The best road bikes can be seriously expensive, but fortunately, there are plenty of entry-level road bikes available that won’t set you back nearly as much. Whether you’re just getting into the sport and are looking for a starter bike or you simply prefer to spend less, check out our top picks below to see the best cheap road bikes in your budget.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly off-road bike, don’t miss our list of the best affordable mountain bikes.
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1. Tommaso Imola Endurance Road Bike
Pros:- Ideal for road rides, commuting and general fitness
- Standard 700c road tires provide a smooth ride
- Multiple frame sizes to fit a wide range of heights
Cons:- Stock tires aren't the best
- Some find the seat uncomfortable
- Frame is quite heavy
The Tommaso Imola is a solid value, especially since you can get all Shimano gears for a dependable and smooth-shifting ride. The bike also has a generous selection of 24 speeds, which gives you a wider range of options when you’re conquering hills and powering along flats.
Tommaso considers the Imola to be a step above your average entry-level road bike, labeling this ride as more of an affordable performance bike that caters to cyclists who are returning to the sport after an extended break, or those who want a bit more out of a first road bike. The entire groupset is Shimano Claris R2000, including the shifters, derailleurs, brakes and crank.
In terms of quality, this groupset is within reach of the pricier Shimano 105 and Tiagra components. A compact frame, combined with drop handlebars, provides quick and comfortable positioning.
The bike has standard 700c road tires and rim brakes. This bike has a steel frame and is best suited for road rides, general fitness and commuting. A lifetime frame warranty provides extra peace of mind. In terms of sizing, the Imola is available in several frame sizes and will generally fit riders from 4’10” to 6’5″.
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2. Schwinn Phocus
Pros:- Smooth-shifting Shimano rear derailleur
- Quick-release front wheel
- Saddle is height adjustable with a quick-release post
Cons:- Only comes in one size
- Frame isn't the lightest
- Better for taller riders
The Schwinn Phocus is a solid entry-level road bike with a unisex design that fits men and women. Drop bars keep you in a more aerodynamic position as you ride, allowing you to get to your destination that much faster.
The bike is outfitted with a durable Schwinn aluminum frame. While the base Phocus is all-aluminum, the Phocus 1600 has a carbon fiber road fork for smoother rides. The front tire has a quick-release mechanism for easy removal when necessary. The saddle also has a quick-release mechanism for simple height adjustments.
When it comes to gearing, the stock Shimano Claris 16-speed derailleur makes for smooth and dependable gear changes to conquer hills and flats.
The only available current frame size is 22 inches. Several owners agree that this frame size is best suited for taller riders in the range of 5’10” to 6’2″.
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3. SAVADECK Warwinds3.0 Carbon Road Bike
Pros:- Full internal cable routing gives the bike a clean appearance
- Aerodynamic positioning optimizes speed
- Carbon frame, fork and seat post
Cons:- Cheap stock pedals
- On the heftier side for a carbon road bike
- Stock Shimano components aren't the highest quality
This entry-level carbon frame road bike is a relatively lightweight 21.6 pounds, making it well suited for speed-oriented riders. The seat tube, stays and seat post are all designed to be as aerodynamic as possible, so you can focus more on speed and performance.
The bike is outfitted with a Shimano Sora front and rear derailleur and has an 18-speed shifter. You’ll find standard 700c Michelin road bike tires along with a nine-speed KMC X9 chain.
Full internal cable routing gives the bike a cleaner and more modern appearance. This bike comes in frame sizes from 44 to 54 centimeters and is recommended for riders who are 4’11” to 6′.
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4. Eurobike EURXC550 Road Bike
Pros:- Includes Shimano shifters and derailleurs
- Speed-oriented drop bars
- Stylish aluminum rims
Cons:- Frame is quite heavy
- Stock components aren't the best
- Gear shifting isn't very smooth
A wide range of colorful frames makes this entry-level road bike a good fit if you’re looking to stand out from the crowd. In addition to its eye-catching styling, the bike has modern three-spoke wheels for an edgier appearance.
A disc brake system provides dependable stopping power when you need it. Shimano components include a 21-speed A050 shifter along with front and rear Shimano derailleurs. The bike is best suited for riders who are 5’3″ to 5’9″, and supports up to 300 pounds.
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5. Giordano Aversa
Pros:- Sturdy double-wall alloy rims
- High tensile steel fork provides a stable ride
- Good starter bike for beginner to intermediate riders
Cons:- Needs to be assembled
- Limited gearing
- Riders may prefer disc brakes
With its lightweight aluminum frame and 14-speed Shimano drivetrain, the Giordano Aversa is among the best women’s road bikes for entry-level to intermediate cyclists looking for a solid starter bike. Stem shifters add an element of convenience and keep you focused on the ride rather than hunting for gears.
This bike also has sturdy double-wall alloy rims along with pull brakes for dependable stopping power when you need it. A high tensile steel fork provides a stable ride, while standard 700c x 25mm tires keep the bike rolling smoothly.
The women’s Aversa comes in two sizes, a small frame for riders who are 4’10” to 5’3″ and a medium frame that fits riders from 5’3″ to 5’7″.
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6. Vilano Shadow 3.0
Pros:- Recommended for general fitness, commuting and occasional club rides
- Internal cable routing gives a cleaner appearance
- Double-walled alloy wheels for stability
Cons:- Doesn't have disc brakes
- Some competitors have a better gearing selection
- Stock crankset isn't the best quality
Integrated brake and lever shifters make the Vilano Shadow 3.0 a practical choice if you’re looking for a cheap road bike with dependable braking and shifting during road rides.
The Shadow 3.0 is just as versatile as its predecessors and works just as well for general fitness as it does for commuting and the occasional club ride. You’ll find several Shimano components, including an integrated A070 brake lever along with front and rear derailleurs.
A total of 14 speeds makes it easier to find the appropriate gearing when you need it. This bike has caliper brakes along with Kenda 700c x 25c tires. Double-walled alloy wheels ensure a more stable ride.
The Shadow 3.0 is equipped with a double-butted aluminum alloy frame with internal cable routing for a cleaner and more modern appearance.
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7. Trinx TEMPO1.0
Pros:- Durable high tensile steel fork
- Alloy double-wall rims
- Comes with Shimano components
Cons:- Limited frame choices
- Uncomfortable stock seat
- Doesn't have disc brakes
If you crave speed yet are shopping within a tight budget, the Trinx TEMPO1.0 could be the best entry-level road bike for you. This eye-catching bike comes in two frame colors and has an aerodynamic design for racing.
Specs include a high tensile steel fork along with alloy double-wall rims. Shimano components include an A050 shifter along with front and rear derailleurs. This budget road bike is equipped with 21 speeds to keep you riding smoothly on hills and flats. Alloy brakes provide dependable stopping power when you need it.
This bike comes in 53 or 56cm frame sizes, which best suits riders from 5’6″ to 6’2″.
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8. Cervelo C2
Price: $1,899.00Pros:- Versatile bike that can be used for commuting and century rides
- More upright position makes longer rides more comfortable
- Can fit up to 32mm tires
Cons:- Carbon setup is slightly heavier than other Cervelo models
- Still on the pricier side
- Limited color choices
Although it’s best known for its pricier racing bikes, Cervelo offers the more affordably priced C2 for riders who want an all-in-one bike that can handle daily commutes as well as longer and more demanding rides. The C2 isn’t the cheapest road bike on our list, but it’s a solid value for its versatility.
Along with longer rides, you can count on the C2 to get you through century rides and Gran Fondos as well. If you’re familiar with Cervelo, you’ll find several similarities between the C2 and some of the brand’s more mainstream models, including a lightweight carbon frame and dependable disc brakes.
However, the riding geometry is a bit more relaxed than most other Cervelo bikes, and the tires are slightly wider. The frame is specifically tuned to dampen road vibrations for a more relaxed ride.
The C2 is outfitted with dependable Shimano 105 components, including 11-speed Shimano 105 R7020 shifters. This bike comes in sizes ranging from 48 to 58 centimeters.
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9. Hiland City Road Bike
Pros:- Two frame sizes fit a wider range of rider heights
- Comes with several Shimano components
- Relatively lightweight aluminum frame
Cons:- Not designed for shorter riders
- Doesn't shift very smoothly
- Assembly can be tricky
The entry-level Hiland City Road Bike is an affordable option for commuters. This entry-level bike features 21 speeds along with a convenient Shimano A050 shifter.
The aluminum frame is a fairly lightweight 25.9 pounds to keep you cruising to your next destination. The bike comes in a smaller 52-centimeter frame size for riders who are between 5’5″ and 5’9″, while the larger 56cm frame best suits riders from 5’9″ to 6’2″. You can pick between two frame colors.
This bike features a KMC 27 chain along with double-wall rims for added stability. You’ll also find Kenda 700c x 25c tires and a Shimano front and rear derailleur.
Which Is the Best Beginner Road Bike?
The best beginner road bike gives the most bang for your buck, providing a mix of comfort and performance without breaking the bank. There are several cheap bikes for riders who are just starting out, but every bike has something different to offer.
For example, some of the best road bikes for beginners are designed for riders who want to go fast, complete with a more aerodynamic design. If going fast is your priority, consider the SAVADECK Warwinds3.0, which has a carbon fiber frame, or the Eurobike road bike with stylish three-spoke rims.
On the other hand, if you're leaning more towards a bike that's more for commuting, your best entry-level road bike tends to have a wider gear selection and a more upright riding position. We suggest the Hiland City bike if you're planning on using the bike mostly for commuting. If you can stretch your budget a bit, the Cervelo C2 is a good entry-level bike that you can continue to use as you build up the mileage, as this versatile road bike works just as well for daily commutes as it does for longer century rides.
Which Is Better: Mountain Bike Vs. Road Bike?
Mountain biking typically involves riding on trails, giving you an opportunity to head off-road to explore your favorite trails and adventurous terrain. Your average affordable mountain bike tends to fall within the same price range as a cheap road bike for beginners, but there are several differences to keep in mind.
If you're craving speed, a road bike will be the better option. Most road bikes are lighter than the average mountain bike, and have drop handles to keep you in a more aerodynamic riding position. Mountain bikes have much heavier frames and wider tires to keep you stable as you head off-road.
Which Is Better: Shimano SORA Vs. Tiagra?
SORA is Shimano's nine-speed component that's designed more for sports and fitness cyclists seeking durable entry-level components. The Tiagra groupset is considered to be a bit more refined and is also designed with the beginner cyclist in mind. This 10-speed set offers smoother and more intuitive shifting along with increased braking power. According to Rutland Cycling, Shimano's Sora delivers between 80 and 90 percent of the performance of its higher-end groupsets.
Shimano is a popular brand name, with a wide range of components designed for specific budgets. While SORA and Tiagra are commonly found on entry-level bikes, Shimano's Claris is another fairly common option. Shimano specifically designed Claris components for beginner riders seeking fun over performance, especially on shorter local rides and commutes.
What Are the Best Road Bikes for Women Who Are Buying Their First Bike?
One of the biggest challenges for women riders is simply finding a bike that fits right. An ill-fitting bike can cause aches and pains and may make you feel less enthusiastic about heading out for a ride. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make sure you're getting a bike that fits properly.
Backroads recommend considering your height and your preferred riding style (more aggressive aerodynamic positioning for speed and power, or a more relaxed upright position). While you can follow the manufacturer's general fit guidelines, you'll get the best fit by measuring the stand-over height (you should have at least two inches of space between yourself and the top tube as you straddle the bike).
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