Are you after an entry level road bike costing less than US$1000? Then you've come to the right place, as we test more bikes than anyone.

Fueled by our sub-$1k mountain bike test we’ve rounded up the 2011 road bike models we’ve tested that fit the bill—to give you an idea of what’s available now, and likely on close out. We've also started poring over 2012 bikes and specs to put together a rough list of models we’re looking to put some time on once the snow melts.

BikeRadar’s 2011 road highlights at the US$1,000 mark

Cannondale Synapse Sora

US$1,030, weight N/A             

The Synapse is typical for a US$1,000 machine, having an aluminum frame, carbon fork with alloy steerer and Shimano’s functional Sora groupset. For a modestly spec’d machine, the ride is reassuring and comfortable. The frame has a shorter top-tube and taller head-tube than Cannondale’s racier bikes, resulting in a slightly upright position.

The comfort is helped by the oversized bar, excellent bar tape, swooping keyhole-shaped seatstays and Schwalbe’s 25mm Lugano tires, their grip allowing you to tackle corners confidently. Cannondale’s own saddle proved popular too, and the result is a bike that takes long rides in its stride and can tackle them at a reasonable lick. It’s excellent for the price, with Cannondale’s experience in producing aluminum frames standing it in good stead.

Read the full BikeRadar review of the Cannondale Synapse Sora here

Specialized Allez Triple

US$840, weight 21.9lb (9.92 kg) without pedals

"Ideal first race bike, save for that low-ish top gear"

Unlike many road bikes at this price, the Allez makes precious few attempts at being an all-rounder. Rack mounts, forget 'em. Clearance for wider tires, nope. This is a modestly priced bike with racing aspirations, and the decades Specialized have spent producing aluminum Allez frames haven't been squandered. Our only criticism is the comparatively low top gear, which seems a strange choice on an otherwise racy bike.

It might be a few grand removed from the Specialized Tarmac SL3 bikes ridden by the professionals, but the Allez frame has the same tapered head tube design and Specialized say it has the same torsional stiffness. They also say it's 20 percent stiffer than last year’s Allez. While we can’t vouch for those figures, or that the narrow seatstays have increased compliance, we can say that the handling is taut, faultless and feels every inch a racing bike when you put your foot down and start cranking on the pedals.

Read the full review of the Specialized Allez Triple here

Trek 1.2

US$959.99, 21lb (9.51kg) without pedals

"Starter bike? Second bike? It’s up to both jobs"

At the Trek 1.2's heart is that Alpha Aluminum frame. Neatly finished, it offers a solid, confident ride. Solid might actually sound like we mean harsh, but that isn’t the case here – it’s solid as in reliable, predictable.Some cheaper aluminum bikes can, and often do, err on the side of bone shaking, but the 1.2 is pleasingly smooth – the slim seatstays have enough give to iron out too much harshness at the rear and the Bontrager Approved carbon fork aids cushioning at the front end.

The riding position is reasonably upright – thanks to the high, long-ride-friendly front end. The good news with that is that you’re likely to remain comfortable. The wheels too – from Bontrager, Trek’s own component brand – are good. They roll smoothly, feel strong and should prove reliable.And the same goes for the Bontrager tires – they provide a good level of cushioning and decent amounts of grip. If you’ve never ridden a road bike or you’re coming back after an absence and have ‘just’ £650 to spend, chances are you’ll find a lot to like in the Trek 1.2. But the same can be said if you’ve been riding something a few price points up too.

Read the full BikeRadar review of the Trek 1.2 here

Hot picks for BikeRadar’s upcoming spring sub-$1k road test

Cannondale CAAD 8 7 Sora

US$940

• Frame: 6061 aluminum
• Fork: Cannondale Ultra, carbon blades
• Groupset: Shimano Sora with FSA Vero crank
• Wheelset: Formula hubs, Maddux RS 3.0 rims

Felt F85

US$999

• Frame: 7005 superlight, butted, smooth-welded aluminum
• Fork: Felt UHC Performance carbon fiber fork, tapered alloy steerer
• Groupset: MicroShift integrated shifters and front derailleur, Shimano 105 rear derailleur, FSA Tempo Compact crank
• Wheelset: Felt hubs Mavic CXP-22N rims

Giant Defy 5

US$700

• Frame: ALUXX SL-Grade aluminum
• Fork: aluminum, alloy OverDrive tapered steerer
• Groupset: Shimano 2300 with FSA Tempo crank
• Wheelset: Giant S-R2

Jamis Ventura Comp

US$975

• Frame: Kinesis 7005 double-butted mainframe
• Fork: full carbon with alloy dropouts
• Groupset: Shimano Sora shifters, front derailleur; Tiagra rear derailleur, and FSA Vero compact crank
• Wheelset: Formula hubs with Mavic CXP-22 rims

KHS Flite 450

US$979

• Frame: 6061 alloy
• Fork: carbon with alloy steerer
• Groupset: Shimano 2300
• Wheelset: Q2 AR40

Scott Speedster S40

US$849.99

• Frame: 6061 double-butted alloy
• Fork: Speedster carbon with alloy steerer
• Groupset: Shimano Sora shifters, front derailleur; Tiagra rear derailleur; Truvativ Isoflow C2.1crank
• Wheelset: Scott hubs with Alex Race 28 Aero rims

Specialized Allez Double

US$880

• Frame: A1 premium aluminum
• Fork: Specialized FACT carbon with alloy steerer
• Groupset: Shimano Sora shifters, front derailleur; Tiagra rear derailleur; Sugino crank
• Wheelset: Specialized hubs with Alex S500 rims

Trek 1.2

US$959.99

• Frame: 100 series Alpha aluminum
• Fork: Bontrager approved, carbon legs with alloy steerer
• Groupset: Shimano Sora shifters, front derailleur; Tiagra rear derailleur; FSA Vero compact crank
• Wheelset: alloy hubs, Bontrager approved alloy rims

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