Choosing and buying a new road bike

33 Votes here (click stars to vote)

When you first decide to buy a road bike the choice can be very daunting. From bikes in the local supermarket costing £150 to those in specialist shops costing up to £5000 or more, what is the difference and what should you look for?

If you haven't ridden a road bike before, or not for many years, it is not easy to 'test drive' bikes, because they will all feel 'wrong' at first. The saddle will seem uncomfortable and too high, your back might hurt, and you won't know how to change gears. Don't be deterred!

For your first bike you are looking for a bike that will be a pleasure to ride, and will get you back on the road. There is no reason to pay dearly for a carbon-fibre frame and super light fittings quite yet. There are many road bikes in the £400 - £1,000 range that will do very well, from almost all the major manufacturers - Trek, Giant, Bianchi, Specialized etc.

The more expensive bikes will have lighter, more solid (rigid) frames and components. All should be satisfactory. There are plenty of £300-400 bikes available, and those in the £600 - £1100 range are really very good bikes, with many models falling between these two ranges.)

In truth a bike from any of the reputable manufacturers will be fine. None are going to have serious flaws, and the slight difference in weight is not crucial at this stage. I would not recommend buying an 'unbranded' bike since these will often have components - gears, brakes etc - that are not made to last, might well weigh a lot more, and could put you off cycling for ever.

Colour and appearance is important - psychologically at least. If you think the bike looks great you'll think you look great as well!

The most important thing of all is the size of the road bike. Riding the most expensive bike in the world will not be fun if it is the wrong size for you. See road bike sizing for more information.

Don't buy a bike in the sales because it is a bargain unless it is the right size!

Pedals are discussed elsewhere, but you might like to use 'old-fashioned' pedals at first, rather than clipless pedals, while you get used to the bike, and change them in due course.

One other choice that you will be confronted by - how many gears do you want. Many new and more expensive bikes have two rings at the front, and purists would ride nothing else. Many people are happier with three. Ironically it will often be the cheaper bikes that have three front rings. When you have been cycling a while you might find that you never use the smallest front ring, but if you plan to cycle many hills you might prefer the option. Going up a hill at the end of a long ride you might prefer to use the so-called granny-gear (the easiest gear on the bike).

If the shop sneer at you for wanting three rings, sneer back and go elsewhere. The choice is yours. The number of gears / rings at the back - usually 9 or 10 - is unlikely to be an issue.

Try and visit at least a couple of shops and get different opinions. Finding a good shop with helpful knowledgeable staff is an enormous help in the months and years to come.

47 Comments

Carley makes this comment

Wednesday, 21 April 2010

Ive recently taken up cycling. Normally riding along the promenade (flat)and adjacent cycling path (which is hilly). I am just using a cheap mountain bike but would like to upgrade my bike. I think I might feel a bit self conscious buying a road bike and then being no good on it. I want to improve (speed and distance) and my current bike is pants. I also still want pleasure from my rides. Do you think its a good idea to get a road bike at this stage or maybe get another mountain bike?
Admin makes this comment

Wednesday, 21 April 2010

Hi, and welcome. Definitely I would get a road bike - but of course, I would say that. There are also bikes that are like 'road-bikes but slightly more rugged' - bigger tyres, more upright position etc.
The point about what people think is interesting and exactly why I started off with a cheap bike (apart from lack of money) - I wouldn't want to be a rubbish rider on a great bike either. But a cheapish road bike, clothes and gear that aren't top of the range, and nobody will notice a thing, or care if they overtake you or not.
Erick V. makes this comment

Tuesday, 27 April 2010

Hi guys, I love your web site. I'm 33 and I haven't rode a bike since I was 14. I want to start training for a triathlon so I would consider buying a bike. What kind of bike should I buy, I don't want something to expensive since I've been out of practice for so long, but I don't want to be last in the competition either. Your advice is highly appreciated.
Admin makes this comment

