Which road bike is right for me?

Aug 6, 2024 9 min

Which road bike is right for me? Canyon, Bianchi, Specialized... these days, there are so many models and brands that even experienced riders can lose track when searching for the right road bike. But there is no need to worry!

By asking yourself the right questions, you will quickly find the perfect bike for you. What are your expectations for your road bike? Do you have a favorite brand? What is your maximum budget?

Let us take a look together at the key points you should consider when buying a road bike to help you find your perfect match.

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What type of road bike are you and what are your expectations?

You might be wondering which road bike is suitable for different purposes. First, you need to determine how you plan to use your new bike. Here are a few examples:

1. You regularly go on longer rides—throughout the year.

If you want to ride both in summer and winter, you should look for a road bike that can withstand all weather conditions. While a carbon frame is lightweight and aerodynamic, it is particularly vulnerable to corrosion in rain, snow, or strong sunlight.

Better all-round options would be road bikes made from titanium or steel, such as those from Surly. These materials are durable and require less maintenance if you're short on time. Additionally, some models allow you to add racks and/or fenders, making them suitable for commuting to the office, short bikepacking trips, or bike touring.

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2. You want to participate in competitions or fast group rides

If that’s your goal, look for a carbon road bike, such as those from Cube or Canyon. Carbon is about 50% lighter than aluminum, and both the geometry and components of these bikes are typically designed for speed.

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The lightest road bikes weigh between 7 and 9 kg, depending on the weight of the frame and components (again, "carbon" is key here!). According to UCI regulations, competitive bikes must weigh at least 6.8 kg, so keep an eye on that! Most professional road cyclists still prefer a tire width of 23 mm, but 25 mm is becoming increasingly popular.

3. You enjoy riding in nice weather

In this case, you have a lot of flexibility in choosing your new road bike: carbon, aluminum, titanium, or steel—all are options. You can base your choice on design, color, favorite brand, and budget. If you're willing to ride in all weather conditions throughout the year, you might be interested in a gravel bike. Check out our article "What is a gravel bike?" to find out "How to choose a gravel bike?"

Speaking of budget: What kind of costs should you expect? Let’s talk money!

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On buycycle, used road bikes are up to 60% cheaper than their new counterparts.

How much does a good road bike cost?

Ultimately, it depends on how much you can—or want to—spend. The price range spans from two hundred euros to (gasp) nineteen thousand euros. But don’t worry, you don’t need to spend as much as you would on a small car to get a good road bike. First, consider which category you fall into:

Category	Price Range (USD)
Experienced Riders	$3,000 - $15,000, high-end, depending on component choice
Beginners	$850 - $1,600 for steel/aluminum frames
Used Models	Significant savings possible

You have already fallen in love with road biking

If you have experience with road bikes and are certain that you enjoy the sport, it’s worth spending a bit more, if possible. A high-quality road bike is a solid investment and can be resold with minimal depreciation if you later decide to switch to a different model.

Depending on the components you choose, the price can vary significantly. For example, a good set of carbon wheels can cost between seven hundred and two thousand euros! As you can see, there is plenty of room for higher prices.

You are a newbie and need to find out if road biking is for you

If you have no experience with road bikes, it is wise to start with a more affordable model. If you later decide that you want to ride regularly, you can always upgrade to a more expensive model.

If you are still unsure which type of bike suits you best, check out our article "What type of bike should I get?".

On average, you can expect to spend around one thousand euros for a good entry-level bike with a steel or aluminum frame. A carbon bike will cost you at least one thousand five hundred euros. It might sound like a lot of money, but we strongly advise against buying a new road bike for less than eight hundred to one thousand euros.

Cheap models often come with quality compromises. In the worst case, the bike might fail after a season or require expensive repairs.

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Are Craigslist bikes or Pinkbike good options to sell/buy a bike? Come and read our articles!

What does your dream bike look like?

You’ve probably spent a lot of time browsing the internet and comparing road bikes to find the one that fits you perfectly. While technical details and price are important, it’s also perfectly okay to be excited about a particular brand or color.

The brand resonates with you

Most bike brands represent a certain lifestyle or way of life. Think about whether there is a brand whose vision, style, or message you instinctively like.

Brand	Why They Are Popular
Canyon	High quality, innovative technology
Bianchi	Traditional brand with stylish design and top-notch performance
Trek	Well-known for durability and wide range of models
Specialized	High-quality bikes with excellent ride quality
Giant	Known for innovative technologies and reliability
Pinarello	Premium performance, iconic design
Cervelo	Advanced aerodynamics, high-end performance
Colnago	Classic design, prestigious brand
Felt	Innovative technology, competitive pricing
Cannondale	High performance, unique design features

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Maybe an innovative trendsetter like the German bike manufacturer Canyon? Or perhaps an Italian cult brand with a long tradition like Bianchi? Feel free to trust your gut feeling.

Color can also play a role

Yes, you can even base your decision on the color if it’s important to you. After all, you want your road bike to look great to you! And honestly, there’s nothing like the feeling of having your favorite bike hanging on the wall, so stunning that you can’t take your eyes off it.

Trendy colors for road bikes in 2024	Why They Are Trending
Matte Black	Timeless elegance and simplicity; fits various styles; easy to maintain
Metallic Finish	Premium look with a shiny appearance; stands out from the crowd
Vibrant Colors	Adds fun and personality; eye-catching on the road
Gradient Colors	Unique and modern look with smooth color transitions
Earth Tones	Natural colors that blend with the environment; calm yet stylish

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Is a women's road bike a good option?

Some bike manufacturers offer specially designed women’s bikes, which often feature a lower frame than men's models. Women cyclists tend to have different body proportions compared to male riders, as they are generally shorter and lighter, which can affect their riding style. However, the most important thing is that the bike fits you, whether it’s designed for women, men, or is unisex. You can achieve the right fit for your body by choosing appropriate components, such as a narrower handlebar or a women’s saddle.

Ultimately, your decision depends entirely on your priorities.

Your perfect road bike – you have the choice

We hope our little guide has helped you in choosing the right road bike. Ultimately, your decision depends entirely on your priorities. If the look is more important to you than the function—go for it! And if your road bike needs to fulfill a specific purpose, you already have a rough idea of what you need. On buycycle, you can filter by color, brand, price, and more! Finding the perfect bike becomes a breeze.

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