Road Bikes

Major brands produce dozens of models in a variety of materials and price ranges. Since bikes are designed for different types of riding (casual, touring and racing are three general categories), buyers need to research more than merely price or brand when shopping for a bike. Experts say that proper sizing should be the first priority; if a bicycle frame is too large, it may be difficult to reach shifters, brakes, or even the ground comfortably. Alternately, too small a frame may increase risk of knee injuries. While most road bicycles are available in a variety of sizes, shorter men and short to average-sized women will find their choices narrowed.

To further contribute to confusion, road bikes are sometimes slotted into sub-classes which include: Fitness, performance, triathon/time trial, comfort, and cruiser. Tri bikes are reserved for triathlon racing and usually come with an aero bar, which provides armrests atop the handlebars for long cruises in an aerodynamic position. Comfort bikes tend to be equipped with more upright handlebars and seatposts with small shock absorbers. Cruisers don't have many gears, are heavy and are meant for short rides. We did not include tri, comfort or cruiser bikes in this evaluation, but see our Alternative Considerations section below for suggestions on where to check for reviews on these models. Another category is the commuter or city bike, technically a hybrid bike with road-bike tires and straight rather than drop-down handlebars.

Because buying a road bike can be an overwhelming endeavor, several review sources devote space to the "how-to" of bike buying. Bicycling magazine provides the most detailed information, but Consumer Reports and ConsumerGuide.com also do a thorough job. The importance of fit and component selection is a good reason to start your search at a bike shop. Dedicated bike shops employ salespeople that will take time to fit you properly, let you take different models for at test spin, and will swap components, especially the saddle, to suit your needs.

Road bikes under $1,000

We found a surprising number of bikes recommended as the best bets for casual riders who want a quality bike for under $1,000. Giant's Sport OCR series, the Schwinn Fastback and the Marin San Rafael are aluminum-framed bikes cited as good choices.

Consumer Guide selects the Giant Sport OCR 2 (*est. $850) as a Best Buy. Experts appear uniformly happy with all of the Giant Sport OCR bicycles. The OCR 1, 2 and 3 are priced at around $1000, $850 and $600, respectively. The least-expensive model in the line, the OCR 3, has twice been Bicycling magazine's top pick for an entry-level road bike. However, spending extra money on the OCR 1 and 2 nets progressively higher-quality Shimano derailleur and shifters, a higher quality seat and one additional gear. Also, the cheaper OCR 3 comes with toe clips rather than clipless pedals.

Outside magazine claims that the Sport OCR 1 offers, "bomber durability and a comfortable ride at a fetching price." Recreational commuter reviewers at RoadBikeReview.com are lavish in their praise of the various OCR road bikes, saying that Giant, the largest American bike company, offers great value for the price. We've included the Giant Sport OCR 2 in ConsumerSearch Fast Answers as the best bang for the buck. This bicycle has a carbon-composite fork (rather than aluminum on the Giant OCR 3), which helps dampen vibration and soften the ride. Giant wouldn't specify a weight on this model, though it appears to be in the 22-pound range.

Bicycling magazine picks the Fuji Newest (*est. $825) as one of its recreational-road-bike recommendations. "Tough parts and a traditional geometry," is the magazine's take on this 27-speed aluminum road bicycle. At 21 pounds, it is among the lighter road bikes we saw tested by experts, but one reviewer quibbles about annoying road vibration -- probably because of the all-aluminum frame. Unlike the Giant Sport OCR 2, the Fuji doesn’t have a carbon or carbon-composite fork.

The Schwinn Fastback Sport 24 (*est. $600) wins plaudits as an "outstanding value" with a "racy" feel that nevertheless "quietly hummed down ratty pavement," according to Outside magazine's 2004 Buyer's Guide. "A reasonably solid" upper-level entry bike "upon which developing cyclists could choose to upgrade," comments ConsumerGuide.com. Schwinn is now owned by Pacific Cycle, a huge outfit that is also owns the mass-produced Murray, Pacific and Roadmaster brands. Bike aficionados are distrustful of Pacific Cycle, and some say the bikes they produce are too heavy and made with lower-quality components. Even so, experts say the swankier Fastbacks are a great value. The frame is all aluminum, typical of budget road bikes.

Outside magazine's James Glave chooses the Jamis Satellite (*est. $725) as the one road bike under $1,000 worthy of being in the same roundup as bikes costing thousands more because it, "rides like a bike that costs twice as much." Its traditional Reynolds-steel frame "is a superior material for soaking up bumps," according to Glave. This 24-pound steel chassis cruiser was also included as the best "bargain" bike in the new Men’s Journal review.

The REI Forza (*est. $700) is highlighted in the 2005 Men's Journal's bare-bones annual bike guide. The Forza is reviewer Ben Hewitt's first choice for an entry-level road bike and is "ideal for easy touring," writes Hewitt. Novara, the house brand at nationwide outdoors retailer REI, is better known for touring bikes (the kind you load with big sacks, called panniers, filled with your clothes and camping gear). But Men's Journal suggests that this "sport" bike would also be fine for casual rides. The Forza has an aluminum frame with a carbon fork. We couldn't get a weight specification for this bike. If you prefer flat handlebars, the Forza is an alternative to the Giant OCR 2, which has dropped bars; both have a carbon fork.

Bicycling's Joe Lindsey calls the Marin San Rafael (*est. $475) "a streetwise commuter with suspension comfort," claiming the model offers a little something for everyone. The San Rafael has more upright head and seat angles than most road bicycles, as well as a suspension fork and seat post, and an adjustable stem – all of which are nods to the comfort oriented rider. Technically a hybrid bicycle, the San Rafael makes use of suspension components and straight handlebars, rather than the dropped handlebars you'll find on the Giant OCR bicycles and the Schwinn Fastback. The 29-pound aluminum San Rafael weighs more than true road bikes, due to its additional of a suspension fork and seat post. Higher weight is also part of the tradeoff with bargain bikes. The budget Marin bicycle is available in six sizes, as well as a women's frame.

Mid-range road bicycles

The Bianchi Eros (*est. $1,100) and Lemond Tourmalet (*est. $1,100) get two picks each from reviewers. ConsumerGuide.com lists the Eros as a best buy and the Tourmalet is also recommended, though it's unclear whether these models were road-tested. Both are listed as good choices among the 17 bicycles in the $1,000 to $1,250 price-range by Bicycling Online's "Bike Finder" tool.

The reviews note that the Eros is a classic chrome-moly (steel composite) frame bike weighing 23 pounds with what ConsumerGuide.com calls a "smart mix of quality parts on the same frame as the pricier Veloce" model. These include two-sided pedals so a rider can click in when on a long stretch of road, yet wear more walking-friendly, recessed-cleated mountain bike shoes. Reviewers give the Eros high marks for handling. The Eros also comes in a women's version, the Eros Donna.

The Lemond Tourmalet has an aluminum frame, and can be equipped with either two or three chainrings on its front derailleur for a wider range of gears (a maximum of 27). Like the similar Bianchi Eros, the Tourmalet weighs 23 pounds. The Tourmalet is cited by reviewers for confident handling and is suitable for long road trips. Three reviewers at RoadBikeReview.com praise the Lemond for its stability and overall value.

At a higher price point is the traditional yet lightweight steel-framed Bianchi Veloce (*est. $1,600), which Outside's Buyers Guide says has a "buttery-smooth" road feel, and is "speedy but not hardcore." The Veloce has been a favorite for two years at RoadBikeReview.com, where owners say it's a good value for superior performance. ConsumerGuide.com says the Veloce is "the best confluence of technology and affordability in Bianchi's line." Painted in Bianchi's trademark mint green, it features 30 gears (3 more than most) from the highly thought-of Campagnolo Veloce component group.

Bicycling's Mark Riedy labels the Specialized Roubaix Comp (*est. $2,200) "the new standard in comfort and performance road bikes." He then goes on to call the bike the most comfortable sub 20-pound bike their testers have ever ridden. Intended to be both a competent race bike and a fun light-weight recreation model, the Roubaix has several markets in mind with its high quality component selection. The Specialized Roubaix has a 2.6-pound monocoque carbon frame and an all-carbon fork that features patented Zertz vibration-eating inserts -- a technology pioneered by Specialized.

We found several good mentions of the Specialized Sequoia line (*est. $820 to $2,400, depending on model). Although reviewers don't generally rank the Sequoia over the Bianchi Eros and the Lemond Tourmalet, owners posting to RoadBikeReview.com praise its comfort above all else (it has a suspension seatpost). In addition, recreational riders and commuters say the Specialized deftly handles hills and has good acceleration. The different Sequoia bicycles vary in price primarily depending upon the level of Shimano components. Riders of the Sequoia Elite version are thrilled with the Shimano's Ultegra group of components, which quality-wise sit just below the top-of-the-line Shimano Dura-Ace components used on bikes such as the $5,000 Trek Madone.

As with other sporting gear, such as skis and golf clubs, a large and growing number of manufacturers now make women-specific road bikes. This is a great development for smaller women, as well as for those who may be able to ride a unisex bike but who prefer a saddle and handlebars sized to fit a woman's anatomy.

Bicycling Magazine singles out the Trek 5200 WSD (*est. $2,500), with its expensive carbon-fiber frame, as the best of six. Editors say the Trek is "Elegantly beautiful," with an "astonishingly neutral frame whose brother won the Tour de France." The 5200 men's model has been a hit for several years with RoadBikeReview.com. At just over 19 pounds, with 27 gears and excellent Shimano Ultegra components, the women's model is "a dream to ride," according to one reviewer.

High-end road bikes

In the dream-machine category, the Trek Madone 5.9 (*est. $5,000) is a definite winner. The Madone is among the very expensive bikes on the mainstream market, with near perfect ratings from RoadBikeReview.com riders, as well as a mention among the elite in Outside magazine. It comes with high-end Shimano Dura-Ace components, weighs less than 16 pounds, and is almost identical to the bike Lance Armstrong rides.

Bicycling's Mike Cushionbury calls the Kona King Zing (*est. $5,500) "a top notch, beautifully made carbon-speedster completely outfitted with a bevy of pro-level parts and accessories." The Kona King Zing represents one of the latest developments in carbon framing. Kona (which is better known for mountain bikes) developed a new way to mold carbon tubing into frames, without using bracket junctions. The Italian-made Kona road bike weighs a hair over 16 pounds, with top-of-the-line Shimano Dura-Ace components, which are built for efficiency and speed. If you can afford the steep sticker price, this is one of the lightest road bikes currently available.

Top-end road bikes can climb well into the thousands. There are dozens of titanium production models from Litespeed and others that are just as expensive as the Madone or Kona. Custom bike manufacturers (made to measure and truly custom) sell such high end models, as well. You can also put together your personalized dream bike by choosing just a frame from a top manufacturer such as Colnago or Seven, adding a drivetrain from another, and before you know it, the bill will reach $7,000 or more, especially when using titanium. Bicycling magazine's number-one "dream bike" is a $9,000 Serrotta.

Important Features: Road bikes

Experts say that fit should be your most important criteria in selecting a road bicycle, but there are some other factors you'll want to consider.

• A road bike's frame material affects price, weight and riding "feel." Aluminum, steel alloy (also called chrome-moly), carbon-fiber and titanium are among the most popular materials used. The most expensive is titanium, but a $5,000 titanium bike may be a waste of money for all but serious or soon-to-be serious riders. No single titanium bike got sensational notices from more than one review source. More and more road bikes are aluminum, but experts say its light weight is often offset by a harsh, unforgiving ride. Carbon fiber is a composite found on top-of-the-line models and is considered very stiff and great for racing. Even in the 21^st century, however, traditional steel composite frames remain extremely popular. Many good mid-range bikes combine an aluminum frame with a carbon fork and/or seat post.

• Components are as crucial as brand-name frames. Two companies, Shimano and Campagnolo, dominate the field in contributing components such as front and rear derailleurs, rear 'cassettes' of up to 10 gears or cogs for different terrain, front chainrings (either two or three) for larger gearing choices, along with pedals, etc. Each company has about six different lines which are often the reason for varying prices on bikes with similar frames (such as the Giant OCR series). Most road bikes come with clipless pedals -- you must use special cycling shoes whose cleats clip to the pedals for efficient riding. Other important components are the "fork" that straddles the front wheel, the wheels themselves, and the saddles. Many wheels and saddles come from third-party companies and can be exchanged at time of purchase. You don't need to settle for an uncomfortable saddle, as good bike dealers will be happy to let you try others before buying.

• Buy online with care. It is possible to get great deals on road bikes online, but bear in mind that when shipped, several parts of the bike must be detached, meaning you or a nearby shop will have to assemble it when it arrives. If the size turns out to be wrong for you, you must break it down again in order to return it.

Sizing and fit

Most manufacturers contribute only the frame to the bike. The other components often come from other sources. Thus, a good retailer will offer to let you test different saddles and also to switch components, such as the stem, pedals and even derailleurs, in order to help a bike fit you better or ride more smoothly.

That is why experts recommend that you consider placing your trust in a local bike shop, where qualified employees can assist with sizing, as well as swap out different components for a better fit. Many of these benefits are lost by shopping online or at a big-box department store. However, if you have a friend who can measure you and offer advice on the gear ratios and other technical details, you can save hundreds of dollars by ordering via the Internet. Bicycling magazine, Outside Buyers Guide and ConsumerGuide.com also have valuable sizing charts, component explanations and how-to-buy information.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model	Details from Amazon.com
4	Giant OCR 1 (*est. $1,000)	-
3	Schwinn Fastback (*est. $750)	details
3	Bianchi Veloce (*est. $1,600)	-
3	Bianchi Eros (*est. $1,100)	-
3	Trek 5200 WSD (*est. $2,500)	-
3	LeMond Tourmalet (*est. $1,100)	-
3	KHS Flight 500 (*est. $1,000)	-
3	Fuji Newest (*est. $825)	-
2	Specialized Roubaix Comp (*est. $2,200)	-
2	Kona King Zing (*est. $6,000)	-
2	Fuji Ace (discontinued)	-
2	Jamis Satellite (*est. $700)	-
1 each	Giant OCR Elite, Giant OCR 2, Giant OCR Touring, Cannondale R2000, Marin San Rafael

The most often recommended bikes in reviews are in the $1,000 price range. Reviews say this is the 'sweet spot' for most cyclists. Enthusiasts and racers will want to browse higher, while first-time or budget buyers can find good options starting at about $700.

If you want a city bike or commuter bike instead of a true road bike, the Marin San Rafael has a more upright riding position, flat handlebars and suspension. Hyrid bikes like the Marin are less expensive than even entry-level road bicycles.

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