Wednesday, 28 April 2010

Your local bike shop should have some good recommendations and hopefully some bikes you could try but personally I'd go for one of the bikes around £600-700 from one of the major manufacturers like Trek or Specialized - the Trek 1.2 especialy is always highly spoken of. These will certainl be good enough to use for a couple of years without holding you back too much.
Admin makes this comment

Wednesday, 28 April 2010

ps a bike I'm not familiar with but someone recommended if you want to spend much less is the bTwin Sport range of road-bikes - cost £200 from your local Decathlon, they said 'for that price you get a decent-quality road-bike with 24-speed Sora groupset and some other decent components, just let down by it's heavy weight (alloy frame), but at that price you can't complain!'. Perhaps worth a look.
David makes this comment

Monday, 10 May 2010

I want to take up cycling as a form of fitness and for the enjoyment of it. I have an old mountain bike which I've had for ages and I use for getting up and down from uni but I'd like something better and faster to actually take out and ride. I've looked through bikes on ebay but don't know whether it's worth saving £300 odd for a bike which possibly won't be such a perfect fit as if I bought it in a shop
Admin makes this comment

Monday, 10 May 2010

Tricky one. I'd not buy a bike from ebay personally because I know I wouldn't notice if the frame was cracked, the wheels off-true, or the gears worn out and needing replacing - but that's just me and if you would spot that kind of thing it might be worth looking at.
Fit wise, I'll be a heretic and suggest that there are various guides and tools on the internet that tell you how to measure what size frame you want and as long as that's right the other adjustments eg saddle height and back-forwards adjustment can be done at home. However I know plenty of people who would disagree with me!
Main thing is not to buy a bike knowing it's a slightly wrong size just because it's a great bargain. Also remember there are significant advantages in buying from a shop when it comes to after sales service and ongoing maintenance.
Abtin makes this comment

Wednesday, 12 May 2010

Hi, I'm thinking of getting my first Road Bike. I've looked around and I'm considering to go for the Trek Madone 5 series Project One (chose Trek since I've got one). I currently have a Trek Fuel Ex9 mtb and I have no idea if it's a good idea to spend £3400. I have an obsession with riding bikes and love to go as fast as possible. I ride between 15 to 50 miles usually. Since I've never ridden a Road Bike I have a lot of fears such as: carbon frame breaking if I fall(Highest concern), pot holes, wheels losing grip round turns, wet condition grip, clipless pedals getting stuck, falling over, losing control. Please help! Thanks
Admin makes this comment

Thursday, 13 May 2010

Hi Abtin, it would certainly be unusual to spend so much on a first road bike, but the question is more whether you would be happiest on a bike like that. The Trek Madone (and most similar 'semi-pro' bikes) have their own characteristics that come from being very light and rigid, and not all are ideal for a new road bike rider - they go fast, but take a lot of effort to make them go fast because of the rigidity. I suspect you might find the experience a bit disappointing - I can only suggest you try and borrow a few bikes from your local bike shop and try them out first. (PS I ride a Trek Madone Series 5 and love it, but I rode for a few years on cheaper bikes first.)
I wouldn't worry too much about the other concerns you raise but would try and avoid falling if possible!
Richard makes this comment

Saturday, 22 May 2010

Hi, I've been riding a road bike (Bianchi c2c xenon) for the last couple of years (bought it second hand from my LBS) I am now considering buying a new bike over the summer, and you like some recommendations on what to look for, I doubt I'll want to spend much more than about £700 (unless, for example, I get a huge difference by paying £750 etc)
My current bike is still running fine, however I just fancy a change.
I'm not the fittest, or most enthusiastic cyclist, but I get out when I can, and try and get out atleast once a week (more if I can) depending on how busy I am.
Thanks for the help
Admin makes this comment

Sunday, 23 May 2010

Hi Richard, Unfortunately I can't recommend a specific bike because there are so many I have never tried that I would be ignoring too many great bikes. If I were you I would (1) visit at least 2 local bike shops and get their opinions, and if at all possible borrow a couple for a decent length ride (bearing in mind that shops are often also biased) and (2) look at as many bike magazines as you can get your hands on for reviews of bikes in your price range. Also ask other riders you know, but they like me will usually have limited knowledge of lots of models.
Robin makes this comment

Saturday, 29 May 2010

Hi I haven't ridden for years (since I was about 16, I am now 41) and up to a few months ago was very fat. I have since lost about 3 stone and have now decided to get fit again by riding. I have a budget of around £2000.00 and have no idea what to get. I was thinking of a pure road/racing bike but I have recently been reading about sportive bikes which apparently are slightly more comfortable and durable. Can anyone suggest if this is a good way to go and if it is any particular model?

