Fitness Gear Equipment Cycling Guide Cycling Guide Overview Cycling Basics Benefits Getting Started Cycling Shoes 101 Adjusting Your Bike Nutrition and Hydration Indoor Cycling Indoor Cycling 101 Types of Indoor Bikes Muscles Used Workouts Online Classes What to Buy: Indoor Cycling Bikes Converting an Outdoor Bike Weight Management Tips Outoor Cycling Outdoor Cycling 101 Types of Outdoor Bikes What to Buy: Hybrid Bikes What to Buy: Road Bikes What to Buy: Mountain Bikes Workouts Training Tips Safety Pre-Ride Checklist Tips Repairs Stretches The 5 Best Road Bikes of 2023 We like the HeartsBio Carbon and Tommaso Fascino Sport Performance Road Bikes By Rachel Morris Rachel Morris Rachel Morris is a freelance health and wellness writer who previously worked as an editor at Dr. Oz The Good Life, Woman's Day, and Weight Watchers. Learn about our editorial process Updated on May 12, 2022 Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Elaine Hinzey, RD Fact checked by Elaine Hinzey, RD LinkedIn Elaine Hinzey is a registered dietitian, writer, and fact-checker with nearly two decades of experience in educating clients and other healthcare professionals. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Whether you're commuting around the city by bike or cycling for exercise, a road bike is the best option to glide over city streets and slick pavement. The best road bikes are lightweight and have the right height capacity and frame size to fit your body. Reviewed & Approved Our top picks are the HeartsBio Carbon Road Bike Model H and Tommaso Fascino Sport Performance Aluminum Road Bike because they're durable, lightweight, and ergonomic. When shopping for a road bike you should also consider its material, speed options, adjustability features, price, and whether or not you will need to complete the assembly once received. We researched various options with these features in mind. Here are the best road bikes to fit your cycling needs. Our Top Picks Best Overall for Women: HeartsBio Carbon Road Bike Model H at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall for Men: Tommaso Fascino Performance Road Bike at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget for Women: Hiland Road Bike at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Commuters: Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Kids: Co-op Cycles REV 20 Kids' Bike at REI Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Fit? Best Overall for Women HeartsBio Carbon Road Bike Model H 4.8 Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Available in five frame sizes Accommodates riders of different heights Anti-numbing seat Available in a vibrant shade of aqua Cons Very expensive Ships unassembled If you're an advanced cyclist looking for a new road bike, our top pick, the HeartsBio Carbon Road Bike Model H, is worth the investment. It comes in 48 (5 foot 2 inches to 5 foot 4 inches), 44 (4 foot 11 inches to 5 foot 1 inch), 50 (5 foot 5 inches to 5 foot 7 inches), 52 (5 foot 8 inches to 5 foot 9 inches), and 54 (5 foot 10 inches) rider heights, and weighs 18.7 pounds. The durable and lightweight carbon fiber frame helps you stabilize while picking up speed, and the road tires are designed for a smooth ride. Featuring an 18-speed drivetrain, the bike allows for adjustment to hills and other obstacles on the road. The ergonomic seat is designed to cut down on numbing—an issue long-distance riders face—and the adjustable handlebar and seat height will help you fight muscle strain during your ride. When you purchase this bike, you have the option of adding on an assembly package so you don't have to assemble the bike yourself. Price at time of publication: $1,580 Key Specs:Height Capacity: 4 feet, 11 inches to 5 feet, 10 inches+ | Frame Size Options: 5 | Weight: 18.7 pounds Best Overall for Men Tommaso Fascino Sport Performance Aluminum Road Bike 4.8 Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Available in five frame sizes Accommodates riders of different heights Ergonomic seat More affordable than most performance bikes Cons Still pretty expensive Ships unassembled Tommaso’s Fascino Performance Road Bike is affordable, high-quality, and a good option for more advanced cyclists. With characteristics like an aluminum frame and compact handlebars, the bike is designed for a smooth and fast ride. It comes in XXS (4 foot 9 inches to 5 foot 1 inch), XS (5 foot 2 inches to 5 foot 6 inches), S (5 foot 6 inches to 5 foot 8 inches), M (5 foot 8 inches to 5 foot 11 inches), L (5 foot 11 inches to 6 foot 2 inches), and XL (6 foot 2 inches to 6 foot 5 inches) rider heights and weighs 23.6 pounds. The 21-speed drivetrain offers the ability to shift on all road conditions, including flat surfaces and hills, and the dual-pivot brakes can stop on a dime. It's also compatible with a variety of bike racks, which is great for commuters who may need to carry extra belongings. While it's still an investment, the bike is still affordable in comparison to other quality, high-performance road bikes. This bike can also be purchased with an assembly package if you don't want to put it together yourself. Price at time of publication: $800 Key Specs:Height Capacity: 4 feet, 9 inches to 6 feet, 5 inches | Frame Size Options: 5 | Weight: 23.6 pounds Best Budget for Women Hiland Road Bike 700c with 21 Speeds Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Budget-friendly