Great Road Bikes for Beginners

We enjoy seeing individuals take up cycling, whether for sheer enjoyment, to prepare for longer trips, or eventually compete in a bike race or triathlon. We believe that the greater the number of bikers, the greater the need for trails, dedicated bike lanes, and cycling facilities benefit us all. It generates a fruitful cycle, not to mention the possibility of making the population healthier, which is beneficial to all of us.

Purchasing an entry-level best bike brands bike, on the other hand, can be perplexing. Not only are there dozens of brands to pick from, but each model appears to have an infinite number of component combinations.

When you begin shopping for a bike, you will either fall in love with the first one you see or become overwhelmed by the number of options and possibilities available to you.

What to Look for in a Road Bike?

When purchasing a road bike, there are a few things to consider. It all boils down to personal preference, but you'll have to make choices on a few essential points. The major ones, in our opinion, are:

Components

Cyclists can argue about the value of components until they're blue in the face, but the reality remains that there is a hierarchy, and the higher you go, the more you pay. 

Two points to remember: you can always modify components later, and if in doubt, spend your money on moving parts (e.g. chainring instead of brakes).

It's worth noting that bike components are always changing and improving, which benefits the average entry-level bike customer. What was formerly only found on higher-end bikes may now be standard on a lower-priced road bike.

Brakes

You'll find disc and caliper brakes on entry-level road bikes when it comes to components. Disc brakes are seen as superior, and the trend is for more bikes to adopt them. Disc brakes were only available on higher-end bikes five years ago. They're now found on a lot of entry-level motorcycles. They provide more wheel clearance, perform better in wet or hilly conditions, stop faster, and don't heat up or wear down your rim. We rode caliper brakes for years, and they did a great job; they are easier to adjust, fine-tune, fix, and maintain for the DIYer.

Brand

We're not brand snobs here, but buying the best bike brands with a strong track record and warranty can benefit us. The last thing you need is a crack in your carbon frame and no one to turn to for help. This is most likely the case when purchasing from major internet merchants who carry imported, upstart companies. The tried-and-true brands (such as those mentioned above) will look after you well.

Fit

Never compromise on your bike's fit. Most people will easily fit into a bike size, making it simpler. Others are always on the edge of one size and the next, making it more challenging.