Road bikes: a guide to choosing, including for beginners

Updated on 2 November 2026. Recommended products are available at the time of the update.

When choosing a road bike, start with the correct size, a position you can maintain and the routes you will ride: for beginners, endurance geometry is often a good starting point. An aero model makes sense if you want speed and can comfortably maintain its riding position; brakes and gearing should then be chosen according to your use and overall budget.

How to choose

Before considering the brand or specification, ask yourself how long your rides will be, how much climbing you will encounter and whether you want to ride for pleasure, in a group or in races.

• Leisurely rides and long distances: prioritise riding position, comfort and gearing suited to climbs.
• Fast training rides and races: assess sporty geometry, aerodynamics and components according to the route.
• Your first road bike: look for a bike that suits your body, leaving room in your budget for a helmet, clothing, accessories and maintenance.

Carbon alone does not make a bike more suitable for you. A good aluminium frame with the right riding position can be a more sensible choice than a prestigious model in the wrong size.

Endurance or aero: which setup do you need?

An endurance bike tends to favour a less tucked riding position and comfort over long distances. It is worth considering for beginners, as well as riders who spend many hours on the bike and want to get home without unnecessarily straining their back and hands.

An aero bike aims to reduce air resistance through the shapes of its frame and components. It can suit fast rides, but the advantage also depends on the rider's position and ability to maintain it.

• Do not choose by the label alone: compare geometries and try the riding position.
• Comfort and aerodynamics can coexist: the overall design matters, along with tyres and adjustments.
• For climbing: first check that you have gears low enough for your fitness level.

Disc brakes and gearing: what really makes a difference

Hydraulic disc brakes allow you to modulate braking with little effort at the levers and provide consistent operation even in the wet. They require checks of the pads and rotors and, when necessary, bleeding of the system.

If you are considering a used road bike with traditional brakes, also consider the condition of the rims' braking surfaces. On any bike, tyres and grip on the riding surface remain crucial to effective stopping.

• Mechanical groupset: operates the gears via cables and does not require battery charging. It is also a sound choice for those who train regularly.
• Electronic groupset: controls gear changes using buttons and electric motors. It offers light actuation, but requires attention to battery charge.
• Gearing: with the same front chainring, a larger rear sprocket makes pedalling easier. A 50/34 combination with a 11-34 cassette is worth considering for routes with climbs.

Electronic shifting does not provide pedalling assistance: a bike with Di2 or AXS is not therefore an electric road bike. Assistance requires a model with a dedicated motor and battery.

Size and riding position: the number on the frame is not enough

Looking for a road bike in size 54 is a starting point, not a guarantee of fit. Two frames labelled 54 can have different lengths and heights.

Height and inside leg measurement help guide your choice, but body proportions, mobility and familiarity with the riding position also need to be considered. Stack and reach describe the frame's vertical and horizontal dimensions respectively, relative to the bottom bracket: they are useful for comparing different models.

• Check that you can comfortably reach the levers and brakes.
• Assess saddle height and setback together with the distance to the handlebar.
• Do not try to compensate for the wrong size with extreme adjustments.
• Before choosing an integrated handlebar, check its width and length: the scope for changes can be more limited than with a separate handlebar and stem.

How much should you invest to move up a level?

A worthwhile investment depends on what is currently limiting you. If you experience pain or tingling after an hour, start with your riding position; if you struggle on climbs, check your gearing and training before pursuing a higher specification.

• To get started: prioritise size, braking, gearing and all the equipment you need to ride.
• To improve a bike you are already happy with: consider adjustments and compatible tyres before replacing major components.
• To change bikes: identify the benefit you want, such as more comfortable geometry, electronic shifting or an aero design.
• To aim for the top of the range: compare the full specification and maintenance costs, without choosing solely for prestige.

When comparing road bike offers, always check the size and specification of your chosen variant. You can explore our collection of road bikes to compare the options.

Used road bikes: what to check

A used road bike can be worth considering if its condition, dimensions and any work required are clear. Consider the purchase alongside any initial maintenance it may need.

• Frame and fork: look for signs of impacts, cracks or repairs and ask about the bike's history.
• Drivetrain: have the chain, cassette and chainrings checked for wear.
• Wheels and brakes: check smooth running, play, wheel trueness and braking surfaces.
• Electronic components: check operation, batteries and the presence of the necessary charging devices.
• Size: rule out an unsuitable size even if the deal looks tempting.

Our recommendations, available now

Scott Speedster 10

An option for getting started with an aluminium frame and a carbon fork HMF. It combines a Shimano 105 drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes and Schwalbe Lugano 700x32C tyres.

Scott Addict 20 Road Bike

Suited to riders seeking a more relaxed position over long distances, thanks to the endurance geometry of its HMF carbon frame. The build includes Shimano Ultegra Di2, Fulcrum WIND 42 DB Carbon wheels and Schwalbe ONE 700x34C tyres.

Berria Belador Elite 105 2026 Disc Brake Road Bike

An option for riders seeking a sporty riding position, with a carbon frame and Racing geometry BGC. It features Shimano 105 12-speed gearing, 50/34 and 11-34 gear ratios, hydraulic disc brakes and Vision Team 30 aluminium wheels.

Merida Scultura 6000 105 Di2 Road Bike

Worth considering if you want to move to Shimano 105 Di2 12-speed electronic shifting. The frame and fork are carbon, with hydraulic disc brakes, 50/34 and 11-34 gear ratios and Maxxis Highroad 700x28C tyres.

Trek Madone SL 5 Gen 8 Road Bike

Designed for riders seeking an aerodynamic design with Shimano 105 12-speed mechanical shifting. The 500 Series OCLV carbon frame incorporates Full System Foil profiles and the IsoFlow system, which allows the saddle area to flex to absorb impacts from the road surface.

Trek Madone SL 6 Gen 8 Road Bike

An option for fast rides and bursts of acceleration, with race geometry and Full System Foil aerodynamic profiles. The build includes Shimano 105 Di2 12-speed gearing and Aeolus Elite 50 OCLV carbon wheels, with Bontrager R3 28 mm Tubeless Ready tyres.

Check the selected variant and size on the product page. For shipping information, see the shipping policy.

Visit us in Casapulla

Evolution Bikes is a family-run shop in Casapulla, in the province of Caserta, established in 1974 and now in its third generation, offering a workshop, bike fitting and e-bike servicing. Come and try a bike or have your riding position adjusted, or ask us for advice on choosing the right model for your rides.

Frequently asked questions

Which road bike should I choose to get started?

Start with the correct size and a comfortable riding position: endurance geometry is often a good starting point. Prioritise gearing suited to your routes and leave room in your budget for accessories and maintenance.

How do I know whether a size 54 road bike is right for me?

The number 54 does not indicate the same measurements across all models. Compare the geometry, taking your height, inside leg measurement and body proportions into account, then check your riding position.

Is mechanical or electronic shifting better on a road bike?

Mechanical shifting is a good choice for getting started and training, with no batteries to recharge. Electronic shifting offers a light action at the controls and shifting operated by electric motors, but requires you to monitor the battery charge.

What should I check before buying a used road bike?

Check the size, frame history, any impacts and wear on the drivetrain, wheels and brakes. A workshop inspection helps identify any work needed and assess the purchase as a whole.