The best sport bikes in 2022

There are many types of cycling destinations, and for each there is a specific type of bike. Consider the main ones:

• mountain,
• road,
• track,
• stunt (BMX),
• gravel.

Mountain bicycles are the most popular lately. They have good cross-country ability, they enable the athlete to set the desired pace of driving and rationally distribute forces. Suitable for off-road racing and extreme races. 

Highways models are designed for driving on asphalt, and are also good for overcoming long distances. Such bicycles have bright distinctive features: narrow wheels, mostly without a pronounced tread pattern, a rigid suspension fork and a special frame geometry, due to which the athlete rides in a bent position.

Track bikes are similar to road bikes, but are designed for racing on cycle tracks and velodromes. They are considered the lightest, which allows the rider to quickly accelerate.

For those who like to perform tricks and effectively overcome various obstacles, special models of bikes have been created – stunt. They are made from durable materials, putting the safety of the athlete as a priority.

In recent years, they have gained popularity gravel bicycles. They are based on road models, but more passable. These are mainly touring bikes, so there is no professional sport exclusively for this type of bike. But they are great for extreme off-road racing and other areas where the rules allow you to choose this particular type. 

Sports bikes are associated by many only with sports, but this is not entirely true. In fact, sports bikes, in addition to cycling in the broad sense of the word, are designed to overcome difficult and long routes, as well as for high-speed driving, as they can accelerate to 70 km / h, and even faster on the track.

The main difference between a sports bike is the rider’s landing. On non-speedy non-speedy vehicles it is straight and comfortable, while professional bikes are low-slung to increase speed. 

Also, sports models are more durable, have powerful equipment and professional transmission. An important factor is the size of the wheels. They are important not only for good off-road patency, but also for saving the athlete’s strength, since due to the large diameter of the wheels, a roll is created (bike movement after acceleration). 

The article discusses the best models of sports bikes in 2022, and also gives recommendations on choosing the optimal model from Nikita Semindeev, a cyclist, an athlete of the FEFU club.

Top 10 best sport bikes in 2022 according to KP

1. Giant Anthem Advanced Pro 29

Lightweight and durable full suspension bike, great for racing, more focused on the style of cross-country. The bike is assembled on a carbon frame that can withstand heavy loads, so this model can be chosen by athletes weighing up to 100 kg. 

The front suspension is rated for 100mm of travel, the rear 90mm, while state-of-the-art MAESTRO (Adaptable Full Suspension Platform) technology ensures a smooth and stable ride. The bike is equipped with 29-inch wheels, which is harmonious both in terms of appearance and functionality. 

The Trunnion shock mount (the top link is one-piece, rather than two-piece) provides a smooth ride and efficient pedaling. BOOST technology increases wheel stiffness for more precise control of the bike at speed. 

Main characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages

2. Merida One-Sixty 600

The famous model of a two-suspension bicycle. A reliable trail bike stands out for its thoughtful architecture, which achieves maximum balance, and high-quality equipment. Differs in high passability and comfort when driving even on long distances. The aluminum frame is resistant to impacts and other external influences.

This model excels in racing, thanks to short 430mm chainstays (a piece of rear suspension that is shorter on this model than most other bikes) for more agility, long reach, a swollen head angle and a low center of gravity. 

The SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain makes it quick and easy to get to the right speed. Shimano MT-520 hydraulic disc brakes are reliable and efficient. The 27,5-inch wheels provide a good roll, and Maxxis tires provide excellent traction. 

Main characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages

3. Dewolf CLK 900

This model is worth paying attention to athletes participating in high-level competitions in the discipline of cross-country. The carbon frame is the epitome of lightness and strength, thanks to which the bike can be chosen by an athlete weighing up to 130 kg. 

The ROCKSHOX SID XX suspension fork with 100mm of travel and remote lockout allows you to easily and smoothly overcome various obstacles and cope with uneven tracks with low energy consumption. 

The 27.5-inch wheels provide good rolling, and the tires with universal tread provide excellent flotation. In competition conditions, it is important not to lose a second, so the Sram XX1 shifter works quickly and accurately. Finally, the bike looks stylish and attracts attention.

Main characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages

4. Merida Silex 9000

A great option for a professional level road bike with impressive speed and good rolling. The bike is equipped with a carbon frame, which is the standard of strength. It is worth noting the features of tires that are created in conjunction with Maxxis. 

For a faster ride, the wheels need to be fully inflated, and for additional traction, they can be lowered. This secret is often used, but it should be borne in mind that for wheels from other manufacturers this can reduce the service life.

The bike is equipped with professional-grade SRAM equipment. The 11-speed transmission allows you to quickly adapt the bike to changes in the track and calculate the load. Hydraulic disc brakes have the function of heat dissipation, which increases their service life.

Main characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages

5. Giant Revolt 2

Lightweight and stylish gravel bike with a quality body kit. The ALUXX-Grade Aluminum frame, as the name suggests, is made of aluminum, which means the bike weighs only 10,5 kg, while the fork is carbon. The bike is great for extreme off-road riding with a pronounced terrain.

The bike is equipped with Shimano professional equipment. Disc mechanical brakes are distinguished by a high degree of reliability and wear resistance. The Giant Contact (neutral) seat was created taking into account the anatomical features of a person, so even a long ride will be comfortable. 

Feature of this model is the Flip Chip system. It allows you to independently change the geometry of the frame by adjusting the angle of the head tube and seat tube. The low position of the carriage makes it possible to develop greater speed, and the short position increases the throughput and improves handling. 

28″ wheels with double rims provide good flotation and create a decent roll. 

Main characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages

6. Cannondale TOPSTONE 4

Road “gravel” bike, which has high speed performance in excess of 50 km/h, while excellent for riding on rough terrain. Lightweight and strong, the SmartForm C2 aluminum frame and full carbon fork are the perfect combination of durability and practicality. 

A feature of this type of bicycle is the special KingPin vibration damping system. Its peculiarity lies in the movable hinge that connects the top stays to the seat tube. 

The bike is suitable for both training and professional competitions. Additional comfort is provided by the integrated steering wheel (bearings are directly pressed into the frame). A 10-speed MicroSHIFT Advent transmission and mechanical disc brakes also help with handling. The bike has a stylish modern design and beautiful colors.

Main characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages

7. Bulls Harrier

Road bike of professional level. The aluminum frame is very strong, although the bike weighs only 8.8 kg. The bike is equipped with advanced Shimano equipment. A well-thought-out balance between excellent running characteristics and a high-quality body kit make this model indispensable for competition. 

28-inch wheels create a good roll, 22 speeds allow you to choose the optimal level of riding. Disc mechanical brakes do their job well.

The Selle Royal saddle takes into account the anatomical features and provides a comfortable ride even for long distances.

Main characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages

8. KHS Flite 500

A road bike suitable for professional or amateur competition and training. A durable carbon fork effectively smooths out bumps in the track. Shimano’s 22-speed transmission allows you to intelligently distribute the load over long distances or rough terrain. 

Also responsible for the ride quality are Maxxis tires and a traditional road frame configuration. This allows you to easily reach very high speeds (up to 70 km/h).

The bike is lightweight, as it is based on an aluminum frame, but at the same time it does not lose strength. The bike is equipped with mechanical disc brakes, thanks to which the athlete can easily brake even in emergency situations.

Main characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages

9. Schwinn Fastback Al Disk Sora

One of the brightest representatives of the Fastback line of road bikes from the world famous company Schwinn. At the heart of the bike is a lightweight yet durable Nlitened Platinum aluminum frame. An aerodynamic carbon fork also adds rigidity to the bike, which increases agility and speed.

It’s easy to stop the bike with the TRP Spyre C mechanical disc brakes, which have proven themselves well. The high-quality Shimano transmission with 18 gears and 28-inch wheels that create an excellent roll are responsible for the speed. Plus, the bike is very stylish – it has bright colors and an ergonomic design.

Main characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages

10. Trek Domane AL 2

Stylish road bike with Shimano equipment. The bike is light, fast and agile. The aluminum frame has a well-thought-out architecture for a comfortable ride, and a carbon fork increases the bike’s maneuverability. Even though the fork is stiff, the special IsoSpeed ​​technology absorbs vibrations and does an excellent job of dampening. 

The bike is equipped with 28″ wheels with double rims and Bontrager tires, so it will withstand trips on trails and light off-road. Shimano’s 16-speed drivetrain lets you change pace quickly. The bike is equipped with Alloy Dual Pivot mechanical rim brakes.

Main characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages

How to choose a sports bike

Choosing a sports bike is not an easy task. For professionals, every detail is important, so ideally, each bike is made individually for the athlete. But at present, the range of bicycles is very diverse, so choosing the right option is quite realistic.  

First of all, you need to understand for which discipline you choose a bike. This sport has several directions, and the wrong type of bike will affect the result of the competition, and you may also not be allowed to race. It is worth noting that a sports bike is not necessarily a road bike, there are other varieties of them, for example, aero, cyclocross, grevlgravl, endurance. Also, these bikes can be used in the training process.

After that, you need to choose a visually attractive model. Once you have found an option you like, pay attention to the size of its frame so that the bike is comfortable. Selection is carried out taking into account the parameters of the athlete: height and weight. Often they use a special table that indicates the size that suits you. 

Try to avoid cheap Chinese bikes with unknown names. Most of these devices have attachments of disgusting quality. Visit specialty stores that sell bikes of popular brands, which are usually equipped with proven and high-quality attachments. 

Having overpaid for a good bike, you will understand that you did it knowingly (if you do not forget about its timely maintenance). 

Popular questions and answers

Choosing a sports bike is a difficult task, since the result of the competition and the safety of the athlete directly depend on its correctness. For assistance in this matter, the KP turned to Nikita Semindeev, cyclist, athlete of the FEFU club.