The Best Road Bikes Under $1,000
Looking to find a road bike under $1,000? These bikes have some heft compared to their more expensive cousins, but they’re built to last.
When it comes to bikes (and most outdoor gear), there’s a saying: Between lightweight, durable, and cheap, you can pick two. If you’re looking for a road bike under $1,000, that means choosing between light or durable, and durable should always win out.
That’s why most of the bikes on this budget list cost under $1,000 but weigh over 20 pounds. Sure, you can drop $10,000 and get a sweet, durable bike that weighs under 14 pounds. But if you don’t have that kind of cash, you’ll want to opt for a bike with components built to last over many miles of use.
The Best Road Bikes Under $1,000
Raleigh Grand Sport: $750
If you’re looking for a classy AF steel road bike that looks like something your parents rode in the ’80s — in a cool way — then the Raleigh Grand Sport might be the ride for you.
Made with industry-standard 4130 Chromoly steel and sporting a Brooks Cambium saddle (and matching bar tape), it looks more vintage than today’s standard road bikes. But with a Shimano Claris eight-speed drivetrain and crankset and Clement Strada tires, the bike rides like new.
If you want to trick it out for more touring or commuting applications, the frame has rack and fender mounts ready to go.
Trek Domane AL 2 — Men’s & Women’s: $860
Trek, like many major bike companies, makes a high-end version of most of its road bikes, with ultralight carbon frames and the best of the best in terms of componentry. Eventually, those designs trickle down into the slightly cheaper components and lower-priced, but still solid, aluminum frames.
That’s why the Domane AL 2 rides so well at such a great price. Trek designed the aluminum model for comfortable riding, but it can certainly keep up on even the fastest group rides.
Shimano Sora and Bontrager components make this $860 bike durable (and tubeless-ready!). At 22.5 pounds, it might not be the lightest bike on the block, but it can hold its own next to similar carbon versions.
Specialized Dolce — Women’s: $840
While women can obviously happily ride unisex and men’s frames, most companies offer women’s models as well. These usually involve tiny tweaks to standard geometry, slightly narrower handlebars, and a women’s-specific saddle.
The other benefit of bikes like the Specialized Women’s Dolce is the size availability. The Dolce comes in several sizes ranging from 44 to 57 cm. So if you’re on the shorter side, the 44 might be the ticket to riding success, as most unisex bikes aren’t made that small.
The aluminum frame is designed for a more comfortable endurance ride versus a racier geometry, and a carbon fork helps dampen the feeling of bumps in the road. The combination of Shimano Claris and RS200 components make up the Dolce’s drivetrain.
Giant Contend 3: $680
Available in six sizes from XS to XL, the Giant Contend 3 bike fits almost any rider. Like most budget bikes, it’s designed more for a comfortable, endurance-based ride than an aggressive, race-like experience.
The Contend 3 has ALUXX aluminum for the frame and fork, with an OverDrive steerer to make cornering a breeze. Giant’s house-brand wheelset and wide 25c tires, plus a blend of Shimano and Tektro components, complete the package.
Fuji Sportif 1.9 Disc: $950
Road bikes have started shifting to disc brakes for better stopping performance and braking modulation. Although most disc-brake models quickly become prohibitively pricey, the Fuji Sportif 1.9 Disc clocks in at $950.
Most higher-end models use hydraulic disc brakes for even smoother stopping, but the Tektro Mira mechanical disc brakes provide a solid, durable option here.
The Sportif’s geometry is more endurance-geared, meaning it’s built for long days on the road. Shimano Claris components make up the drivetrain, and Kenda 28c tires add even more comfort to the already plush ride.
Co-op Cycles ADV 2.1: $934 on Sale
Combining an aluminum frame with a carbon fork is a smart way to add comfort with the carbon fork’s dampening powers. It also lowers the weight by swapping metal for carbon. A front thru-axle on the fork keeps the wheel extremely stable, and mechanical disc brakes can stop in any conditions, rain or shine.
Like many other road bikes on this list, Shimano Claris components make up the drivetrain on this one. If you’re excited about the possibility of bikepacking, this is a great option. It’s built to do well on the road and on gravel.
And because Co-op is REI’s in-house brand, you have 6 months (or about 20 hours) of use to bring the bike back to the store for a free tuneup. That’s great because most cables stretch after the first few hours of use and need to be tuned.
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Salsa Journeyman Claris 700: $949
If you prefer a less common bike, the Salsa Journeyman Claris 700, made with 6061-T6 aluminum, is meant for adventure. And in a bright-red color, it’s bound to turn heads. It’s got the burliest tires on the list, with 37mm-wide WTB Riddler Comps.
For gear, frame mounts for rear racks and fenders make it easy to kit it out for bikepacking adventures or keep it clean and hit the local group ride.
Internal cabling protects Shimano Claris components, and the FSA Tempo Adventure 46/30-tooth chainrings mean you’re ready for serious climbs with a compact crank. And with mechanical disc brakes, you can hit those downhills with confidence.
Liv Avail 1 — Women’s: $970
Like Trek’s Domane and Specialized’s Dolce, the Liv Avail 1’s aluminum frame is based on the higher-end carbon version and is designed for long days of riding to awesome destinations.
The ALUXX-grade butted aluminum frame (similar to the Giant’s build) has a composite fork that will dampen the bumps on that gravel road you’ve been meaning to explore, but it’s fast enough to hit the local A ride.
These tires can run tubeless if you plan to focus on endurance rather than speed. The componentry comprises Shimano Sora plus Tektro for brakes.
Have a favorite road bike under $1,000? Let us know in the comments for future updates to this article.
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