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A visit to a well-stocked bike shop or online shop can be quite intimidating for newcomers to road bikes. An almost endless variety of models, brands and equipment variants are presented to interested buyers. From sleekly shaped carbon frames to robust aluminium models and classic steel racers, everything is represented. Well, at least the tyres nowadays give a rough indication of the orientation of a road bike, because with their voluminous studded tyres, off-road gravel bikes stand out visibly from road-oriented road bikes.
But beyond that, there are many barely visible details that determine whether or not a bike is perfectly suited to your needs. The following applies: almost no wish has to remain unfulfilled, as the industry has come up with suitable products for almost every conceivable scenario. However, this leads to the aforementioned abundance, which can be as impressive as it is confusing, especially for beginners.
Between the classic road racer and the adventure off-road racer, there are a large number of sub-categories and intermediate categories that are designed to be optimised for certain types of riders or types of use, and their names are not always self-explanatory. From the intended use and components to the right fit and frame size, there is a lot to consider so that the purchase decision does not become a frustrating mistake.
In our guide to the right road bike, we categorise the common categories and describe what makes them special. We also provide tips on the most important questions when making a purchase decision. This cannot replace the obligatory test ride, as you should also rely on a good gut feeling when buying a new road bike. However, it doesn't hurt to be well prepared.
Road bike buying advice: What types of bike are there?
Time trial - Triathlon
Specialists in the battle against the clock. The handlebars need practice, the riding position needs training: For recreational athletes, this type of bike is only of interest for participating in triathlons or specialising in amateur time trials. Good aerodynamics are the top priority, low weight and high comfort are subordinate criteria. Often relatively expensive due to the high development costs, low quantities and rare components. Only very broadly positioned large manufacturers also offer bikes in the medium price range, i.e. from around 5000 euros.
Canyon Speedmax CF
Canyon is one of the few companies to offer affordable triathlon bikes; starting at 4200 euros, including fast aero wheels for a little more. Like many triathlon bikes, the bike has a hydration system with tube and a storage compartment for the puncture kit, which are intended to make the frame even more aerodynamic, but are only permitted in triathlon competitions.
Alternatives: Cube Aerium, Scott Plasma, Giant Trinity
Road bike buying advice: Aero road bike
Road racer for flat to hilly routes. The riding position is emphatically stretched, the gear ratios are closely graduated and rarely suitable for uphill riding. System integration is widespread: Handlebar-stem combinations and aerodynamic seat posts are standard. The focus of the frame is on the best aerodynamics, which is why consistent models are heavier than all-rounders and ride relatively hard. The trend is towards versatile designs that fulfil all criteria well (e.g. Giant Propel, Canyon Aeroad, Scott Foil) and are therefore not only the first and only choice from the portfolio for professional racers.
Cervélo S5
The model most used by the pros around Wout van Aert and Jonas Vingegaard - with weight tuning sometimes also for hilly stages. No wonder, because aerodynamically it is one of the fastest bikes on the pro circuit. However, with the special handlebars, a heavy and not maximally stable frame and hardly any suspension comfort, compromises have to be made for the last few watts of speed. The same applies to the price: the cheapest version with Shimano Ultegra already costs 10,000 euros.
Alternatives: Storck Aerfast.5, Simplon Pride, Canyon Aeroad, Bianchi Oltre RC
Which wheel for what: a question of tyres
The first question you should ask yourself when buying a bike: Where do I mainly want to ride it? One major difference between the categories is the tyre width, which is adapted to the surface: 28 millimetres has become established for competitions on good roads; 30 to 32 millimetres for touring. With these tyres, even smooth dirt roads can be ridden on. With even wider tyres, from approx. 40 millimetres with a pronounced profile, the bike becomes suitable for off-road riding. Within certain limits, a bike with different tyres can be adapted to different conditions; the decisive factor is what fits through the frame and fork. However, the riding behaviour also changes with greatly varying tyre widths. The tyres in the bike categories presented here tend to get wider and wider from side to side.
Road bike buying advice: Competition all-rounder
Symbiosis of lightweight and aero road bike: Because the design of different models for different track profiles is complicated and sometimes leads to wrong decisions (in professional sport), some manufacturers now rely on just one model for all (competition) requirements. This should balance good aerodynamics and low weight as well as being comfortable. In technical terms, the all-rounders are often closer to the aero category than the lightweight category, but weigh less than seven kilograms (in the top version). Some dedicated aero bikes also fulfil these requirements comparably well.
Specialised Tarmac
The Tarmac epitomises the balancing act between aerodynamics and lightweight construction like no other bike. It is light enough to land precisely at 6.8 kilograms when ready to race - the minimum weight for racing bikes according to UCI regulations. The developers pushed the aerodynamics to the limit; according to TOUR measurements, it can keep up with many aero bikes from other manufacturers. In our grading system, the most expensive version is currently one of the best all-rounders.
Alternatives: Pinarello Dogma F, Trek Madone, Van Rysel RCR, Lapierre Xelius DRS
Road bike buying advice: Competition lightweight construction
The bike for sporty climbing specialists. The frame and components are trimmed to minimise weight. In most cases, the bikes also offer significantly better comfort than the aero model from the same manufacturer. The geometries result in a slightly less stretched seating position, the handling is somewhat more manoeuvrable or nervous. Good aerodynamics are secondary, but not unimportant: almost without exception, the bikes also offer hints of an aero profile and, in the more expensive versions, high carbon rims and streamlined handlebar units.
Scott Addict RC
Brand new and already a milestone: the Addict RC is the lightest standard wheel currently available, weighing a breathtaking 5.9 kilograms in the top version. This costs just under 13,000 euros. In more favourable versions, the bike is heavier, but outperforms most of its comparably priced competitors in terms of overall weight >> e.g. available here
Alternatives: Giant TCR, Cervélo R5, Canyon Ultimate, BMC Teammachine SLR
Geometry and seating position: select the perfect fit
The intended use determines the riding position and handling of a bike. Bikes for competitions tend to have a stretched, aerodynamic riding position with low handlebars. On bikes suitable for touring, the riding position is more relaxed, i.e. more upright. This does not always suit your own body measurements: Long-legged riders can also sit sportily on endurance racers, while race geometry can be comfortable for tall riders. The classic road racing bike is also very manoeuvrable and reacts sensitively to steering commands, which requires practice. Endurance racers run more smoothly in a straight line, and gravel bikes are even very pronounced in order to be able to ride safely off-road.
Road bike buying advice: Endurance road bike
The most popular category for amateur cyclists: The gear ratios are suitable for touring, the tyres are wider, the suspension comfort is higher and the riding position is more relaxed than on racing bikes. There is a wide range of geometries: some models are race-orientated, others are extremely upright. However, a comparatively upright position and a lot of suspension comfort unite the leading representatives. Aero features hardly play a role, although system integration does on high-priced models, but the bikes are generally easier to maintain than racing bikes. With tyres at least 30 millimetres wide, the bikes are equipped for poor roads, modern models offer space for off-road tyres, blurring the boundary to all-road bikes. Many models offer mounting options for mudguards or small panniers.
Giant Defy
Now in its fifth generation, the classic from the world's largest manufacturer shows where the journey of long-distance bikes is heading: the enormous tyre clearance of up to 38 millimetres, which also allows use in light off-road terrain, is not yet standard everywhere, but is also increasing among competitors. The Defy also offers mounts for mudguards. Like the public, the range is broad: the comfort racer is available for all requirements between 2900 and 12,000 euros >> available here.
