Top 12 best road bikes: ranking 2021-2022 for price/quality and which model to choose

Road bikes are sports equipment for riding on flat pavement. Professional models are much more expensive, but in the lines of many brands there are entry-level models.

A distinctive feature of such bicycle transport is a lightweight frame, narrow wheels and an effective braking system.

In this article you will find a rating of the leading road bikes - we have taken into account the reviews of athletes and fans, experts, as well as statistics from Rosstat. When selecting, not only the general technical aspects, but also the features of each individual model were taken into account.

Rating TOP 12 best road bikes for 2021-2022

This rating includes the best road bikes according to experts and users.

How to choose a road bike?

When choosing a road bike, be sure to consider the following:

• Height - one of the main factors in choosing a road bike. There are many calculators that allow you to calculate the necessary ratio, but these results are often rounded and approximate, so the bike should be chosen in person, trying on it. With the frame between your legs, the optimal distance from your groin to the frame is 10 cm. When you ride, your feet should reach the pedals;
• frame material - the best frames are considered to be those made of carbon or aluminum. Steel models are heavier and harder to handle, harder to accelerate (except for premium models);
• wheels and tires - most often the diameter of the wheels in roadsters is 28 inches, this is the best size, but you can find models with a larger or smaller diameter. Tires for racing models are lighter, but if you intend to use the bike for city travel, you should give preference to more rigid versions;
• handlebar and saddle - The width of the steering wheel should always be comfortable, and the width of the steering wheel should normally correspond to the width of the shoulders;
• transmission - The more speeds, the better. But this applies only to professional models. For the entry level will be enough 7-14 speeds, and for more advanced cyclists fit models with 18-21 speeds.

Top 6 best road bikes by price/quality for 2021-2022

STELS XT 280 V010 (2020).

A bright, entry-level road bike will be highly noticeable when you need to get around on road roads. Comes in several colors.

The lightweight aluminum frame can support up to 90kg and provides excellent bike handling. The rigid fork is also made of aluminum. The entry-level 14-speed transmission, switchable via the Dual Control shifter, provides a smooth ride on trails with any terrain.

The pincer rim brakes provide quality control of travel speed and, if necessary, emergency instant braking. Tough tires guarantee the necessary traction, even on a wet track.

Technical specifications:

• Weight of the rider: up to 90 kg;
• Drive: chain;
• Frame: aluminum alloy, 20?, 21.5?, 23?, 24?
• Cycle cushioning: no cushioning;
• Wheels: aluminum alloy, 28";
• Type of front/rear brake: pincer/claw brake;
• bike weight: 12,5 kg.

Pros

• design;
• comfortable transmission;
• comfortable saddle;
• effective brakes.

Cons

• The brakes squeak unpleasantly.

Merida Scultura 100 (2020).

A classic road bike, one of the lightest in the rankings, it has excellent frame rigidity with vibration dampening. The classic-diameter wheels have double-branded rims, and the boarding cord material is Kevlar.

The 16-speed transmission isn't a bad option for experienced road model users, especially since the level of the suspension is recreational, not entry-level. The Dual Control shifters are also recreational, comfortable enough to change gears.

The seat frame made of chromium-molybdenum alloy perfectly damps vibrations, is durable and reliable. Nevertheless, the entire equipment belongs to the budget level, as evidenced by the presence of pincer brakes, and the cost of the model is quite high.

Technical specifications:

• Weight of the rider: up to 120 kg;
• Drive: chain;
• Frame: aluminum alloy, 17.3?, 18.5?, 19.7?, 20.5?, 21.3?, 22?, 23.2?
• No cushioning for the bike: no cushioning;
• Wheels: aluminum alloy, 28 inches;
• Type of front/rear brake: pincer/claw brake;
• Weight of bike: 9.58 kg.

Pros of

• one of the lightest;
• walkable drivetrain;
• kevlar boarding cord;
• chromium-molybdenum alloy saddle.

Cons

• price is overpriced.

TREK Verve 2 (2019).

Hybrid road bike has some of the best value for money.

The lack of shock absorbers does not affect the comfort during rides. Softness and smooth entry is provided by the high quality wheels, excellent tires, which guarantee good traction. The bike behaves perfectly both on smooth roads and on dirt roads.

A slight shock absorption is provided by a shock-absorbing seatpost. Despite the weight, the model is easy to accelerate, demonstrates excellent performance in various conditions. Triggered two-lever recreational-type shifting shifts 24 drivetrain speeds perfectly.

Specifications:

• Rider weight: up to 136 kg;
• Drive: chain;
• Frame: aluminum alloy, 38.1 cm, 44.5 cm, 50.8 cm, 57.2 cm
• No cushioning on the bike;
• Wheels: 28-inch aluminum alloy;
• Type of front/rear brake: V-Brake/ V-Brake;
• Weight of the bike: 12.59 kg.

Pros

• drivetrain;
• braking system;
• smooth ride;
• maximum weight of the rider.

Cons

• handlebar design.

Cube Hyde (2020).

Reliable German hybrid bike with high-quality equipment. Thoughtfulness to the smallest detail gives out German pedantry and Bavarian assembly. The only thing that is made in China is the aluminum frame, but its processing takes place already in the company factories.

Increased wheel diameter gives good speed dynamics and lightning-fast acceleration. Hydraulic brakes are reliable for emergency braking.

Transmission for 27 speeds, sports rear and recreational front derailleur become the key to excellent speeds both on the training tracks and in the city.

Specifications:

• Weight of the rider: up to 120 kg;
• Drive: chain;
• Frame: aluminum alloy, 46 cm, 50 cm, 54 cm, 58 cm, 62 cm;
• No bike cushioning: No cushioning;
• Wheels: aluminum alloy, 29 inches;
• Type of front/rear brake: hydraulic disc / hydraulic disc;
• Weight of the bike: 13.4 kg.

Pros

• drivetrain;
• brakes;
• build quality;
• larger diameter wheels.

Cons

• heavy.

Format 2322

Highway bike for fans of high-speed riding on city roads. The model is distinguished by the stability of the frame to corrosion, strength and durability.

The rigid fork is made of carbon, and quality hub from industrial bearings only add to the bike reliability and extend its life. The bike can easily support a rider weighing up to 120 kg, so it can be used as road trip transportation as well.

A good 20-speed transmission consists of sport derailleurs, an integrated sport carriage and Dual Control sport cogs. Thanks to the design, the model can be used not only on flat roads, but also on rough terrain.

Technical specifications:

• Weight of the rider: up to 120 kg;
• Drive: chain;
• Frame: aluminum alloy, 21.65?
• Cycling shock absorption: None;
• Wheels: aluminum alloy, 28 inches;
• Type of front/rear brake: mechanical disc / mechanical disc;
• Weight of the bike: 10.7 kg.

Pros of

• one of the lightest;
• stroller drivetrain;
• kevlar bordering cord;
• chromium-molybdenum alloy saddle.

Cons

• the price is overpriced.

Welt R80 (2020).

Entry-level bike with a pretty good package will be an excellent solution for both beginner riders and Experienced sports cycling enthusiasts. It has a 16-speed transmission with a Dual Control recreational type shifter.

Despite the fact that the model is positioned as a highway model, it is quite suitable for traveling on the dirt - you should only remember about the lack of cushioning. But the braking system is not the best.

The pincer brakes are reliable and will provide timely braking, but in terms of emergencies do not show themselves in the best way. Wheels with rigid tires guarantee the necessary traction with the road, give a good roll and passability.

Specifications:

• Weight of the rider: up to 80 kg;
• Drive: chain;
• Frame: aluminum alloy, 20.07, 21.25, 22.44?
• No cushioning for the bike;
• Wheels: Aluminum Alloy, 28 inches;
• Type of front/rear brake: pincer/claw brake;
• Weight of bike: 11.2 kg.

Pros of

• lightweight frame;
• durability;
• speed ratings.

Cons

• brake system.

Top 3 road bikes for beginners

FORWARD Impulse (2020)

Russian road bike on a lightweight aluminum frame, which will provide both ease of operation and transportation bike. A distinctive feature is the original design of the saddle, which is perfect for long rides at high speeds and guarantees the comfort of the rider.

Quality tires will provide the necessary traction and allow easy acceleration on any flat road surface. The pincer-type brakes are not sporty, but recreational, but will allow controlling speed without much trouble, but are not very effective on wet roads.

The 14-speed transmission is regulated by the starting shifter of the Dual Control design. The design of the frame allows you to fix a holder for a pump and a flask. The bike becomes a great choice for entry-level cyclists.

Specifications:

• Weight of the rider: up to 120 kg;
• Drive: chain;
• Frame: aluminum alloy, 18.9?, 21.3?
• Bike shock absorption: none;
• Wheels: aluminum alloy, 28 inches;
• Type of front/rear brake: pincer/claw brake;
• Weight of the bike: 11.2 kg.

Pros

• steering column;
• cost;
• transmission;
• low weight.

Cons

• not the most effective brakes.

BearBike Minsk

A classic entry-level road bike, mainly aimed at riding on flat surfaces. Not the best Not the best solution for this type is a steel frame - it weighs the construction and somewhat worsens the handling.

The pincer brakes are not the best solution either, but for quiet rides on level tracks it is quite suitable. The entry-level 7-speed transmission, switchable with Dual Control gears, is simple enough - almost ideal for beginners.

The steel saddle frame may seem a bit stiff, but it offers great reliability and a degree of cushioning when riding on uneven terrain.

Specifications:

• Weight of the rider: up to 120 kg;
• Drive: chain;
• Frame: steel, 22?, 24?
• Cyclic shock absorption: None;
• Wheels: aluminum alloy, 28 inches;
• Type of front/rear brake: pincer/claw brake;
• Weight of bike: 13.2 kg.

