Do you have a road bike for 2024? If you still don’t, there’s nothing to worry about. In this guide, we will help you choose the best entry-level road bike for your needs.
Road bikes are the most specialized of all the different bike types and are meant only for riding on tarmac. They are designed for speed and efficiency and feature lightweight frames, thin tires, and drop handlebars that provide an aerodynamic position when riding.
Going to your local bike store, you’ll notice that road bikes stand out due to their sleek design. On display, you can see them on sale with price tags starting from $800.
It’s essential for an entry-level road bike to have a good balance between price, durability, and performance. Look for models that incorporate Shimano or Sram groupsets for reliable shifting, and an aluminum or carbon frame for reduced weight and added strength.
Taking these features into consideration, we have picked out the best entry-level road bikes, that are not too expensive but offer great value in terms of features and ride quality.
Check them out below!
Contents
- Best Entry Level Road Bikes
- 1. Tommaso Imola
- 2. Salsa Journeyer
- 3. Rondo RUUT AL2
- 4. Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4
- 5. Cannondale CAAD Optimo 3
- 6. Giant Contend AR 3
- 7. Diamondback Haanjo 3
- 8. Giordano Libero 1.6
- 9. Cannondale Topstone 3
- Which Best Entry-Level Road Bike Is Right for You?
- Are Cheap Road Bikes Worth it?
- Road Bike Sizing – Choosing the Right Bike Size
- Are Entry-Level Road Bikes Expensive?
- How to Assemble Your New Entry-Level Road Bike
- Extra Bike Buying Guides You Might Like:
Best Entry Level Road Bikes
1. Tommaso Imola
Best Entry Level Road Bike
MSRP: $900
- Aluminum frame
- Upright riding position
- 24 speeds
In our opinion, Tommaso makes some of the most attractive and best-looking road bikes. It is, without a doubt, one of the best bicycle manufacturers that you can consider at a reasonable price.
Their quality lies in the fact that they make entry-level and mid-range models. Therefore, anyone can find something that they need.
Tommaso Imola, which we are reviewing here, is an entry-level model that even offers several glimpses of the mid-range world.
Tommaso Imola is light, fast, and elegant, offering an all-around great performance at a bargain price.
Tommaso Imola has a harmonic combination of Shimano and Tommaso road components. They will provide you with 24 speeds on a 3×8 drivetrain. You’ll do the shifting with Shimano Tourney parts, and a wide-range cassette is a part of the same groupset.
One of the things some riders might not be stoked about is the brakes. Namely, the Imola comes with rim brakes. They offer great braking performance, but more and more riders prefer disc brakes nowadays.
The tires are 25 mm wide from Kenda, which is the most popular width you can find on most road bikes. It is perfect for entry-level riders who should have more grip when cornering for safety and confidence reasons.
Related: How To Start Cycling
If you’re buying your first road bike and you want it to last a long time and get you through many long rides, you can’t go wrong with Tommaso Imola.
2. Salsa Journeyer
Best All-Road Road Bike
MSRP: $999
- Aluminum frame
- Comfortable geometry
- Mechanical disc brakes
Salsa Journeyer adventure road bike is clearly a capable machine that is ready to not just hit the road but the odd trail too.
The Journeyer is much more than what you’d expect from a bike at this price point. The MicroShift groupset offers 9 gears with a gear range that’s excellent for climbing.
The bike rolls on 650c size wheels and 47 mm wide tires, which is a great compromise between speed and comfort.
The Journeyer is the best adventure bike that can take you on multi-day tours with front and rear panniers and all of your camping gear.
However, the Journeyer has some cons as well. The biggest one for us is the mechanical disc brakes. They’re not as precise as hydraulic disc brakes, and adjusting them can be a pain in the neck.
One thing to keep in mind is that this bike isn’t completely assembled, and some mechanical skill is required. This isn’t necessarily a drawback but you might want to factor in the cost of assembly by an experienced mechanic before buying. A proper tune-up and inspection are vital to make this bike function properly.
So consider getting Salsa Journeyer if you want to do multi-day tours, ride gravel roads, or go on road rides and not feel constrained to perfectly smooth asphalt.