Thanks
sarah makes this comment

Monday, 07 June 2010

hi! i'm looking around at girls road bikes and keep seeing the option of 'comp' or not comp! i know it has something to do with the gears but what exactly does this mean?!
thank you!
Dominic makes this comment

Thursday, 10 June 2010

Hi, I've gone road biking out with my friends a couple of times using their bikes, which are decent brands, but old condition hand-me-downs. My main interest in cycling would be that it's a great work out without actually feeling like I'm doing work. Instead it feels liberating and fun. However, as a college student who pays for college entirely through loans and grants, and who is currently unemployed (job searching every day), my income is literally in the negatives. So, I want to spend under $300.00 (US). Also, given my current lazy nature, being realistic, I don't know how often I will ride, or stick with it at all. So, I bring into question the 700C GMC Denali Men's 26" Road Bike. I have seen both fantastic and horrible reviews from long time cyclists. Given it's extremely low price (under $200) it seems like the perfect start road bike for me. However, many people have warned that it's better to simply go on ebay or craigslist and buy a used more trustworthy brand. Others have told me they simply tuned it up, fit it properly, and replaced some of the least expensive parts (break pads and inner-tubes) and gotten 2000+ plus out of it. (Youtube it for proof) So, what do you personally recommend? I'd love to hear what you have to say about the bike I brought up as well.

Finally, as a note, I am 5'11 - 6 foot, around 220 pounds, if that offers any kind of insight.

Thanks in advance!
sandra makes this comment

Monday, 21 June 2010

Hi there

I'm getting back on a bike after 15 years (I'm 42) and plan on cycling mostly on roads for 3-4 hour rides. However, my bike is a 15 year old Marin Bolinas Ridge MTB with knobbly tyres. Should I bin it and buy a new one, or are there some things I could change to make it more useful? I'm thinking saddle and tyres but not sure what to do! If I should buy a new one, what would be an OK bike to get for about £200 if such a bike exists. Thanks for your advice.
Admin makes this comment

Tuesday, 22 June 2010

Tough choice Sandra, £200 doesn't buy a great deal but keep an eye out for a second hand bargain perhaps. I probably would keep the money towards buying the next bike rather than changing the saddle and tyres, you might well still end up wanting a road bike anyway if you are on a heavier MTB.
Connor makes this comment

Thursday, 24 June 2010

I'm 18 and I've really got in to road biking recently, although I'm only using a hybrid bike with a road bike gearing set up right now. I'm saving £300-ish per month to get myself a proper road bike with the dropped handles and the kit for it (I'm looking to get a Boardman Bike Pro Carbon) but I'm slightly worried that I'm £1599 is too much to spend on a first time proper road bike.
I ride, roughly, 85-90 miles a week at the moment and I've been riding on the roads ever since I was 14, so I'm not new to cycling at all.
Do you feel that this is slightly too much to be spendng or is this a good starting point for someone that knows what they're doing and just wants to progress to the next level?
Thanks,
Connor
Admin makes this comment

Friday, 25 June 2010

Connor, I'm a terrible person to answer this question because I spend far too much on things I love (like cycling).
It is certainly more than most people spend first time, but if you have been cycling for years your needs and expectations are different. Best thing, try and take a test ride on the Boardman then on a couple of decent £800-£1000 bikes, see if you think the difference is worth the money - differences can be quite subtle, and when I changed from a £1000 bike to a £3000 bike it made less difference than I had expected. Still glad I did though!
And riding a bike you aspired to, love to ride and love the look of definitely has a positive effect on your mental attitude when you are cycling!
Steve makes this comment

