So, you’re looking to invest in your first road bike. It can be tough to know how to buy your first bike; how much to spend or which features really matter. Do you really need a lightweight carbon frame if you never plan on racing? How important are those components, and what, exactly, do they do?

The first thing you should do is come up with a budget. What is the most you’re willing to spend? From there you can begin your search for your perfect ride. It can be tempting to stay on the low end of your budget, but when it come to bikes, you get what you pay for.

That being said, there are some great budget options from established road bike manufacturers. You want to find that perfect combination of comfortable geometry and fast design to keep you smiling as you put in the miles.

Here are 5 of the best entry level road bikes out there.

Specialized Allez E5 Sport

Price: $970

The perfect combination of fast and comfortable, the Specialized Allez E5 Sport brings you the best of both worlds. The stiff design is well thought out with attention to detail, and it’s sturdy handling will have you tackling those sketchy descents in no time.

The quality aluminum frame is accompanied by flawless component choices. With a full Shimano Sora drivetrain it makes for flawless shifting across a wide range cassette. The 28.2mm tire width easily soaks up the road and makes for a smooth and comfortable feel. Weighing in at 9.41kg, the Allez E5 tops the list for the most bang for your buck with plenty of room for you to grow as a cyclist.

Cannondale CAAD8 Sora 7

Price: $790

CAAD series has been constantly perfected over the past decade to bring you the Sora 7. This frame offers great acceleration with pinpoint accuracy on downhills, and the Head’s Up Race geometry has you a slightly more upright and comfortable position.

As much the frame nails down all important features, the components are left somewhat lacking. The FSA crank works of course, but is slow in comparison to the Shimano Sora, and the narrow 12-27t cassette can be limiting.

Trek Domane AL2

Price: $750

You can’t make a list of “top 5 bikes” and not include a Trek model. They are constantly pushing the boundaries in search of that sweet spot between racing-level efficiency and touring comfort. With the Domane series, they offer both men’s and women’s models for that perfect fit.

With a carbon fork on an aluminum frame, the AL2 quite literally combines the elements of the higher-end models with an affordable, simple frame geometry. The carbon fork offers a smooth ride over even uneven surfaces, making it the perfect for commuting or heading out for long rides in all weather conditions. With the Shimano Claris drivetrain, you’re guaranteed a smooth and responsive ride well under the $1000 mark.

Giant Contend 1

Price: $810

To sum up the Contend 1 in a word: balance. As mash-up between the previously popular TCR and Defy entry-level models, this bike gets the job done. An efficient climber and stable on descents, it may not have you feeling like an unstoppable mountain conqueror, but it will get you there safely and comfortably.

With an aluminum frame and those quality Shimano Sora components, you can be confident on any grade and those rougher surfaces. With more upright positioning, you’ll have a smooth ride whether on your daily commute or out for a long distance weekend ride.

Felt F95

Price: $790

If you’re a beginner cyclist, but have racing in your sights, then the Felt F95 may be your best option. As the most race-ready of the bunch, the F95 is the highly responsive with a stiff aluminum frame and a performance level carbon fork.

With a slightly more aggressive position, it’s great for charging up those hills and settling in for long distances, but can be somewhat uncomfortable for the less experienced rider. That being said, if you want to grow into your first bike, this one packs a whole lot of punch for the price point.

Cycling For Beginners

Need some extra tips on riding? I Love Bicycling has put together a complete guide to cycling for beginners here.

Getting to work under your own power and pace is liberating. There is no sitting in traffic jams, filling the tank or sedentary moment when you commute by bike. You will be energized when you get to work and relaxed on your way home. To add to the joy of commuting, you want the best commuter bike for you. A bike that suits your needs and makes your ride even better. There are a few things every commuter bike should have to keep you riding through all conditions. Beyond that you can choose what works best for you based on your style and route.

Requirements that Every Commuter Bike Should Have:

Lights: A highly visible light setup will keep you safe. If you plan on riding at night or close to dark, a light that allows you to see your route as well as alerts cars and other around you of your presence is essential. Lights can be hardwired into the bike and powered by a dynamo hub or they can be battery powered and added to the bike.
Fenders: You will be happy to have fenders to keep you dry. When it is actively precipitating you will get wet regardless of fenders, but they keep the dirty road spray off of you. On wet roads after the precipitation you will stay completely dry and it is a beautiful thing. Your fenders should be as close to the ground as possible at the trailing side of both wheels to ensure maximum protection. You can add flaps if your fenders do not already reach that low.
Rack Mounts: If you are going any significant distance, you will want a rack or basket to put your bag. A backpack on a longer commute will get you sweaty. You will also be more comfortable with a free back. Your bike will not complain about a few extra pounds on its frame, but you might.

The Best Commuter Bike for Your Needs

Trek Lync 5

The Trek Lync 5 is an integrated package designed to be as maintenance free as possible. Lights are integrated into the frame with a USB rechargeable battery. The drivetrain has an internally geared eight speed Shimano Alfine hub and belt drive in place of a chain. This will keep wear and tear from road grim down to a minimum. Disc brakes keep stopping power regardless of conditions. Fenders (do not forget to add mud flaps) and a rack are included, keeping you from shopping for any necessities. The rack does not have a top shelf, so a trunk bag will not work. You will have to hang a pannier off the side, but it is quite a minor point on this all inclusive package. It is a great choice for someone that will be commuting in all conditions, short distances as well as a little bit further with some hills.

Brompton

If you are short on space either at home or in your office and your commute is relatively short, a Brompton folding bike could be the bike for you. You can fold it if part of your commute involves a train or car too. They fold up quite small but also pride themselves on their ride quality. You can spec them with all of the features you need. They are great for urban mobility, with a tight wheelbase to maneuver nimbly and small wheels to accelerate quickly. There are other folding bikes out there, but Brompton is the benchmark. With this bike you will want your commute to be on the flatter side and not excessively long.

Jamis Renegade Exploit

The Jamis Renegade Exploit may not be the best commuter bike for the short trip across town but for longer rides with conditions that might not be ideal, and you should always be prepared for surprises from weather or terrain. this bike is top notch. While the bike does not come with racks or fenders, it does come with mounts for both should you need them (you do). Drop bars give you more hand positions for that longer commute, along with fatter than standard road tires – 36 millimeters. Hydraulic disc brakes in an integrated brake shift lever (a relatively recent innovation) give you premium stopping power. Jamis is known for a nicer spec than most relative to price; you will get a very nice all around bike that can tackle almost anything.

Specialized Langster

Efficiency is what the Specialized Langster is all about. When bike couriers were common, a fixed gear bike is often what they rode for simplicity of maintenance and efficiency. There is little to wear out and little to cause drag in the drivetrain. If you are jetting to work in a city or relatively flat place, this is a fun way to go. Fenders will take some work to add, but that extra effort will be worth it. A rack will be a stretch too, but a messenger bag will complete the look anyway. For a quality complete bike, it is a bargain. Just make sure you put the brakes on; you will definitely not look cool after you need serious dental work.

Going Custom for Your Best Commuter Bike

Maybe your needs are really specific and what you carry needs special attention. Perhaps you are very exacting and have plenty of money to spend. A custom commuter bike can be your solution to having the best commuter bike for you. You will be able to spec your bike down to the last detail – tire clearance, gearing, geometry, rack and fender mounts – really, every detail. The bike can be weather proofed too, ensuring it with durable and resistant parts, from the frame all the way to the tires.

Retrofitting Your Current Bike

You probably already have a bike. It is likely that you can get most of the performance of a dedicated commuter bike out of your current bike by making it the best commuter bike. Maybe the bike does not need anything, just for you to start riding to work. It is likely you will be able to add some commuter features to your bike to add some comfort and performance such as fenders, more upright bars, or some fatter, more comfortable tires.

The Bottom Line to Commuter Bikes

The best commuter bike is the one that works best for your needs. Bike commuting is becoming a regular way to get to work, broadening the market. Whatever bike you choose, get out there and ride to work. You will be happy that you did.