Category Archives for Road Bikes

Cycling is a sport that many people enjoy. It’s also a great way for people of any age to stay in shape. Whether you’re just starting out in the world of racing or you’re a seasoned professional, choosing the right race bike for you is a serious matter. But what is it that makes a good road race bike?

You have had an entry-level road bike for a few years and you are looking for an upgrade. There are a few things to look out for when shopping for your next road race bike. First, and most importantly, because your new set of wheels is going to be used in such a high-paced environment, you want to ensure that the frame is made of high-quality materials and built to last. Typical materials used in road race bikes include aluminum, steel, titanium, and carbon fiber. Titanium frames will generally be the most expensive followed by full carbon fiber ones. This is down to the extra cost of the materials and the additional work that has to go into fabricating the frame.

Aluminum is the next best quality material as is light and relatively cheap. However, it’s not usually strong enough on its own and for that reason is usually mixed with another metal to form a more solid frame. Steel is also good to use as is durable but inexpensive. The problem is that it can easily rust if not protected properly and that extra layer of protection is what tends to push the prices up. While bearing that in mind, you also want to find a frame that’s relatively lightweight as less weight means more speed. Finding the right balance between durability and weight is essential for anyone serious about cycling.

Disc brakes are a relatively new feature that are being seen more and more today on high-end race bikes. This style of brake works differently to traditional brakes in the way in which they're applied. As the name suggests, disc brakes work similar to those of a car and transfer braking duties to a separate hub mounted rotor. They’re much more powerful than traditional style brakes, meaning they’ll stop easily without too much force. So, if you can afford a model with disc brakes it will save you the effort in the long run.

​Now that you know what makes a good road race bike, here’s a closer look at the top 5 that are available on the market at the moment:

1. Cyrusher XC760 Races Road Bike

Price range: Mid

This road race bike will have you racing to your heart’s content in no time at all. Its lightweight aluminum frame and steel fork give the bike great durability while the Shimano shifters and derailleurs make sure you get a smooth and even ride. This Cyrusher road race bike also comes equipped with a strong disc brake system and high double aluminum alloy rims to help keep you safe while out on the streets. It comes 90% pre-assembled and you get to choose from either a blue or a black model.

Number of Speeds: 14

Verdict: This road race bike is relatively easy to put together, comes fitted with powerful disc brakes, and it seems pretty durable so far. The shifters feel a little clunky but, other than that, it’s a smooth ride all-around.

Overall rating: 9/10

2. Tommaso Sentiero Compact Gravel Road Bike

Price range: High

If you’re looking for a more professional level road race bike, this may be the model for you. Made using a high-quality aluminum frame and SST Steel Fork, this bike is durable and long-lasting. The premium compact handlebars give you a lot of power in a small package while the Tektro Lyra disc brakes give you increased stopping power. It has 28-inch rims to enable you tackle any terrain and is suitable for riders of all capabilities.

Number of speeds: 24

Verdict: This bike is great on so many levels. It offers a smooth gear change, it’s lightweight, and the disc brakes are really responsive. If you have the extra cash, it’s well worth investing in this model.

Overall rating: 10/10

3. Vilano Aluminum Road Bike 21-Speed Shimano

Price range: Low

Classed more as entry level bike, this Vilano road bike is great for anyone who’s just starting out in the world of cycling. It’s got everything you need from a good all-around road race bike and comes in a choice of four great colors. There’s a lightweight aluminum frame for easy maneuverability, and Shimano components for quality, including A050 handlebar-mounted shifters for an easier ride. The brakes are alloy caliper brakes.

Number of speeds: 21

Verdict: This is a fantastic bike for beginners. It offers a smooth ride for a great price. The only issue I have with the bike is it’s not the easiest to assemble. However, once you get over that, it’s smooth cycling from there.

Overall rating: 9/10

4. Giordano Libero 1.6 Men’s Road Bike

Price range: High

A fantastic looking model, this road race bike will have you racing at speeds you never imagined. Everything about this bike is lightweight. Weighing in at just 26/29 pounds in total (depending on the size you choose), the Libero road race bike has a lightweight aluminum frame, quick-release alloy wheels, and a compact crank to keep the weight down to a minimum. It’s also fitted with Shimano shifters and derailleurs to ensure you have a smooth journey.The brakes on this road race bike are alloy side pull.

Number of speeds: 16

Verdict: Overall, it’s not too bad for a mid-range model. It’s sleek, very lightweight, and easy to assemble. But I do feel for the money you’re paying the quality of the tires could be a little better.

Overall rating: 8/10

5. Vilano Shadow 2.0 Road Bike

Price range: Mid

Kitted out with Shimano STI integrated brake levers and shifters, this road race bike is a force to be reckoned with. These two components offer more controlled caliper braking and more convenient shifting giving you a much smoother, more enjoyable ride. It’s also got high-quality Shimano front and rear derailleurs fitted. Add all of this to its lightweight aluminum aero frame and you have one lean mean cycling machine.

