Generally speaking, any bike that’s intended to spend the majority of its time on the road can be deemed a road bike. When it’s time for you to choose a new road bike, the decision is not always easy. You need to factor in your needs and specific requirements as well as the industry advancements.
Over the years, road bikes have branched out into many different categories and now cater to various needs. You can now purchase road bikes that are featherweight climbers, endurance monsters, and supersonic racers.
Additionally, due to there being so many different types of road bikes now available, there is an expansive price range, with some of the more advanced models costing upwards of $5,000. With such a wide variety of models to choose from at different pricing, it’s more important than ever to uncover what kind of road bike you need and want.
Recently road bikes have seen a massive uptick in interest, which has caused a number of retailers to be out of stock. In fact, it is rumored that there is indeed an industry stock crisis currently underway. Yet, you shouldn’t worry as we have managed to source 10 of the best road bikes in 2021 that are currently in stock.
Best Buy
1. Specialized Tarmac SL7 Pro
Arguably, one of the best road bike brands is Specialized. This brand has a wide variety of exemplary road bikes that cycling enthusiasts favor. However, until recently, many of their models were unattainable for many due to their high cost. Fortunately, the brand has realized the error of its ways by introducing the Specialized Tarmac SL7 Pro.
This road bike delivers the same quality components and performance as the more expensive models but at a fraction of the price. On average, cyclists can expect to pay approximately $7,800, which is still slightly more expensive than other road bikes, but it’s worth the price. Unlike its competitors, this road bike is both lightweight and aerodynamic with excellent handling and comfortable seating. It also allows cyclists to feel the road while still providing them with a smooth ride experience.
The Specialized Tarmac SL7 Pro comes in two different colors and seven different wheel sizes. This pure-bred, nearly perfect race machine doesn’t compromise on quality. It features a Shimano Ultegra R8000, HollowTech 2, 11-speed crankset, Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc brakes, a carbon frame, and Turbo ultralight 60mm Presta valve inner tubing tires.
2. Ribble Endurance AL Disc
Those looking for a road bike that offers durability and comfort should consider the Ribble Endurance AL Disc bike. This bike is incredibly agile while providing an array of performance features that make it attractive. Additionally, the bike is available at a range of different price points due to its customizability. You can look at paying a starting price of $1,160 for the base bike.
The Ribble Endurance AL Disc is an aluminum heat-treated endurance road bike perfect for fast pace racing or slow-paced meandering around the track. It also looks impressive with its glossy appearance. You can choose to purchase this road bike in either red, blue, yellow, grey, pink, or purple. Additionally, the bike comes in five different sizes, from extra small to extra large.
This bike is equipped with a 2×10 speed gear system that impressively has all-weather braking due to its mechanical disc brakes. The frame is fitted with high-quality, durable Mavic Aksium wheels fitted with Continental Ultra Sport tires that provide up to 32mm clearance.
3. Canyon Aeroad CF SL Disc 8.0
The Canyon Aeroad CF SL Disc 8.0 is one of the best-constructed road bikes currently available on the market. If you’re looking for superb construction and focused speed, this bike could be the perfect fit. The Canyon Aeroad CF SL Disc 8.0 combines the latest aerodynamic tested frame geometry with a fully carbon integrated cockpit and frame. This combination allows the bike to exceed speed expectations every time it’s used.
As the Canyon Aeroad CF SL Disc 8.0 has a carbon frame, it’s incredibly lightweight, which allows it to take inclines smoothly and efficiently. This bike has a dynamic look as it comes in two different colors, stealth grey and off blue, and it impressively has eight different sizing options. Additionally, this Red Dot Award winner offers cyclists maximum functionality due to aerodynamically combining all components and functions.
The Canyon Aeroad CF SL Disc 8.0 is equipped with Shimano’s Ultegra R8000 drivetrain, making this road bike more affordable than previous models by the brand. The bike features the Ultegra RT800 disc brake rotors, which are among the most tactile levers in the cycling industry. Moreover, this bike has front and rear aerodynamically designed rim profiles that provide efficient high-speed cycling.
4. Canyon Aeroad CFR Di2
Another Canyon road bike worth mentioning is the Canyon Aeroad CFR Di2. Like the Canyon Aeroad CF SL Disc 8.0, this bike also has an integrated cockpit, but it has a clever quill stem, unlike the Aeroad CF SL Disc 8.0.
This quill stem alongside the bike’s ingenious engineering attributes to it being one of the absolute fastest road bikes currently available. Another difference between the two bike models is the price. The Canyon Aeroad CFR Di2 is approximately $10,100, but this hefty price point is worth it.
With two different color options available and eight different size options, you’ll have variety when choosing the perfect fit. Although the quill system may not be modern, what Canyon has done with it is undoubtedly an improvement.
With the quill system in place, the integrated cockpit can be lowered without cyclists needing to cut the steerer tube, which makes it easy to raise when needed. Additionally, the handlebars on this model can be adjusted up to an impressive 40mm width allowing for a comfortable riding experience.
The Canyon Aeroad CFR Di2 is undoubtedly at the forefront of modern road racing technology. Unlike other road race bikes, this one features a new wing design which makes cable management easier and traveling more efficient. Alongside being technologically advanced, this road bike features a premium finish with special paintwork, enabling it to stand out from its competition.
5. Boardman SLR 8.8 Disc
Are you looking for an impressively affordable road bike that has a durable aluminum frame? If so, you may want to have a look at the Boardman SLR 8.8 Disc. The Boardman SLR 8.8 Disc might not be as fancy as its competition, but it is an ideal entry-level road bike due to its quality construction and practicality.
