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10 Best Road Bikes Under 2000 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Apart from professional racers, road bikes are preferred by many because they are lightweight, efficient, and fast. As a regular commuter and an avid fan of these bicycles, I can’t remember a day without hopping on to my thin-tire two-wheeler and riding around the corners just for the fun’s sake. I’ve to admit that I’m a big fan of agility and speed, and this category of bike is designed for the same purpose.

If you want one for regular commuting, you got to consider factors like your terrain, your budget, your purpose, and how often you ride. And these bikes are infamous for providing less in the comfort department if you are not physically fit and choose yourself a cheap model. Trust me, investing a good amount in this will ensure a far better riding experience.

Guess what, the bike market is booming right now and it can get confusing for even the experts sometimes to choose the right model. The good news is, we did the homework for you by sorting, testing, and reviewing the best road bikes under 2000 dollars.

Whether you’re planning to get your very first entry-level road bike or an upgrade, we assure you that you’ll find your right match here.

Best Road Bikes Under 2000 – Top Picks and Reviews

1 SAVA HERD6.0 T800 Carbon Fiber 700C Road Bicycle

SAVA HERD6.0 T800 Carbon Fiber 700C Road Bicycle

Any avid cyclist looking for a superior quality world-class road bike under $2000 should try the SAVA HERD6.0. You can always trust SAVA for their quality materials and components and this particular model supersedes all the other models. The HERD6.0 is also one of the best-rated road bikes on eStores.

This bike weighs only 18.3 pounds, which is lighter than the Schwinn Fastback carbon bike that comes at the same price range. So it’s quite lightweight to easily carry. Moreover, the design of all the bike parts meets every road specification.

The high-quality TORAY T800 carbon frame makes this bike super durable. This same material is used for the wheelset, handlebar, fork, and seat post. Additionally, it features a tapered-head design and an advanced rear-triangle that makes the frame stiffer.

We just loved its super performance when testing. We must say the ride was pretty smooth and comfortable. It has a rigid construction and well-fortified cross-section part that lets you cruise through every road without difficulties.

Whether you are a regular rider or an occasional one, you’ll find its well-padded saddle comfortable enough for a long ride. With the Shimano 6800 braking system, you get full control over the bike. It allows 22 speed variations and you can easily change the speed with its gear system.

Furthermore, you get a firm grip on the road with the low-friction Hutinson wheels. The ride can’t be easier with its low-traction tires!

You’ll find this bike 85% assembled. However, you may expect misaligned geometry as it happened in our case. But you can easily correct that.

Specifications

  • Weight: 18.3 pounds
  • Frame Material: T800 Carbon-Fiber
  • Wheel Size: 700C
  • Frame Size: 48/50/52 cm
  • Height: 164-182 cm
  • No. of Speed: 22
  • Fork: Carbon fiber
  • Saddle: FIZIK Leather saddle
  • Groupset: Shimano 105

Pros

  • Durable frame
  • Lightweight
  • Shimano 105 Groupset
  • Comfortable handlebar and saddle
  • Internally routed cables
  • Great braking system

Cons

  • Chances of misaligned-geometry

Our Verdict

No doubt the SAVA HERD6.0 is the best road bike under 2000. Get this excellent vehicle without any hesitation if you want to have a pleasurable ride every time you ride on it. It’s one of the lightest models up for sale.

That makes it super easy to handle. You can also expect the ultimate comfort, performance, and durability with this excellent road bike. Though the price tag is on the higher end, the rich features simply justify the price.

2 Tommaso Imola Endurance Shimano Claris R2000 Aluminum Road Bike

Tommaso Imola Endurance Shimano Claris R2000 Aluminum Road Bike

This is an incredibly popular mid-ranged model and one of the most reviewed road bikes online. It offers you a lot of brilliant features that every cyclist, whether seasoned or beginner, will love.

The Tommaso Imola has a lightweight construction. It has a 6061 aluminum frame standard for any aluminum bike in this affordable price range. Moreover, the steel forks are pretty strong to take on vibrations on any uneven road.

