Some of you may want to jump straight into the best road bike for 1000 dollars. If so, then I would suggest taking a look at the Diamondback Century 1. What makes the Century 1 so special? Simple, Diamondback routinely makes excellent bikes, and this may very well be their best budget road bike to date.
These days cycling is becoming a much easier get into. Due in large part to the decreasing cost of parts and technology. And if you are only recently getting into the world, this barrier of entry means great things for your first purchase.
Technology that once cost multiple thousands of dollars can now be purchased for a fraction of the price. Of course, if you want cutting-edge technology, then you’ll still be shelling out upwards of three thousand big ones for competition bikes. But those of us who aren’t particularly interested in the competitive side of cycling. Well, we’ve got more options to choose from than ever before.
Today we are discussing the best road bikes for $1,000
Note: If you are not already familiar with what to look for in a road bike I would highly recommend reading another one of our articles discussing the key components of a good road bike. In it, the author lays out precisely what you need, and you may even see some new bikes that capture your eyes.
Best of Both Worlds: Raleigh Bikes Willard 2 All-Road Bike
Not your traditional road bike. That much is certain.
But…. Are you looking for a bike that is easy to assemble, and is capable of traveling more than just those perfectly paved surfaces you only come across once in a blue moon?
Of course, you are; which is why the Raleigh Willard 2 All-road is a great bike to start with.
The mechanical disc brakes provide extreme stopping power while the SRAM 1x drivetrain gives you unparalleled control over gear shifting. This lightweight drivetrain is low in maintenance needs and ensures all components work in sync with each other.
The first thing you may notice (at least I did) when you receive this bike is how lightweight it is for an ‘all-road’ bike. This is because it is constructed from an aluminum frame and a carbon fork. The two combine for an extraordinarily durable bike that is still able to minimize its weight.
The downside here is simple, and maybe not even a downside at all. If you don’t expect to take some of the more strenuous roads in your area, then you aren’t getting the benefits that an ‘all-road’ bike has to offer.
Best Women Road Bike: Diamondback Bicycle Airen 1
Ergonomically designed for women riders, while still maintaining the grit and attitude that women cyclists exude. This isn’t your average bike for women (nothing from Diamondback ever is ordinary). The Diamondback Airen 1is built with strength, durability, and speed in mind. This is the best road bike for 1000 specially built for women.
If you intend on spending hours at a time on your bike, this is for you. The people at Diamondback have found a way to alter the frame just enough to keep riders comfortable for long stretches of time. The ergonomics of this bike are unmatched, making traveling long distances less punishing and more rewarding.
Combine that with the world-renowned strength of Diamondback frames and the profoundly responsive 2×11 gear set, and you’ve got yourself a hell of a bike. Plus, being such a lightweight bike, the disc-brakes will offer maximum stopping power.
You can also check out our other article for more road bike options for women.
Best Carbon Road Bike: BEIOU Carbon Road Bike
We’ve gone over some great carbon road bikes before here at Upbeatbike. But this is one of my favorites, weighing in at under 18 pounds (8.5 kg) the BEIOU Carbon road bike just might be the lightest bike on our list. Something you are sure to appreciate when climbing up those steep city streets. Speaking of steep hills. You’re bound to be grateful for those 20 different gear speeds when moving uphill too.
Gear switching on the BEIOU Carbon is about as easy as you could ask for, and the same can be said for maneuvering through the roads. Brisk and effortless… That is how many have described the feel of riding this bike.
Some improvements can be made to this bike, however. One of those improvements that I would recommend is upgrading the saddle. The stock saddle seems to be notoriously stiff and uncomfortable. The good news is, a new saddle will not only make your ride more enjoyable, but it will likely shave off some weight as well. You may do well to get some higher-end pedals too.
All-in-all, I can’t think of any reason not to get this bike. Only being 1,000 bucks, you can’t expect perfection. But the minor upgrades you can make to the BEIOU Carbon offer a vastly different experience.
Carbon Road Bike Runner-Up: Eurobike EU900
This 18-speed road bike is a great alternative to the BEIOU Carbon if you want something a little less expensive. It weighs in at right around 21 pounds (9.5 kg), not quite a lightweight but it’s certainly not a heavy bike by any stretch. And the Shimano Sora R3000 offers easy gear shifting at any speed.
