Now that things have settled down a bit after the crazy summer, we’re looking forward to a calmer autumn, with the temperatures dropping in most of the world. It’s the perfect time to go for a bike ride, and if you’re looking to get out and about on an everyday basis, you can’t go wrong with a road bike.
There are many different types of bicycles available for sale today. Some are lightweight racing bicycles while some are designed for casual riding. Making the right choice can be tricky. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best road bikes under £1,000 for the year 2024.
As a cyclist, you spend a lot of time on your bike. And when you ride, you should feel comfort and safety. But not everything is well with the current road bikes in the market. Most of them are heavy and unsafe. If you’re looking to buy a road bike, you better make sure that it is not heavy. On the other hand, you should not go with the cheap models, since they are not safe.. Read more about best road bikes 2024 and let us know what you think.
If you’re new to cycling or aren’t sure how much riding you’ll be doing, the finest road bikes under £1,000 are a fantastic place to start. They may also serve as excellent commuting bikes or backup bikes for more experienced riders.
Do you think your budget might be stretched a little further? Our finest road bikes under £2,000 and our best road bikes under £3,000 may be found here. If £1,000 is beyond of your price range, our experts have compiled a list of the finest road bikes available for under £600.
If you’re not sure what to look for, check out our buying guide for the finest road bike and watch our video primer below.
Our professional testers have evaluated and assessed the finest road bikes under £1,000 for 2024.
- £1,100 for a Boardman SLR 8.9. (frequently discounted)
- Expedition Bristol Bicycles: £775
- £999 for the Canyon Endurance AL 7.0
- £800 for the Virago Carrera
- £749.99 for the Decathlon Triban 520 Disc
- SL 1 Giant Contend: £999
- £579 for Contend 2: Giant
- £899 Endurance AL Disc Ribble Ribble Endurance AL Disc Ribble Endurance AL
- £1,000 Tiagra Ribble R872
- £997 for the SL Rose Pro
- £650 for a specialized Allez
- £1,050 (well, there’s some wiggle space on the budget…) Allez specialized Elite
- £849.99 RR 900 AF Van Rysel
- £999.99 Zenium Vitus
All of the road bikes mentioned above received at least 4.5 out of five stars. Continue reading for detailed purchasing recommendations and a comprehensive list of high-scoring bicycles.
Choosing the Best Bicycle for You
Before you invest your money, keep in mind a few things, the most significant of which is that these motorcycles are usually not genuine racing bikes.
Despite the fact that they appear like racing bikes and are fully capable of being raced, the majority of them lack the more extreme features seen on machines that are uncompromisingly oriented toward competition.
A sub-£1,000 bike, on the other hand, is designed to be a beginner’s tool, a bike that will introduce new riders to road cycling.
What precisely does it imply?
For starters, compared to more aggressive racing bikes, the frames of these bikes will typically have more relaxed geometry. They’ll have a shorter reach so you’re not stretched as far forward, and a higher front-end due to a longer head tube and more raised handlebars, so you’re not as low.
In other words, you’ll be sitting in a more upright posture than you would on a specialized racing bike, which is both comfortable and beneficial to novice riders.
The bikes won’t be as rigid or light as a more costly racing bike, and they’ll probably have less carbon in them as well. The majority of bikes in this price range will feature a metal frame, most often an aluminum alloy.
What am I going to receive for my money?
Don’t be fooled into believing that sub-£1,000 road bikes aren’t genuine. They’ll do anything you need them to do as long as you’re riding on tarmac, whether it’s speeding up your commute, dipping your toe into the waters of racing, taking on a sportive, touring, or just riding for fun on weekends.
The specifications of bikes in this price range vary a lot. Many will be fitted with the next level down, such as 11-speed SRAM Apex or 10-speed Shimano Tiagra, while the best value ones will feature a mid-range 11-speed Shimano 105 or SRAM Rival groupset. (Shifters, derailleurs, cranks, brakes, and other components that make your bike move and stop are referred to as a groupset.)
At this price point, disc brakes are becoming more popular, although they’ll almost always be mechanical cable-operated calipers (or manually actuated hydraulic calipers) rather than the complete hydraulic systems seen on more costly bikes.
In any event, rim brakes are completely sufficient for most riding and save weight when compared to disc brakes.
Continue reading for summaries and links to all of our top-rated road bikes under £1,000, with the highest-scoring bikes being shown first.
The finest road bikes under £1000 for 2024
SLR 8.9c Boardman
The Boardman SLR 8.9 continues to strike all of the right chords. Immediate Media / David Caudery
- £1,100.00 (but frequently discounted)
- Tektro brakes with Shimano Tiagra components
- Wheels that may be used without tubes
- Geometry in a ‘sportive’ manner that is easy to learn.
The SLR replaces the well-loved Team Carbon with a considerably more modern-looking frame. It comes with Shimano Tiagra 10-speed shifting and Tektro brakes, as well as tubeless-ready alloy wheels.
Despite being one of the most affordable carbon bikes on the market, the Boardman is a fantastic all-arounder with geometry that is somewhat more upright and beginner-friendly than a full-on racer.
Bristol Bicycle Expedition is a group of cyclists from Bristol.
The Expedition is a classic tourer with disc brakes. Smith, Robert
The Expedition isn’t for you if you’re searching for a fast racer. It’s a heavy-duty tourer in the style of classics like the Dawes Galaxy, with a triple crankset as standard, which is now uncommon on road cycles.
The Expedition has a comfortable upright riding posture and a specification that is geared at long-distance touring or all-weather commuting.
The frame is made of alloy, while the fork is made of steel, and Bristol Bicycles allows you to customize the components to a degree.
It’s not for everyone, but if you value a robust, well-designed machine, it’s worth considering.
AL 7.0 Canyon Endurance
The Endurace AL 7.0 has a superb aluminum frame and a lot of features. Immediate Media / David Caudery
The Canyon Endurance AL took home our Budget Bike of the Year title in 2017, and it’s still one of our favorite budget bikes, earning consistently excellent marks in subsequent evaluations as the spec has been adjusted over time.
The Endurace AL’s frame isn’t very complex, but it’s beautifully polished and comes with a complete carbon fork.
Canyon switched up its models in 2018, and the new Endurance AL 7.0 is a straight replacement for the previous 6.0.
It’s still a good deal due to a spec that includes a complete Shimano 105 groupset (no ugly aftermarket brakes) and Fulcrum wheels with good Continental rubber.
The ride is pleasant, and the easy shape is ideal for beginners. A broad variety of gears will bring you up the steepest hills, while excellent brakes will give you peace of mind on the way down.
Virago Carrera
For a cheap bike, the frame geometry is quite aggressive. Immediate Media / David Caudery
- Carbon bike that is almost likely the cheapest in the UK.
- Overall, a fantastic ride – smooth and controlled.
- Components from Shimano Sora 9-speed
The Virago is the cheapest carbon framed road bike on the market at full price, and you may be wondering whether a bike this inexpensive can really be any good.
While the Virago’s frame isn’t as light as one found on a £3,000 bike, it’s a great all-around ride. With Shimano Sora shifting, the spec isn’t terrible either.
Unsurprisingly, you don’t get a full groupset for this amount – the brakes are Tektros, and the cranks are FSA. Regardless, the bike is a steal.
Triban RC 520 Disc by Decathlon
The Triban RC520 Disc is an incredible value for money endurance bike. Immediate Media / David Caudery
- £749.99
- Long-distance comfort bike
- TRP hydraulic brakes with cable-actuated Shimano 105 shifting
Decathlon overhauled their bike lineup in 2018 and 2019, removing the B’Twin moniker nearly entirely. The Triban RC 520 Disc is a flexible, comfortable road bike with a lot of features for the money.
The shifting is standard 105 (with non-series cranks) and the brakes are cable-actuated hydraulic discs, which are the greatest alternative to a complete hydraulic system.
This bike is ideal for year-round training or all-weather commuting thanks to its large tyre clearances and mudguard mounts.
SL 1 Giant Contend
Giant’s Contend SL1 is another excellent all-arounder. Immediate Media / David Caudery
- 105 shifting alloy all-rounder
- Mudguard mounts and a wide gearing
Giant doesn’t seem to be able to make a poor bike, and the Contend is no exception.
It’s a highly capable all-rounder with a decent spec, no significant sacrifices, and useful features like mudguard mounting.
The gearing on the 2024 bike is a bit tougher than it used to be, which is odd, but the small frame and D-Fuse carbon seatpost make for a comfortable rear-end, and it’s still a great bike.
Giant Contend 2
The Giant Contend 2 is an excellent all-arounder at a reasonable price. Giant
- Versatile entry-level alloy with mudguard and rack mounts
- Shimano Claris 8-speed shifting system with a large gear range
- FSA cranks and Tektro brakes are standard.
Giant’s alternative to the less expensive alloy With a dynamic, pleasant ride, Defy inherits the finest characteristics of its predecessor.
Shimano’s 8-speed Claris features a broad range of gears and excellent shifting, and the newest version includes concealed wires.
The in-house components from Giant are all good, with the wheels being a touch lighter than those seen on cycles in this price range.
Although cartridge pads for the brakes would be preferable, the whole package is excellent.
Ribble Endurance AL Disc
The hydraulic brakes on the Ribble are unmatched. Immediate Media / David Caudery
Ribble’s aluminum-framed endurance bike provides a lot of bike for the money. The Ribble begins at £899 with Shimano Tiagra and cable discs, but you can upgrade to complete hydraulics for a little extra.
Although it isn’t the lightest bike, it is competent all year and ideally suited to lengthy rides, winter training, and long-distance commuting.
Ribble R872 Tiagra
The R872’s high-quality carbon frameset makes it a great long-term investment since it’s ready for future kit upgrades. Immediate Media / David Caudery
- Frameset made entirely of carbon fiber
- Mavic Aksium wheels with Shimano Tiagra 10-speed components
- Racy-ish sportive geometry on a stiff, smooth-riding bike.
The R872 is a stylish bike with a modern complete carbon frameset that has now-fashionable lowered seatstays for added comfort and lateral rigidity.
The R872 is marketed as a sportive or endurance bike, although it’s a touch faster than the competitors and has plenty of stiffness.
You’ll receive a complete Shimano Tiagra groupset with excellent broad gears, as well as Mavic’s reliable Aksium wheels.
Rose Pro SL
The sleek alloy frame of the Pro SL might easily be mistaken for carbon. Rose Bikes is a company that sells bicycles.
- £997
- Direct-sales racer from Germany with a beautiful aluminum frame.
- Mavic Aksium wheels, Shimano 105 groupset
- The ride is firm yet fantastic.
- A new model is anticipated to be released soon.
Because of its mix of spec and riding quality, the Pro SL remains one of the finest value bikes on the market.
Rose comes with a complete 105 groupset and Mavic Aksium wheels, as well as a very beautiful alloy frame that looks like carbon.
The Pro SL isn’t the most comfortable ride out there, but it’s really thrilling, putting cheap carbon to shame.
If you have a flexible budget and like discs, there is also a Pro SL Disc, which scored highly when we first examined it and now has upgraded components.
The Pro SL is now out of stock, but we’re keeping it on the list since we anticipate a replacement to arrive soon, and it’s a bike worth keeping an eye out for on the secondhand market in any event.
Specialized Allez
For years, the Allez has been a popular choice. Specialized
- £650
- A racer with a striking metal frame that is both fun and quick.
- Shimano Claris shifting with a large gear range
- Own-brand finishing kit of high quality
You can’t go wrong with the Allez if you’re looking for a really racy bike on a tight price.
The most affordable version of Specialized’s entry-level road bike delivers thrilling performance and a capable Shimano Claris-based spec, as well as one of the best-looking frames you’ll find for this price.
Thanks to a thin seatpost and fairly fat tyres, it’s also a remarkably smooth ride.
Allez Elite is a specialized Allez.
In Bike of the Year 2024, the Specialized Allez Elite took first place in the £1,000 category. Immediate Media / David Caudery
- The Bike of the Year for 2024 is a £1,000 bike.
- An exciting entry-level alloy racer.
- The Goldilocks ride quality compensates for the mediocre specification.
- Shimano 105 shifting, Praxis cranks, and everything else is Shimano-branded.
The Allez has long been a popular choice among entry-level road bikes, providing decent performance in a stylish design, though not particularly good value for money.
The spec is a little haphazard, with a mix of Shimano and third-party components thrown in for good measure.
Nonetheless, the Allez maintains its endearing features, and it serves as a solid foundation for future improvements.
Van Rysel RR 900 AF
RR 900 AF by Van Rysel. Immediate Media / David Caudery
- £849.99
- The frame is made of high-quality alloy and provides a dynamic ride.
- Shimano 105 and a set of well branded wheels
Decathlon’s in-house bikes provide a lot of bang for your buck, with solid frames and specifications that don’t take any corners.
The business redesigned their road bikes a few years ago, and the mid-range and higher-end models are now marketed under the Van Rysel moniker, while they were formerly known as B’Twins.
The Van Rysel Ultra 900 AF 105 is almost identical to the B’Twin Ultra 900 AF, except it comes with the newer 105 R7000 groupset and no under-chainstay rear brake.
Vitus Zenium
With its tan-wall tyres, the Zenium is extremely appealing. Vitus
- Frameset made entirely of carbon
- TRP Spyre and Shimano Tiagra cable disc brakes
- Gearing is generous, and the tan-wall tyres are attractive.
Vitus is Wiggle CRC’s own brand, and it has always provided excellent value for money.
Disc brakes and thru-axles are standard on the Zenium, which is constructed around a full-carbon frameset.
The gear is mainly Shimano Tiagra, and the braking system includes TRP Spyre mechanical disc calipers, which are considered the gold standard for non-hydraulic brakes.
The Vitus isn’t the lightest bike in its class, and the ride is a little rougher than some of the competitors, but it’s a great all-rounder with a touch of elegance thanks to its attractive 28mm tan-wall tyres.
Take into account
When BikeRadar evaluated these bikes, they received a 4 out of 5 star rating.
7 Via Nirone Bianchi
The Bianchi isn’t the most fully-equipped bike, but the frame is attractive and rides nicely. Bianchi
- £750 before the review, now £800
- This frame has a great appearance and performs well.
- Shimano Claris 8-speed components
Despite being Bianchi’s entry-level model, the Via Nirone comes with a solid alloy frame and a surprisingly smooth ride.
The equipment is mediocre, with non-groupset brakes and simple wheels, but it does the job.
CAAD Optimo 105 by Cannondale
The weight and shape of the CAAD Optimo combine to provide a quick, exciting, and feisty ride. Immediate Media/David Caudery
- £1,000
- Geometry that is frantic
- Components from Shimano 105 R7000
CAAD bikes from Cannondale have traditionally provided performance that matches or exceeds that of comparably priced carbon bikes.
The CAAD Optimo is a fast-riding bike that has Shimano 105 R7000 components as well as third-party brakes and cranks.
It’s not the most comfortable ride, but it’s a decent option for those looking for a more aggressive experience.
Dolan l’Etape is a fictional character created by Dolan l’Etape
The Dolan l’Etape demonstrates that low-cost carbon isn’t always a negative thing. Immediate Media / Dave Caudrey
Although we don’t usually recommend inexpensive carbon, the Dolan provides a winning mix of racy speed and acceptable spec, as well as the ability to customize it to some degree.
Shimano’s unremarkable wheels aren’t going to set the world on fire, but 105 shifting is always nice.
The l’Etape name is a bit of a misnomer since this is more of a racing bike than an endurance machine, but if you’re looking for a fairly aggressive fit, the Dolan is worth a look.
Izalco Race 6.9 / Focus Izalco Race AL 105
The more you push Focus’s cheap aluminum racer, the better it becomes. Focus
The alloy Izalco isn’t the most comfortable bike in its class, and it’s a touch heavier than others, but if your riding style is fast-everywhere, the rigid frame won’t squander your efforts.
The Izalco has been updated to Shimano 105 R7000 (with a non-series crankset) and renamed the Izalco Race 6.9, with just a little price increase since we evaluated it.
1st Giant Contend
This list would be incomplete without Giant’s Contend. Immediate Media / BikeRadar
- A rigid frame may be abrasive at times.
- Climbs are a breeze with the 34t cassette.
- Brakes are unsatisfactory, although they are a very inexpensive area to improve.
Another Contend makes the cut, and it’s one that we can highly recommend.
The geometry is based on Giant’s previous Defy model, and it provides stable but responsive handling, resulting in a riding experience usually associated with bikes costing much more.
The Contend’s alloy frame’s rigidity may make it seem a little harsh at times, but it never gave us the ‘dead’ sensation that some lesser bikes can.
Shimano’s Sora drivetrain lacks the tight ratio changes of Shimano’s higher-end groups, but due to its 11-34t cassette, it has a highly useful range.
The brakes are cheap Tektro units, but they’re a reasonably inexpensive place to improve on an otherwise well-kept bike.
Contend SL 2 Disc by Giant
With disc brakes, the Giant Contend SL 2 Disc is a fantastic all-arounder. Giant
- Comfortable alloy from the world’s largest bicycle manufacturer.
- Shifting Shimano Tiagra
- The majority of the benefits of good hydraulics are available with this unique hybrid disc brake system.
This may be a better option than the rim brake Contends if you have more money to invest and value all-weather braking.
The Contend SL 2 is a middle-of-the-road bike in terms of specs and weight, but it’s a capable performer with a beginner-friendly geometry and riding quality.
The odd disc brake system isn’t the most attractive or user-friendly, but it works effectively and provides a similar feel to full hydraulics.
Sport GT GTR
The GTR Sport has a full-carbon fork and a high-quality alloy frame. Immediate Media / David Caudery
- Full-carbon fork with an aluminum frame
- Shimano Claris 8-speed with Promax cable disc brakes
- A comfortable, pleasant ride with a mediocre specification.
Many bikes at this level seem very identical, but the GT distinguishes out because to its unique triple-triangle frame design, which has seatstays that run on each side of the seat tube and connect directly to the top tube.
