I know that already with the
Guide on how to choose your road bike
I’ve given you quite a bit of useful information on how to navigate your choice, but if you’ve gone to a few brands’ websites, you may have noticed that the choice is vast.
And when I say “vast,” I use an understatement.
So what’s better than going concrete and pointing you to a few recommended models based on features and price?
I actually thought that theory is fine but nothing is better than some concrete examples that answer the question “what bike do you recommend?“.
The selection criteria
Before we begin, a small disclaimer on why there are some models and others are not. The answer is simple: my personal judgment based on materials, features, price, and – of course – aesthetics! ;)
Manufacturers’ catalogs are very broad in models and fittings, I have tried to group my recommendations into three price categories. Think of them somewhat as my choices within a certain price range.
In detail, I identified 4 “entry level” bikes priced below 2,500 euros; 4 models priced between 2,500 and 5,000 euros; and 4 high-end bikes (in terms of features and equipment) priced above 5,000 euros.
In addition, I also put three bonus tracks: different, special bikes that have a specific use and that it was only fair to mention to give you as complete an overview as possible. ;)
Good. Now you can put on your shoes, put your feet on the pedals that it’s off!
The Entry Level World (less than 2,500 euros)
These are the bikes for starters, the entry points to the world of cycling. Two produced with aluminum frames and two with carbon frames.
Don’t think of them as “poor” choices-they are bikes designed specifically to be affordable and, at the same time, convey the right amount of pedaling pleasure to you.
SCOTT SPEEDSTER 20 DISC (€1,199)
In my selection, the Scott Speedster 20 Disc is the most reasonably priced bike that, in the essentiality of its contents, finds everything the cyclist needs to have fun in any “road” context and even for some “off” excursions.
Aluminum frame, carbon fork, disc brakes (mechanical), 32-millimeter tires and Shimano Tiagra groupset with a gearing (50×34 crankset and 11-32 sprocket pack) perfect for tackling any route are its strengths.
The geometries of the frame and, most importantly, the wide tires, make it a comfortable bike for even the longest rides, for dirt roads and beyond. It is, in fact, prepared for the mounting of fenders, which are useful in daily use even during the colder seasons.
If you are looking for a very affordable, all-purpose bike that will become your companion, the Scott Speedster 20 Disc is a very smart choice.
For info:
Scott Speedster 20 Disc
CANYON GRAIL 7 1by (€1,799)
Canyon is, without a doubt, the leading German bike brand that sells exclusively online. This has always distinguished its products by a very convenient price/quality ratio. You order, get your package home, mount your bike (it’s super easy, don’t worry), and start riding.
The Grail line is the one dedicated to gravel, and the Grail 7 1by is the first one dedicated to adventures that you will find in this list.
His characteristics? Aluminum frame with carbon fork, 40mm tires, 40-tooth single chainring and 11-42 sprocket pack.
The Canyon Grail 7 1by is a “simple” bike designed as much for dirt and adventure as it is for everyday use. The aspect I really like about this model is that, for a small expense, you can have a specific gravel model. And “bye bye” asphalt!
For info:
Canyon Grail 7 1by
GIANT DEFY ADVANCED 2 (€2,249)
Here we come to the first bike on this list with a frame and fork made of carbon fiber. And, to describe the Giant Defy Advanced 2 to you, I will use three words: handy, comfortable, easy.
In fact, the special geometry of the frame makes it possible to stand in a more comfortable position, putting less load on the wrists and less strain on the torso. Along with comfort comes ease of control and always modulable braking with disc (hydraulic) brakes, even when going downhill.
But to go down you have to go up, and the particular gearing of the Shimano 105 groupset (34/50 crankset and 11-34 sprocket pack) helps a lot. That is, if you struggle to climb with a 34-34, it means you are facing a vertical wall. ;)
For info:
Giant Defy Advanced 2
CANYON ENDURACE WMN CF SL 7 DISC (€2,299)
Who said bikes have to be unisex? Major brands dedicate many products to the female audience, and here is an example. In fact, Canyon Endurace WMN CF SL 7 DISC has geometry and contact points specifically for women.
In some ways, considering the set-up, I think the Endurace line is Canyon’s best value for money. In fact, for just over 2,000 euros you can have an all-carbon bike, with a solid and reliable 11-speed Shimano 105 groupset, which is very comfortable and suitable for both long flat rides and climbs, even the most challenging ones. And then that aquamarine color is really beautiful!
For info:
Canyon Endurace WMN CF SL 7 Disc
The “intermediate” range (between 2,500 and 5,000 euros)
Here we are in the middle. Here you find us serious, essential, complete bikes with everything you need to give and perform at your best. But without going so far as to spend too much money.
All have mechanical gearing (Shimano 105, GRX or Ultegra); hydraulic brakes; carbon frame and fork. And, of course, different characteristics.
BIANCHI SPRINT DISC 105 11v (€2,649)
Could a “Celeste” have been missing? I don’t think so. Because, if there is one color in cycling that is immediately recognizable, it is “Celeste Bianchi.”
The Sprint is the attack model for Bianchi’s race category. Lightweight, essential and responsive, it has everything you need to perform at your best in any road context: steep climbs, fast descents and long plains. And enjoy yourself. A lot.
For info: Bianchi Sprint Disc 105 11v
TREK ÉMONDA SL 5 DISC (€2,769)
Émonda is a “balanced” bike. In fact, the U.S. manufacturer presents it as suitable for hilly granfondo races where both lightness on the climb and aerodynamics count.
Émonda is definitely a model suitable for “first bike” use but with some details-such as the fully internal cable routing-that winks at much higher-priced bikes.
For info:
Émonda SL 5 Disc
CANNONDALE TOPSTONE CARBON 4 (€3,499)
Created for dirt roads and long trips, the Cannondale Topstone Carbon 4 is-as its name implies-a “full carbon” gravel bike, already set up to mount panniers and with an interesting damping system (Kingpin) that makes it more comfortable to ride on dirt roads and gravel roads and safer to tackle descents on uneven surfaces. And, when you have to be in the saddle several hours, comfort and safety are indispensable.
The Shimano GRX800 double chainring groupset also makes it perfect for long rides on asphalt, when having the right ratio helps a lot to make pedaling less tiring.
For info:
Cannondale Topstone Carbon 4
CERVÉLO S-SERIES ULTEGRA (€4,799)
Born to cleave the wind, the Cervélo S-Series mounted with Shimano Ultegra mechanical groupset does not disappoint expectations. Every detail is designed to go fast, eat seconds (and gnats).
And, heck, that purple chameleon color is spectacular! Too bad only for the wheels, which, with a slightly higher profile, would have made this bike perfect.
For info:
Cervélo S-Series Ultegra
The premium bikes (more than 5,000 euros)
Now you really aim high regardless of the cost! The four models you find in this section have high-end fittings, groups with electronic gearboxes (more precise than mechanical) and are made to go fast, in any context.
SCOTT FOIL 10 (5,999 €)
The Scott Foil 10 is probably in this lot, the bike that has the best value for money. It rides a SRAM FORCE eTap AXS groupset, aerodynamic 50 mm wheels with carbon fiber rim, every detail is designed to be efficient and aerodynamic.
With a remarkable collection of stage wins in the Grand Tours, victories in the Classics Milan-San Remo, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and Paris-Roubaix, the Foil is a fast and pliant bike. You can use her in any context, and she will give you what you are looking for: responsiveness, speed and control. And it is beautiful, breathtaking.
For info:
Scott Foil 10
3T EXPLORO RACE TORNO FORCE AXS (6,499 €)
3T has introduced a new standard in “gravel.” The Bergamo-based company’s bikes in the Exploro line, in fact, cannot be considered just “gravel” because that is reductive: they go as fast on asphalt as they do on dirt; you can use them for travel but also for hardcore workouts. And they accompany you and respond to your call. Always. Thanks to the RaceMax frame, all it takes is a wheel change-from 700c to 650b-to transform it from a fast road beast to an unstoppable off-road savage.
This is the top model in the Exploro Race line with SRAM Force eTap AXS electronic groupset and Torno single-crown crankset, made in-house by 3T.
For info:
3T Exploro Race Force AXS 1X TURN
BMC ROADMACHINE 01 THREE (7,299 €)
The Roadmachine is a bike that was created for endurance and then evolved into a bike suitable for any use and trail. I chose to point you to the Roadmachine 01 in the Three set-up because, in my opinion, it is the one with the most interesting components in terms of value for money.
These include the SRAM Force eTap AXS groupset and Zipp 303 wheels. The 46/33 crankset with the 10-36 cassette lets you know that this is a bike for climbing and getting everywhere.
For info:
BMC Roadmachine 01 Three
S-Works Tarmac SRAM Red eTap AXS ($12,199)
It is the bike used by professionals for Grand Tours, need we add more? Yes, it is needed. Because the aerodynamic research Specialized has done on this model has led it to reduce its range from racing in that the Tarmac is a perfect bike for both those seeking maximum lightness and those chasing aerodynamic seconds.
And the price is a consequence of that but, after all, even to buy a Lamborghini you spend a lot of money, don’t you!
For info:
S-Works Tarmac Dura Ace Di2
The three bonuses
These are road bikes that are impossible not to talk about if you want to get a good idea of what the market has to offer. But they arise for special, special uses or from traditional materials.
SCOTSMAN LOCOMOTIVES
Locomotive makes steel bikes dedicated to exploration and bikepacking therefore, by definition, sturdy and durable: indispensable features for tackling exploits and journeys.
I chose the Scotsman because it is a flat bar and you can use it with a multi-socket handlebar.
It is a very famous model: Dino Lanzaretti uses it for his adventures and Jovanotti also used it in his journey-documentary I Don’ t Want to Change Planet.
For info:
Locomotive Scotsman
LEGOR CYCLES
Legor Cicli is a workshop, an atelier, a craft where bikes are custom built from Columbus steel. Born out of the will of Mattia Paganotti-a young man from Brescia, now relocated to Barcelona-to make sure that all the knowledge of old canvas artisans did not go to waste.
If you are looking for a unique product, tailor-made for you as in a tailor shop, email them.
For info:
Legor Cycles
CANYON SPEEDMAX CF SLX 8 DISC Di2 ($7,799 €)
Out of all the triathlon bikes, I chose this one. It is not the most expensive, and there are others that cost much less, but it is the one that currently has the most palmarès and, in its latest version, one must admit that it is beautiful.
It is a blade and is designed to cleave the wind in no-draft races.
For info:
Canyon Speedmax CF SLX 8 Disc Di2