TOP 9 Entry-Level Road Bikes of 2023 – Under $500 /$1k

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Do you have a road bike for 2023? If you don’t then relax. In this guide, I will help you to choose the best entry-level road bikes.

Road bikes are the most specialized of all the different bike types and are meant only for riding on tarmac. Going to your local bike store you can see them on sale with price tags starting from $800.

We have picked out the best entry-level road bikes, that are not too expensive but offer great value.

Here we go, we’ve brought out the 9 best entry-level road bikes for 2023!

 

1.

Tommaso Imola

Best Entry Level Road Bike

In our opinion, Tommaso makes some of the most attractive and best-looking road bikes. It is, without a doubt, one of the best bicycle manufacturers that you can consider at a reasonable price.

Their quality lies in the fact that they make entry-level and mid-range models. Therefore, anyone can find something that they need.

Tommaso Imola, which we are reviewing here, is an entry-level model that even offers several glimpses of the mid-range world.

Key takeaways:

• Aluminum frame
• Upright riding position
• 24 speeds

 

Tommaso Imola is light, fast, and elegant, offering an all-around great performance at a bargain price.

Tommaso Imola has a harmonic combination of Shimano and Tommaso road components. They will provide you with 24 speeds on a 3×8 drivetrain. You’ll do the shifting with Shimano Tourney parts, and a wide-range cassette is a part of the same groupset.

One of the things some riders might not be stoked about is the brakes. Namely, Fascino comes with rim brakes. They offer great braking performance, but more and more riders prefer disc brakes nowadays.

The tires are Kenda, and they’re 25 mm wide. This is the most popular width you can find on most road bikes. It is perfect for entry-level riders who should have more grip when cornering for safety and confidence reasons.

Related: How To Start Cycling

If you’re buying your first road bike and you want it to last a long time and get you through many long rides, you can’t go wrong with Tommaso Fascino.

BTW: There are 6 different sizes to choose from, whoa!

Get From Tommaso Cycling

 

2.

Salsa Journeyer

 

Best All-Road Road Bike

Salsa Journeyer adventure road bike is clearly a capable machine that is ready to not just hit the road but the odd trail too.

• Aluminum frame
• Comfortable geometry
• Mechanical disc brakes

 

The Journeyer is much more than what you’d expect from a bike at this price point. The MicroShift groupset offers 9 gears with a gear range that’s excellent for climbing.

The bike rolls on 650c size wheels and 47 mm wide tires, which is a great compromise between speed and comfort.

The Journeyer is the best adventure bike that can take you on multi-day tours with front and rear panniers and all of your camping gear.

However, the Journeyer has some cons as well. The biggest one for us is the mechanical disc brakes. They’re not as precise as hydraulic disc brakes, and adjusting them can be a pain in the neck.

One thing to keep in mind is that this bike isn’t completely assembled, and some mechanical skill is required. This isn’t necessarily a con but you might want to factor in the cost of assembly by an experienced mechanic before buying. A proper tune-up and inspection are vital to make this bike function properly.

So consider getting Salsa Journeyer if you want to do multi-day tours, ride gravel roads, or go on road rides and not feel constrained to perfectly smooth asphalt.

Get From REI

 

3.

Rondo RUUT AL2

Best Bikepacking Drop-Bar Bike

Rondo has been making bikes now for around 15 years and is starting to take a solid chunk of the all-road market share. In its price range, this ride is hard to beat, especially when it comes to adventure bikes for cyclists who want to explore roads that are rarely taken.

Rondo RUUT AL2 is perhaps the best example of adventure road bikes that are cheaply priced but well built!

Main features:

• Aluminum frame
• 1×11 drivetrain
• Mechanical disc brakes
• Numerous eyelets

 

For some, $2,200 might not seem very cheap, but it’s hard to find this list of components for less.

This bike comes in two colors, black and purple, both of which look amazing. Plus, you can choose from five sizes – from X-Small to X-Large

Online reviews mostly have good things to say about it: a 1×11 drivetrain that’s easy to maintain, robust tubeless-ready aluminum wheels and versatile 40mm tires, comfortable and durable aluminum frame and carbon fork with upright geometry, and dozens of mounting points for accessories.

Rondo RUUT AL2 is our top pick due to its fantastic design and bargain components for adventurers and tourers who want top value at an affordable price.

This bike brakes with TRP Spyre-C mechanical disc brakes which is a good refreshment if you used to brake with rim brakes. They’re more powerful and more precise.

Related: Fix your ride – Silca T-Ratchet & Ti-Torque Kit Review!

So, if you want to jump on the adventure bandwagon and you don’t want to spend every last penny on your new passion, Rondo RUUT AL2 is an excellent choice.

Get From Mike’s Bikes

 

4.

Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4

Best Value Carbon Road Bike

The Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4 is every cyclist’s dream come true and a legendary bike when it comes to riding fast.

Features:

• Carbon frame
• Carbon fork
• Shimano Tiagra groupset
• Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brakes

 

The Synapse combines a super-durable carbon frame with a stiff carbon fork. IT’s an incredibly light machine because it is completely carbon.

When it comes to the components, the Contend has Shimano written all over the place. The groupset this bike operates with is Shimano Tiagra, which is a mid-range groupset that will take a lot of beating and abuse.

In total, you’ll have 20 gears at your disposal with a compact crank and an 11-34T cassette.

Like most modern endurance road bikes nowadays, you have disc brakes but these are the uprated hydraulic disc brakes. They are super light lightweight and amazing in wet conditions.

The wheels are 700c and equipped with 30 mm tires, which are smooth and fast. If you want, you can certainly go a few millimeters wider and improve comfort and grip even more if you want.

All in all, if you want a cheap unisex endurance road bike with a carbon frame and a carbon fork that’s ready for day-long rides, this is the bike for you. 

Get From Mike’s Bikes

 

5.

Marin Gestalt 2

Best Road Bike for Paved and Unpaved Roads

 

Marin Gestalt 2 is not a traditional road bike. This is a drop-bar all-road bike with 700C wheels that are more than capable of doing long distances on paved and unpaved roads.

Features:

• Aluminum frame
• Shimano Tiagra
• 20 gears
• Mechanical disc brakes

 

Its aluminum frame provides maximum road vibration dampening and extra comfort. Hard to find another entry-level all-road bike that is comparably capable and affordable like this one.

Marin Gestalt 2 has durable 700C aluminum wheels clad in 32 mm wide tires, which is a great combination for city commutes or off-road adventures.

Marin Gestalt 2 shows that all-road bikes can be fast, fun, and practical all at the same time.

This bike offers 20 gears, so climbing hills will be super easy. It also features powerful mechanical disc brakes that offer plenty of braking power for casual riding.

If you want a bike that rides fast on paved and unpaved roads that you can use for long commutes, as well as for recreational and fitness rides, Marin Gestalt 2 will put a smile on your face.

Get From JensonUSA

 

6.

Marin Four Corners 2022

Best All-Road Adventure Road Bike

Marin Four Corners is one of the simplest but at the same time one of the most versatile all-terrain endurance/gravel bikes that you can buy right now.

If you want to commute, ride brevets, or become a part of the gravel craze, this Marin model is going to help you achieve your dreams. However, this is also a phenomenal choice for pure road riding, depending on which tires you put on it.

Key takeaways:

• Chromoly steel frame
• Chromoly steel fork
• Multi-surface tires
• Mechanical disc brakes
• Shimano Sora groupset

 

One of the main characteristics of all-around road bikes is comfort, which you will no doubt get thanks to the chromoly frame and fork with endurance geometry. The result is a lightweight and compliant bike that rides predictably.

To power this beautiful bicycle along scenic roads of all kinds, you will be using a 2×9 drivetrain equipped with Shimano Sora components. That’s the best bang for the buck you can get at this price. It offers decent quality and performance, as well as enough variety with the gearing.

Marin Four Corners is a no-brainer for anyone who has room for just one bike and needs a great performer on a variety of different terrains.

We also like the Tektro Spyre-C mechanical disc brakes because they are powerful, precise, durable, and easy to maintain.

Four Corners is ready for any kind of adventure as it comes with mounts for racks, three water bottles, and front and rear fenders. You can use it for commuting, multi-day bikepacking tours, or very long rides.

Finally, Marin has opted to dress this bike in WTB Resolute 650B or 700C x 42mm tires. You can choose whichever size suits your style of riding better.

Therefore, Marin Four Corners seems like the perfect tool for road beginners and gravel enthusiasts on a budget to fall in love with this discipline and explore the outback.

Get From JensonUSA

 

7.

Cannondale Topstone NEO SL 2

Best Electric Gravel Bike

Gravel bikes are the new hot trend in the cycling industry. They have a lot of similarities with road bikes, which is why Cannondale Topstone NEO SL 2 deserves a place on this list! Electric gravel bikes are usually not cheap, but you can get a decent model without spending outrageous amounts of money, which is the case here.

Features:

• Aluminum frame
• Carbon fork
• Shimano GRX components
• Upright geometry

Full review of the Topstone series

The frame is made from lightweight aluminum, whereas the fork is made from carbon, so the total weight of the bike is not too high despite it being an e-bike.

Cannondale Topstone NEO SL 2 is the ideal choice for all riders who intend to stray off the beaten path and put their foot in the gravel riding world.

There are several other surprises Topstone NEO SL 2 has. It’s absolutely jam-packed with mounts, which makes it a fantastic solution for all of your adventure rides. The stock version does not come with any accessories, but you can easily fit it will lights, fenders, racks, bike bags, and anything else you might need for long journeys.

This e-bike is powered by a Mahle ebikemotion 40Nm motor that will assist you up to 20 mph. The 250Wh battery is integrated and secures a 47-mile range if you stay in low PAS levels.

This bike is also equipped with Shimano GRX components, which is an excellent choice at this price range. It has a 2×10 drivetrain with a wide-range cassette, so no need to worry about running out of gears. It also has a pair of GRX hydraulic disc brakes, which is a must on gravel bikes!

Related: Best Bikes For Gravel

Let’s not forget the versatile tubeless ready rims and 42mm WTB Resolute Comp Tires to help you attack the rough stuff.

If you want a serious two-wheeler for adventure trips and recreational riding, then Cannondale Topstone NEO SL 2 is the best mid-range road bike for gravel that you can get!

Get From REI

 

8.

Giordano Libero 1.6

Best Budget Entry-Level Road Bike

We’ve been seeing more and more cyclists on the roads lately, which means that the need for beginner road bikes is growing.

Here we have the best entry-level road bike for new riders in our opinion. This is a unisex bike and fits men and women riders equally well. It’s a good choice to get used to pedaling, improve your fitness, and fall in love with the sport.

Key features:

• Comfortable geometry
• Aluminum frame
• 16 gears

 

The first characteristic of the Giordano Libero 1.6 is obvious from the moment you take the first look at it, which is the design. The color is neutral yet attractive, and the bike stands out when it’s out on the roads.

Another reason why this is the best beginner road bike is the fact that it is made with relaxed geometry that does not put too much strain on your body. This means that it has a shorter top tube than usual and a higher head tube. It also has a comfortable saddle that won’t torture your sit bones. This will make a massive difference when it comes to comfort, especially on longer rides.

Giordano Libero 1.6 is a high-value entry-level road bike with an attractive paint job making it a dream bike for any beginner roadie.

When it comes to the components and parts, there are many things that Libero can boast about. For example, it has a lightweight aluminum frame and fork, strong caliper brakes, and comfy road tires.

This road machine also has a 2×8 Shimano Claris drivetrain which is a good choice for beginner riders.

All in all, Giordano Libero can be recommended as the best beginner road bike for riders who are just starting to ride or want to upgrade from their leisure bike.

Check Current Price on Amazon

 

9.

Cannondale CAAD Optimo 4

 

Best for New Roadies

The CAAD Optimo 4 got its place on our list immediately as a good cheap road bike and here it has remained. Cannondale is one of the best-known manufacturers around and this bike is a great example of what they can do.

Features:

• Aluminum frame
• Carbon Fork
• 16-speed drivetrain

 

We are personally impressed by the quality this bike exudes for this amount of money.

With this setup, you can ride for years to come. The components are from great brands and are built to last.

The CAAD Optimo 4 brings together a list of reliable components on a quality aluminum frame that makes it the biggest bargain in entry-level road cycling.

The bike is made for comfortable road riding and has a smooth endurance geometry. It’s excellent for long days out and comfortable riding. 

It comes with Shimano Claris gearing and this will give you plenty of gears for getting up and downhill easily and will be silky smooth to use.

It comes with 700c road wheels and 25c tires which will offer you decent speed but without the ride feeling harsh. We highly recommend the CAAD Optimo because not only is it an amazing bike, it’s incredible value for money.

Get From Mike’s Bikes

 

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Expert Opinion – Which One To Choose?

All these bikes are value-added possibilities, but, if we drill into the details, then Rondo RUUT AL2 is probably the best choice for longer adventures on varying terrain. It’s the best entry-level adventure road bike that we’ve found.

For example, Marin Gestalt 2 is a great pick for anyone who wants a speedy all-road bike to do daily commutes and leisure rides. For men & women who want a quality endurance road bike with good components, we proudly present you with the Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4.

If you need a light, fast, durable, and attractive versatile road bike, Tommaso Imola is there for you. Also, a strong performer on gravel roads is the electric Cannondale Topstone NEO, with a nice set of components and relaxed frame geometry.

If going cheap is what you have in mind, then we’ll point you at the Cannondale CAAD Optimo 4. Yes, it’ll be equipped with a cheaper component group, but, if normally maintained, the bike will work nicely for years to come. Our second choice for minimal investment is the Diamondback Haanjo – it comes ready for adventures on and off-road.

The best newcomer is definitely the Marin Four Corners. It has a nice balance between price and components and performs excellently on gravel and paved roads.

An excellent pick for women who want to take up road biking is the Giordano Libero, which has women-specific parts and geometry and a decent set of components.

Don’t forget that all these bikes are the best entry-level road bikes!

 

Are Cheap Road Bikes Worth it?

Yes! They definitely are.

But only the best cheap road bikes are here to stay. These fantastic bikes will last you many great years.

Related: Cycling Tips For Beginners

Like the expensive ones, their advantages are in speed, lightness, and an aerodynamic riding position. You can ride, get further in a shorter amount of time and see much more.

Typically the road bike is more expensive compared to other types, but there are good budget variants on the market which, while not meant for races, offer up heaps of enjoyment and sweet adrenaline while riding them.

 

Road Bike Sizing – Choosing The Right Bike Size

We all know what it feels like to shop with a limited budget. But the last thing you want to do is to get the first inexpensive bike you come across.

We want you to choose a bike that meets two criteria  – it’s affordable and you love it. And about sizing, bike size is measured in a way shown on the picture – from the seat-post to the crank.

Your height / Bike Size

• 4’11” – 5’3″ = 13 – 15 inches
• 5’3″ – 5’7″ = 15 – 17 inches
• 5’7″ – 5’11” = 17 – 19 inches
• 6’0″ – 6’2″ = 19 – 21 inches
• 6’2″ – 6’4″ = 21 – 23 inches
• 6’4″ and taller = 23+ inches

We have additional chats for choosing the correct bike size.

 

Are Entry-Level Road Bikes Expensive?

Not always. If you choose wisely. If you go to a Local Bike Shop (LBS) you can see very expensive prices. Also, you can check online to find the best inexpensive road bikes. The main difference in price comes from secondary costs like warehouse, marketing, assembly, etc. That’s why you can find road bikes for a good price.

All you must do is choose wisely. Let’s say, 80% of expensive bikes are good. But only 20% of road bikes are expensive. So think again, why should you pay more for the same quality?

GEAR UP: BEST ROAD BIKES UNDER $1,000

 

How to Assemble Your New Entry Level Road Bike

Amazon bikes come partially assembled and are shipped out in boxes.

Many new owners tend to complain about it, but it isn’t something impossible for you to do.

There are two ways to assemble a bike.

#1: Take it to the bike shop and they will do it for about $40. Still, a pretty good value if you add it to the price you paid for your entry-level road bike.

Or, #2: Do it yourself, if you can think logically and work a wrench, then it really isn’t hard. Everything is cable activated and these cables need to be tightened properly in order for the bike to shift and brake properly.

Outside of the cable, you likely need to attach the handlebar. Did it sound like it might be a bit tricky? Then I have a video for you:

So you need to adjust them sometimes. And it doesn’t matter, whether you’re riding a cheap bike or an expensive one. So it will certainly be a good skill to have -adjusting brake and gear cables. But if it looks impossible, let your friend do it or pay the guy in your local shop.

So there are a few extra costs at the beginning but it evens out when you are on the saddle of one of the best entry-level road bikes there is.

 

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