels , ideal for the tiniest of riders who are still learning how to ride and balance a bike.

Our top pick: Trek Roscoe 24

Trek Roscoe 24 is a rigid mountain bike intended for kids. It is as capable as any adult trail bike. This is a mid-fat model with 2.8″ wide tires and costs just $570.

Roscoe 24 is the perfect first serious mountain bike for any child who loves riding on trails. It will help them develop control and the wide tires will give them more than enough confidence in all situations. 

Trek Roscoe also features a lightweight 1×8 Shimano drivetrain and powerful Tektro mechanical disc brakes. The entire bike weighs around 11 kg (25 lbs), so kids will be able to lift it.

The selection of colors includes silver, orange, and pink, so both boys and girls will easily fall in love with this bike.

See the Kids Bikes on Trek Bikes

Our Top Pick For Girls: Precaliber 24

For girls who want to practice their off-roading skills , Trek Precaliber 24 is a perfect choice.

This is a girls’ bike with 24″ wheels and wide and knobby tires. It’s ideal for daily rides to school and back home, as well as adventures away from paved roads.

Precaliber 24 sports a 1×8 drivetrain that offers more than enough gears for most situations. The lightweight and sturdy aluminum frame is coupled with a performance suspended fork that boosts capabilities and comfort.

This bike also has a kickstand, so it can be parked without chipping the paint. Talking about paint, Precaliber is available in white and magenta colors, both of which are really nice and girly. 

Final Verdict On Best Trek Bikes

Trek makes some of the best bikes in the world , without any doubt. This brand’s strongest points are tradition, reliability, durability, and incredible value.

The reason why they are so popular around the world is that they have a HUGE selection of bikes . No matter who you are, you will be able to find the perfect bike for your needs. And one that also fits your budget!

The 14 Trek lineups we covered above are a good place to start looking for your perfect Trek bike! So choose yours and enjoy the ride 🙂

See ALL Trek Bikes

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4 thoughts on “ best trek bikes you can get: complete lineup overview for 2024 ”.

What about the x-caliber series

Hi Blueboy,

Thanks for that suggestion. We will keep that in mind for future articles.

I order an Electra Townie Cruiser 8g eq step thru creme color in May from my local trek shop. Laurel Ave ft collins CO 80524. They said sometime between July and September. That’s a long time to wait for my new bike. Only Calvin has been helpful the others not so much. Can you tell me when it will arrive?

Hi Mary, I suggest you give them a call during store hours at 970-482-6006.

Store hours are : Monday 11:00 AM-6:00 PM Tuesday 11:00 AM-6:00 PM Wednesday 11:00 AM-6:00 PM Thursday 11:00 AM-6:00 PM Friday 11:00 AM-6:00 PM Saturday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM

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Road Bikes for Triathlon

If you’re new to triathlon, investing in a road bike is a perfectly fine place to start. But even for experienced triathletes, a road bike can provide adequate capability as a tri bike. Just add clip-on aero bars .

Below are some of our favorite road bikes for triathlon, ranging from the most affordable to more mid- to high-end options. These are bikes that you might spend $2K-$3K on but will deliver on performance demands for both triathlon and road cycling.

Road Bikes Under $2,500

Road bikes over $2,500.

Also, check out our page on triathlon bikes to see tri and time-trial-specific models.

These are some of our top picks for triathlete-friendly road bikes with more affordable options priced under $2,500. They offer great entry-level options for beginners. But they don’t compromise on performance, either.

State Undefeated Disc Road

We’re big fans of State Bicycle Co. The Undefeated Disc Road is one of the best entry-level performance road bikes money can buy. Also available in a sleek Graphite color scheme, the Undefeated comes highly reviewed (4.8/5 average rating with sixteen solid customer reviews.)

The Undefeated is uniquely engineered with Y9 Kinesium (aluminum alloy with titanium)f or a lighter, smoother ride. It’s approximately 21 lbs and is built with a 1×11 drivetrain.

You can buy it directly from StateBicycle.com for $1,499.

Trek Domane AL 2 Road Bike

If you’re on a $1k-ish budget but still want something good quality and long-lasting, the Trek Domane AL 2 is a terrific option from Trek.

We also like the Domane AL 2 because it’s relatively light for an aluminum frame bike (carbon fork), weighing about 21 lbs, and is built with Bontrager components and a Shimano drivetrain.

The geometry of the Domane AL 2 is well-suited for triathletes who are looking for something aerodynamic and versatile on the road, especially with clip-on aero bars.

Last we looked, you could find the 2023 Trek Domane AL 2 for $1,129.99 at Als.com.

SCOTT Speedster 40

The SCOTT Speedster 40 is a smooth-riding, fast-rolling alloy bike that’s designed with an aerodynamic frame and endurance-friendly geometry. In short, it’s an affordable alloy road bike that’s well-suited for triathletes.

Built with a Shimano drivetrain, Syncros Race wheels, and Schwalbe Lugano Tires, Scott’s Speedster 40 is a performance enabler that’s built to maximize your performance on the road.

We’ve found the best price for the SCOTT Speedster 40 to be $1,499.99 on Als.com.

SAVADECK Carbon Road Bike

When it comes to affordable carbon road bikes, SAVADECK offers some of the best options that money can buy. Built around a sleek aerodynamic frame, SAVADECK’s Carbon Road Bike comes complete with a Shimano SORA R3000 Derailleur System, shifters, and mechanical disc breaks.

In addition to the frame, the fork and seat post are both carbon, making for an exceptionally light (weighing just over 21 pounds) and smooth-riding road bike. For tread, the bike comes with Continental Ultra Sport II 700x25c tires, which can top out at 120TPI.

Available for about $1,700, the SAVADECK Carbon Road Bike comes pre-installed and is easy to assemble with minimal tools and experience. It’s available for purchase on Amazon .

Pinarello Gan Road Bike

The Pinarello Gan 105 Road Bike is a premium road bike that comes at quite a bargain. Featuring the performance-oriented Shimano 105 R7000 11-speed groupset, the Pinarello Gan is a full-carbon build that’s led by Pinarello’s Onda Fork for precise corning, optimal stability, and vibration dampening.

This triathlon-friendly road bike comes equipped with Fulcrum Racing 600 wheelset and Pirelli P7 tires. This combination delivers a fast, smooth, and dependable ride for both short-course and long-distance cycling. The complete build ways a mere 18.6 pounds, making it one of the lightest and fastest road bikes under $2,500.

Look for the Pinarello Gan 105 on Competitive Cyclist.

Ridely Fenix SLA

The Ridley Fenix SLA is one of the most rugged road bikes that’s ready for a wide range of riding. It could be the perfect entry-level bike for any beginner cyclist/triathlete looking to maximize their performance.

Ridley, being a proper race bike brand, built the Fenix SLA as a race-ready machine that’s still in budget-conscious territory. The triple-butted aluminum frame delivers a smooth ride quality and confident durability. The fork is a 24T/30T carbon fiber blend, helping lighten the load over rough, long, and demanding rides.

A 32-tooth big ring delivers high top-end speed potential, and an 11-speed cassette delivers incredible range for climbing/gearing. This is all built around the trusted Shimano 105 drivetrain and groupset, along with hydraulic disc brakes.

Ridley Fenix SLA is priced around $1,899 while supplies last at Competitive Cyclist .

Tommaso Monza Endurance

The Tommaso Monza Endurance is an Italian-made aluminum road bike that’s built with a carbon fork for added vibration dampening and weight savings. The total bike weight is just over 20 pounds, making it one of the lightest aluminum frame bikes available.

Built with a Shimano Tiagra groupset and drivetrain, the bike delivers a vast range of speeds (20-speed) with an 11x32T chainring. The Tiagra shifting is known to be highly responsive and lightning-fast, delivering a high-end feel for entry-level pricing.

Tommaso built the Monza Endurance with rider comfort in mind, offering a WTB Bold saddle and ultra-compact ergonomic drop bars. Equipped with 40mm rims and bladed spokes, it’s hard to believe this bike isn’t a high-dollar ticket item.

Attractively priced just below $1,200, the Tommaso Monza Endurance is available for purchase on Amazon.

Schwinn Fastback Tourney AL

For a triathlon-friendly road bike priced under $1k, the Schwinn Fastback Tourney AL is a solid option from a reputable brand in the industry. It’s an aluminum frame, so it’s slightly heavier than carbon options (weighing just under 25 pounds). But its geometry is engineered with efficiency and performance in mind.

The Schwinn Fastback Tourney AL uses traditional rim breaks, which are much easier to maintain compared to disc. And the drivetrain is controlled by a Shimano AO70 STI shift and brake levers, along with Shimano front and rear derailleurs that deliver smooth shifting.

With a 4.3/5 star rating, the Schwinn Fastback Tourney AL is a great entry-level road bike for triathlon and beyond. For under $800, you can’t beat it. Purchase it today on Amazon.

HeartsBio Carbon Road Bike

As one of the most highly-reviewed carbon road bikes (5/5 star rating), HeartsBio Carbon Road Bike offers a race-oriented design that’s well-suited for all types of riders. As a high-quality build, it’s also a great deal priced just below $1,600.

As an offspring of Google in 2014, you can think of HeartsBio as a California-based health products brand that offers affordable yet top-notch bikes at aftermarket/wholesale prices. Don’t be put off by its generic branding, as this carbon road bike is notably light and fast.

The total weight of this carbon road bike is 18.7 pounds, making it a very lightweight option for the price point. The groupset is Shimano SORA (18-speed), and it comes with an ergo-saddle and other customizable options.

Offering great value for the money, you can purchase the HeartsBio Carbon Road Bike on Amazon .

SAVADECK Phantom 2.0

Another top pick carbon road bike from SAVADECK is the Phantom 2.0. Not only does this model come equipped with higher-end components, but it’s also engineered for performance-minded cyclists weighing just 17 pounds.

The feel on the Phantom 2.0 is a bit stiffer, which triathletes and road cyclists will appreciate. But it’s also still very compliant and responsive, providing an excellent all-road option for climbing and out-of-the-saddle sprints.

The bike is built with a Shimano Ultegra 8000 groupset, 50mm carbon wheelset , and Continental Ultra Sport II 700x25c tires. It’s also topped with a race-oriented Fi’zi:k saddle.

Priced around $2,300 for the full build, you can purchase the SAVADECK Phantom 2.0 on Amazon .

Schwinn Phocus

For an aluminum drop-bar road bike that weighs 24 pounds and is less than $800 out the door, the Schwinn Phocus is a sweet option that doesn’t break the bank. Well-suited for triathlon, time-trial, and road racing, the Schwinn Phocus is a versatile road bike that delivers on performance.

Relatively lightweight and responsive, the Phocus series is a testament to Schwinn’s century-old legacy in the cycling industry. The bike has been reviewed over 200 times and has earned 4.2/5 stars. With quick-release wheels and seatpost, it’s also easy to maintain compared to other performance road bikes.

Priced right around $750, you can purchase the Schwinn Phocus 1400 or 1600 series models on Amazon.

These road bikes offer more advanced technology and performance. For serious cyclists or those looking to maximize their capability on the bike, check out some of these great options below.

Specialized Tarmac SL6 Sport Bike

The Specialized Tarmac SL6 is a road bike designed with aerodynamics a top priority. Appropriately named a “sport bike,” the Tarmac SL6 is a very lightweight steed that’s highly aero and ready for any triathlon. Overall, it’s one of our favorite road bike choices for triathletes.

The 2023 Tarmac SL6 Sport Bike is quite a level up from the Tarmac SL5. Not only does the SL6 offer a more evolved carbon fiber frame and fork, but it’s 20% lighter than the SL5. It’s also equipped with quality DT Swiss wheels, Shimano 105 drivetrain, and a few S-Works touches.

Right now, the best price for this is $2,699.99 at Als.com while supplies last.

Canyon Endurace CF SL Disc 8.0

Canyon Road bikes are recognized for offering a high degree of performance, comfort, aerodynamics, and aesthetics. The Endurace CF SL Disc 8.0 is the perfect representation of Canyon’s ability to offer a beautiful-designed, top-tier road bike in the sub $3k price range.

The Endurace CF SL is the carbon model in Canyon’s Endurance series of road bikes. It’s equipped with Shimano Ultegra R8000 components and weighs just over 17 lbs / 8 kg. The Endurance AL (aluminum) models are available sub $2k, but pack an additional ~2 lbs / 1 kg.

Rated a 9/10 by German Rennrad magazine, the Canyon Endurace CF SL Disc 8.0 is an award-winning bike that suits long hours in the saddle. Well designed for bike racing, training, triathlon, or touring, the Endurance CF SL is a comfort seeker’s bike that caters well to athletes covering long distances.

See Canyon’s Endurance bikes to learn more.

Felt FR Race Bike

The Felt FR Race Bike is an all-star choice that embodies the Felt brand name for simplicity, speed, and mindful engineering. The FR is a carbon-built freedom machine that’s impressively lighter and stiffer compared to most other road bikes. 

As one of the lightest road bikes at an attractive $2.5k price point, the Felt FR weighs 17.8 lb / 8.09 kg, which is the byproduct of Felt’s UHC Advanced + TeXtreme carbon fiber frame, fork, and ControlTaper steerer tube. 

The Felt FR with a Shimano 105 setup can be acquired at a cost of just above $2k. Felt provides an array of build options, including the $12k featherlight FR FRD Ultimate that weighs an astonishing 15.2 lbs / 9.1 kg and comes built with a Dura-Ace Di2 drivetrain.

Find out more about the Felt FR Race Bike .

Trek Domane SL 5

The new Domane SL 5 from Trek bikes is a carbon road machine that’s gotten high praise. Coming in at just over $3k, the Domane SL 5 is acclaimed for its speed, smoothness, and versatility.

For those seeking a gravel-friendly road bike that can withstand rough road riding, the Domane SL 5 provides generous tire clearance enabling up to 38c wide tires. While Domane’s geometry is optimized for long-distance comfort and weighing 21.8 lbs / 9.9 kg, it also has the capacity to be an all-out race bike.

Trek’s Domane SL 5 is built with a Shimano 105 groupset. The bike also has an internal storage compartment for stowing tools and gear, which is a thoughtful addition for long-distance cyclists. 

Take a gander at the Domane SL 5 for more information.

Boardman SLR 9.2 Disc Carbon

The SLR 9.2 from Boardman is a carbon road bike that’s beautifully engineered for a long, low race position. It’s one of the best road bikes for triathlon beginners and elites alike. Its frame has a narrower, more aerodynamic design compared to most other bikes in its class. Combined with aero bars, the SLR 9.2 seamlessly transforms into a TT bike.

The Boardman SLR 9.2 is modestly equipped with Shimano Ultegra R8000 series groupset and a 50/34 chainset with an 11-30 cassette. Stock builds run Alexrims RXD3 Wheels with Vittoria Rubino Pro Graphene 2.0 tires. Altogether, the bike weighs a mere 17.6 lbs.

The SLR-series of Boardman melds optimum power transfer, comfort, and aero-optimized/wind-tunnel tested triathlon performance. Price may vary on this bike from Boardman, typically starting around $3K.

For more info, visit Boardman Bikes .

Cannondale SuperSix EVO

The Cannondale SuperSix EVO is the ultra-fast evolution of the legendary SuperSix ethos. With its sleek, drag-reducing tube shapes and race-driven geometry, the SuperSix EVO delivered 30-watt savings at a 30 mph / 48.3 kph compared to the preceding model.

Design with Cannondale’s high-strength, high-stiff BallisTec carbon composition, the SuperSix EVO has developed a long-standing legacy for its smoothness, handling, and speed. It’s equipped with Shimano 105 components and hydraulic disc breaks.

The Cannondale SuperSix EVO is an agile and durable road bike with an aerodynamic frame that’s shown to reduce drag by 30% compared to standard round bars. Integrated cable routing, 30mm tire clearance, and an overwhelming reputation for smoothness are a few additional qualities that make the SuperSix EVO an all-star choice for the price.

Check out the Cannondale SuperSix EVO .

Specialized Allez Sprint

The Specialized Allez Sprint Comp Disc is a high-end entry-level road bike the provides a stunning look and high-return performance ROI. The Allez Sprint Comp is considerably stiffer and more compliant than your normal $2.3k road bike, which maximizes power transfer while providing a rigid feel.

Dovetailing on the design inspiration of Specialized Tarmac’s “Rider-First Engineered™,” the Allez Sprint doesn’t compromise comfort for stiffness and performance. The Allez Sprint is superiorly responsive and agile and is designed from an advanced aluminum alloy.

Finished with Specialized Tarmac’s Disc FACT carbon fiber fork, Allez Sprint absorbs the road while providing incredible stiffness and front-end handling. The Allez Sprint is a strong contender, even against full carbon fiber competitors. See more tech specs and details of the Specialized Allez Sprint Comp Disc .

Cervélo Caledonia Carbon Road Bike

The Cervélo Caledonia is a carbon road bike that provides an optimal balance between comfort, speed, and responsiveness. Athletes can leverage Cervélo’s notable power transfer capabilities and receptive handling, all while enjoying smooth, compliant saddle comfort over the course of long rides.

The entry-level Caledonia option comes with Shimano 105 drivetrain and starts at $2.9k. It’s a performance-ready road bike that provides ample performance for crit racing, pack riding, ultra-cycling, adventure bike racing, and triathlon.

Get a closer look at the Cervélo Caledonia Carbon .

Triathlon Road Bike FAQs

These are our 2021 picks for entry-level road bikes by Specialized, Trek, Felt, Cannondale, Canyon, and Cervélo. Stay tuned for regular updates, and see road bike FAQs below for more information.

How Much Does a Good Road Bike Cost?

Depending on your preference for new versus used options, the cost of a high-quality entry-level road bike usually various between $1-2k on up brand new. It’s a broad question that greatly varies based on one’s budget, performance demands, and the current marketplace, both local and online.

In most cases, a brand new, high-performance road bike will cost $4-5k on up. Upgrade to an even higher-end model, and you can easily drop $10-15k on a baller road bike. Conversely, you can downgrade to the sub-$2k price range and still acquire a trusted steed that unleashes your athletic potential. 

Can You Use a Road Bike for a Triathlon?

Yes, road bikes can absolutely be used for triathlon training and racing. For most beginners with limited cycling experience, a road bike is often recommended for the first year or two as an athlete builds handling skills and confidence.

Adding clip-on aero bars to a road bike can enable athletes to achieve a better aero position 1 without relying solely on drop bars. Aero-adapted road bikes are especially useful for a myriad of reasons, but especially for triathlon and ultra-distance cycling when having a variety of hand positions helps with comfort across long days of riding. 

When equipped with aero bars, using a road bike for triathlon isn’t far off from an actual time trial/triathlon bike. Sure, there’s a steeper seat tube angle and aerodynamic design considerations with TT bikes. But for most athletes, a road bike functions just fine for triathlon, all while also providing better range for non-TT style cycling. Here are some of our favorite picks.

Alternatively, triathlon bikes are not made for optimal handling. They are designed for straight-line speed and aero-position riding. In turn, a triathlon bike can certainly offer aerodynamic advantages 2 compared to a road bike, which saves considerable time in long-course races and Ironman distances. However, the aero advantage of TT bikes comes at the expense of agility and quick handling, which is important not only for beginners but also for group riding, drafting, and comfort.

How to Ride a Bike on the Road?

While bikes have many of the same rights as vehicles, it’s important to use your best judgment and avoid high-traffic roads that might endanger your safety. Always use shoulders, designated bike lanes, and commuter trails whenever possible to avoid vehicle traffic. 

When sharing the road with automobiles, such as a shoulderless road, exercise extreme caution and awareness. Bicyclist fatalities by motor vehicle crashes continue to increase in the U.S. and are only intensified by higher rates of phone-distracted driving.

Before hitting the road, learn the basic hand signals to let other drivers and cyclists know when you are stopping or turning. Also, be sure to acquire proper bike lights, such as a red taillight, ideally with blinking or strobe abilities, and a bright headlight and/or headlamp.

Also, if you use clipless pedals and cycling shoes over flat pedals worn with any shoes, get familiar with clipping in and out before taking your bike to the road.

Should I Get a Road Bike or a Gravel Bike?

Gravel cycling has become increasingly popular over the years, as many athletes enjoy the versatility and minimal traffic that comes with unpaved road riding. 

Most road-specific frames and brake systems do not accommodate wider gravel tires, so you’re often limited to skinny tires and paved roads. For cyclists who are seeking greater versatility and capability in their riding (e.g. gravel, two-track, fire roads, single track, and other unpaved surfaces), a quality gravel bike can offer a better investment than a road bike only.

Many gravel bikes can accommodate both road and gravel tires – so it’s easy to swap out wheelsets depending on the riding you’re doing. Some of today’s “gravel plus” bikes allow up to 3″ wide tires with 650b wheels (or 2.8″ for 29er/700c wheels). At that range, you’re able to ride most mountain bike terrain.

The major drawback is cost – or the cost of owning multiple bikes. Most high-quality gravel bikes – like carbon and titanium gravel bikes – are typically priced over $3k for a solid entry-level performance option. Add a nice carbon wheelset, triathlon tires , and aero bars, and you can quickly spend a lot of money. If you don’t have that kind of money to spend, check out these budget gravel bike options that are under $3k.

Last Word About Beginner Road Bikes & Triathlon

When exploring options for triathlon, road bikes are a great place to start and can last many years of use for competitive triathlon racing and other cycling events. Be sure to invest in a bike that will maximize your potential (like the bikes shown here).

A beginner’s first time on a road bike is often an unforgettable experience.  The level of speed and efficiency felt with narrow tires, a lightweight frame, and drop-bar handlebars makes for a fast and fun ride. Add high-end technology at entry-level prices, and you get some of the best road bikes for the cost.

Road bikes are freedom machines in many regards. Whether for performance, commuting, touring, or triathlon, buying a road bike is a practical investment for a myriad of paved road cycling.  

But let’s be real. New road bikes can cost the equivalent of a few months’ rent/mortgage, as most mid-range models are priced well above $4-5K. Tack on any additional components and features, and just the cost of an entry-level road bike can quickly escalate.

For those who don’t have a limitless budget or more than $4k to spend on a new bike, these mid-level and entry-level road bikes deliver on performance without don’t break the bank (too much). 

You Might Also Like

• Aero Helmets for Triathlon, Time Trial, and Road
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• Best Entry-Level Gravel Bikes

1. Sheel AW, Lama I, Potvin P, Coutts KD, McKenzie DC. Comparison of aero-bars versus traditional cycling postures on physiological parameters during submaximal cycling. Can J Appl Physiol. 1996 Feb;21(1):16-22. doi: 10.1139/h96-002. PMID: 8664843.

2. K. B. Blair, “Cycling Aerodynamics: Clearing the air,” MIT Open Course Ware, 2013. [Online]. Available: https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/experimental-study-group/es-010-chemistry-of-sports-spring-2013/lecture-notes/MITES_010S13_lec10.pdf   

Tyler Tafelsky

Endurance athlete, professional off-road cyclist, and avid blogger, Tyler Tafelsky participates in long-course multisport and cycling events. Today, Tyler competes in ultra-distance cycling races at the professional level. Since starting Better Triathlete in 2014, he has been the head of content for the site's editorial team. Learn more about Tyler

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The Best Road Bikes for Racing and Endurance

Hit the pavement with these five dynamic picks

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

Shopping for a new road bike can be as fun as it is nerve-wracking. There are hundreds of options, from practical picks to WorldTour-level bikes ridden by the pros. The sheer number of builds, features, and specifications can confuse even the most avid riders.

Fortunately, we have a team of experts who spend their days obsessing over what exactly makes the best road bike for racing, recreation, and endurance. We tapped them to test this year’s crop of 42 bikes all over the world to help you make the right decision.

At a Glance

• Editor’s Choice: Cannondale SuperSix EVO ($8,300)
• Best High-End Performance Race Bike: Specialized Tarmac SL8 ($14,000)
• Best Value: Trek Domane AL ($1,699)
• Best Fast Road Race Bike: Scott Foil RC Pro ($8,999)
• Best Endurance/Performance Hybrid: Lauf Uthald ($4,690)
• Best Versatile Aero Bike: Giant Propel Advanced SL 0 ($12,500)
• Best Sequel: Cervelo Soloist Ultegra Di2 ($6,800)

How We Test

Meet our lead tester, how to choose a road bike.

All gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more .

Editor’s Choice

Cannondale supersix evo.

$8,300 at Cannondale

Test bike: SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod 2 (56 cm) Weight: 16.1 lbs

Pros and Cons ⊕ Lightweight ⊕ Comfortable ⊕ Relatively aerodynamic ⊗ The rider will feel more small bumps and vibrations at the saddle in comparison to the previous generation bike

The SuperSix Evo is Cannondale’s updated lightweight racer. It’s not quite as aerodynamic as the American brand’s aero-at-all-cost SystemSix or as smooth as the Synapse all-road bike, but it is far more comfortable, lighter, and still offers agile handling considering its extremely fast pace. Though this new iteration doesn’t represent the same performance leap as the first model, the upgrades to this version make the bike easier to work on and generally more aerodynamic.

Much of those aero gains are found at the front end. On the previous SuperSix, Cannondale made the well-intentioned decision to route the cables largely internally but in front of the headset bearings, which added bulk to an otherwise slim-tubed bike. It also limited just how much the bars could turn left or right. In the latest system, the cables are routed through the headset bearings using a triangular steerer tube. This allowed Cannondale to make the headtube area much more slender, making for a trimmer, more aerodynamic (and therefore faster), profile.

There are three different tiers of carbon frame construction within the SuperSix Evo family. Most riders will be happy with the standard carbon option, though the Hi-Mod and Lab71 frames are even lighter (and more expensive). We tested the SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod 2, which featured a Shimano Ultegra Di2 drivetrain, Hollowgram R-SL 50 wheels, and a Vision aero carbon handlebar. One small downside: in our 51-centimeter test model, we found the bike to be a touch less compliant at the saddle than the previous generation. Swap from the stock 25-millimeter tires to 28 millimeters or wider, however, and you’ll get one of the best fast road bikes you can buy today.

Read the Full Review

Best High-End Performance Race Bike

Specialized tarmac sl8.

$14,000 at Specialized

Test bike: Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 Dura-Ace Di2 Weight: 14.72 lbs

Pros and Cons ⊕ Energetic on the uphill ⊕ Stable on the downhill ⊗ Pricey

There’s no denying that there’s a lot of hype surrounding the Tarmac SL8 race bike —you’re just as likely to see it at the group ride as on your favorite influencer’s Instagram account—and we’re here to report that the hype is real.

The eighth generation of Specialized’s Tarmac comes with all the customary claims of being lighter, smoother, and stiffer. What makes this bike stand out from the competition is how it rides. Its low weight makes it feel eager up punchy climbs, and the frame’s stiffness provides direct, confidence-inspiring steering. As a whole, this bike will make you want to ride farther than you have before.

Specialized offers the Tarmac SL8 in an ultra-lux S-Works model (with their lightest-weight 12R carbon frame) and a range of build kits using a less expensive 10R carbon frame. Both are available in myriad drivetrain configurations from SRAM and Shimano and a range of colorways that we noticed invoked jealous commentary from cycling friends. While our test bike was a top-spec S-Works model—which nets a top-tier drivetrain and wheels alongside their best frameset—the standard Tarmac frames are still among the lightest road bike frames available.

All of this comes at a price—$14,000, to be exact, which is the biggest drawback to the new Tarmac. But if you’re willing to shell out, we recommend models with the less-costly 10R carbon frame, as it offers the same stiffness, compliance, and ride quality as the ultra-luxe S-Works. Those start at $6,500 and still net you a race-ready bike with electronic shifting. Trust us—your bank account will thank you.

Trek Domane AL

$1,700 at Trek

Test bike: Domane AL 4 Gen 4 (56 cm) Weight: 22.8 lbs

Pros and Cons ⊕ Extremely affordable ⊕ Versatile ⊗ Heavier compared to other options

The aluminum Trek Domane (pronounced ‘dough-MA-knee’) is the brand’s least expensive way to get into road cycling. It is also one of the most popular first road bikes out there, thanks in part to its ability to wear several hats. Some cyclists will use this endurance road bike as a swift recreational ride, while others might use it for commuting. For the fair price of $1,699, the iteration we recommend—the Domane AL 4—does both competently.

Much of the Domane’s long-time popularity comes thanks to a comfortable riding position, generous tire clearance, and predictable, composed handling. None of that changes in this iteration. While the Domane offers a choice between several carbon-framed builds, our recommendation is for the Domane AL (AL for its aluminum frame), which offers all of this capability in an unassuming and budget-friendly package.

The Domane is an endurance bike with geometry to match, placing the rider more upright than most road bikes, and ensuring the handling is approachable rather than aggressive. This makes the bike stable-feeling on fast downhills without feeling clunky on the climbs. The generous 38-millimeter tire clearance means you could reasonably ride gravel aboard the Domane AL as well. The touch points—the handlebars, the saddle, and even the bar tape—are high-quality and help the bike feel more than the sum of its parts.

Best Fast Road Race Bike

Scott foil rc pro.

$9,000 at Scott

Test bike: Foil RC Pro Weight: 15.9 lbs

Pros and Cons ⊕ Extremely confidence-inspiring at high speeds ⊗ Pricey and aggressive geometry make it a non-option for some cyclists

What goes up must come down, and going down is when we fell in love with the Foil RC, designed with the singular purpose of going fast. Not only is it stable and confidence-inspiring at the highest speeds, but it gives you enough feedback to feel the speed, too. Its one-piece bars and overall lateral stiffness deliver a responsive ride that makes you want to push harder on every bend of the descent. Its unique seat post provides the comfort of a thin seat post with the aero benefits of a deeper aero-foiled post. The benefit is that the bike rides so comfortably that we felt more confident more quickly than we did while riding many others while going that fast.

Aero bikes are normally heavier than other options, due largely to their larger tube shapes that optimize for aero efficiency first and low weight second. However, our medium-sized Scott Foil RC Pro was light enough that even our climbing-focused testers were happy with its uphill performance.

The Scott Foil RC features an aggressive fit and handling geometry, so it’s not for beginner cyclists. Further, while the Foil RC is less pricey than many other aero road bikes, its high performance comes at a cost. $4,799 nets you the bike itself. An upgrade to carbon wheels will cost you extra, which makes the Foil RC a worthwhile proposition for only a select few. But those riders will be treated with one of the fastest-feeling, confidence-inspiring race steeds available today.

Best Endurance/Performance Hybrid

Lauf uthald race wireless.

$4,690 at Lauf Cycles

Test bike: Uthald Race Wireless Weight: 17.5 lbs

Pros and Cons ⊕ A comfortable, high-value option that will work well for most cyclists ⊕ Easy to maintain ⊗ Out-of-the-box experience takes some getting used to

The Lauf Uthald is either an anomaly in the road bike world or a bike ahead of its time. Lauf calls it a “fast performance bike,” its spec sheet labels it an “endurance road bike,” and the overall package challenges several performance bike norms. Our verdict: The Uthald (Icelandic for “endurance”) is a versatile ride that would work for a wide swath of riders. First, the frame geometry makes it slightly slower to turn than the race bikes on this list and more settled in a straight line at speed. Further, its fit geometry isn’t quite as back-breaking as a race road bike, and not as upright as many endurance bikes. This makes it a great option for riders who want to ride long distances on the road without sacrificing comfort.

Lauf aimed to make the Uthald both versatile in its handling and easy to maintain for the end user, and they succeeded. The traditional stem and bar are easy to swap for fit; the threaded bottom bracket is easy to replace when it wears out; and the bike comes with a high-end but easy-to-fix SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH).

As much as the bike’s geometry stands out, its value is what’s truly unique. A complete Lauf Uthald Weekend Warrior Wireless starts at $3,490 which nets you a Uthald frame, a carbon bar and seat post, and DT Swiss alloy wheels. The SRAM Rival AXS drivetrain with wireless electronic shifting does its job wonderfully and comes equipped with a power meter to boot. Overall, the Uthald is a hard-to-beat value proposition with some of the most sensible features on the market.

Best Versatile Aero Bike

Giant propel advanced sl 0.

$12,500 at Mike’s Bikes $12,500 at Giant

Test bike: Propel Advanced SL 0 Weight: 15.2 lbs

Pros and Cons ⊕ Some of the best aerodynamics we tested ⊕ Very light and stiff ⊗ Fully-internal cable routing makes fixes more difficult

Giant set out to improve the aerodynamic efficiency of the 2023 Propel while also making it more of an all-around performer. This bike is still intended to slice through the air, and makes use of truncated airfoil tube profiles everywhere it matters: namely, the down tube, seat testing tube, seatstays, head tube, and fork blades. However, the Propel also now strikes a much more svelte-looking profile that further blurs the lines between the all-out aero machine it’s supposed to be and semi-aero lightweights like Giant’s own TCR Advanced SL.

Even without wind-tunnel testing, it was clear from our first pedal stroke that the Propel Advanced SL 0 is a proper rocket ship. It’s easy to bring up to high speeds and requires less effort to hold them. During group rides, we inadvertently kept riding away from our buddies on non-aero road bikes.

Perhaps more important to everyday riders is how the Propel feels when going fast—it’s a glorious bike to ride. It’s tangibly light and stiff—not just for an aero bike, but for a good road bike, period. The Propel is a wonderful partner on long climbing days and when you feel inspired to attack steep pitches. Sharp stabs at the pedals are rewarded with quick bursts of speed with no hint of delay or hesitation. The handling is equally precise and responsive. It feels somewhat buzzy and electric, but without being harsh or unwelcoming like many other aero road bikes. It’s a veritable eager puppy, always up for another go and brimming with more energy than you.

There’s a smorgasbord of great choices in this category right now. If you’re after the ultimate aero gains, you’ll either have to head into a wind tunnel or do some instrumented on-road testing to find out which offers the most performance for your particular body. However, if you’re the type of roadie that wants to go fast without giving up much in the way of other performance aspects—such as comfort and handling—the Propel is an incredible machine.

Best Sequel

Cervelo soloist.

$6,800 at Backcountry $6,800 at Competitive Cyclist

Test bike: Soloist Ultegra Di2 Weight: 16.5 lbs

Pros and Cons ⊕ Precise handling ⊕ Exceptional power transfer ⊗ Harsh ride on bumpy roads

For 2023, Cervelo revived its game-changing Soloist franchise with an impressive list of updates and improvements that make for a compelling race bike at a fair price. The new Soloist is equipped with a completely redesigned frame, featuring a new carbon layup that has increased stiffness and reduced weight. The bike’s aerodynamics are also far better, with the incorporation of Cervelo’s latest Squoval Max tube shapes.

