So, you’ve finally made up your mind to buy your road bike to get to the road, but you only have more or less than $2000 to spend on it. If you’re looking for your best options for road bikes that cost more or less $2000, then you’re on the right page over the net. This article will provide you with a list of your best road bike options, along with a comprehensive guide on how you can find the best road bike that suits your needs.
Road Bike Basics
For you to have a good idea of which road bike is best for you, and how you can find it, it is best that you understand first its basic functions and features.
A road bike is unlike any other bikes that we commonly see such as mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, commuter bikes, and so on.
Among its unique features include the following:
- Road bikes are known for their light-weight frame and parts.
- Has a unique curled handlebar.
- Tires and wheels are narrow or thin compared to other bikes.
- Comes with a carbon-fiber front fork.
- Does not have a suspension mechanism.
As for the functions of the road bike, they are/not limited to the following:
- Ideally for fitness enthusiasts or those who ride for events and competitions.
- Made for smooth surfaces such as asphalt and concrete roads.
- Built for speed
- Easily portable due to lightweight.
A good thing to note is that road bikes do not possess rack attachments or accessories much like other bikes such as commuter bikes. Furthermore, the ordinary road bike uses rim brakes instead of disk brakes which many modern bikes have. The best thing about this kind of braking system for the road bike is that the wheels have narrow rims which enable fast brake reaction. Also, this kind of braking system requires much lesser maintenance and upkeep as compared with a disk brake system.
So How Can You Find The Best Road Bike That Suits Your Needs?
For you to be able to narrow down your options of road bikes, make sure to bear in mind these important considerations and questions.
Purpose Of The Road Bike
The very first thing that you need to bear in mind when buying a road bike is the purpose for which you’ll be using the bike. Here are a few of the common purposes that you can bear in mind.
Racing purposes first and the most common reason why people own a road bike is to use it for racing. Road bikes are rather expensive and are quite reliable for long rides that require speed. People who are usually in competitions and races are willing to spend on such expensive bikes. While these bikes are known to deliver optimum speed, they are also lightweight and are made from high quality and durable materials which can withstand a great deal of tension and compression while riding along the road. Road bike tires or wheels are rather narrow as well which contributes to the low aerodynamic gain.
Endurance Riding Purposes
The road bike can also be used for long rides or endurance ride purposes. Whether it’s for a race or simply for personal fitness ventures, the road bike is a great bike to use to ensure power efficiency on the road. Road bikes are light as well as easy to navigate as compared with other kinds of bikes and they’re easy to manage as well as a handle on the road thus providing more efficient handling and manageability. With its impressive handling features, much lesser stress is made both to the bike and the rider.
All-Rounder Riding Purposes
There are also times when you just need a road bike that you can use for almost anything such as riding on different ground surfaces and slopes, quickly shifting gears, making fast and sudden stops, carrying considerable weight, having thicker tires, and so on. There are a lot of road bikes nowadays that offer flexibility to their rider having more features and functions such as clearance to its wheels, a flat handlebar, thicker tires, disk brake system, and so much more. These added features and functions out of the road bike enable you to have a bike that can undergo multiple functions and purposes.
Frame
The next thing to consider when looking for your ideal road bike is the frame of the bike. The bike frame is the most important component of the bike. It is where all the other components of the bike such as the wheels, handlebar, and other parts are connected. With the right frame design and material, you can have the most durable frame that can take great weights. Also, you can have frames that enable faster speed, bigger wheels, smoother rides, and so many other functions. The important things to consider for the bike frame include the following:
Material
The first thing that you need to check when looking for a bike frame that suits your needs is its quality. In this regard, the material is also dependent on the price or the available budget. If you’re looking to spend less on your bike frame, you can probably opt for the aluminum bike frame or the steel bike frame. While these bike materials are quite durable, they’re not very light as compared to other bike materials.
On the other hand, if you want a bike frame with excellent quality, durability, and lightness, then you can opt for titanium or carbon fiber material. Of course, these materials are pricier than the aluminum and steel bike frames.
Frame size
Next is to check the size of your bike frame. The ideal size for your bike frame would depend on the particular purpose for which you are using your bike. Are you going to use your road bike for racing, endurance rides, or all-purpose riding? If you are going to use it for racing, you’ll need your bike size to be a bit more compact or smaller to lessen weight for increased speed. Meanwhile, if you’re looking to use the bike for other purposes, you can opt for medium sizes. Going with bigger sizes if you’re a small rider would not be ideal as it would increase reach requirements thus losing its comfort.
Braking system
When it comes to choosing a braking system out of road bikes, you’ll only find two options – the rim brake and the disk brake. While rim brakes have always been the norm for road bikes, there are also many modern models of road bikes that feature disk brakes.
If you’re investing in a light overall weight for your bike, you can opt for the rim brake which is lighter than the other since it has fewer components and parts. Additionally, the rim brake with much lesser parts is also the more affordable choice.
On the other hand, the disk brake system provides instant and fast-acting brakes when activated. This kind of braking system component is large and heavy but is much dependable for making immediate and even smooth stops.
Meanwhile, rim brakes are best for narrow tires, while disk brakes are for thick or wide wheels or tires.
Shift Gears
What’s good to remember when considering the shift gears is that more gears will offer you more controllability over the bike. This would allow a more comfortable as well as smoother function for your bike. In this regard, you would want to take note of the names or manufacturers that provide the best shift gears for road bikes. Go with names with experience and with credibility.
Test Ride
Lastly, you’d want to test the bike out yourself. Take the bike for a few meters ride and see if it is comfortable for you. Test out the brakes, shift gears, and even take turns to have a feel of the bike. Adjust the seat to a level where your leg can fully rest on the pedal.
Check out its size is right for you. Road bikes are known to have features that provide comfort for the back from long rides however, if the bike size is not for you, you may end up with back discomfort.
Top 11 Road Bikes Under $2000
Now that you have a good idea of what your ideal road bike should be like, let us check out some of your best options in the market today.
Trek Domane AL 5 Disc
If there is one thing that sets the Trek Domane AL apart from its competition it would be its curved lines. This latest series of the company is designed with rounded tubes with an internal cabling feature paired with clean welds.
Versatility is the main theme of this road bike with its fast-reaction disc brakes, wide tire clearance, along comfortable endurance geometry out of its frame which is also made from aluminum. This modern model is also equipped with extra components and features which include cage mounts, fender mounts, rack mounts, and many others.
Reasons to buy:
- Disc Brake system with wide tire clearance
- A versatile bike with a clean design
Reasons to avoid:
- Heavyweight
Diamondback Century Road Bike
If you’re into BMX bikes then you’ll love the Diamondback Century Road Bike. It is simply a great road bike to root for if you want extra comfort on the back when riding on extra miles. The shifting gears feature the Shimano 105 set, which is among the best there is in the Shimano groupsets.
Equipped with disc brakes with mechanical function, this bike makes easy and smooth stops with just a press on the lever. Furthermore, Diamondback is a reliable name when it comes to quality as well as customer service and warranty.
Reasons to buy:
- Powerful stopping power
- Lightweight
Reasons to avoid:
- Enduro design
Canyon Endurace AL Disc 7.0
Price-value is one of the best things about the Canyon Endurace. This bike manufacturer has been able to find a way to provide the same quality and efficiency of a road bike at a much affordable price compared to its competitors. It has a frame and endurance geometry that is well-designed to deliver the comfort and efficiency of its components. Its aluminum frame makes it light and able to traverse through sloppy terrains, and the carbon seat-post provides reduced vibrations when riding.
Also, it makes use of the efficient hydraulic disc braking system which is probably the best kind of braking system for road bikes because of its immediate braking reaction and smooth stops.
Reasons to buy:
- Affordable Road bike with good quality materials
- Uses Hydraulic disc brakes
Reasons to avoid:
- Enduro design with firm saddle
SAVADECK Phantom 2.0
A choice of a road bike with a sophisticated look is the Savadeck Phantom 2.0. Its frame, fork, and seat post are made from high-quality carbon fiber which ensures durability that can last for years even from regular riding. The wheels are designed to be narrow and thin for better aerodynamics when riding at high speeds.
It features the Shimano Ultegra groupset which is one of the most accurate and weight-reduced groupsets from Shimano. Its gear options allow the rider to ride smoothly through flat surfaces and even sloppy terrains.
Reasons to buy:
- Light-weight
- Excellent price-value
Reasons to avoid:
- Not designed for speed and racing
Giant Contend AR 1
If you want an endurance road bike that is flexible for any kind of road condition then the Giant Contend would be a perfect choice to consider. This modern bike is designed to provide comfort as well as efficiency in any kind of bike riding purposes. Also runs soundly on gravel due to its thick tires and composite Seatpost.
Equipped with hydraulic disc brakes for any fast and smooth braking needs. This road bike is made from aluminum alloy which makes it durable as well as light.
Reasons to buy:
- All-rounder Road bike
- Smooth ride on gravel
Reasons to avoid:
- Focuses more on comfort than endurance and speed
Masi Vincere 105
Another road bike option to consider when you’re into long rides or endurance rides is the Masi Vincere. It is designed perfectly for event runs and long rides without straining the bike itself and its rider. It is built with a perfectly tuned geometry which makes it a road bike that is built for speed. The wheels are designed to be narrow however the frame and fork can accommodate thicker wheel preferences. Using wider wheels makes smoother rides on rough terrains like gravel and dirt.
The seat post and fork are both made from carbon steel which ensures excellent durability and efficient vibration absorption. Also equipped with enough gear selection to provide optimum control.
Reasons to buy:
- Designed for speed and endurance riding
- Thick wheels with hydraulic disc brakes
Reasons to avoid:
- Available only in one color
Cannondale Topstone 1
If wide or thick tires are among the conditions for your ideal road bike, then the Cannondale Topstone 1 and 2 would be a great choice. A bike road for any gender, the Cannondale Topstone is designed to be flexible and versatile for any kind of terrain – whether smooth surfaces or rough such as gravel and dirt roads.
Although both bike series are designed for any gender, the Topstone 2 is much lighter which makes it a better road bike preference for women. It is designed with bottle cages to help hydrate the rider making long rides or endurance rides. Carbon fork enables smooth shock or vibration absorption when riding on rough terrains. The hydraulic disc brakes on the other hand ensure that you get your smooth and even instant stops whenever you want it.
Reasons to buy:
- High quality and durable components
- Built-in bottle cages or mounts
Reasons to avoid:
- Heavier than most modern endurance road bikes
Specialized Tarmac SL6
If you want a high-quality carbon steel frame out of your road bike then the Specialized Tarmac should perfectly fit this condition. Its specially designed carbon steel frame makes speed and endurance run smooth and efficient without any work from the rider. This special model is designed to go at par with its more modern version – the S-Works Tarmac which is well-known for its top speed and comfortable riding feature.
Equipped with Shimano hydraulic disc brake system for that smooth stop with just a gentle squeeze on the lever.
Reasons to buy:
- High-quality carbon steel frame
- Aero bike with lightweight
Reasons to avoid:
- Graphic design and layout may not be according to all tastes.
Orro Gold Evo 105-FSA R800
The first thing to love in the Orro Gold Evo is its modern and sleek look – it takes road bike aesthetics to a higher level. It is also not lacking in the durability section as it is made from a high-quality carbon steel frame that allows you to traverse through long distances without any stress and strain on the bike.
Furthermore, it is paired with a Shimano 105 groupset along with an FSA chainset to provide accurate and smooth changing between gears. Its alloy wheels also allow smooth and fast riding regardless of the terrain surface.
Reasons to buy:
- Great Aesthetics
- Durable frame and components made from carbon alloy
Reasons to avoid:
- Designed with Mechanical Disc brake
Schwinn Fastback Carbon
Another road bike equipped with a carbon steel frame for optimum durability is the Schwinn Fastback Carbon. Schwinn is a reliable name when it comes to bikes with optimum durability and it does stand to its name in its newest model.
It is paired with the Shimano 105 groupset that features 11 speeds for that perfect control manageability. Its lightweight frame allows it to run at excellent speeds and its carbon steel frame and components ensure that the bike lasts for a long time.
Reasons to buy:
- Trusted name for durable and high-quality road bikes
- Clean internal cabling
Reasons to avoid:
- Heavier than most modern road bikes with 8.6 kg total weight.
Kinesis Tripster AT
If you’re looking to use your bike for many kinds of terrains – whether smooth or rough, then you can also opt for the Kinesis Tripster. It is a versatile road bike that delivers comfort and speed regardless of the road surface. This road bike is designed with a mudguard to clear the frame and the rider of dust and mud while riding on dirty road surfaces.
It does not lack in the durability department as it is designed with a carbon frame and fork. Equipped as well as with bottle mounts for endurance rides and overall long rides.
Reasons to buy:
- All-rounder Road bike
- High quality and durable frame and fork made from carbon alloy
Reasons to avoid:
- Enduro look and heavyweight (11 kgs)
Our Final Thoughts
The road bike options mentioned in this list are carefully hand-picked to provide you with your general needs out of a road bike while maintaining a close price range to $2000. Regardless of your choice in this list, you’re sure to get the best out of your budget.
So Which Road Bike Is The Perfect Choice For You?
The ideal road bike should be a bike that perfectly suits your needs and for the particular purpose that you are buying the bike for. Although in this case, we’re emphasizing more on the price. While the price range of $2000 is your budget limit, you may want to consider added features and components to make your ideal road bike more equipped and ready for all your biking ventures. Among the parts and components that you may want to consider investing in include bottle cages and mounts, saddles and seats, pedals and cleats, handlebars, and so much more. Know that there isn’t a road bike that is meant for you alone.
At times you’ll have to change its parts or components or upgrade them. What’s important is that you have a comfortable feel when riding the bike and you’re able to move freely without exerting too much effort and stress.