The 8 Best Cheap Road Bikes for Beginners

Out of all the bicycle categories out there, road bikes are the fastest, sleekest, and most efficient. A road bike is designed for pavement, and is the best option for riders looking to go farther with more speed and efficiency than on other types of bikes. Road bikes can also be astronomically expensive, making it hard for casual riders or commuters to get into the sport. Luckily, there are plenty of reasonably priced options out there for new riders.

Keep in mind that while these are solid entry-level bikes, the lower prices mean you’re going to compromise on at least some level of component durability and riding comfort.

What to Consider

Caliper (Rim) Brakes Versus Disc Brakes: Like other styles of bicycle, road bikes come with either caliper brakes or disc brakes. Disc brakes are relatively new to the world of road bikes, and usually come at a slightly higher price point than caliper / rim brakes. Rim brakes work by applying pressure to the sides of the wheel, while disc brakes are mounted on the hub of the wheel. Disc brakes can offer more stopping power, and are more often seen on mountain bikes and touring bikes.

Gear Ratio: A bike with more gears will allow for a greater range of pedaling force on varied terrain. Look for more gears if you plan to use this bike for races, triathlons, or longer rides in an area with big climbs. Check out the specs on each listing—for instance, a bike with a 3 x 7 crankset will have 21 gears, a solid option for a variety of extended climbs and descents.

Handlebar Style: Road bikes will come with either flat handlebars or drop bars. Drop bars have three different hand positions, which is nice for switching positions on long rides. They also allow you to lean further over the bars for more efficient pedaling uphill. However, flat handlebars can feel more secure, have more accessible brake levers, and are often found on more affordable bikes.

How We Selected

To choose the best cheap road bikes, we decided on a reasonable price range, then looked at the best options under the maximum price. We compared components and style, along with intended use for all categories. From there, we went with expert opinions and our own experience on road bikes and commutes to find the best road-style bikes for everything from in-town commuting to long weekend group rides.