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Let’s face it. The price of road bikes can be absolutely outrageous at times and the options are endless. We are here to help you cut through the noise to find the best road bike for your training or commute. If your budget is under a grand, then we have the picks for you. From premium options to budget options, we are here to help you make the right choice.
Table of Contents
Our Top Picks
We’ve selected the best road bikes under a thousand dollars, from the most basic option to the most premium one, to fit everyone’s budget and riding requirements.
Top Choice: Tommaso Fascino Performance Aluminum Road Bike
Mid-Range Option: Eurobike Road Bike EURXC550
Budget Pick: Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike
Editors Choice: Schwinn Phocus
Premium Choice: SAVADECK Carbon Road Bike
Top Choice: Tommaso Fascino Performance Aluminum Road Bike
To check out this road bike on Amazon, click here.
Launched in 2018, the Tommaso Fascino road bike is one of the best road bikes with excellent value for money. Its sales are handled directly through Tommaso, ensuring that you get quality service.
With a 21-speed gear and Shimano drivetrain, it is a powerful bike that you can ride anywhere. The lightweight frame (23.6 lbs) is ideal for all people for any kind of activity, including daily commute.
The handlebars are ultra-compact to reduce wind resistance and allow you to ride at a fast speed without putting in too much effort. The bike comes in different sizes to cater to people of different heights.
Pros
- Excellent customer service
- Durable aluminum frame
- Lifetime warranty
- Shimano drivetrain
Cons
- Average quality brake calipers
- Average quality wheels
Overall, the only drawback with the Fascino is that some of the parts aren’t as durable as you’d like them to be. That being said, they are easy to replace, enabling you to customize your bike to your satisfaction.
Mid-Range Option: Eurobike Road Bike EURXC550
To check out this road bike on Amazon, click here.
The Eurobike has great performance on the road, and the only reason why it doesn’t take the top spot is that it’s a bit on the heavier side. The frame has a solid steel build and maintains a consistent speed. The dimensions cater to people of any build.
The iron handlebar is positioned to ensure that you have a comfortable posture and helps you avoid back pain. The handlebars also provide a solid grip as you ride. This road bike has double-disk aluminum brakes that allow for immediate stopping and stability, keeping you safe from road accidents.
It has a 21-speed gear shift, making it useful for hikes as well. You also have the option of freewheeling to allow your legs to rest for a bit on long rides. It has a weight capacity of 300 lbs., after which, riding it will be quite noisy.
Pros
- Dual disc brake
- Durable steel frame
- 21-speed shifting system
Cons
- Slightly on the heavier side
Overall, this bike is suitable for beginners but doesn’t offer enough speed for pros.
Budget Pick: Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike
To check out this road bike on Amazon, click here.
The Vilano R2 is a lightweight (27 lbs) aluminum bike with shock-absorbent properties to make bike riding an enjoyable experience, even if you use it for your daily commute. One of its main drawbacks is that the inner tubes of the bike deteriorate faster and may need to be replaced soon. Similarly, the seat weighs down after a while and also needs to be replaced quickly.
Apart from that, this bike is pretty much perfect for both flat roads and slightly hilly areas. That being said, the ride will not necessarily be very smooth on rough surfaces. The bike has Shimano drivetrain and shifters, 21-speed gears, and dual brake levers for quick stops. It has a sleek design in a reasonable price range.
Pros
- Quick and easy to assemble
- High-quality aluminum frame
- Lightweight
- Quick and easy gear shift
- Smart appearance
Cons
- Average quality parts- may need to be replaced after little use
- The seat gets uncomfortable for long rides
Overall, the Vilano R2 has all the basic features any entry-level and daily bike rider needs at a reasonable price point.
Editor’s Choice: Schwinn Phocus
To check out this road bike on Amazon, click here.
The Schwinn Phocus has an aluminum frame that is somewhat lightweight (34.1 lbs) and comes in a sleek silver design. It has a 16-speed gear shift, and a carbon body and a braking system that combines the gears and brake levers to help you maintain control over your movement. It has an alloy crank drivetrain to allow for smooth gear shifting.
It has a soft spring saddle for added comfort, especially on long journeys. The bike is better suited for men due to the tall frame, but women can also ride it. It is ideal for daily use but doesn’t have enough speed for professionals.
Pros
- Bike design promotes good posture
- Sturdy enough for rough terrains
- Lifetime warranty
- Good quality tires
- Sleek, lightweight design
- Compatible with the MyFitnessPal App to help you track your fitness goals.
Cons
- Built for taller people
- Some parts are of low quality and may need to be replaced
Overall, the Schwinn Phocus has a light, long-lasting frame and is an investment that, despite some minor drawbacks, can be used by you for many years to come.
Premium Choice: SAVADECK Carbon Road Bike
To check out this road bike on Amazon, click here.
If you’re in search of a high-end road bike, then the SAVADECK has all the features that provide great value for money. Unlike some budget-friendly options, this one has a carbon frame that is lightweight, long-lasting, and good looking. It also has better shock-absorbing properties than aluminum.
It has an 18-speed derailleur gear system for quick and smooth gear shifting, even if you’re riding on rugged terrain.
With great price comes great comfort- the bike is designed to keep you comfortable, even if you cover long distances. The seat is also soft and comfy.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Sleek, carbon frame
- High-quality parts
- Solid, V braking system
- Good value for money
Cons
- Expensive
- Not fast enough for professionals despite the high price point
Overall, if you ride daily and over long distances, you can rely on this SAVADECK to deliver. It’s an investment that provides you with a durable road bike and extra comfort, regardless of whether you’re riding in the middle of the city on flat roads, or out hiking in the hilly areas.
What Should you Look for When Buying a Road Bike?
You want a Road Bike That is Comfortable
Comfort plays a large role in your decision. The last thing you want to do is get on a bike that is sluggish and makes you feel achy afterward. Look for the lightest bike that you can afford. This will allow you to pedal easier and maintain comfort during long rides.
What are the Best Road Bike Tires
Affordable bikes have come a long way with their tires. Long gone are the days where a cheap bike meant cheap wheels and tires. If you have a need for speed, then choosing a bike with 25mm wide tires will be your best bet.
If you are looking to increase the versatility on your bike, moving towards the 28mm or wider will be your best option. The extra width allows you to lower the tire pressure for a softer ride. It will also give you the opportunity to explore new territory and go off-road with your bike. Wider tires are typically heavier, so if weight is of concern you may want to stick to the 25mm tires.
What are the Best Road Bike Brakes?
You can now find hydraulic or mechanical disk breaks on bikes that are wallet-friendly. Disk brakes offer more stopping power. Reducing your hand fatigue and increasing control trails and gravel roads. The best part is they require less maintenance.
