Best road bikes 2024 | Our pick of the best endurance, race, women’s and entry-level road bikes
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Best road bikes 2024 | Our pick of the best endurance, race, women’s and entry-level road bikes

Plus our buyer’s guide to help you find your ideal bike

Steve Sayers / Our Media

Published: July 10, 2024 at 1:00 pm

When deciding on the best road bike for your needs, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices available. There are many types of road bikes available and countless options in any given price range. 

This article will help you select the best road bike for you, covering the best road bikes as ridden and reviewed by our team of expert testers. 

Our team have reviewed a huge number of road bikes over the years. They regularly test budget options suitable for commuting, pro-level superbikes costing over £10,000, and road bikes that ride a lot like gravel bikes

Regardless of price, all road bikes are designed to take you far and fast on paved surfaces, earning their name from the terrain they are meant to be used on. While the latest road bikes have a similar appearance to those of 50 years ago, with double-triangle frames and drop handlebars, these bikes have come on leaps and bounds.

At the top and middle of the market, they now feature disc brakes, carbon fibre frames and electronic gears. The lower end of the market still sees road bikes with metal frames and rim brakes. But these bikes have also evolved, with increased tyre clearance and modern, comfortable geometry. 

We have split this list into the different categories of road bikes, as well as entry-level and price-point options, so there should be something here for everyone. 

You can skip to each section via the bulleted links below:

You can also jump to our in-depth road bike buyer’s guide, which explains everything you need to know about road bikes and will help you find the right road bike for you. Otherwise, keep reading for our pick of the best road bikes in 2024. 

Best road bikes 2024 

Best endurance road bikes 

The best endurance road bikes help you cover long distances in comfort, with a relaxed riding position, an emphasis on compliance and greater versatility than race bikes. 

Fairlight Strael 3.0

2021 Fairlight Strael 3.0 review
The Fairlight Strael 3.0 delivers all-day comfort. - Jack Luke / Immediate Media
  • £2,899 as tested 
  • Pros: All-day comfort; highly adaptable; customisable build options
  • Cons: Our tester would have liked mid-fork eyelets

The Fairlight Strael 3.0 is a steel endurance road bike that proves a joy to ride all day long, providing superb comfort while also being a hoot to ride fast. 

The bike is highly adaptable and would be a great choice for audax riders and tourers, with mounts for mudguards and a rack, as well as dynamo light routing. 

Overall, the Strael is impeccably finished and offers great value for money, which is impressive given Fairlight is a small manufacturer. 

Giant Defy Advanced Pro 2

Three quarter pack shot of the Giant Defy Advanced Pro 2 road bike
The new Defy Advanced Pro 2 is a worthy winner of our 2024 Endurance Bike of the Year award. - Scott Windsor / Our Media
  • £3,499 / €3,900 as tested
  • Pros: Nearly top-level performance at lower cost; poised handling; excellent comfort
  • Cons: Sluggish tyres

The Giant Defy Advanced Pro 2 fulfils all the requirements of an endurance road bike, such as comfort and versatility, without compromising on thrills.

With identical geometry to the premium SL model, its handling is relatively fast, but also stable.

The mudguard-compatible frame is amply compliant for a road-centric endurance bike that doesn't flirt with the all-road category.

Built around the excellent Shimano 105 Di2 groupset and finished with quality in-house parts, the Giant Defy Advanced Pro 2's spec rivals more expensive bikes.

BMC Roadmachine 01 Two

BMC Roadmachine 01 Two against a church door
The BMC Roadmachine 01 Two is a pitch-perfect endurance bike at a high cost. - Oscar Huckle / Our Media
  • $12,999 / €12,999 / AU$17,499 as tested
  • Pros: Wonderful ride feel; 40mm tyre clearance; spot-on geometry; down tube storage
  • Cons: Mighty price; not that light

The BMC Roadmachine 01 Two is hard to beat if your endurance bike budget is nearly unlimited.

Sumptuous ride quality, which the 40mm tyre clearance could enhance, combines with nimble yet reassuring handling.

