Cycling has grown so much more popular and the technology in the best road bikes has advanced at such a rate that previously unaffordable carbon speed bikes and pro-spec peloton sanctions are now accessible at rates that are neither cheap nor punishingly costly.
Now is the perfect moment to give road cycling a try if you’ve dabbled in it before, especially with the UK’s Cycle to Work program making these bikes far more inexpensive. With the greatest turbo trainers, you can continue training even if you don’t feel like going outside.
A tight budget? There are less expensive bikes on our list, but you can also check out our list of road bikes; they’re not terrible.
The best affordable road bikes gain from technology that filters down from much more expensive models. Bicycle manufacturers generally offer budget road bikes with many of the same contemporary features as their top-tier models, even though many of the best road bikes are becoming increasingly out of reach for the average rider.
Although they may have a heavier frame, which is typically made of an aluminum alloy rather than carbon fiber, their geometry and handling may be similar to models that cost more money. Although their road bike groupsets will be of poorer quality and have fewer gears, you can still count on smooth shifting.
The wheels will also be less expensive than the greatest road bike wheels, but you can count on them to be strong and reliable, and you’ll typically get good tires. The technical aspects of buying your first bike can be intimidating, so if you’re not sure what you’re looking for, we’ve included a helpful guide at the bottom to walk you through all you need to know before getting started. But first, check out our selection of the top men’s bikes.
1. Trek Domane AL 2
It surprises us all that Trek was able to create a less expensive road bike with this kind of specification given that the company is often recognized for its more expensive bikes. Given the brand’s technology, which incorporates flexibility into the carbon fork to absorb road vibrations, it provides excellent value for the money.
2. Giant Contend 1
Except for the groupset and brakes, almost everything on the Giant Contend 1 is a Giant product. But since it’s all high quality, it’s not a negative thing. Along with a D Fuse alloy Seatpost, which Giant claims boosts comfort by allowing greater bend in desired directions without compromising rigidity, you also receive a respectable pair of wheels and 28mm tires from the company.
3. Liv Avail AR 4
Can women ride men’s bikes? is still a question that some people have, but Liv Cycling merely pushes ahead and makes high-performing bikes for the demands of women. It’s safe to say that many women will find the Liv Avail AR 4 to be an extraordinarily comfortable road bike on a budget because it was created by women, engineered by women, and tested by women utilizing women-only body measurements data.
4. Liv Avail 3
The Liv Avail 3 is an affordable endurance bike with an aluminum frame that is perfect for ladies who want to start riding on the roads. The geometry places the rider in a comfortable, upright position that makes it easy on the neck and shoulders to take in the scenery. Shimano Claris’ 8-speed, 11/34 shifting mechanism is robust and dependable.
5. Specialized Allez
You might be coveting a Specialized bike if Peter Sagan gave you the motivation to ride while you were watching the Tour de France. Fortunately, the S-Works Tarmac SL7 and its entry-level Allez aren’t as dissimilar as you might anticipate. The E5 alloy frame incorporates butted tubes to reduce weight, reduced saddle stays, and internal cable routing. Specialized still specifies a complete carbon fork.
6. Diamondback Haanjo 2
Although the Diamondback Haanjo 2 has gravel capabilities, its primary purpose is to be a multipurpose bike that can carry out all tasks without the need for a quiver. Haanjo is the one if you’re short on space and need something reasonably priced that can be used for road riding, commuting, touring, and leisurely off-road excursions.
7. Marin Gestalt 2
The Gestalt 2 from Marin Bikes, which comes with WTB Exposure Comp 32mm tires and the option to mount wider tires up to 35mm, gives riders the freedom to venture off the beaten path for some light gravel riding. It has 10-speed Shimano Tiagra gearing with a 1:1 lowest gear to assist you in climbing the hardest inclines.
8. Cube Attain Pro
Despite not being the most well-known manufacturer of road bikes, the German business Cube is renowned for its innovative designs. For a budget bike with disc brakes, the Cube Attain’s weight of just over 10 kg is impressive, as is the fact that it includes a full carbon fork, internal cable routing, and tastefully coordinated finishing materials.
9. Triban RC 520
Shimano 105 R7000 on a budget bike is relatively uncommon, but the Triban RC 520 Disc outsmarts it. Additionally, you receive a contemporary-styled frame with dropped seat stays for added comfort and lots of tire clearance, so it’s not just an expensive groupset at the expense of everything else. Decathlon provides a lifetime warranty on the frame, stem, and handlebars in addition to having attachments for racks and mudguards.
10. Liv Avail 1
Liv Cycling is no longer just a Giant sister brand; it now stands alone as a cycling company that only designs bikes that women will adore. Its endurance road bike product, the Avail 1, is adaptable enough for long rides.