Updated November 7, 2024
Road bikes are lightweight, built for speed, and suitable for riding on paved surfaces. Riders can have different motivations from commuting to getting in a little cardio, to long-distance exploration, or even competitive racing. As a beginner just getting started, it’s a time of discovery, exploration, and learning.
Upper-echelon road bikes are expensive indeed. When you’re just breaking in, I’m sure you would like to keep the price affordable while still getting a model with reasonable performance capability and the durability to last a few years while you develop your skills and hopefully love of the sport.
Because there are so many road bikes on the market today of all quality levels, to help in your research, some of the best entry-level models in the price range of roughly $200 to $1,000 have been selected as an introduction. There’s a comparison table to start, followed by descriptions, key features, photos, videos, and a buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more information on other categories of bikes and accessories, please check out these reviews:
Bike Computers Comfort Bikes Children’s Mountain Bikes Women’s Mountain Bike Helmets Mountain Bike Helmets Affordable Electric Bikes Women’s Mountain Bikes BMX Bikes Mountain Bikes Under $1,000 Budget Mountain Bikes Fat Bikes Single Speed Bikes Beach Cruisers
Best Beginner Road Bikes
- Tommaso Imola Endurance Road Bike
- Eurobike EURXC550 Road Bike
- Schwinn Phocus 1600 Drop Bar Road Bike
- Raleigh Bikes Merit 2 Endurance Road Bike
- Giordano Libero Road Bike
- Vilano Shadow 3.0 Road Bike
- Diamondback Century 1 Road Bike
- Savadeck Warwinds 3.0 Carbon Road Bike
Beginner Road Bike Comparison Table
| Photo | Road Bike | Gears | Frame/Fork Materials | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Tommaso Imola Endurance Road Bike | 24 | Aluminum/Steel | 4.6 | $$$ |
  | Eurobike EURXC550 Road Bike | 21 | Steel | 4.4 | $ |
  | Schwinn Phocus 1600 Drop Bar Road Bike | 16 | Aluminum/Carbon | 4.5 | $$ |
 | Raleigh Bikes Merit 2 Endurance Road Bike | 16 | Aluminum | 4.7 | $$$ |
  | Giordano Libero Road Bike | 16 | Aluminum/Steel | 4.3 | $ |
  | Vilano Shadow 3.0 Road Bike | 14 | Aluminum | 4.4 | $ |
  | Diamondback Century 1 Road Bike | 22 | Aluminum | 4.8 | $$ |
  | Savadeck Warwinds 3.0 Carbon Road Bike | 18 | Carbon | 4.6 | $$$ |
| Photo | Road Bike | Gears | Frame/Fork Materials | Rating | Price |
Tommaso Imola Endurance Road Bike
It has a lightweight hydroformed 6061 aluminum frame with a sturdy steel tubular fork.
Available in 5 sizes for riders from 4’10” to 6’5”, the compact frame geometry enables a relaxed position suitable for all riding styles. It matches well with the lightweight, padded WTB saddle and ergonomic adjustable handlebars with shallow drops and a flat portion on top that is comfortable on wrists, and allows a more upright riding position.
The 24-speed Shimano drivetrain and shifters offer precision shifting and a range of gearing, and Shimano Claris caliper brakes provide reliable all-weather stopping performance.
Priced just below $1,000, the Imola comes in at the high end of affordable for an entry-level road bike but it offers enough to take you to a higher level and has a nice warranty package.
- Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL (for riders from 4’10” to 6’5″)
- Weight: 23.8 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: 6061 aluminum frame/steel fork
- Tires: 700 x 25c Kenda tires with tubes
- Rims: lightweight TC-20 alloy
- Gears: 3 x 8 Shimano R2000 drivetrain and Shimano Claris R2000 shifters
- Brakes: front and rear Shimano Claris caliper (rim brakes) all-weather
- Other Features: all Shimano components, ergonomic handlebars, lightweight, padded WTB saddle
- Colors: white, black, burnt orange
- Warranty: 2 years on Shimano components, lifetime for the frame
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $$$
The durable steel frame is a bit heavier than that of many road models but it has an eye-catching aerodynamic design including handlebars with multiple hand positions and a saddle with adjustable height and angle that combine for a comfortable ride, especially on longer excursions.
Mechanical disc brakes provide precision stopping power and are a very attractive component on such a low-priced model.
A Shimano 21-speed drivetrain and shifters provide plenty of gearing options and there is also a choice of aluminum alloy wheels with standard spokes or a 3-spoke design for an ultra-modern look.
Some assembly is required but the necessary tools are included.
- Sizes: 49cm frame for riders from 5’5” to 5’7”, 54cm frame for riders from 5’8” to 6’1”
- Weight: 33 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: steel
- Tires: 700 x 28c
- Rims: aluminum alloy with a choice of standard or 3-spoke wheels
- Gears: 3 x 7 Shimano drivetrain and Shimano shifters
- Brakes: front and rear mechanical disc brakes
- Other Features: saddle with adjustable height and angle, ergonomic aerodynamic handlebars with multiple hand positions
- Colors: black/white
- Warranty: contact the seller for details of the warranty or any problems/questions
- Rating: 4.4
- Price: $
Schwinn Phocus 1600 Drop Bar Road Bike
The 16-speed Shimano drivetrain provides plenty of gears and comes with a convenient Microshift shifter integrated with the brake lever.
Riders find positioning comfortable with the ergonomic drop handlebars, and the Promax caliper brakes deliver secure, crisp stops.
The SR Suntour crank and double-wall alloy rims bolster durability and a quick-release front rim adds to the convenience.
The bike is topped off with Schwinn’s reliability and a limited lifetime warranty.
- Sizes: S (41cm), L (56cm), suitable for riders from 5’4” to 6’2”
- Weight: 26 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: aluminum frame/carbon fork
- Tires: 700c with road-style tread
- Rims: double-wall aluminum alloy
- Gears: 2 x 8 Shimano drivetrain and Microshift integrated shifter brake lever
- Brakes: front and rear Promax caliper (rim brakes)
- Other Features: ergonomic drop handlebars, SR Suntour alloy crank, quick-release front rim
- Colors: black or white
- Warranty: limited lifetime
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $$
Raleigh Bikes Merit 2 Endurance Road Bike
The durable and lightweight aluminum frame and fork, race-oriented geometry, and wider tires enable a high-performance stable ride.
It has a capable Shimano Claris 16-speed gear system and mechanical disc brakes for precise stopping power.
A comfortable riding position for long rides is aided by ergonomically designed handlebars, and double-wall rims and SR Suntour alloy cranks enhance durability.
If you would like to add a luggage rack or fenders, mounts are conveniently included.
Suitable for a wide range of rider heights on the 6 available sizes, the Merit 2 has a package of quality components and a solid frame that is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL (suitable for riders from 5’4” to 6’5”)
- Weight: 23.5 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: aluminum
- Tires: 700 x 28c Clement Strada LGG tires
- Rims: double-wall aluminum alloy
- Gears: 2 x 8 Shimano Claris drivetrain and shifters
- Brakes: front and rear TRP Spyre C mechanical disc brakes
- Other Features: rack and fender mounts, ergonomic drop handlebars, SR Suntour alloy crank, quick-release front rim
- Colors: silver
- Warranty: limited lifetime on the frame
- Rating: 4.7
- Price: $$
It has a sturdy 6061 aluminum frame, and a high-ten steel fork, and weighs in at a relatively lightweight 26 pounds.
The Shimano Claris drivetrain and shifters with a nice standard of performance, provide plenty of easy-shift gearing versatility.
The alloy dual-pivot rim brakes are fine, and to be expected rather than rim brakes at this price, and the rest of the components including steel drop handlebars, and alloy cage pedals are sturdy.
The 3 frame sizes suit riders from 5’4” to 6’4” and the company stands behind the Libero with a lifetime warranty on the frame with one year for parts.
- Sizes: S, M, L (suitable for riders from 5’4” to 6’4”)
- Weight: 26 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: 6061 aluminum frame/high tensile steel fork
- Tires: 700 x 25c
- Rims: double-wall aluminum alloy
- Gears: 2 x 8 Shimano Claris drivetrain and shifters
- Brakes: front and rear alloy dual-pivot (rim brakes)
- Other Features: nylon grips, alloy cage pedals, steel drop handlebars
- Colors: black
- Warranty: limited lifetime on the frame, 1-year for the parts
- Rating: 4.3
- Price: $
The 6061 double-butted aluminum frame and double-walled alloy wheels are extra sturdy and the 14-speed Shimano drivetrain provides an adequate choice of gearing options.
The STI-integrated brake lever shifters make the shifting and braking unusually convenient and the integrated headset and internal cable routing eliminate a lot of drag and give it an aerodynamic look and performance.
The Shadow 3.0 comes in 3 frame sizes and will require some assembly after delivery. Detailed assistance is available in the video below.
- Frame Sizes: 49cm, 53cm, 57cm
- Weight: approximately 25 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: 6061 double-butted aluminum aero
- Tires: 700 x 25c
- Rims: double-walled CNC machined side aluminum alloy
- Gears: 2 x 7 Shimano drivetrain and Shimano STI integrated brake lever shifters
- Brakes: front and rear caliper (rim brakes)
- Other Features: integrated headset for less drag, internal cable routing, pedals included
- Color: black
- Warranty: ask the seller for details of the warranty
- Rating: 4.4
- Price: $
Diamondback Century 1 Road Bike
The design has what Diamondback calls enhanced performance geometry with a taller head tube for a more comfortable fit taking the stress off your back and neck.
It has a durable lightweight 7005 custom-butted alloy frame with artistically formed tubing for a sleek look that is durable and aerodynamic.
Other quality features include sturdy double-walled alloy rims, wide Michelin sport tires for extra traction, and TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes for precise stopping power.
The 22-speed Shimano drivetrain has plenty of gears to get you where you need to go efficiently up and down hills.
Pricing is mid-level among the bikes in this review, which makes the Century 1 a bargain.
Diamondback has the reputation for providing good aftersales service.
- Frame Sizes: 50cm, 52cm, 54cm, 56cm, 58cm, 60cm
- Weight: 22 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: 7005 fully-butted aluminum alloy frame/DB SPF air-formed aluminum alloy fork (note the video below says there is a carbon fork which is not on this model)
- Tires: 700 x 28c Michelin sport tires
- Rims: double-walled aluminum alloy
- Gears: 2 x 11 Shimano 105 drivetrain and shifters
- Brakes: front and rear TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes
- Other Features: HED Flanders C2+ Disc wheelset
- Color: silver
- Warranty: ask the seller for details of the warranty, good service is promised
- Rating: 4.8
- Price: $$
Savadeck Warwinds 3.0 Carbon Road Bike
Ultra-light and stiff, its aerodynamic design was developed in a wind tunnel.
The tapered head tube strengthens torsion rigidity enhancing rider handling, and cables are internally routed for additional streamlining.
It has a solid Shimano Sora M3000 drivetrain with a convenient shifter lever.
At over $1,000 it is a little surprising that V-brakes rather than disc brakes were Savadeck’s choice.
Other components include a carbon fiber seat post and a leather saddle.
Mostly assembled on arrival, the necessary tools to finish the job are included.
- Frame Sizes: XS (44cm), S (48cm), M (50cm), L (52cm), XL (54cm), suitable for riders from 4’11” to 6’0”)
- Weight: 20.66 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: T800 carbon fiber frame and fork
- Tires: 700 x 25c Continental Ultra Sport II Wire tires
- Rims: aluminum alloy
- Gears: 2 x 9 Shimano Sora M3000 drivetrain with shifter lever
- Brakes: front and rear V-brakes (rim brakes)
- Other Features: carbon fiber seat post, leather saddle, pedals included, internal cable routing, assembly tools included
- Colors: blue, gray, orange, red
- Warranty: ask the seller for details of the warranty
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $$$
Beginner Road Bikes Buyers Guide
Bearing in mind that as a beginner you are unlikely to want to pay the thousands of dollars necessary to purchase a premium road bike, there are a number of factors to consider to ensure that the model you decide on won’t break the bank but will give you quality performance for the type of riding you plan to do.
Frame and Fork Materials
Road bikes are built for speed thereby putting a premium on being lightweight. Carbon is the most lightweight but very expensive. It is also a little brittle, which is a consideration in the event of a crash that is more likely to occur with new riders. Aluminum is durable and lightweight and has the benefit of being corrosion and rust-resistant. Steel is the heaviest and prone to rust and corrosion though a good powder-coat paint job provides significant protection against those. Note that steel is used in the frame and fork of the Eurobike model and the forks of the Tommaso and Giordano models reviewed above and that the Eurobike is 7-12 pounds heavier than the other models.
Geometry
With speed in mind, the most aerodynamic position for the rider is with the back horizontal. For this reason, drop handlebars are most often used. A more upright sitting position is more comfortable for many, however. A rider can opt for flat handlebars or high-rise handlebars but most of the best drop handlebars allow a rider to grip the flat portion on top for a more comfortable upright position when desired.
Tires and Wheels
The speediest road bikes for racing have super-narrow wheels and tires. As a beginner, slightly wider tires will add to stability and versatility to take on less than the smoothest conditions more effectively.
The wheels should be durable and lightweight. Aluminum alloy provides that. Look for double-walled rims for an added measure of durability.
Gears
Road bikes typically have a drivetrain with multiple gears to allow effective pedaling for tackling hill climbs and downhill terrain. The brand most commonly used is Shimano which offers a range of versions suitable for more casual riding right up to competition quality. All levels are considered to be of reasonable quality and durability.
Single-speed road bikes are also available which might be a good choice for you if your rides are predominantly on flat roads. There is less that needs maintenance and repair and a whole branch of biking to consider in fixed-speed or fixie biking. This review has several single-speed road bikes you might also consider: Single-Speed Bikes
Additional Tips: How to Use Bike Gears
Brakes
Disc brakes provide the most precise stopping power and almost all premium road bikes employ them. On lower-priced road bikes, manufacturers often use linear-pull rim brakes. Most entry-level riders won’t have any complaints and find that they are adequate and easier to maintain. If you get disc brakes on affordable bikes, consider it a bonus.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom.
For more information on other categories of bikes and accessories, please check out these reviews:
Bike Computers Comfort Bikes Children’s Mountain Bikes Women’s Mountain Bike Helmets Mountain Bike Helmets Affordable Electric Bikes Women’s Mountain Bikes BMX Bikes Mountain Bikes Under $1,000 Budget Mountain Bikes Fat Bikes Single Speed Bikes Beach Cruisers
Feedback and Comments
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