If you want to start a healthy lifestyle, cycling is a great place to start. To make your cycling fun and easy, the indispensable thing is a good bike. There are many types of bike to choose from but road bikes are the most common and effective option.
A best road bike not only helps you have regular exercises but it’s also convenient for different riding purposes.
If you are wondering what is the best beginner road bike for your own, it’s high time to read the following review of 13 best entry-level road bikes. Let’s start!
What To Look for In A Beginner Road Bike?
Once you decide to start your journey with a road bike, there are many things to consider. Here are some important features that you should keep in mind before going to your first road bike:
- Frame and fork: Road bikes come in a wide variety of frame style, size, and material. If you are a woman, it’s necessary to choose an ergonomic frame with aluminum material rather than wide and large frame sizes.
- Groupset: Many road bikes on the market are equipped with Shimano groupset. That means they are more effective and durable.
- Wheels and tires: Wide-tire road bikes are ideal picks for those who prefer stability and better control on the road. Also, it is a good way to go for heavy riders.
- Speed: If you are in the mood for speed, a drivetrain that offers a wide range of speed is an excellent choice. You could change the speed depending on terrain and riding conditions with such drivetrains.
- Braking System: Your safety is important so don’t forget to check out the braking system.
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What Are The Best Road Bike Brands?
Among hundreds upon hundreds of road bike brands on the market, you should have a clear navigation before jumping on this field. To help you go to right way, I’m going to suggest some best brands in the road bike industry below:
- Schwinn Road Bike: It is one of the most reputable road bike brands around the world. Schwinn always offers its customer smooth rides with ergonomic design and highest-quality materials in each product.
- Tommaso Road Bike: They put their passion in all products. This global brand tends to provide the best warranty for components, modern design, and complete assembling.
- Raleigh Road Bike: For those who prefer an affordable road bike, there is no reason to refuse this brand. Raleigh offers various models for different riding purposes so you can find your taste easily.
What Are The Best Beginner Road Bikes?
In general, each product comes with its own pros and cons. The bike that meets your requirements is the best one for you. According to significant riding purposes, I have created a list of best beginner road bikes below. Keep reading!
- Best Overall: Tommaso Imola Road Bike
“best lightweight model, compact frame geometry and standard platform pedals included”
- Best for The Money: Vilano R2 Road Bike
“Best road bike under 500, its price is even cheaper than the price of public transportation, excellent choice for commuting”
- Best for Women: Schwinn Volare 1400 700C Road Bike
“designed for women and kids since it comes with small, low frame size; made of the aluminum alloy frame which is ultra-light in weight”
- Best for Racing: Goplus Road Bike
“anti-slip wear resistant tire is very strong and durable for long-term use; 21 speeds available for flexible and convenient rides”
- Best for Commuting: 6KU Road Bike
“ideal road bike for both men and women, kids, and adults; designed with the Flip Flop Hub which provides a flexible riding experience”
- Best with Disc Brake: Schwinn Road Bike
“excellent disc braking system that could lock the wheels almost immediately”
- Best Carbon: Tommaso Forcella Road Bike
“made of a high-quality carbon fork and aluminum frame; ultra-light in weight but strong and durable enough for heavy-duty or long-term use”
- Best Hybrid: Hiland 700C Road Bike
“24-speed drivetrain that could offer precise high and low speed; Shimano gear shift is equipped”
- Best for Heavy Rider: EuroBike EURXC550 Road Bike
“Beginner road bike under $500, offers strong, precise stopping power, wider tire and solid frame for heavy riders”
- Best for Urban: Takara Kabuto Road Bike
“Designed with a handcrafted steel frame for extra durability, equipped with horizontal dropouts that make this road bike run flexibly in big city roads”
Best Beginner Road Bikes Comparison Chart 2021
To give you an overview of these 13 best beginner road bikes, I have placed some features of these products including frame size, weight, frame material, and wheel size into a table. You could depend on that and compare these models to get the right pick.
Top 13 Best Beginner Road Bike Reviews In 2021
After researching and summarizing, I have written this in-depth review of these 13 best beginner road bikes to give you a thorough consideration. Check it!
Best for Heavy Rider: Eurobike EURXC550 Road Bike
Pros
- Attractive design
- Offer strong stopping power
- High weight capacity
- Wide tires
Cons
- Not completely assembled
This best beginner road bike under 0 comes with a sporty, trendy design and a perfect color combination of black and white. With two different sizes including the 49cm frame and the 54cm frame, this one is suitable for both men and women.
The most attractive feature of this EuroBike EURXC550 model is the braking system. It is equipped with a Disc brake that offers strong, precise stopping power even when you are riding with fast speed. In comparison with the traditional V-Brake system, this Disc brake is much more outstanding and effective.
This one is 85% assembled so you need to install some components to have a complete road bike. But don’t worry, assemble is just a snap with clear instruction for use.
Product Specs
| Brand | EuroBike |
| Size | 49cm; 54cm |
| Weight | 45 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 52 x 29 x 8 inches |
| Color | Black & White |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Brake Style | Disc brake |
| Wheel Size | Not available |
Best for The Money: Vilano R2 Road Bike
Pros
- Light in weight
- High-quality material
- Disc brake for precise stopping power
- 21 speeds including
- Come at a good price
Cons
- It needs better tires
This best road bike under 500 is an excellent choice for commuting. At a very adjustable price, you will get an unbeatable value to go to work. Its price is even cheaper than the price of public transportation. Thus, you can not only improve your health by cycling this road bike but also save you money.
It is made of a high-quality 6061 aluminum frame which makes this road bike both light in weight and durable for long-term use. With just 27 pounds in weight, everyone can handle it. Also, you could carry or store this bike effortlessly.
One thing you would like about this bike is the frame design. There are three sizes of the frame for you to choose from including 50cm, 54cm, and 58cm. Along with that is a mount point equipped on the frame to carry a water bottle.
Product Specs
| Brand | Vilano |
| Size | 50cm; 54cm; 58cm |
| Weight | 27 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 52 x 29.3 x 8 inches |
| Color | Black & Green |
| Frame Material | 6061 aluminum frame |
| Brake Style | Disc Brake |
| Wheel Size | 700C |
Best for Urban: Takara Kabuto Road Bike
Pros
- Ideal for commuting
- Durable materials
- Attractive design with green and blue colors
- Affordable
Cons
- Cheap brakes
This cheap road bike is designed with a handcrafted steel frame for extra durability. Also, this frame is equipped with horizontal dropouts that make this road bike run flexibly in big city roads. Also, this is a single-speed bike so it’s an ideal option if you are looking for a road bike for an urban area or a short commute.
Another attractive point about this product is its price. This model comes at an affordable price which makes it become one of the best beginner road bikes under $300.
There are some parts pre-built by the manufacturer and your work is to complete the rest. Unlike other products on the market, this one pair with several tools to help you assemble this bike. Thanks to that, you could have a road bike in minutes.
Product Specs
| Brand | Takara Tomy |
| Size | 58cm |
| Weight | 35.2 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 53 x 30 x 8 inches |
| Color | Green & Blue |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Brake Style | Not available |
| Wheel Size | 700 x 32C |
Best for Commuting: 6KU Road Bike
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to maintain
- Many sizes available for better fits
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Quite pricey
This entry level road bike comes with a wide range of frame sizes that offer better fits. There are six different sizes to pick including 47cm, 49cm, 52cm, 55cm, 58cm, and the largest size is 61cm. Thus, this model is an ideal road bike for both men and women, kids, and adults.
This best road bike for beginners is made of premium aluminum which makes it light in weight and durable. Moreover, it is designed with the Flip Flop Hub which provides a flexible riding experience for road riders. You could ride with a fixed gear or freewheel conveniently.
Product Specs
| Brand | 6KU |
| Size | 47cm; 49cm; 52cm; 55cm; 58cm; 61cm |
| Weight | 29.7 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 37.8 x 29.9 x 10.4 inches |
| Color | Crisp White; Shadow Black |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Brake Style | Caliper |
| Wheel Size | Not available |
Best with Disc Brake: Schwinn Road Bike
Pros
- Come in multiple colors
- Flat styled handlebar for comfortable holding
- 21 speeds included
- High-grade Shimano components
- Lightweight
- Limited lifetime warranty included
Cons
- The seat is quite uncomfortable
This Schwinn road bike comes with the flat styled handlebar which offers a comfortable grip when riding. Even when you ride for a long time, your hands will not get tired. Along with that is the aluminum, rigid frame that makes this road bike solid and stable. This frame design will give you better control when riding.
This is equipped with a 21-speed gear shifter which provides precise speed for your rides. Thanks to this feature, you could climb hills as easily as go downhill. Moreover, this bike features an excellent disc braking system that could lock the wheels almost immediately.
Product Specs
| Brand | Schwinn |
| Size | 28-inch |
| Weight | 26 pounds |
| Dimensions | Not available |
| Color | Matte Blue; Green; Blue |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Brake Style | Alloy disc brake |
| Wheel Size | 28 inches |
Royce Union 700c Road Bike
Pros
- Backed by lifetime limited frame warranty
- Available in several frame sizes
- Bell included for added safety
- Easy to assemble with tools included
- Comfy saddle
Cons
- It needs better instruction for installation
- Heavier than rivals
If you are looking for some comfortable road bike, this Royce Union 700c model is the way to go. Thanks to the Richly padded VELO saddle, you could ride on this road bike with the comfiest position. Also, this saddle pairs with a quick-release alloy so you could adjust its height easily.
Another detail that you would love about this Royce Union 700c road bike is that it comes with a slight-rise handlebar design that offers ideal grips and more comfort in long-term rides. This one is also equipped with the bell which could enhance your safety.
Product Specs
| Brand | Royce Union |
| Size | 17-inch; 19-inch; 21-inch |
| Weight | 45.0 pounds |
| Dimensions | 58.27 x 9.45 x 31.5 inches |
| Color | Cool Grey; Metallic Red; Pearl Blue; White |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Brake Style | Alloy linear pull brakes |
| Wheel Size | 17 inches |
Best Overall: Tommaso Imola Road Bike
Pros
- Lifetime frame warranty
- Ultra lightweight
- Come with standard platform pedals
- Eye-catching design
Cons
- Expensive
- Uncomfortable seat
This Tommaso Imola Road Bike is one of the best lightweight models on the market. With the total weight of just 24 pounds, you could handle it or store it effortlessly. Also, it is manufactured in a variety of sizes that could fit perfectly for both kids and adults.
What makes this Tommaso Imola model become the best entry-level road bike is the compact frame geometry and standard platform pedals included. With the solid frame construction, this bike will give you better control on the road. Along with that is the best beginner road bike pedals which are easy to ride and keep your feet in place.
All the components of this best road bike come from Shimano. Thus you don’t need to worry about its quality. With full Shimano groupsets, your bike will last longer and regular maintenance is unnecessary.
Product Specs
| Brand | Tommaso |
| Size | XXS (4’10” – 5’2”); XS (5’2” – 5’6”); S (5’6” – 5’8”); M (5’8” – 5’11”); L (5’11” – 6’2”); XL (6’2” – 6’5”) |
| Weight | 23.8 pounds |
| Dimensions | Not available |
| Color | Black; Burnt Orange; White |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Brake Style | Rim brakes |
| Wheel Size | 700cm |
Best for Women: Schwinn Volare 1400 700C Road Bike
Pros
- Lightweight
- Limited lifetime warranty included
- Ideal for women
- Braking system offers strong stopping power
Cons
- Front and rear tubes need to be upgraded
This Schwinn Volare 1400 700C model is designed for women and kids since it comes with small, low frame size. There are two sizes of frames that you could choose from including the 48cm frame and the 53cm frame.
In addition, this model is also ideal for racing. It is made of the aluminum alloy frame which is ultra-light in weight and very beneficial in enhancing the speed. Along with that is the steel fork equipped which gives you an agile and nimble construction. All these features make this beginner road bike a horse in race.