The lavish build features a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset, DT Swiss ERC 1100 Dicut 45mm-deep wheels, a carbon one-piece cockpit and a dual-sided power meter.

But considering the five-figure price tag, the Roadmachine 01 Two's 7.4kg actual weight in size 56cm may underwhelm.

Canyon Endurace CFR AXS

Canyon Endurace CFR eTap side on view
The Canyon Endurace CFR is a long-distance superbike. - Scott Windsor/Our Media
  • £8,999 / $8,999 / €9,499 / AU$14,349 as tested  
  • Pros: Very quick; adjustable integration; low weight
  • Cons: Bar taping; no mudguard mounts

The Canyon Endurace CFR AXS is best thought of as a long-distance superbike. 

Bringing together the best of the endurance and race worlds, it’s lightning-quick with ride-damping 32mm tyres, a suspension seatpost and a more upright ride position. 

The bike has versatile 45mm-deep carbon wheels and ample gear range for longer climbs and big days in the saddle. 

Canyon has built some nifty features into the latest generation of the Endurace, with built-in top-tube storage and an adjustable handlebar. 

Specialized Allez Sport 

Specialized Allez Sport in Dove Grey sits on a country lane in front of a bright green verge.
The Allez Sport is ideal for new riders. - Robyn Furtado / BikeRadar
  • £1,600 / $1,800 / €1,750 / AU$2,500 as tested
  • Pros: 35mm tyre clearance; mudguard and rack mounts; accessible geometry
  • Cons: Wheelset and tyres

The Specialized Allez Sport would make an ideal first road bike or winter trainer. 

The aluminium frame’s geometry translates to a stable yet reactive ride, with the tall head tube keeping you in a comfortable position.

The generous tyre clearance, ad mudguard and rack mounts, make this a truly versatile bike. It’s just a shame the wheels and tyres aren’t of a higher spec.


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Best road race bikes 

The best road race bikes are designed to be as efficient and fast as possible, often marrying carbon fibre components with aerodynamic designs. 

They tend to put you in a more aggressive position than endurance bikes, but are still more versatile than aero road bikes. 

​​Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod 2

Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod 2 road bike
Cannondale's SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod 2 is an exceptionally fast road race bike. - David Caudrey / Our Media
  • £8,250 / $8,300 / €8,999 / AU$11,999 as tested
  • Pros: Handling; compliant yet stiff; excellent wheels
  • Cons: Vision handlebar may not suit smaller hands

The Cannondale SuperSix EVO has become a leader in the race bike category – and this fourth-generation model is no exception.

It handles exceptionally and is lightning quick, while a new carbon layup is said to reduce mass but keep the same stiffness as before.

It’s not an unforgiving ride, though. There is some compliance in the front end and seatpost, which creates a balanced ride. 

The bike comes with excellent Hollowgram wheels, but the 25mm tyres feel like a conservative choice. The aero handlebar may not suit smaller hands. 

Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2 

Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2 road bike
The Ultimate CF SLX is smoother than its pricier sibling. - Russell Burton / Our Media
  • £6,199 / $5,499 / €6,499 / AU$9,899 as tested 
  • Pros: Smoother than pricier model; excellent spec
  • Cons: Can’t customise components at point of purchase

The Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2 is one of the cheaper models in Canyon’s race bike range, but it outperforms – or equals – its pricier siblings.

The carbon frame may be heavier than the Ultimate CFR model, but our tester is convinced it is more compliant, leading to a smoother, easier ride. Meanwhile, the handling and stiffness match the CFR. 

One of the few downsides is you can’t customise the components at the point of purchase. But given the excellent specification – including a Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset and Schwalbe Pro One tyres – it’s questionable whether you’d want to anyway.

Focus Izalco Max 9.8

Pack shot of the Focus Izalco Max 9.8 road bike
The Izalco Max is a superb all-round race bike, if a bit bland. - Scott Windsor / Our Media
  • £6,599 / €6,799 / AU$10,499 as tested
  • Pros: Fast, light and practical; lovely handling; good value
  • Cons: No power meter

The Izalco Max is the latest version of Focus' do-it-all race bike, and combines aerodynamics, low weight and assured handling.