3. Rondo RUUT AL2
Best Bikepacking Drop-Bar Bike
MSRP: $2,150
- Aluminum frame
- 1×11 drivetrain
- Mechanical disc brakes
- Numerous eyelets
Rondo has been making bikes now for around 15 years and is starting to take a solid chunk of the all-road market share. In its price range, this ride is hard to beat, especially when it comes to adventure bikes for cyclists who want to explore roads that are rarely taken.
Rondo RUUT AL2 is perhaps the best example of adventure road bikes that are cheaply priced but well built!
For some, $2,150 might not seem very cheap, but it’s hard to find this list of components for less.
This bike comes in two colors, black and purple, both of which look amazing. Plus, you can choose from five sizes – from X-Small to X-Large
Online reviews mostly have good things to say about it: a 1×11 drivetrain that’s easy to maintain, robust tubeless-ready aluminum wheels and versatile 40mm tires, comfortable and durable aluminum frame and carbon fork with upright geometry, and dozens of mounting points for accessories.
Rondo RUUT AL2 is our top pick due to its fantastic design and bargain components for adventurers and tourers who want top value at an affordable price.
This bike brakes with TRP Spyre-C mechanical disc brakes which is a good refreshment if you are used to braking with rim brakes. They’re more powerful and more precise.
Related: Fix your ride – Silca T-Ratchet & Ti-Torque Kit Review!
So, if you want to jump on the adventure bandwagon and you don’t want to spend every last penny on your new passion, Rondo RUUT AL2 is an excellent choice.
4. Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4
Best Value Carbon Road Bike
MSRP: $2,600
- Carbon frame
- Carbon fork
- Shimano Tiagra groupset
- Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brakes
The Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4 is every cyclist’s dream come true and a legendary bike when it comes to riding fast.
The Synapse combines a super-durable carbon frame with a stiff carbon fork. It’s an incredibly light machine because it is completely made from carbon.
When it comes to the components, the Synapse Carbon 4 has Shimano written all over the place. The groupset this bike operates with is Shimano Tiagra, which is a mid-range groupset that will take a lot of beating and abuse.
In total, you’ll have 20 gears at your disposal with a compact crank and an 11-34T cassette.
Like most modern endurance road bikes nowadays, you have disc brakes but these are the uprated hydraulic disc brakes. They are super light lightweight and amazing in wet conditions.
The wheels are 700c and equipped with 30 mm tires, which are smooth and fast. If you want, you can certainly go a few millimeters wider and improve comfort and grip even more if you want.
All in all, if you want a cheap unisex endurance road bike with a carbon frame and a carbon fork that’s ready for day-long rides, the Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4 is perfect for you.
5. Cannondale CAAD Optimo 3
Best Budget Road Bike for Women
MSRP: $1,300
- Aluminum frame, carbon fork
- Shimano Sora drivetrain
- 18 gears
- Rim caliper brakes
Cannondale CAAD Optimo 3 is not a traditional women’s road bike. This is a unisex road bike with 700C wheels that are more than capable of doing long distances on paved and unpaved roads.
Its aluminum frame provides maximum road vibration dampening and extra comfort. Hard to find another entry-level all-road bike that is comparably capable and affordable like this one.
Cannondale CAAD Optimo 3 has durable 700C aluminum wheels clad in 25 mm wide tires, which is a great combination for city commutes or off-road adventures.
Cannondale CAAD Optimo 3 shows that all-road bikes can be fast, fun, and practical all at the same time.
This bike offers 18 gears, so climbing hills will be super easy. It also features powerful caliper rim brakes that offer plenty of braking power for casual riding.
If you want a women’s bike that rides fast on paved roads that you can use for long commutes, as well as for recreational and fitness rides, Cannondale CAAD Optimo 3 will put a smile on your face.
6. Giant Contend AR 3
Best Endurance Road Bike
MSRP: $1,450
- ALUXX-Grade Aluminum frame
- Lightweight carbon fork
- Endurance 700c x 32mm tires
- Mechanical disc brakes
- Shimano Sora groupset
Giant Contend AR 3 is one of the simplest but at the same time one of the most versatile endurance road bikes that you can buy right now.