Number of speeds: 14

Verdict: The quality of the frame is good, as is the crank. But the quality starts to slide a little when it comes to both the tires and seat.

Overall rating: 8/10​

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:​

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​

If you’re serious about cycling then you’ll know how important it is to have a good quality road bike. Though entry-level road bikes are perfectly OK, if your bike is for racing or for endurance, getting the right bike for your needs is paramount. One thing that you’ll still want to look out for in a road bike—regardless of what it will be used for—is the weight on the bike.

Having a lightweight road bike, such as an aluminum frame or carbon frame, carbon forks, and aluminum wheels with slime tires brings a number of advantages with it. First, because it’s light, it’s relatively easy to maneuver. Having less weight to lug around means you can get more speed for less work. Finding the right road bike can be exhausting as you need to find a fine balance in between the weight of the bike and its durability. Some of the lightest bikes suffer slightly in terms of stability.

To help you in your search for your next road bike, below is a short guide as 5 of the top lightest road bikes available at the moment:

1. GMC Denali Pro Road Bike (56 cm Frame)

Price range: Low

If you’re looking for a good all-around, lightweight road bike and you are on a bit of a budget, this may be the model for you. This high-quality road bike, features a 16-speed Microshift drivetrain, 700c aluminium rims with 25” tires and dual pivot alloy brakes giving you a safe but sturdy ride. The recommended height range for this bike is 5’9” to 6’1” and is a great bike for anyone that’s just starting out in the world of cycling. It’s hand-crafted, lightweight aluminium frame means it’s easy to move around yet still responsive enough when you need it.

Bike weight: 27 lbs

Verdict: Considering this lightweight road bike is almost a quarter of the cost of the some of the top end models, it’s excellent value for money. The overall quality is not bad and offers a pretty comfortable ride. It may not be as durable and long lasting as some others available, but with that much of a difference in price you can afford to buy a few replacement parts should you ever need to.

Overall rating: 9/10

2. BEIOU 2016 700C Road Bike

Price range: High

For those of you who mean serious business this BEIOU road bike may be more up your street. It may be a little on the expensive side, but it’s also one of the lightest, most durable models available that will have you racing like a pro in no time. Weighing in at less than 20 lbs., this lightweight, stealthy-looking road bike is packed with features to make it the fine example that it is. These include a carbon fiber body frame and drop handlebar, Shimano front and rear derailleurs and brakes, 11 speeds controlled by a Shimano speed control system, and a BEIOU carbon unibody fork.

Bike weight: 18.3 lbs

Verdict: This bike looks good, feels great to ride, and is so unbelievably light. It’s great for professionals and anyone wanting to get into the world of cycling but is a little on the expensive side.

Overall rating: 9/10

3. Tommaso Imola Compact Aluminium Road Bike

Price Range: Mid

With a compact aluminium frame, this lightweight road bike is fantastic for zooming in and out of traffic on your daily commute. It’s both durable and reliable and looks great too. With its Shimano precision shifting, this bike will handle even the toughest terrain without so much as making a squeak. It comes with premium handlebars that are comfortable to grip and soft on the hands.

Bike weight: 27 lbs

Verdict: It rides really well, it’s averagely priced, and has some of the most comfortable handgrips I’ve ever held. However, to ensure you get the best ride from this bike and to protect the warranty, you will need to take it to a professional to have it assembled.

Overall rating: 8/10

4. Raleigh Bikes Grand Sport Road Bike

Price Range: Mid

Get the best of both worlds with this lightweight road bike by Raleigh. It’s got a sleek, classic look, but don’t let that fool you as this bike is a beast. Not only will it glide across the road with ease and speed but it will also tackle even the most rugged of hills. It comes fitted with Shimano Claris 16-speed shifters and a high-quality Chromoly frame to give you a stable yet lightweight ride. Stopping isn’t a problem either with this bike as it's kitted out with custom-made dual pivot brakes for maximum safety. For those of you with no prior experience to building a bike don’t let this road bike put you off. A skilled bike mechanic could probably have it assembled in around 30 minutes, whereas someone with no experience in building bikes may spend a couple of hours putting it together.

Bike weight: 23.8 lbs

Verdict: This bike is of the highest quality all around. It’s lightweight yet feels stable, it looks good, and it’s competitively priced for what you’re getting.

Overall rating: 10/10

5. Vilano Aluminium Road Bike Commuter Bike

Price range: Low

Another fantastically priced example from Vilano, this road bike is ideal for anyone just starting out in the world of cycling or are on a budget. It's a simple-looking road bike that’s equipped with 21 speeds to help with any type of terrain you may encounter on your travels. The double butted aluminum frame is super lightweight and allows for easy maneuverability while the Shimano thumb shifters ensure you have a smooth and care-free ride. Some assembly is required when you get the bike, which you can do yourself if feeling up to it, otherwise take it to your local bike shop where they’ll assemble it for you for a small fee.

