This feature was produced in association with Cycle Surgery.
Not all road bikes are equal. Heck, most aren't even that similar despite superficial appearances (yes, they all have handlebars, a frame and some wheels but that really is about where the likeness ends).
If you’ve got your heart set on buying a new road bike it’s always worthwhile asking yourself, ‘What kind of riding will I be doing on it?’
If you’re taking up crit racing, for example, then you’ll obviously want something stiff, light and responsive.
If, however, you’re targeting your first sportive or century ride then it makes more sense to look for something with a shorter top tube which will create a more upright – and therefore comfortable riding position – plus a good spread of gears to help with climbs.
Be specific about your needs rather than just picking one because you like its pretty paint job!
Cube Attain GTC Race Disc 1
In a nutshell: A handsome-looking, high-performance racer that combines a stiff carbon frame to get you up to speed with ease, with Shimano BR-RS505 disc brakes to bring you efficiently to a halt.
Stand-out features: With internal gear cabling and hydraulic (rather than cable) operated brakes this is a bike that’s comparatively low maintenance.
The frame has also been optimised to soak up the disc brakes’ stopping power, with a specially designed fork that’s not only more robust but also improves steering while increasing comfort.
£1,799 | cyclesurgery.com
Giant Advanced 1 Disc
In a nutshell: A bike with a racing heart this employs Giant’s so-called ‘Compact Geometry’ (which gives the carbon frame that sloping top tube) to create greater stiffness and therefore efficient power transfer to the pedals.
The hydraulic disc brakes, meanwhile, will pull you up in a trice.
Stand-out features: As well as the Shimano RS505 brakes, its Shimano Ultegra compact 11-speed drivetrain is a welcome sight, and will certainly help you over the hills.
£1,999 | cyclesurgery.com
Orbea Orca Aero M30 Team
In a nutshell: An unashamed racing machine that’s been specifically designed to help those riders who like to go fast, go even faster!
This is Basque firm Orbea’s first ever aero bike and is a response to the UCI – pro cycling’s governing body – relaxing its rules on frame design.
Stand-out features: Those chunky, deep-section carbon tube profiles are all about creating stiffness to squeeze every last watt out of your performance while also reducing air resistance.
Just look at how the rear wheel is tucked in behind the seat tube for example. Slick!
£2,499 | cyclesurgery.com