When it comes to aesthetics, the Eurobike EU900 is right up there with my favorite looking bikes as well. They have a blue and red option, as well as some sweet looking wheels. If you want a carbon road bike for less than 1000 dollars, the Eurobike is right up your alley.
Most Aerodynamic: Savadeck Warwinds 3.0
If you like a lot of colors, then this Savadeck bike is most definitely going to catch your eye. The Savedeck Warwinds 3.0 is sleek, stylish, and most important’ it is reliably awesome.
Utilizing a Toray T800 carbon fiber frame keeps its weight to a minimum and the 2×9 Shimano Sora drivetrain offers more than enough gears to get you to your destination with ease. But that isn’t really where this bike shines.
The Warwinds gets its name from where it was designed… In a wind tunnel. Every curve, bend, and accessory on this bike was built with one thing in mind. That thing is aerodynamics. From the internal cable routing brake system to the seat post, and even the stays. This bike is made for speed.
Best Endurance Road Bike: Diamondback Century 1
This is only my own opinion, but Diamondback bikes are always among my favorite. Maybe that is because my first proper bike was a Diamondback, or maybe it’s just because they truly are as impressive as I think they are. But one thing is certain; the Century 1 is a bike that any cyclist will enjoy.
This is more than just a road bike; it is built for endurance. It has a newly designed aluminum alloy frame to boost its performance and help reduce riders’ fatigue on those abnormally long rides. Combining the new frame and taller head tube you’ll be able to ride comfortably for long periods of time. You’re sure to appreciate the 2×11 drivetrain when riding too.
Of course, the unmistakable Diamnondback look is also a huge plus with this bike. If you are a Diamondback fan, then I am confident you’ll love their new take on endurance road bikes.
There you have it, a list of some of our favorite road bikes for 1000 dollars. Obviously, some are a little more expensive than others but, they’ll all be in the right at that price point.
Key Features of The Best Road Bike For 1000
Before you get on your way to purchasing your next road bike, I’d like to take a little time to go over some upgrades that you can make to these bikes. Don’t get me wrong; these are all perfectly capable bikes. But at a thousand dollars you’ll notice some aspects of your new bike that you would like to improve.
Making adjustments to your bike isn’t just a way to make it last longer and go faster, it also helps you resist fatigue while riding. And there is nothing worse than being in the middle of a group ride and already being exhausted.
Saddle
This is possibly the most important component of ride comfort. After all, it is the main point of contact between your bike and your body. Unfortunately, there is a big misconception when it comes to bike seats. Many people think of them in the same way they think of a couch or a recliner; softer and more cushion is directly correlated to how comfortable your ride will be. But, when dealing with road bikes, the opposite is true.
The bike seat (saddle) on road bikes should be firm, elongated, and slightly pointed down. This is to allow maximum comfort while riding. That said everyone has a different body type, so be sure to get what fits you best.
Forks
These are your shocks, and while road bikes typically don’t have much in the way of suspension, getting a good fork can drastically reduce the weight of the bike. We all want to go fast, and aftermarket forks tend to increase speed greatly.
Wheels
This is going to be on the more expensive side of upgrades. But if you’ve got the cash and want to discard some of that unwanted weight on your bike, the wheels are a great place to do so. Hell, top-end wheels are often more aerodynamic and even roll better than stock wheels that come with your bike.
Brakes
When bike manufacturers are putting together bikes in the thousand dollar range, they usually end up using lower end brakes as a way to cut cost while still being able to sell a quality bike.
Usually, you won’t notice the difference between top-end brakes and discounted brakes. But on wet days (when friction is at a minimum) discount brakes become far too noticeable. Having the knowledge that you will be able to stop the moment you need to is imperative. And it has profound effects on the way you ride.
Wrap-up
If you are looking for a quality road bike that is right within the 1000 dollar range, now is the time to purchase. We are in an age where good bikes are finally within reach without having to pay an arm and a leg for it.
Personally, I love the Diamondback Century 1. But you choose what’s best for you. And don’t forget, you can always make some upgrades to the parts you aren’t as in love with. As long as the frame is sturdy, and you like the look of your new bike; I promise, you’ll fall in love with riding.
