10 Best Beginner Bicycles of 2023
Riding the best beginner road bike is not only for commuting but also for keeping you healthy and fit. If you’re just beginning your cycling journey, you’re probably not planning to spend a fortune. You might have so many doubts about the cost of a bike, if it's the right time to buy a bike, mistakes to avoid while purchasing a bike, if you should buy a new or old bike, or if to buy a bike online or from a retail store. And there are countless bikes available in the market which makes it even more to hard to pick the right one.
Our article on best road bikes has all the information you need to know before you purchase the best entry-level road bike. We have covered the top road bikes currently available in the market. There’s also a comparison table comparing the main features and a buying guide to help you choose the best road bikes under $1500.
Let’s dive right into the topic.
Best Beginner Road Bikes Reviews of 2023
1. Schwinn Phocus Adult Road Bike
Schwinn Phocus’s Adult Road Bike is one of the best beginner bicycles built with an aluminum fitness frame and sports suspension. You don’t have to worry about road bumps because the suspension fork is super responsive during the ride. If you are still worried about road bumps, guard yourself with the best knee and elbow pads. With the unique gear system, you can shift easily as you ride with 24-speed rear and front derailleurs.
The mechanical disc brakes give a strong stopping power in case of any sudden obstacle. When you descend on a trail, these brakes give you reliable stopping power. The rims are double-walled providing the wheels a strong grip. They are also light and strong adding more stability. The 8-speed cassette is made of alloy offering optimal gearing. This best beginner bike needs less maintenance thus saving your time.
Colors available: Black, teal, and matte gray
Pros
- Aluminum fitness frame
- 8-speed cassette
- 24-speed derailleurs
Cons
- Shifting gears can be difficult
2. Trinx Road Bike
Trinx road is one of the best entry-level bikes on our list. This bicycle is built with hydroformed AI6061 suited for people up to 5’10. The steel fork is Trinx Hi-te which gives a strong holding power over any bumps. Shimano front and rear derailleur and the Shimano cassette give a strong gripping power over the bike.
The tires are colorful giving an attractive look to the bike. Alloy double-walled rim holds the tires securely and the brakes are Winzip alloy providing you a strong stopping over any obstacle. You can shift up to 21 speeds on your path with the Shimano A050 shifter. It's a great bike if you are just starting upcycling. If you are a beginner, the sun may be a great demotivator. Don't forget to get a gist of the sun protection tips. This bike is ideal for people of height 5’6 to 5’10 for 530mm and 5’10-6’2 for 560mm.
Colors available: Black/green, and blue/white
Pros
- Hydroformed alloy frame
- Trinx hi-ten steel fork
- Alloy double-wall rim
Cons
- Assembly can be difficult
3. Hiland Aluminum Road Bike
Hiland Aluminum Road Bike is one of the best budget road bikes built with an ultralight aluminum frame. The double-caliper brakes give total security and control in every situation over the bike. 700C wheels provide you with a new level of experience for road biking. This bike is great to ride in paved areas and neighborhood areas. A highly recommended add-ons while riding is a helmet. Remember to gain information on the helmet buying guide to choose the best one.
The wheel chain wheel gives a smooth acceleration to the wheels while riding. The Hiland road bike is pre-assembled at the factory and is easy to assemble by yourself in a few minutes. The small size is suited for people between 5’3 - 5’6, the medium size is for people between 5’6 - 6’, and the large size is for people between 6’ - 6’4 similar to that of the best gravel bikes.
Colors available: Black, green, and red
Pros
- High tech frame
- 700C wheels
- Shimano speed shifters
Cons
- Overall quality could be better
4. Tommaso Imola Road Bike
Another best road bike under $1500 from the list is Tommaso Imola Road Bike. It is equipped with 100% Shimano gear, a lightweight aluminum frame, and wheels to give you an amazing riding experience. If you are just getting into a world of riding experience, then this bike would be a great choice for you. The shallow handlebar allows you to ride comfortably even when riding in a lower handlebar position. Gain extra grip by wearing the best hand glove and ride without any hardships.
With 700C bike tires, you can have good control of your bike in tough turns. The frames are premium aluminum built to last and offer a comfortable position for all types of riding. Every feature in the Imola bike is designed to be comfortable and efficient. This is one of the best budget road bikes where you can get the best out of it. This bike is suited for people of height 4’10 - 5’2. If you fall in the mentioned height numerical, you can consider riding the best trail bikes.
Colors available: Black, burnt orange, and white
Pros
- Affordable performance
- Comfortable riding experience
- 700C bike tires
Cons
- Not a good choice for experienced riders
5. PanAme Road Bike
Paname road bike is one of the best road bikes under 500 on the list that is built with an aerodynamic design ensuring quality and comfortable riding experience. Also equipped with a 2/3/7 speed shifter lever, front and rear derailleurs, and a v-brake providing you fast shifting and better responsiveness. This bike gives you a wider speed range for a better riding experience. The same riding experience can be attained with the best downhill bikes.
The bearing capacity of the aluminum frame is stronger than carbon steel making the ride effortless. You can get maximum comfort during your ride with ergonomic handles and a seat that fits your body perfectly. A perfect ride needs a few essentials to be carried along. Achieve this by buying the best saddle bag. The bike is pre-assembled at the factory for you to easily install the rest with simple instructions. This is one of the best entry-level road bikes you can get in the market.
Colors available: FT-blue, FT-red, KD-black, and KD-white
Pros
- Aerodynamic design
- Efficient speed shifting
- Comfortable handle and seat
Cons
- Customer support can be better
6. Eurobikes Road Bike
Eurobikes road bikes are one of the best entry-level road bikes you can see on the list. It is designed with a high carbon steel frame allowing the riders to ride freely. With the 21 speed shifting, you can ride at your preferred speed depending on your path.
Have efficient braking with the dual disc brakes. 700C tires and magnesium alloy rim makes it easier for you to ride in the paved way. This bike is ideal for people of height 5’4 to 5’7.
Colors available: Red/black
Pros
- 21-speed shifting
- Disc brakes
- Magnesium alloy rim
Cons
- Quality of the bike can be improved
7. Redfire Hybrid Road Bike
Redfire hybrid road bike is one of the best cheap road bikes designed with a light aluminum frame. The sport saddle offers you the most comfort when you sit on it. For easy gear shifting, the Shimano 21-speed is just perfect. The front and rear linear-pull brakes give a quick stopping over any sudden incidents and steady speed control.
For extra stability, the rims are made of light alloy. This best beginner road bike is ideal for commuting to work, getting fit, and riding around the block. Be it for any purpose, fit your bike with the best bicycle headlight to avoid getting into trouble. It is built with flat handlebars and an upright seat position for a comfortable riding experience. The bike is pre-assembled so you can install it in a few easy steps at your convenience. This road bike is ideal for people of height 5’7 to 6’1.
Colors available: Black and mint green
Pros
- Sand sport saddle
- Linear pull brakes
- Multi-speed gearing
Cons
- Gear system might dislodge in some cases
8. Tomasso Forcella Aluminum Road Bike
Tomasso Road Bike is one of the best road bikes for beginners designed with an aluminum compact frame mixed with an HCT carbon fork. It is equipped with a quality frame to carry more weight easily. This bike is a perfect companion to ride in different terrains from paved paths to hills as it offers many gear options. Shimano Claris shifters give smooth shifting in different riding conditions. If the different riding conditions get you tiring, you can take a recovery ride or a session with compression boots.
The premium handlebars provide increased comfort and power. Retain the comfort and power by properly maintaining the bike. Everything in this bike is built to give you the ultimate comfort. You need to assemble the bike professionally before riding it. This bike is suited for people of height 5’6 - 5’8.
Colors available: Matte white and matte black
Pros
- Durable
- Easy and quick gear shifting
- Good performance
Cons
- Pedals can be hard
9. Giordano Libero Women’s Bike
Giordano’s road bike is one of the best beginner road bikes for women equipped with a handcrafted aluminum frame for easy riding. To make climbing hills effortless, this bike is equipped with Shimano 16-speed shifters and attached derailleurs to an aluminum rod. Also, the best bike mirrors can make the ride extra easy and comfortable.
This is one of the best entry-level road bikes designed to give a memorable and comfortable experience for women riders.
Colors available: Pink/white
Pros
- Aluminum frame
- 16-speed shifters
- Dual suspension
Cons
- No assembly instructions
10. Vilano Road Bike
Vilano Bike is one of the best road bikes under 500 on the list that comes with thumb shifters and a double-butted aluminum frame. The Vilano road bike is one of the best entry-level road bikes that you can get for cycling, exercising, and getting fit. If you are considering to workout at home, you can buy the best spinner bike. This has high potential and is equally efficient.
The brakes are made of alloy calipers that give you efficient braking in case of any sudden encounter. Double-walled cnc alloys are used in the brakes that give a smooth ride over any trail. This bike best suits people of height 5’2 to 5’6. The height and size of the bike are highly important. Make sure to choose the right one.
Colors available: Green/black
Pros
- Double-butted aluminum frame
- Alloy caliper brakes
- 700C tires
Cons
- Quality of the tires could be better
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Beginner Road Bikes
There are certain factors that you should consider before making a purchase. We have listed them below for you.
1. Frame material
Aluminum is one of the budget frame materials used in bike making. They are lightweight, strong, and cheap for their cost and still provide great performance road bikes. Carbon fiber is another material that is used in bike making. They are heavy and less stiff compared to aluminum. Always prefer aluminum bikes over carbon fiber bikes.
2. Gears
The Shimano group rules the gearing system of most of the bikes these days. They are of high-quality available at every budget price. Different speed ranges are available but you might not need all of them. You can still go smoother and faster with less gear speed. Always consider the quality of the groupset used as you can still achieve the same speed with a lower speed range.
3. Brakes
Brakes are the mandatory part of a road bike. This should be the first thing you look into before anything else. Rim brakes are used in most budget-friendly bikes. Disc brakes are an ideal option as they provide a consistent braking system in any situation. They provide extra grip and comfort compared to other brake types.
4. Components Included
Check whether the package includes extra components such as saddles, handlebars, kickstands, and tires within the bike price. Some brands provide them along with the product but in some cases, you need to buy them separately. They may cost more when bought individually.
5. Seat
The seat also determines whether you will have a smooth ride or not. So check whether the seat is padded well enough to absorb shocks that may occur during the ride.
6. Suspension type
Dual, rigid, and hardtail are the general suspension types used in a bike. They are given to absorb tension and vibrations that occur in case you go over any bumps on your trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are beginner road bikes expensive?
They are not always costly when you choose them correctly. The difference in price among the products is because of the assembly, quality, and features. The transformation in the world of cycling is the main factor behind the differences in cost. Many entry-level bikes have the same features as expensive bikes. It is only the factor that should matter. Do consider the factors we mentioned before you purchase any bike.
2. Are cheap road bikes worth the cost?
Yes, they are. Cheap bikes even last for many years. The only difference between cheap and expensive road bikes is their lightness, riding position, and speed. You can still ride and go faster in a short amount of time on cheaper bikes.
3. How to assemble your beginner bike?
Road bikes can be assembled in two ways. You can take it to a professional if you are new to cycling. In some cases, they come partially assembled so you can just attach a few parts and the bike is ready to use. Storing a bike after assembly and every ride is important. Consider the best garage bike racks to store and protect your bikes from damage.
4. How long will the bike under $500 last?
Bikes usually come up to five years in general. But they will last a lifetime if you maintain them properly. Do take your bike to the local bike shop to make sure it stays in good condition. However, bikes of any cost will help you to reap the benefits of cycling.
Conclusion
Hope this article will assist you to choose the best beginner road bike from the list. You can get the maximum out of your investment with proper maintenance of the bike. Choose the products from our list that best suit your needs to have a memorable cycling experience. Write to us if you have any questions and we will get back to you soon.