This model comes with a full Shimano Claris-R2000 groupset that you can’t find in any other entry-level bike on the market. You get the derailleurs, the whole drivetrain, brakes, and shifters. All the components seamlessly work together to give you flawless and smooth riding experience. However, you might not assemble the bike by yourself and require professional assembly.

It has 24 speed options to get you anywhere comfortably. You can easily decrease the speed when riding on a hilly road or increase it when riding on flat roads.

This model comes at six different sizes, so cyclists of every height can find a perfect fit. You can also choose from a range of color options. Most importantly, it’s a gender-neutral bike featuring lower top-tube, which is comfortable for men and women alike.

We particularly loved the comfort that this bike offers. The shallow drop handlebars and compact frame allowed us to have relaxed riding positions. The 700x25c tires are wide enough for optimal traction. We also liked its rear-rack mounts that are great to carry your valuables.

Specifications

  • Weight: 23.8 pounds
  • Frame Material: 6061 Aluminum
  • Wheel Size: 700C
  • Tires: Kenda K152 700x25c
  • No. of Speed: 24
  • Fork: Tommaso SST Steel
  • Brake Style: Rim brakes
  • Saddle: Tommaso WTB Volt
  • Groupset: Shimano Claris R2000

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • User-friendly design
  • Superior braking and gearing
  • Shimano Claris groupset
  • Extremely durable
  • Rear-rack mounts

Cons

  • Requires professional assembly
  • Heavy rims

Our Verdict

For those in search of a high-performance recreational or commuter road bike without breaking the bank, then the Tommaso Imola is exactly what you need. Though an entry-level bike, it looks more like a high-end model from appearance. It’s more durable than most other entry-level bike models.

All the components are intelligently put together to ensure smooth and comfortable long rides. No wonder why this is one of the best-rated models out under 1000 bucks. This bike will surely live up to your expectations.

3 Schwinn Phocus 1600 and 1400 Drop Bar Road Bicycle

Schwinn Phocus 1600 and 1400 Drop Bar Road Bicycle

We are going to review both Schwinn Phocus 1600 and 1400 models here because we find both of them equally efficient and high-quality bikes. They are on the lower price end, but they are frequently reviewed and positively rated by online users.

Both these models have aluminum frames with traditional sizes. From our years of riding experience, we can assure you that this frame setup is extremely durable and can cover thousands of miles comfortably.

The 1600 model uses a carbon fork, which absorbs road vibrations. On the other hand, the 1400 model uses an aluminum fork that doesn’t have this vibration-dampening characteristic.

Moreover, the former is equipped with Shimano Claris integrated shifters while the latter uses Shimano A050 shifters. With integrated shifters, your bike’s control will be in one place, but with the Shimano A050 shifters you need to change position whenever you shift.

One of the selling points for both these models is the ProMax brake-calipers. You can always depend on this braking system. We found this braking system more powerful than the braking of other similar models.

You get double-walled wheels with the 1600 model, which makes the wheels super strong. However, the 1400 model lacks double-walled wheels but has aero-spoke design wheels to ensure strength.

Phocus 1600 offers you 16 speeds while the Phocus 1400 offers you only 14 speeds. So the former is more suitable for hilly trains and the latter for flat terrains. Another difference lies in the weight of the bikes. The 1400 model is a bit lighter in weight.

Specifications

  • Weight: 29 pounds, 27 pounds
  • Frame Material: 6061 Aluminum
  • Frame Size: 56 cm
  • Wheel Size: 700C
  • Shifters: Integrated, Shimano A050
  • No. of Speed: 16, 14
  • Height: 5’7? – 5’11?
  • Fork: Carbon fiber, Aluminum
  • Brakes: ProMax brake calipers
  • Saddle: Quick-release saddle
  • Groupset: Shimano Claris

Pros

  • Strong construction
  • Fully-padded seat
  • Affordable price
  • Smooth shifters
  • Excellent braking system
  • Versatile

Cons

  • A bit difficult to assemble

Our Verdict

The Schwinn Phocus 1400 and 1600 are entry-level bikes that will be suitable for athletes that want a quality road bike not for racing competition but for fitness as well as daily commutes. If you require more speed, then get the 1600 model and for lightweight, get 1400. You’ll definitely get more bang for your buck with the Schwinn bikes.

