Cycling can be a great way to discover your environment. The scent of freshly cut grass, the fragrance of flowers, the calm, cool morning air all add a wonderful ambiance to the ride. The endorphins in your brain release as your muscles strain against your bicycle’s handlebars. As you ride, you become more fit, more mentally alert, and more energetic. Road bikes can please competitively types, thrill seekers, and/or adventure seekers, if you’re into that sort of thing.
Table of Contents
- Know yourself
- What is a Road Bike?
- Which type of Road Bike?
- What kind of Frame Geometry and Frame Material?
- What type of Brake Types?
- Key Bicycle Components for all types of Road Bikes
- What are the Bike sizes?
- What are the price ranges under your budget?
- Bicycle Accessories and estimated budget for it
- Do Some Research
- Place to buy from
- New or Used Road Bike
- Test ride of Road Bike
- Get a bargain
Know yourself
Road bikes are popular with commuters and recreational riders alike. However, choosing the best road bike for your needs can be a tough task. We have developed this ultimate guide to buy a road bike to assist you in making an informed decision, so you can be well informed and proceed towards your perfect bike.
Consider the following questions to begin:
• What type of riding do you currently perform?
• What kind of riding do you plan on doing in the future?
• What is your expected budget? Is it just for bicycle or including accessories?
• How good are you at cycling?
Refer to our extensive guide where we have digged down most of the bicycles for our readers requirements. A Quick Guide to the 11 Different Types of Bicycles Available for Your Needs
What is a Road Bike?
Road bikes are one of the most popular types of bikes in the world, and their popularity is easy to understand. Road bikes are versatile and can be used for virtually any type of riding. A road bike can be identified by a few essential features:
Skinny Tyres:
In road bike Tyres, the width of the tyre is referred to as the ‘section’, e.g., 23mm (23mm wide), 25mm (25mm wide), 30mm (30mm wide). Some manufacturers are now making road bike tyres as wide as 33mm. This is because they are starting to realize that a wider tyre not only makes an improvement to comfort, but also to handling and performance.
No suspension:
Road bikes typically do not feature suspension. Although most surfaces covered on a road bike are flat and smooth, the bumpy, pothole-ridden surfaces of an urban environment provide an unwanted challenge that suspension would otherwise solve. Furthermore, suspension systems are heavy and add to the weight of the bike.
Gears:
Road bikes usually feature two cogs on the front crank and up to 12 gears on the rear cassette, giving them a total of 24 gears. The wide range of gears helps riders to cycle efficiently at both high and low speeds.
Drop bars:
Drop bars allow riders to adjust their hand positions to match the terrain. The curled shape, also called a drop shape, of these bars allows for multiple hand placements and changes the rider’s profile to accommodate different riding positions. This is especially useful when the rider is climbing.
Aerodynamic:
The position of the rider on an athletic bike is lower and more forward oriented than on other bike types. This allows riders to adopt a greater degree of aerodynamic position, so that the frontal profile of the body is smaller in relation to the wind. The lower riding position also recruits additional muscle groups, such as the hamstrings and glutes, which are critical for pedaling efficiency.
Which type of Road Bike?
You will probably find yourself overwhelmed with the various types of road bikes available in market. Endurance bikes and racing bikes are the two types of road bikes available.
Endurance bikes are designed with endurance and efficiency in mind for long distance rides. Racing Bikes on the other hand, are made for speed.
A description of each is provided below to assist you in determining which sort of bike is best for you.
Aero Road Bike
Aero Bikes are a new type of bicycle designed for maximum speed. These bikes were designed for wind tunnel testing where the rider is stationary.
Aero bikes are useful if you are riding on flat roads. They offer low aero drag to increase your overall speed. They are good for longer rides and offer a more comfortable riding position for longer distances. The frames are lightweight and offer a comfortable riding position. They are generally more expensive than other types of bikes and because of this have less suspension.