Friday, 25 June 2010

Try the Planet X Nanolight fitted with SRAM red, you will not be disappointed. 1500 quid at present . . .
mark makes this comment

Thursday, 08 July 2010

im thinking of buying a road bike to get back into cycling and get myself fit, go cycling on my days off and probably to work when i get upto speed. I havent ridden for a about 10 years but I used to cycle to and from work which was about 18mles a day on a rather heavy mountain bike. i have been looking at bikes and have about £300 to spend i have seen the following in halfords The limited edition Carrera TDF road bike, i can pop down to my local store and have a look at it to see whats its like, the reviews on halfords arent to bad 4 out of 5 stars. i was just woundering if you think this would be a good bike to get back into cycling agian
Admin makes this comment

Saturday, 10 July 2010

Hi Mark, like I said above I can't comment on individual bikes because there are so many i haven't tried - but like you say, th reviews look pretty good, both on the halfords site and on a couple of forums (search for carrera tdf road bike in google) so it looks like it should be pretty good value for money.
If you buy it come back and let us know how it goes - it would be useful for other people looking for a low-price bike!
Stuart makes this comment

Tuesday, 13 July 2010

Hi,

Like others on here I'm looking to buy my first road bike and have found some great advice on here, so thanks for that. However one thing you have mentioned a few times is test riding a few bikes before buying. Are bike shops happy to let you do this? Went round a few shops recently and was asking about size / fit etc and whilst they let me sit on bikes in the shop I didn't properly try them and am concerned after making an investment I will soon find whatever bike I end up chosing isn't right for me. Should I just be more upfront and ask to have a test ride?

Thanks in advance.

Stuart.
Admin makes this comment

Tuesday, 13 July 2010

Good point. Most bike shops don't stock all bikes in all sizes anyway, it's more a suggestion to ask rather than a realistic hope that you'll be able to - if you are a 'standard' type size you might have more chance.
But yes, certainly worth asking - what's the worst that can happen?!
Jonny makes this comment

Wednesday, 21 July 2010

Hi,
Again I'm someone else looking to buy my first road bike. Me and two friends have agreed to do a challenge in the summer of 2012, consisting of riding 4000 miles around europe, mostly france but also including spain, italy, switzerland, germany and belgium. It is a 7 week trip, and not massively ambitious as it only averages about 120km a day with plenty of rest days. Anyway, would it be advisable to buy a slightly cheaper road bike to train on, and buy the actual bike for the trip nearer the time, or should I get used to the trip bike straight away, but risk it breaking. Also, if I was going to get a slightly cheaper bike, what would you recommend, considering I'm willing to spend up to £600.
Thanks
Jonny
Admin makes this comment

Thursday, 22 July 2010

If you know what you want and you've got the money I'd get he bike now that you're going to use on the actual trip.
A reasonable bike won't usually 'break' although you'll need to get it checked over before you go (chain, gears, wheel alignment etc) if you've covered a long distance in between.
I certainly wouldn't want to do a trip like that unless I'd ridden the same bike for a few months first at home anyway.
James makes this comment

Thursday, 22 July 2010

Hi, im currently watching the tour de france and ive enjoyed it so much i want to start cycling properly. Im 25 years old and have played sport all my life. Ive been on a few websites and whilst I wasnt surprised by the prices of the bikes i was still a bit put off. I was wandering if there is any advice you could give other than go to the shop and ask around which i am planning to do in the next couple of days??
many thanks
Admin makes this comment

Thursday, 22 July 2010

Hi James, asking in shops is a good start - but be aware that some shops are genuinely interested in making sure you get the best bike for your needs while others are more interested in making a sale regardless of suitability. It's not always easy to separate the two!
Cycling magazines are often the best source of independent reviews so have a look in the newsagents, and there are also plenty of forums and websites where people post bike reviews, so make a shortlist of 3-4 bikes then do a bit of online research to check other owners are happy before you hand over your cash.
Steve makes this comment

Saturday, 24 July 2010

I am looking to take up road cycling. I pretty fit through various sports and have done some mountain biking.I know it is difficult but what bike would you recommend at say £1000 to £2000 and also what would you recommend if money was no object (but still bearing in mind we are not talking professional cycling here !).Reason I ask was that when I took up mountain biking I went for a mid range type bike but soon outgrew it so I can see an argument for spending the extra to start with to get kit that I will not outgrow. What are the features that a more expensive road bike has that are likely to benefit a keen amateur ?Many thanks
Admin makes this comment

Sunday, 25 July 2010

I can't recommend particular models of bike, but I can certainly say there are plenty of bikes in the £1000-2000 range that should keep you happy for many years - a £2000 bike is usually pretty good!
Above that you get slightly lighter frames and components etc and various other subtle improvements but the difference in performance will seem very small for a very long time.
Asa makes this comment

Tuesday, 27 July 2010

Hi, I'm almost 18 and have been riding a mountain bike on roads(sometimes off road too) for endurance and fitness purposes for around 2 years now. Having watched this years tour de france with great interest, I am thinking about buying a road/hybrid bike to enhance my cycling experience. I like the look of Specialized Sirrus baseline model although I am not sure if this is a good bike to start off with. What do you think and do you have any suggestions of comparable models? Many thanks
Connor H makes this comment

Wednesday, 28 July 2010

Hi i'm 17 and arounf 5'5 i've always love3d riding and rode to school (Quite fast) for almost 3 years i have always have love riding bikes, but havent really done any riding for about a year and a half, now looking to get into road cycling, i've got my eye on the carrera L.E tdf (£299.99) as people have said its hard to offer advice on certain bikes but if any one could help is this an ideal first road bike?
Cameron makes this comment

Saturday, 07 August 2010

Hello , well i'm 16 and ive been using moutain bikes for most of my life. currently i have a trek 3 seroius 3700 and i want something faster, but i dont know what would be a good bike for me, which isnt too pricey, i would like something good looking if possible and do you have any tips and advice to someone whos completey new to road bikes, thanks
Woody makes this comment

Sunday, 08 August 2010

Ok so i bought GIANT SCR 3 2008 model and i was wondering anything i should know about it and its my first road bike would you say this was a good buy ?
Admin makes this comment

Monday, 09 August 2010

Hi Woody, I don't know it personally Giant are a reputable quality brand and all the reviews I have seen look good. If you've just bought it is there something you're not happy with? If yes I'd get back to the shop and get it sorted, if not then just have fun riding it!
James Sheen makes this comment

Monday, 09 August 2010

Hey there,

Me and some friends really got into cycling over the holidays. We are planning a long trip, possibly from London to Rome. fitness is not a problem, but we think the cost will be a problem.

We deffinatly need new bikes as we have been trying to train on mountain bikes...

We need good bikes for the long trip from London to Rome, but we really cant afford bikes around the £2000 mark.

What would you suggest? Get a £800-£1200 bike, or do you think we really should try save up for a good bike for a big challenge. Thanks James.
Admin makes this comment

Monday, 09 August 2010

Hi, there is nothing wrong at all with using the £800-£1200 bikes.
The advantages of a more expensive bike (slightly lighter, possibly smoother gear changes, quicker accelerating in a sprint etc) aren't things you care about on a long distance ride.
There should be no problem at all with comfort or reliability with the less expensive bikes - bikes around £1000 are pretty good!
Good luck with your journey...
Luis makes this comment

Monday, 09 August 2010

I just finish a triathlon and I cycle the 40k in 1h 17min on a commuter bike. It was disappointing. I want a road bike next time. What do you estimate my time would have been had I ridden a decent road bike?
Admin makes this comment

Tuesday, 10 August 2010

Hi Luis, without knowing anything about you it's not possible to say, but as a very rough guess I'd say the weight and aero advantage should make you 5- 10% faster by changing from a commuter bike to a road bike. But to be honest I've never ridden 40km on a commuter bike...
John makes this comment

Tuesday, 10 August 2010

Luis interesting comment regarding triathlons. I have undertaken a few of the sprint triathlons over the past few years, but got into them more seriously this year (I'm hoping to complete 6 by end of September). As far as times go using a road bike, I am currently doing 20K in approx 35mins, with the full course being completed around 1hr 10mins (400M swim 20K bike 5Km run) The top guys are finishing in around 50 - 55 mins. If you are doing longer swims you have to add in extra tiredness for a 40KM cycle.

