Best Road Bikes Under 1000 Review in 2017 – Ultimate Guide

There are multiple bikes that could fall into the category of road bikes. Typically, road bicycle are made for traveling at high speeds on asphalt or smooth pavement. There are touring bicycles, made for long journeys with baggage, hybrid bicycles which are a marriage of mountain and racing bicycles and a trekking bike which is a hybrid bike with the bonus of being tweaked for touring. A commuter bike is made for just that, commuting, and typically has lights and a small luggage rack for ease of safe travel in the city. City bikes are another variant and offer a more ergonomic position and sturdier tires to weather bad city roads with debris. There are many other names and slight variances in these styles, but the bottom line is these bikes are made to make traveling roads in the way you would like to pleasurable.

Before we break down how to fit the pieces of your style of road bike to you, we need to take a peek at the actual pieces your road bike is made out of.

Number of Gears

If you want to determine the number of gears on your two-wheeler, all you need to do is multiply the number of cassette cogs by the number of chain rings.

On a road bicycle under $1000, you will most likely come across a total of 20 gears or a total of 27 gears. Bikes with 20 gears are excellent for those looking for a recreation bike or a performance bike. However, if you want to get the most out of your road bike, go for a bike with 27 gears. 27 gear bikes with easy gear shifting facility are best to easily control your bike in any type of terrain.

This number of gears is common on most entry-level bikes, and will give you everything that you need to ride fast, even up hilly surfaces.

Brake Type

When it comes to road bikes, the main brake system you will find is caliper brakes. This type of brake is found on the wheel, where it is centrally mounted. Caliper brakes fall under the rim brake family, and they are lightweight, affordable, easy to adjust, and simple to use.

If you maintain this type of brake, you are assured of reliable performance. This has been the main braking system for cyclists for a century. However, these brakes work better in a dry environment, and they are slightly unpredictable in wet conditions. The pros of having rim brakes for road bikes:

• Lightweight
• Higher resistance to wearing out
• Easy to maintain
• Relatively simple to change yourself
• Excellent stopping power

If you are looking for top performance in all road conditions, then it would be best to go for a bike that is compatible with disc brakes. Disc brakes provide increased braking power and more reliability in wet, muddy and off-road situations. However, other than the rain, road biking does not normally get muddy. These brakes were constructed initially for mountain bikes and off-road terrain, but are not necessary for a road bike.

In addition to conditions being different for road biking, the disc brakes have maintenance issues, are more expensive, and add weight to the bike so it is frowned upon in racing conditions. There is a maintenance consideration with disc brakes as well. Rather than the simple pad replacement that rim brakes have, disc brakes need to be torqued exactly every time your wheel is removed, which on a road bike can be often, or your rotor can rub the pads.

However, because of the increased ability in the rain, disc brake popularity has risen dramatically and may become standard equipment on road bikes in the years to come. One thing to watch out for is that manufacturers for the brakes have taken advantage of the sudden demand for disc brakes and some low quality brakes have flooded the market.

Wheel Size

When you are looking to buy the best road bike under $1000 the wheel is very important, as it determines the weight, acceleration, and aerodynamics of your bike. You should therefore, pay close attention when selecting your wheel size so that you can find a responsive, stable, and smooth rolling wheel.

Lightweight wheels are responsive and fast, however, they are less durable and will not perform well on aggressive trails. If you are a fitness or recreational rider, then you do not need to worry too much about the wheel size. However, if you are a competitive rider, then here is some information you should keep in mind.

700x20c wheels are thin; they are designed for trails and light riders. 700x23c are normal sized; they are designed for a range of conditions, including training and racing. 700x25c wheels are slightly thick; they absorb shock well and will last for a long time. 700x28c wheels are the thickest; they are perfect for commuting and touring and are designed with heavy riders in mind. However, the standard size is 700×25 that is unsurpassed and comes with most of the given bike lists.

Frame Material

When it comes to the frame material of your road bicycle, you will have 4 main options; aluminum, steel, titanium and carbon fiber.