With its 8-speed Shimano Claris gearing, the GTR isn’t the greatest bargain bike on paper, but it’s a smooth ride with a wide gear range.
The wheels are tubeless-ready, and mudguard mounts are included as well.
Nicasio, Marin
The Nicasio isn’t a little package, but it has a lot to offer. Immediate Media/Robert Smith Photography
- £700 at the time of testing, now £865
- Steel distance machine that is comfortable to use.
- MicroSHIFT components and Tektro mechanical disc brakes are now available.
The majority of bikes at this price point are alloy-framed and designed with racing or sportive goals in mind. The Nicasio is more akin to a classic tourer in spirit.
With thick tyres as standard and the ability to add a rack and mudguards, it’s hefty and versatile.
This bike isn’t the quickest, but it’s an excellent commuting and long-distance machine.
SL Merlin Cordite
The original Ridley Helium SL inspired the design of the Cordite SL. Robert Smith Photography / Immediate Media
- £1,000 at the time of testing, currently £899
- An old Ridley Helium SL has been transformed into a fast carbon frame with a seatmast.
- 4ZA brakes and R8000 shifting
If the Cordite SL seems familiar, it’s because it’s basically a repainted Ridley Helium SL from 2008, which was raced at the highest level of pro cycling.
Its thick seatmast gives it a vintage feel and provides a hard ride, but also restricting the range of saddle height adjustment after it’s been cut.
The brakes aren’t great, however, but the Merlin offers a lot of bike for the money, with a complete carbon frameset and R8000 gear.
Sora Merlin PR7
If you’re wanting to get your feet wet in the realm of road riding, the Merlin PR7 Sora is a fantastic bundle. Immediate Media / Dave Caudery
- For the money, a fast aluminum road bike with a decent groupset.
- There were a few cost-cutting measures taken on the speculative side, but no significant setbacks.
The PR7 is about as basic and straightforward as it gets. When it’s on sale, it’s a steal, and when it’s on sale, it’s a steal.
It’s a reasonably priced, somewhat sporty road bike with an aluminum frame that’s finished in a beautiful glossy black.
Whereas other bikes at this price point come with an 8-speed Shimano Claris, the Merlin comes with a 9-speed Sora with Mavic-branded rims.
The gearing might be a little lower, and there are just rear mudguard mounts, but it’s a lot of bike for the money and has a quick and racy attitude.
40 Scott Speedster
The Speedster has an average spec sheet, but it’s a good all-arounder. Scott
- £649
- Wider tyres, mudguard mounting, and a good selection of gears
- Basic specification with mediocre brakes
With mudguard attachments and 28mm tyres as standard, as well as excellent low gears for pulling up the steep terrain, the entry-level Speedster is a highly practical all-rounder.
Most riders should be able to handle the endurance geometry, but it’s still a pleasant ride.
Laterite Pinnacle 3
The Evans in-house brand Pinnacle’s Laterite 3 is another excellent cheap bike. Immediate Media / BikeRadar
- Racks and mudguards are ready to go.
- Shimano 105 at an unexpected location
- Wheels that are too heavy and brakes that aren’t up to par
The Laterite 3 is a product of Evans Cycles’ in-house brand Pinnacle, which has a reputation for creating excellent budget bikes, and the Laterite 3 is no exception.
The Laterite’s no-frills aluminum frame achieves a nice balance between aggressive race-like feel and more comfortable shape, while mudguard and rack attachments give this bike a level of utility that few rivals can match.
Shimano’s superb 105 11-speed groupset, which is pretty amazing to see on a bike of this budget, is what really stands out here.
Although we would have preferred a Shimano crank, the Pro Wheel chainset served us well. The Laterite is held back from receiving full points by its heavy wheels and lackluster brakes.
Is it possible that you’ve discovered what you’re searching for?
If £1,000 is beyond of your price range, there are several excellent road bikes under £600.
Have you seen a little increase in your budget as a result of reading this article? If that’s the case, check out our listings of the finest under £2,000 and best under £3,000.
Why not subscribe to our YouTube channel for all the latest and greatest in the world of motorcycles while you’re at it?
Whether you’re in your first few miles on the bike path or your hundredth mile on the trails, you’ll need a bike that can keep up. But which one should you buy? That’s exactly what we’re here to help with! You can find our top picks on the bikes page.. Read more about best road bikes under 1500 and let us know what you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best road bikes under 1000?
The best road bikes under 1000 are the Specialized Roubaix, the Trek Domane SLR 7, and the Cannondale Synapse.
What is the best 2024 road bike?
The best 2024 road bike is the Specialized Allez E5.
What is the best road bike for the money?
The best road bike for the money is a Trek Domane SLR.