If you want to commute, ride centuries, or become a part of the ultra-distance craze, this Giant model is going to help you achieve your dreams. However, this is also a phenomenal choice for pure road riding, depending on which tires you put on it.
One of the main characteristics of endurance road bikes is comfort, which you will no doubt get thanks to the aluminum frame and carbon fork with upright geometry. The result is a lightweight and compliant bike that rides predictably.
To power this beautiful bicycle along scenic roads of all kinds, you will be using a 2×9 drivetrain equipped with Shimano Sora components. That’s the best bang for the buck you can get at this price. It offers decent quality and performance, as well as enough variety with the gearing.
Giant Contend AR 3 is a no-brainer for anyone who has room for just one bike and needs a great performer on a variety of different terrains.
We also like the Sora mechanical disc brakes because they are powerful, precise, durable, and easy to maintain.
Giant Contend AR 3 is ready for any kind of adventure as it comes with wide tire clearance and a durable setup. You can use it for commuting, multi-day bikepacking tours, or very long rides.
Finally, Giant has opted to dress this bike in 700C x 32mm tires, which is the right balance between speed and comfort.
Therefore, Giant Contend AR 3 seems like the perfect tool for road beginners and enthusiasts on a budget to fall in love with this discipline and explore.
7. Diamondback Haanjo 3
Best Endurance Road/Gravel Bike
MSRP: $1,300
- Aluminum frame, carbon fork
- MicroSHIFT Advent X, 1×10-speed
- Tektro mechanical discs
- Endurance geometry
Gravel bikes are the new hot trend in the cycling industry. They have a lot of similarities with road bikes, which is why Diamondback Haanjo 3 deserves a place on this list! Gravel bikes are usually not cheap, but you can get a decent model without spending outrageous amounts of money, which is the case here.
The frame is made from lightweight aluminum, so the total weight of the bike is not too high.
The Diamondback Haanjo 3 is the ideal choice for all riders who intend to stray off the beaten path and put their foot in the gravel riding world.
There are several other surprises this bike has. It’s jam-packed with mounts, which makes it a fantastic solution for all of your adventure rides. The stock version does not come with any accessories, but you can easily fit it will lights, fenders, racks, bike bags, and anything else you might need for long journeys.
This bike is also equipped with a MicroSHIFT Advent X, 1×10-speed drivetrain, which is a solid choice at this price. It has a wide-range cassette, so no need to worry about running out of gears. It also has a pair of Tektro mechanical disc brakes, which is a must on entry-level gravel bikes!
Related: Best Bikes For Gravel
Let’s not forget the 37 mm WTB Riddler Comp tires to help you attack the rough stuff. If you want a serious two-wheeler for adventure trips and recreational riding, then Diamondback Haanjo 3 is the best entry-level road bike for gravel that you can get.
8. Giordano Libero 1.6
Best Budget Entry-Level Road Bike
MSRP: Check Price on Amazon
- Comfortable geometry
- Aluminum frame
- 16 gears
Here we have the best entry-level road bike for new riders in our opinion. This is a unisex bike and fits men and women riders equally well. It’s a good choice to get used to pedaling, improve your fitness, and fall in love with the sport.
The first characteristic of the Giordano Libero 1.6 is obvious from the moment you take the first look at it, which is the design. The color is neutral yet attractive, and the bike stands out when it’s out on the roads.
Another reason why this is the best beginner road bike is the fact that it is made with relaxed geometry that does not put too much strain on your body. This means that it has a shorter top tube than usual and a higher head tube. It also has a comfortable saddle that won’t torture your sit bones. This will make a massive difference when it comes to comfort, especially on longer rides.
Giordano Libero 1.6 is a high-value entry-level road bike with an attractive paint job making it a dream bike for any beginner roadie.
When it comes to the components and parts, there are many things that Libero can boast about. For example, it has a lightweight aluminum frame and fork, strong caliper brakes, and comfy road tires.
This road machine also has a 2×8 Shimano Claris drivetrain which is a good choice for beginner riders.
All in all, Giordano Libero can be recommended as the best beginner road bike for riders who are just starting to ride or want to upgrade from their leisure bike.
