Best road bikes under $2.000 in 2024

What is the best road bike under $2000? Cycling can be quite pricey, and it is not just the bike itself that adds up. It is wise to budget for additional expenses like gear, helmets, pedals, mudguards... The list goes on. But to help keep costs down, we have created a list of what we believe are the top 6 budget-friendly road bikes under $2.000.

Triban RC 520 - $1,100

Let's kick things off with the Triban RC 520 – an excellent choice for budget-conscious riders. Priced at $1,100, it offers remarkable value for its specifications.

Featuring Shimano 105 11-speed gearing, it offers versatility for various riding conditions, and cable-operated hydraulic disc brakes. These brakes have the hydraulic reservoir housed on the caliper itself, allowing for the power of hydraulic disc brakes while using more affordable cable shifters. While they may not match the performance of true hydraulic disc brakes, they're certainly an upgrade from rim brakes, which are commonly found in bikes at this price range.

The Triban RC 520 boasts a stable and comfortable geometry, and it's also available in a women-specific version. With a weight of 10.4 kilograms in the medium size, it is among the heavier road bikes, but given the price and specifications, one can easily overlook its weight. Additionally, with its tire clearance, tubeless ready tires and its mounting point versatility, the Triban RC 520 should be seriously considered by anyone in the market for a new road bike.

Giant Contend 1 - $1,100

Next up on the list is the Giant Contend 1 – offering excellent value for money with a price tag of $1,100 and delivering a rewarding ride with a sleek specification.

The bike features Shimano's well-crafted Sora 9-speed groupset, with Tektro rim-brake calipers as the only deviation. Giant includes a tubeless-ready wheelset, 28mm tires and a 32mm tire clearance, along with an alloy handlebar, stem, and saddle.

With an all-carbon fork and alloy D-Fuse seatpost, the Contend delivers enhanced ride quality. The D-Fuse technology from Giant creates comfort for the rider while seated by utilizing the flat rear face of the seatpost, which is designed to flex both forward and backward.

Unlike many bikes in this price range, the Contend 1 doesn’t just provide a comfortable ride; it also responds eagerly when pushed. With its space for larger tires and mounts for full mudguards, it could serve as an excellent commuting or winter bike, while still delivering satisfaction on every ride.

Cannondale CAAD Optimo range - $1.100-$1.600

Cannondale's CAAD Optimo range offers four entry-level road bikes, all sharing the same frame and carbon fork. The different models differ in their components and price.

The Optimo 4, priced at $1.100, is the most affordable option, while the Optimo 1, at $1.600, boasts the highest build specification.

The componentry ranges from an 8-speed Shimano Claris on the Optimo 4 to an 11-speed Shimano 105 setup on the Optimo 1. All models feature rim brakes, providing ample stopping power and the bikes provide a stable and predictable handling.

The chainstays feature a horizontally flattened section called 'SAVE,' which, according to Cannondale, acts as a form of 'micro-suspension' intended to minimize vibrations. This design enhancement leads to a smoother and more comfortable riding experience.

Additionally the CAAD Optimo frame offers mounting options for a rear pannier rack but because of the rim brakes, fitting mudguards or bigger tires can be difficult. If you don’t need or want the larger tyres disc brakes can allow for on the road, the Optimo is a great option.

Specialized Allez - $1,320

One bike you'll consistently find in lists of the best budget-friendly options is the Specialized Allez 2023, and for good reason—it's a fantastic road bike for budding racers. The latest version sees updates to this entry-level road bike from the brand, albeit with a downside of a higher price tag.

Priced at $1,320, you'll find a frame geometry reminiscent of the Roubaix—slightly more relaxed, with longer chainstays and a slacker head angle. Combined with its 35mm tire clearance, Specialized aims to enhance the versatility of the new Allez.

The bike comes equipped with an 8-speed Shimano Claris groupset and Tektro mechanical disc brakes. Considering its value, it's worth taking a closer look at the Specialized Allez Sport.

While it comes at a higher price point—1,750€—you'll be getting a bike equipped with Shimano's 11-speed Tiagra groupset and hydraulic disc brakes. This means you'll experience smoother transitions between gears, potentially delaying the need for a bike upgrade.

As a result, the Allez Sport could be an excellent choice for anyone interested in competitive racing.

Liv Avail AR 1 - $1,320

Ensuring your bike fits perfectly is crucial for a great cycling experience, especially considering the differences in body proportions between genders. For women, models prioritizing frame sizing and details like saddle, stem, and handlebars matter.

Trying a bike with geometry tailored to the female body was a game changer for me, given my proportions. That's why the Liv Avail AR 1, a women-specific bike, is next in our listing.

Priced at 1,699€, the Liv Avail AR 1 comes in at a slightly higher budget than the previously discussed bikes. It features an 11-speed Shimano 105 groupset and disc brakes. Equipped with GIANTS D-Fuse technology in its handlebar and seatpost, the bike offers excellent compliance.

The frame accommodates up to 38mm tires, allowing room for mudguards with its included 32mm tubeless-ready tires.

Additionally, the Liv Avail AR 1 offers mounting options for a rear pannier rack. With lower tire pressure and wider tires, it can tackle light gravel paths. Liv claims the Avail AR 1 to be smooth on flats, agile on climbs, and confident on descents.

Canyon Endurace AL 7 - $1,900

Last on our list we have the Canyon Endurace AL 7. Marketed as an endurance road bike, it boasts a sporty DNA that sets it apart. Offering exceptional value-for-money with a specification that rivals even some carbon road bikes.

Weighing in at 9.4kg for a size medium, it features Shimano's 12-speed mechanical 105 groupset, a fully carbon fork and is priced at 1.699€. Upon closer inspection, the frame reveals tidy and seamless weld junctions, achieved through meticulous filing and sanding by Canyon and also semi-integrated cable routing.

The Endurace comes equipped with wide road tires for enhanced grip and comfort on pavement, while its 35mm clearance allows for chunkier all-road tires, perfect for added comfort and off-road traction.

In terms of mounting options you have the possibility to mount a storage bag on the top tube for all your essentials. All in all the Canyon Endurace 7 remains a top contender among road bikes in its price range, offering an enjoyable riding experience.

Best road bike under $2.000: two final tips

Tips for finding a budget-friendly bike

Before we wrap up, let me share one or two final tips with you. When searching for a budget-friendly bike, it's always worth considering pre-owned options. This way, you might snag a bike with higher specs than entry-level ones at a lower cost. Visit our website, buycycle.com, to find a bike that suits your requirements. Additionally, we've created a video on how to buy a pre-owned bike, which you can watch here.

Considerations for timing and deals

Another tip would be to consider bikes from the previous year. Many manufacturers reduce the prices of older models once the latest versions are released. Autumn is an ideal time to purchase a bike, as this is when new models hit the market. And that's a wrap! Until next time, see you out on the road!