How to choose a road bike

The first question about buying a road bike is money. Obviously the more money you can spend the better the bike can be. Also, if you can spend a good amount of money you can better customize the bike to your needs. The second question should be how much do you cycle or intend to cycle. There is no much point on spending loads of money if you only plan to do a few km on the weekend.

The answer to the first question is always hard to get. Normally you have a budget but when you start to see new bikes you tend to want a more expensive one. So my suggestion is don’t go for the more expensive because you might regret some day. If after a couple of months you are really up for it then you can sell your old bike on e-bay and buy a better one. In the meantime you can learn more about road bikes and save more money. As to how much cycling you do, that depends on whether you can justify the money you will spend on your bike. Both questions are related obviously. But remember you get what you pay for.



Basic Level Road Bikes

On this level should be bikes from those large sports stores (Decathlon i.e.) or bike shops with bikes for sale. Probably you can find their own brand, a Shimano or a Campagno, or even a mixture done by the shop employees. This kind of bike will be great to start with and to do around 80/150km a week. You will get the feeling of a better bike after you owe one of these basic level bikes. After some time you can improve your bike with some new components like a fork, saddle, handlebars, etc. I deeply recommend to check e-bay at this stage. You can find good bargains and maybe get a better bike that you deserve!

Mid Level - Touring and Possibly Racing.

You can still find these bikes on the large sport store but it’s always good to check a bike shop. On these shops you can choose your components with the employee help or choose something you read on a specialist magazine (even on the web). It is always fun to choose your own components. In this level you should take a look at the frame. Here you can choose a good frame that can be upgraded with new components for a long time. A good option is a second hand bike eventually bought at a good price at e-bay.



Top Level Bike - Racing and Pleasure.

Now its more difficult. You have to know what you are talking and buying. Don’t just buy the more expensive components you find. The frame is an issue of course but also the fork, handle bar, stem, seat, etc. You should be at a racing level like triathlon or a cycling team.


The Top List - Professional


In this category are the professional road bikes. We are talking about carbon or titanium frames with carbon forks. Brands go from Colnago, De Rosa, Pinarello, Battaglin, Time, Scott, Cervelo and many more. These should be available in all colours and shapes. You are now looking to the best components. This bike will probably be bought by your team or with the help of your coach.



The Best Bike You Can Afford.

Just look around the magazines and web-sites. Take a look at what Armstrong and the other pros are using! Make everyone jealous.Check some good road bikes on e-bay. you never know!