The highlights of aero bikes include aerodynamic components are used throughout the bike to minimize air resistance. Frames are lightweight and have a smooth, rounded shape. Frames are made from carbon-fiber composite, which is stronger and more flexible than steel. Wheels are lighter and stronger than traditional wheels and are used in both the front and back of the bike. Bars have a large surface area, and the handlebars have a shallow curve to reduce wind resistance. Saddles have a cutout to reduce air resistance, and the shape is designed to offer comfort.
Aerodynamic road bikes are defined by their ability to cut through the wind as efficiently as possible. The position is a bit more laid back than on an aggressive racing bike, but the rider still sits upright and powerful. Positioning is like a cyclocross or time trial bike, except the rider has the choice of riding the bike in aero position or using a more comfortable classic position. The emphasis is on reducing drag and increasing speed over distance.
Endurance Road Bike
These bikes are best suited for riding long distances, whether you’re riding for fun or training for a triathlon. These bikes are efficient and lightweight, and better at handling long distances.
Endurance road bikes are distinguishable by their comfort-oriented geometry, relaxed riding position and smooth riding experience. They have the same great power transfer capabilities of a road bike, but they are much more comfortable and relaxed in their handling. Endurance road bikes are a great choice for long distance rides.
Endurance bikes are a type of road bikes that are built for the long haul. These bikes are less specialized than other types of road bikes, but they are also less expensive. However, they are also built with durability and endurance in mind. Endurance bikes often have the features of more expensive road bikes, such as drop handlebars and lightweight frames, but they lack some of the more advanced features. Endurance bikes are often heavier than other types of road bikes.
Lightweight Road Bike
These are the all-rounders when it comes to race bicycles. Lightweight bikes are nimble, high-performance machines that priorities reducing weight and increasing power transfers. They have ultralight frames that are designed to perform at their best when ascending mountains and attacking on the descent because they usually lack the aero tube profiles of an aerodynamic bike, as well as the longer headtube and wheelbase of an endurance bike.
Lightweight road bikes weigh less than regular road bikes because these bikes are known for having a carbon fiber frame that is lighter than other materials. This makes the bike more responsive, has more comfortable handling, and is a lot more fun to ride This means that you will be able to ride for longer periods of time without fatiguing. It also means you won’t have to worry about carrying back the excess weight after a long ride. The most common weight ranges for lightweight road bikes are 7-16 pounds.
.
Gravel Road Bike
Gravel bikes are built to handle every type of terrain, including dirt trails and gravel roads. The wheels are thicker and wider to suit tough terrain, and the frame is built of carbon, aluminum, or steel, depending on the weight and durability you choose. Because they’re built to ride on harsh terrain, their components are more durable, necessitating stronger brakes, tyres, and gears.
Gravel road bikes are built for the road less traveled. It’s built for mixed surfaces including country trails and chip-seal. It has more tyre clearance than the average road bikes, allowing you to run wider tyres. With wider tyres, you get a smoother ride on rough roads. There are also more gears to choose from when you are riding off-road.
Touring Road Bike
Touring road bikes are typically longer, lighter, and leaner than road bikes designed for speed. This makes them better suited for the endurance aspect of cycling, but don’t let that fool you—touring bikes can keep up. Besides good acceleration and braking, touring bikes have wider, more comfortable handlebars for long distance riding, wider tyres for better traction, and lighter frames for faster climbs. These bikes have everything you need for a safe, comfortable, and adventurous ride.
Touring bikes are not as fast as racing bikes and are built more for comfort and stability. They are built with a comfortable upright riding position, and they have a padded seat and handlebars. They are also built with a higher wheelbase and a low bottom bracket to give them more stable handling. They also have a higher gear ratio to allow for climbing steep hills easier.
Recreational or Fitness Road Bike
The most common form of bike on the market is a recreational road bike. The first time you ride a bike, you’ll probably fall off. That’s the very definition of a recreational road bicycle. Designed for beginners, this bike offers a low center of gravity, meaning you’ll almost feel like you’re flying as you ride along. A recreational road bike is designed for “all-weather” riding, which means you can ride off-road, too.