This bike is designed for those individuals who want a fast and comfortable bike that they can use for daily commuting or leisurely fun. Although there are not too many color options available, the Boardman SLR 8.8 Disc comes in four sizes. We mentioned that this bike is affordable, but you may be shocked to learn its starting price comes in at just over a grand.
Most road bikes in this price range don’t offer a full carbon tapered fork or disc brakes, but the Boardman SLR 8.8 Disc does. Additionally, this road bike is equipped with Shimano Tiagra 10 speed shifters and Boardman SLR wheels that are tubeless-ready. Moreover, the Boardman SLR 8.8 Disc also features a wide spread of gears that allow for climbing and descending inclines.
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6. Vitus ZX1 Evo CRS Ultegra
If you’re an avid cyclist, you’ve likely heard of the Vitus ZX1 models, as they are practically a staple in the road bike racing world. Yet, these bikes did have their fair share of performance issues. That is until Vitus decided to redesign this popular model and bring it fully into the 21st century with new wind tunnel capabilities.
The Vitus ZX1 Evo CS Ultegra is an aero road bike that is moderately priced while offering unique features that instantly grab a cyclist’s attention. This road bike has a full monocoque frame that is manufactured as a single piece without any joining components. This design feature sets it apart because it allows for less drag, more speed, greater strength, and better lightweight performance.
The ZX1 has tubeless-ready durable Reynolds AR 58/62 carbon wheels, hydraulic brakes for impressive stopping power, and a 52/36t crankset with a 32SunRace cassette that provides a broad range of gears. Additionally, the bike is powered by a Shimano Ultegra R8000 11 speed groupset, and it comes in six different sizes.
7. Giant Defy Advanced 2
Are you looking for a road bike designed for long-distance traveling? If you are, you may want to consider the Giant Defy Advanced 2. This bike is manufactured with a specific carbon layup. This layup allows the bike to provide riders with an efficient, high-performance experience while also offering them high-end component combinations that push the limits of endurance.
Unlike other road bikes, the Giant Defy Advanced 2 offers cyclists a versatility they might be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. This bike is capable of handling a variety of road conditions such as mountain passes, rugged back roads, and smooth pavements.
It can handle these conditions due to its advanced composite frame geometry, added tire clearance, and seamless disc integration. Additionally, this bike is equipped with rear thru-axles that provide consistent braking power, making cycling a breeze during wet weather conditions.
The Giant Defy Advanced 2 comes in six different sizes. It is also optimized to absorb road shocks and provide cyclists a smooth riding experience. The tires on this model also have a reduced risk of becoming flat due to being tubeless.
8. Canyon Roadlite CF 8.0
Not everyone wants a road bike for racing or mountain experiences. Some need a reliable road bike that’s equipped with the components to offer a smooth urban commuting experience. The Canyon Roadlite CF 8.0 is one of the best road bikes for urban commuting. This is because of its comfortable and sturdy riding position that allows cyclers to navigate high-traffic areas easily.
Some might confuse this bike as a fitness bike because of its unique carbon frame design, but it’s very much a road bike. This bike has a sporty geometric appearance and comes in only one color, but there are six different sizing options, from extra small to two times extra-large. This bike has a light carbon frame and is equipped with supremely high-quality racing equipment.
The Canyon Roadlite CF 8.0 also features Shimano Ultegra components, DT Swiss E 1800 wheelset, and hydraulic disc brakes for stopping power. Essentially this bike is built to be speedy while being incredibly durable, which is ideal for commuters in congested urban areas.
9. Eddy Merckx Strada Ultegra
Although modern bikes may be all the rage, some cyclists prefer a more traditional road bike with modern components. The Eddy Merckx Strada Ultegra is a high-performance road bike with its roots firmly grounded in the golden years of racing.
The Eddy Merckx Strada Ultegra has an old-fashioned premium Columbus Steel frame that gives cyclists an incredibly durable bike. It comes in two different colors and has five different available sizing options. Essentially, this bike is an ideal alternative for cyclists who don’t want a carbon frame. Its Columbus Steel frame contributes to its more affordable retail price too.
The components on the Eddy Merckx Strada Ultegra are durably created to provide riders with racing capabilities. It is equipped with Shimano Ultegra gears and brakes and has Falcrum free rolling racing wheels. Although these features may seem outdated, the bike’s geometry and kit are definitely up to today’s standards.
10. Wilier Zero SLR
Perhaps the best climbing road bike on the market presently is the Wilier Zero SLR. The Wilier Zero SLR is the first ultra-light road racing bike with disc brakes and fully integrated cabling. The integrated cabling allows for an incredibly sleek appearance that you likely won’t find with many other road bikes available currently. This bike is on the pricier side but it’s certainly worth it.
Besides its modern appearance, the Wilier Zero SLR is also one of the most technologically advanced models. It features high-speed stability and control, electronic transmission, incredible braking performance, and impressive aerodynamics. This road bike comes in six different gorgeous color themes and is available in six different sizes.
Interestingly, the Wilier Zero features a layer of liquid crystal polymer in the carbon frame. This allows this racing road bike to be tougher while dampening vibrations. Additionally, the aerodynamic design of this bike offers riders a smooth riding experience but doesn’t skirt on the stiffness it provides, which is what makes it one of the best climbing road bikes. Moreover, its handling capabilities are some of the best in the industry, making it easier to control when taking corners and navigating bumpy terrain.
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