Available in two frame sizes Accommodates riders of different heights Available in several vibrant colors Cons Ships partially unassembled Not as high-performance as pricier bikes If price is a factor, this budget-friendly road bike from Hiland won't disappoint. Boasting a lightweight aluminum frame, it offers sturdy support and the ability to turn quickly with ease. The tires are situated on double-wall aluminum frames for extra durability and the Shimano gears are designed to last you through years of riding. Whether you're on the road or on an unstable surface, the 21-speed drivetrain will keep you in control. Additional control is provided by the caliper brakes—a reliable system that supports smooth and efficient stops. Price at time of publication: $465 Key Specs:Height Capacity: 5 feet, 3 inches to 6 feet, 4 inches | Frame Size Options: 2 | Weight: 27.6 pounds The 8 Best Bikes Under $500 of 2023 Best for Commuters Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike Courtesy of Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Sears.com Pros Budget-friendly Available in three frame sizes Ergonomic seat Accommodates a relatively large height range Boasts a sleek black frame Cons Pretty heavy for a road bike Ships partially unassembled If you're searching for a nimble ride to take you to and from work, the Vilano R2 Commuter Road Bike is a sound choice. It boasts a lightweight aluminum frame, and its 21-speed drivetrain gives you control while navigating packed roads. Designed with tires that feature minimal traction, the bike is made for quick turns and an effortlessly smooth ride. However, some cyclists complain that the small seat is uncomfortable for long commutes. Price at time of publication: $279 Key Specs:Height Capacity: 5 feet, 3 inches to 6 feet | Frame Size Options: 3 | Weight: 27 pounds (for the 54 cm size) The Best Commuter Bikes for Going to and from Work Best for Kids Co-op Cycles REV 20 Kids' Bike Courtesy of Rei Co-op View On REI Pros Small handlebars and saddle Heavier road bike (good for beginners) No gear shifting required Cons No height range provided Relatively limited weight capacity (80 pounds max) Ships unassembled Weighing in at 20 pounds, the Co-op Cycles’ REV 20 Bike is made to help kids build confidence as they gain cycling experience. While the aluminum frame is crafted for maneuverability, the heavier weight provides additional control for new riders. The bike comes with two brake options—a Tektro linear-pull and coaster brake—giving kids the opportunity to choose what brake style makes them more comfortable. It also comes with a fun sticker pack for kids who want to customize the style of their road bike. Key Specs:Height Capacity: Not listed (but weight capacity is 80 pounds) | Frame Size Options: 1 | Weight: 20 pounds Final Verdict If you’re looking for a performance road bike at a more accessible price point, Tommaso’s Fascino Performance Road Bike (view at Amazon) is a solid pick. It comes in five sizes and the aluminum frame keeps it lightweight for ultimate maneuverability. Its 21-speed drivetrain is great for tight navigation, and the bike was designed with both beginners and advanced cyclists in mind. What to Look for in a Road Bike Height Capacity Before committing to a bike, you want to know that bike will fit you correctly. Take a close look at the "height capacity" or "recommended height range" online. This will help you determine what size you need for a comfortable ride. Frame Size Options When buying a bike, paying attention to frame size is imperative. Since the frame can't be replaced (unlike wheels) you want to find one that fits your height and weight from the start. Also, check to see if the frame includes an adjustable seat and handlebars. Weight Road bikes are designed to pick up speed, which means they tend to be pretty lightweight. However, some bikes are heavier, making them slower, sturdier, and easier to control. If you're a beginner, a heavier bike may be a good option. Frequently Asked Questions What size road bike do I need? Most retailers specify what size bike you need. For starters, many road bikes come with a "height capacity" or "recommended height range" which is a great place to start. You can also pay attention to metrics like "weight capacity" and "standover height." Combined, these metrics should help you determine what bike size is right for you. How do you ride a road bike? Riding a road bike is a lot like riding a hybrid bike or a mountain bike, but you can expect a quicker, more nimble ride. Since road bikes tend to be lightweight, you may have to work a little harder to maintain your balance and stay in control of your ride. Road bike tires are also slimmer, taking away some shock absorption that most mountain bikes have. Can you use a mountain bike on the road? Yes, you can ride mountain bikes on multiple terrains—slick city streets included. They're designed to handle rugged trails, so their frames tend to be heavier and their tires are often on the "plush" side. Though they can comfortably handle city cycling, they are often slower. Why Trust Verywell Fit? As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them. 1 Source Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. City Bikes. Which is the right bike for you? See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit