Other models can cost double that price or more. That is a good price for a very high-quality bike. Some Topstone models can be found at the entry-level price point, and depending on componentry will typically be found for $1,000 to $2,000. The Topstone is actually a pretty massive lineup of bikes - positioned just under the Synapse lineup which has become a little too pricey to be “entry level” in our book. We like the lineup that Cannondale offers, although they crank out enough bike models so it can take some time to get your head around it all. While many bike companies tend to be based in the Northwoods of Wisconsin or Minnesota and Western USA, Cannondale is an East Coast company, based in Connecticut. The Cannondale company has been building bikes since 1971. And you gotta love the Trek Emonda, especially when it gets the hand-me-down features from its more decked-out siblings. The Felt VR40 is just such a great value for what you get, riding the smooth aluminum frame is a dream. We assessed these bikes, rode them, inspected them. If you want to spare the reading, we will help you get to the point. (Cutting to the Chase, our Favorite is….) Here are 5 “entry-level’ road bikes that we really like right now and are easier on the budget (if you were looking for triathlon bikes, don’t worry, we researched that as well, here). Finally, bikes are often discounted by various retailers – so a $2,000 bike might be found for way less if you can catch it at the right time. If you are someone who ultimately gets hooked and puts 5,000 miles a year on your bike, you will want something with some quality and features. We do this for a couple reasons – first, for the right cyclist, $2,000 is a bargain for a good road bike. Third, we list some bikes here that eclipse the $2,000 mark – which might seem like it is way above entry level.

This is why you might see one bike model that comes in 20 different variations – there could be an almost endless number of component combinations you can outfit a single bike with. Which bike frame/make do you want (and this should largely be based on fit), which “moving component” set to do want, and then which bells and whistles are you looking for. Second, the decision that you really need to make is threefold when it comes to buying a road bike. Just the opposite - we want to get more people into the sport so that independent bike dealers have a larger universe of customers!įred Clements of the National Bike Dealers Association says it best, “a good bike mechanic is an artisan, not a laborer or engineer.” Find a good mechanic at a local shop, and he or she will get you on the right bike for you. Our website has never been intended to take business away from local bike shops. If that means a trip to your local bike shop, we are all for it. Sure, we can make a buck or two if you buy through one of our partners (linked below), but in the bigger picture we want people to ride the right bike for them. If you aren’t quite sure what you are looking for, and even if you are, they can be incredibly helpful in finding a bike that works for you. They are part of our sport so we know a thing or two about buying them.įirst, there is a reason that Independent Bike Dealers have been a mainstay of the cycling community for so many years. We might be a triathlon blog, but at any tri club or on race morning of a triathlon, you will see lots and lots of road bikes.

A Note About Road Bike Buyingīefore we get into the entry-level road bikes that we really like, we wanted to make a couple comments on the process of buying a bike. Luckily, there are still some pretty good options in the $1,000 to $2,000 range, too. That is a bit more than the typical newbie might consider to be entry level, but if you plan to ride a lot, you don’t want t skimp either. What’s more, for many manufacturers nowadays, “entry level” can mean anything up to about $2,500. No doubt, when you start looking for a bike, you will either fall in love with the first one you see, or be numbed by all the choices and decisions you can make. Not only do you have dozens of brands to choose from, but each model seems to have an unlimited combination of components. It creates a productive cycle – not to mention, it can make the population healthier which is good for all of us.īuying an entry-level bike, though, can be mind-boggling. Our attitude is that the more cyclists there are - regardless of your budget - the more demand for trails, dedicated bike lanes, and bike amenities which we all benefit from.

We love seeing people get into cycling – whether it is purely recreational, or to build up to longer rides, or to ultimately compete in a bike race or triathlon.

Best endurance bike under 1000