The Ultimate Review of Best Starter Road Cycling Bikes

The starter road cycling bike is a bicycle designed for novice cyclists who want to start a first cycling journey or even to look for a decent commuter to cruise through the cold winter season. The starter road cycling bike is almost identical to a typical road bike on the market. It features a lightweight frame, drop-down handlebars, a multiple-speed gear system, rims or disc brakes, and a wheelset. Are you looking for best starter road bikes, but have no idea where to start? This guide is written just for you. Usually, the beginner road cycling bike is more budget-friendly than typical road bikes, but the components are far inferior to mid- or high-end road bikes.  Like conventional road bikes, the starting road bike is also suitable for riding on flat surface roads, not dirt trails. As a road bike for beginners is much cheaper than mid- and high-end models, it is a perfect choice for beginner cyclists who haven’t yet committed to road cycling. If they change their mind and quit cycling, they are likely to lose a minimal amount of money. On the other hand, they can upgrade to mid- or high-end models later if they want to do more road cycling. First of all, you need to ask yourselves a few questions about what to look for in a decent entry-level road bike. What to concerned about buying a starter road cycling bike?

• Determine your current budget on hand.
• Define the purpose of your purchase and your riding style.
• Ask yourselves whether you need to upgrade your bike or not. The upgrade may be costly, but it will substantially enhance your performance.
• Acquire some basic knowledge of the bike’s technical aspects. The more you know, the less you pay.
• Where to buy: online or local bike shop.

The first factor to consider when buying an entry-level road bike is your current budget on hand, which will define your first road bike. If you are on a tight budget, check our best road bikes under $500 review for your reference. If you want to start your first road cycling trip for commuting from home to work, spending thousands of dollars on a specialized road bike won’t be necessary. An affordable entry-level road bike is good enough to fulfill your wish without burning a hole in your wallet. Moreover, it is advisable to define your riding style before buying your first road bike for a beginner. If you plan to challenge yourselves in a bicycle race, then you may need a purebred racing road bicycle more than a merely relaxed geometry sportive bike. Otherwise, a cheap commuter road bike or a single-speed road bike is good enough to do your job. >>>If you are a newbie, check out the review of how to improve your road bike speed. A modern road bicycle is more sophisticated than it once was many decades ago. Most of them are constructed with a carbon-fiber or aluminum alloy frame, which is much lighter than a traditional steel frame. Of course, the groupset has been upgraded to provide better performance in exchange for the money you have to pay. The other components, such as a wheel, tires, and transmission system is also important but not critical as most of the mentioned accessories are replaceable. However, acquiring some basic knowledge of the bike’s technical aspects can save you a lot of money. To save your valuable time in searching for entry-level road cycling bikes, we have rounded up our top entry-level road bike brands for you. Additionally, the review will cover the bike’s features, pros, cons, and reliable suggestions. Why is our bike review? We have conducted research on several beginner road bikes on the market, and, by our criteria, we have squeezed down to a handful number of starting road bikes for your reference.

1DiamondBack Century I

Best Endurance road cycling bike for beginners

The Diamondback Century 1 is the first of the Diamondback bicycle line created for entry-level cyclists. This road bicycle is built on a solid 7005-series aluminum alloy frame construction featuring Enhanced Performance Geometry, a formed top tube, an integrated Headtube, and a flat mount disc brake tab. Taking advantage of the Enhanced Performance Geometry (EPG), cyclists will be able to ride in a more upright position than a traditional road bike, resulting in less fatigue and a more enjoyable ride. Additionally, this road bike is powered by a Shimano Claris groupset, which is composed of an 8-speed R2000 at the front and rear derailleur. The bike also employs 28h alloy quick release for the front and rear hub. The aluminum alloy frame is mounted with 700c double-walled Dimondblack equation R, 28h rims, and 700x28c tires. Century 1 will surely turn your long journey into an unforgettable experience.