Alternatives: Canyon Endurace, Specialised Roubaix, Trek Domane
Road bike buying advice: Allroad bike
As the name suggests, the road bikes should be suitable for all roads, including unpaved paths. The category is the least clearly defined, with models varying between endurance and gravel bikes. The tyre width is between 32 and 40 millimetres, the tyres usually have little or no tread, so they still allow a lot of speed on tarmac roads. Added to this are very low gear ratios and usually a riding position suitable for long distances. This means that many current endurance bikes also fall into this category because they usually allow wider tyres. Specialised models offer a slightly longer wheelbase and secure directional stability, they are less agile than a road racing bike. Otherwise, they are very similar to endurance road bikes: most models have mudguard and pannier eyelets.
BMC Roadmachine X
The Swiss manufacturer BMC proves just how closely related endurance and all-road bikes are: The Roadmachine X is simply an offshoot of the endurance model of the same name with customised equipment. With wider tyres (34 millimetres) and single drive, it mutates from a pure road bike to a versatile all-rounder that can also tackle steep gravel climbs. However, the manoeuvrable bike can still turn corners relatively quickly - specialised all-road models are characterised by better directional stability.
Alternatives: Ridley Grifn, Giant Contend AR, Rose Blend
Translations: adapted to terrain and fitness
Depending on the category, the gearbox is also adapted to the needs and requirements. While racing bikes have slightly higher gear ratios and often lack easy uphill gears, endurance bikes allow slightly less maximum speed. On the other hand, the smaller gears have a lighter gear ratio and allow less well-trained riders to have fun climbing long and steep climbs. Chainring and sprocket sizes can be adjusted with little effort. As a rule of thumb: A 1:1 ratio should be the lowest gear for hobby riders, a slight reduction is better. The spectrum for gravel bikes is clearly shifted towards light gears because the speed level on gravel is lower. Reductions are the rule here, but there is a lack of gears that allow pedalling from 40 km/h upwards.
Road bike buying advice: Gravel bike
The typical gravel bike expands the possibilities of the endurance racer - with significantly wider tyres to improve comfort and grip off-road. Tyre widths of around 40 millimetres have become established, while the trend for new models is towards 45 millimetres. As on the endurance racer, the seat is rather cosy and well-made models offer plenty of suspension comfort. The gears also get beginners over the hills, significant gear reductions are the rule. Uncomplicated single-chainring drivetrains are widespread. There are often attachment points for mudguards and luggage, and sometimes even small storage compartments in the frame. The fact that gravel bikes are popular as entry-level bikes is reflected in the price structure: Starting at around 1000 euros, it is possible to get started with brand manufacturers, while bikes in the five-digit range are rare.
Cube Nuroad C:62
The Cube Nuroad is one of the most popular gravel bikes in Germany. No wonder: The model is available in many different configurations and offers a lot for the money. The riding position is still sporty, but not too stretched out; the handling is safe, but not boring, with solid straight-line stability. With eyelets for mudguards, pannier rack and side stand as well as a cable duct for a dynamo light, it is also extremely versatile. And it's cheap too: you can get a solid gravel bike with a carbon frame for as little as 1999 euros >> e.g. at Liquid Life or Bicycle XXL available.
Alternatives: Canyon Grizl, Trek Checkpoint, Giant Revolt
Road bike buying advice: Cyclocross
This once very popular type of bike slipped into a niche with the advent of the gravel bike, and today it is exclusively a topic for competitions. The classic crosser differs from the gravel bike in its stretched, race-like riding position, extremely corner-happy handling and high centre of gravity with a raised bottom bracket. The tyres are limited by regulations to a maximum width of 33 millimetres, but are usually heavily profiled for soft surfaces. The gear range is also narrow, but it is closely spaced - there are no easy mountain gears and fast gear ratios. The frame is also uncompromisingly prepared for circuit races peppered with obstacles: There are no eyelets for mudguards, but there are flattened top tubes so that the bike can be shouldered easily.
Stevens Prestige
The Hamburg brand is closely associated with cross sport and is one of the few that still builds cross bikes based on the classic model. Due to a lack of demand, some well-known competitors have switched to only building a race gravel bike and offering it as a cross bike, which is fraught with compromises. The Super Prestige is the old favourite: short, agile and a joy for enthusiasts, but not overly expensive: the bike costs between 3299 and 4399 euros.
Alternatives: Canyon Inflite, Trek Crockett, Giant TCX, Cervélo R5-CX
Integration: pros and cons
Sure: an aerodynamic seat post and a sleek carbon handlebar unit look great, just like the pros. But the integrated components are often not interchangeable with other products, and one-piece handlebar-stem combinations can hardly be customised to your own needs. Those who know their position precisely and attach great importance to technical performance will find integrated components almost universally in the race-orientated categories. If you are still getting to grips with road cycling and want to readjust your position later, you should avoid such systems. The touring bike categories, especially endurance bikes and gravel bikes, usually offer classically clamped handlebars that are easier to adjust or replace.
Road bike buying advice: Race gravel bike
The popularity of gravel bikes has also given rise to a new sporting discipline: Gravel races - comparatively long distances on gravel tracks - are now prominent crowd-pullers. The specialised bikes embody high-end technology, translated into off-road terrain: Their riding position is comparable to that of a competition racing bike. Lightweight construction and aerodynamics play just as important a role as a high level of comfort. The gear ratios are usually tighter and single-chainring drivetrains dominate. The handling emphasises straight-line stability, with individual models such as the Specialized Crux or Cannondale SuperX attempting the balancing act of a crosser. Mudguard or luggage eyelets are rare or non-existent. The models are not inexpensive, ranging from at least 4000 to well over 10,000 euros.
Rose Backroad FF
The Backroad FF was added to the Bocholt-based company's off-road portfolio last year and forms the sporty pole. The frame set with the silhouette of a competition racer, carbon aero rims and the integrated handlebar unit allude to road racing. Compared to its competitors, the Backroad FF is remarkably affordable: the eight-kilo top model with Sram Force AXS costs just under 5000 euros >> available here.
Alternatives: BMC Kaius, Cannondale SuperX, Factor Ostro Gravel, Scott Addict Gravel, Specialised Crux
Road bike buying advice: Adventure | Bikepacking
The diversification of gravel bikes also leads even deeper into the terrain. The boundaries to all-round gravel bikes are blurred, but some models stand out so clearly that they open up a separate category for particularly adventurous gravel bikes. The tyres are even wider, and some of these bikes allow for mountain bike tyres that are more than 50 millimetres wide. In some cases, smaller 27.5-inch wheels are fitted. The geometries are closer to mountain bikes than road bikes; with a long wheelbase, flat steering angle and wide handlebars, they provide a lot of riding safety even on rough trails. In addition, some have suspension forks, minimalist rear suspension or retractable seat posts. The drivetrains and gear ratios also usually come from the mountain bike shelf.
Wilier Adlar
The Italians from Wilier have a real packhorse among off-road racing bikes in their programme. The bike comes with front and rear pannier racks, each of which can be loaded with up to 35 kilograms. In terms of riding position and handling, the design is far removed from the classic road bike: very upright and with extremely wide handlebars, a sporty ride is hardly possible, but travelling comfortably is all the better. Even with a heavy load, the bike runs straight ahead off-road, which is due to the extremely long wheelbase and the very flat steering angle. Price: 3700 euros >> currently at Fahrrad XXL for 3399 euros.
Alternatives: BMC URS, YT Sceptre
Practical accessories: better to have than to need
For long journeys in the rain Mudguards It is advantageous to be able to mount a bike rack or a lighting system when travelling by bike. Hiding a spare tube and mini-tool permanently in a frame compartment saves space in panniers. There are many models among endurance and gravel bikes that offer such additional features. On competition bikes, such upgrades involve a lot of improvisation and tinkering. However, such gimmicks are rarely a nuisance if they are not used.
Jens Klötzer
Editor
