Road Bikes: Reviews

Updated June 2011

Best all-around road bike

$3200

Estimated Price

The Giant Defy Advanced 1 attracts a host of recommendations, including awards from Bicycling and Triathlon Plus magazines. Reviewers say it's one of the most impressive bikes of the year, thanks to a stiff carbon frame that offers ample speed and precise handling. Testers are particularly impressed with the bike's climbing performance, especially compared to other road bikes in this price range. Even though the Giant Defy Advanced 1 brings plenty of speed to the table, it offers a smoother, more comfortable ride than many of its competitors. As a result, experts say it can pull double-duty for racing or heavy mileage. Reviewers have few complaints other than the hefty price tag, although all the experts we consulted say the Giant Defy Advanced 1 is well worth the cost. The carbon frame is outfitted with Shimano Ultegra components and DT Swiss wheels. A women's model, the Giant Avail Advanced 1 (*Est. $3,200), is also available.

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Cannondale SuperSix Women's 3 Ultegra

Women's road bike

$3200

Estimated Price

Like the Giant Defy Advanced 1, the Cannondale SuperSix Women's 3 Ultegra provides an excellent mix of pure performance and all-day riding comfort, reviewers say. This carbon-framed bike handles well in a variety of conditions, including tight corners and high-speed descents. Testers say the bike responds instantly and wastes little pedaling effort along the way. Comfort is a high point; the frame does a good job of absorbing road vibration and minimizing bumps on rough rides. Four female-specific frame sizes make it easy for women to obtain a perfect fit. However, one reviewer recommends upgrading to a lighter wheelset. As its name suggests, the Cannondale SuperSix Women's 3 Ultegra has Shimano Ultegra components with Mavic Ksyrium Equipe wheels and Schwalbe tires.

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Giant TCR Composite

Entry-level carbon road bike

$1950

Estimated Price

If you're ready to graduate to your first carbon frame, reviewers say the Giant TCR Composite should be at the top of your list. Reviewers rave about the value, saying this bike has one of the best price-to-performance ratios out there. The racy, aggressive feel will appeal to aspiring racers, especially considering that the geometry is modeled on Giant's $13,000 race bike. Testers report good acceleration power and solid braking performance, and they acknowledge that this is a road bike that likes to go fast. Some of this speed comes at the sake of comfort; one report says the ride can be a bit jarring on rough roads. Reviewers also recommend upgrading the wheels to something lighter. The Giant TCR Composite has Shimano 105 components, Tektro TK-R540 brakes and Giant-branded wheels.

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Specialized Allez Comp Compact M2 Apex

Best-value road bike

$1450

Estimated Price

Experts say the Specialized Allez Comp Compact M2 Apex is a great road bike for cyclists who can't afford to spend much but want the best performance for their dollar. Like most bikes in this price range, the Specialized Allez Comp has an aluminum frame, but the carbon fork helps dampen a good deal of road vibration. Reviewers say the road bike's frame is a good investment that can be upgraded with better components as your skills improve. The compact crankset gets high marks for its versatility, providing plenty of gearing options for long, hilly rides or fast pacelines. To keep costs in check, Specialized has to make some concessions on the components. Reviewers would like to see lighter wheels, and we saw one complaint that the shifting is noisy. Components come mainly from the SRAM Apex group, along with Tektro brakes, Mavic rims and Specialized tires.

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Trek 1.1

Budget road bike

$730

Estimated Price

The Trek 1.1 is a solid road bike suitable for beginners and casual riders, reviews say. It comes in eight sizes so it's easy to find a comfortable fit, and experts are pretty impressed with the value. Even though the Trek 1.1 road bike has an aluminum frame and fork, testers say the ride is much smoother than expected. The bike shifts cleanly, and the stock saddle is more comfortable than what you'll find on most budget road bikes. The relaxed geometry is suitable for beginners, especially those who may not be used to riding a road bike. Reviewers do wish the Trek offered the option of a triple crankset -- a common feature on budget bikes -- and testers say the tires could use more grip, especially in tight corners and turns. The Trek 1.1 road bike has Shimano 2300 gearing, a compact FSA Tempo crankset, Bontrager wheels and alloy brakes.

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