4 SAVADECK Warwinds3.0 700C Carbon Fiber Racing Bicycle

SAVADECK Warwinds3.0 700C Carbon Fiber Racing Bicycle

SAVADECK Warwinds3.0 is a feature-rich model that gives you amazing value for money. It’s one of the lightest high-end models on the market.

This bike has a high-quality T800 carbon fiber frame that absorbs more vibrations on the road compared to aluminum road bikes. It also looks gorgeous and comes in 4 different colors. Not only that, but you can also choose from 5 different sizes and find your perfect, comfortable fit.

You can control the Warwinds3.0 pretty easily due to its lightweight frame. Moreover, it offers 18 gears, so you can ride on different terrains. From our experience, the shifting is really smooth and a lot better than other bikes in a similar price range.

It comes with V brakes that immediately stop the bike without any unpleasant sound. You don’t need to worry when riding in mountain areas, thanks to its excellent braking system.

The high-quality Shimano Sora components are placed perfectly and the cables are fully routed. Even the long routes will be comfortable with this bike since it has a leather saddle that allows for a comfortable sitting position without causing pressure on your spine.

Assembling this model is a piece of cake. You will, in fact, get most parts pre-assembled. All the components make it durable, but adding to your peace of mind, this bike is backed by a three-year warranty.

Specifications

  • Weight: 21.6 pounds
  • Frame Material: T800 Carbon
  • Wheel Size: 700C
  • Frame Size: 44/48/50/52/54cm
  • Height: 150-182cm
  • Tires: Continental 700x25C
  • Wheel Set: 6061 Alloy 40MM
  • No. of Speed: 18
  • Fork: Carbon, rigid
  • Saddle: Leather saddle
  • Groupset: Shimano SORA

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Smooth-shifting
  • Stylish design
  • Extremely durable
  • High-quality Shimano components
  • Internally routed cables

Cons

  • Relatively expensive

Our Verdict

SAVADECK Warwinds 3.0 is fun to ride and ensures your utmost comfort. If you’re a serious biker and want a road bike that is strong, lightweight, stylish, and comfortable, this model is worth your investment. Even though it’s a bit expensive, we want to guarantee you that for the money you will get good value for this model.

5 Schwinn Fastback Carbon Performance Road Bike

Schwinn Fastback Carbon Performance Road Bike

The Schwinn Fastback is one of the fastest road bikes out there. Though a bit pricier than most competing carbon road bikes, all of its high-end features make it a great value for money.

Unlike most other Schwinn models, this bike comes with a lightweight pure carbon frame. It weighs way less than the Schwinn Phocus and Schwinn Volare models. In fact, its 19.7 pounds weight is lighter than most of the other market-leading models. So, it’s super fast and you can have great control over this bike.

Moreover, the carbon fork efficiently absorbs shock from uneven paths and bumpy roads, and thus, makes your riding experience smooth. The Kenda 700x25c tires are also highly reliable for a stable ride.

It comes with 22 speed variations, allowing you top speeds to ride on all surfaces. We found shifting gear comparatively easier with this bike, thanks to the STI shifters. Besides, we were pretty impressed with its powerful braking system. The Shimano dual-pivot caliper brakes worked excellent even when we were riding fast.

This model comes in 5 different sizes, so riders of every height will find a good fit. Taller riders particularly will appreciate its taller headset.

We are overall pretty impressed with this bike’s performance. All the high-quality Shimano 105 components work brilliantly together. You even get a lifetime warranty on the frame!

