Trains, cars and public transport can become incredibly exhausting. Whether you're commuting or just looking for a new adventure, an entry-level road bike is fit for any cyclist.
It can be an investment to purchase a road bike, so we've found the best options from lower-priced value bikes to the higher ends with more features and expensive materials. You'll be cycling off in no time.
You'll be feeling wheelie good with these road bike options, from racing bikes to endurance, commuting or travelling, there's an entry-level road bike for everyone. So, grab your cycling shoes and get ready to go.
Which road bike is best for a beginner?
There are loads of things to consider before investing in any road bike.
Firstly, you'll want to think about the type of cycling you'll be doing. Whether you want to be using your bike for everyday commuting, travelling and touring or even racing, there are lots of different elements that make these bikes functional in their geometry.
With this in mind, you'll also want to take a look at the tyres of each of your bikes because this will impact the smoothness of your rides whether you'll be riding on roads or rocky ground.
There are loads of road bikes out there so it can be overwhelming. Many go over the £1,000 range but many can also come below that, depending on what you're looking for. You can even get a value bike to start with and then go to your local bike shop to get it fitted out especially for you.
Whether you want a high-quality gear set, carbon frame or even an electric bike, you can find the entry-level road bike that's perfect for you.
Can beginners ride a road bike?
Everyone has to start somewhere! Of course, road bikes can be complex so if you're a total beginner, it's always good to set off with an endurance road bike. Adventure bikes, commuter bikes and touring bikes are also great if you're looking at focusing your cycling.
In your first year of cycling, it can be overwhelming to get to grips with what you really need for yourself. Always remember there will be loads of advice out there, online or even in your local bike shop to calm your nerves.
You can also add loads of cycling accessories onto your bike, from water bottles to a backpack to make your journey more comfortable for you.
Best entry-level road bike UK 2022
Best entry-level endurance bike
www.halfords.com
We're kicking off with a Boardman bike that's sleek in style and price. It comes with 35mm Schwabe Tyrago tyres and a lightweight aluminium frame for a smooth ride and puncture resistance. A great choice for an entry-level leisure road bike.
It also has reliable Tektro hydraulic disc brakes for safe driving and comes in three sizes to make it perfect for everyone. You can choose to have this bike built or not so that you can adjust it as you wish.
Frame: Lightweight alloy
Wheels: Boardman 35mm Schwalbe Tyrago tyres
Number of gears: 18
Sizes: S (Height: 170-179cm), M (177-183cm), L (181-189cm)
Best all-rounder entry-level road bike
www.leisurelakesbikes.com
Can't make your mind up? This Sirrus Hybrid is a great all-rounder entry level road bike to begin with. With a lightweight aluminium frame and 10-speed gearing, there's a range of functions with this bike.
The wider tyres help if you want to go out of city onto touring and travelling if you wish to.
Frame: Lightweight aluminium
Wheels: Pathfinder Sport 700x42
Number of gears: 10
Sizes: XXS-XL
Best racing entry-level road bike
If you want to splash out on a racing bike, this SAVADECK Warwind Carbon Road Bike has a carbon frame, lightweight body and has a 22-speed Shimano 105 derailleur system.
Putting all of this together, it's a great entry-level racing bike that has great control and you'll be getting your money's worth.
Frame: TORAY T800 Carbon Fiber
Wheels: Alloy 40mm Bearing Wheelset 700 x 25C
Number of gears: 22
Sizes: One Size but also available in 47, 49, 51, 52 54, and 56cm
Best entry-level road bike for versatility
www.decathlon.co.uk
This TRIBAN RC 120 road bike gives you more for your money. It has 16 speeds and a comfortable geometry with a carbon fork to make any journey smooth. It can also be fitted with mudguards and a front and/or rear 900 pannier rack.
Triban offers a lifetime warranty on their frames, stem, handlebars and rigid forks, so you'll be in good hands with this pick.
Frame: T6 aluminium sloping frame with semi-integrated headset
Wheels: Triban 700 wheels, Triban Protect 700 x 28 tyres
Number of gears: 16
Sizes: XS-XL
Best entry-level road bike for travelling
www.tredz.co.uk
If you know you're going to be touring and travelling with your road bike, you'll want something comfortable, durable and sturdy. This Cube Touring 2021 is specialised in suspension with a luggage carrier, mudguards, lights and kickstand.
Great for any long journey and travel, this is a great price for a high-quality touring bike. Book in your next adventure now.
Frame: Aluminium Superlite Trekking Comfort Double Butted
Wheels: CUBE Impac Streetpac 42-622
Gears: 3x8 Shimano gears
Sizes: 50cm, 54cm
Best carbon fibre entry-level road bike
www.aliexpress.com
You may have come across these super light-weight carbon frames, and they often come at a more pricey cost. This SAVA 700C road bike is our favourite carbon fibre road bike to make for energy-saving riding and an ultra-light ride.
It also has a short rear triangle frame, speed derailleur system and hollow crankset for a streamlined frame. A great performance road bike.
Frame: T800 Carbon
Wheels: Aluminium, Michelin 700x25C Dynamic Sport
Sizes: 48cm
Best value entry-level road bike
www.decathlon.co.uk
Bikes aren't always about their price points. This ELOPS single-speed city bike is great for anyone who doesn't want to splash out too much but still wants a functional road bike.
This bike is accessible but efficient, lightweight and fast. It has narrow handlebars, cartridge breaks and compatibility features, so you can adjust it how you wish.
Frame: Steel
Wheels: 622x17X ETRTO double-walled wheel
Gears: Single-speed
Sizes: M-XL
Best entry-level electric road bike
www.pureelectric.com
E-bikes and electric bikes have driven onto the scene very rapidly in recent years so there's no doubt that you may have thought about investing in one. This Pure Flux hybrid electric bike is fast-charging and light, for everything from commuting to travelling around.
It's one of the lightest e-bikes you can get and a motor system with three assistance settings, to make your riding easy and efficient.
Frame: Aluminium Alloy 6061-T6 heat treated
Wheels: Maxxis Overdrive Excel with SilkShield puncture resistance. 700C x 35mm
Gears: One gear
Sizes: For riders of 5’7 to 6’2
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