The cockpit includes Cervelo’s “externally integrated” two-piece handlebar and stem system, which provides a clean and aerodynamic cockpit but still allows tinkering—the cables run underneath the stem and through the headset bearings. It’s not perfect, but the system allowed for easy fit adjustments, and the ergonomic design of the bars provided a comfortable grip.

During testing, the Soloist proved to be incredibly responsive and fast. The bike’s new frame design made for exceptional power transfer, and the tube shapes minimized drag. The bike’s handling was also noteworthy, with precise cornering and stability at high speeds. One thing to note: while we expect a stiff ride from such a machine, it was notably harsh on less-than-perfect roads.

With its upgraded frame design and aerodynamics, the Soloist is a force, and one we’d happily toe a start line with. It might become the most popular Cervelo among self-funded racers for years to come.

What is the difference between a road bike and a gravel bike?

A road bike is designed first and foremost to be ridden on harder surfaces. That generally means roads and bike paths, but chip-sealed, cracked, and pothole-littered roads can be ridden in a pinch on a road bike, too.

A road bike will typically offer a lightweight frame, wheels, and components to match. Almost every road bike these days features a drop handlebar that curls from the top down, as it offers the rider several hand positions while riding. The tires are almost always narrow, typically ranging from 25 millimeters to 38 millimeters, and have essentially zero tread on them in the name of more efficient riding.

Road bikes don’t come with suspension, but they don’t need it for performance on pavement—modern road bikes are smoother and more comfortable to ride than ever. You’re likely not going to find suspension or even wider tires on a road bike, as that’s the territory of a gravel bike.

A gravel bike, which is designed for riding on dirt and gravel roads first, will prioritize grip and comfort for the seat and handlebars. It will do so at the expense of weight and speed on smooth roads and tarmac. Be sure to see our Best Gravel Bikes of 2024 guide for more information.

If you know you want to ride mostly on-road, and you don’t intend to carry any extra gear, then a road bike is the right choice. Choose the gravel bike if you know you want to ride predominantly gravel and dirt paths, or if you’re uncertain exactly where your riding will take you.

What type of road bike do I need?

There are two broad categories of road bikes: race road bikes and endurance road bikes. Each of those has subcategories that can quickly become confusing.

The type of road bike that is best for the majority of riders is an endurance road bike, occasionally called an all-road bike. An endurance road bike emphasizes comfort and approachable handling. They’re typically easier to manage as the speeds increase and offer up to 38 millimeters of tire clearance to smooth your ride. Further, they’re more likely to have mounts for fenders, racks, or even additional water bottle cages. All-road bikes offer as much as 40 millimeters of tire clearance but retain handling characteristics optimized for riding on roads.

The flashiest road bikes are typically race bikes. They’re more likely to place the rider in a lower, more aerodynamic body position that emphasizes speed over comfort. The frames are lighter and offer stiffer riding to help you go faster. Further, the handling is typically more responsive, sometimes bordering on twitchy. Race road bikes typically feature 25 to 28-millimeter-wide tires, and ditch any feature that doesn’t make the bike easier to ride quickly.

Not all race bikes are the same, however. Some are aero road bikes, which have deeper tubes and rims that prioritize aerodynamics and out-and-out speed. Others are called climbing bikes, which prioritize low weight and stiffness at the expense of aero efficiency.

How much do I need to spend on a road bike?

Most of the bikes we’ve tested qualify as high-end bikes, which can cost as much as a used car. However, there are some fantastic road bikes at a more affordable price point. Budgeting to buy a road bike isn’t just buying the frame. Getting the most out of your road bike requires having the right accessories. At a minimum, you’ll need a quality set of bike lights and a well-fitting helmet in the name of safety. Further, you’ll need to budget for a decent set of pedals, and matching shoes if you want to use clip-in style pedals rather than a more accessible flat pedal.

At the entry-level, one can expect to pay anything between $1,000 to $2,000, depending on what features the bike offers. Clothing, including a jersey, shorts, a helmet, and clip-in shoes can cost anything from $150 to $300. Those accessories we mentioned? Expect to pay $100 to 150 at a minimum, and more depending on your specific needs.

How do I choose the right size road bike?

Road bikes come in a range of sizes to fit riders of all heights. This size range is usually expressed in centimeters, though sometimes you’ll find an XS to XL range.

To figure out the correct size for you, go for a test ride. That means standing over the top tube of the bike (sometimes referred to as a crossbar) to see whether you can comfortably stand with both feet flat on the ground. The top tube can touch you, but the bike is a better fit if it doesn’t.

The right-size road bike will place your arms at roughly a 90-degree angle from your torso without feeling uncomfortable. Your knees will have a slight bend in them at the bottom of your pedal stroke. Most importantly, the bike will feel comfortable to maneuver around.

Of course, the best course of action is to go to a trusted bike shop to have a bike properly sized and fit. Having another set of eyes to help you find the correct size bike will ensure your money is well-spent. They’ll help you determine the right bike for you based on your riding experience, mobility, and needs, and they’ll help you determine proper sizing for features like handlebars, saddles, and even your frame.

• Number of Testers: 5
• Number of Bikes Tested : 42
• Longest Test Ride: 142 miles

Five dedicated riders from around the world put 42 bikes through their paces on varied terrain and across hundreds of collective miles—from west Texas to Steamboat Springs, Colorado to Glasgow, Scotland. The road bikes we tested—ranging from entry-level to ProTour worthy—were chosen to encapsulate the best range of bikes on the market today. Yes, we tested road bikes from all the major road bike brands, but we also tested the small brands to cover all bases.

Our test rides included local loops, big days out, group rides, and everything in between. After each ride, we asked each reviewer to judge a bike on the following criteria: Who is it best suited for, and what type of riding was it designed for? What were its strengths, what were its weaknesses, and was there anything that made it stand out above the competition? Every reviewer not only took the time to ride each bike to assess its performance but also built them out of the box and maintained them through weeks of testing to learn more about their ins and outs.

Alvin Holbrook is a tech editor for Velo. He’s been in the bike industry for almost a decade and covers road, gravel, and e-bikes. When he’s not geeking out over bike gear, he uses his background in urban planning to cover stories about active transportation, policy, tech, and infrastructure through the Urbanist Update series. He lives in San Antonio, Texas with his wife and an ever-growing stable of bikes and kitchen utensils.

• 2024 Gear Reviews
• 2024 Summer Gear Guide
• Road Biking

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Road | Gravel | Commuter | Mountain

The best bikes of the year.

2024’s Best and Most Exciting Bikes!

Bike Awards 2024

Gravel Bikes

Commuter and urban bikes, mountain bikes.

Each year, Bicycling ’s test editors choose the Best Bikes from the thousands available across dozens of categories. Our process starts with analyzing price, features, and how each bike solves a rider’s needs. We also monitor cycling trends, research emerging riding categories, and closely follow new technologies. Then we tighten our focus on the bikes with the most potential, get them, ride them extensively, and discuss them rigorously amongst the test team and with other cyclists.

Almost no one uses a bicycle only how it’s portrayed on bike brands’ websites. So we test bikes in ways our readers ride them. We go to group rides and events, dig through social media posts, and dive into the minutia to give us insight into obstacles riders face and how they use their bikes to solve them. — Tara Seplavy, Deputy Editor

Ritte Esprit

Specialized Allez

Trek Emonda ALR

Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8

Canyon Endurace CF SLX 8

Standert Kreissäge RS

Ritchey Road Logic Disc

BMC Teammachine R 01 LTD

Cervélo Rouvida

Mosaic RT1 iTR

Allied Alfa

Officina Battaglin Portofino R

Ridley Falcn RS

BlackHeart AL Gravel

State 6061 All-Road Apex XPLR AXS

Lauf Seigla Core Wireless

Ritchey Outback Break-Away

Argonaut GR3 Custom

Colnago C68 Gravel SRAM Red XPLR AXS

Trek Boone 5

Canyon Grizl:On

Lectric One eBike

Rad Power Rad Wagon 5

Specialized Turbo Tero X 6.0

Xtracycle RFA

Ride1Up Prodigy V2

Velotric T1

Brompton C-Line Electric 12-Speed

Trek Wahoo Path

Aventon Ramblas

Santa Cruz 5010

Specialized Rockhopper Elite 29

Yeti ASR T5 Ultimate XX SL

Norco Sight C1 MX

Santa Cruz Heckler SL GX AXS Carbon C

Canyon Lux Trail CF 9

Pivot Shuttle AM Team XX Eagle Transmission

Transition Repeater PT X0 AXS

Specialized S-Works Epic 8

Evil Offering LS X0 AXS Transmission

As Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy leads Bicycling’s product test team; after having previously led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run World Championship winning mountain bike teams, wrenched at renowned bicycle shops in Brooklyn, raced everything from criteriums to downhill, and ridden bikes on six different continents (landing herself in hospital emergency rooms in four countries and counting). Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, Tara spends tons of time on the road and trail testing products. A familiar face at cyclocross races, crits, and bike parks in the Mid Atlantic and New England, on weekends she can often be found racing for the New York City-based CRCA/KruisCX team. When not riding a bike, or talking about them, Tara listens to a lot of ska, punk, and emo music, and consumes too much social media.  

A gear editor for his entire career, Matt’s journey to becoming a leading cycling tech journalist started in 1995, and he’s been at it ever since; likely riding more cycling equipment than anyone on the planet along the way. Previous to his time with Bicycling , Matt worked in bike shops as a service manager, mechanic, and sales person. Based in Durango, Colorado, he enjoys riding and testing any and all kinds of bikes, so you’re just as likely to see him on a road bike dressed in Lycra at a Tuesday night worlds ride as you are to find him dressed in a full face helmet and pads riding a bike park on an enduro bike. He doesn’t race often, but he’s game for anything; having entered road races, criteriums, trials competitions, dual slalom, downhill races, enduros, stage races, short track, time trials, and gran fondos. Next up on his to-do list: a multi day bikepacking trip, and an e-bike race. 

Test Editor Dan Chabanov got his start in cycling as a New York City bike messenger but quickly found his way into road and cyclocross racing, competing in professional cyclocross races from 2009 to 2019 and winning a Master’s National Championship title in 2018. Prior to joining Bicycling in 2021, Dan worked as part of the race organization for the Red Hook Crit, as a coach with EnduranceWERX, as well as a freelance writer and photographer. 

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Obed’s GVR Is a Fast and Customizable Gravel Racer

MADE Bicycle Show Expands to Oz in 2024

Gabe's Bike Shop | Episode 2

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SRAM Road Disc Brake Service and Bleed Procedure

The Best Gravel Bikes You Can Buy Right Now

The 12 Best Beginner Motorcycles For Long Road Trips

I t's easy to romanticize the idea of setting off on a long road trip, especially when it concerns doing it on two wheels . It's a chance to revel in the freedom the open roads give you, explore, and, quite importantly, get to know the vehicle enabling this experience. Given that, though, it's critical to get the right kind of machine along for this trip.

UPDATE: 2024/01/26 16:17 EST BY RAUNAK AJINKYA

Road trips, in general, can be tough if you don't have the right motorcycle along for the ride, especially if you are a novice rider. Given that, we have updated this list to include a few more entries of motorcycles perfectly suited for the job.

This is especially true if you're a rider devoid of a lot of seat time. The last thing you want to do is bring someone's sportbike along because while it may have a lot of power and consume miles rapidly, it's something you'll tire of rather quickly because of the compromised riding triangle. Luckily, this list should help you get through that selection process. It features beginner-friendly motorcycles you can legitimately rely on for long road trips by the likes of Suzuki , Harley-Davidson , Yamaha , and even Ducati, among others.

How we got our model selections: To compile this list, HotCars made a list of all the appropriate motorcycles on offer that enable long trips. While power was considered a criterion to narrow the list down, the motorcycles also needed to be beginner-friendly, meaning priority was given to motorcycles with comfortable ergonomics, impressive fuel tank capacity, and easy-to-handle curb weight figures. It should be noted that this list is a mix of motorcycles currently in production and those that have been discontinued but can be readily found in the used market. Also, the motorcycles have been organized in increasing order of the current market values.

Top 10 Beginner Motorcycles Under 500cc

Suzuki boulevard s40, used price range: $2,000-$6,000.

Suzuki's cheapest Boulevard doesn't leave you wanting for much. The 652cc engine is strong but not too strong for the bike's weight. It's not quite as long as other cruisers, which is nice for a beginner, and it's got a fairly affordable used price range, too. The seating is relaxed, with handles a little closer to you.

The newer ones come in a cool street-color gray and a classic blue. The way it features less chrome with a blacked-out engine and black finish on the wheels makes it look sporty and simple. A single speedometer over the gas tank is analog, and it has plates on the sides for saddlebags if you need cargo space.

2019 Suzuki Boulevard S40 Specs

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs )

Harley-Davidson Iron 883

Used price range: $2,000-$10,000.

This Harley-Davidson gets 833 America-made ccs of power and goes for well under $10k in the used market. It's one of the best Harleys to start with, and you won't get kicked out of a biker bar for owning one. The Iron 883 has a V-Twin engine. If you don't know, this is a cool thing to have if you wear a leather jacket with patches unironically.

Admittedly, you don't get quite as much for your investment as an Indian Scout Sixty, and both will always be less reliable than a Honda or Kawasaki, but there are some things that just don't compare, like the trademark Harley rumble! Plus, with motorcycles, there's always less to fix than with cars so that you can do a lot of the work yourself.

2008 Harley-Davidson Iron 883 Specs

Yamaha v star 250, starting msrp: $4,699.

The Yamaha V-Star 250 is one of the very best for uneasy beginners looking to road trip . A new one costs just $4,699, and it gets 78 MPG. That means 195 miles between stops, which is pretty decent for a motorcycle. If you haven't figured it out, most of the time, the numbers by the name represent the ccs in a bike, so this has 249 (thus, 250). That means it's a very comfortable beginner's bike that won't scare you but can still get up to cruising speed faster than most cars. It also means the bike is lighter and easier to control.

It has a decent rear seat for passengers and a good base for saddlebags and packs. The speedometer is analog, and the styling is classic, so you might get confused if you park by any V-Star from the past 40 years. Despite the timeless look, the bike holds up to aging well and won't feel rough or uncomfortable on a long trip.

2024 Yamaha V-Star 250 Specs

(Specs sourced from WebBikeWorld )

These Are The Best Cheap Beginner Motorcycles From Japan

Ducati scrambler sixty2, used price range: $5,000-$7,000.

The Scrambler Sixty2 is a 399cc sportbike marketed more towards women. It weighs less than any on this list at just 403 lbs, which is great for people worried about laying it down on accident. It may look like a "naked" (a sportbike with no fairings or extra body covers), but this bike gets just shy of 250 miles of range, and even though the seat is a little more aggressive and won't hug your buns, the way it's shaped actually is relaxing and won't rub your behind the wrong way like a dirt bike (for men and women).

This bike won't be able to hold saddlebags, but the Sixty2 makes a great road trip bike for someone who won't spend more than three days riding in a row and wants a good in-town motorcycle the rest of the time. Surprisingly, for its size (but not for Ducati's standards), it can go up to 100 mph, so you'll never be left wanting more power on the freeway.

2018 Ducati Scrambler Sixty2 Specs

Bmw g 310 gs, starting msrp: $5,890.

The BMW G 310 GS is an adventure bike , meaning with some knobby tires, it makes a decent dirt bike for trails as well. With an adventure bike, you get way more travel (7.5 inches) for smoother rides, a more comfortable seat than a dirt bike, and a more upright seating position than dirt or bullet bikes. The 310 GS is one of the cheapest Beamers you can buy new for just $5,890. That being said, it is a Beamer. This won't win any awards for reliability.

The 310 GS makes a comfortable 313cc that won't get you up any hill climbs but will easily take you up to 90 miles per hour. With 71 MPG, it has a range of 213 miles. The digital display shows gas, gear, and speed in bold fashion, and the LED light makes for a great off-road light in bright mode.

2024 BMW G 310 GS Specs

Honda rebel 500, starting msrp: $6,499.

The Rebel 500 is an affordable and comfortable bike that will last you your whole life. It has 471ccs, which won't let you do any wheelies but does get you up to cruising speed sooner than you need. To keep yourself from locking up your brakes (a significant factor in motorcycle crashes), you can and should get the ABS option. The blacked-out bike may mimic a Harley, but the low seat height makes it ideal for women and the height-challenged. It is also surprisingly fitting for full-height people.

The Rebel has been around for years, so used ones aren't hard to find, and a new one will run for just $6,499. The digital cluster is simple and includes a fuel gauge (not included on all motorcycles). Honda’s slip/assist clutch makes shifting easy for the uninitiated, but sadly, this doesn't come with an automatic transmission. The manual is very forgiving, easy to learn, and worth it, in our opinion. This bike is ideal for beginners who don't plan on switching bikes for years to come.

2024 Honda Rebel 500 Specs

These are the best beginner motorcycles money can buy, kawasaki vulcan s, starting msrp: $7,349.

According to their official website, Kawasaki advertises the Vulcan as being able to fit a wide range of people. The 649cc engine has a good kick at low to mid-range for city stops, but it can also get up to 100 mph. For $7,349, it will feel sportier and quicker than other bikes, but it's also reportedly fun to sit on on the freeway! It has one of the most natural seating positions of any bike under $10,000, probably because it's adjustable.

It may look nothing like a beginner's bike, but it is what Kawasaki offers as their entry-level cruiser . If you're not worried about the bike weighing a little more, it is a very forgiving and comfortable ride. ABS is available, features like a windshield and back support are easy to add, and they are a massive plus on long rides.