These are intended for the recreational rider and are not designed for speed. To reduce rolling resistance, the frame is built of lightweight material, and the tyres are thin and narrow. These bikes are designed for fun and easy rides, not for racing. You will not be fatigued or exhausted when you arrive at your destination.
Flat Bar Road Bike
A flat bar road bike, also known as a drop bar road bike, is a bike that features a handlebar that is flat, rather than rounded, and is much like the handlebars on a classic road bike. The flat bars on a flat bar road bike allow you to maintain better posture while riding, which keeps you in a better position and limits your risk of injury. Most flat bar road bikes also use aero handlebars, which are narrow and aerodynamic, which improves bike handling and helps increase speed.
A flat bar road bike is ideal for riders who don’t have time to stop and take in the sights. A flat bar road bike helps riders to continue cycling without becoming exhausted. If you enjoy putting in a lot of miles on your bike, this is the type of road bike for you.
All-Rounder Road Bike / All-Road
All-Road is a term used to describe bikes designed for use on both pavement and dirt roads and has the capability to take on a range of terrain and handle those hilly rides. They have drop handlebars and wider tyres with knobby tread for traction to handle both rough terrain and a smooth road. Most are designed for endurance riding.
What kind of Frame Geometry and Frame Material?
It is important to note how manufacturers use the chosen material is often the most important factor, and this is something that each brand will normally experiment with.
Carbon Fibre, aluminum, titanium, steel, or a combination of these materials are often used in road bikes. Each material has its own set of properties that will influence the bike’s price, comfort, weight, and overall “feel.”
Carbon Fibre Frame
Carbon Fibre is the most common frame material for road bikes. It is lighter and more resilient than steel and titanium, but it is more expensive. It is also more responsive than other materials as it absorbs road vibrations better than other materials. Carbon Fibre frames typically have a more comfortable ride. It is more expensive than other materials and the cost is reflected in the price of the frame. You do get what you pay for.
Aluminum Frame
Aluminum is a common bicycle frame material used in road bikes since it is lightweight, sturdy, and affordable. It’s also rust and corrosion resistant. It is possible to get aluminum alloy frames that are totally constructed of aluminum in some situations. However, because aluminum is more easily dented than steel, these are uncommon.
Aluminum frame bikes are distinguishable from steel frame bikes by their light weight. Aluminum frames tend to use seat stays instead of seat posts. Seat stays are made from the same material as the rest of the frame, so the bike weighs less than one with a steel frame.
Titanium Frame
Titanium frame bikes are generally often lighter than steel frame bikes, making them easier to manage for riders. These bikes also last longer than steel frame cycles, allowing users to ride for longer periods of time. Titanium is a tough material; thus, the frame can withstand a lot of abuse. Although it is more expensive than a steel frame bike, it is an excellent investment for committed riders.
It is most used in bicycle manufacturing, where it is coveted for its light weight. It is also a popular frame material for mountain bikes and racing bicycles alike.
Steel Frame
Before Aluminum the favorite bike frames were made from steel and are usually heavier than other material frames. It is much stronger than aluminum, which means it’s less likely to be damaged during a fall or collision. It also has a lively feel when you ride it, and it weighs less than other materials. However, these bikes are heavier than aluminum frame bikes. These are less expensive; this old fashion is coming back in recent years.
What type of Brake Types?
When it comes to stopping power, buyers of new road bikes are often faced with two options: rim brakes or disc brakes. The fundamental distinction between a rim brake and a disc brake bike is how and where the braking forces are applied.
Rim Brakes
Rim brakes are the type of brakes that work on the rear of a bicycle and rely on the rim of the wheel to provide friction to stop the bike. These brakes are less expensive and easier to maintain. This type of brake can be manually operated and is commonly found in inexpensive bicycles that are used for recreational purposes. The rim brakes are the most common brakes used on the bicycles. Rim brakes are the easiest to install. They do wear out quickly and are not as reliable when compared to disc brakes. The rim brakes are also known to be susceptible to damage when they are used in wet weather conditions.
During pedaling the brake lining is squeezed against the brake shoe, creating friction to slow down your bicycle. the brake lining is pressed against the rim to stop your bicycle. The brakes themselves are activated by a lever, which is attached to the pedals. The brake shoe squeezes the brake lining against the brake rim.
Disc Brakes
Bicycle disc brakes are an often-overlooked upgrade that can prove to be more efficient than the more common rim brakes. In the same way that modern vehicles have disc brakes, bicycles can now have the same technology.
Disc brakes were well established on mountain bikes due to their ability to provide better brake control and a larger range of modulation, allowing the rider to have more control over the amount of braking force applied. On the road, many manufacturers are now fitting disc brakes to their road bikes, although there are some concerns about their reliability in the wet.
These are mounted to your rims. Disc brakes provide a good deal of stopping power, making them the more popular choice for most cyclists.
They used to find on bikes that are high-end models. These brakes are more reliable and less susceptible to damage than the rim brakes, but they are much more expensive to install. The disc brakes prevent skidding of the bike by providing consistent braking power.
Disc brakes don’t have annoying cables to catch your fingers in, don’t require the maintenance of cables or calipers, and the disc rotors don’t wear out nearly as fast as rim brakes. Still, some people will say that disc brakes are bad because they are heavier. A few extra ounces are worth the huge upgrade in performance.
The way that disc brakes work is by utilizing the bike’s gears to create a thrust that slows the bike down. While there are many different brands of disc brakes, it is best to purchase brakes designed for bikes as they will be more efficient and reliable.
Key Bicycle Components for all types of Road Bikes
Group set / Drivetrain
A group set is the drivetrain, cranks, chain, cassette, and derailleurs on a frame. The components of kit that make up your bike are called group sets, and the group set is the bike’s engine room. It is made up of the brakes and the drivetrain, which is sometimes known as the transmission or gearbox. The gear shifters, derailleurs, and chain set are all part of the group set.
Group sets are a way to standardize the components of a cycle. The idea is that if one component in the group fails, it can be replaced with a similar component from another manufacturer. At the higher end, a manufacturer will have its own components designed, and these will be distributed with the bike.
The components that propel you forwards on a bicycle are referred to as the bicycle drivetrain. It’s a complex structure with many moving elements that all work together to convert your pedaling into forward’s motion. The back wheel is spun by the gears, chains, and cassettes, while the shifters, derailleurs, and brakes keep everything in line.
Crankset and Gearing
A crankset is a set of bike cranks, which turn your legs to help you propel the bike forward. For road bikes, the cranks should be geared in a way that allows you to pedal quickly while maintaining a certain speed.
A road bike’s crankset might be triple, double, or compact.
A triple crankset consists of a front chainring with three chainrings and two rear chainrings. A triple crankset gives you many more gear options and therefore a lot more flexibility. It’s usually linked with a 9-speed cassette on the back wheel for a total of 27 gears.
A double crankset has a front chainring with two chainrings and a rear chainring with two chainrings. There are two chainrings in the front and a 10-speed cassette in the back for a total of 20 gears. This is the preferred by most cyclists.
A compact crankset has a front chainring with two chainrings smaller in size from double crankset and a rear chainring with a single chainring. The gears are same as double crankset.
A bike with smaller front chainrings and a larger ratio cassette on the back will provide you a wider gear range and easier pedaling ratios. A bike with larger front chainrings and a lower ratio cassette on the back is more focused on speed and has a limited gear range. Unless you’re racing, the former is probably the better option.
Chainring teeth
| Rear Cassette | Chainring Teeth | Rear Cassette | Total Gears | Usage |
| Triple | 50 / 39 / 30 | 9 speeds | 27 | On entry-level bikes, this is rather common. |
| Compact | 50 / 34 | 10 speeds | 20 | Recreational bicycles are the most frequent. |
| Double | 53 / 39 | 10 speeds | 20 | On several high-performance bicycles |
The gearing range of a bike is also influenced by the number of teeth on the rear cogs (cassette). The smallest cog (highest gear) will have 11 or 12 teeth. The lowest gear (biggest cog) can have between 23 and 28 teeth, or up to 32 teeth in the SRAM Apex variant.
