It can be tough to figure out how much you should spend on your first road bike when you’re just starting out.
But don’t worry.
We’re here to help!
We recommend spending around $500-$1,000 on a beginner road bike.
Of course, many factors go into choosing the perfect bike for you, so keep reading for more tips.
Your budget is one of the most important things to consider when buying a road bike.
You don’t need to spend much money on a high-end bike as a beginner.
You can find some great starter bikes for under $500.
However, if you have a little more money to spend, you can get a more excellent bike that will last you for years.
Bikes in the $1,000 range typically offer more features and higher-quality components than bikes in the $500 range.
Read Related: Do road bikes come with pedals?
Table of Contents
Important Things To Consider Before Buying A Road Bike
So what should you look for when shopping for a beginner road bike?
Here are some things to consider:
Frame Material
You’ll want to choose a frame made from lightweight materials like aluminum or carbon fiber.
Gears
Most beginner road bikes come with 18 or 21 gears, which is plenty for beginners.
More gears don’t necessarily mean that the bike will be better – it just means more options for riding in different terrain.
Wheels
The wheels on a beginner road bike typically aren’t as light as those on more expensive bikes, but they still offer good performance and durability.
Brakes
Disc brakes are becoming increasingly popular on beginner road bikes, offering better stopping power than traditional rim brakes.
Read: Are road bike disc brakes hydraulic?
Budget
Your budget is perhaps essential in deciding how much to spend on a road bike.
You don’t want to overspend and put yourself in financial hardship, but you also don’t want to underspend and end up with a bike that isn’t suitable for your needs.
If you’re on a tight budget, you might have to sacrifice some features or opt for a used bike.
But if money is no object, you can afford to buy the best of the best.
Riding Goals
Another important factor in deciding how much to spend on a road bike is your riding goals.
Are you looking to use your road bike for casual rides around town?
Or are you looking to compete in races?
If you’re just getting into road biking and aren’t sure what your riding goals are yet, that’s okay.
Just keep in mind that as your goals change, so will the type of bike you need—which might mean buying a new bike down the line.
Related: Do road bikes have brakes?
Type of Bike
The type of bike you want will also influence how much you spend.
For example, if you want a high-end racing bike, you can expect to pay more than if you want a basic entry-level road bike.
The same is true for electric bikes; they tend to be more expensive than regular bikes because of their different techniques.
Finally, when buying a beginner road bike, be sure to test-ride it before you buy it!
This is the best way to ensure that it’s the right fit for you and that it’s comfortable to ride.
Conclusion
How much should you spend on your first road bike?
It depends on your budget, riding goals, and the type of bike you want.
If you’re on a tight budget, you might have to sacrifice some features or opt for a used bike.
But if money is no object, you can afford to buy the best of the best.
Keep in mind that as your goals change, so will the type of bike you need—which might mean buying a new bike down the line.
Whatever your budget or riding goals, we hope this blog post has helped inform your decision about how much to spend on your first road bike!
