Despite what you’ve heard about the bike shortage, you can find a new ride in 2022, and it doesn’t require investing thousands. As high-end tech trickles down, many new (or newly updated) models with price tags around a grand or less come with disc brakes, carbon forks, and other features typically found on more expensive bikes. Plus, manufacturers are producing sub-$1k rigs that are focused on one of cycling’s hottest trends—gravel and adventure riding.
Best Cheap Road Bikes
- Best Men’s Bike: Trek Domane AL 2
- Best Value: Giant Contend 3
- Best All-Around Bike: Specialized Allez
- Best Entry-Level Racer: Cannondale CAAD Optimo 4
- Best Women’s Bike: Liv Avail 3
- Best Endurance Bike: Motobecane Gran Premio Elite
- Best for Mixed Surface Riding: Diamondback Haanjo 3
- Best Women’s Endurance Bike: Liv Avail AR 4
- Most Versatile: Diamondback Haanjo 2
Simpler Drivetrains (If You Want Them)
Recent advances in shifting are also making their way to less-expensive bikes. Although many gravel models now have 1x drivetrains (one front chainring) that simplify shifting and require less maintenance, 2x drivetrains (two front chainrings) are still the most common on the road. Also, bikes are getting fewer gears in the back, with 8- and 9-speed drivetrains becoming commonplace. However, some—like the Motobecane Gran Premio Elite—come equipped with 11-speed drivetrains. The additional cogs allow smaller jumps between gears for faster shifting and a wider overall range that lets you to pedal more easily without sacrificing too much top-end speed.
Brakes and Tires
Recently, affordable road bikes have started to come with the same wider, versatile tires found on their expensive counterparts. Models with tires 28mm or wider are now common. The extra width softens the road because you can run lower tire pressure with less fear of flatting. And they grip better on dirt and gravel, opening new routes to explore. Wider tires can be heavier though, so if you’re strictly looking to do faster rides on smooth roads, tires in the 25mm range might work better.
You’re also more likely to find hydraulic or mechanical disc brakes on less-expensive bikes these days. Compared to rim brakes, discs offer better stopping power, especially in the rain and on dirt and gravel roads. You have more control and less hand fatigue, and they require less maintenance than older rim brakes. This alone is a great reason to upgrade to a new bike.
Get the Right Position
Few bikes in this category are designed for racing, the most notable exception being the Cannondale CAAD Optimo 4. Instead, most are created to meet the needs of riders who are commuting long distances, riding for fun or fitness, or who like exploring new places they can reach only by bike.
Comfort is just as important as speed. You want as light a bike as you can afford (because it makes pedaling easier), but you also want to look for one with frame angles and components that will keep you happy over many miles.
Consider a bike with a slightly taller head tube and a shorter top tube, which puts you in a more upright position than a pure race bike and takes strain off your back and neck. A longer wheel base also adds some stability as speed increases. The best bikes in this category do that, but without sacrificing fun or performance.
Why It Might Be Harder to Find a Bike Right Now
By now, we are all familiar with the current supply chain issues that many manufacturers and suppliers are facing. The outdoor segment has been particularly hard hit. Huge numbers of people gravitated toward outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, and running as a means to stay active and sane while also avoiding large crowds. This massive influx of consumers, coupled with slowing production due to material shortages, shipping delays, and lockdown orders, has produced a demand that far outweighs the supply. On one hand, it’s great to see so many new faces catch the cycling bug, while other people rekindle their old passion. On the other hand, it has made buying anything cycling-related seemingly impossible.
We have a few pointers to help make the bike buying process a little less stressful. The first is to stay proactive. Many brands offer pre-orders on their bikes. Although the lead time might be slightly longer, this is a great way to guarantee your place in line for the bike you want. The second tip is to call or visit your local shop. Oftentimes, employees there will have a better idea of incoming inventory. Lastly, keep checking in often. Restocked bikes seem to sell out just as quickly as they are listed in stock. Meanwhile, we will do our best to keep an eye on inventory and update links as needed. Most of the bikes reviewed below are only available in stores right now. If you prefer to shop online, we recommend these four models:
- REI Co-op Cycles ADV 2.1, $1,299.00
- Vitus Razor Disc, $1,049.99
- Decathlon Triban RC500, $999.00
- Ribble Endurance AL Disc Sport, $1,136.61
How We Evaluated
Every bike here has been carefully selected and ridden hard or exhaustively researched by our team of test editors and contributors. We research the market, survey user reviews, speak with product managers and engineers, and use our own experience riding these bikes to determine the best options. As we’re testing and teasing out the subtle and not-so-subtle differences among them, we consider their value, quality of parts, and how the overall package meets the needs of the intended rider.