Specifications

  • Weight: 19.7 pounds
  • Frame Material: Carbon fiber
  • Frame Size: 45/48/51/54/57cm
  • Height: 5’0? – 6’4?
  • Wheel Size: 700C
  • Tires: Kenda Kriterium 700x25c
  • No. of Speed: 22
  • Fork: Carbon fiber
  • Brakes: Dual-pivot caliper brakes
  • Saddle: S1 race saddle
  • Groupset: Shimano 105

Pros

  • Sturdy
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to ride with 22-speed
  • Comfortable geometry
  • Internal cable routing
  • Ideal for Advanced riders
  • Lifetime frame warranty

Cons

  • Comparatively expensive
  • Requires adjustments before the ride

Our Verdict

If you prefer a fast bike for racing competitions, the Schwinn Fastback is a perfect choice. You can choose your preferred speed and ride it against the wind. This model will make your every outdoor riding experience adventurous and fun. You can ride easily and fast through any busy streets or rugged trails.

6 Tommaso Forcella Endurance Aluminum Road Bike

Tommaso Forcella Endurance Aluminum Road Bike

The Forcella is another popular aluminum bike model from Tommaso. You can call this entry-level road bike a sibling of the Tommaso Monza (our 9th choice) since they share a lot of similar features.

Many users praised the stylish look of this bike and our first impression was the same. It comes with a 6061 aluminum frame, which is similar to most other aluminum bikes. It’s extremely durable and can cope with road vibrations pretty impressively.

This bike weighs 22.7 pounds. It’s light enough to easily carry and control. One of the things that make it stand out from others is its HCT carbon fork. You can rarely find a carbon fork in a mid-range bike. This fork makes the bike more stable and firm.

The Forcella is equipped with a full Shimano Claris groupset and all the components work exceedingly well. Though the rear cassette offers only 8-speed, you get a total of 24 gears, which is pretty high for this price range. With this range of speed, you can ride on various trails by easily adjusting the speed.

Different individuals prefer different saddles. For us, the Tommaso WTB Volt saddle of this bike was cozy and comfortable. This model also includes free pedals, which is a great bonus!

We found the assembly of this bike quite difficult. We would suggest you do that from professionals in a bike shop.

Specifications

  • Weight: 22.7 pounds
  • Frame Material: 6061 SLA Aluminum
  • Wheel Size: 700C
  • Wheelset: Tommaso TC-30
  • Tires: Kenda K152 700x25c
  • No. of Speed: 24
  • Fork: Tommaso HCT Carbon
  • Brake Style: Rim brakes
  • Saddle: WTB Volt
  • Groupset: Shimano Claris R2000

Pros

  • Full Shimano Claris groupset
  • 24-gears
  • Excellent design
  • Smooth and consistent shifting
  • Durable
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Requires professional assembly
  • Slow 8-speed cassette

Our Verdict

Tommaso Forcella is a fantastic choice for beginners. You’ll get the golden ratio of price and quality. You can use this bike every day for your daily commute. It’s an extremely durable bike that is for sale and you can upgrade it too in the future at a minimum low cost!

7 SAVADECK Windwar5.0 Carbon Fiber 700C Road Bicycle

SAVADECK Windwar5.0 Carbon Fiber 700C Road Bicycle

This is another model from SAVADECK that perfectly suits the needs of women riders. It’s lighter in weight compared to other similar models but is built amazingly strong with a T800 carbon frame and rigid fork. Women with any body shape can easily handle the weight of this road bike.

The Windwar5.0 is ideal for any beginner since you get it fully assembled. You don’t need to go through the hassle of assembling the bike. Just get the bike and start having amazing riding experiences! Moreover, this bike looks fascinating with its sleek design, so you’ll be happy with its appearance too.

We loved the 22-speed option that allowed us to change the power speed in any situation. In fact, this model offers you more speed options than the Warwinds3.0 model, which comes with 18-speed.

One of the best things about this road bike we were particularly impressed with was its high-quality 700x25c tires that are wide enough for providing optimum traction. The alloy rims are also amazingly durable.

It’s also equipped with Shimano 105 group set. It has the perfect shifters which allow you to have a fast and smooth shifting. Whether you’re a pro athlete or a regular biker, you’ll be at ease and comfort when using this amazing bike.

