Best Beginner Road Bikes 2023 | Reviews & Buying Guide
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Choosing the best beginner road bike might be challenging. When deciding what to buy, the amount of information available might be overwhelming. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of the best beginner road bikes on the market, as well as a guide to help you choose the right one.
Beginner road bikes are made to give the rider enough control while also allowing them to get into the sport quickly. It’s a fine line to walk when it comes to usability and functionality. Here are some of the best options.
5 Best Beginner Road Bikes
Without further ado, here are the best beginner road bikes of this year.
- Diamondback Bicycles Century Road Bike
- Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike
- Ridley Fenix Alloy 105 Mix Color FE701Am Bicycle
- SAVADECK Carbon Road Bike
- Schwinn Phocus 1400 and 1600 Drop Bar Road Bicycle
Best Beginner Road Bikes Reviews
This post will go through the features and benefits of the top-rated road bikes for beginners that will undoubtedly prove their worth if purchased.
We’ll also go over the pros and cons of each bike so you can figure out which one is ideal for you.
So, now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s get into the in-depth reviews of the best beginner road bikes.
1. Diamondback Bicycles Century Road Bike
Key Features:
It’s one of Diamondback’s most popular models, and it’s geared toward beginners. Bike enthusiasts looking for a less expensive alternative to the more expensive high-end racing bike types will find the Diamondback Century Road Bike appealing.
The frame is made to reduce strain in the rider’s neck and back, allowing them to bike for extended periods of time. It was developed particularly for road biking and has a very smooth ride on flat terrain. This can be a little alarming when driving over difficult terrain, as terrible roads can make steering difficult.
Overall, the Diamondback Century Road Bike is one of the best models in its category. It allows beginners to get a sense of how tough the sport can be without spending too much money.
Pros
- On level terrain, it has outstanding handling.
- It offers great durability for the price.
- Lightweight design
- Entry-level Pricing
Cons
- Can’t handle rough terrain efficiently.
Final Verdict
Finally, Diamondback Century Road Bike is a great choice for anyone looking for entry-level bikes that don’t scrimp on performance.
2. Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike
Key Features:
Aluminum road bikes are relatively expensive, as many bikers are aware. However, the Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike is not one of them. Vilano gives you the same amazing performance at a fraction of the cost of comparable aluminum bikes in the same class. This makes it a good alternative for road cyclists who are new to the sport.
The Vilano R2 Commuter is particularly light due to the materials utilized in its construction. Some may be perplexed by this since they assume the Vilano R2 cannot be durable because it isn’t heavy enough to withstand the pressures of long rides. When you ride your bike for the first time, your perspective changes. Its double-butted frame gives the rider stability and the owner with a comfortable ride.
Keep in mind that the inner tubes of normal versions deflate faster than comparable bikes of the same type. If you only use the Vilano R2 for short daily trips, this will never be an issue. If you’re going on a longer vacation, you should change your inner tubes right away. Some folks also think the seat should be replaced because it is uncomfortable on long drives.
Pros
- Exceptionally lightweight
- Design is fantastic
- Good price for an aluminum bike
Cons
- Seating is not ideal for long rides
Final Verdict
Overall, the Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike is a good buy. Despite the fact that it is not the most expensive form of road biking, those who give it a try will surely get their money’s worth.
3. Ridley Fenix Alloy 105 Mix Color FE701Am Bicycle
Key Features:
The Ridley Fenix Alloy was designed for riders who enjoy lengthy rides and demand long-lasting comfort, despite the fact that most Ridley road bikes are made for racing. The aluminum frame of this road bike is reinforced with steel and titanium, making it both lightweight and durable. This results in a more pleasurable ride without sacrificing durability.
Its ergonomic design reduces stress for the rider, letting them ride for longer periods of time. It’s a high-performance bike designed for those who love to ride.
This, on the other hand, maybe a decent choice for beginners. The Ridley Fenix Alloy is a combination of an endurance bike and a race bike that is suited for riders of all abilities. In this aspect, the Ridley Fenix is one of the best starting road bikes on the market.
It wasn’t designed with racing in mind, however, because the brakes included with the model aren’t on the upper end of the spectrum. Normal users will not be affected, but those searching for a competitive edge in their bikes should consider updating. A set of pedals is also missing from the bike. As a result, if you go with the Ridley Fenix Alloy, you might as well get a set.
Pros
- A bike that is both long-distance and race-ready
- Ergonomics design
- Durable
- Lightweight
Cons
- The pedals are not included in the package
Final Verdict
Ridley Fenix Alloy is a high-performance bike for riders who genuinely enjoy riding. However, it can be a good option for beginners too.
4. SAVADECK Carbon Road Bike
Key Features:
The SAVADECK Warwinds 3.0 Carbon Bike is one of the best in its class. Because it’s from the high-end series, it’ll be a little out of reach for most beginners. You’ve come to the correct spot, though, if you’re looking for quality. Its carbon frame ensures not just a lightweight but also a long-lasting structure.
Because it was designed with competitiveness in mind, the bike’s aerodynamic frame gives comfort while riding. The updated steering and braking system allows any rider to have complete control of their bike on any terrain.
It’s also worth noting that the bike is lightweight, allowing the rider to ride for hours without becoming exhausted. The SAVADECK Warwinds 3.0 is incredibly easy to ride, even for complete beginners.
The SAVADECK’s price may deter those looking for the best beginner road bike, but it’s a great deal for a bike in this category. In terms of performance, craftsmanship, and dependability, the SAVADECK Warwinds 3.0 can match, if not outperform, some bikes costing twice as much.
Pros
- It’s a really long-lasting product
- Aerodynamic design
- Lightweight
- Comfortable rides
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- For beginners, it might be pricey
Final Verdict
Those seeking the best beginning road bike may be put off by the SAVADECK’s price, but for a bike in this category, SAVADECK Warwinds 3.0 Carbon Bike is a fantastic deal.
5. Schwinn Phocus 1400 and 1600 Drop Bar Road Bicycle
Key Features:
The Schwinn Phocus is an outstanding bike for riders who wish to take their riding seriously. It’s a true classic in the world of road cycling. With this bike’s inexpensive entry-level price, those looking for the best beginning road bikes may have discovered an ideal match.
This bike has exceptional durability for the price, thanks to an aluminum frame and a carbon fiber fork. Many people consider the Schwinn Phocus 1400 or 1600 to be a good entry-level bike as well as a decent frameset basis for additional customization.
While not very hefty, the Schwinn Phocus may not be as light as other bikes in its class. Beginners should not have a problem with this, but aficionados and competitive riders may be disappointed. The frames are only available in one size if the seat is adjustable. It may be uncomfortable to ride for people who are smaller or larger than suggested.
Pros
- Excellent price
- Extremely durable
- It’s great for beginners
Cons
- There is only one size to choose from
Final Verdict
Schwinn Phocus can be used for commuting or as a means of exercise. The bike’s solid craftsmanship and high-quality features are also reasons to choose it.
Buying Guide
Choosing the best beginner road bike can be challenging if you don’t know what to look for. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of features to check for when purchasing a bike to ensure you get the best value.
Frame
Choosing the right frame for your bike might be tricky. Modern bikes are made from a range of materials, each of which has its own set of advantages. Carbon steel, chromium, aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber are among the most preferred materials.
One of the first things to consider when purchasing a bike frame is the weight. Aluminum and carbon frames are lightweight and strong while preserving a sleek profile. Steel and titanium are both strong and heavy metals. It’s critical to establish a balance between endurance and weight when selecting a bike frame.
There’s also the issue of the angles in the frame design. Some bikes are made for leisure riding, while others are made for competitive riders. A bike’s frame angles tell which riding style it is best suited for. If you’ve already decided how you’ll approach biking, whether it’ll be a casual pastime or the start of something more serious, the frame of your bike should reflect that.
Wheels
With current bike design, wheels have evolved to enable a variety of riding modes, including racing, off-road biking, and casual riding. Before choosing the type of wheel you want to buy, consider the type of riding you want to do.
Mountain bike wheels, for example, are built to withstand the rigors of rough terrain, but road bike wheels are built to travel more smoothly. Some are designed to be pleasant on long journeys, while others are made to withstand rough abuse.
You can also select between tube and tubeless wheels. Tube wheels, as the name suggests, have inner tubes while tubeless wheels do not. Tubeless wheels allow riders to run their tires at lower pressures, which results in a smoother ride.
Bike Size and Fit
Bikes come in a number of sizes, the most common of which is small, medium, and large, as well as numerical measurements. Knowing your bike’s right size and the fit is critical since it will have a direct impact on your level of comfort when riding it.
Anyone who rides a poorly suited bike for an extended period of time may experience terrible suffering. Fortunately, a decent bike design allows customers to adjust the settings of their bike to suit different riders. Bike seats may be adjusted to fit your needs, and handlebars can be adjusted for better control.
One of the best ways to ensure a good fit is to measure the standover height of a bike. You should be able to maintain your feet flat on the ground while straddling the frame. If your feet don’t touch the ground while straddling your bike, it’s too big and could cause problems while riding. The standover height of a bike is the distance between the top frame and the ground.
Handlebars
The type of handlebars you use may also have an impact on your riding style. The modern handlebar has evolved significantly, and some of them are now built to accommodate a variety of riding styles. It’s best to know what handlebar you’ll be getting before you go out and buy the best beginner road bike you can find.
Flat bars are designed particularly for cross-country skiing. They’re versatile and usually come with a road bike. Risers bars with grips in the middle are ideal for trail biking since they provide you more control over the uneven terrain.
Bullhorn bars curve forward, as the name implies, and are great for riders who want to take their bike to the next level. Drop bars give riders more control and speed, making them excellent for those who want to ride competitively.
Group Sets
Bike groupsets are the parts of the bike that have a big impact on how well it performs. This category includes everything from shifters to gears to brakes. Many fans choose to use high-end combos instead of typical group groupings. Standard bikes often come with generic, non-branded groupsets, and many enthusiasts enjoy replacing them with high-end combinations.
For inexperienced riders looking for the best first road bike, the plethora of groupset options can be confusing. There are thousands upon thousands of possible combinations, each with its own set of advantages. Unless you want to go all out, the majority of standard group sets given by manufacturers should be enough. You may want to switch to a different gear or brake after some time on the open road to better suit your demands.
Conclusion
There you have it: the best beginner road bikes of the year.
It’s not difficult to get the best road bike for beginners if you know what to look for. Many road bikes are designed to perform differently based on the rider’s preferences. Knowing how you want to ride is a great place to start when looking for the best bike for you.
With that in mind, I’ll leave you with the SAVADECK Carbon Road Bike, our best beginner road bike.
Have a good time biking!