Trek Domane AL 2
Pros
- Tubeless-ready wheels
- IsoSpeed carbon fork
Cons
- Some riders might prefer discs brakes
The good looks of the Domane AL 2 are the first indication that Trek didn’t mess around with its entry-level road bike. Start digging deeper, and you’ll find even more to like. The shaped aluminum frame is nicely made and features Trek’s IsoSpeed carbon fork that takes some of the bump out of choppy surfaces. The rims are tubeless-ready so you can upgrade to smoother-rolling tires filled with puncture sealant, and they’re machined for steadier braking. Speaking of the brakes, they have a light pull and a firm bite on the rim—no vague mushiness here—and provide the best slowing and stopping performance we’ve ever sampled in this price bracket. The shifters snick-snick the drivetrain through the gears lightly and crisply. There are other little surprising nuggets, like the pocket in the frame for a speed sensor and the included light and computer mount that cleanly integrates into the stem. Best of all, the bike is a joy to ride. Handling is stable, precise, and attentive to pedal strokes so you feel like you’re flying over the road, not pushing across it.
Giant Contend 3
Pros
- High-quality aluminum frame
- Wide gear range makes climbing easier
Cons
- Heavier, less-efficient components
By combining an aluminum frame and fork with name- and house-brand components, Giant has built a dependable bike suitable for most types of road riding. An 8-speed cassette includes a 34t cog that’s smaller than what you’ll usually find on comparable bikes and great for new or seasoned riders who like an extra gear when climbing. The 28mm tires help make the bike feel more stable and the ride smooth. Shimano Claris dual-action brake levers double as gear shifters, and the same design can be found on more expensive groupsets. They shift smoothly, and the shape of the hoods provide a comfortable position on the handlebar.
Specialized Allez
Pros
- Aluminum frame with a full carbon fork
- Fantastic handling
Cons
- Only 25mm tires spec’d
This is a gateway bike and, arguably, the best cheap roadie money can buy. For $875, you get quality, versatility, and comfort, all wrapped in a sharp aluminum frame and full carbon fork. The Allez sports a crisp Shimano Claris drivetrain with an 8-speed, 11-32 Sunrace cassette and 50/34t chainring to get you over climbs and help you keep up with friends when the pace picks up. The bike’s relaxed, endurance-style geometry means it’s comfortable for a long day in the saddle as well as zipping down the block to the brewery. Given the all-day rideability of this bike, we would’ve liked to see a slightly wider 28mm tire for some added compliance. Tektro rim brakes, though not as good as discs, perform well enough and keep the Allez light and cheap, giving riders the performance and weight savings they want for an affordable price.
Cannondale CAAD Optimo 4
Pros
- Race-winning DNA
- Full carbon fork
Cons
- Heavy wheelset
Cannondale has a long and storied history of producing some of the best racing-winning aluminum bicycles you can buy. All of that cutting edge technology and geometry has trickled down into the new CAAD Optimo 4. This bike embodies everything we look for in a race-worthy bike without breaking the bank. The aluminum frame shares many of the same characteristics of its more expensive sibling, the CAAD 13. A full carbon fork along with dropped seat stays make sure the ride is comfortable yet responsive. The Shimano Claris drivetrain was smooth and precise day in and out. Responsive and powerful rim brakes made even the steepest descents worry-free. On the road, we found the geometry to be sharp and lively without being uncomfortable or harsh. We also appreciate the hidden fenders mounts that make this bike even more versatile for winter miles. Our only gripe is that we would’ve liked to see slightly lighter wheels spec’d for an even more responsive ride.
