Road bikes

Developed over the last 120 years or so to be the fastest bike suitable for racing on the open road, the classic road bike is a marvel of modern materials and engineering.

What makes a road bike? Usually, drop handlebars and fairly narrow tyres are the defining characteristics, but there are many variations. Bikes intended for racing usually have a lower bar for a very flat, aerodynamic riding position. Bikes with a more upright stance are good for more leisurely riding, while bikes with space in the frame for fatter tyres and mudguards make great fast tourers and commuters. Your choices are huge.

All road.cc articles on road bikes

Beginner's guide: how to choose and buy your next bike
Buying your first road bike — everything you need to know
Why your next bike should be a road race bike

Best road bikes under £300
Best Road Bikes under £500
Best £500 to £750 road bikes
Great road bikes for under £1,000
10 of the best £1,000 to £1,500 road bikes
Bikes from £1,500 to £2,000
10 of the best £2,000 to £2,900 road bikes
10 of the best Shimano Tiagra 4700 equipped road bikes from £750 to £1,250
10 of the best Shimano Ultegra-equipped road bikes
Your guide to Specialized's road bike range
Your guide to Trek's road bike range 
Your guide to Merida's road bike range   
Your guide to Giant’s road bikes
Decathlon road bikes – a buyer’s guide to the B’Twin range

Buyer's guide: sportive and endurance road bikes + 19 great choices
Ten of the best carbon fibre road bikes with mudguards
15 of the best steel road bikes and frames
13 of the best aluminium road bikes
The hottest disc-equipped road bikes
The fastest aero road bikes
How to trim bike weight on the cheap