Specifications

  • Weight: 21.6 pounds
  • Frame Material: TORAY T800 Carbon
  • Frame Size: 44/48/50/52/54cm
  • Height: 4’11” – 6’
  • Wheel Size: 700C
  • Tires: Continental 700x25c
  • Wheelset: 6061 Alloy 40MM
  • No. of Speed: 22
  • Fork: Carbon, rigid fork
  • Saddle: Leather
  • Groupset: Shimano 105

Pros

  • High-quality tires
  • 5 different sizes
  • 22-speed option
  • Pedals included
  • Lightweight
  • Internally routed cables

Cons

  • Relatively expensive

Our Verdict

One of the best carbon road bikes under 2000, the SAVADECK Windwar5.0 is worth every bit of your penny with such a great performance. We had a flawless experience with this particular bicycle just like the online users who shared similar reviews. Though it’s a bit expensive, we would recommend it to any woman rider who can afford it.

8 Vilano Forza 2.0 Aluminum Carbon Road Bike

Vilano Forza 2.0 Aluminum Carbon Road Bike

If you’re looking for a road bike with a high-quality frame at a price under $600, the Vilano Forza 2.0 is probably the best choice for you. It’s built with an extremely durable double-butted aluminum frame and a 12k carbon fork. So, you can expect to have a solid and comfortable ride as well as a responsive performance.

We must mention that the sleek design and professional finish of this bike is pretty impressive for the price. You would surely think it’s a high-end model by looking at it. Besides, it weighs 24 pounds, which is not very light but works fine for a road bike.

It offers you a laidback posture which makes it perfect for fitness and cruising. It comes with Shimano Sora front derailleur and Tiagra rear derailleur that offer you a quick and accurate shift.

The wheelset is quite adequate with 700c x 22c tires. Moreover, the Cionlli saddle ensures great comfort. It even includes toe-straps. On top of everything, this bike offers you a high-end feature like a 27-speed option, allowing you to have great control at any road situation.

However, we think the Forza 2.0 has some scope for significant improvements. It comes with CNC alloy rims which can ensure pedal efficiency and great speed but isn’t durable enough to serve you for a long time. The brakes could be of better quality too. You might need to replace or upgrade such parts at some point.

Specifications

  • Weight: 24 pounds
  • Frame Material: 6061 Double-Butted Aluminum
  • Frame Size: 49cm
  • Wheel Size: 700C
  • Tires: Kenda 700x23c
  • No. of Speed: 27
  • Fork: 12k Carbon
  • Brakes: Caliper
  • Groupset: Shimano Tiagra & Shimano Sora

Pros

  • 27-speed option
  • Durable frame and fork
  • Great finish
  • Shimano Sora shifters
  • Comfortable seat
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • CNC-alloy rims

Our Verdict

Vilano bikes are always reliable and this model is no different. If you are an intermediate rider and want a bike for an occasional race or regular commuting, the Forza 2.0 can be a great option. You’ll definitely get solid performance and a smooth ride. It performs well beyond entry-level category bicycles. Though it has issues with the quality of some parts, you can’t find a better option at such a price point.

9 Tommaso Monza Endurance Aluminum Road Bike

Tommaso Monza Endurance Aluminum Road Bike

Tommaso Monza is an excellent choice for riders who are looking for a road bike for fitness-oriented and recreational rides. This bike offers you high-end features and superior performance.

This unisex bike looks elegant and has two color options- matte black and blue. With five available sizes, cyclists of any height can find a good fit.

The best thing about this bike is that it’s equipped with a full Shimano Tiagra groupset. So, you can expect to have a high-end performance. You get two control-levers for changing gears. Moreover, the Shimano derailleurs and shifters let you have easy control and fast shifting.

We had a comfortable riding experience with this model. We found the compact handlebars quite comfortable. It’s even lighter than Tommaso Imola and Forcella models. But it offers less number of speeds compared to the former two Tommaso bikes. However, the speed is decent to ride on different terrains.

The durable aluminum frame and carbon fork somewhat minimize vibrations, so you can have a comfortable ride on both rough and flat surfaces. The Presta 700 x 23c tires also hold a firm grip on the ground. As far as the pedals are concerned, they have room for improvement.

You can mount racks or fenders on the Tommaso Monza. This bike, however, requires professional assembly. We suggest that you do not try it yourself since you might cause damage.

What’s more, you get a lifetime warranty for this bike!

Specifications

  • Weight: 22.3 pounds
  • Frame Material: 6061 Aluminum
  • Frame Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
  • Height: 5’2? – 6’5?
  • Wheel Size: 700C
  • Wheelset: Tommaso TC40
  • Tires: 700 x 23c Presta
  • No. of Speed: 20
  • Fork: HCT Carbon
  • Saddle: WTB Volt
  • Groupset: Shimano Tiagra

Pros

  • Full Shimano Tiagra groupset
  • Lightweight
  • Sturdy
  • Excellent braking power
  • Aero wheels
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Requires professional assembly
  • Poor pedal quality

Our Verdict

If you’re an intermediate rider looking for a road bike for fitness and commuting, the Tommaso Monza can perfectly suit your needs. You can use this bike for racing too. With the Shimano Tiagra full groupset, you can rest assured about its high-performance. But we’ll suggest you take a seven days risk-free test in order to ensure that the bike works fine for you.

10 Schwinn Volare 1300 Adult Hybrid Road Bike

Schwinn Volare 1300 Adult Hybrid Road Bike

The Schwinn Volare 1300 comes at a price of under $350. Though it comes at a cheap price, it still offers you a number of great features for the price.

This bike has a durable aluminum frame. We particularly liked its sturdy feel. It will serve you for a long time. Additionally, you get a lifetime warranty on the frame!

It weighs heavier compared to other Schwinn models, but the weight is manageable. The assembly of this model is also not much hard compared to the other models in this category because you get a booklet with detailed instruction.

This model comes with high-quality 700 x 25c tires that provide optimum traction. These tires work well even in rain. Besides, the alloy caliper brakes also let you have good control over the bike.

The handlebars offer you a good grip for a comfortable ride. The Volare also1300 includes some mounting holes where you can mount racks and hold water bottles.

It comes with only 14 speed variations, which might not be suitable for riders who want to ride through hilly terrains. However, it works fine on smooth surfaces.

Specifications

  • Weight: 29.8 pounds
  • Frame Material: Aluminum
  • Frame Size: 56/56.5cm
  • Wheel Size: 700C
  • Tires: 700 x 25c
  • No. of Speed: 14
  • Fork: Carbon, rigid
  • Brakes: Alloy Caliper
  • Saddle: Sport saddle
  • Groupset: Shimano A050

Pros

  • High-quality disc brakes
  • Stylish design
  • Easy assembly
  • Durable frame and fork
  • Affordable price
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • A bit heavier
  • Only 14-speed

Our Verdict

If you’re on a budget and looking for a casual bike, the Schwinn Volare 1300 can be a good choice for you. It has an extremely durable frame and fork combination. We would especially recommend it for beginners. Young riders will find this bike more comfortable. You can rarely find such a good combination of top features and low price.

Why Are Road Bikes Better Than Other Bikes?

Road bikes are designed to travel on paved roads. They have relatively light frames compared to other types of bikes. Most road bikes have tires at 23 or 25 mm. They are quite faster and have quicker acceleration. Besides, a road bike doesn’t feature suspension like a mountain bike. It covers smooth and flat surfaces. For additional comfort, a road bike can have wider tires or in-built compliance to its fork and frame.

Moreover, there are 2 cogs on its front crank-set and up to 11-gears on the rear-cassette, providing up to 22-gears. The riders can cover any profile and have easy-riding due to this huge span of gears. These amazing features make riding on a road bike a lot easier and faster than most other bikes.

Best Road Bikes Under 2000 [Ultimate Buying Guide]

Best Road Bikes Under 2000 Buying Guide

1. Type

  • Touring bicycles

Touring bicycles are so comfortable and robust. They can carry heavy loads and are mainly designed for bicycle tours.

  • Hybrid bicycles

Hybrid bicycles are used for various recreational as well as utility purposes. They are primarily designed for paved roads, but they can also be run on relatively unpaved paths.

  • Utility bicycles

Utility bicycles are the traditional bicycles for commuting, running around cities, and shopping.

  • Recumbent bicycles

A recumbent bicycle is also used for different utility and recreational purposes, but it has a reclined sitting position for riding.

  • Vintage road bicycles

Vintage road bicycles are older ones with steel frames, but some come with a touch of modern techniques. They are usually highly expensive.

  • Flat bar road bike

Unlike the bent handlebar models, flat bar road bikes are also known as fitness bikes. They come with flat handlebars and MTB-style brake levers and shifters. They are usually used for fitness and urban riding. Triathlon, TT or Tri bikes have more aerodynamic flat bars than those of the road bikes.

2. Frame Materials

  • Aluminum Frames

Aluminum frame sets generally use more metal and are thicker than steel frames. But they are lighter and less expensive.

  • Carbon Fiber Frames

Carbon-fiber (also misspelled as carbon fibre) frames provide you smoother, vibration-absorbing, and comfortable rides than aluminum frames. But they are usually more expensive.

  • Titanium

The titanium frame is lighter than a steel frame and you wouldn’t see any classic models made out of this stuff. It’s more resistant to impact and fatigue than aluminum.

  • Steel

A steel frame is a traditional option. It’s heavier than other materials but provides you a springy ride. It’s extremely durable.

3. Size and weight

You can find road bikes in up to six different sizes. Get the right frame size according to your body shape and size. It’s extremely important for your comfort and handling the bike. You will get a fitting system or bike fit-kit in any bike store to determine the right size for you.

The weight of your bike is an equally important factor to consider. Your bike should weigh between 17 to 20 pounds.

4. Cranksets and Gearing

A road bike has either a double, triple, or compact crankset. A triple crankset means it has 3 chainrings paired with a 9 speed cassette, giving a total 27 gears. On the other hand, both a double and compact crankset comes with 2 chainrings with a 10 speed cassette for a total 20 gears.

The chainrings of a compact crankset are smaller than a double. We will recommend a triple or compact crankset if you’re a beginner and for others, a double crankset will work fine. Remember that these parts will not be the same for electric and motorized road bikes.

5. Wheels

You’ll get faster and lighter wheels with high-end models. You can’t choose wheels unless you get a custom bike. But you can upgrade your wheels to better quality. For kids, the wheel size should be smaller.

6. Pedals

The basic road bikes have platform pedals but you’ll not find any high-end model with pedals. However, you can use clip-in or clipless (for example, SPD-SL) pedals and cycling shoes with your bike.

7. Handlebars

You can have different handlebars on your road bike. The u-shaped drop bar and flared handlebars are most common among all. Drop bars are found on most commuting bikes whereas you’ll find flared bars on mostly gravel bikes.

8. Groupsets

A groupset means a set of compatible components from the manufacturer. The models with groupsets are more refined and stylish than models with miscellaneous component assortments. SRAM and Shimano are among the most popular suppliers of matching components.

9. Gear Shifters & Brake Levers

Most new models have these mechanisms integrated, unlike older models on which they used to be different parts. The mode of operation varies by model and brand. You can choose your preferred one after a test ride.

10. Comfort, Reliability & Graphics

Make sure your bike is comfortable enough for a long ride. These bikes aren’t made for comfort for sure. For example, you won’t gate any different upper frame pipe design for the ladies. Again the path holes and rough terrains are not suitable for such bikes. All designs are step-over in type. But highly-priced models ensure a bit extra comfort. It’s always recommended to purchase bikes from reliable brands.

In terms of graphics, every brand has its own signature design and color tones. The most common color tones that are popular would be black, white, red, blue, pink, yellow, purple, green, and rainbow.

11. Warranty

You can expect to get a 2-3 year warranty on your road bike under $2000. Some manufacturers even offer a lifetime warranty on frames.

12. Budget

You will get a good road bike within a range of $350-$1500. Entry-level models are the cheapest. However, we’d suggest not getting one under 500 if you focus on performance and racing. On the other hand, the most expensive models are worth only when you’re preparing for a competition.

Road Bike Care & Maintenance Tips

Road Bike Care & Maintenance Tips

  • Never forget to wear a helmet.
  • Always obey the traffic rules and ride in the same direction as the traffic.
  • If you’re carrying any child with you, make sure they’re wearing a helmet too. Some areas, for example, New York, don’t allow babies under one-year-old on a road bike.
  • It’s better to wear bright clothing when you’re riding a bike.
  • Always have control over your bike and ride at a safe speed.
  • Make sure your bike has reflectors and front and rear lights.
  • Keep at least a 4 feet distance from other riders and vehicles.
  • Avoid riding on sidewalks.
  • Use a horn or bell on your bike to warn others.
  • Ride in a single-file line.
  • Keep at least one of your hands on your handlebar.
  • Pedal strongly as you go through intersections.

A Word from GearbikesReview

We’ve included the 10 best road bikes under 2000 dollars in this guide to simplify your search process. We hope we are successful to help you make a final decision. Each of these bikes is outstanding in performance, design, and durability.

Aside from your budget, bear in mind that the size of your road bike should fit you perfectly. Also, make sure it has a solid construction and number of speeds that you require.

Are you looking for a high-end model? Either SAVA Herd6.0 or Schwinn Fastback will make an ideal choice for you.

If you’re tight on a budget, Schwinn Phocus and Vilano Forza 2.0 will be good choices for you.

FAQ

1. How do I determine what size bike I need?

Ans: You can determine the size by clearing the top-bar by 1?-1.5? and standing over the bike with your shoes on. You can feel comfortable in different sizes for different brands. So always have test riding on different bikes to know your preferred size. Remember, the distance between the seat and bars affects your comfort and fit.

2. Why do road bikes have drop bars?

Ans: Road bikes usually have drop bars for several reasons. They offer you multiple hand-positions allowing you to change your sitting positions as per your convenience. Drop bars also allow you to have a leaned-over position. So, you can breathe more easily.

3. How are road bikes measured?

Ans: Road bikes are measured from the crank center to the seat tube. The frame size is usually measured in centimeters. However, the bike size measurement varies from one brand to another. One brand’s XXS may not be on par with the other.

4. Are road bike tires more susceptible to flats?

Ans: Yes, unfortunately, they are. The narrower tires will be more likely to have flats since they require higher air-pressure and have thinner tread.

5. Why do road bikes have such narrow seats and tires?

Ans: Narrow seats on road bikes allow you to move more freely when coming off the saddle. Your thighs will rub with the seat if it’s too wide. On the other hand, narrow tires make your road bike more efficient and faster. They are light in weight. Since narrower tires have less rolling-resistance, you can accelerate more quickly.

6. How do I know if I have a good fit?

Ans: If you’re comfortable riding on the bike, you know the fit is good. You’ll even find some bike shops with computer programs and fitting machines for measuring your fitness.

7. What are some common terms used in cycling?

Ans: There are quite a few terms used in cycling which include:

Bunny hop: making the bike jump forward

Fork: section of the bike frame holding the wheels

Attack: to quickly accelerate from behind, and overtake a contender in racing

Drop: a steep segment of terrain

Bidon: water bottle

MAMIL: “middle-aged man in lycra”

Endo: short for “end over end”, used when a rider goes over the bike’s handlebars

About the author

Joshua Fernand

I’m a 38-year-old father of two and an avid adventurer with a history of road bike racing in the mountains. I’m also a member of the Mountain Top Cycling Club, Colorado. I took part in several cross country rides across the states with my cruiser bike.

Tell you what, each tour was over a thousand miles long and it wouldn’t have been possible if I hadn’t studied bike mechanics. Most of the fixes required during my travel had to be fixed by myself. Cruiser became my favorite category since then.

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