10 of the best-value road bicycles

October 22, 2024
AND

Bicycles are expensive pieces of equipment, and if you’re going to be spending that amount of money, you want to make sure that you’re getting the best value possible. Knowing where to look and what to look for makes it much easier to purchase the correct bike for you. We’ve identified several bikes at different price points to help pick the best road bike for you.  

Under £500

Vitus Razor Claris

This sleek, good-looking bike is made even better looking by the price point. Vitus has successfully brought a lightweight road bike to the everyday rider with this aluminium bicycle that features a carbon fork.

https://vitusbikes.com/products/vitus-razor-road-bike-claris-2022

Features: Mudguard mounts for rainy commutes, 28mm tyres for comfort and grip, reliable 2x8 speed Shimano Claris groupset.

Price: £499.99

Shop from Wiggle

Cannondale CAAD Optimo 4

This sleek-looking bike is as fast as it looks and is perfect for a weekend race or group ride. With comfortable geometry, it has excellent handling and fantastic durability.

Features: Lightweight SmartForm C2 Alloy Frame featuring a carbon fork, 2x8 speed Shimano Claris groupset.

Price: £495

Shop from Pauls Cycles

Pinnacle Laterite

This comfortable aluminium road bike with a carbon fork is perfect for someone getting into cycling, needing a reliable commuter bike or something to clock training miles on.

Features: Allowance for tyres up to 32mm without mudguards (28mm with mudguards)

Price: £400 from Evans Cycles

Shop from Evans Cycles

Under £1000

Specialized Allez E5 Road bike

A fantastic all-around, all-day bicycle. This Allez aims to make technology more affordable by delivering a performance-packed bike at an entry-level price point.  

Features: Shimano Claris 2x8 groupset, Mechanical disc or rim brakes, wider 30mm tyres for comfort, internal cabling, premium aluminium frame with a carbon fork.

Price: from £799

Shop from Leisure Lakes Cycles

Shop from Balfe's Bikes

Shop from Evans Cycles

Cube Attain Race Road Bike

This feature-packed machine is perfect for commuting, group rides and the occasional race.

Features: Mechanical disc brakes, 2x9 speed Shimano Sora groupset, aluminium frame with a carbon fork.

Price: from £899

Shop from Pauls Cycles

Shop from Leisure Lakes

Shop from Balfe's Bikes

Marin Lombard 1 Road Bike

The ideal do-everything bike. With 40mm tyres, Marin’s Lombard 1 is the perfect bike for commuting. Take the gravel shortcut or stick to the bike paths; this bike is designed to be ridden (almost) everywhere.

Features: 40mm tyres, Shimano Sora 2x9 speed groupset, mudguard and rack mounts.

Price: £995

Shop from Balfe's Bikes

Under £1500

Giant Contend SL 2 Disc

Giant has packed great value for money into a lightweight alloy frame. The ideal bike for anyone exploring road riding and racing for the first time.

Features: 2x10 Shimano Tiagra groupset, aluminium frame with a carbon fork, hydraulic disc brakes

Price: From £899.

Shop from Balfe's Bikes

Shop from Pauls Cycles

Cannondale Synapse 2

Built for comfort on the long road, this is a superb endurance bike. This good-looking road bike has top tube mounts that allow you to mount a top tube bag. Wherever the road takes you, the Synapse is equipped to take you there.  

Features: Hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano Tiagra 10-speed groupset, Lightweight SmartForm C2 Alloy Frame w/ a carbon fork

Price: From £1319.00

Shop from Evans Cycles

Shop from Leisure Lakes

Under £2000

LIV Langma Advanced 2

Giant’s sister brand, LIV, is dedicated entirely to female cyclists, and their bikes are some of our favourites. The LIV Langma Advanced 2 is at the top of the list with its lightweight aero carbon frame and tubeless-ready wheels; it’s built to go fast without compromising on comfort.

Features: Shimano 105 11-speed groupset,  Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc brakes, full carbon frame and fork, tubeless wheelset.

Price: from £1999

Shop from Balfe's Bikes

Shop from Pauls Cycles

Trek Emonda ALR 5

This Trek Emonda is not only good for your pocket but also great for racing. Sharing the same geometry as the top-end Emonda, it’s the ideal bike to cruise or race on for anyone on a budget.  

Features: ultralight 300 Series Alpha Aluminum frame and a carbon fork, Shimano 11-speed 105 groupset, hydraulic disc brakes and tubeless-ready wheels.

Price: £1850

Evans Cycles: £1850

Leisure Lakes: £1799

Once you’ve selected your new bike, the next important thing to do is to ensure that your bike is protected, with bicycle insurance from Sundays. Sundays offers both bicycle and cyclist insurance for you and your bike. Your bicycle will be protected against theft from and away from home, malicious and accidental damage, domestic travel and more.  You can also add your gear and accessories to your insurance policy.  

Get a quick, obligation-free quote online here.

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A close up of a bike parked against a wall