Ever wanted to get into biking but can’t decide between a road bike and a mountain bike? That decision and how expensive bikes are can make it challenging to know where to start. The good news is that a little information can guide you to the best hybrid bikes under $500.
Biking is more popular than ever. From hitting trails with mountain bikes to taking a ride out on a local road, there’s no doubt that biking is being embraced as a sport, form of exercise, and way to socialize.… Read more
Last updated: 5/16/17
If you’re just getting into cycling or looking for an upgrade, you’ll find a slew of bikes to choose from in the $1,000 price range. At this price point you can expect to find bikes with aluminum forks and frames, lower end components and a more upright geometry, designed with comfort in mind.
For the average entry level cyclist, these five top road bikes under $1,000 will provide a solid platform for skill development and allow for future upgrades as your riding progresses.
For the price and versatility, our top pick is the GT Grade Alloy 105.
If you’re looking for an upgrade or are ready to get serious about investing in a road bike, these top road bikes under $2,000 are a great place to start. This price point hits the sweet spot between entry level road bikes and more serious racing machines.
Drop 2k and you’ll have the pleasure of riding full carbon fiber. You’ll get a taste of a lighter bike that’s more speed and performance oriented. These tend to be solid all-day rides or decent entry level race bikes.
Road riders are very particular about the function and feel of their drivetrain, braking, and shifting. The collection of components that are designed to be used together is called a group, groupset, or “gruppo” if the movie Breaking Away did not sully your your love of Italian cycling affectations.
Shimano has a reputation for building superb groups with technology that trickles down from one elite generation of Dura Ace components, down through Ultegra, 105 [one oh five], Tiagra, Sora, and the humble Claris line. There is some room for mixing components from various groups, but many of the components only work within their tier.
Let’s focus on the middle of that lineup, 105 and Tiagra. Choosing one of these options over the other might best serve the discerning and budget-conscious cyclist. The Tiagra line is considered one step below 105 because 105 is a tad lighter has smoother operation. But 105 has its limitations, and not everyone is counting grams and fractions of a second.
Is it worth the upgrade to 105 or does Tiagra fit the bill? Let’s take a closer look.
Stages power meters are known for two things: bringing power meters into the budget range of the everyday cyclist, and gracing Team Sky’s Tour de France winning bikes.
But despite their endorsement from the pros, Stages haven’t totally dominated the power meter market. Issues with the reliability and accuracy of data, plus the waterproofing (or lack of) of the casing plagued earlier generations of meters, issues which Stages claim to have fixed with this year’s Gen 3 range.
I can give you my reviews, but buying a road bike is ultimately a personal decision. To find the best beginner road bike, it’s important to consider more than just the cost. Choose a bike that fits you well, is a joy to ride and best applies modern technology at that price.
Sounds a little intimidating, right? Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered.
I’ve included easy-to-navigate guides to help you understand the difference between component groups and frame materials and to answer questions such as”do I really need disc brakes on a road bike?”
Then I rounded up the best bikes for your budget and riding style.
Eddie Merckx said it’s better to ride up grades than to buy upgrades, but if you’re looking for an instant performance boost, a new wheelset is your best bet. Use this guide as your cheat sheet to navigate different wheel materials, decide on rim depth and width and pair the best road bike wheels with your terrain and cycling goals.
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