Chainrings, or as they’re commonly known, cogs, are the parts that attach the derailleur to the inside of the cyclist’s bike. These parts can quickly wear out, leading to an altered force transmission, which can cause chainrings to break and, over time, the chain to shift to the wrong cog.
SRAM’s 11-speed drivetrains are light, reliable, and durable, and offer as much range as you’re ever likely to need for a bike. Although SRAM’s Apex drivetrain has been on the market for a few years, the firm has only just begun to acquire traction. In a short period of time, technology has advanced significantly. A single chainring is encircled by a wide-range cassette, allowing you to change gears without having to modify your pedaling cadence to match your gear ratio. SRAM, like Shimano, offers a 1x system in a variety of configurations, such as a front derailleur with a wide-range cassette or a front derailleur with a single-ring crankset.
Wheels
The hub, spokes, nipples, rim, and quick release are all components of a road bike wheel. The hub is the component of the wheel that the bike’s axle attaches to, and it’s normally threaded to allow the cassette and brake rotor to be installed. The hub will include a freehub body in the back, allowing the cassette to spin freely while the bike is going. The hub, which is usually constructed of steel or aluminum, is the most durable element of the wheel.
The hub threads are coated with a thick, sticky lubricant during the wheel’s manufacture. The threads will be protected by this grease. The spokes are the thin metal rods that link the hub to the rim. They are normally circular. The metal retainer that holds the spoke in place is known as the nipple. Both ends of the nipple are threaded. Threads on one end will screw into the hub, while threads on the other end will screw into the rim.
The two most crucial specifications for a wheel are rim width and depth, which have a significant impact on how the wheel feels. Modern rims are often broader than earlier years. Wider wheels give you more control, while narrower wheels make you feel faster. The distance between the rim and the hub is the wheel’s depth. Deeper wheels are stiffer than shallower wheels, therefore they accelerate faster. You must determine what feels right to you, but in general, wider, and deeper wheels provide a more pleasant and controllable ride.
Tyres
It’s important to understand the three various types of tyres that fit on a wheel since each one requires a different wheel rim. The tyres will be “clincher,” “tubular,” or “tubeless,” with the wheel indicating which type of tyre it is compatible with.
Clincher tyres have an inner tube that is held in place by a wire bead. Clincher tyres will be found on most road bikes for sale.
Tubular tyres have a stitched-around-the-inner-tube thick, soft, and elastic tyre casing. Because they are lightweight and can be readily mounted to the rim with a special adhesive called a tyre liner, they are commonly used by races and touring cyclists. It’s also worth mentioning that tubular tyres require more frequent replacement than clincher tyres.
Tubeless tyres, on the other hand, do not have an inner tube and are essentially simply the tyre and its ‘casing.’ Rubber, plastic, nylon, and aluminum are some of the materials that can be used for the casing. Airless tyres, which are a step forwards from tubeless tyres, have been produced by some manufacturers. Airless tyres, like tubeless tyres, have a solid rubber base but no air chamber and hold no air.
Pedals
Bicycle pedals are the mechanisms by which a rider applies the force needed to turn a bicycle crank. Pedals are attached to the crank arms, which in turn rotate the chainring and propel the bicycle forward.
“Where are the pedals?” is a popular enquiry from individuals looking for a road bike.
This is a hotly contested question. Most recumbent manufacturers sell their basic models without pedals. The two most common types of pedals are the platform pedal, which has a flat top and no cage, and the clipless pedal, which has a “platform” that is a flat section of the pedal that is designed to attach the cleat of your shoe to the pedal.
On the one hand, you know yourself better than anyone else and you know if you really need clipless pedals. On the other hand, the more expensive pedal systems are better, and if you upgrade to clipless pedals later, you’ll need new shoes, which will cost you.
Pedals are available in a variety of brands most famous are Shimano, Look, Time, and Speed play, and models within each brand. Better bearings, lower friction, and less weight are associated with a greater price.
What are the Bike sizes?
When shopping for a bike, you must first determine what size bike to purchase. Although most bicycles are sized similarly, there are certain distinctions to be aware of. Many people are perplexed by bike sizing due to what is generally referred to as “bike frame size.” The total size of the bike frame is what defines your suitable bike size, but it isn’t what determines your proper bike size. Bike frame sizes are usually expressed in terms of “head tube width.” Other criteria, however, play a role in determining correct bike sizing.
The length of the seat tube on a bike frame is generally measured in cm. The manufacturer and/or the online reseller will occasionally assign a description of the frame size based on this measurement.
Why is it vital to choose a frame size depending on the seat tube measurement? The seat tube measurement provides a good indication of the frame’s length and, to some extent, how cramped it will feel. The length of the seat tube is an important predictor of how the bike will fit. A longer seat tube, such as 27.2 mm, provides more space for the rider, but a shorter seat tube, like the current standard of 27.0 mm, makes the bike feel smaller and more compact.
Each manufacturer’s sizes and frame descriptions will differ, thus a small in one brand may be a medium in another. Similarly, different bike models from the same manufacturer may have different effective sizes despite having the same description.
When looking at bike sizing charts, keep in mind that each manufacturer’s stack (height) and reach (distance from the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube) will be different. Some people will measure from the top of the seat tube, while others will measure from the middle of the seat tube, and yet others may measure from the center of the handlebars. They won’t all be the same size, so don’t think that a Giant bike’s sizing chart will translate to a Trek bike’s sizing chart. You may need to seek up the specific bike you want, but if you know the company, you should be able to locate it. Below is a standard size guide.
Road Bike Size Guide
| Rider Height | Inside Leg | Bike Frame Size |
| 5’1” – 5’3” | 27” – 29” | 48 cm |
| 5’3” – 5’5” | 28” – 30” | 50 cm |
| 5’5” – 5’7” | 29” – 31” | 52 cm |
| 5’7” – 5’9” | 30” – 32” | 54 cm |
| 5’9” – 5’11” | 31” – 33” | 56 cm |
| 5’11” – 6’2” | 32” – 34” | 58 cm |
| 6’1” – 6’3” | 33” – 35” | 60 cm |
| 6’3” – 6’5” | 34” – 36” | 62 cm |
What are the price ranges under your budget?
Maybe you’ve been considering getting into road cycling for a long but are unsure if spending a few hundred dollars on a bike is a good investment. After all, aren’t genuine cycles designed for speed? They are, but you can have the bike of your dreams while staying within your budget.
But how much money should you set aside? A road bike should cost at least $1,000, according to several cycling experts. Of course, some bikers spend a lot more than $1,000, but $1,000 is a fair starting point.
Recreational road bikes start at around $300 and go up to over $10,000 for high-performance road cycles.
You can get a terrific bike that will suit your needs regardless of your budget. Spending more money on a bike will usually (but not always) result in a lighter bike, improved stiffness, better shift quality, longer durability, and more comfort.
The key factors in high bike prices are contributed mainly by material used bike frames, group sets and wheelsets.
Frame and fork materials often from steel to aluminum to carbon Fibre.
Group sets from low grade steels to higher-grade alloys or a combination of the high-end metals, carbon Fibre, and titanium.
Wheelsets from aluminum to carbon Fibre, or better quality with more durable.
Our summary of what you can expect to spend within a certain budget.
Price range under $1,000
Bikes in this range are a good option for the recreational rider who is looking for a do-it-all bike to use for commuting, light touring, and maybe even the occasional cyclocross race. These bikes are for those who wish to ride for fun and exercise but aren’t in a hurry to get somewhere.