Liv Avail 3
Pros
- Women’s-specific endurance geometry
- Wide gear range
Cons
- Brakes could be stronger
The Avail 3 is an accessible aluminum-frame endurance bike ideal for women looking to get into road riding. The geometry puts the rider in a relaxed, upright position, which is comfortable and makes taking in the scenery a bit easier on the neck and shoulders. The 8-speed, 11/34 Shimano Claris shifting system is sturdy and reliable. And the oversize headset bearings and tapered steerer tube create a stiffer front end for more responsive maneuvering. The Tektro brakes worked just fine, but we would’ve appreciated a slightly stronger brake to really slow things down. The Avail 3 is an excellent option to get you out on the road, whether it’s your first bike, an upgrade from your old hybrid, or something to keep your mountain bike company in the garage.
Motobecane Gran Premio Elite
Motobecane Motobecane Gran Premio Elite
Motobecane Motobecane Gran Premio Elite
Pros
- Smooth ride
- Shimano R7000 groupset
Cons
- Some assembly required
The Gran Premio is one of the smoothest riding bikes for under $1,000 that we’ve ever tested. The Reynolds tubeset used in this frame, coupled with clearance for 28mm tires, make this bike ideal for all-day rides. A carbon fork further helps this bike effortlessly eat up big miles. We found the geometry to be spot on for long days in the saddle giving us no back or neck pain, thanks in part to its endurance-based fit. At this price point, a full Shimano R7000 drivetrain with its 22 gears is unheard of. Coupled with the Shimano wheels, this bike offers a huge value for the money. Shipping is free, but given Motobecane’s direct-to-consumer business model, you might have to do some minor assembly upon receiving the bike.
Diamondback Haanjo 3
Pros
- Short reach and high stack puts riders in a comfortable, upright position
- Mounts for racks and fenders
Cons
- Gravel tires are slow on pavement
For a little more than a thousand bucks, you get an aluminum frame and fork, 700c wheels, and 37mm-wide WTB Riddler tires with a low-profile center tread and higher cornering knobs in the Haanjo 3. That means you can tackle gravel rides and cyclocross courses but still keep up on casual road rides. A Shimano Sora 2x9 drivetrain with an 11-32 cassette and 46/30 chainrings—a notch above the Shimano Claris 8-speed groupset often found on bikes at this price—provides a large range of gears on both the high and low end. The cable-actuated disc brakes are a nice bonus as well. The 46x11 combo lets you pedal downhill and pick up the pace on flats, and the 30x32 is easy enough to help you get up and over just about any hill.
Liv Avail AR 4
Pros
- Women’s-specific geometry
- Wide, 32mm tires
- Disc brakes
Cons
- Proprietary seatpost
The Avail AR 4 is a fantastic entry-level road bike for women. Headlined by the 3F women’s-specific geometry that Liv is so well known for, this bike is built from the ground up for women. With many features of much more expensive bikes like disc brakes, thru axles and a full carbon fork, the Avail AR 4 represents great value for the money. The Shimano Claris drivetrain was faultless throughout testing. We especially enjoyed the 32mm tires fitted on this build that really helped to smooth out the road. Although Liv’s proprietary D-Fuse does help to keep the ride comfortable, we would’ve like to see a more easily upgradable standard road seatpost in this build.
Diamondback Haanjo 2
Pros
- Disc brakes
- Big tire clearance
Cons
- Heavy
The Haanjo 2 from Diamondback handled just about anything we threw at it. With clearance for 38mm tires, the Haanjo 2 is a great bike for the gravel curious. Looking for a commuter bike with more road-based geometry? With its fender and rack mounts, the Haanjo 2 works there, too. It’s great to see Tektro disc brakes spec’d at this price point. Although not as powerful as hydraulic discs, these stoppers didn’t rub and performed great in all weather conditions. As always, the Shimano Claris drivetrain was crisp and reliable. The sub-compact gear suited this bike’s personality perfectly allowing us to spin up climbs with ease. The whole package adds up to a bike that is ready for anything, though it comes with a bit of a weight penalty. Mounting some more road-focused 28mm tires did help to liven the bike up noticeably.
Chris Pino is a former photographer turned woodworker who discovered his love of cycling after buying a commuter bike shortly after moving to New York City—that commuting turned into all day rides and eventually into competitive cyclocross and crit racing; nowadays, Chris enjoys long, bad-idea bike rides with his friends and all things bike tech. You can follow along on Instagram at @chrispino.
