Are you planning on taking up cycling as a part of your everyday routine, but don’t know where to start? Don’t you worry, I’m here to help.
I recommend getting a versatile bicycle that gives you an all around performance, such as a road bike. It can be a little pricier than some other types of bikes, but with all the specs and features you’re bound to enjoy, it’s definitely worth the cost.
I’ve found the best entry-level road bikes in the market that are fit for a variety of uses, so you can pick one that best suits your needs and preferences. Plus, I also provided a handy buying guide with all the important details on what to look for when it comes to buying a road bike, so keep reading!
The Best Entry-level Road Bikes Ranked
After much research and evaluation, I managed to come up with the top 9 entry-level bikes this 2020 that are perfectly suitable for beginner and leisure riders. Whether you’re looking for endurance bikes, hybrid bikes, race bikes, commuter bikes, or bikes specially designed for women, I’ve got them right here!
Topping this list is an excellent quality road bike manufactured by a well-loved brand. In fact, you’ll find that it’s got lots of 5 star reviews from hundreds of satisfied customers, and is heavily recommended by professional cyclists, bike enthusiasts, and bike blogs and websites.
This endurance road bike by Tommaso is made of a lightweight aluminum frame and just as lightweight aluminum wheels with 25mm 700c tires, making it perfect for both beginners and skilled cyclists who demand better performance from their bikes.
Its compact frame geometry offers a relaxed riding position, and the integrated shifters and brake levers not only give you a clean look, but also unparalleled perfect shifting.
The best part? It features 100% Shimano gears and Shimano Claris R2000 components, including shifters, derailleurs, brakes, and crank.
The really is anything better than Tommaso Imola in terms of comfort and efficiency- it’s an ideal road bike that’s built to last.
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In second place is Raleigh’s merit 2 endurance road bike, which is also awarded as Amazon’s Choice for entry level road bikes. It’s built for comfort and efficiency with its lightweight aluminum frame and responsive aluminum fork.
This road bike features wide and stable Clement Strada LGG 700x28c tires that cushion your ride and add stability, is equipped with Shimano Claris 8 speed shifters that give you 16 possible speed gear combinations, and come with TRP Spyre C dual actuated mechanical disc brakes for great stopping power.
It’s one fast and reliable road bike that’s great for daily commutes and long road rides alike. Plus, it’s got built in rack and fender mounts.
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Here’s another lightweight road bike that both beginners and professional cyclists are sure to love. Schwinn manufacturers lots of superior quality bikes- in fact, I’ve featured quite a few on other bike reviews!
The Schwinn Volare 1200 does not disappoint. It’s a hybrid road bike made of a rigid aluminum frame and fork, alloy disc brakes, lightweight double-walled alloy rims, and 700c wheels. With this one, you get 21-speed settings, so you’re sure to find one that meets your demands.
This road bike is equipped with a Shimano rear derailleur complemented by EZ Fire trigger shifters, a linear-pull brake for sufficient stopping power, and a Schwinn sport saddle won’t be weighing you down.
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The 2019 Talon x Aero carbon road bike by Kestrel is the most expensive entry level road bike on this list, topping at over a thousand dollars, but I assure you that the hefty price tag is more than worth the investment.
As a true premium quality aerodynamic bike, it’s made of a fast and lightweight aero carbon fiber frame, fork, and seatpost. It handles like a road bike, but reaches high speeds like a triathlon bike. Talk about versatility!
The Shimano 105 2x11 shifters deliver a consistently crisp and dependable shifting, while the Tektro dual pivot brakes provide an effective stopping power on the smooth rolling Oval Concepts 327 wheels with Vittoria Zaffiro Pro tires.
Plus, the cables are fully internally routed, so you get less drag. Coupled with the bike’s comfortable ergonomics, you don’t have to worry about lateral stiffness and rough vibrations as you ride.
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If you’re particular about your wheels but don’t want to have to purchase great wheels separately, this road bike by Eurobike may be just the thing for you. You can get it in either 30mm or 60mm aluminum wheels, or 3-spoke magnesium alloy wheels.
It’s equipped with 21 different speed gears, and shifting from one to another is as smooth as it gets. And, the dual disc brakes on the front and rear wheel are extra sensitive, so you can perform easy and efficient stops and slows.
The bike frame and fork is made of high strength steel, while the stem is made of aluminum, and the handlebar is racing quality iron. It’s durable, long-lasting, and easy to maintain- and it’s easy to assemble too!
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I rarely put more than one bike from a single bike in my reviews, but this one is just too good, so I guess I’ll have to break my self-imposed rule this time. Raleigh has plenty of awesome road bikes and more, and the Willard 1 gravel road bike is just one of them.
It’s made of a lightweight aluminum frame and fork that make for a smooth and comfortable ride even on rough, unpaved roads. You can get it in either 21 or 22 inches, so it’s a suitable bike for most average sized bikers.
This road bike is equipped with Shimano Claris 8 speed shifters that offer 16 different speed settings, and the Tektro lyra mechanical disc brakes apply safe and effective stopping power on the Clement X'Plor USH 700x35c tires.
If you want a road bike that’s great for riding on gravel and pavement to successfully travel through congested urban roads with ease, this one is my top pick for you.
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If you are looking for a decent road bike that’s suitable for a variety of uses, the Goplus road bicycle is equipped for both daily commuting and high speed racing. It’s built with a lightweight aluminum frame that gives you great speeds, a heightened power transfer, and a smooth and easy riding experience.
It’s stable, sturdy, and durable, and it’s fitted with an adjustable seat and handlebar for increased versatility. Plus, the front wheels feature a quick release mechanism for easy maintenance, replacement, and storage.
This bike runs on high performance 700c tires, 21 speed gear settings, Shimano shifters and derailleurs, and alloy caliper brakes. What you’re getting here is a great and affordable road bike that’s perfect for commuting, traveling, and racing.
Oh, and did I mention it comes with a kickstand?
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8. Vilano R2 commuter road bike
Here is another excellent road bike for your daily commutes. It’s a lightweight and efficient variable speed road bike that will get you to places as easily as possible, and will last you for a long time.
It’s built with a 6061 double butted aluminum frame that is lightweight and durable, and comes with a 21-speed drive train that can handle any situation, terrain, and road or weather condition. Moreover, shifting is made easier with the A050 thumb shifters.
The bike runs on CNC machined 700c double walled wheels, and are equipped with quick release skewers so you can maintain your parts, replace your tires, and store your bike easily and conveniently.
It’s an overall decent bike for your day-to-day use, especially if you are just starting to get into cycling.
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9. Retrospec Beaumont lady commuter bike
Last but most definitely not the least on this list is a beautiful and sleek road bike that’s designed especially for women. From handlebars to wheels, this is one pretty looking and well performing commuter bicycle.
The stylish and lightweight steel frame comes in black, eggshell white, and olive green, and is engineered with an upright riding position for the most comfort, leisure, and exercise. It’s equipped with a Shimano 7-speed gear drivetrain for adequate riding versatility, and comes with RevoShift twist shifters for a better speed, control, and precision.
The Kenda 700x35C tires offer a good grip and a smooth and stable ride, and are controlled by the front and rear linear pull brakes that keep you in complete control at all times. The wheel rims, handlebar grips, and saddle come in a rich and elegant golden brown.
To complete its retro inspired look, it also comes with a thick and sturdy rear steel rack. It’s easy to mount, easy to ride, and easy to maintain. This is one pretty, comfortable, and efficient ride!
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Best Entry-level Road Bike Buying Guide
If you want to get into cycling for a better and cheaper way of commuting to work or running errands while getting in a bit of exercise to improve your physical fitness, there are plenty of great bicycles that you can start with, and a road bike is one of them.
In fact, road bikes are arguably better than other bike types, since it allows for more flexibility and versatility, meaning, the way you ride can improve as you get a better handle on your riding capability, without having to upgrade from a simple bike to a more high end one.
Some questions to ask yourself
Having said that, there are a lot of considerations when it comes to choosing the right road bike for you. For example, do you want to use it for daily commutes, or for long training rides? Is performance your priority, or would you prefer a fast and lightweight bike?
Are you particular on the style? The components? How about the price?
These are just some of the many questions you’ll have to ask yourself before you set out to buy an entry level road bike. To help you out, here is a detailed buying guide that lets you know everything you need so you can get the best entry level road bike.
What should you look for in a road bike?
The essentials or must haves on a bike depends on what type of bike you’re looking for, but for all bicycles, it’s a general rule that they should have high quality frames, wheels, and components.
Quality and durability
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again- cheap doesn’t have to mean cheap quality. Sure, you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on a bicycle, and that’s fine as long as you make sure that you’re still getting a high quality bike that will last you for a long time.
Of course, you should still set your expectations accordingly. What you’ll get for a $5000 road bike is definitely not the same as a $500 bike. Here are what to expect for an entry level road bike that costs under a thousand dollars:
Bike frame
The main bike frame can be made of a variety of metal and non-metal materials, with the best ones being aluminum and carbon fiber. These are lightweight, durable materials that are relatively affordable (although carbon fiber is more expensive), giving you a smooth and fast ride.
There are also steel frames, which work just as great but are not as smooth to ride. I suggest you go for aluminum frames, since it offers the best quality for the price.
Wheels
When it comes to the wheels and tires, try and keep it in the middle. Meaning, avoid the narrow tires that are a little more difficult to navigate and work better for single speed bikes, and avoid fat tires that are heavier and made for tough terrains.
Standard 28c and 700c tires offer great quality, performance, and durability under all riding conditions, and are affordable too.