Aluminum is the most common material for road bikes under $1000 for a variety of reasons. Aluminum road bike frame checklist:

• Inexpensive
• Lightweight
• Solid and durable
• Comfortable with a slight shock flex in framing

Steel was the most popular option 25+ years ago although thin-walled steel frames are still slightly popular today, Steel road bike frame checklist:

• Most solid construction of the metals
• Heaviest metal
• Moderately responsive framework
• Takes a beating – will survive a crash better than you
• Very inexpensive price tag

Titanium, even the name makes it sound like you’re about to mount a spaceship rather than a bike.  A very brilliant metal, it is growing in popularity as an option for road bikes. Titanium road bike frame checklist:

• Lighter than steel
• Heavier than carbon fiber
• Responsive framework
• Comfortable shock absorption like aluminum
• Handles crashes and weather like steel
• Very expensive

Carbon fiber, which is the lightest and most expensive of the frame materials, is the go-to for high-end performance road bikes. Those on a budget should check the quality of the carbon fiber before making a purchase, as the saying goes “you get what you pay for.” Carbon fiber road bike frame checklist:

• Super light
• Responsive framing
• Extremely rigid material
• Carbon is prone to fracturing
• Not as comfortable as aluminum
• Frames break in serious crashes
• The quality of carbon fiber is slowly getting better as it price decreases annually

The final verdict for the best choice in metal for a road cycle frame, like everything else about your bike, depends on your specific needs. If you want a fairly inexpensive bike to ride on the weekends and can handle being knocked around if a neighbor or teenager borrows it, steel is the way to go. If you have the money to spend and want the strength of steel but the light weight of aluminum, titanium is the best option. If you want a lightweight bike that is moderately rigid so it is more comfortable for long-distance riding that is not necessarily racing, aluminum is the most popular choice. If you are a serious road cyclist who is interested in racing and competitions, carbon fiber is the material you will want to select.  Keep in mind if you are on a budget the cost of the road bike fluctuates greatly with the framing, as it is the bulk material of the road bike.

Chains

The road bike chain is a roller chain that takes the power from your pedaling to the drivetrain of the road bike, moving it forward. A lot of road bike chains are nickel-plated which prevents rusting and as more attractive then steal change. Another option are carbon chains. Having a larger sprocket will make your chain more efficient because the angle of the links in the chain is reduced comma while the higher the chain tension the more efficient your pedaling power transfer becomes.

Prices/Budget

The one factor that will determine which road bike you purchase is your own budget. Though you might want a carbon fiber bike with aggressive wheels and disc brakes, your budget might only allow you to go for an aluminum bike with caliper brakes.

When looking at the Best Road Bike Under 1000 dollars, always ensure the quality of the frame and components are good. If the quality is good, then you should go with the bike and make upgrades at a later date. Read reviews before you buy a road bike, so that you do not fall for a deal which is too good to be true.

How to Size a Road Bicycle

Sizing your road bike is one of the most important parts of selecting your purchase. Your posture and the fit of the bike will affect your health, possible future injuries, your joints, and your success in cycling in the long run. Road bikes are manufactured in 7 main size ranges, and the difference between each may seem very minimal but will feel massive while you are riding. 

To get the correct basic frame size before you begin fine-tuning your road bike, you need to take your height and leg length into consideration. You should be able to stand over the frame of your road bike and have enough wiggle room for two fingers or at least two centimeters between the apex of your leg and the frame.

If you wish to purchase your road bike online, find your size by measuring your inseam. We recommend taking your newly purchased bike into a bike shop to help get fitted after its arrival. If you purchase a road bike in a local store, ask to be fitted by a professional which is usually included with the purchase.

How To Custom Fit Your Bike 

Once you have selected your road bike frame you are ready to begin the fine adjustment to get your bike customized to you. There are many factors to take in consideration and we suggest that beginners get sized at a professional bike shop. For those more experienced at adjusting their bikes at home, we suggest occasionally checking on your posture by placing your road bike on a trainer and taking a photograph of your riding position to check your ergonomics.

Seat Position-

• Adjusting for your back –  to find the best seat height, which is part of what effects the bend in your back as you lean forward, put your heels on your pedals and begin to Pedal backwards. When you are extending your legs fully  without rocking your hips from side to side as you pedal, you have found the perfect seat height.

You may need to fine-tune this adjustment to where you feel the most comfortable, but this is the ballpark adjustment for optimum back position. We suggest marking the seat stem so that when the seat is removed you do not need to go through the long process of finding the best position again. 

• Adjust For Your Pelvis – A level bike seat is the best position for your pelvis in relation to your other body parts. When a seed is Louisville it will support your full body weight and helps with pedaling efficiency. if the seat is tilted too far forward it will increase the pressure on your wrists hands arms and knees.

If riding with a leveled seat is absolutely uncomfortable, you have a wiggle room of about 3 degrees in either direction before it makes other portions of your body prone to injury or work inefficiently..

Handlebars – 

• Adjust For Your Hands – One of the worst things you can experience as a cyclist aside from back or knee pain from improper positioning is your hands going numb.  Numb hands can be especially dangerous because they affect braking and steering. Hand numbness is caused by nerves in your wrist, palms and fingers being compressed. To avoid this compression your hand and wrist position need to be in line with your forearm: you do not want excessive bend in your wrist while riding.

