You couldn’t pick a better time to shop for a new road bike. Today, manufacturers offer more models than ever in a wider variety of price points. And component companies make an exceptional array of top-notch wheels, brakes and shifting systems that operate like never before. For example, it’s possible to get 20-speed drivetrains that shift blink quick, and wheelsets so light that pedaling is effortless. In fact, there are so many attractive choices today, that if you just walked into our store, you might be overwhelmed.
Don’t be. Having a lot of choices is a wonderful thing because it drastically increases the likelihood you’ll find the perfect bike — as long as you know a little about what’s available.
To help, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide for finding the ideal road rig. We explain the decisions you need to make and offer advice on everything from frame materials and wheels to gearing and component choices. To start, though, you need to do some self analysis (therapist not required).