Best Beginner Road Bike: 5 Amazing Road Bikes for First-Time Riders in 2017
So, you’ve made the decision to get into the world of road cycling, yeah? Well, good for you! Cycling can bring with it so many good benefits. It’s a great way to stay fit and to meet like-minded people. It’s also a great alternative to using a gas-guzzling motor to commute to work each day.
Whatever your reason for deciding to become a cyclist, you will now need to start thinking about what bike will best suit your needs. There are loads of beginner road bikes available on the market at the moment—it’s knowing what’s going to work for you. Though mountain bikes and hybrid bikes are popular, entry-level road bikes are a better option for getting you around and a bit of research online, as well as a visit to the local bike shop is in order to brush up on your knowledge of the best bicycles at the moment.
What to look for in a beginner’s road bike
There are so many features available to enhance your experience, such as carbon forks, lightweight carbon fiber frames, disc brakes, lighting, seats, different gears and so on to ensure that each long ride is a safe and comfortable one. However, you don’t necessarily need to spend the Earth to start you off on your cycling journey, but there are a few things to bear in mind before you take the plunge with your first entry-level road bike or “beginner bicycle.” Here is what you should look out for:
- Sturdiness: To start with, I would be less concerned with getting a bike that’s as light as possible and more concerned with getting one that’s solid instead. Of course, the lighter the frame, the faster you’ll be able to go (potentially), stability is far more important for a beginner.
- Durability: A road bike is a pretty bike investment, so you want to make sure you purchase one that’s made of quality materials and will be long-lasting. Aluminum frames are the most common for beginner bikes and do the job just fine.
Those are the two main things to be concerned with. Basically, you want something that will keep you relatively safe and won’t break the moment you get it. Just in case you’re still a little unsure as to where to start looking for your first road bike below is a list of 5 of the most amazing road bikes for first time riders available in 2017.
1. Vilano FORZA 4.0 Aluminium Integrated Shifters Road Bike
Price range: High
This Vilano road bike is perfect for anyone new to the world of cycling. Built using a strong, lightweight aluminum frame, this model has 24 speeds to make your life easier when riding on any terrain. It’s also got Shimano STI integrated brake lever shifters making your ride as carefree as possible and its sleek black look will blend in wherever you go.
Verdict: For a first road bike, this is not a bad model. It comes 90% assembled so, even if you have no prior experience of putting bikes together, you can work this one out. Out and about it feels pretty smooth and sturdy to ride. The only real downsides are the tires are of substandard quality and the seat is pretty uncomfortable.
Overall rating: 8/10
2. Mercier Aluminium Road Bike with Shimano Shifting
Price range: Mid
This beginner road bike’s lightweight aluminum frame is perfect for maneuvering in and around traffic and other obstacles. Putting you in a more upright position than many road bikes, this model is great for anyone who’s just getting used to cycling. It’s fitted with Shimano shifters that enable a smooth gear change while in motion and aluminium brakes that are caliper-mounted to ensure even braking. There are 14 speeds in which to help you along every part of your journey and quality Shimano derailleurs to smoothen out your ride.
Verdict: I recommend this bike to anyone beginner cyclist. So many road bikes have such uncomfortable saddles, but this has one of the comfiest seats I’ve ever sat on. It feels very stable when riding and was so easy to assemble.
Overall rating: 10/10
3. Takara Kabuto Single Speed Road Bike
Price range: Low
If you’re on a bit of a budget, the Takara Kabuto road bike may be a model worth considering. It’s a great little beginner's bike and is perfect for that daily commute or leisurely ride in the countryside. One of the most prominent features of this bike is its range of vibrant colors that will make anyone stand out in the crowd. Having a frame that’s made from steel and 32 hole alloy wheels means this bike can withstand even the bumpiest of roads. And, just in case you do need them in a hurry, it’s fitted with alloy side pull brakes for fast, efficient braking.
Verdict: It’s a little heavier than a lot of road bikes, but still easy enough to maneuver around and feels pretty solid, so that’s not a big deal. The bike is very competitively priced and I love the way it looks, too. However, the brakes are not as powerful as some of the other models out there, and the seat really needs changing.
Overall rating: 8/10
4. Pure Fix Cycles Classic 16-Speed Road Bike
Price range: High
With several cool colors to choose from, including Dornbush Grey and Trentino Red, you know you’re getting quality with this beginner road bike. This Pure Fix model is made with a strong chromoly steel frame that’s well suited for anyone just starting out in cycling. Its 16-speed Shimano shifters will give you a smoother gear change while out and about while the Hutchinson Nitro II tires will keep you gliding across the road with ease. The bike even comes 90% pre-assembled so you can be on your way in minutes after it’s been delivered.
Verdict: What’s great about this bike is that it’s easily customizable. It works well as a beginners model yet can still be upgraded later on as you get better. The frame and components all feel well-made and it feels really solid when riding.
Overall rating: 10/10
5. Schwinn Men’s Phocus 1400 700C Drop Bar Road Bicycle
Price range: Mid
Another fine example of a beginner’s road bike is the Schwinn Phocus. You’ll get nothing but agility with this lightweight, aluminum frame. The bike’s fitted with high-quality Shimano shifters and high-profile alloy wheels for extra comfort while out on the road, as well as alloy caliper brakes for improved stopping ability. And, because it’s been designed with beginners in mind, you get an enjoyable yet effective ride.
Verdict: The bike itself is sturdy and responsive when out on the road. It’s really easy to assemble and it’s very good-looking. It’s basically everything you’d want in a beginner's bike. The only issue with it is the tires are really thin may want replacing quite quickly.
Overall rating: 9/10