Pros

• acceleration;
• durability.

Cons

• brake system;
• steel frame.

Stinger Stream STD 28 (2019).

Speed, lightness, and maneuverability are the three main hallmarks of this road bike. A great option for for beginner cyclists, but may well be suitable as a training vehicle for amateurs.

Entry-level transmission with 21 speeds, switching is done with the help of Dual Control gears. Another distinguishing feature is the mechanical disc brakes - not the most common solution for road models.

The quality fit and height adjustment of the saddle and handlebar make it possible to use the bike for almost any height. Wide pedals will provide the necessary stability to your feet during the trip.

Specifications:

• Weight of the rider: up to 90 kg;
• Drive: chain;
• Frame: aluminum alloy, 21?, 22?, 23?
• Bike cushioning: no;
• Wheels: Aluminum alloy, 28 inches;
• Type of front/rear brake: mechanical disc/mechanical disc;
• Weight of the bike: 10.2 kg.

Pros

• cost;
• the quality of materials;
• ease of operation.

Cons:

• the saddle can be uncomfortable.

Top 3 road bikes for professionals

Silverback Strela Sport (2019).

The German manufacturer's bike on a lightweight aluminum frame with a sprung-free carbon fork is suitable for both professional cyclists and just for sports cycling enthusiasts.

The efficient 18-speed transmission with Dual Control shifting levers is responsible for the even power transmission here, and the braking system is provided by Shimano Sora BR-R3000 pincer sport brakes. The rigid tires on the double rim behave predictably.

The quality of assembly and workmanship here is largely unquestionable (but no one rules out the possibility of manufacturing defects). The model is one of the most inexpensive on the market 2021-2022, so it is very popular among novice cyclists.

Specifications:

• Weight of the rider: up to 120 kg;
• Drive: chain;
• Frame: aluminum alloy, 16.14, 17.32, 18.50, 19.68, 20.86, 22.04, 23.22 inch;
• bicycle cushioning: none;
• Wheels: Aluminum alloy, 28 inches;
• Type of front/rear brake: pincer/claw brake;
• bike weight: 10.28 kg.

Pros

• cost;
• build quality;
• effective brakes;
• low weight.

Cons

• Some copies have difficulty shifting gears.

Stinger Stream Pro 28 (2019).

A professional racing model with high-quality drivetrain and brakes - clearly not a model for beginners.

The Shimano KRS405, 160mm hydraulic disc brake is not only reliable and dependable, but also features an instant emergency braking system with minimal stopping distance.

The 20-speed transmission with semi-professional rear derailleur and sporty front derailleur, sporty Dual Control shifters - all this speaks for the high level of organization of the model. Also due to the special aluminum alloy, the model has almost minimal weight with enough serious equipment.

Specifications:

• Weight of the rider: up to 90 kg;
• A drive: chain;
• Frame: aluminum alloy, 21?, 22?, 23?
• Cycling shock absorption: no;
• Wheels: aluminum alloy, 28 inches;
• Type of front/rear brake: hydraulic disc/hydraulic disc;
• Weight of bike: 9.87 kg.

Pros of

• lightweight;
• professional drivetrain;
• sports brakes.

Cons:

• cost.

Merida Reacto 500 (2019)

A popular model among professional and amateur cyclists alike. Its popularity is due to its very The low weight, due to which excellent handling and high speeds are achieved, the professional suspension with 22 speeds, which are switched by Dual Control shifters, and the high quality of the braking system, although the latter is implemented through the pincer type.

The semi-professional 11-star cassette is clear and reliable under all loads. Branded rims and tires are optimal for training and serious racing events.

The tires are equipped with a special puncture protection layer. And all this, despite the good level of assembly and equipment, is characterized in turn by a relatively low cost.

Technical specifications:

• The weight of the rider: up to 90 kg;
• Drive: chain;
• Frame: aluminum alloy, 18.50, 19.68, 20.47, 21.25, 22.04, 23.22?
• Bike shock absorption: none;
• Wheels: aluminum alloy, 28 inches;
• Type of front/rear brake: pincer/claw brake;
• Weight of bike: 9.24 kg.

Pros of

• one of the lightest;
• braking system;
• professional transmission;
• cost.

Cons

• The pincer type of brakes.

Which company to choose?

Among the manufacturers are popular:

• FORWARD - A Russian manufacturer that supplies mainly city and mountain bikes. Their models are quite light, durable, annually updated collection, ongoing development to improve previously released models. Bicycles are adapted to Russian roads, but here are professional models in their ranges almost never occur;
• Merida - One of the largest manufacturers from Taiwan produces different types of bikes, from mountain bikes to road bikes. The models stand out for their high-quality braking system, and also stand out for their premium lineup;
• Cervelo - A Canadian brand that produces professional racing models, but the line also includes models for amateurs. A special proprietary aluminum alloy composition rivals the quality of carbon frames.

Helpful video

How to choose a road bike: