Best Entry Level Road Bikes 2009

UPDATE - The bikes listed below are likely to be out of date. To find the latest bargains from across a range of websites, both new and second hand - try the Daily Cycle - Cycle Search app.

Ok so in the past I have given advice surrounding choosing an entry level road bike but haven’t given specific bikes as good choices. This has been intentional, for the following reasons:

1. A bike is a very personal choice, you should do a lot of research and listen to advice but at the end of the day, it’s your money and your body so purchase what you like and what feels right.
2. There are so many new bikes springing up that these kinds of posts quickly become outdated.

However, I receive so many emails from readers looking for advice on specific bikes that I think the time has come to give my opinion. Note, this is just my opinion.

If you’re new to road cycling and don’t know who the big players are in online cycle gear then for me, you can’t go wrong with Wiggle for all your cycling needs including bikes. I tend to buy all my stuff from them because they are great value and also send you free sweets every now and then which always goes down well. Evans Cycles often have some great deals on bikes and from time to time I am able to get discount codes from them so it’s worth checking back here every now and then. Also, despite their bad press, Halfords have upped their game recently with the awesome Boardman range of bikes.

If you have a decent local bike store then that should always be your first point of call. Generally they love your business and want you as a long serving customer so won’t simply try to sell you the most expensive bike going. If you feel confident about your sizing etc and are looking for a good online deal then one of these bikes may be for you…

Giant SCR 1

The Giant SCR1 is an absolutely awesome starter bike and to be honest it’s components are high quality enough to satisfy intermediate cyclists.  The Shimano 105 is a great gearset for the money. Its even got a highly fashionable SRAM cassette. The best entry level bikes have a good frame and a good gearset, it has both these things and if you really get into cycling then a wheel upgrade will make this an awesome bike. 20 gears are more than enough for hilly sportives or fast commutes. Giant is a great brand, very popular (which is sometimes seen as a bad thing) but for good reason. They build bikes to a high standard and all their bikes are highly tested. You simply cannot go wrong here. Wiggle has this one with a 25% discount right now so its a great time to buy. Giant SCR1

Focus Culebro

OK its a bit pricier but my goodness what a lovely bike, and at 25% off its a great deal. Focus is an exclusive brand offered only by Wiggle. The reason why I choose this despite it’s price tag is that, if you can afford it, spending that bit more on a great starter bike will see you through well into the intermediate level. Any cyclist would be proud to own this bike. Shimano Ultegra (one level above 105) is this bikes gearset of choice and it’s a race worthy gearset, smooth, responsive and light. This bike is a measly 8.25 kgs and a real beauty. There is nothing more motivational than cleaning a beautiful bike. The only bad thing will be putting it away!

Boardman Bikes

There has been a huge buzz surrounding the Boardman Bike range this year. Offered exclusively to Halfords. The great thing is you can try it in store and then buy it online (if that works out cheaper or easier). Designed by the legendary Chris Boardman to be affordable yet highly competitive. They are a great choice and if my shed wasn’t so full I would consider one myself. The great thing about the Boardman bike is that although it only comes with the Tiagra gearset (one below 105) it can be upgraded to SRAM at point of purchase. Something I highly recommend. Spending that little bit more on a decent gearset is an excellent investment.

Boardman Fixed Wheel

Last winter I really got into my fixed wheel riding. Its a great way to improve your inner jedi cycling skills and requires minimal maintenance. Anyway Halfords are now offering this Boardman Single Speed bike which can either be ridden as a single speed (one gear with a freewheel) or fixed wheel (one gear that is fixed – no freewheel). Like most bikes with this set up you simply turn the rear wheel around to switch between the two modes. A great training bike and an awesome commuter. Check it out - Boardman Single Speed.

Conclusion

Well there you have it. As mentioned these choices are just my personal opinion of the best entry level bikes on offer this year. Let me know how you get on :)