2024 Kawasaki Vulcan S Specs

Honda nc750x, starting msrp: $9,499.

If there were a contender for the bike on this list that you could buy with your eyes closed, the Honda NC750X would be right up there at the top of that list.

It's easy on the eyes, great for beginners in terms of the riding ergonomics, is affordable enough, has a great ride, and the DCT on it is the cherry on the icing. It even includes riding modes, a windshield, and a low seat height. That the NC750X often gets discounted is a puzzle.

2024 Honda NC750X Specs

Triumph tiger 660, starting msrp: $9,695.

The star of the show here is, of course, Triumph's lovely 3-cylinder engine, but the Tiger 660 is no one-trick pony. This is about as close to ideal for beginners to get on and go on a long trip .

Tack on luggage and load it up, and the excellent tractability of the motor will still pull you along comfortably. You can even add optional extras that will make the journey more comfortable, like additional lighting and heated grips. Hard to fault the Tiger 660, really.

2023 Triumph Tiger 660 Specs

10 best beginner motorcycles money can buy, bmw f 750 gs.

BMW's GS motorcycle lineup is legendary . The F 750 GS is a natural at completing longer journeys in absolute comfort. One of the most important factors is, of course, the seat, and the F 750 GS makes do with one that's ideally suited to road trips.

At 32.1 inches, it's much lower than you'd expect for a bike this size, but if that's not enough, BMW will also sell you a suspension lowering kit and soft seat, bringing the seat height down further to 30.3 inches. In addition to that, it also gets dynamic traction control, ride modes, and adjustable brake and clutch levers, among others. For the money, it's quite a deal.

2023 BMW F 750 GS Specs

Indian scout sixty, starting msrp: $11,749.

The Indian Scout Sixty is one "beginner" bike that will earn you a lot of respect . It starts at $11,749 and is pretty long and wide but isn't necessarily heavy. The wider handlebars give you better in-city control around corners, and ABS is an option. The engine is 1000ccs, the most of any on this list, but not something an average-fit person couldn't handle easily.

While this is more of a luxury option, it allows for things like a windshield (don't discount how useful one of these is after just two hours of 60+ mph wind in your face) and genuine leather saddlebags. The seat is wide, which benefits the narrow-waisted as well as larger people.

2024 Indian Scout Sixty Specs

Energica eva esseesse9+, starting msrp: $16,110.

This electric bike warrants some cautionary tales: First, do not listen to music until you are comfortable with traffic flow and riding defensively! Cars cannot hear you at all, and they can't see you too well either. Also, its range is 143 miles combined, which is not the best for long trips but is still passable with some planning.

With that out of the way, you get an 80% charge in 40 minutes with a fast charge! All you need to do is stop for a meal by a power station, and you're as well off as any ICE bike. The EsseEsse9 has a nice, upright position , but you're also working with a lot of torque, so make sure you take it slow, or you can pop a wheelie. Otherwise, unlike combustion bikes, it's small and simple and won't have any mechanical issues to stump you. The gauge is simple and can tell the range so you won't be left without power.

2020 Energica EVA EsseEsse9+ Specs

(Specs sourced from Bikez )

• Source for features: Respective manufacturers' websites
• Source for technical specifications: Motorcycle Specs, Bikez, WebBikeWorld
• Source for used prices: Cycle Trader

How to travel by bicycle in Russia: ideas and suggestions

• April 15, 2021
• Last updated: April 19, 2021
• Adventure , Destinations , Outdoor , Russia

Home » Travel Blog » How to travel by bicycle in Russia: ideas and suggestions

Day trips in Russia

Newcomers can test their “strength” on a one-day trip – the roads should not be complicated and the distances should not be too long. For first-time riders, study the route carefully, taking into account not only the length of the road, but also the conditions: there should be no long climbs and no high mountain passes. The flatter the road, the better. Do not ride close to crowded and busy large traffic lanes, even if conditions permit.  Also, make sure carry your Russian invitation letter with your visa . 

Route: Levutov – Pavlovsky town

Distance: 65 km

From Reutov (metro station “Novokosino”) outside Moscow, via Saltykovsk, Zheleznodorozhny, Fedurnovo, then turn to Biserovo, to Staraya Kupavna, then to Elektrostal via Ivashevo, and finally to Pavlovsky Posad via Subbotino, the intercity electric train This is a good route for newcomers to the town of Pavlovsky Posad (Vokhna or Pavlovsky Posad station).

This route is good for beginners: the terrain remains almost unchanged throughout the route. It’s mainly asphalt, but it’s quiet, with a rural landscape and few cars. Also, there are many intercity train stations along the way – if you get tired, you can take the train back to Moscow.

For the uninitiated, there are plenty of suitable roads around Moscow. The entire Moscow region is dotted with railway lines, so it is not necessary to make a circular route. You can take an intercity train to one station and back from another. There are many convenient route options around most Russian cities. You can make your own route, or take the advice of experienced travelers and use an already prepared route map.

Two-day trips in Russia

If you can travel 60-70 km per day, it’s no problem and you’ll be able to ride for two days. First of all, you need to solve your overnight problem: will you stay in a hotel, borrow a private house or pitch your own tent? Be sure to take the weather into account and take extra things that will keep you warm or heated.

When choosing your route, add some “hills” on the way, but not too steep.

Keep an eye on your bike. Ideally, it should be carefully checked and tested two days before departure; if you don’t know much about bike parts, you should have a full “car check” at a good mechanic’s shop to remove all faults in time.

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Route: ride along Nizhny Novgorod and rest on the Volga

Distance: 140 km

This is a self-guided route with picturesque Volga forests, where you will have to pitch a tent on the road overnight. You don’t have to think about the schedule of electric trains or buses, even if you are delayed on the way, don’t worry.

From Nizhny Novgorod, you will pass through the town of Bor (you can cross the Volga by cable car). Next, head to Ivanovskoye. On the way, note the unique, interlocking bi-level railroad: it is no longer in use, but the original structure is still there. Then go in the direction of Yurasovo, where you will turn to Maloye Utkino, then to Beryozovka, to Vypolzovo, then to the Volga River, to Apraksino, passing through the hill fortress with its ancient earthen embankment. Hillfort, which retains its ancient earthen berm.

After that, follow Orlovo, Belkino, Yamnovo, Zavrazhnoye, Selishi. After passing through Zhukovka, you can go straight through the forest to the bank of the Volga River and find a place to pitch your tent.

The next day, go in the direction of Pumra, then through Vagankovo, Orekhovo, Markovo, turn left at Matveyevka, go to Vatoma, then through Put’kovo and back to the banks of the Volga, then to the town of Pol, and then to Nizhny Novgorod.

There are many suitable two-day rides in the Volga Valley, around the Voronezh region, around the cities along the Golden Ring and in the Crimean steppe.

Multi-day rides in Russia

Riding for several days in a row is a very serious matter and you need to be physically prepared. For the first time, choose a route that is not too difficult and not extreme, because riding a few days in a row is not at all the same as riding 100 km in a week. Please estimate that it is more comfortable to travel 70-80 km per day on the plains and with much less hills.

Check to see if there are any settlements along the way – it depends on whether you’ll be carrying a lot of food, or if you can buy all your food along the way. But whenever and wherever you go, make sure you have drinking water on you. Please do not forget to constantly replenish your supplies and have an emergency reserve – about 1.5 liters of water per person. 

Route: “Crimean coast: from Kerch to Alushta”

Distance: 270 km , 5-7 days

We have intentionally divided the trip on this route into several days, as it depends a lot on your fitness and desire to visit the sights – which will be seen on the way, and quite a lot of them. There will be some mountain passes – if you feel tired as you pass them, it is always possible to set up camp early and prepare for an overnight stay. Almost the entire road runs along the coastline. If you don’t want to pitch a tent, you can easily find a place to spend the night in the resort.

Get off the ferry to Kerch and head directly to the Feodossia steppe. Pass through the town of Ordzhonikidze and head to Koktebel. Be prepared for a long and tiring uphill climb. If you don’t want to tire yourself out that much, then sacrifice some of the scenic views and take a different route – along the Simferopol highway.

From Koktebeli there is a difficult mountain road leading to Sudak. The strongest will can cycle to the town of “Novyi Svit” in one day, while the rest of the people should go to the village of Morske and then to Alushta via Rybache and Malorichens’ke. From Alushta, you can take a bicycle and a trolleybus to Simferopol, from where you can return by plane or return to Kerch by bus or taxi.

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• Published: April 15, 2021

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Russia in a nutshell

Tips & travel information about russia, an extensive beginners guide to moscow.

Hello dear readers, in this post, which will be a bit longer than the usual ones, I want to give you insights, what you can do, when you travel the first time to Moscow, which transport options there are etc.; simply everything you need to know to make you stay in the city as pleasant as possible.