Aside from saddle tilt, having your handlebars in the wrong position, either too high or tilted too close to your body, will cause an improper wrist posture. Make sure that your handlebars are positioned forward and low enough to keep your wrist in line with your forearm.

• Adjust For Your Arms – Your handlebar height should be adjusted so that your back is at a 45 degree angle and the handlebars block your view of the front axle of the bike. If the handlebar is higher it may be more comfortable, but for Fitness enthusiast wanting to reach a faster ride time, a lower handlebar position is better for aerodynamics.

Handlebar width should be approximately the width of your shoulders, and like height can be adjusted either wider for comfort or more narrow for better aerodynamics. The reach of your arms should allow for slight flex in the elbow and should be comfortable for long periods of time.

• Adjust For Your Neck –  The position of your handlebars being too low can cause neck pain. For optimal neck posture the saddle needs to be centered with the handlebars at the create height and an appropriate stem length. If the stem is too long, the seat is too far back or the Handlebar is too low neck pain could follow.

Your head is tilted up while your back is flexed for long periods while cycling on a road bike. Periodically tilt your head down and stretch your neck while riding. Another important thing to consider is making sure your helmet fits correctly. An improperly fitted helmet that causes wiggle or shifting can cause neck pain as you try to keep the helmet in place.

Adjusting For Your Legs –

• Pedals – Your cleats should be directly under the ball of your foot for the best power transfer, most efficient leg movement, and comfortable foot placement.

• Seat Position – The seat should be positioned so that when your legs are bent at 90 degrees, your knee is directly above the pedal.  The seat height should be at a distance where your knee is flexed 10 to 20 degrees when your leg is fully extended on the downstroke of the pedal. If your seat is positioned too high it will cause over extension of your knee in the pedal stroke causing pain behind the knee. If your seat is too low, causing your knee to bend excessively you will get pain in front of your knee.

Adjust For Your Feet –  

• Shoes – Shop around and get a good pair of cycling shoes. summer shoes for road biking have good ventilation both in the sole and in the upper of the shoe. Winter road biking shoes should be water-resistant and slightly insulated to protect from snow and wet conditions. We do not recommend winter boots for road cycling because of the inflexibility of the ankle.
• Clipless Pedals – Nearly every road bike out there has some type of modern clipless pedals. Figure out the design that works the most naturally for you that is compatible with your bike. These are your power connections to your bike and increase the power of your stroke. Using a clipless pedal system that allows you to pull on your upstroke will drive your bike forward in ways you could never do in running shoes alone. Beginners should practice using their clipless shoe and pedal pairs in parking lots or empty roads. Unhooking and planting your feet when you come to a stop can be tricky at first, and you do not want to learn in traffic creating an unsafe situation.

Adjust For Staying Alive –

Do not ride without a helmet. If you think you will look silly, have more airflow on your head to stay cool, have better overall vision for safety, none of it matters if you end up in a bad crash and land on your hit. Do not ride without a helmet. There are inexpensive helmets, there are aerodynamic helmets, there are dinosaur helmets with mohawks. Pick one that fits your head, strap it on before you ride, and keep it on for the duration of your cycling distance. A lot of countries and city ordinances have even made it a law requiring road bikers to wear their helmets.

How to Use a Road Bike

Road biking is an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors while getting in an exhilarating workout. A road bike is customized to be the optimal vehicle for riding on paved roadways for extreme distances for long periods of time. In addition to being lightweight and having a relatively high seat for an aerodynamic riding posture, road bikes typically have narrow tires and handlebars that are lower for comfortable long-distance rides. Something to keep in mind about the handlebar drop and the narrow hand position is that you have a little bit less control with steering than other types of bikes and this may take a little getting used to.

Unless the bike has been customized, or is a hybrid bike to handle rough terrain such as dirt or cobblestone, it is recommended to ride your road bike only on smooth paved city streets.  Road bikes usually have an average of 20 gears and the mechanics are built of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber or aluminum. Due to their lightweight and specific build for aerodynamics, speed and distance, road bikes are often referred to as racing bicycles.

A popular question is whether or not road bikes are good for commuting. If you are simply considering getting from point A to point B on a smooth road surface, then yes. However, if this is to be a daily commuter bike, keep in mind that most road bikes do not come with fenders or a luggage rack. If you are commuting to work you may have to carry everything on your person in a riding sack or backpack. In extreme weather conditions such as snow, the average road bike can be a little slippery due to the narrow tires. We recommend using wider tires in these conditions, but luckily our list of the best road bikes under 1000 we cover almost any variety of road commuting you can imagine and have a bike to match it.

Potential Hazards of Road Biking

Roadkill –

• As simple as it may sound, your bike goes where your head goes, so if you are looking down and focusing on road kill you may invariably swerve off the road. Look at it enough to avoid your obstacle, mentally pay your condolences and then continue looking at least 20 yards down the road and not directly in front of your bike.
• We will take this moment to remind you again to wear your helmet.

Wet Roads –

• The dangers of road biking on wet roads are similar to motorcycles, except on a road bike you do not nearly have the same weight capacity to help with your stability.
• The first 20 minutes of rainfall is the most dangerous. Oil residue and various chemicals from vehicles raises up from the cracks of the road to float on the water surface and becomes a slick film. In order to counteract this, stay firmly seated in your saddle to stay weight and help stability.
• Drive your weight into the outside pedal in the lowered position when cornering to help your tires grip the road.
• When it begins to pour and you have no choice but to continue riding, having brightly colored waterproof clothing is your best option.
• A poncho is convenient but make sure it is not too loose or it may cause problems if the wind picks up.
• Shoe covers, hooded jackets, and waterproof pants are all excellent but the most important consideration of this waterproof clothing is to make sure that it is highly visible for car drivers in the rain.  They will be watching you through a rain splattered windshield.
• We suggest installing blinking, waterproof lights both on the bike and on your helmet.

High Winds –

• The best way to fight extremely strong winds when riding is to become as compact as possible on your bike.
• Tighten your clothing so that it cannot be caught like a sail in the wind.
• If possible, crouch over your handlebar and keep your elbows and knees in tight to your body core.
• Keep in mind high winds can push cars and freight trucks into other lanes, so give as much room to the vehicles in the lane as possible.

Slippery Snow and Freezing Temperatures –

• Lower your tire pressure 5-10 psi (pounds per square inch) below the recommended pressure – the pressure ranges can be found on the sidewall of your tire.
• Although it may affect aerodynamics, and the ultimate comfort of your position, consider lowering your seat up to 3 inches so that you can easily brace with a leg if the bike wobbles and begins to fall.
• When the temperature drops there is a delicate balance between dressing warmly and overheating while exerting yourself pedaling, so make sure to wear a sweat and moisture wicking bottom layer of clothing.
• Add layers of removable long sleeve shirts and pants.
• Wear a warm fabric beanie or cap under your helmet, or invest in a helmet liner.
• Invest in insulated gloves that do not hinder handling or braking.
• Wear waterproof insulated boots.
• We suggest using a windproof, water-resistant jacket to prevent getting wet from snow while riding.

Extreme Heat –

• Possibly more dangerous than extreme cold is being forced to ride in extreme heat conditions.
• Stay as hydrated as possible and take as many breaks in the shade as you can.
• Sweat cools your body as the moisture evaporates from your skin and pulls heat away during the evaporation process. Triple this cooling method by soaking your shirt in water during your ride so that it evaporates and cools you as you pedal.
• Wear a cooling neck cloth.
• Wear well-ventilated shoes and a vented helmet if possible for maximum airflow.

Uneven Brick and Cobblestone Roads –

• Because road bikes have a distinct lack of suspension, your body is going to take most of the shock of riding on this uneven road surface. Keep your elbows and knees slightly flexed and try to use your arm as a shock suspension for the rest of your body.
• On cobblestones do not grip the handle bar and try to force the bike in the particular line. Rather, just like riding a horse, give it its head a little bit and let the bike form a natural line through the cobblestones.
• On brick roads, try to find a worn path that has been carved in by repeated motor vehicle traffic.

Paint Stripes on the Road –

• If you have ever gone shopping on a rainy day and walked across the raised paint signaling a crosswalk you may have noticed how incredibly slippery the road markers can become. The rubber tires on your bike are just as slippery as your rubber shoes so be careful!
• Cross over painted lines at right angles; cross as perpendicular to the paint line as possible.
• If you are forced to traverse a long line of road paint, try to maintain slow, constant pedaling because the continued progression helps stability.
• Do not twist and try to leave the line abruptly, you may fall.