My first attempts at triathlons were on a mountain bike with slick tyres. However the gearing may have been good up the hills but I was left standing on the flat and down hill. A couple of years ago I was looking at bikes and came a cross a good quality second hand road bike (£250) for a Giant OCR - the bike has been renamed as the Giant Defy 3 and currently retails at over £600. The reason for the info is that you can keep your eyes out and get a good quality bike second hand from a reputable local dealer, its a good way to go and learn what you can expect from your races and style before going more upmarket. Cheers
Ross makes this comment

Thursday, 12 August 2010

I am looking to buy my first road bike for around £750-£800. I am 5ft 11inch, what size frame do you think would be most suited to my height??

Thank you
Dan makes this comment

Tuesday, 17 August 2010

Hi,

I have just entered my works London to Paris cycle ride, I am very much a beginner cycling with some experienced guys. Apparently I have youth as my advantage. The ride is essentially all on roads but I will be going via the south downs and big hills. would you recommend a hybrid bike over a road bike or do you recommend any for a budget of £500. Is there any bikes that will help me with the difficult aspects of cycling that will help me keep up with the more experienced guys
Admin makes this comment

Wednesday, 18 August 2010

Hi Dan, youth is good, wish I had more of it myself.
If I was cycling London-Paris all on roads I would certainly prefer to do it on a road bike, the lighter weight and aerodynamics will make a significant difference over a long distance, especially when there are quite a few hills along the way.
Richard makes this comment

Saturday, 21 August 2010

Hi

I'm in the market for a new road bike. I'm looking to spend in the region of £800 to £1000. The purpose for the bike will be commute (all year round) with some longer rides at the weekend during the summer.

I'm interested in carbon given that the ride comfort is meant to be so much better, however I'm a bit worried about the quality of carbon in this price range (although I read about a Focus Cayo last night which sounded pretty good).

My other concern is using a carbon bike to commute through the winter. Will this do it any harm? If you fall off is the bike a write off??

Thanks for your help.
John makes this comment

Saturday, 21 August 2010

Hi I'm looking to buy my first road bike in the 1000 - 1500 region. I have 2 specialized bikes I am looking at one has carbon frame and the other aluminimum. I'm not sure which one one would be the preferable option as there is a £300 difference

Any suggestions would be welcome
John makes this comment

Monday, 23 August 2010

Hello , well i'm 16 and ive been using moutain bikes for most of my life. currently i have a trek 3 seroius 3700 and i want something faster, but i dont know what would be a good bike for me, which isnt too pricey, i would like something good looking if possible and do you have any tips and advice to someone whos completey new to road bikes, thanks
Admin makes this comment

Tuesday, 24 August 2010

Ross, sorry, I missed your comment: most likely you will need a 56cm frame BUT you need to either get measured in a shop or use an online sizing chart for the bike you are interested in because (a) leg length is more important than height and (b) some bikes have a different geometry ie 56cm in one bike may not be the same size as 56cm in a different model.
Admin makes this comment

Tuesday, 24 August 2010

Richard, John, carbon frames can of course be excellent but so can frames made of other materials. It's not true to say that carbon always has better ride comfort.
I'd be especially nervous about very cheap carbon bikes which are sometimes sold just because they are carbon - not a good enough reason in itself! I'm sure there is a reason why, for example, the lower priced Trek bikes are aluminium.
Carbon bikes can also be very rigid, lack comfort and be pretty tough to ride well.
They use carbon bikes on the Paris-Roubaix so I reckon they can be pretty tough but yes, in case of an accident there is a possibility of serious frame damage - pretty rare as far as I know, but possible.
Are cheaper carbon bikes more susceptible to damage? Good question, wish I knew the answer!

Choosing and buying a new road bike

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