As a result, bikes in this price range usually include an 8- or 9-speed cassette in the back and a double or triple crankset. On long slopes, a triple crank set will allow for more gear combinations, reducing the need for the rider to stop and change chain sets. Most bikes in this category have rim brakes, however disc brake bikes are starting to appear. Disc brakes, like most things in life, are more expensive. Suspension is also available on some bikes in this category, which adds to the price. The frame will most likely be composed of aluminum or steel, with a mix of aluminum and carbon for the fork.
The wheels and tyres will be substantial and durable, but they may be easily upgraded for a more energetic ride.
Price range $1,000 – $2,000
The most important decision at this price bracket is whether to go with an aluminum or carbon Fibre frame. Though, at this pricing point, carbon Fibre is a bit of an exception, and aluminum is normally a better deal.
Both materials can be lightweight, rigid, and comfortable to ride on. Budget carbon Fibre frames employ lower-end carbon Fibre, while aluminum frames use higher-end alloys, due to the lower cost of alloys compared to carbon, carbon being a more expensive material, and aluminum alloy being easier to work with.
We recommend choosing a high-end alloy frame over a simple carbon frame.
Price range $2,000 – $4,000
The focus shifts from bikes that offer great recreational riding to those that focus on performance. The key difference between a recreational bike and a performance bike is the weight of the bike itself. You see, the lighter the bike, the easier it is to perform various stunts, tricks, and maneuvers.
Most frames in this price category will be made of carbon Fibre, with the group set and wheels being the only differences.
In this price range the bike features will be an aero-optimized and deep profile tube set that minimizes air resistance and maximizes torsional stiffness. The geometry to be race-oriented, with a longer wheelbase, shorter top tube, steeper seat angle and shorter chain stays or likely to have a twin crankset on the front and an 11-speed cassette on the back. Group sets such as SRAM Rival or Shimano 105 and Ultegra are commonly found.
Price range $4,000 – $6,000
We’re approaching the pointy end of the road bike spectrum now.
At this price bracket, hydraulic disc brakes, as well as carbon Fibre or high-end alloy wheels, are easily accessible. Carbon Fibre frames are strong, stiff, and light. They are also expensive with a price range of $2,000 to $8,000. All bikes in this price range will have an 11-speed cassette and a front double crankset.
Regardless of which model you select, the bike’s weight is reduced, shifting is improved, and wheelsets are light and aerodynamic.
At this price point, both electronic and mechanical shifting group sets are available. SRAM Force and Red, Shimano Ultegra and Dura-Ace, and Campagnolo Potenza and Chorus will all be available on bikes in this range.
The most important decision to make in this price range is which sort of bike to buy, as bikes are divided into three categories: aerodynamic, lightweight, and endurance.
Price range over $6,000
In this price range all the choice options are open, preferred for the frames made of carbon Fibre as they are sturdy, stiff, and light. Majority of the people spent greater than $10,000 have preference to obtain either a custom mad bike or a replica of famous professional bike.
At this price, you can expect a high-grade bicycle which is made from a light, strong, and compliant high-grade carbon Fibre frame, and fork. Plus, the Canyon carbon wheelset, this bike will be stiffest and fastest because of aerodynamics.
Bicycle Accessories and estimated budget for it
After you buy a bike, you’re not done spending money on it.
Pedals aren’t included with almost all new bikes, and you will also almost certainly need some shoes to go with them.
Many shops are willing to negotiate the prices of items bought with a bike. You will still need to buy accessories such as pedals, shoes, cycling shorts, toolkit, pump, water bottle and cage, and spare parts etc. Make sure you include these items in your budget.
Our blog post on buying guide to the road cycling accessories you’ll need is must-read.
Do Some Research
Going extra mile is always helpful in achieving one’s goals. In case of assisting, you in making an informed decision about your road bike purchase within your desired budged and without compromising on your riding goals we suggest the following quick research:
Create a list of top 5 bikes and start some research. Start with just developing a comparison page.
Use online channels such as youtube.com and google.com to search for related videos from the manufacturers of these bikes.
This information will be quick and easy to compile.
Concentrate on the areas such as safety ratings, quality material, weight, durability as these is very crucial because you are not buying a bike for current year only. Ignore the trendy colors or new posters.
Ensure to note what kind of rider is it more suitable for? Try to map your riding preferences. It will be easy for you to differentiate on the comparison data. For ex: If you a just aiming for a suburban ride then you don’t need a professional racer, flat tyre mountain bike or climber, your needs can be meet with endurance road bikes.
Place to buy from
If you are purchasing a bicycle for the first time then, it is highly recommended to avoid purchasing online. There are heaps of factors involved in purchasing a bicycle online which we are discussed in our separate blog post titled “Where can you get a bicycle? Consumer Direct Or Local Bike Store“
If you are spending time in physical stores and asking them questions, getting clarifications with their responses. It is highly recommended to purchase your bicycles from the store where you get more satisfaction from, because this is not just a one-way business you will be visiting them again for accessories or service advice.
Buying online can only provide you a good price, may be a difference of 3% whereas you can easily negotiate a good discount percent yourself by comparing few shop prices within your locality.
Discounts or low offer you will get online can not compensate the real experience-based responses you are getting while talking to the sales representative Infront of you.
New or Used Road Bike
Depending on your budget and preferences. However, there are certain bits of information which we can bring into your consideration so you can make an informed decision.
If this is your first bike, then it is highly recommended to buy a used bike from a proper dealer, do not buy it from any Facebook marketplace. Ask questions as much as possible from the dealership and satisfy yourself before buying your first bike.
Quick 8 Check Questionnaire: Buying a New vs Old Bicycle
If you have completed your first 2000 miles now, can you freely either buy a new bike or a used demo from dealers.
User Demo:
These bikes are not new bikes, but they are not used either, these are the bikes which manufacturers requested dealers to keep these as test bike or demonstrator bikes for their new customers. Dealers time to time clear their demos and replace them with new ones.
Test ride of Road Bike
A bike test ride is an excellent approach to choose which bike is best for you. A bike test ride will give you an excellent notion of how a bike fit, or this type is ideal for you, even if you’re not sure which bike is suitable for you.
Do not be swayed by a flashy new bike. Examine it critically and make an informed choice about whether it satisfies your requirements.
Ask all the questions you have with the sales representative, try to ride a bike as you usually ride so you can have feel of differentiation, don’t just limit yourself with a parking lot ride.
Dont forget to check our recent blog post titled Used Bicycles: Important 7 factors to consider before buying a used bike
Get a bargain
Internet is an awesome place where you can just search everything. Google has made our lives very easy, simply try to search online or in marketplaces on some current or upcoming deals to find yourself a bargain:
You will find reoccurring deals on yearly basis such as:
End of Financial Year deals:
This is a perfect time to get the deals as the benefits offer during this time as significant. It is highly recommended to check the deals around this time if you are aiming to buy a new bike.
Christmas and New Year:
Another good area of vacations where almost all the world offers good discounts, majority of retailers considers refreshing their stock and aim toward upcoming end of financial year. These bargains cannot be missed.
Online Market Places:
Now search engines like google.com have a capacity to search and compare all the marketplaces in one go and brings you the best results. This option can be checked via “Shopping” tab from your google.com search page. This is also a great way to find the current offer prices including offered discounts.
Local Shops:
Its good to visit local shops to obtain information, they often have stock clearance or special discounts being offered as the warehouse-based stores usually make space for upcoming stock of new models. There are high chances of getting good deals.
Stock Clearance:
Majority of dealers bring their deals on regular basis such as usually on month ends, quarter end and their biggest deals are usually year ends because of financial targets. Stock clearance is also offered when there is a new model or any new relevant information coming up where parent company prefer to clear the space from dealerships to make a room for a new display or products, ending up a great bargain for a customer like us.
Thank you for your time, appreciating your support. We have tried to provide you as much information as we can to support you in your buying decision.
Contact Us
If you have any suggestions or advise, please feel free to reach us via our Contact Us here.