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2Tommaso Fascino Road Bike

Best cheap beginner road bike

Following the footsteps of the popular Imola model, the Tommaso Fascino has inherited the same DNA, which makes the Tommaso Imola one of the best starter road bikes on the market. The bike is crafted with an aluminum alloy frame and a full set of Shinano Tourney drivetrain to deliver an excellent performance while cruising on the road. Typically, a Shimano Tourney drivetrain set is common to mountain bikes but rarely found on-road bike category. That makes the Tommaso Fascino road bike stand out as the “mix” element of both road bike and mountain bike. Additionally, this entry-level road bike delivers exceptional power, performance, and speed to tackle any terrain. Thanks to the 3×7 Shimano drivetrain and combined 21-speed gearing system, the bike is capable of climbing on the stiff uphill road while maintaining a speedy ride on flat surfaces. Overall, The Tommaso Fascino road bike is an excellent bike for newbies as the bike is built to facilitate novice cyclists in mind. With compact frame geometry and anatomically designed Seatpost, the bike will surely provide you with the best available comfort in most of any ride regardless of how many miles you take.

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3Raleigh Merit 2 Road Bike

Best performance entry-level road cycling bike

The Raleigh Merit 2 road bike has incorporated advanced technology into an affordable road bike. Generally, the Raleigh Merit 2 is almost identical to Raleigh Merit 1 in terms of frame construction, but it adds up a few more features, which is worth an extra price. The essential part is that the Raleigh Merit 2 is powered by a Shimano Sora groupset, which delivers a superb performance than a standard Shimano Claris groupset. This starter road bike is constructed with an aluminum alloy frame and fork to provide durability and rigid performance. Furthermore, the aluminum frame is mounted with a pair of Weinmann XC180 double-walled rims, and the 700x28c Clement Strada LGG 60TPI tries to ensure a smooth ride on any terrain type. Moreover, the TRP Spyre C dual mechanical disc brakes do an exceptional job of providing excellent stopping power. Additionally, the 16-speed Shimano Claris drivetrain offers a smooth transmission without delay so that you can rest assured that your bike will never get out of control. The adjustable Seatpost and saddle do their job well to provide comfort for your long journey ride.

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4Diamondback Hannjo 1 Road Bike

Best commuter road cycling bike for a reasonable ride

Unlike a traditional road bike on the market, Diamondback Hannjo 1 comes with flat handlebars, which give us a feeling of a commuter bike more than a road bike. If you are looking for a bike for riding around the city or for cruising on a weekend trip, the Diamondback Haanjo 1 is a perfect choice for you. Positioned itself as a commuter road bike, the Diamondback Haanjo 1 retains the standard aspects of a traditional road bike, and it integrates some extra features that transform it to be the ideal bike for metro riding and commuting. Typically, this commuter road bike is built on an aluminum alloy frame with endurance geometry to provide durability and comfort. Instead of using traditional dual pivot caliper rim brakes, the bike has opted to install the hydraulic Tektro disc brakes to enhance stopping power in all weather conditions. Besides, this entry-level bike is powered by a 9-speed Shimano Acera groupset, which governs the mechanical movement of shifters, derailleurs, and drivetrain sets. The shifter system is very responsive and effortless as it does allow you to shift the gear forward and backward without delay quickly. Double-walled DB equation rims do an excellent job of absorbing massive shock on bumpy roads effectively. As a commuter road bike, Diamondback Haanjo 1 comes with a more padded saddle for extra comfort. If you are looking for a decent commuter bike, then look no further. Features:

5Cannondale Synapse AL Disc SE105 Road Bike

Best valuable road bike for the money

The Cannondale Synapse AL Disc road bike has enjoyed the reputation as one of the best of the year bikes for 2019. It does no doubt that this lightweight road bike has taken the Cannondale brand to the next step. Thanks to the smart form C2 aluminum alloy frame, the bike is lightweight enough to pick up the speed in a group ride and also comfortable for a solo ride on a long journey. Additionally, with the advanced SAVE Micro-suspension flex zone technology, the fork, and rear triangle are capable of withstanding vibration impact while cruising on uneven road surfaces. The AL Disc SE105 upgrade adds tons of unique features such as wider rims, massive volume tires, and lower gear ratio to provide extra comfort, more versatility, and endless possibilities for road cycling. Furthermore, the Shimano 105 groupset works in combination with Cannondale’s lightweight Si chainset to deliver extraordinary power to move the bike forward effortlessly. Cannondale does a terrific job of making SE upgrades for all cyclists. Overall, the Cannondale AL Disc SE 105 does achieve its mission to deliver cyclists an unforgettable riding experience while maintaining comfort for a long journey trip. Buying this bike will enable you to own one of the best endurance constructions around, and this road bike for newbies is also a perfect choice for commuting and short-trip touring. Features:

6Salsa Journeyman Claris 650 Road Bike

Best budget adventure road bike

The Salsa Journeyman Claris 650 road bike is another road bike from Salsa that can live up to a reputation for delivering riding pleasure to all cyclists. Although this affordable road bike is the cheapest entry-level bike in Salsa’s product line, it still retains most elements that make Salsa one of the most respected bike companies on the market. The Salsa Journeyman Claris 650 road bike is originally built to be a versatile road bike as it can be ridden for commuting, touring, and adventuring purposes. The bike is crafted using Journeyman exclusive geometry with aluminum tubing and a fantail aluminum fork to provide durability and comfort. Additionally, this road bike for starters is equipped with Promax mechanical disc brakes to facilitate a high stopping power when necessary. The Claris groupset works flawlessly well to govern all components such as shifters, derailleurs, and drivetrain sets. The bike is designed to install either a standard 700c or a 650b wheelset, depending on the cyclist’s preference. The Salsa Journeyman Claris 650 is designed to be a versatile road bike. Thus, the bike frame can be mounted with optional bags, racks, bottle holders, or other adventure tools. Features:

7EUROBIKE EURXC550 Road Bike

 A Versatile and Reliable Road Bike

The EUROBIKE EURXC550 Road Bike is a top-quality road bike designed for various riding purposes, from leisurely road trips to daily commuting. Its carbon steel frame and 700C wheels provide a smooth and high-speed experience, making it a popular choice among cyclists. With its durable construction and reliable components, this bike offers an enjoyable and comfortable riding experience on different terrains. Features:

8INUNT Bicycle for Urban Cycling

A High-Performance Road Bike

Introducing the INUNT Bicycle – a sleek and high-performance road bike designed for urban racing and cycling enthusiasts. Built with a carbon steel frame, this bike breaks conventional design norms, combining rigidity, quality, performance, and value into one impressive package. Featuring 700C outer tires, the INUNT Bicycle offers exceptional wear resistance and light overall weight. Its low rolling resistance ensures smooth rides, while the long service life and strong grip minimize the chances of punctures. With front and rear mechanical double disc brakes, this bike provides powerful and reliable braking, allowing for shorter braking distances and enhanced safety. One standout feature of the INUNT Bicycle is its cool crook curved handlebar, which offers a comfortable and non-slip grip. The rubber handlebar with a crook design enhances sweat absorption during long-distance rides. Additionally, the 7-piece positioning tower wheel employs a hollow design to reduce weight and maintain stability. The seat can be easily adjusted to ensure a comfortable riding position, further enhancing the overall riding experience. Features:

Shopping tips for buying a starter road cycling bike

Buying a road bike for the first time can be a tough job for a novice rider. To do so, you may need to comprehend massive bike jargon such as bike frame, fork, shifter, derailleur, drivetrain set, and more. You may end up bewildered and ultimately have no idea what to do. This section will arm you with essential shopping tips for entry-level road bikes.

• Do your homework before buying and acquiring

a decent road bike is a long-term investment. At least, you need to know a fundamental technical aspect of the bicycle. The more you know, the less you are likely to pay. If you have a preferred model in mind, then read as many reviews as possible. Do not hit the buy button before properly doing your homework.

• Define the frame materials

The type of frame materials has a tremendous effect on the price you are going to pay. If you have a tight budget, consider buying a steel or aluminum frame as they are more budget-friendly than a carbon-fiber chassis.

• Perform a bike fitting 

Bike fitting is not an option, but mandatory. A proper bike fitting will let you ride your bike as long as you desire. Failure to do so will eventually bring about many injuries. Please keep in mind that spending a long time in the wrong position may result in aches and pains.

• Get to know more about bike components.

The collection of brake and gear parts assembled is called a groupset. Of course, a high-end groupset works exceptionally better than a standard groupset. However, the rule of thumb is that the groupset is essential but not critical. It means that you can still ride your bike without relying on a high-end groupset. If you are on a tight budget, it is a good idea to stick with standard components. If you want to know more about shopping tips for road bikes, check out our complete buyer’s guide for beginner road bikes. Finally, your riding style and budget on hand will determine where you should buy your new road bike from. Either way has its pros and cons; thus, seeking advice from professionals may help you find the best answer.