Focus hasn't sacrificed practicality and adjustability for integration at the front end. Brake and gear cables are routed underneath the C.I.S 2.0 stem and into the upper headset bearing. The stem's standard 31.8mm clamping diameter means you can easily replace the stock Easton EC70 Aero Handlebar if desired.

The spec, including DT Swiss ERC DICUT 45 wheels and a Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8100 groupset, of the second-tier Izalco Max 9.8 is competitive for the money. A power meter is the only notable omission.

Although the Izalco Max lacks pizzaz, other similarly versatile race bikes don't have this in spades either.

ENVE Melee (Ultegra Di2)

ENVE Melee (Ultegra Di2 build) road bike
The ENVE Melee won our 2023 Performance Road Bike of the Year award. - Steve Sayers / Our Media
  • £10,400 / $12,834 / AU$19,220 as tested 
  • Pros: Geometry; handling; speed; customisable 
  • Cons: No full build off-the-peg; price 

The ENVE Melee in its Ultegra Di2 guise was our 2023 Performance Road Bike of the Year. 

It’s a standard-setter when it comes to race bikes with greater versatility, with its balanced geometry, comfort and easy handling.  

ENVE sells the Melee as a chassis, which means there are no off-the-peg builds, but you can customise it to your heart’s content. 

Our tester concluded it's the one race bike regular road bike riders should buy – if they can afford it. 

Giant TCR Advanced SL 0 Dura-Ace Di2

Warren Rossiter of BikeRadar riding the new Giant TCR in Taiwan
Giant has improved the TCR's winning design by shaving weight and improving aerodynamics. - Sterling Lorence / Giant
  • £11,999 / $12,500 / €12,299 / AU$13,799 as tested
  • Pros: Quick; smooth; spotless handling; low weight
  • Cons: Expensive in premium build; integrated seat post and press-fit bottom bracket remain

Giant had a hard job to beat the previous TCR, but has managed to do so with the TCR Advanced SL 0 Dura-Ace Di2.

Our size large test bike weighed 6.6kg, including two bottle cages and a computer mount: that's a couple of hundred grams lighter than the old bike.

Meanwhile, the TCR retains its nimble handling and the ride feels a little more compliant.

That said, it probably won't be worth upgrading from the old TCR unless money is no object. And the TCR's integrated seat post and press-fit bottom bracket won't appeal to everyone.

Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 Dura-Ace Di2

Pack shot of the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 Dura-Ace Di2 road bike
The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 Dura-Ace Di2 is one of the finest race bikes available. - Ashley Quinlan / Our Media
  • £12,000 / $14,000 / €14,000 / AU$19,900 as tested 
  • Pros: Aero bike speed; well-balanced handling; pro-level stiffness
  • Cons: Wider tyres would be beneficial; cost 

The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 delivers an incredibly balanced ride, with optimum stiffness and comfort. There are few areas the SL8 doesn’t excel in, thanks to its aero bike speed and excellent climbing ability. 

This is a no-expense-spared build and, putting the price to one side, it could be the best all-round race bike available. However, our tester cautioned it may not shift the goalposts significantly enough from its predecessor, the Tarmac SL7, to warrant upgrading. 

Trek Émonda ALR 5

Trek Émonda ALR 5 road bike
Trek's alloy race bike is top value. - Simon von Bromley / Our Media
  • £2,325 / $2,300 / €2,499 / AU$3,500 as tested 
  • Pros: Smooth ride; confident; Shimano 105 groupset continues to impress 
  • Cons: Low-end tyres; uninspiring wheels

Carbon fibre is often synonymous with road race bikes, but the Trek Émonda ALR 5 shows aluminium is still a competitive frame material.

Despite its alloy construction, the bike is only marginally heavier than the mid-tier carbon Émonda. It offers a smooth, confident ride and doesn’t disappoint when it comes to performance.

At this price point, there are some compromises in the build. But the mechanical Shimano 105 groupset still impresses and you could easily customise the bike to suit your tastes. 

Best aero road bikes

The best aero road bikes are designed to be as slippery as possible, with wind-cheating tube profiles, full integration and stretched-out riding positions. They’re not always the lightest bikes, but they’re certainly the fastest. 

Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 7 Disc eTap 

Pack shot of the Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 7 Disc eTap road bike
This Aeroad has enough practicality for everyday performance riding. - Russell Burton / Our Media
  • £4,949 / €4,999 / AU$7,399 as tested 
  • Pros: Excellent spec; great ride
  • Cons: Rotor scrape on our test bike

The Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 7 is an incredibly quick aero bike, but it has enough practicality for everyday performance riding.

The geometry is long and low, but not overly so, and it has a far more forgiving ride than its predecessor. 

The spec is excellent, too, with Canyon equipping the bike with DT Swiss wheels and Continental GP5000 S tubeless tyres. We experienced some rotor rubbing in testing, but this isn't too unusual.

Giant Propel Advanced Pro 0 AXS 

Giant Propel Advanced Pro 0 AXS aero road bike
The Giant Propel Advanced Pro 0 AXS is a close match in performance to the pro-level model. - Steve Sayers / Our Media
  • £6,399 / $8,000 / €6,900 / AU$8,499 as tested 
  • Pros: Balance of aero and lightweight; great value; fast and confident feel
  • Cons: A few old-school spec choices

Delivering all-out speed without excess weight and cost, the Giant Propel Advanced Pro 0 AXS was our Aero Bike of the Year 2023.

Despite being half the price of Giant’s top-spec Propel, it is a close match in terms of performance, proving to be fast on practically all terrain.

The 10-28t cassette and narrow tyres feel fairly old-school, but overall, this bike is a race-ready package with plenty of performance for the price. It’s hard to see why you should spend more. 

Orbea Orca Aero M10i LTD

Orbea Orca Aero M10i LTD
The Orbea Orca Aero delivers time-trial speed in road bike form. - Simon Bromley / Immediate Media
  • £9,599 / $9,999 / €9,599 as tested
  • Pros: Feels fast; smooth and confident; excellent spec
  • Cons: Heavier than the competition

The Orca Aero is inspired by Orbea’s time trial and triathlon bike, the Orbea Ordu, with deep frame tubing, an aero water bottle and a rather novel down tube storage box. 

Considering its inspiration, it might not be a surprise that the Orca Aero isn’t the lightest aero bike. But with a geometry similar to the Cannondale SystemSix, it also offers a racy and sharp ride.

Overall, the Orca Aero is impressively quick with a well-thought-out design. It would be a good choice if you’re looking for a bike you can use for general riding as well as time trialling. 

Best women’s road bikes

While many brands choose to make unisex road bikes across their range, there are still some brilliant, women’s-specific bikes out there. 

The best women’s road bikes often feature tweaked geometry and components that match the intended rider, such as narrower handlebars and women-specific saddles.

Liv EnviLiv Advanced 1

Liv EnviLiv Advanced 1 women's aero road bike
The Liv EnviLiv Advanced 1 has a women's-specific geometry. - Sam Voaden / Our Media
  • £4,499 / €4,399 as tested 
  • Pros: Rapid on flat and undulating terrain; tubeless setup as standard
  • Cons: Integrated seat-clamp design

Liv is the sister company of Giant, dedicated to making women’s bikes, and the EnviLiv is the women’s equivalent of the Giant Propel aero bike.

The EnviLiv shares similar speed and acceleration to the Propel but has a women’s-specific geometry and spec. Our tester appreciated how the geometry and women’s saddle helped counteract the stretched-out feel she can have on some road bikes. 

She said the EnviLiv is best considered a specialist machine for triathlons, criteriums and road racing, and riders looking for more of an all-rounder should consider the Liv Langma. 

Liv Langma Advanced Disc 1+

Pack shot of the Liv Langma Advanced 1  Disc road bike
The Liv Langma Advanced Disc 1+ balances speed and comfort. - Russell Burton / Our Media
  • £3,149 / $4,050 / AU$4,799 as tested 
  • Pros: Comfortable; dependable; great looks 
  • Cons: High gearing 

The Liv Langma Advanced Disc 1+ is a do-it-all race bike at a great price.

