There's a lot of factors to consider when searching for the best road bike, especially as there are loads of different manufacturers, all offering a variety of different features.
To help you determine which road bike is right for you, we've put together this list based on specs, price, and reviews, highlighting some of the key differences that make these bikes stand out from the crowd.
So, if you're searching for a premium bit of kit, like this Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 Dura-Ace, or you're after something slightly cheaper, like this Eurobike Road Bike 700C, we've got you covered with this list.
Best Road Bike
- Specialized Allez E5
- Eurobike Road Bike 700C
- Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 Dura-Ace
- Cannondale Supersix Evo
- Giant Propel Advanced Pro
Best All-Round Road Bike - Specialized Allez E5
Brand: Specialized | Frame: Aluminium | Gears: 8-speed | Wheels: Axis Sport alloy
If you're into your bikes then you may have heard of Specialized who advertise its bikes for riders, made by riders.
The Allez E5 is one of the cheaper bikes in the Specialized range, however, this doesn't mean it's lower in quality as it still comes with an extremely lightweight aluminium frame, weighing just 9.4kg which is ideal for the road.
Moreover, its Shinmano Claris groupset has been designed to give you plenty of gears to help you tackle even the most challenging of hills and to generate some serious speed.
On the whole, the Allez E5 should be a great all-rounder for all weather conditions in your top cycling gloves, especially considering there's room for mudguards and a rack on the bike also.
Best Road Bike On A Budget - Eurobike Road Bike 700C
Brand: Eurobike | Frame: Unspecified | Gears: 21-speed | Wheels: Magnesium alloy
Cycling can be an expensive hobby but don't worry, there are some bikes, like this Eurobike 700C, that come with slightly lower price tags.
In terms of weight, the bike is only 14kg which, although means it isn't the lightest bike available, should still be slender enough to tackle road cycling with ease.
One particularly impressive feature is that Eurobike has teamed with Shimano to offer 21 gears which will likely provide seamless transitions up and down the speeds.
All in all, the Eurobike is definitely one to consider on a budget, especially if you're new to the sport and in need of something to help when you're just starting out.
Best Premium Road Bike - Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 Dura-Ace
Brand: Specialized | Frame: FACT 12r Carbon | Gears: Unspecified | Wheels: Roval Rapide CLX
Back to Specialized now for one of the lightest and premium road bikes available in the Tarmac SL7.
This bike weighs just 6.6kg which, Specialized boasts, helps make this bike 45 seconds quicker over 40km at 50kph than its predecessor - the Tarmac SL6.
In terms of ride quality, with Roval Rapide CLX wheels, the Tarmac SL7 should be comfortable despite its stiffness for speed purposes, which is helpful when you're tackling uneven roads and hills.
Ultimately, this isn't a bike for someone who's unsure about cycling, this is a bike for serious pros who want one of the lightest and fastest bikes around that could even compete for speed against some of the top electric bikes around.
Best Lightweight Road Bike - Cannondale SuperSix Evo
Brand: Cannondale | Frame: Carbon | Gears: 12-speed | Wheels: Stainless Steel
The Cannondale Supersix Evo has been designed to be a pure road bike - light, smooth, ultra-fast across the tarmac.
One of the reasons why it is so lightweight and fast is its low-drag, carbon frameset which, in addition to the rest of the bike, means it weighs just 8.13kg.
Moreover, Cannondale includes its own aerodynamic HollowGram carbon SystemBar and HollyGram KNOT steam to the wheels to help make this bike as light as it possibly can to adhere to its 'pure road bike' tagline.
Considering the price, you won't find many bikes lighter than this unless you were to spend considerably more which is why we think it deserves a place on this list.
Best Aero Road Bike - Giant Propel Advanced Pro Disc 1
Brand: Giant | Frame: Carbon | Gears: Unspecified | Wheels: Carbon Disc
The Propel Advanced Pro should be one of the finest, race-bred bikes Giant make thanks to its AeroSystem Shaping which is the result of CFD analysis and dynamic wind-tunnel testing.
The shaping essentially includes truncated airfoil tube shapes which, in addition to the Contact SLR/SL Aero cockpit, help make this bike, what is likely, an extremely good aero performer.
Moreover, the integrated discs should offer you smooth yet powerful control which is key for confidence in all manner of conditions, and the flat mounts and thru-axles boost stiffness and will likely improve overall handling.
On the whole, Propel Advanced Pro is designed to be a top-tier road bike with great handling and aero performance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Road Bikes
With an abundance of variations out there, you probably have a few questions surround road bikes, but don't worry because we're here to clear up some of the more common queries.
What To Look For In A Road Bike?
There are a number of factors to take into consideration when searching for a road bike.
First and foremost, you'll want to note down the materials of the frame and its subsequent weight as you'll most likely be after as light a bike as possible. You tend to find the lightest bikes are made from carbon.
You'll also want to look out for the bikes groupset which refers to its transmission and breaks. Some of the most common groupsets include Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo.
It is also worth looking at the bike's brakes which can vary between discs or callipers. Disc breaks are, generally, fantastic at having consistent stopping power, whereas callipers are normally cheaper, easier to maintain, and offer more wheel upgrade choices.
What Is The Difference Between A Road Bike And Mountain Bike?
While the actual cycling movement remains predominately the same, the bikes you use on various terrains are extremely different.
The main difference is the speed and endurance of the two bikes.
Road bikes are meant for longer distances on paved roads at higher speeds and are, therefore, typically, extremely light and aerodynamic.
By contrast, mountain bikes are designed to be taken off-road and, as a result, come with wider, knobbly tires to increase grip as well as different kinds of gears to suit the extreme terrain.
What Does Aero Mean?
Aero is simply short for aerodynamic which is what a lot of road bikes strive to be in order to make them faster.
An 'Aero Bike' is one that focuses primarily on aerodynamics and being able to cut through the air without much resistance.
To achieve this, these bikes' geometrical makeup allows for the hands and body of the rider to be as in line as possible to reduce drag and therefore help improve speed.
How Should You Sit On A Road Bike?
The answer to this question is ultimately whatever feels most comfortable, but we do have a few tips if you're struggling.
Firstly, you should adjust your saddle height so your knee is straight and locked when you have the heel of your foot on the pedal.
Also, make sure you're sat on the widest section of the saddle as this should offer you the most support, however, make sure you can still reach the handlebars comfortably.
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