Best road bikes 2025: top reviewed bikes from our testing

The road category is expansive, making narrowing down your choices and finding the best road bike for you somewhat tricky. Even if you’re working to a budget, there will still be a vast number of bikes within a price bracket. But help is at hand.

The Cycling Weekly team have ridden and reviewed hundreds of road bikes, including WorldTour machines, those designed for road cycling newcomers, and many in between. This has allowed us to gain valuable insights into which bikes deliver the best ride quality and value for money, as well as those that excel in certain areas, from climbing to endurance. From our testing, we’ve selected a few of our favourites in several categories to help you find the best road bike for you.

As well as choosing specific models that we’ve rated highly, we’ve also provided a guide discussing the many choices you need to consider before buying a bike, from looking at the different frame material options to discussing the influence tube shapes, geometry and tyre width can have on the bike’s overall ride quality

Depending on your budget, we’d also suggest checking our guides to best budget bikes and our Race Bike of the Year (RBOTY) 2025 awards. Likewise if you're after more of an all-road machine, you can read our guide to the best gravel bikes.

Quick list

Best road bikes we’ve tested at Cycling Weekly

Best Road Race bikes

Good for: all-round performance, one bike garage for climbing, aerodynamic performance, and mixing it up in the bunch. Great for riders who can get into an aggressive position.

The term road race bikes is pretty self-explanatory. These bikes are designed to be fast and offer riders the best all-round performance. Thats not to say they are only for race use, though. For those who like to just ride fast, test themselves and prefer a bike with more direct and agile handling.

Why not check out our full guide to the best road race bikes

Best race bike

We awarded the Tarmac SL8 with our Race Bike of the Year award in essence because of its ability to do most things exceptionally well. It makes it such a well-rounded offering and it’s little surprise that it’s excelled at the WorldTour level over such different parcours.

Frame-wise the SL8 makes a few changes from the SL7. There’s the more rounded tube designs and the ‘speed sniffer’ head tube. The former are inspired by Spesh’s featherlight wonder bike, the Aethos and it helps make the SL8 lighter - a claimed frame weight of just 685g - and yet proportionally stiffer than the older model. However, fans of the SL7 will be pleased that in terms of geometry the SL8 is happy to follow suit.

So how does it all impact the ride quality? We’ve ridden the bike for over a year and it remains as good as it did on our first test ride. The slim seat post adds compliance and in turn comfort, as is the rear end of the bike. Given that you can fit 35mm wide tyres here, the SL8 can make genuine claims to being a racing thoroughbred that you could also ride year-round if you so wished.

Indeed, much of the bike’s appeal is that it can handle such a variety of terrain, while still having that top-end speed and acceleration that’s a must for a true racing machine. We’ve ridden at a high level in Europe and we can safely say that few, if any bikes, perform as well across all the categories.

Read more: Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 full review

Best value race bike

Good value race bikes aren’t commonplace and the Scultura is far from a budget offering. But for bikes that’s ridden on the WorldTour it does offer plenty for its price tag.

The frameset uses Merida’s top-of-the-line CF5 carbon layup; it uses a percentage of high modulus fibers to deliver an impressive stiffness-to-weight ratio. As a genuine do-it-all race bike it eschews deep aero tubes for something far rounder, designed to reduce weight while adding compliance. There’s also fully integrated cabling and a one-piece carbon cockpit with a claimed weight of just 280g. As for the geometry, it’s as aggressive as Merida’s Reacto aero bike, which will be a bonus if you’re looking for a long and low position on the bike.

Out on the road, its stiffness is apparent at all times, delivering a rock solid bottom bracket and a planted head tube, which makes for quick acceleration and confidence-inspiring descents. The rigid rear end makes it agile and responsive, allowing us to corner with speed and precision. Naturally, this doesn’t translate to all-day comfort, but that’s not what this bike is designed for.

The CF5 frameset is offered in different build options, with the 9000 equipped with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, and our test bike, the 8000 using Sram Rival AXS. Either way you get a sub 7.5kg race bike for a truly competitive price. And if that’s still outside your budget, we can also highly recommend the 6000, which uses the CF carbon layup and shifts gear via the ever-reliable 105 Di2 groupset.

Read more: Merida Scultura 9000 full review

Best lightweight road bikes

Good for: when the roads head up. Tackling long and steep climbs wherever gram can make a difference. For those who care not about aerodynamics or riding on the flat.

What categorises lightweight bikes is their sole pursuit of offering the lightest weights, with suitable geometry and stiffness for climbing hills effectively. With road race bikes taking a much more all-around approach to performance than they used to and their weights falling drastically, we have seen a decline in the focus on lightweight bikes. However, there are still some cracking bikes out there, and many will be attracted to their rounder, less aero profiles.

Why not check out our full guide to the best lightweight road bikes

Best lightweight bike

As a Tour de France winning bike, you expect the R5 to be good. And it is.

The latest version successfully ironed out some of the creases from the previous models. It’s now less stiff, particularly at the front end, which in turn makes it more comfortable over longer distances. We also found that this plushness was perceptible across the entire bike, aided by the flexible D-shaped seat post.

As a climbing bike it’s suitably lightweight - a claimed 703g for a size medium frame - and flies up the hills when required. But importantly it descends well too. During our testing we felt a real connectedness to the road in general, but going downhill this was especially apparent, striking just the right balance at speed so it never felt too soft and thus unsafe or too hard and thus skittery. We felt the fork geometry helped here, ensuring that we could descend with confidence.

Being a race bike, Cervélo has injected the R5 with some aero enhancements. But rather than do this through deep tube shapes that would likely compromise the bike’s comfort it has instead added an integrated cockpit and added a fairing behind the fork crown that smooths airflow onto the down tube.

All told, it adds up to an exceptional bike both for the mountains and otherwise. While it’s not as stiff as a designated aero bike, it delivers greater comfort and in turn versatility, while still being flat-out fast when called upon.

Read more: Cervélo S5 full review

Best value climbing bike

The TCR is Giant’s lightweight all-rounder. It’s offered across a range of builds and price points (we've ridden and highly rated the top-tier SL 0 model too) but we feel its the Advanced Pro that really does offer great value for money.

The current model differs a little from our review bike and now features fully integrated cabling and a new cockpit; the former is aided by the OverDrive Aero steerer tube technology, with the Contact SL AeroLight stem and Contact SL handlebar finishing the job off. Vitally you still get the Giant Power Pro power meter that impressed us so much, and helps the bike to secure its ‘value for money’ standing.

The ride quality is superbly nuanced. There’s just the right amount of stiffness but given this is a lightweight climber it’s balanced to deliver a lively, springy feel. We found it inspired confidence whether we were going up hill or coming down; again Giant have struck the right balance here between comfort and connectedness.

Components vary depending on the model, but the current TCR Advanced Pro 0 gives you a full Ultegra Di2 12-speed groupset, with the aforementioned power meter, as well carbon Giant SLR 40mm wheels. At this price point it makes it as competitive as they come.

Read more: Giant TCR Advanced Pro full review

Best aero road bikes

Good for: when the speed starts to ramp up or the wind comes into play. For those riding fast and looking to save watts over their competition or buddies.

Aerodynamics plays a significant role in modern cycling, but one must have a foundation to see the benefits. For most, saving a few watts here and there will suffice, while for many, their sleek profiles will be enough of an attraction. It's when speeds increase and the wind begins to factor in that aerodynamic bikes can make a substantial difference.

Why not check out our full guide to the best aero road bikes

Best aero bike

There’s lots to like about Look’s aero bike, the 795 Blade RS.

It’s WorldTour approved, ridden by the Cofidis team, and stunning to look at. The frameset isn’t the lightest, but the weight has been used wisely, adding stiffness where you want it but without sacrificing compliance; it features 25% Ultra High Modulus carbon in specific areas of the frame to achieve this balance. We certainly noticed the stiffer bottom bracket during our testing, providing us with a snappy ride feel that we’d expect from a bike of this ilk.

The tube shapes are somewhat slender compared to others in this category, and we feel this adds to the bike’s versatility. Yes it’s fast on flat and rolling roads, accelerating quickly and with ease without a hint of movement in the BB area. But it also climbs surprisingly well (our review model weighed 7.48kg for a full Dura-Ace Di2 build) and delivers a relatively comfortable ride for what is an out-and-out race bike. Combined it left us impressed enough to designate the 795 Blade RS the title of ‘best aero bike in our most recent Race Bike of the Year awards.

Read more: Look 795 Blade RS full review

Best value aero bike

The Propel has been around for some time, and has long been one of the best aero bikes on the market striking both a competitive level of performance and price.

The current offering is available as always in an array of models and builds, but it’s the Advanced Pro that we’re focusing on here. The current frame design is less aggressive than previous iterations as Giant sought to add weight and comfort to the aerodynamic considerations. That said, even with the noticeably slimmer tube shapes Giant says this Propel is over 6 watts faster at 40kph than the previous model.

At this level you get a frameset made from Giant’s Advanced Grade Composite, which is the second-tier offering. The brand’s OverDrive system means fully integrated cables via a D-shaped steerer and a new bar and stem design. The result is improved aerodynamics and a far cleaner look in general. As for its geometry, it’s classic 73° parallel angles meaning the Propel isn’t solely an aero bike for special occasions but rather one that can also be an everyday bike for every situation.

