Comparison of Road Bicycles

Bike shops can be intimidating places. They tend to have the fanciest road bicycles prominently displayed. These models can cost over $10,000. Then, there are the "lowly" entry-level models, priced modestly at under $1,000. You can tell the difference by comparing the bikes on several levels. Determining the one you should buy comes down to how you ride, why you ride and how much cash you have to spend.

  1. Function

    • Hybrid bicycle

      Consider the type of rider you are when comparing road bikes. If you commute, a hybrid model that combines road (narrow tires, aggressive frame geometry) and mountain (upright handlebar position) features might work best. For the general fitness rider, hybrids work, though an entry-level race-style road bike (the kind with "drop" handlebars) is often the better choice. If you are serious about road riding, you need a race-style road bike. Longer rides, serious fitness and, most certainly, racing require an expenditure of around $1,000, if not more.

    Types

    • Note the handlebars on this race-style road bicycle.

      Hybrid road bikes offer the most relaxed ride. Your position on the bike is generally upright and the tires, while narrow relative to a mountain bike, are narrower than what is on race-style road bikes. Race bikes come in different categories as well. As Intown Bicycles in Atlanta notes, touring road bikes tend to be designed for comfort, as they are used for long rides and carrying gear. Slight tweaks in the frame geometry impact ride. Most bike companies make race-style bikes with different frame designs. Some are more aggressive than others, meaning you will lean over more and assume a more aerodynamic position than on relatively relaxed models.

    The Frame

    • Intown Bicycles points out that when comparing road bikes you must determine the frame material you want---generally steel, aluminium or carbon. Bike makers, notes Intown, frequently use aluminium. Aluminium is light and stiff, allowing your power to go toward "forward-motion," according to Intown. Steel is generally less expensive and more comfortable than aluminium, but is increasingly uncommon. Carbon fiber bikes tend to be most expensive. Carbon is slightly lighter than aluminium and usually stiffer, but, as Bicycling Magazine points out, beware of low-grade carbon frames. They offer a weak ride compared to higher-end models. For an adequate carbon-frame bike, be prepared to spend at least $1,500.

    The Components

    • Components on a road bicycle, include gear shifters, brakes, the front and rear derailleurs, crank and wheels. Shimano, explains Intown, is the most popular component maker, though SRAM is becoming increasingly common. No matter who makes the components, bikes get more expensive as the components get better. Entry-level priced road bikes ($500 to $1,000) come with entry-level parts. Base model parts are not necessarily bad. They just are not as durable and offer choppier gear shifting than the higher-end stuff. To secure intermediate-level components, plan to spend around $1,300 to $1,750. For the pro quality stuff, start at about $2,000 and keep going.

    Considerations

    • Intown gives solid advice---test ride several bikes at various price points. You can research all you want, but the only way to tell the difference between a $750 bike and a $3,000 model is to ride both. From here, you can make a truly informed decision. Assess how serious you are about riding and go from there. Do the drawbacks of lower-priced components (e.g., less user-friendly shifting) justify spending an extra $500? As Bicycling Magazine advises, you can try to haggle for a deal, but the best way to catch a break is to buy last year's model as the new bikes are just coming in.