21 Road Bikes for different Budgets Reviewed (2020)

With so many types of bikes today, can you readily spot road bikes from a parking lot full of bicycles? To an average person, this can be tricky, however, you can distinguish road bikes with its slimmer tires minus the lugs which allows for proper grip and command of the surface.

While the mountain bike and road bike may look similar, a mountain bike on the other hand typically has 26 to 29-inch wheels and includes elevated lugs. These lugs basically perform like teeth on the ground supplying traction. Meanwhile, road bikes ordinarily have slim 700-c wheels and tires which minimize resistance and add speed. Note that road bikes used for competitions are designed to lessen a rider’s time.

Road Bike under 4000

The one and only kind of the road bikes, that does come with a price tag of being in the under $4000 category.

1. Kestrel 5000 SL Ultegra 

Why do you ask is the Kestrel 5000 Road Bike priced at $3499.99? This product is on the expensive side because it is made of premium grade KSL 800K carbon fiber. As a result, you get a road bike that is lighter than most other bikes and with enhanced overall durability. Designed with triathletes in mind, the Kestrel 5000 is engineered for long-distance triathlons with its narrower top tube resulting in a vertical riding position keeping your legs strong and healthy.

4 Road Bikes under $3000

These are a little more affordable than the first road bike, however still in that upper class of road bikes.

2. Raleigh Bikes Roker Sports

The Raleigh brand has an extensive record in the bicycle industry, thus, it doesn’t come as a surprise that it will come up with a product such as the Roker Sports All-Road Bike. This road bike is suitable for various types of surface roads. You can even use it for an endurance ride from coast-to-coast.

3. Tommaso Superleggera Dura Ace

Understandably, there are high-quality road bikes that you’ll need a mortgage just so you can afford it. This is not the case with the Tommaso Superleggera Dura Ace Carbon Road Bike. Priced at $2249.99, it boasts of components you’ll find in road bikes priced more than this product. Such a great find, don’t you think?

4. Kestrel RT-1100 Ultegra

Whether your objective in riding a road bike is for your leisure, to improve your weekend mileage, or to compete professionally the Kestrel RT-1100 Ultegra is your optimal companion. An enhanced version of the previous year’s RT-1000, this version includes a slimmer seat and a full aerodynamic profile.

5. Diamondback Podium Vitesse 

Another renowned brand in the bicycle industry is Diamondback. While it is now offering various sorts of bicycles, this brand started it all with manufacturing BMX bikes. One of its new ventures is the Diamondback Podium Vitesse Road Bike that is instantly ready to race! Its features include Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, complete Shimano Ultrega component group, and Carbon Fiber frame.

6 Road Bikes under $2000

This list has some more decently priced road bikes from under $2000, with great capabilities and a better nicer feeling to your wallet.

6. Raleigh Bikes Merit 3 Endurance 

While a lot of road bikes you see on the streets are for racing, another type of product is the endurance road bike. Compared to racing road bikes the endurance bikes feature a more elevated handlebar resulting in minimal strain on the rider’s back. Likewise, since the frames are in a friendlier angle it lessens the rider’s reach to the bar allowing for a more comfortable ride. Aside from this benefit, this Raleigh Merit 3 Endurance Road Bike offers a compact aluminum frame, carbon fiber fork, and a limited lifetime frame warranty.

7. Beiou New Racing Road Bike

Not all road bikes are high-priced; there are still products like the Beiou New Racing Road Bike that is surprisingly reasonably priced. It boasts of carbon fiber parts such as the fork, frame, and drop bar. This bike is lightweight at 18.3 lbs.

8. Schwinn Fastback Carbon

The popular brand Schwinn is memorable for its Cruiser Bikes. Currently, Schwinn has another product to be proud of which is the Schwinn Fastback Carbon Road Bike. This bike is ideal for weekend rides, uphill riding, or even competitive riding. It features 22-speed full Shimano 105 drivetrain, Schwinn Black Label Carbon frame, and Schwinn S1 road stem and bar.

9. Cavalo Carbon Ultegra

A racing road bike with a complete carbon fiber frame and fork, the Cavalo Carbon Ultegra is a remarkable product to own. With its reasonable price, you will get a bike that is lightweight, but still sturdy with its aluminum stem, seat post, and handlebars. Aside from that it likewise features a Shimano Ultegra brakes to offer you that incredible stopping force.

10. Savadeck Phantom 2.0 

When you purchase the Savadeck Phantom 2.0, all the assembly you need to do is attach your seat post, front wheel, pedals and you are ready to ride! This road bike showcases Shimano Ultegra 8000 front derailleur, 22-speed shift lever, and a rear derailleur that delivers you one impressive and seamless ride.

11. Diamondback Century 3

As mentioned earlier, Endurance bikes differ from the regular racing road bikes. This holds true with the Diamondback Century 3 which offers an Enhanced Performance Geometry that relieves stress from your back and neck and allows for a smooth ride. Not only that, but you will also find this bike with robust HED Flanders C2+ disc wheels that assist with your rapid acceleration and Diamondback Century 700x28c tires for your added security.

8 Road Bikes under $1000

This list contains road bikes for under $1000, which are great beginner bikes of great quality and good performance.

12. Tommaso Imola Endurance

Returning cyclists do not need to purchase entry-level bicycles, what they need is the economical Tommaso Imola Endurance Aluminum Road Bike. While the price is affordable, you still get a quality road bike that features Shimano gears, robust aluminum frame, and lightweight road bike tires.

13. Diamondback Haanjo 2

While Diamondback is a popular bicycle brand, not all of its products are on the costly side. The brand likewise offers its customers with a low-priced line of bicycles like this Diamondback Haanjo 2 Gravel Adventure Road Bike. Surprisingly, the Haanjo 2 includes an endurance geometry found typically with Endurance Bikes. This feature offers riders resilience as well as riding convenience.

14. Tommaso Monza Endurance

In purchasing the Tommaso Monza Endurance Aluminum Road Bike, you’ll have a premium bicycle you can customize with the accessory you require. A product produced with an aluminum frame, the Tommaso Monza is a neat bike you can rely on for your daily travels or weekend-long rides.

15. Diamondback Bicycles Haanjo 3

Lighter than the Haanjo 2 is the Diamondback Haanjo 3 Gravel Adventure Road Bike. Though it also boasts of the Endurance Geometry like the  Haanjo 2, the Haanjo 3 is a bike you can ride anywhere and with any type of road accessible to you. This road bike can give you more than just your ordinary city riding! When you ride the Haanjo 3 you will discover a whole new level of road biking.

16. Diamondback Haanjo 1 

What is great about the Diamondback Haanjo 1 is that it will bring you the best of both worlds, this product is a half mountain bike and a half road bike. As a result, you can ride anywhere you want whether it’s commuting or strolling around the city or if you feel like challenging yourself and riding on unpaved roads, the Haanjo 1 is your reliable partner. Showcasing flat handlebars, this road bike allows for a geometrical riding position.

17. Raleigh Bikes Merit 2

There are riders out there who are not advocates of the latest road bikes with its accompanying bells and whistles. Nowadays, you can still find riders who prefer dependable classic road bikes like the Raleigh Bikes Merit 2. Looking forward to attending your first-ever century ride? The Merit 2 will be your perfect companion with its wide tires, Shimano Claris speed shifters, and lightweight aluminum frame.

18. Raleigh Willard 2

What makes the Raleigh Willard 2 All-Road Bike distinct from all the other bikes? Aside from its reasonable price, the Willard 2 features anti-shock seat post and stem to lessen road tremors, excellent disc brakes which you can rely on in any weather conditions, and a durable all road 6061 aluminum frame which is truly dependable.

19. Raleigh Revere 2 

Those who are not expert builders will find it easy to assemble the Raleigh Revere 2 Women’s Endurance Road Bike. A product designed specifically with women in mind, this road bike is suitable for training, fitness, and endurance rides.

Road Bikes under $500

If you just want to get your feet wet and begin with cycling, these two road bikes under $500 are a great starting point.

20. Kent GZR700

If you are working on a tight budget, take a look at the Kent GZR700 Road Bike. Suitable for your day-to-day commute or if you are searching for your weekend bike, this low-priced bike is definitely what you need!

21. Vilano Aluminum 21 Speed Road Bike

Newbie riders will want to begin their road cycling journey with the Vilano Aluminum 21 Speed Road Bike. At its low-cost price, you’ll get a bike perfect for your daily travels, fitness, and group rides.

Road Bikes Prices

There are various road bikes available in the market today. From affordable brands to high-quality expensive ones, there is a bicycle that will suit your budget. In detail, a road bike approximately costs starting at a budget price of  $100 up to $10,000. Of course, if you are looking for a premium road bike you will have to shell out a considerable amount, on the other hand, if you are searching for an affordable entry-level bike there are a variety of options you can choose from.

Road Bike Sizes

On the right side, you can see a simple chart showing the appropriate size of road bike suitable for you based on your height. While you may know your precise height, it is always best to cross-check the manufacturer’s dimensions as well. 

Furthermore, if you are a woman hunting for a road bike, keep in mind that there are other brands that produce bikes that are highly compatible with the ladies thus, suited for modest hands and shorter reach.

Although, that is not to say that women can’t opt for a male bike or a unisex bike for that matter. To ensure if the bike really fits you well, always go for a test ride if possible; on the other hand, if you are purchasing your road bike online make sure to communicate clearly all your concerns with the seller.

Road Bike Frames Materials

Essentially, the two materials used for road bike frames are carbon fiber and aluminum. If your motivation in purchasing your bike is for fitness purposes or to enjoy some long weekend rides without any interest in your speed, then you can go for an aluminum frame. These frames while more affordable also offer riders a seamless ride.  On the other hand, if your priority is to have a lightweight but sturdy frame that can help you achieve a fast and comfortable ride then opt for the premium carbon fiber material.

Factors to Consider in Choosing Your Road Bike

While generally, some individuals just go for the most expensive brand or on the one hand the cheapest road bikes without much planning on their purchase, in doing this you’ll wind up spending more money than you intend to. Thus, it is advisable to consider the following factors before engaging in any transactions.

Road Bike Use

Aside of course from your budget, another factor you must consider in choosing your bicycle is to know exactly how you intend to use your bike. When you have genuinely identified what you want, it will be simple for you to determine the type of bike frame and components you need.

Road Bike Frame Size

Besides the factors earlier mentioned, the frame size is likewise a crucial component you must consider. If you will make your purchase at the bike shop, it is important that you test ride the bike that you are considering to buy, however, if you are planning to purchase online see to it to communicate all your questions to the seller. Important to realize is that when you choose the wrong bike frame, you will end up riding with a terrible body angle, position, and reach which will always result in an awful and painful ride.