Contents
The main purpose of a road bike is to develop maximum speed on a road with a smooth, prepared surface, most often asphalt, a little less often soil. Models of this type of bike are optimal for racing and competition. Distinguishing a road bike from others is quite simple: a special shape of the steering wheel (“ram’s horns”), a light and rigid frame, improved aerodynamics, narrow tires with high pressure. Suspension suspensions are also sacrificed due to their decent weight. The modern approach to the design of road bikes is based on maximizing efficiency and reducing possible losses by improving aerodynamics, reducing the size and weight of the model.
Road bikes can be divided into amateur and professional. The second refers to athletes participating in cycling races and velomarathons. The first option is suitable for lovers of fast driving in the city, or in natural areas, if there is a flat road. Of course, any person wants to have a standing bike that will justify the money invested in it. To that end, we’ve compiled the top 10 best road bikes for 2021. In addition to the rating, you are waiting for the expert’s reasoning on what details you should pay attention to when purchasing a bike.
Top 10 rating according to KP
Editor’s Choice
1. Merida Reacto Track 500 (from 49 rubles)
Merida Reacto Track 500 road bike for high-speed driving on a flat road, without gear shifting. The aluminum alloy frame is aerodynamically engineered to reduce drag and maximize comfort. Wheels with a diameter of 28 inches feel great on the prepared track. The unique point is the lack of a braking system. This means that this model is more suitable for experienced cyclists who know how to deftly control the bike at high speeds. It is worth noting that the bike has a rigid fork made of carbon. It also adds to the ease of management.
2. STELS XT 280 V010 (from 29 rubles)
The STELS XT 280 V010 is a road bike with an aerodynamic design and good looks. The hitch on this model is from Shimano. There are 14 speed modes in total, Shimano Tourney RD-A070 rear and front derailleurs. Like any road bike, sharpened to the maximum for acceleration on a flat road, the design is also designed to reduce the accompanying drag. The frame of this model is made of X6 aluminum alloy, which is resistant to corrosion and has the necessary strength. The braking system is represented by U-type mechanical rim brakes, which have a high degree of reliability. Judging by the comments of users, the model demonstrates an excellent roll forward.
3. FORWARD Impulse (from 30 rubles)
FORWARD Impulse road bike for beginners with Shimano suspension. The frame is made of 6061 aluminum alloy, durable and high quality. The rigid fork and rims are also made of aluminium. A fairly standard wheel diameter of 28 inches and allows you to develop high speeds. Like the previous model, the bike is equipped with 14 speed modes. The rear and front brakes of the Winzip P400DG caliper type are quite reliable and will ensure the safety of riding. A plus is the possibility of attaching a flag holder and a pump to the frame. As a result, we get a good road bike for a beginner.
What other road bikes are worth considering?
4. Stinger Stream STD 28 (from 29 rubles)
The Stinger Stream STD 28 is a road bike designed for agility, speed and lightness. The option is well suited for a beginner cyclist, it will also fully satisfy the requirements of an experienced user. As for the speeds, there are 21 switching modes.
The hitch comes from Shimano. The brake system consists of a rear and front brake of a mechanical type STG, 160mm. The frame is rigid, but light, as it is made of aluminum alloy. The main thing to remember is that road bikes have a special fit, and you should choose the model carefully, taking into account your height. As a result, a fairly budget road-type bike.
5. Format 2322 (from 49 rubles)
Format 2322 is a road bike for amateurs who prefer free and fast driving. The frame is quite familiar, made of aluminum alloy, the main advantage of which is complete insensitivity to corrosion. At the same time, the alloy is quite strong and durable. As for the fork, it is rigid, and, which is undoubtedly a plus, it is made of carbon. Also, high-quality bushings, which consist of industrial bearings, which increases reliability and service life. I note that a cyclist can have a mass of up to 130 kg. Shimano hitch is pretty good. There are 16 speed modes in total. Disc mechanical brakes from Tektro. Reliable enough, you will be able to slow down in time. The wheels are standard in diameter – 28 inches. But, the tires are quite wide – 35 mm, this is done in order to increase the cross-country ability and better tire strength. Suitable, not only for a flat road with asphalt or soil, but quite suitable for rough terrain. If you are a fan of road bikes, then this model suits you well, especially for beginners with a minimum level.
6. Giant TCX SLR 2 (from 116 rubles)
The Giant TCX SLR 2 is a road bike with excellent aerodynamics and good rolling. The bike is equipped with a comfortable saddle for daily use. The frame is standard for our top is made of aluminum alloy, and the bike weighs a little, only 10 kg. But, light weight, this is a common thing for road bikes. The rigid fork is made of carbon, which means good reliability and durability. Definitely a plus. The braking system is represented by high quality Giant Conduct hydraulic disc brakes. The wheels are fairly standard in diameter – 1 inches, show good cross-country ability. The drivetrain is a SRAM Apex 28 rear derailleur with eleven speeds in total. Quality road racing for adults with solid experience.
7.Cube Attain Pro (from 76 rubles)
The Cube Attain Pro is a road bike with a stylish exterior design. The model is lightweight, good handling and an amateur-level body kit from Shimano. As for the frame material, everything is very familiar here – aluminum alloy. It is worth noting the very reliable TRP Spyre MD-C610C brakes, which are of the mechanical disc type and work without delay. The saddle is maximally sharpened for the features of anatomy and is suitable for regular trips. The wheel diameter is very standard – 28 inches. There are 18 speeds in total. So, this model is optimal for an amateur who has experience in such trips.
8. Welt R90 (from 51 rubles)
Welt R90 road bike with aluminum alloy frame, Shimano linkage. The AS 2.2D caliper brakes are not the strongest point. Of course, they will provide a timely stop and have good reliability, but there are brake systems of a higher level. The fork is rigid and also made of aluminum. Good transmission with 18 speed modes. Yes, this is a road bike, but it is suitable not only for riding on an asphalt road, but it is quite suitable for dirt and rough terrain. The wheel diameter is already quite familiar – 28 inches. In general, they give good rolling and patency.
9. BearBike Armata (from 35 rubles)
BearBike Armata is a road bike that is more geared towards cycling. The frame, made of aluminum alloy, is a fairly common story. Just one speed. Tektro R525 caliper type brakes, not the top, but not the bottom either. For a quiet ride on a flat track, they are quite suitable. The advantages include the use of industrial bearings. Wheels, as is customary in road models, have a diameter of 28 inches. Judging by the reviews, quite a good roll and handling. It should be understood that this bike is an option for the city, and moreover, it is suitable for riding on a good road.
10. Author Ronin XC (from 139 rubles)
The Author Ronin XC is a road bike with a promising name. Ronin is a samurai without a master. The name is rather pretentious. In general, a quality model. The frame, a non-standard material, compared to other bikes in our rating, is made of chromium-molybdenum alloy, which has high strength, reliability, elasticity and ease of repair. The wheels are also non-standard in diameter – 27.5 inches. The fork is rigid, also made of chrome-molybdenum alloy. A high-quality braking system is represented by Shimano GRX 400 hydraulic brakes. The transmission is also from Shimano, has eleven speed modes.
How to choose a road bike
We have provided a list of the top ten road bikes of 2021. We hope it helps you make the right choice. The second factor, will serve as advice from a lover of cycling, Irina Kornilovawho has an interesting knowledge of handling bicycles.
Choosing a road bike is more complicated than classic bikes. The first difficulty is to choose the right frame size, starting from your height. On the Internet you can find special calculators that will help determine the size. There are also tables of the ratio of height and frame size. They can be found on the manufacturer’s website. Or less accurate, but more accessible, on other Internet resources. The second difficulty is high prices. Road bikes are very expensive. Many factors come into play here. Especially the high cost of some materials for the components of a bicycle (for example, frames). The third difficulty is that you should not assemble the bike yourself. This is a job for an experienced mechanic. Therefore, purchase the model in a complete assembly. Next, let’s take a closer look at the structural elements of the road bike.
Frame material
The main and most important part of any bicycle is the frame. From the material from which it is made, the driving performance of the model directly depends. The most common frames from the following materials:
- Steel. Good old classic. The advantages are strength, reliability, relative comfort while driving. Minus – quite heavy, bend under loads. Usually used in budget models. But there are also brands. It’s not a very popular solution right now.
- aluminum. It has great rigidity. A definite plus is the resistance to corrosion. But it has less durability compared to steel frames. But the weight of the aluminum frame is less than the steel one.
- Carbon. The most advanced frame material. And the most expensive. It is believed that carbon frames are the lightest. However, this is not quite true. There are lighter frames, and there are very heavy ones, even more steel ones. The main advantage is that a carbon frame can be stiff in different places and can be aerodynamically tuned. The production of carbon frames is a very complex process. Accordingly, such frames have a high price. In the manufacture of a carbon frame, the most important thing is the design and the right production technology.
Frame type
According to the use of the frame, there are for group races and races with a separate start. The most common option is for group racing, a classic frame design. The most optimal type for a beginner lover of road racing. A time trial road bike is called a tt-bike, its frame has a special aerodynamic shape. Not the best option for a beginner.
Fork
An important element of the frame is the fork. Most modern forks are made of carbon, but the stem may be made of other material (aluminum or steel). Almost all forks have similar characteristics and quality levels.
Wheels
Without wheels, the bike will not perform the main function – riding on different types of terrain. There are two types of racing wheels: tubular and clincher. Tubular wheels show a smoother ride and withstand high pressure. Tubular wheels are difficult to repair and are used mainly by athletes. Clincher wheels have a classic tube plus tire design. The most convenient, affordable and easy-to-maintain option that is best suited for a beginner.
Saddle
It is important that the saddle is not too soft, and the width corresponds to the width of the sitting bones. Saddle, one of the simplest, in terms of replacing elements.
Rims
There are two types of rims: aluminum and carbon. The first, a very popular option, are reliable, inexpensive. The second ones are lighter, but more expensive and fragile in operation. The option is more suitable for professionals.
Тормоза
The main thing is that they slow down. The rest is not so significant. It is also worth considering that the brake pads for aluminum and carbon rims differ from each other.
Pedals
Depending on the manufacturer, they have a different constructive device, weight, but are close in functionality. Popular manufacturers are Look, Time, Shimano.
Трансмиссия
The best manufacturers of transmission components are Shimano, Sram and Campagnolo. The components of these companies differ from each other in level and prices. Elements from one manufacturer are compatible with each other, but are not compatible with elements from another manufacturer.
Chain
No matter how reliable the chain is, over time it is subject to wear. During operation, it must be lubricated after about 200 km. way. After being exposed to rain, the chain is dried and re-lubricated.
Based on all of the above, for a beginner, it would be most reasonable, subject to a small budget, to purchase a bike with an aluminum frame, carbon fork, mid-range linkage from Shimano, Sram or Campagnolo, which are balanced in terms of price and quality. However, remember that this is just a recommendation and not a requirement.