Cycling gives you freedom. It’s the kind of freedom that you would never experience when you’re on a public transport. Besides, if you want to spare yourself from extortionate fares using a road bike is definitely the better alternative.
But the benefits of cycling will not only manifest in your wallet as you don’t have to spend on gas and costly car insurance. It also boosts your health both physically and mentally. If you’re ready to enjoy these benefits of cycling better get yourself a good bike. Before shopping for the best one, you have to know first what things to keep in mind when buying a bike. The following tips will prove to be very helpful:
7 Things to Keep in Mind when Buying a Road bike
1. Purchase the road bike from a local shop.
In a local bike shop bikes are most likely built by professional bike mechanics. This makes the bike a lot safer. And, since these bikes were meticulously assembled by mechanics there’s no doubt that these bikes will also function better compared to bikes that have been stocked inside the department stores. Set aside at least an hour of your time when you’re in the bike shop. This is because the shop assistants will be asking you a lot of questions regarding your preferences. Once you have chosen a few, they will also be arranging for your test rides. Another big advantage of buying from a local bike shop is that you can immediately have the bike adjusted according to your size. As you talk to the bike shop staff in person, you will be able to find the bike that’s perfect for your budget, needs and preferences. Besides, you’ll also be able to have a chance to haggle when a bike is a bit pricier than your budget.
2. Know how and where you would like to ride your road bike.
Some people want to buy a bike because they want to use it as their primary mode of transportation. Others opt to have a bike because they want to ride on rough mountain bike trails with their friends. There are also those who just want to use their bike every weekend or whenever they go to the beach and cruise the boardwalk. Will you be joining competitions? Do you just want to enjoy your daily commute to work? Knowing where and how you will be using your bike will greatly help you to decide which bike serves you best. The bike shop staff will also be able to give you sound suggestions on which bike to choose if you know exactly how and where you will be using your bike.
3. Be sure to test ride at least three road bikes.
Once you’ve discussed with the bike shop staff how and where you will be riding your bike, it’s time to choose the best bike for you. Keep in mind that you should not purchase the bike without first taking it for a test ride. No matter how great the bike looks on the showroom, its looks do not guarantee that it will perfectly suit you. You have to test ride it to see if riding it doesn't give you unnecessary discomforts. You have to test ride to know if it feels good to actually ride on it. Remember that you will not only be using it for a few minutes. Once you've purchased it chances are you will be using it for hours and years. So, choosing the one that suits your level of comfort and riding skills is of utmost importance. Otherwise, you run the risk of buying one that you’ll never get to use as often as you want to because riding it only brings you discomfort.
4. Wear your cycling gears and clothes when test riding the road bike.
You have to wear the right clothing when you’re test-riding. If you already have your jerseys and shorts, be prepared to wear them when you’re test riding. Don’t forget your cycling shoes. If you already own a pair of special pedals, bring them with you when shopping for a bike. Then ask the bike shop staff to install them on the bike that you’ll be test riding. If you don’t have any of these cycling clothes, just make sure you wear something that ensures comfort when you’re test riding. As you go shopping for a bike, do not wear clothes that could get trapped in the moving parts of the bike. If you’re a woman, don’t go to the shop wearing skirts and heels. Boots and flip flops are also not good. If you don’t have a cycling shoes, any athletic shoes or sneakers will do.
5. Be patient as the staff make adjustments on the road bike.
Before you finally go for that test ride, the bike mechanics will still need to make adjustments as well as a quick once-over to ensure that the bike is ready for a test-ride. You can’t just choose a bike and then pull it out immediately for a test ride. Remember that the bike has been sitting in the showroom for quite some time so you can’t be sure that the parts are still in perfect working condition. So, while you patiently wait the shop staff will check each part and make sure the bike is in tip top shape and safe for your test ride.
6. Make sure the road bike is the right size for you.
Regardless of what type of bike you will purchase, see to it that it’s the perfect size for you. A road bike with the most impressive features and capabilities will be deemed useless if it does not suit your size. Otherwise, you will only find yourself riding on a bike and then experience muscle and joint pains afterwards. Not to mention the fact that it would be impossible to enjoy the ride if your legs are hurting to reach the pedals or your arms are straining to hold on to the bars. There may be times when you’ll have a hard time choosing between two great options. This is when you have to remember that comfort should never be secondary to looks. If all of the options possess great features, then choose which one you think will be the most comfortable to use. And, you will never ever regret your decision.
7. Buy the necessary road bike accessories.
Don’t be quick to think that the bike shop just wanted to push these accessories for the sake of having a sale. Listen to what they’re offering and see if it’s something that you don’t have yet could be very useful. Do you need a water bottle holder? Is your helmet too worn out and need to be replaced? Listen to the sales staff or you’ll find yourself going home with the bike realizing too late that it doesn't have a kickstand. Do you need cargo racks to put your essentials when riding your bike to work? You should also consider buying some reflectors and bike lightings. A helmet with built in torch light is also a great option. In other words, set aside a separate budget for these accessories that help you get the most out of your riding experience.
Now that you have these things in mind and you are certain that you are only willing to spend $3000 for a new bike, check out the following best options.
Reviews for Best Road Bike for Under $3000
This is certainly among the best options if you want a lightweight bike. ts lightweight carbon frame only weighs 950 grams. It guarantees faster acceleration thanks to its high modulus and stiff frame. Compared to models that are of lower quality, this one is capable of transmitting more power to its wheels. Its seat post is also made from carbon fiber so you can be assured of a comfortable ride. It also boasts of all-carbon fork made from Toray carbon. Its top-quality performance is due to the inclusion of Shimano Dura Ace 9000 shifters as well as its derailleur. With a weight of 16.4 lbs and a complete set of Shimano drivetrain, this bike is no doubt hard to beat in terms of performance. So, if you’ve been dreaming of owning an Italian-bred bike, look no further. Tommaso Superleggera is the best.
Tommaso Superleggera is only available in black color. It also needs to be assembled by a professional to ensure precision and perfect tuning.
Diamondback Haanjo Trail has been designed with the aim of satisfying the taste as well as the needs of any bike enthusiast. It has one hundred percent hand built alternate frame made from top quality carbon fiber. This material guarantees both speed and comfort. Its carbon fiber fork was also intentionally added in order to eliminate road vibrations. This way, the biker won’t experience any strain all throughout the ride, even if it’s going to be a very long one. In order to lessen its overall weight, an HED 700C Tomcat Disc pair of wheels was also added, coupled with low pressure tires from Kenda Flintridge Pro. These tires help support the weight of the cyclist without causing much discomfort. Another great inclusion to its superb package is the pair of Shimano BR-rs805 flat mount hydraulic disc brakes. This kind of brake guarantees stopping power that you can rely on no matter what the weather is.
But there are two downsides to this bike. First, its saddle has to be replaced right away. Second, its heavier compared to its competitors.
This bike is another perfect choice if you want something different. Yes, this one is different from any other bikes in this list because this is an electric road bike. Its hybrid design affords cyclists to dual-sports experiences as it is perfect for road riding and light racing. This Schwinn Sycamore E-Road Bike is equipped with a sturdy frame construction from Schwinn quality aluminum alloy. This e-bike also boasts of SR Suntour NEX which is a suspension fork that guarantees vibration free ride. This makes it easier for cyclists to control the ride as it also allows them to use both hydraulic and travel lockout system. Another best thing about this bike is the inclusion of thumbpad controller which is capable of controlling the different levels of its pedal-assist system. This leads to maximum e-assistance that ensures comfortable ride for up to 20 miles per hour.
The sad news is that this Schwinn Sycamore E-Road Bike is only available for male cyclists. It is also available only in black color.
This Kestrel RT-1000 Shimano Ultegra Carbon was designed with a geometry that’s perfect for endurance riding. A bike meant for endurance riding would mean that it is suitable for people who are into road touring that could occur for hours or days. This bike is fully equipped with Shimano Ultegra 11-speed components, oval concepts 527 aluminum rims and a Shimano Ultegra brake set. Its ergonomics allow cyclists to sit in a more upright position which is important for the prevention of back and shoulder fatigue when riding for an extended period of time. Its longer wheelbase gives assurance for increased stability. Plus, its sloping top tube helps make it easier for cyclists to mount or dismount from it. Most of all, its special 700k modulus carbon fiber frame that's stiff and lightweight is also capable of reducing vibration for a smoother ride.
Some users of this bike complain that its saddle feels too hard. Upon purchase, don’t be surprised to learn that it does not come with a pedal. You will have to purchase it separately.
This bike is probably the lightest bike that you will ever ride on as it boasts of Phantom 2.0 700C Carbon Fiber. It only weighs 7.8 kg. This bike is endowed with SRAM Force V brakes which could guarantee stopping power that does not fail you no matter the weather is. It is also equipped with 22 speed Shimano groupset that gives you no issue in terms of faster yet smoother ride. This road bike model is also 40 times fracture resistant, making it super strong and durable. Its aerodynamically designed seat post and seat tubes guarantee a clean air-flow all throughout the bike. Its upright geometry also adds up to the overall comfort as the cyclist remains in a riding position even for an extended period of time. Its stiff frame can be attributed to its short rear triangle that also helps make it easier for cyclists to exert explosive force while on the road. Its tapered headtube also allows stronger torsion rigidity. This translates to easier and better handling among riders. If you’re big on choosing a specific color then rejoice. This bike comes in various color combinations and sizes.
However, this bike warrants the need for professional assembly to ensure optimal performance.
Don’t worry about not being able to buy a bike with all the features you love especially if your budget does not allow it. Fortunately, you can always upgrade your road bike whenever you can and customize it to your heart’s desire. Each upgrade you add to your bike would also mean added advantage to your riding experience. The upgrades you make should not only improve the performance of the bike. Make it a point to upgrade your bike with features that lead to improved safety as well.