Want to save loads of time learning what to look for in your first road bike? This guide is for you! Why you can trust us? We have tested tens of entry-level bikes to find the best and compile a go-to reference of all features you need to consider before purchasing.
Here are some basic things to consider:
To learn more about our approach and methodology to choosing the optimal starter bike for you, read below.
Let us explain our approach in detail. What we look for here, are models from either established and reputable manufacturers. Or, alternatively, new players who know what they’re doing. The most important thing we want to see in entry-level bikes are quality frames and forks.
Other components like wheels, tires and even transmission are important but not critical here. Because they wear out as you cycle more, you will eventually replace them anyways. With those that will suit your needs perfectly. As for the frame and fork (by the way, only two bikes from our list has a carbon fork – REI Co-op Cycles ARD 1.1 and Giordano Libero 2.0), they stay on the bike for its entire lifetime. Yes, you can replace the fork, but that’s a story for another time.
As you ride more, you get to know your bike better, you know your local terrain and what you use your bike for. Tires wear out, you replace them with those that match your conditions and style. Need stiffer wheels? No problem. Feel like a better group set will help you race uphill? Great, it’s time to replace the old one anyways. Remember, we consider a beginner bike as a platform for future improvements. We already have a good frame and fork, that’s what matters.
Why the best bikes for beginners are not the cheapest bikes out there? That’s a very good question, and here’s our take on this. Nowadays you can find a new road bike for $200 or $300, and in case your budget is limited at that price point, such a bike is still better than no bike. However, we think that in starter road bikes it’s extremely important to find a sweet spot in terms of price and quality.
We also think that beginner cyclists should start with the right piece of equipment right away. In order to not become disappointed with cycling through buying a BSO (bicycle-shaped object) from a local grocery or home improvement store, instead of a real bike. We don’t say a good entry-level bike should cost thousands, just the opposite. You can, and should buy a cheaper bike if you’re beginning your cycling journey, but you also have to make an informed choice and purchase the best bike for the money.
It’s the best-selling model of the Tommaso brand, and for a good reason. We think it provides amazing value for the price. Its lightweight aluminum frame is extremely versatile and can be easily converted even to a touring or commuter bike. Endurance-type geometry will only support this by offering optimum comfort on long distances.
The handlebar is another advantage of this bike since it features a relatively wide flat portion which will release a lot of pressure on your wrists.
It has very basic Shimano Claris groupset installed, but at its price, it would be strange to expect something more advanced. Still, you can easily upgrade shifters or derailleurs later if you feel you have outgrown entry-level tech.
Full Review: Tommaso Imola
This is what we call the perfect beginner’s bike. However, only if you can spend a little extra compared to Imola or Merit. It’s currently on sale at REI, and thanks to that, it’s the best value you can currently get.
Carbon fork is not the only advantage of this bike. Bespoke 32-spoke 700c rims (thanks to these, it can handle riders up to 300 lbs) and DONNELLY Strada tires offer great confidence even on far-from-ideal roads.
But, where this bike truly shines is the Shimano 105 groupset – it’s the only option with this level of advanced drivetrain in our roundup. 105 is three levels above Claris, which is the most basic set that Shimano has, and most popular one for beginner cyclists. It’s two levels above Sora, which is considered above-average for starter road bikes. And, one step above Tiagra, which very few (if any!) competitors have at this price point. So, drivetrain-wise, this bike is on a whole another level. Shimano 105 is a solid drivetrain, adequate enough for competitions and that will last for many years.
ARD 1.2 is available both women’s and men’s versions. His more expensive brother, ARD 1.4 will the have the same components, but carbon frame. ARD 1.3, however, also has carbon frame, but a Tiagra groupset instead of 105 on 1.3 (one level lower).
If you choose to purchase it at REI, it will actually make sense to get their membership first (if you don’t have it already) and save a good amount you can spend on better shoes, helmet, etc.
Full Review: Co-op Cycles ARD
Another amazing bike for those just starting out. Raleigh is a reputable British brand with impressive track record of creating affordable, yet very reliable and versatile bikes. Merit 2 is their basic model in road bikes lineup. But, nevertheless, it has everything an entry-level bike should have: Shimano Sora groupset, full aluminium frame and custom alloy work for better handling. Beginner cyclists will appreciate wider 700x28c tires for stability.
Thanks to classic geometry it’s not only usable on group rides around the city, but also as an urban and commuter bike.
It comes only partially assembled and you will likely need to bring it to a good mechanic for assembly and tune-up, otherwise it will take you a good 2 or 3 hours to get it prepared for the road.
Full Review: Raleigh Merit
This bike would be great for beginners with some extra budget to spare, as it slowly surpasses the entry-level category and steps into the mid-range territory for more advanced riders.
It has Shimano Sora groupset components (which is one level above Claris) and Tektro disc brakes. The first helps with acceleration while the latter will ensure effortless braking.
Aluminum frame with Diamondback’s Enhanced Performance Geometry will put you in a slightly upright position, ideal for beginner cyclists or longer rides even as you gain more experience.
Full Review: Diamondback Century
In our opinion, Giordano Libero 2.0 is one of the best entry-level bikes for the money a beginner can buy. First of, it has Shimano Sora groupset, while other bikes at this price (and even more expensive) will have a Shimano Claris, which is lower-grade. Next, it has a Carbon (!) Fork, which no other bikes at this price have. Only these two facts should make you consider this one very seriously.
Add to this a handmade aluminum frame with universal geometry and you get a perfect allrounder. The quality of components used means that you will not worry about replacements and upgrades for quite some time.
Now, the downsides. First, it’s the color. In our opinion, white is not the perfect option for a road bike (even for a regular non-gravel one) – so if you want to keep it clean, be ready to spend some time. White bar tapes make things even worse. Next, it’s the brakes. Of course, they will still stop you, but it’s something to keep in mind with this bike.
Taking into account the negatives that this bike has, and considering the components used here, we think it’s almost the perfect bike for a beginner. These bikes are now becoming increasingly harder to find as it looks the manufacturer, Giordano is discontinuing this particular model.
Contend 3 from Giant is what we call an almost perfect beginner’s bike. It has time-proven components and a reliable, high-quality aluminum frame to match them.
This is the bike meant for exploring your local paths, and almost all of them – hence the 28c wheels that are very forgiving to road quality and driving abilities (exactly what is needed for new-to-the-game cyclists.).
As in the case with other beginner bikes, it features a Claris groupset, which is more than adequate for beginners and even beyond.
Full Review: Giant Contend
It’s important to set your expectations right. See, a $1000 bike is better than $500 bike, and $2000 is better than $1000 bike. We can continue that until we reach astronomical amounts you would never believe a bike can cost. However, road bikes costing more than a car are not rare in today’s reality. So even if you have cash, you need to understand where to stop and get optimum quality for the lowest price possible. Want to see more categories? See our full guide first. Now, back to entry-level cycles, here are the main things you need to consider:
Even if you can afford carbon, we still suggest choosing aluminium as a frame material for your first bike. In case of a crash (and for beginners, they’re almost inevitable) your bike made of aluminium will survive. Carbon is less resistant to cracks. The second reason – for the price difference between carbon and aluminium you can expect components of higher level, which consequently, will make it a better bike overall. The third reason, as a beginner you will hardly notice any difference, so why pay more?
This is a very important factor and you need to be extremely careful with it. Some manufacturers can lower the price of a bike by installing low-grade details. When it comes to most brands, Shimano, we advise looking for Claris and more high-level Sora lineups of components. If there will be Tiagra or even 105 components – even better, but for a starter bike it’s not necessary. Most bikes on our list will have Claris components. Yes, Sora series is better, but not by a huge margin.
You will rarely find Campagnolo groupsets in bikes sold in the US, but Xenon lineup is a good start if you choose to order from abroad. Mirage and Veloce are even better. Another manufacturer, SRAM, has no entry-level comparable components, but at higher levels, we’d like to see Apex series and probably (but not likely), Rival series.
The mentioned sets will be easy to maintain or replace, but still will give you great performance, and more importantly, an understanding of what road cycling really is.
For beginners, we do not recommend to go with super-narrow ones as you need yet to learn where you want to ride. Wheels like 28c and 700cc would offer better versatility in all conditions.