Arriving & getting into the city:

Most likely you will arrive at one of the three major airports, Sheremetyevo , Domodedovo   or Vnukovo . Before picking up your luggage, you need to go through passport control, which in Russia is usually very fast, you simply need to tell the agent where you come from (airport) and after to sign the immigration card. After immigration, at all three airports, you will get your luggage after that. In the arrivals hall, there are usually many people who want to offer you cheap taxi rides. Please simply ignore those as they will most likely rip you off – better get a taxi via one of the official operators, like Gett Taxi, Yandex Taxi, CityMobil and many more. Another easy variant is Uber, which also works just fine in Moscow.

The fare in any way should not be more than 1200RUB and the normal taxi companies will have fix rates to and from the airport to any point in the centre. Please also take note, that there is a lot of traffic in Moscow, especially in the morning and early evening and during these rush hours, it can take up to two hours to get to your hotel in the centre.

Another variant is the Aeroexpress, which is the express train from the airports to train stations in the centre (the Aeroexpress train from Vnukovo airport will arrive at Kievskaya train station, the Aeroexpress train from Sheremetyevo airport will arrive at Belorusskaya train station and from Domodedovo airport will arrive at Paveletskaya train station. One way tickets cost 570RUB so if you are more than one person, a taxi will be already cheaper.

The cheapest, but also the most time is to take the bus to the nearest metro station from the airports. From Sheremetyevo airport there is a bus connection to the metro Station Rechnoy Vokzal, from Domodedovo there is a bus to metro station Domodedovskaya and from Vnukovo airport to metro station Yugo-Zapadnaya.

Recentely there also opened a fourth airport in the Moscow metro area for passengers, but so far only some flights to Uzbekistan, Tajikistan as well as two daily flights to Minsk on Belavia. But there is a frequent bus connection from Metro station Kotelniki.

Getting around Moscow

The most comfortable and fastest way to get around Moscow is the for sure the metro. With its 203 stations and a track length of 346km it is currently the fifth longest metro system in the world (after Shanghai, Beijing, London and New York).

There are several tickets available, so you can check how many rides you need and buy the right one. Below I will list you the current fares:

• one ride  : 55RUB
• two rides: 110RUB
• 20 rides: 650RUB
• 40 rides: 1300RUB
• 60 rides: 1570RUB

With a ticket you can do unlimited transfers on the metro, although if you want to catch a bus after a metro ride, you need to use a new one.

When entering a metro station, there are electronic turnstiles with a reader, which scans your ticket and then opens.

The metro works roughly from 05:30 in the morning until 01:00 in the night and the frequency varies from 30 seconds during rush hours to two minutes during calmer times. To calculate your travel time you can either download the app “Metro” in the Apple App store or Google Play store, use the web based interactive   Metro Map  or roughly count three minutes per station.

Next to the metro lines there are trolley bus lines. For you, which are unfamiliar with that term: Trolley busses are electrical busses, which you overhead power just like trams.

Currently there are 73 trolleybus lines and they connect places which are not covered well by metro, or where a journey by metro would involve a lot of backtracking.

To use the trolley busses, the same ticket as with the metro can be used.

Trolleybus map

As in every smaller and bigger city, there is also an extensive Bus network, although especially during rush hours it can take some time, as there are not everywhere bus lines available.

The same ticket like in the metro can also be used here.

There are also some tram lines, which can be a nice way to see something of the city, as compared to the metro, it goes completely overground, but there is no tram line which goes right through the centre, where most of the sights are situated.

On many routes where busses are not going, the so called Mashrutka mini busses go frequently. You can find more about Mashrutka in an earlier post  here .

The walk ways in Moscow are excellent and usually there are tunnels under the big streets, so to explore the city by foot is also not a problem.

So after this short introduction, how to get around the city I want to present you a 5 day plan, which includes all the sights, which you have to see in and around Moscow.

I think the most famous sight in Moscow is the Red Square with the Kremlin, St. Basils Cathedral, the National Historical Museum and the department store Gum, so this in my opinion should be also the first place where you should go when being in the city.

For the Kremlin, I recommend you to buy your tickets in advance – I already wrote more details about the museum in the Kremlin  here . You can find there information about how to reserve your tickets online etc.

After this museums you can visit St. Basils Cathedral after a leisurely walk across Red Square.

In the department store GUM, you need to taste their iconic ice-cream, which is a steal at only 50RUB. About GUM you can read more  here .

For lunch I recommend you the café “Brothers Karavaevi”, which has a mix of french pastries, cakes, but also Russian salads, meat, fish etc. The quality is very good and the prices are in my opinion very fair. They have a few dozen cafés around the centre of Moscow and their website is available in Russian, English and French. You can find it  here . You can also take away your food with you.

After lunch you can either go to the National Historical Museum, which is also located right at the Red Square (more information about it in my article about the museum  here ).

If you already tired about museums and culture, you can also take a walk further through Aleksandresky Sad, where you will see Manege.

Not far from you can also see the famous Bolshoi Theatre. Tickets for it are very hard to get and can be pricey, but nevertheless some might be available at the official website  here .

On the second day I recommend you to start the day at the Tretyakov Gallery with its impressive collection of art. To read more about the gallery you can follow my article  here .

Depending on how interested you are in art – you can easily spend the whole day there, but if you want to do some other things as well, you should walk from the Tretyakov Gallery to the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. On the way there you will pass the Monument of the famous Russian painter Ilya Repin. You can read more about him  here .

From the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour you can walk along the Moskva river and cross it to see the Monument of Peter the Great (more about him  here ) and further on to Gorky Park, where especially during some will see many locals also just go for a walk.

If you like Japanese food I recommend you Tanuki for dinner, which in my opinion is the best of the Japanese food chains in Moscow. I wrote more them in my article  here .

This day I would start in one of the many cafés on the Arbat street. It is a famous pedestrian-only street in the heart of Moscow and has a lot of cafés and smaller shops on offer. For fans of Hard Rock Café – it is also located here.

After some coffee you can walk further to the Moscow Zoo, which has a big range of animals to see and is located in a nice area. The website of the zoo  here  also offers a lot more information about the park, as well as a detailed map. Entrance costs currently 500RUB.

Next to the zoo you can find the Moscow Planetarium, which is also worth a visit, if you want to learn more about plants and stars. It also has many interactive shows on offer.You can find more information  here .

As today is the day of walking a lot, I recommend you now to take the metro to VDNH, one of the biggest parks in Moscow, which also hosts a lot of pavilions with exhibitions. You can also rent here bikes in summer and in winter it hosts one of the biggest ice rinks in Moscow. More information  here .

This day you can start in Park Pobedy – a memorial to the soldiers who fell in WWII. It also hosts a very interesting museum which exhibits everything related to the army and those times. You can get more information about the museum  here .

After the museum visit you can take the metro back to Tverskaya, where you will find the McDonalds, which was the first to open in Russia. More information about that event  here . A very interesting read. After you can walk along Tverskaya Street back to the centre, where you will find a lot of shops along the roads. You will also pass by the famous Hotel National.

As you have seen a lot of Moscow already now and got some Russia experience, I think you are ready to leave Moscow to a city in the golden Ring with the old Kremlin and city centres. For Russia beginners I recommend you Kolomna, as it is only 100km away from Moscow and within some hours you can see everything it has on offer. You can find all information about how to get to Kolomna and also what to see there in my article about the city  here .

There are also a lot of other recommendable cities around Moscow, which can easily be done within day, such as Sergiev Passad, about which I wrote detailed  here . Further on  Istra  and  Zvenigorod  are also worth a visit.

I hope this guide helped you and if you have more detailed questions about the itinerary or need advice – I am glad to help you!

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Moscow takes a small step into the bike-share business

June 2nd, 2013 at 6:10 AM EDT

Moscow's traffic is so notoriously bad that bikes are a good idea. Surviving when the traffic's humming is another matter.

Last week, Moscow installed, throughout its center, thirty stations containing a total of two hundred and twenty red city bikes….the system resembles the Citi Bike program launched this week in New York. The same basic rules and conditions, as well as general urban-planning principles, are at work, too; Moscow’s D.O.T. worked with its counterparts in New York, London, and Copenhagen as it developed its program. But in the Russian capital, bike sharing may not be as much an immediate step forward for commuting—the program is starting extremely small, both in terms of bikes and miles of bike lanes—as it is a small, concrete triumph for grassroots political activism.

“It’s not easy to ride a bike in Moscow,” cautioned Alexey Mityaev, the floppy-haired, jeans-wearing twenty-seven-year-old adviser to the head of the Moscow Department of Transport and Road Infrastructure Development .

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Tags: bikeshare , moscow

Photo credit: Deputy Mayor of Moscow, head of the Department for Transport and Road Infrastructure Development Maxim Liksutov, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, riding the bikes at the launch. Moscow Department for Transport and Road Infrastructure