During our testing we appreciated how it balanced speed and stability. The slimmer tube shapes made it less susceptible to crosswinds, while the wider tyres and rims combined with improved vibration damping from the front end to create a smooth ride.

At 8.46kg, equipped with Sram’s Rival AXS groupset, it’s by no means a light bike, but the aero enhancements mean that on all terrain other than the steepest slopes, the Propel excels. In fact, we’d be happy to use it as our ‘one and only’ road bike.

Read more: Giant Propel Advanced Pro full review

Best endurance road bikes

Good for: covering big miles in comfort by offering more relaxed positions. They can also potentially tackle tougher terrain, like the cobbles of Paris Roubaix.

Don't be fooled by the words comfort or relaxed; the best endurance road bikes can still pack a turn of speed, especially when the roads or terrain is less than favourable. What distinguishes most endurance road bikes is their more upright position, which is better suited to the flexibility levels of most cyclists. In recent years, the tyre clearances of these bikes have dramatically increased, offering a reasonable amount of crossover with the best gravel bikes, leaning people to brand them as All-road bikes more regularly.

Why not check out our full guide to the best endurance road bikes

Best endurance bike

The Defy has been a stalwart of the endurance category for years, and the latest version suggests that it will remain there.

As with all Giant road bikes there is an extensive range on offer, from the entry-level Advanced models to the range-topping Advanced SL 0, which we’ll cover here.

The frameset has been overhauled and now uses a carbon layup that’s designed to reduce weight while increasing strength. Giant says the SL has seen an almost 30% increase in the stiffness-to-weight ratio, with the frame weight reduced by 200 grams. But being a bike designed for long days in the saddle, there’s a focus on comfort, too. Tyre clearance is up, now with room for tyres as wide as 38mm. There’s also the D-shaped stem and bars, designed to flex and in doing so add comfort. The SLR D-Fuse also benefits from redesigned tops and a gravel bike-style 8º flare on the drops.

On the road it all blends together to create a bike that eats up poor road surfaces, making light work of surfaces that we’d usually find a struggle. The relaxed geometry and longer wheelbase help too, making the Defy a steady ship even when the going gets rough. Giant suggests it’s ideally suited to sportives and gran fondos, and we’d concur. It’s also a great match for any cyclist who racks up the miles of varied terrain, and values luxury and comfort over all-out speed. Think Bentley rather than Ferrari.

Read more: Giant Defy Advanced Pro SL full review

Best endurance bike with suspension

The latest Roubaix sees a number of changes from previous models. For an endurance bikes, the most significant of these are the wider tyre clearance, up from 33mm to 40mm, the subsequent longer wheelbase and the updated Future Shock suspension - the Expert model is fitted with the Future Shock 3.2, which has no on-the-fly adjustment but is hydraulically damped and can be readily made firmer using different springs and preload washers.

All three were notable during our testing. On rough roads and indeed off-road, the Roubaix had the ability to take the sting out of the toughest sections or tarmac, path or trail, with the front end suspension seemingly doing the lion’s share of the work. The wide tyres certainly help too, and adding a wider contact patch. We particularly enjoyed descending on the Roubaix where the three elements combined to provide us with additional confidence. The Future Shock does have its drawbacks however. On steeper climbs, out of the saddle we found that the notable bounce impacted our efficiency.

Read more: Specialized Roubax SL8 full review

Best budget road bikes

Good for: those just getting into the sport of cycling or those already a road cyclist and looking to add a second bike to their fleet for indoor training or winter use.

Cost-effective bikes, or 'cheap' road bikes, are not solely for beginners. Although they primarily provide price points for those entering the market, they can also offer many benefits to experienced cyclists. Budget bikes tend to be made from metals rather than carbon fibre, yet they can still be excellent performance. Some even favour high-end aluminium offerings—ideal for winter miles or as an affordable path to a high-spec bike.

Why not check out our full guide to the best budget road bikes

Best budget road bike

Specialized's 2023 update of the Allez has added disc brakes in place of the rim brakes on the older model. That has allowed it to increase tire clearance to a more substantial 35mm or 32mm with mudguards. That in turn has provided an extra dose of comfort to the ride and means that the new Allez can handle light gravel duties and isn't confined to smoother tarmac.

We enjoyed this new found versatility when testing - and it even has rack mounts should you fancy throwing in some touring or commuting as well. Vitally though the Allez has still manage to retain its sporty profile, and with a slammed stem in place, we found it to be fast and playful companion.

The base model bike has Shimano Claris 8-speed shifting and mechanical disc brakes. Claris has big jumps between gear ratios on the 11-32t cassette, while we found that , as expected, the mechanical disc brakes just don't have the stopping power of hydraulics.

The Allez line-up now consists of just two models (plus the Allez Sprint). The higher spec Allez Sport has ten speeds and hydraulic disc brakes, but there's a big jump in price for what's otherwise the same spec as the base model.

A wheelset upgrade would significantly improve performance, but all in all it's a decent package for the price, making the Allez reasonably competitive against the other best cheap road bikes we've reviewed.

Read more: Specialized Allez first ride review

Best budget race bike

Cannondale has long been a master of performance alloy frames and the CAAD13 follows in that vein. It's fairly long and low geometry is based on that of the pro-level carbon SuperSix EVO - in fact it shares the same stack height and reach numbers, with a 54 size equating to a stack height of 55.5cm and a reach of 38.4cm.

The aero tube profiles are also borrowed from the WorldTour bike and we found that the combination resulted in superb handling as well as a smooth ride - one that we felt closely resembled that of a carbon frameset. Granted we tested a high-spec model with decent wheels and tires that certainly didn't hinder the experience as some entry level components somehow can.

However, at the lower price points the CAAD13 is affordable enough to be a first bike but with a frame that you won't outgrow - and one that we believe warrants any significant upgrades you make, whether it be wheels or groupset.

That said, even if you opt for a 'cheaper' model you can get a Shimano 105 hydraulic groupset with a RS510 crank set, while the wheels match DT Swiss R470 rims with the Formula hubs - all perfectly good kit. Below this in the pecking order is a Tiagra equipped offering, while rim brake fans will pleased to know that you can get the CAAD13 with calipers!

As per usual, the size range starts at 44 and goes all the way up to 62, with six sizes inbetween. We see this as another big plus point for the CAAD13, making it available not only to a range of budgets thanks to the build options but also wide range of rider builds.

The only thing that we found fault with was the rather high front end stack. It's easy to rectify but means you'll have to have your head tube cut down to avoid an ugly stack of spacers above the stem.

Read more: Cannondale CAAD13 Disc full review

Best Women's road bikes

Good for: female riders and those of smaller builds.

While you certainly don't have to ride a women's specific bike, there can be a number of benefits, especially if you are a smaller or shorter rider. Women's bikes tend to offer sizing down to XXS and certainly offer more feminine colour options. When it comes to fit, form and specification, there is little to no difference between 'men' or standard road bikes. In reality, a lot of women's specific models are there to help brands differentiate their marketing. Don't let that deter you from considering one, as brands like Liv, which feature prominently in our guide to the best women's road bikes, provide some truly outstanding options, sometimes even better than the standard versions.

Why not check out our full guide to the best women's road bikes

Best lightweight women's bike

The latest Liv Langma is a pure race bike. It's monocoque carbon frame is both light and stiff, with new airfoil sections and fully integrated cables to reduce drag and ultimately the bike faster.

And it works. During testing we couldn't fault the Langma on the flat, delivering plenty of stiffness that translated to quick accelerations and plenty of urgency. But what makes this bike great is its ability to shine across the board. We took it up and down steep climbs as well on long, all-day rides and it excelled at both. It's surprisingly stable for a bike that's so light and agile, and there's little compromise when it comes to comfort too, given it's racing pedigree.

As for the components, the Pro 0 comes equipped with both the redesigned Liv Contact SLR bars and a Cadex Max 40 wheelset alongside the reliable Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset, that delivered ab impeccable shifting and braking experience throughout the review period.

Read more: Liv Langma Advanced Pro 0 full review

Best women's bike

The Filante SLR is here in the women's section because rather than be a women-specific model it is instead a road bike that's offered in both a full range of sizes, down to XS, as well as benefitting from Wilier's Accufit system that enables smaller riders to dial in their fit; the carbon cockpit comes with five stem length options and there are also spacers that allow the bike's stack to be increased by as much as 35mm. Add in a couple of seat post variants and you have a bike that can be easily customised.

To achieve a light but stiff bike, the carbon frame's construction uses liquid-crystal polymer that translates to plenty of strength without the weight. There's also a super-wide fork that's designed to aid airflow and thus reduce drag.

During our testing we came to love the blend of speed and stiffness but also the comfort too. It's the latter attribute that had us believing that the Italian brand had successfully redefined just what an aero bike can be.

Read more: Wilier Filante SLR full review

How we test the best road bikes

We have a dedicated team of testers here at Cycling Weekly, whose job is to review a whole range of cycling products and to write objective reviews of their experience of using them day in day out in a whole range of conditions.

With huge experience, they're really well placed to compare products, identify their strengths and weaknesses and bring you an honest, unbiased assessment of how they perform.

When it comes to testing road bikes we log hundreds of miles, looking at a number of factors as we assess their overall performance. Of course we consider what the bike is primarily designed for, whether it's an aero race bike, a lightweight climber or an endurance model but also look at more general considerations such as build and spec quality, durability and value for money.

How to choose the best road bike for you