Balancing speed and comfort, the Langma is great for all-day riding or racing, if you were to adjust your fit to be more aggressive and aerodynamic.

It corners, descends and climbs well, but slightly easier gearing would be preferable.

Liv Langma Advanced Pro 0

Women's specific Liv Langma Advanced Pro 0 road bike
The third-generation Langma Advanced Pro 0 is still a superior all-round road bike. - Sam Voaden / Our Media
  • £6,499 / $6,500 / €6,499 / AU$8,199 as tested
  • Pros: Frame-size proportional bar width; reassuring handling; set-up tubeless out of box
  • Cons: Bottle cages not included, as on other models

The Langma Advanced Pro 0 is the third version of Liv's premier all-round race bike with minor updates elevating it above its predecessors.

Brake and gear cables are now fully integrated and tyre clearance is up from 32mm to 33mm. Liv specs narrower handlebars wrapped in comfier tape and deeper section wheels.

These changes make the Langma Advanced Pro 0 feel faster yet just as compliant.

Scott Contessa Addict 25

Scott Contessa Addict 25 women's road bike
The geometry is the same as Scott's unisex Addict endurance road bike. - Steve Sayers / Our Media
  • £2,499 / $2,800 / €2,800 as tested
  • Pros: Responsive, especially when climbing; value for money; hidden mudguard mounts
  • Cons: Tyres not tubeless-compatible 

The Scott Contessa Addict 25 won our Women’s Bike of the Year Award 2023, thanks to its well-considered build, lively yet comfortable ride and great price.

The carbon bike’s geometry is towards the racier end of endurance road bike and our tester found it to be no slouch, responding well to being ridden at pace.

The mechanical Shimano 105 groupset, wide gear range and hidden mudguard mounts make this a capable, versatile bike that will serve you well for miles of riding. 

Best budget road bikes

The best budget road bikes major in practicality and versatility, with accessory mounts that will make commuting a breeze and often generous tyre clearances for light off-road riding. 

Boardman ADV 8.9 

Pack shot of the Boardman ADV 8.9 road bike
The Boardman ADV 8.9 is startlingly good value. - Dave Caudery / Our Media
  • £1,150 as tested
  • Pros: Great handling; excellent spec; willing ride
  • Cons: Vibrations through the handlebar 

The Boardman ADV 8.9 is a class-leading all-rounder, able to handle road, gravel riding and more. 

It has a willing ride that will encourage you along on tarmac, but it has enough tyre clearance and mounts for bikepacking across rougher terrain too.  

The aluminium frame is built up with a great spec for the price, including GRX derailleur, Promax disc brakes and WTB Riddler tyres. 

Giant Contend 1

Giant Contend 1 road bike
The Giant Contend 1 might be one of Giant’s cheapest road bikes, but don’t underestimate it. - Dave Caudery / Our Media
  • £999 as tested
  • Pros: Slick groupset; enjoyable, rewarding ride
  • Cons: Vibration damping

Coming in at just under £1,000, the Giant Contend 1 is a great road bike for the money, with a slick Shimano Sora drivetrain and a frame that mimics the shapes of the Giant TCR. 

It has an enjoyable, rewarding ride, even if the front end is slightly harsh, and offers everything a well-priced road bike should.

Many of the best road bikes now feature disc brakes. But the Contend’s rim brakes are a wise, practical choice at this price, offering good stopping power and easy servicing. 

Triban RC 500

Pacj shot of the Triban RC500 road bike
The RC 500 is ideal for year-round commuting. - Dave Caudery / Our Media
  • £650 as tested
  • Pros: Shimano Sora; good brakes; versatile
  • Cons: Slightly weighty

Triban is Decathlon’s entry-level bike brand and its RC 500 is an impressive bike for its low price tag, with a Sora drivetrain, good brakes and a great ride. 

Our tester appreciated the laid-back and endurance geometry on longer rides. 

It might not be sporty enough for chasing down your Strava rivals, but its comfort and practicality, including mounts for mudguards and racks, make it ideal for year-round commuting. It could even handle adventurous trips away.

Cannondale CAAD Optimo 1

Cannondale CAAD Optimo 1 road bike
The CAAD Optimo 1 has a high-quality aluminium frame. - Steve Sayers / Our Media
  • £1,300 / $1,305 / €1,499 as tested
  • Pros: Low weight; smooth and balanced ride 
  • Cons: Not a complete 105 groupset

The Cannondale CAAD Optimo 1 won our Budget Road Bike of the Year category in 2023. 

Cannondale has a reputation for high-quality aluminium bikes – for instance, the CAAD13 – and the Optimo lives up to that legacy with an excellent frame.

The frame is matched with good components, including a 105-based groupset, which all comes together to create a light and smooth bike that's satisfying to ride. 

Trek Domane AL 2 Gen 4

Trek Domane AL 2 Gen 4 road bike
The Domane AL 2 is one of the best road bikes around the £1,000 mark. - Steve Sayers / Our Media
  • £1,050 / $1,200 / €1,199 / AU$2,000 as tested
  • Pros: Steady handling; upgradable and adaptable frame; crisp shifting
  • Cons: Mechanical disc brakes

Like more expensive Domanes, the Trek Domane AL 2 Gen 4 is a practical, comfortable and playful endurance road bike.

Clearance for 38mm tyres, mudguard mounts and top tube bag fixings augment the alloy Domane's versatility. Winter road cycling, bikepacking and commuting are all within its capabilities.

The lively frameset is worth upgrading, but to switch to hydraulic disc brakes, you'll have to swap the entire drivetrain. This is a shame because the Shimano Claris gears shift well.

How we test road bikes

We’ve been testing road bikes since BikeRadar’s inception in 2007, tracking every major development in road bike tech, from the advent of electronic groupsets to the widespread adoption of disc brakes.

We’ve tested all the major road bikes of the last 17 years, from the first gravel bikes to the latest aero road bikes, covering everything from budget rides to pro-level superbikes.

Since BikeRadar was founded, we've reviewed more than 15,000 bikes and products, and our annual Bike of the Year test has become an industry benchmark.

Working with our colleagues at Cycling Plus magazine, our road bike reviews are always editorially independent – with no exceptions. Our reviewers comprehensively test each bike, always reflecting on performance, value and the wider market when delivering their verdict.

Our current testers are widely respected by the cycling industry, with our senior technical editor, Warren Rossiter, set to judge the best bikes at Eurobike 2024, the world’s largest cycling trade show.

How to choose a road bike by price

Best road bikes under £750 / $750

Pinnacle Laterite 2
You don't have to spend much to get started with road cycling. - Steve Sayers / Our Media

Getting into road riding needn't cost you a fortune. Even just £350 / $350 will buy you a bike that will get you started with the world of road riding, although spending even slightly more will get you a significantly better bike.

Our full buyer's guide to the best cheap road bikes is a great place to start, and we've got tips for second-hand bike buyers, too.

Best road bikes under £1,000 / $1,000

Male cyclist in black top riding the Trek Domane AL 2 Gen 4 road bike
£1,000 is a great place to start if you have a bit more cash. - Steve Sayers / Our Media

The best road bikes under £1,000 are a great place to start if you have a bit more cash and are new to cycling, or if you're unsure how much riding you’re going to be doing.

Best road bikes under £2,000 / $2,000

Specialized Allez Sport being ridden on a country lane. Liam Cahill sprints past, showing the drive side of the bike
Choose the right brand and £2,000 / $2,000 gets you a great bike. - Robyn Furtado / BikeRadar

The pro-level superbikes that fall into the price range beyond this bracket are truly amazing and it’s easy to be tempted by them.

But don’t worry if you can’t get your hands on one without remortgaging your house because the best road bikes under £2,000 still bring you into great bike territory.

Best road bikes under £3,000 / $3,000

Giant Defy Advanced 0 road bike
The sub-£3,000 / $3,000 category holds five-star bikes. - Steve Sayers / Our Media

This sort of price range used to be the sole preserve of the dedicated race bike. But the profile of this section of the market has changed and the best road bikes under £3,000 are now just as likely to be sportive/endurance models.


Road bike buyer’s guide

What kind of road bike should I buy?

Group shot of Road Bike of the Year testers
Do you want to travel great distances in comfort, climb big hills, or zip along at a pace? - Steve Sayers / Our Media

Road bikes fall into two general broad categories: race and endurance.

Race bikes put the rider’s torso in a lower, more aerodynamic position and typically have more aggressive geometry for quick handling.

Endurance road bikes put the rider in a more upright position and the frame angles are a little more relaxed for confidence-inducing stability and long-distance comfort. These are sometimes also known as sportive bikes.

All-road bikes are becoming a burgeoning category and largely mimic an endurance bike but offer larger tyre clearances, although not quite to the extent of gravel bikes.

In either category, you should expect to pay between £500 / $500 and £1,000 / $1,000 for a high-quality, entry-level machine that will give years of trouble-free service.

The best way to learn the difference between the two is to ride both, either through test rides at an event or a shop, or by borrowing a bike from a friend.

Niche sub-categories

2025 Canyon Aeroad
Pros ride lightweight aero road bikes even in the mountains. - Liam Cahill / Our Media

Underneath these two broad categories are more niche categories, tailored to more specific demands.

There are two main sub-categories of race bikes. Aero bikes will provide out-and-out speed. The best climbing bikes prioritise low weights over aerodynamics.

The best winter road bikes tend to fall into the endurance category and you could make a case for the best touring bikes to be in this category, too.

A growing category of road bikes is electric road bikes, which have motors to help assist you on your ride.

What are road bike frames made from?

Fairlight Strael 3 with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 groupset
The Fairlight Strael 3.0 is the acme of a steel road bike. - Simon von Bromley / Our Media

One of the main differences between road bikes will be the material used to make the frame.

Many of the most expensive road bikes will be made from carbon fibre, because it has a high strength-to-weight ratio, allowing brands to create lightweight and efficient bikes.

The best aluminium road bikes can offer a ride experience and a similar level of performance to carbon road bikes but are generally more affordable, due to aluminium being a cheaper material. They do tend to be heavier, though, but not always by that much.

Pack shot of the Cannondale CAAD13 Disc 105 road bike
Performance alloy bikes do exist, such as the Cannondale CAAD13. - David Caudery / Immediate Media

Many of the most affordable road bikes are made from aluminium.

The best steel road bikes offer classy and classic looks, and many riders say this frame material gives a ride quality like no other, absorbing bumps in the road while providing a ‘zingy’ ride feel.

The best titanium road bikes are often a large investment due to the difficulty of working the material. But, like steel, they are desirable for their unique feel, appealing looks and their exclusivity.

Road bike groupsets explained

SRAM Force AXS groupset
The collection of drivetrain and braking components known as the groupset is one important deciding factor in determining the overall cost – and quality – of a road bike. - Russell Burton / Our Media

Road bike gearing has evolved considerably. Most road bike drivetrains now have two chainrings and between nine and 12 cogs – or now, even 13 – in the rear.

Shimano and SRAM are, by far, the most common drivetrain brands, although you will find Campagnolo, Microshift and FSA components out there too.

In general, endurance bikes have smaller gears, meaning it’s easier to get up hills, while race bikes have larger gears for higher top-end speed.

Shimano Dura-Ace R9200 chainrings
The 53t largest chainring has all but disappeared except on pro bikes. - Simon von Bromley / Our Media

Bigger chainrings mean more outright speed (and effort), and smaller chainrings – dubbed compact – mean less effort.

Some road bikes use 1x drivetrains, which omit a front derailleur and have a wider cassette range, although this is more popular on gravel bikes.

For a detailed breakdown of the options, see our buyer’s guide to road bike groupsets.

Rim brakes or disc brakes?

Giant Propel Advanced Pro 0 AXS aero road bike
The adoption of disc brakes has accelerated on road bikes. - Steve Sayers / Our Media

For decades, road bikes used caliper rim brakes, where blocks of rubber squeezed against the rims.

Now, however, the majority of mid-range and high-end road bikes come equipped with disc brakes, which have been used on mountain bikes for many years.

The disc brakes vs. rim brakes debate is endless but, in short, discs offer superior braking in wet weather, but are heavier and slightly more hassle to maintain.

Rim brakes are still common on more affordable bikes, and they remain a perfectly viable option for many riders.

Note that the majority of rim brake bikes cannot be converted to discs and vice versa, so once you’ve made your choice, you’re committed to it.

Aluminium or carbon fibre wheels?

Roval Rapide CLX II carbon road wheelset
Quality carbon road wheels are light and aerodynamic. - Josh Patterson / Our Media

With few exceptions, road bikes will come with 700c wheels with either aluminium or carbon fibre rims.

Aluminium rims come as standard on many road bikes, particularly at the lower end of the price spectrum, because they are relatively cheap to produce.

Carbon rims are becoming increasingly common on new, complete bikes. Wheels with carbon rims can be even lighter than those with aluminium rims. They can be more aerodynamic too, because the high strength-to-weight ratio of the material means manufacturers can create ‘deep-section’ rim profiles that aren’t prohibitively heavy.

Jack’s Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Haute Route Davos Horse for the Course
The performance of rim brakes on carbon rims diminishes in the rain. - Olivier Penpenic / Haute Route

If you have a rim brake bike, the rim material itself takes the brunt of the braking force. This makes aluminium rims a popular choice because when the rim eventually wears down through use, it's cheaper to replace aluminium rims than carbon rims.

Aluminium rims also provide a better braking surface than carbon rims in wet conditions, so many riders will fit aluminium rims to their bike in winter, saving their wheels with carbon rims – if they have them – for summer.

The growing popularity of disc brakes has made much of the debate between aluminium and carbon rims redundant, however. Because disc brakes bind with a metal rotor attached to the wheel rather than the rim itself, riders can now opt for carbon rims regardless of weather conditions or season.

What tyres will my road bike come with?

Vittoria Corsa Pro TLR
Numbers on the sidewall refer to the size of the tyre on the wheel and width of the tyre when inflated. - Simon von Bromley / Our Media

Most road bikes come with slick or very lightly treaded tyres.

While extremely narrow tyres used to be commonplace, it’s become more common to spec wider tyres on road bikes in recent years. Race bikes are often fitted with 25mm-wide tyres, while endurance bikes come with 28mm or even 32mm tyres.

Regardless of the width, all of these tyres will roll fast and the wider tyres give you a little more cushioning (and speed over rougher road surfaces) in exchange for a little more weight.

The best road bike tyres will offer a combination of speed (low rolling resistance), grip and puncture resistance.

Tyres are one of the easiest things to change and one of the best bike upgrades. So you don’t need to worry much about what the bike comes with. That said, if you are keen on maximising the comfort of your bike, make sure the frame has clearance for wider tyres.

Again, race bikes that favour aerodynamics will typically skew towards skinny tyres, while the endurance bikes that deliver comfort will generally have plump rubber.

If you’re unsure how to pump up your tyres or how to change your tyres, check out our comprehensive guides.

How to get the correct road bike size

Man on bike fitting machine
A bike fit from a good shop is an invaluable investment. - BikeRadar

Bike fit is critical. A budget road bike that fits you like a glove will feel and handle much better than an ill-fitting superbike.

While most brands have bike fit charts on their websites, it’s vital to just go and sit on the thing if you are new to cycling.

Once you learn what fit works for you, you can shop using the charts; in the meantime, try bikes as you would shoes.

Once you have selected the right size frame – which any good bike shop can help you with – you then need to get your bike’s saddle height correct and adjust the handlebar height for comfortable riding. Again, a professional fit at a good shop is invaluable here.

Most good shops will work with you to fine-tune other elements of your fit too, such as the distance to the handlebar, the angle of the handlebar and even the feel of the saddle.

Just try a few until you find something comfortable – many saddle manufacturers will also offer demo services via their dealers.

Note that saddle preference is highly personal; there’s no universal right answer here. The best road bike saddles will be supportive while allowing sufficient blood flow in your delicate areas, and won't get in the way of pedalling.

Many saddles are considered unisex, but some of the best women’s road bike saddles have features specifically tailored to female anatomy.