Potholes and Deep Cracks –

• If it is unavoidable to go over a pothole try to hop over it with your tires.
• Popping, or bunny hopping, is done with your pedals parallel to the ground. You will pull up on your handlebar while lifting your feet as your bike moves forward with inertia. You can practice this technique by popping your front wheel over small cracks in the road, and once you have mastered popping the front wheel, practice popping the back wheel over the same crack as you pass over it. When you have mastered the two separate techniques, combine them to clear the crack completely.
• One of the more dangerous road hazards for road cycling is a deep crack. If your wheel gets caught in a deep crack chances are high that you will damage the tire or fall off the bike yourself, so be prepared for that eventuality.
• If you need to cross a crack that is running parallel to your direction, lean your bike towards the crack and pop the tire in the same manner as you would over a pothole, but aiming for the other side of the crack. For example, if there is a parallel crack to your right, lean to your right side traveling with your tire a few inches to the left of the crack. While going forward and leaning to the right, pop up your front wheel turning it slightly sideways to the right so that when it lands, it lands on the opposite side of the crack.

How to Maintain Your Bike

Road bikes are highly sophisticated cycling technological creations. They have been built with optimum quality parts, constructed with precision engineering, and have been customized to fit your body perfectly for the most comfortable and aerodynamic ride possible. Maintaining this fantastic machine will help you ride as fast, and as long, as possible. 

Because maintaining your road bike is basically the same as maintaining any bicycle, many people decide to do a majority of the maintenance themselves. However, since you are biking next to traffic often than other styles of cycling, making sure your road bike is operating at optimum level is mandatory for your safety!

Beginners who feel overwhelmed with maintenance of their road bike, or for more complex mechanical problems, we suggest taking your road bike to a qualified specialist for repair.

Here are some basic maintenance checklist items for your cycle:

• Have the proper equipment on hand. We suggest keeping a small tool kit in your sack while riding, with a more comprehensive kit in your garage or bike parking area for a more thorough maintenance. Some of the more common items you will need are lubrication like oil, a degreaser for spills, cleaning agents for your bike, a floor air pump for your tires, cable cutters, screwdrivers, Allen Keys or a hex wrench set, a spoke wrench, chain tools and Torx wrenches.
• Check for loose bolts or other components at least once a month or after a long ride with rougher terrain than usual.
• Once a month do an overall rust check and oil any part that squeaks.
• Check your chain slack using a chain checker to measure it. Only lubricate your chain between the side plates and under the center roller of your chain. Over-lubricating your chain will attract dirt and other contaminants that could clog your chain links and cause malfunctions or damage components.

• Check your brake pads and squeaky brakes. Make sure your wheel rims are clean so that the rim brake pad can grip properly. Make sure your back brake pads are not worn or chipped. If you have disc brakes, check their thickness. If they are less than 2.5 millimeters they need to be replaced for safety.
• Tighten loose brakes.
• Keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Store your bike out of the weather or in a shady area because tires lose air pressure in direct sunlight. Tires with low air pressure are more easily punctured and also create a drag making it harder to pedal, and put more wear and tear on your road bike’s mechanical components.
• In addition to the proper tire pressure, you need to check the sealant and thread. If you have tubeless tires, the sealant will occasionally dry out. Every other month reapply the tire sealant. Check your tire tread for wear or uneven spots. If you are riding on treadless tires check to see if the tire has begun to flatten, which is a sign it needs to be replaced.
• Keep your road bike clean. Roads are gritty with dirt and have oil and other chemicals from passing motor vehicles. Keeping your bike clean after long treks will help it last for years of riding.
• Keep your road bike well-lubricated. After cleaning your chain make sure that it is lubricated properly and any place where metal touches metal on your road bike.
• True your wheels. You can check to see if your wheels have a wobble by turning your bike upside down and spinning them. If you see a slight variation or a wiggle, take your bike to a specialist to have them fixed immediately.
• Make sure your seat is comfortable. Painful riding is not only annoying; it is a distraction which is not safe when commuting next to traffic. Adjust your seat for optimum comfort and maintain it by buffing it if it is leather, or polishing it to help withstand sunlight and other weather conditions. Make sure to keep your seat post greased.

Big Advantages of Using Our Review For The Top Rated Road Bikes Under 1000

Although we would love to give you a particular model or brand of road bike for you, the very best road bike is the one that fits your specific needs. Everyone has their particular preferences and taste, and in the case of road bikes it is not only aesthetics, but size. You need to find a road bike that fits your specific body requirements as well as personal taste.

Once you have assessed what you find attractive visually and know your basic frame size, you are ready to look for your new road bike. The great advantage of utilizing our guide to find the best road bike under 1000 for you is that these are road-tested and proven bicycles.  Some are compatible with disc brakes, many come with free extras, and some have surprising high-quality bonuses.  There are a variety of sizes in our list, and each bite offers a variety of adjustments that can be made on the frame without purchasing extensions or other accessories. Whichever price tag and size suits your needs, we have you covered with the comprehensive buying guide review for the best road bikes under 1000 dollars.