Product Specs
| Brand | Schwinn |
| Size | 48cm; 53cm |
| Weight | 29.5 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 54.02 x 30.98 x 10.51 inches |
| Color | Matte Purple; Red |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Brake Style | Caliper |
| Wheel Size | 700c |
Best Hybrid: Hiland 700C Road Bike
Pros
- Attractive design
- Good price
- Come with comfortable saddle
- Easy to assemble
- Frame five-year warranty included
- Made in Taiwan
Cons
- Front disc brake is rubbing
This best beginner road bike under 0 features a 24-speed drivetrain that could offer precise high and low speed depending on your riding needs. Thus, climbing hills is not a matter with this Hiland 700C road bike. Also, with the Shimano gear shift, your bike could run smoothly when you change the gears.
Additionally, this best beginner road bike 2021 is very easy to assemble. With all the necessary assembly tools, you could install some components like pedals, handlebar in minutes. Also, there is a video of clear instructions that the manufacturer offers to you.
Product Specs
| Brand | Hiland |
| Size | S/M (5’7” – 5’10”); M (5’9” – 6’1”); L (6’1” – 6’5”) |
| Weight | 28 pounds |
| Dimensions | 53.25 x 28.5 x 8.75 inches |
| Color | Black; Silver; Red; Grey |
| Frame Material | Matte aluminum frame |
| Brake Style | Disc Brake |
| Wheel Size | 700C |
Best for Racing: Goplus Road Bike
Pros
- Lightweight aluminum material
- Adjustable saddle and handlebar
- Easy to install
- 21-speed available
- Come with reasonable price
Cons
- Uncomfortable seat
This Goplus road bike comes in a variety of colors so you could choose the most favorite one for your own. Also, this model has an attractive, sporty design with a glossy finish and eye-catching color combination.
One of the most impressive features of this best entry-level road bike 2021 is the anti-slip wear resistant tire which is very strong and durable for long-term use. This high-quality tire will enhance your security in wet riding conditions perfectly.
Moreover, there are 21 speeds available for flexible and convenient rides. If you are a beginner cyclist, you still could use this 21-level shifting effortlessly. With the thumb shift that is equipped on the left and right handlebars, you could change the speed almost smoothly.
Product Specs
| Brand | Goplus |
| Size | Medium (52cm) |
| Weight | 32 pounds |
| Dimensions | Not available |
| Color | Black; Blue; Red |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Brake Style | Alloy Caliper Brake |
| Wheel Size | 700C |
Best Carbon: Tommaso Forcella Road Bike
Pros
- Lifetime Frame & Fork Warranty included
- Full Shimano groupsets for solid quality
- Lightweight
- High-quality carbon fork
- Great for commuting
Cons
- The pedals included is quite sharp
- Expensive
This best beginner road bike under 00 is made of a high-quality carbon fork and aluminum frame. Thanks to that, this product is ultra-light in weight but strong and durable enough for heavy-duty or long-term use. The total weight of this road bike is only 22.7 pounds, much lighter than most other beginner road bikes on the market.
This R2000 version comes with some vast upgrade that will offer you better riding experience. Not only have a more stylish and trendy outlook with a black gloss finish, but this one is also designed with hidden cable routing which avoids breaking during your usage.
Product Specs
| Brand | Tommaso |
| Size | XS (5’2” – 5’6”); S (5’6” – 5’8”); M (5’8” – 5’11”); L (5’11” – 6’2”); XL (6’2” – 6’5”) |
| Weight | 22.7 pounds |
| Dimensions | Not available |
| Color | Matte Black; Matte White |
| Frame Material | Aluminum; Carbon fork |
| Brake Style | Rim Brakes |
| Wheel Size | 700C |
Raleigh Merit 2 Road Bike
Pros
- Limited lifetime warranty included
- Pedals are included
- Ultra lightweight
- Great for short commutes
- Affordable price
Cons
- The saddle is not comfortable
This best beginner road bike under 1000 is equipped with premium Shimano Claris shifters which offer you up to 16 levels of speed when cycling. Thus, you could climb hills effortlessly with this model.
Along with that is the Clement Strada LGG tires which make your road bike stable and give you more control on the road. Moreover, this type of tires is cushioned so you will have a smooth riding experience even on bumpy terrains.
Product Specs
| Brand | Raleigh |
| Size | 54cm/ Medium |
| Weight | 22.6 pounds |
| Dimensions | 50.5 x 8.5 x 28 inches |
| Color | Silver |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Brake Style | Disc Brakes |
| Wheel Size | 700C |
Co-op Cycles ARD 1.2 Road Bike
Pros
- Light in weight
- High-quality carbon fork for extra durability
- Quiet disc brakes
- Smooth 22-level drivetrain
Cons
- Quite hard to start
What sets this Co-op Cycles ARD 1.2 road bike apart from other products on the market is its dual-piston disc braking system. This feature offers incredible stopping power even when you are on high speed. Thanks to that, this road bike could avoid some accidents when you ride on it. Moreover, the dual-piston keeps this bike quiet when you brake urgently.
Another attractive point of these best road bikes 2021 is the Shimano 105 drivetrain which helps you have a smooth, comfortable riding experience. This drivetrain also offers 22 levels of speed for your riding needs.
Product Specs
| Brand | Co-op Cycles |
| Size | 5’3” – 5’6”; 5’6” – 5’9”; 5’9” – 6’0” |
| Weight | 22.3 pounds |
| Dimensions | Not available |
| Color | Black & Red |
| Frame Material | Aluminum; Full-carbon fork |
| Brake Style | Disc brakes |
| Wheel Size | 700C |
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Beginner Road Bike In 2021
Frame size
The first factor that you need to consider when buying a road bike is the size of the frame. This feature will determine the comfort when you ride on this bike.
If you choose a frame size that is too small or too large for your height, you will easily get tired while cycling.
Common sizes for bicycle frames are between 5 inches and 6 inches.
Material
The most popular material of the road bikes is aluminum. This material is light in weight and durable. Also, road bikes made of aluminum are usually cheaper.
For the higher price tag, you might get a better material of carbon or aluminum combined with carbon.
Budget
The beginner road bikes in a heap of price ranges. You could find a product with an affordable price or a high-end price tag, as well. However, the most common price that you can see for a nice beginner road bike is around $300 -$400.
In terms of higher range, $500 – $1000 models will be equipped with better features and more functionality. For an instant, they might have a more complete assemble, sturdier frame with standard materials.
Where can you buy an entry-level road bike?
There is a wide variety of addresses for you to purchase your first road bike. Each site has its pros and cons. You can consider what is the most suitable one for you among the list below:
- Amazon: They offer complete product information, ratings as well as a lot of feedback for customers. Thus, you will have a thorough and objective of that item. However, you cannot see the product directly or do some tests with it.
- Local shop: While the products from this place are authorized and you will get the most effective support from an expert, beginner road bikes there are a little bit expensive.
FAQs
Which road bike is best for a beginner?
My option is the Tommaso Imola Road Bike due to its stable wheels, easy-to-use shifters, effective brakes, and pedals included.
How much should I spend on a beginner road bike?
The reasonable amount of money that you should spend for an entry-level road bike is between $500 and $1000. At that price, your bike will come with standard features and some necessary components like pedals, handlebars.
What bicycle should a beginner buy?
Beginner cyclists should consider some basic types of bicycle like road bikes, hybrid bikes, or endurance bikes because they will give users better control and avoid injuries.
Do more expensive bikes go faster?
The answer is truly dependent. In some cases, high-end bikes just come with better components. However, some expensive bikes are made of ultra lightweight material and have better frame geometry that enhance the speed.
What should I look for when buying my first road bike?
Along with significant features of road bikes including material, wheels, frame size, you also need to consider its price, comfort, design.
My Top Pick
If I can choose one of the 13 best entry-level road bikes out there, Tommaso Imola Road Bike will definitely be my option. Not only designed with a compact and solid frame that could fit my body perfectly, this one is also equipped with a pair of flat pedals that is pleasing under my shoes.
Hope that you will find your cup of tea after reading my page. If you have questions for me, please leave a comment below this article. I’m willing to support and answer any query.