We know these have a hefty price tag, but that’s what it takes to be competitive—because you pay for what you get.
They might cost some serious dough, but here's the top of the line in road bikes, for serious cyclists.
Your old bike gets you from point A to point B, true. That’s fine. But maybe (just maybe) it’s time for an upgrade, because road bikes have seen a huge boost in new technology and superior engineering that will leave your tired mount in the dust. Plus, it’s a lot more fun to ride when you’re at your best, right?
And that’s what it’s all about in the end—finding that one bike that will get you out on the road day after day. So, from electronic gear shifters, to ultralight composite frames, to aerodynamic shapes and reimagined geometries, we’ve found the best in new road bike technology for serious cyclists. Whether you take them out for a local group ride or your next crit race, these 10 new bikes will have you cruising light—and fast.
The Specialized Tarmac Mid Compact brings carbon to a new level. It features the same frame that has won the Tour of Flanders, along with a handful of Tour de France stages, but with lower grade Shimano Sora components to bring the cost down—way down. Still, it’s a fast bike made for racing—quick accelerations and sharp handling—that will speed you on to anything from a victory sprint to the county line to your next crit win. ($1,750, specialized.com)
Want carbon, but not keen on draining your bank account? The Italian masters at Bianchi have your answer in their new Vertigo 105 entry level carbon mount. It’s a fast frame outfitted with mid-tier Shimano 105 components, but it’s also designed with a more relaxed geometry for all-day comfort on century rides. Fork over an extra $400 for the Campagnolo Veloce version, hand-assembled in Italy with a higher-end Veloce drivetrain for smoother pedalling. ($2,000, bianchiusa.com)
Carbon frames are popular these days, but they can be expensive, and some sprinters find the flex inefficient when it’s time to power forward. Cannondale’s CAAD10 5 105 is a great aluminum alternative—it’s stiffer than carbon but smoother than most aluminum bikes, so you’ll have both acceleration and comfort. And with a frame that’s only 2.5 pounds, it’s actually lighter than several carbon steeds. Not to mention light on your wallet. ($1,730, cannondale.com)
With the Cervelo R3, you get the same frame ridden by Team Garmin-Sharp Barracuda in the Tour de France, but at a significant price drop. The R3 bears Shimano 105 components and implements Cervelo’s Smartwall technology to redistribute material around the frame for greater rigidity without adding weight—great for sprinters. Squoval tube shapes—a blend of square and oval--further boosts the frame’s strength. Prepare for acceleration. ($2,600, cervelo.com)
Giant’s composite technology for bikes is so innovative that they also make parts for aerospace and Formula 1 crafts. The Defy Advanced 1, like all other models, is made in-house, from a strand of carbon fiber thread to a complete bike. It also features Giant’s more upright “endurance position” for maximum comfort regardless of riding style. That means you’ll crush tough climbs, fast sprints, and gruelling miles all on a single trusty steed. ($3,150 giant-bicycles.com)
Planet X designed their superfast aero N2a SRAM Red in collaboration with renowned Italian carbon specialist Roberto Billato and six-time Tour of the Peak winner Mark Lovatt to produce their most ambitious technical road bike yet. Aerodynamics are optimized using aeronautics profiles, including a tapered fork for low drag and better handling on turns. Low-slung race geometry and a responsive chassis mean this bike is fit for unrivaled speed. ($4,000, planet-x-bikes.co.uk)
Aerodynamics and rigidity are two of the most crucial factors in a quality road bike, because they offer speed and acceleration. With that in mind, Orbea built their BLi2 bike with proprietary AIZonE technology that blends those two factors into an ideal frame shape. The resulting bike, which integrates a more elastic carbon fiber than previous models, yields superfast rides with minimal energy input. Better still, the BLi2 features internal wiring for a clean aesthetic you’ll be showing off—if anyone can keep up. ($4,200, orbea.com)
Road bikes designed with race geometry are great for competition, but they’re typically uncomfortable on longer rides. No need to suffer, or to lose your edge—Trek’s Domane 6.9 sports an IsoSpeed decoupler that isolates the seat tube from the rest of the frameset for a more comfortable riding position that doesn’t compromise power transfer to the road. And it’s smooth and stable enough to power comfortably over centuries-old European cobbles, or your nearest potholed country road. ($6,930, trekbikes.com)
Pinarello debuted their 2013 Dogma 65.1 Think 2 at this year’s Tour de France, and the results were impressive: seven stage victories and the top two spots on the podium. An upgrade on the Dogma 65, the new version boasts the strongest carbon ever produced, which allowed Pinarello to strip weight from the frame while retaining its integrity. And it’s compatible with an electric drivetrain. If you build it, they will win. ($5,300, frame and fork only, gitabike.com)
Scott’s Plasma Premium tri bike was the fastest steed in this year’s Kona Ironman World Championship, when Sebastian Kienle powered his mount to a rookie win. The bike also set an Ironman world record last year with a super aero carbon frame that shaves weight where it isn’t necessary and reinforces key areas for maximum efficiency. We’re not saying you’ll win the next Kona, but you’ll break records—if only your own. Caveat: faster and lighter means an emptier pocket. ($9,000, scott-sports.com)
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Best Road Bikes for Serious Cyclists