You’ll find a lot guides online for “entry level” road bikes which will usually (and not unreasonably) focus on reviewing a number of bikes at a similar price point. But what should you be looking for in a more general sense if you’re after your first proper road bike?
Price
Of course everyone will have a different idea of budget, but to keep things simple I would say that proper road bikes start at around £500. That gets you into decent frames and components that should last pretty well.
Frame type
An aluminium frame with a carbon fork is probably the best material at this price. You could get a steel frame, but you’d end up with a heavy overall bike, and carbon is going to be out of the price range.
Weight
Don’t be fooled by a flashy-looking bike that weighs a ton, when it comes to road bikes weight matters. 10kg is the number you’re looking for at this price level, less than that and you’re doing well, but if the bike is nudging towards 11kgs then there are probably better choices.
Components
When you’re looking at bikes in the shop, one shiny paintjob can look much like another, but a good way to tell if you’re looking at something that it is good value is to check the components. Most bikes at this level will have Shimano components, and you’re looking for Sora level if you can get it, rather than the cheaper (but still OK) Claris. Check things like brake callipers to see if the manufacturer has swapped Shimano for something cheaper.
Wheels
These will normally be an “own brand” version and despite the flashy stickers are likely to be one of the weaker points of the bike. The argument will be that you can upgrade to some lighter, better wheels at a later date, but that doesn’t help when you want a decent bike to ride to start with. Quality wheels start with things like Mavic’s Aksium so if you can get something like that negotiated into the deal then you’re doing well.
Where to buy
There are a lot of tempting offers online, but for a first road bike it’s well worth going to a local shop to help with fitting (very important) and also to help with any adjustments that might be required. For people in the UK a local shop will often mean Halfords, which some experienced cyclists will turn their noses up at, but it’s actually a good place to start.
So which one to buy?
I’ve deliberately not got into specific brands here, as you’re better off following the principles above and then looking for whichever bike you can get the best deal on in the right size, rather than focusing on a particular brand. Sales and promotions will knock hundreds of pounds off a bike, and don’t be afraid of buying last year’s model as you can get some really good deals. Don’t be afraid of asking (politely) for a discount, or to get additional things like a helmet thrown in. Good luck!
Price
Of course everyone will have a different idea of budget, but to keep things simple I would say that proper road bikes start at around £500. That gets you into decent frames and components that should last pretty well.
Frame type
An aluminium frame with a carbon fork is probably the best material at this price. You could get a steel frame, but you’d end up with a heavy overall bike, and carbon is going to be out of the price range.
Weight
Don’t be fooled by a flashy-looking bike that weighs a ton, when it comes to road bikes weight matters. 10kg is the number you’re looking for at this price level, less than that and you’re doing well, but if the bike is nudging towards 11kgs then there are probably better choices.
Components
When you’re looking at bikes in the shop, one shiny paintjob can look much like another, but a good way to tell if you’re looking at something that it is good value is to check the components. Most bikes at this level will have Shimano components, and you’re looking for Sora level if you can get it, rather than the cheaper (but still OK) Claris. Check things like brake callipers to see if the manufacturer has swapped Shimano for something cheaper.
Wheels
These will normally be an “own brand” version and despite the flashy stickers are likely to be one of the weaker points of the bike. The argument will be that you can upgrade to some lighter, better wheels at a later date, but that doesn’t help when you want a decent bike to ride to start with. Quality wheels start with things like Mavic’s Aksium so if you can get something like that negotiated into the deal then you’re doing well.
Where to buy
There are a lot of tempting offers online, but for a first road bike it’s well worth going to a local shop to help with fitting (very important) and also to help with any adjustments that might be required. For people in the UK a local shop will often mean Halfords, which some experienced cyclists will turn their noses up at, but it’s actually a good place to start.
So which one to buy?
I’ve deliberately not got into specific brands here, as you’re better off following the principles above and then looking for whichever bike you can get the best deal on in the right size, rather than focusing on a particular brand. Sales and promotions will knock hundreds of pounds off a bike, and don’t be afraid of buying last year’s model as you can get some really good deals. Don’t be afraid of asking (politely) for a discount, or to get additional things like a helmet thrown in. Good luck!
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