The Best Inexpensive Road Bicycles

The Best Inexpensive Road Bicycles

woman on a bicycle image by Wimbledon from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

For those looking to enter the world of road bike riding, investing in a relatively inexpensive but well-made model is an excellent way to gain interest in the sport without dropping a bundle. So what is inexpensive? A quality inexpensive road bike will start around $500 as of February 2010. Road bicycles at this price point are usually aluminum-framed and include entry-level components. The best of these will be well-made and perform reliably.

Trek 1.1

Thanks in no small part to Lance Armstrong, there is no more renowned manufacture of bicycles in the United States than Trek. Trek's entry road model, the 1.1, includes a lightweight Alpha White aluminum-built frame and components from Shimano, Bontrager, FSA and SunRace. A total of 16 speeds (two front chain rings and eight rear sprockets) ensures a wide range of gearing options. The 2010 Trek 1.1 comes in eight sizes and retails for $659.99.

Specialized Secteur

A multi-faceted company whose products include bicycles, bicycle components and bicycle wear, Specialized has a long pedigree in competitive American cycling. The company introduces the 2010 Secteur, a road bike with race-inspired geometry at an entry-level price point. The bike features a stiff, lightweight Charcoal/Black aluminum frame and a drive train comprised of Shimano and Specialized components. A triple crank and eight-sprocket cassette allow for a possible 24 gears--more than enough to optimally tackle even the most undulating terrain. The 2010 Secteur retails for $800.

Raleigh Grand Sport

England's famed bicycle manufacturer, Raleigh has a long history of producing race-winning bicycles. Inspired by this heritage, the 2010 Raleigh Grand Sport features a hydroformed aluminum frame and weight-saving carbon fork. Tektro brakes provide stopping power, while Shimano and FSA combine to form a quality 16-gear drive train. The 2010 Grand Sport comes in four sizes and a single, silver color scheme. The bicycle retails for $749.

Motobecane Mirage Sport

Though not as well known as the other entries, Motobecane has become increasingly popular thanks to a rare and appealing quality-to-price ratio. The Mirage Sport includes reliable Shimano and FSA components, and a Kinesis aluminum alloy frame and fork. A triple crank and eight-speed cassette provides 24 possible gear combinations. The 2009 Motobecane Mirage Sport features a bright red colorway and comes in six sizes. Conveniently, Motobecane bicycles can be ordered direct, through bikesdirect.com. The 2009 model retails for $349.

Article Written By Matthew Ferguson

Matthew Ferguson is a writer living in Savannah, Ga. He has been writing for over 10 years and his work has appeared on various online publications. A collection of his short stories was published in spring 2010. He is a graduate of Appalachian State University.

Write for Trails.com
  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...

    More Backcountry Camping...
  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...

    More Beach Camping...
  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.

    More Camping Basics...

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword