How to Buy a Road Bike: A Comprehensive Guide for Cyclists

How to determine the best road bike for your needs.

Types of Road Bikes

Road bikes are designed for specific riding styles and goals. Understanding the different types will help you choose the best fit for your needs:

Performance/Racing Bikes

Built for speed and efficiency with lightweight frames, aggressive geometry, and aerodynamic designs. Ideal for competitive riders or those who prioritize speed.

Looking for a race bike? The Specialized Tarmac and Aethos and the Giant TCR and Propel line-ups are great places to start.

Endurance Bikes

Designed for comfort on long-distance rides, featuring a more relaxed geometry and added compliance to absorb road vibrations. Perfect for century rides and all-day adventures.

Endurance road bikes are also great for doing double duty as commuter bikes. 

Gravel/Adventure Bikes

Versatile bikes that handle mixed terrain, including gravel roads and light trails. They feature wider tires and stable geometry.

Frame Materials

The frame is the backbone of your road bike, and its material significantly affects weight, durability, and ride quality.

The Frame Game: How to Choose the Best Material for Your Ride.

• Carbon Fiber: Lightweight, stiff, and excellent at absorbing road vibrations, carbon fiber is the top choice for performance and endurance bikes.
• Aluminum: Affordable and durable, aluminum frames are a great choice for beginners and recreational riders. They’re lightweight but less compliant than carbon.
• Steel: Known for its smooth ride and classic look, steel is heavier but incredibly durable. It’s ideal for touring and long-distance rides.
• Titanium: Combining the best of steel and carbon, titanium frames are light, strong, and offer a smooth ride. They’re premium options with a high price tag.

Groupsets and Components

A groupset includes the drivetrain, brakes, and shifters. The quality of your groupset determines how smoothly your bike performs and how much it'll cost.

Shimano

• Entry-Level: Shimano Claris, Sora.
• Mid-Range: Shimano 105 (great for most riders).
• High-End: Shimano Ultegra, Dura-Ace.

SRAM

• Entry-Level: SRAM Apex.
• Mid-Range: SRAM Rival.
• High-End: SRAM Force, Red (popular for wireless shifting).

Not sure which groupset to pick for your new bike? No worries! Entry-level groupsets are packed with decades of pro-racing tech, making them reliable, affordable, and perfect for getting started. Plus, as parts wear out, you’ve got the perfect excuse to upgrade.

Understand Sizing and Fit

The right fit is crucial for comfort and performance. Proper bike sizing ensures that your frame and geometry match your body measurements, allowing you to ride efficiently and comfortably. A bike that’s too small can feel cramped and cause unnecessary strain on your knees and back, while a bike that’s too large may be difficult to control, especially during climbs or descents. Correct sizing helps you maintain an ergonomic riding position, which reduces fatigue and minimizes the risk of injury.

Depending on the manufacturer and model road bikes may be sized in a few different methods. 

• Traditional centimeter sizing. Bikes typically range from 49cm to 64cm. The size is determined by the measurement of the bike's seat tube length, the distance from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the seat tube.
• Simplified sizing: small, medium, large, x-large, etc. Modern road bikes often use compact or sloping top tube designs, which alter traditional frame sizing. A "medium" designation reflects the bike’s overall fit (including stack and reach dimensions), making it more representative of the rider’s needs than just the seat tube measurement.
• Brand specific sizing: some brands, Specialized for example use proprietary sizing. Generally sizing down leads to a more nimble ride, thanks to their shorter reach, while larger sizes deliver more stability and a roomier, more stable ride.

Before clicking that Buy Now button be sure to take a careful look at your new road bike's size chart. Reach out to us with any questions, we're always happy to help.

How Much to Spend on a Road Bike

Road bikes range from $1,000 to over $10,000. Set a budget based on your goals.

• Entry-Level & Recreational Riders: $1,000 - $2,000
• Mid-Range: $2,000 - $4,000
• High-End: $5,000 and above

If you’re a new rider, it’s smart to save up to 20% of your budget for clothing and accessories. Think of it as the gear that makes your ride smoother, safer, and a lot more fun - like padded shorts that save your backside, helmets that keep your noggin safe, and water bottles to keep you fueled.

Basic maintence items like a pump, chain lube will help keep you in the saddle with trouble free rides.

Don’t let your shiny new bike be the only part of your cycling adventure—gear up and ride in style

Shop with Confidence

At Bicycle Warehouse, we offer a wide range of road bikes from trusted brands like Specialized, Giant, and more. Our team of experts is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you find the perfect bike for your needs. Plus, enjoy perks like professional assembly, warranties, and post-purchase tune-ups.

Top Selling Road Bikes

Your dream road bike is just a click away. Shop our collection or visit us in-store to find your perfect match. Let’s make every ride unforgettable!