Components
Since a road bike comes with many different components and parts, it’s really important that you choose a bike that is built with superior quality components so it works great and lasts for a long time without needing constant repairs and replacements.
The Shimano name is a good indicator of excellent quality, so opt for a bike that has Shimano gears, drivetrains, shifters, and other parts.
Maintenance and upkeep
You want your bike to work great, enable you to ride safely and comfortably, is easy to maintain, and lasts you for a long time. That said, you should keep in mind that road bicycles require a little extra love and effort, since they come with more parts than, say, a single speed bike, making them more prone to damage.
The chain may come loose or get worn out fast, the gears may get dented or damaged, and you will have to deal with the eventual wear and tear. To lessen the hassle, don’t settle for just the cheapest bike you find. Instead, still focus on the quality.
It’s also preferable to buy a bike that comes with a comprehensive warranty, as well as a tool set so you can perform basic maintenance and simple repairs yourself.
What bike size should you get?
All bicycles come in a variety of sizes- kids bikes are typically measured through the size of the wheel, while adult bikes are sized according to the height of the frame. Getting the right size is important so you comfortably and safely ride your bike.
Bike frame measurements can either be in centimeters or inches. Here is a guide on what size of bike you should get depending on your height:
Height and frame size guide:
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again- cheap doesn’t have to mean cheap quality. Sure, you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on a bicycle, and that’s fine as long as you make sure that you’re still getting a high quality bike that will last you for a long time.
Of course, you should still set your expectations accordingly. What you’ll get for a $5000 road bike is definitely not the same as a $500 bike. Here are what to expect for an entry level road bike that costs under a thousand dollars:
● 4’11” – 5’3″ = 13 – 15 in
● 5’3″ – 5’7″ = 15 – 17 in
● 5’7″ – 5’11” = 17 – 19 in
● 6’0″ – 6’2″ = 19 – 21 in
● 6’2″ – 6’4″ = 21 – 23 in
● 6’4″ and taller = 23+ in
That said, you should also check with the manufacturer and rear customer reviews to make sure that the bike fits as promised, or if you should get one size smaller or bigger. It’s also best if you opt for bikes with adjustable seats and handlebars, so you can adjust the fit into what’s most comfortable for you (or if you’re sharing the bike with another person).
How much does a road bike cost?
Road bikes are typically more expensive than some other bike types, but there are still a lot of affordable options that will give you a decent performance and a long mileage. While these cheaper alternatives may not be suitable for high speed races, they do well as entry level bikes that you’ll have much fun with.
There are quite a few factors that affect how much a road bike costs, such as the material of the frame and other components, the brand and manufacturer, its customization, and so on. That said, an affordable price range for decent quality road bikes is 200 to 800 dollars.
Most road bikes that belong in the upper price range normally have specialized parts and components, have an assortment of added features, or are designed for specific uses, such as professional cycle racing.
A helpful tip:
If you want a wide selection of affordable but good quality road bikes, look online. Most local bike shops offer bikes that are more expensive, since these are curated pieces or are customized.
Bonus: What to do after you receive your bike
I know you’re most certainly excited to take your bike for a ride as soon as it arrives on your doorstep. But, there are a couple of things you must do beforehand.
Unless you buy your road bike from the local bike shop, it will most likely come 70 to 90% pre-assembled, so you’ll still have a bit of installation to do. But, don’t worry- this should be easy, and won’t take more than a few minutes.
Inspection and assembly
- Unpack the bike carefully so as not to damage any parts (and try not to damage the packaging either, in case you need to return the bike).
- File away all the necessary documents, such as your purchase receipt and the bike warranty.
- Lay out all the bike parts and tools, and check whether anything is missing.
- Inspect each part to make sure they’re not bent, dented, damaged, or show signs of wear.f
- Carefully assemble the bike according to the instruction manual.
- Make adjustments as needed, until the bike’s feel and performance suits your preferences.
- Take your bike for a test ride.
Use and maintenance
Once your bike is good to go, you can ride it as much as you want! Just make sure that you follow the prescribed maximum load, and ride your bike only where it’s supposed to be ridden on (for example, don’t ride a commuter bike in the mountain), and perform regular maintenance to keep your bike in good condition for as long as possible.
Final verdict: the best entry level road bike is…
The Tommaso Imola endurance road bike it’s an excellent road bike designed for maximum comfort and efficiency with its lightweight aluminum frame, 700c wheels, and 100% Shimano gears and components.
It looks great, feels great, and rides like a breeze. If you want a road bike that delivers in quality and performance, here is one awesome bike that’s built to last. Plus, it comes in a variety of frame sizes, so you and your friends are sure to find one that fits and works perfectly for you.
Remember, it’s a must to factor in a road bike’s quality, performance, and durability, and to get the right bike size for you, so you can end up with a bike that gives you the best performance and meets your every need and demand.
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, comment them down below! Happy riding!