9. Cannondale Topstone 3
Best for New Roadies
MSRP: $1,600
- Aluminum frame, carbon Fork
- Shimano Sora 2×9 drivetrain
- Mechanical disc brakes
- WTB Riddler Comp, 700c x 37 mm tires
We are personally impressed by the quality the Topstone 3 exudes for this amount of money. With this setup, you can ride for years to come.
The components are from great brands and are built to last. Though the stock tires are 37mm wide and suitable for gravel, you can fit 25mm tires and enjoy a comfortable endurance ride.
The Cannondale Topstone 3 brings together a list of reliable components on a quality aluminum frame that makes it the biggest bargain in entry-level road cycling.
The bike is made for comfortable road or gravel riding and has a smooth endurance geometry. It’s excellent for long days out and comfortable riding.
It comes with Shimano Sora gearing and this will give you plenty of gears for getting up and downhill easily and will be silky smooth to use. It also features mechanical disc brakes that provide solid stopping power, but are not the best out there.
All in all, we highly recommend the Cannondale Topstone 3 because not only is it an amazing bike, it’s incredible value for money.
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Which Best Entry-Level Road Bike Is Right for You?
All these bikes offer good value for a reasonable amount of money. However, each one has certain advantages and disadvantages that make it ideal for a different type of rider.
Delving into the details, the Rondo RUUT AL2 stands out as the best choice for extended adventures on diverse terrains. It’s the finest entry-level adventure road bike we’ve encountered, even though is a bit expensive.
The Salsa Journeyer is an excellent choice for those seeking a swift all-road bike for daily commuting and leisurely rides.
On the other hand, for both men and women desiring a high-quality endurance road bike equipped with commendable components, we can safely recommend the Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4.
If you’re looking for a lightweight, fast, durable, and aesthetically appealing versatile road bike, consider the Tommaso Imola.
For those on a budget, the Cannondale Topstone 3 is a good bet. While it comes with a less expensive component group, with regular maintenance, this bike should serve you well for years.
Another cost-effective option is the Diamondback Haanjo 3, which is designed for adventures on both paved and unpaved roads.
The best newcomer is definitely the Giant Contend AR 3. It strikes a commendable balance between price and component quality and excels on endurance rides and paved roads.
Finally, an excellent pick for women who want to take up road biking is the Giordano Libero, which has beginner-friendly parts and geometry and a decent set of components.
Remember, all these bikes represent the best entry-level road bike category!
Are Cheap Road Bikes Worth it?
Absolutely! Cheap road bikes can be worth the investment.
However, it’s the best of the affordable road bikes that truly stand the test of time. With the right choice, these cost-effective bikes can serve you well for many years.
Related: Cycling Tips For Beginners
Much like their pricier counterparts, the advantages of cheap road bikes lie in their speed, lightness, and aerodynamic riding position. This design allows you to cover more ground in less time, providing an opportunity to explore further and see more during your rides.
Generally, road bikes tend to be more expensive compared to other types of bicycles. However, the market boasts some excellent budget options as well. While these may not be cut out for professional racing, they undoubtedly deliver plenty of enjoyment and a good dose of adrenaline when you’re out on the road.
For many, the allure of road biking is not necessarily in competitive racing but in the sheer joy of riding, the thrill of speed, and the freedom of the open road.
So if you’re just entering the world of road biking or are on a tight budget, an inexpensive road bike can be an ideal starting point.
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Road Bike Sizing – Choosing the Right Bike Size
Selecting the appropriate size for a road bike is crucial to ensuring a comfortable and efficient ride.
An ill-fitting bike can lead to discomfort, reduced performance, and even injuries over time.
Understanding road bike sizing will not only enhance your cycling experience but also promote better posture and energy conservation.
Take a look at our table below to make an informed choice and find the perfect fit for you.
Your height / Bike Size
- 4’10”- 5’2” = 47 cm – 48 cm = XX-Small
- 5’2″- 5’6” = 49 cm – 50 cm = X-Small
- 5’3”- 5’6” = 51 cm – 53 cm = Small
- 5’6”- 5’9” = 54 cm – 55 cm = Medium
- 5’9”- 6’0” = 56 cm – 58 cm = Large
- 6’0”- 6’3” = 58 cm – 60” cm = X-Large
- 6’3”- 6’6” = 61 cm – 63 cm = XX-Large
Make sure to also check our additional charts for choosing the correct bike size to be 100% that the road bike you’re buying fits you well.
Are Entry-Level Road Bikes Expensive?
Not necessarily. The key lies in making an informed choice.
When visiting a Local Bike Shop (LBS), you might encounter high price tags, but there are also affordable options available online.
The price discrepancy often arises from secondary costs such as warehousing, marketing, assembly, and so on. This is why it’s possible to find road bikes at a reasonable price online.
It’s essential to research and select with care.
Consider this: while around 80% of high-priced bikes may be of good quality, only 20% of all road bikes come with a hefty price tag.
This disparity suggests that a higher price doesn’t always equate to better quality. So, before splurging, ask yourself: is it worth paying more for potentially the same level of craftsmanship and performance?
Our opinion is that it is not always worth it, especially if you’re a beginner, in which case an affordable entry-level road bike can get the job done just as well.
GEAR UP: BEST ROAD BIKES UNDER $1,000
How to Assemble Your New Entry-Level Road Bike
Amazon bikes come partially assembled and are shipped out in boxes.
Many new owners tend to complain about it, but it isn’t something impossible for you to do.
There are two ways to assemble a bike:
- Local Bike Shop: Take it to the bike shop and they will do it for around $40.That’s a pretty good value if you add it to the price you paid for your entry-level road bike.
- DIY: Do it yourself. If you have at least some experience with mechanics and know how a bike work, then it really isn’t that hard. There are also lots of YouTube videos showing how to assemble a road bike, which you can follow step by step.
However, it’s important to note that while assembling the bike yourself can save you some money, it’s crucial to ensure all parts are correctly and securely fitted to ensure your safety while riding.
Incorrect assembly can lead to malfunctions, affecting the bike’s performance and potentially causing accidents.
So, whether you choose to do it yourself or rely on professionals, make sure the bike is set up safely and efficiently before hitting the road.
Extra Bike Buying Guides You Might Like:
- HOT! Pre-Owned bikes on The Pro’s Closet
- Best Bikes For Women (Road Bike Section)
- Best Road Bike Under $1,000
- Is Road Bike Overkill? Try Entry-Level Hybrids
- Best Road Bikes
- Best Bike Deals At The Moment
The Tommaso Imola is $979 when not on sale, $899 when it is… the Rondo RUUT AL2 is €1899 which puts it at over $2000 USD. In what world is two thousand dollars considered cheap or beginner friendly? If anything this just encourages beginners to give up before they even start. It might as well not even be called entry level.
Hi Darren, those are valid points! The reason we decided to include it is to provide a better-equipped option for beginners who want to buy something of higher quality straight away because they know they will be cycling for a long time.
Was looking for some advice on beginner bikes for adult women.. seriously, bike color is included in your reasoning?? Most of us are looking for recommendations for bikes that work for our different body physiology and comfort. I realise it’s meant well and I appreciate it, but please take a second look at your writeup.. With regards.
Hi there,
Thank you for your feedback. The thing is that there is quite a narrow selection of bikes for women as it comes in colors. We believe that women should have the right to choose different colors. White and pink are colors that we rarely see (and it’s is pity!) Mentioning colors was just one point of this writeup, we did also mention the geometry and and specs, so please don’t feel yourself offended 🙂
Cheers,
Jeff
Hi Jeff, thanks so much for the article! So far I really like the Trek AL 2.
I had gone on some casual 30-50mi rides on my TREK Fx7.2 WSD (hybrid) 53cm/17in, and I want to purchase a decent road bike. I have two questions that I am hoping you can help me answer: 1) I am 5’6, 29inch inseam, what size should I go for? 51/52/54? 2) I have seen a lot of good offers of used bikes with Shimano Tiagra or Ultegra shifts offered at the $1000-$1500 range (even a used Trek Madone under $1000). Would you recommend me buying a new entry-level road bike or buy a fancier used one? $1500 would be a strict cutoff for me in terms of budget, but I worry that if I buy a used one, I would end up spending more money on repairs/tune-ups etc. Let me know your thought thanks!
You’re welcome, Frances! 🙂 If you’re planning on getting a Trek Domane AL 2, I recommend a 52cm size frame. You could ride a 54cm as well, but I think a 52cm would be much easier to fit properly.
When it comes to buying new or used, it all depends on your ability to find a good used bike. Because there are definitely excellent used bikes out there for $1,500. If you know what to pay attention to or you know someone with experience who can come along and look at bikes with you, then it’s worth giving a shot.
On the other hand, if you’re a beginner, a new $1,000 – $1,500 bike is all you need for the first couple of years, really. 🙂
Thanks Jeff! This is super helpful. I just tried the Domane today, but I think it was relatively smooth, but I am not a big fan of the magenta color so couldn’t decide. On the hand, I saw a brand new 52cm La Pierre 2015 sensium 100 that I could get on ebay for $850 (looks fairly light with Shimano Tiagra and only 1/2 of the MSRP). Do you think I should go for something like that? I won’t be able to test ride the bike, so I am a bit hesitant. Let me know what you think!
I think the price is right, but I can’t say much regarding the size. If a 52cm Domane feels good, compare its geometry chart to La Pierre’s geometry chart. You want the stack and the reach to be as similar as possible, these are the two most important measurements for fitting. 🙂
Hi Jeff, This information is hugely helpful so thank you so much! I am an avid rider but have stuck with mountain bikes up to now. I am wanting to start road riding and I’m looking at buying the Trek Domane AL2. I am 5’6 and my inseam is 31.5″. Since I am between sizes would you recommend I go for the 52 or the 54? I’d really appreciate your advice. Thank you!!
Hi Gina, I recommend going for the 52cm size frame considering you’re coming from the MTB world. It should put you in a more upright position which will be more comfortable for you.
My height is just between 2 frame sizes. Would you recommend to choose the bigger or the smaller frame?
Also, the Felt FR30W looks great to me, but it is seriously reduced in price. Is there a catch?
Hey Alice, I can’t help you with the size as you haven’t given me any information regarding your height, inseam, torso length, etc.
However, Felt FR30W is a fantastic bike and there’s no catch — if you like it and it fits your budget, go for it. 🙂
I am a pretty short..I say 5 foot.. but a quarter inch shorter lol..Im a beginner and I am looking to get into cycling as a hobby..Any good recommendation on top of wjat you already reccomended?
The best recommendation I can give you is to just start somewhere and don’t be afraid to make a mistake, because we all make them. 🙂 I think these are pretty good choices, so whichever you go for – you’ll be happy with the results as a beginner.
Hi. I need to know if any of these road bikes will be good for a man that weights 330 pounds and his height is 6’3”?
The frames on these bikes generally have no problem handling that weight. However, the wheels and tires might give in on standard road bikes. Therefore, I’d recommend going for Salsa Journeyman, as it is a Gravel model with wider tires and more robust wheels. If he rides it on smooth paved roads, he should have no problems.
I have the giant OCR1 WOMENS I PURCHASED NEW IN O6/07 NOT SUR WHICH YEAR. Due to severe arthritis in my back riding the bike now cause spasms in the upper back.i need an upright bike but not a cruiser I still enjoy moving down the road. I be been told that cannot change the handle bar to straight bar. Is there a bike you could recommend,that isn’t a granny bike, I’m 67 and 5’1″ mine is an xxs and have always felt it was too small but LBS said it was right size, my inseam is 29/30. Would appreciate a response thank you
Hi Terry, hybrid bikes usually have a more upright geometry than road bikes, but they don’t look like granny bikes. You can still get a good ride on them. 🙂 As for the size issue, I agree with you that XXS is probably too small. You should go for an XS frame size (14″) next time.
Schwinn Volare. Because wifey has a Target discount, and hey it felt aok when sitting on it.
Wish there were at least a couple with paddle shifters and/or disc brakes, but hey still a good list. Thx! (Now off to ride…)
Glad you like it, you made a good choice! Those would be good improvements, hopefully they will be added in the near future, but they would also drive the price up significantly.