For many people, road bikes look very similar to each other. Light-weight with a slim frame and skinny tires.
While the overall look is synonymous with road bikes, they all differ in certain ways. Some are designed for experienced cyclists, others for beginners.
For many people, road bikes look very similar to each other. Light-weight with a slim frame and skinny tires.
While the overall look is synonymous with road bikes, they all differ in certain ways. Some are designed for experienced cyclists, others for beginners.
There are several subtle differences from one road bike to the next. These can include certain components, frame materials, and the frame’s overall design.
Some road bikes are made to go very fast while others are made for a smoother ride.
In today’s article, we are going to find out what to look for in a good road bike for beginners.
There are many factors you should consider before purchasing a new road bike, especially if you’re a newbie to the world of road cycling.
Let’s start by considering what type of cycling you will be doing so you can get a better understanding of what bike would suit you best.
What kind of riding will you be doing?
Your first question should be if you need a race or sportive bike.
Look at professional road cyclists and their body positions are generally tucked in with a low front end and a long reach.
This can be a difficult position to get into if you’re a new road rider or if your joints aren’t quite as good as they once were.
If this is the case, a more upright position is critical to maintaining your comfort while riding. Therefore, a sportive bike is the best option.
A sportive bike tends to have a longer headtube and a shorter top tube to help you ride in a more upright position.
If you want to be an out-and-out racer, then a road race bike may suit you better. These have a more aggressive geometry which provides you with an aero advantage as you ride.
Frame and fork material
You should consider whether you want a carbon or alloy frame and/or fork.
The majority of entry-level road bikes are aluminum framed with a carbon fiber fork on occasions.
Aluminum provides a good balance between reliability and durability. Carbon forks help absorb vibration making your ride smoother and more comfortable.
One such bike is the Tommaso Forcella Endurance Road Bike. Although quite expensive, this offers everything a beginner needs such as reliability and robustness.
It has been optimized for added comfort with a compact frame geometry and premium compact handlebars. This combination offers increased power as well as comfort.
If you want a bike with lower weight but with a great deal of lateral stiffness, you should consider getting a full carbon frame and fork.
These bikes are generally much lighter and can be far more comfortable. And they tend to be much faster, which is what many road bikers thrive!
A great carbon-framed beginner’s road bike is the Begasso Shimanos Full Suspension Road Bike. This is a very affordable option with a slick modern design.
It is ideal for city or campus commutes as well as casual rides on days out. It has 21-speed Shimano Tourney-series derailleurs and a shift system that ensures an ultra-smooth ride.
You will have added stopping power in all conditions thanks to mechanical dual disc brakes. As a starter road bike, this has just about everything you need.
Disc brake road bike vs caliper road bike
Many people wonder if they should get a disc brake road bike or a caliper (a traditional rim brake) road bike. Both systems have their pros and cons, however.
Disk brakes are excellent for providing consistent stopping power in both wet and dry conditions. On the other hand, rim brakes are not the best when they come up against wet or grimy conditions.
They are, however, cheaper, easier to maintain, and you will have more wheel upgrade choices with caliper types.
Both are perfectly acceptable on your first road bike so choosing should be a personal preference.
The groupset
The groupset is the bike’s transmission and brakes. You should pay attention to this in the bike’s description.
The most common groupset manufacturers are Shimano, Campagnolo, and SRAM. Each manufacturer has basic entry-level groupset models as well as parts that the pros use.
We recommend going for a groupset you can afford.
If you have a little extra cash to splash, consider getting higher-end groupsets as these tend to provide smoother gear shifts, more gear choices, and are overall lighter in weight.
Best road bike for a beginner
There are a wide range of entry-level road bikes on the market. While it can be very hard to choose the best from this list, some stand out.
One such bike is the Tommaso Imola Endurance Aluminum Road Bike. This is a good-looking, stylish bike that is very popular with cyclists. It seems fast just looking at it!
The Tommaso Imola Endurance Road Bike is an affordable choice compared to many of its competitors but there is no compromise on quality or specs.
It has a lightweight frame and fork which is ideal for beginners and it gives the proper feel of a professional road race bike.
The frame has a compact design resulting in a more exposed seatpost. This helps you look more like a pro as you ride so you look the part on the road.
There are also Shimano STI shifters installed on this Imola bike. The 8 speed Claris shifters give you a grand total of 16 gears and the groupset has recently been redesigned at Shimano so they share a similar look to higher-end groupsets.
For a beginner, the Imola is a perfect bike. It has a lot of potential for upgrading in the future as you improve and become more experienced.
In Summary
There are many considerations to make when finding a good road bike for a beginner.
Whether it’s the specifications of the bike or your budget, taking a little time to do some research first will help you fully understand what makes a good road bike.
A quality road bike should last a long time so you must ensure that the frame is durable and comfortable for many more years of riding.
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