Bike weight: 26.5 lbs

Verdict: The Vilano Aluminium road bike may not look anything special, but it does what it says on the box. It’s quite easy to assemble and seems pretty durable while riding. The brakes do work but could maybe do with an upgrade. All-in-all, it’s not a bad buy for the money.

Overall rating: 8/10​

Urban bikes, or city bikes, are marked by many distinct features that distinguish them from their mountain bike and road bike counterparts. Specifically designed for short-distance commuting, urban riding, and performing tasks, urban bikes are typically outfitted with storage racks and feature an upright position for riding as well as a smaller range in gears.

Built strong enough to handle the various elements associated with urban-style environments, urban bikes typically are free of superfluous accessories, with a concentrated focus on functionality, durability, and simplicity over performance-oriented attributes.

Typically available in solid colors and often in retro framed bodies, urban bikes usually feature large tires that are optimal for city riding. Heavier than their road bike counterparts, urban bikes are made to maneuver the city terrain safely, efficiently, and reliably.

If you are interested in purchasing a new urban bike and would like to find out the top models available in 2017, read on below for comprehensive, information-packed reviews that will help you make the best choice for your highly individual needs.

1. Raleigh Bikes Back Alley Urban Road Bike

Designed specifically for the single-speed bike rider, the Raleigh Bikes Back Alley Urban Road Bike is all about functionality.

Featuring a rear-hub with flip-flop style mechanism, flat handlebars to keep you in an upright position and provide you optimal levels of visibility, and comfortable elements such as a Raleigh Classic road saddle and microsuede lock-on-style gripping for a classic aesthetic, this bike has everything a city dweller needs for their on-the-go tasks and daily commute.

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2. Critical Cycles Harper Single-Speed Fixed Gear Urban Commuter Bike

The Harper Fixed Gear Urban Commuter Bike from Critical Cycles features a hand-built diamond frame that is tig-welded and backed by a lifetime guarantee.

The high-tensile composition features industrial-grade steel for unparalleled long-lasting durability and reliability.

Touted by consumers as encompassing beauty, function, and affordability, this bike is packed with high-end components from internationally recognized brand names.

Comfortable is paramount in the Harper Urban Commuter Bike. With its riser-style handlebars, riders comfortably maintain an upright position that fosters good posture and back health.

Equipped with front and rear brakes, riders are given complete control over their ride quality, and provided the utmost in safety and security in their speed control, stopping time, and more.

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3. Firmstrong Urban Lady Beach Cruiser Bicycle

Firmstrong endeavors to create bikes that encompass functionality, style, and affordability, while creating a product that provides an experience for riders, rather than just a method of transportation.​

Inspired by classic-style cruiser bikes, the Urban Lady Beach Cruiser Bicycle is a retro beauty that is made to smoothly and leisurely roll along on boardwalks, trails, paths, streets and more.

​Ideal for casual riding endeavors, this single-speed bike is a great choice for many beaches, city, and paved environments.

In keeping with the casual and effortless vibe, no extraneous cables are hanging off the bike nor are there any complicated gear-shifting control systems to contend with.

With this product coming 80% preassembled, consumers can be ready to leisurely ride about the city in no time at all.​

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4. 6KU Aluminum Fixed Gear Single-Speed Fixie Urban Track Bike

​The 6KU Urban Track Bike is made for consumers ready to navigate the concrete jungles within the city. With its all-black facade and overall monochromatic look, this urban bike is sleek, modern, and in line with the contemporary feel of big cities.

Featuring riser-styled bars, a lightweight alloy frame and fork, dropouts made from stainless steel, and industrial-grade aluminum construction elements throughout, this bike is packed with all the features that an urban dweller could wish for in a bike.

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5. Critical Cycles Beaumont-7 Seven Speed Lady's Urban City Commuter Bike

This retro cruiser-style bike from Beaumont is a wonderful way to commute across the city in style. With a range of 7 speeds, this bike is in stark contrast with the usual single speed urban bikes found on the market.

Regarded by many consumers as the ultimate urban bike for the city, the Beaumont’s timeless aesthetic is complemented by its artfully constructed spokes and storage carrier.

Despite its classic old-time looks, this bike is outfitted with cutting-edge design elements such as a rear derailleur from Shimano and a Shimano Revo grip-style shift control to provide riders with a precision riding experience and offering complete command of the bike.

Perfect for leisurely riding, performing chores, and commuting to work, the Beaumont will have you traveling in enviable style.

The Lightweight hand-built step-thru steel frame design with an upright riding position designed for urban commuting, leisurely riding, and exercise.

Equipped with Shimano 7-Speed drivetrain and RevoShift grip shifters for ultimate precision, speed, and control.

Front and rear alloy brakes to keep you safe and in control of your ride at all times​

Wanda 700x35C tires grip the ground for a dependable ride every time

Arrives 85% built and comes with assembly tools and instructions, so you can easily finish putting together your bike!

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For more valuable information on the different kinds of urban bikes available on the market today, visit us at bikingtribe.com.