The Top 5 Lightest Road Bicycle Reviews & Buying Guide 2017
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
