Best road bikes under £1,000 for 2020

The best road bikes under £1,000 are a great place to start if you’re new to cycling or if you’re unsure how much riding you’re actually going to be doing. They can also make brilliant speedy commuters or second-string bikes for more experienced cyclists.

Reckon your budget could stretch to a bit more? Check out our best road bikes under £2,000 and our best road bikes under £3,000. If £1,000 is too much to spend then here are the best road bikes available for under £600.

If you need some help with what to look for, read our guide to choosing the best road bike and watch our video primer below.

• Cheap bikes: what you should look for
• Best women’s road bike: a guide to help you get the right bike for you

The best road bikes under £1,000 in 2019, as rated and reviewed by our expert testers

• Boardman SLR 8.9 Carbon: £1,000
  
• Decathlon Triban 520 Disc: £730
• Canyon Endurace AL 7.0: £999
• Giant Contend SL 1: £999
  
• Giant Contend 2: £579
  
• Ribble Endurance AL Disc: £899
  
• Ribble R872: £1,299
• Rose Pro SL: £997
• Specialized Allez: £650
• Trek Émonda ALR 4: £1,000
  

The road bikes listed above all scored at least 4.5 stars out of five. Read on for full buying advice and our complete list of high scoring bikes.

Finding the right bike for you

There are a few things to bear in mind before you spend your money, however. And perhaps the most important is that these bikes are typically not pure race bikes.

Although they look like race bikes and are perfectly capable of being raced, most lack the more extreme touches of the machines that are uncompromisingly geared towards competition.

Instead, a sub-£1,000 bike is intended as a beginner’s tool, a bike to introduce new riders to road cycling.

What does that mean, exactly?

Well, for a start, the bikes’ frames will often have more relaxed geometry compared to more aggressive bikes designed for racing — they’ll have a shorter reach so you won’t be stretched so far forwards, and thanks to a longer head tube and more elevated handlebars, a higher front-end so you won’t be so low.

In other words, you’ll be sitting in a more upright position than you would on a dedicated race bike, which is good for comfort and also helpful for building new riders’ confidence.

The bikes won’t be as stiff or light as an expensive race bike, and they’ll usually feature less carbon in their construction too. For the most part, bikes in this price range will have a frame made of metal, most often an aluminium alloy.

What will I get for my money?

Don’t go thinking that sub-£1,000 road bikes aren’t the real deal though. As long as you’re riding on tarmac, they’ll do whatever you need them to, whether it’s adding a bit of pace to your commute, dipping your toe into the waters of racing, taking on a sportive, touring or simply riding for fun at the weekends.

Bikes in this price range vary a good deal in spec — the best value ones will typically have a mid-range 11-speed Shimano 105 or SRAM Rival groupset, while many will be equipped with the next level down, i.e. 11-speed SRAM Apex or 10-speed Shimano Tiagra. (A groupset is the collection of components that make your bike go and stop, i.e. shifters, derailleurs, cranks, brakes etc.)

• Related: Road bike groupsets: everything you need to know

Disc brakes are becoming more common at this level but they will often be mechanical cable-operated calipers (or mechanically actuated hydraulic calipers) rather than the full hydraulic systems found on more expensive bikes.

In any case, don’t discount rim brakes, they’re perfectly adequate for most riding and save weight compared to discs.

Read on for summaries and links to all of our highest rated road bikes under £1,000.

The best £1,000 road bikes

Boardman SLR 8.9 Carbon

• £1,000
• Shimano Tiagra components plus Tektro brakes
• Tubeless-ready wheels
• Beginner-friendly ‘sportive’ style geometry

Replacing the much loved Team Carbon, the SLR gets a much more up to date looking frame. It’s equipped with 10-speed Shimano Tiagra shifting and Tektro brakes, and it’s alloy wheels can be converted to tubeless.

Despite being one of the cheapest carbon bikes on the market, the Boardman is a great all-round ride with geometry that’s slightly more upright and beginner-friendly than that of a full-on racer.

• Read our full Boardman SLR 8.9 Carbon review

Decathlon Triban 520 Disc

• £730
• Comfy endurance bike
• Shimano 105 shifting with cable-actuated TRP hydraulic brakes

Sports giant Decathlon shook up its bike range in 2018 and 2019, dropping the B’Twin name almost completely. The Triban 520 Disc is a versatile, comfy road bike that offers a very impressive spec for the money.

The shifting is proper 105 (with non-series cranks) and the brakes are cable-actuated hydraulic discs, the next best thing to a full hydraulic system.

Big tyre clearances and mounts for mudguards make this bike a great choice for year round training or all-weather commuting.

• Read our full review of the Triban 520 Disc

Canyon Endurace AL 7.0

• £999
• Buy the 2019 Endurace AL 7.0 now from Canyon
• Direct-sales machine with a stunning frame matched to a great spec
• Full 105 R7000 groupset and Mavic Aksium wheels
• Lively but comfortable ride

The Canyon Endurace AL won our Budget Bike of the Year 2017 award and it remains one of our favourite affordable bikes.

There’s nothing terribly elaborate about the Endurace AL’s frame, but it’s nicely finished and comes matched to a full carbon fork.

Canyon juggled its models for 2018 and the current Endurace AL 7.0 is the direct equivalent of the old 6.0.

It’s still a bargain thanks to a spec that includes a full Shimano 105 groupset — there are no nasty aftermarket brakes — and Mavic Aksium wheels fitted with decent Continental tyres.

The current Endurace AL 6.0 gets Shimano Tiagra and replaces the old 5.0.

The ride is comfortable, and relaxed geometry is perfect for new riders. A wide range of gears will get you up the toughest climbs, while top-notch brakes inspire confidence heading downhill.

• Read our Canyon Endurace AL 7.0 review
• Read our Canyon Endurace WMN AL 6.0 (105 version) review

Giant Contend SL 1

• Alloy all-rounder with 105 shifting
• Wide gearing and mudguard mounts

Giant seems to be incapable of making a bad bike and the Contend continues that trend.

It’s a very, very competent all-rounder, offering a good spec with no major compromises and practical touches such as mudguard mounts.

The compact frame and D-Fuse carbon seatpost make for a comfy rear-end, while a seriously wide range of gears will get you up and down the worst hills at a reasonable pace (if you’ve got the legs).

• Read our full Giant Contend SL 1 review

Giant Contend 2

• Entry level alloy with mudguard and rack mounts for versatility
• Shimano Claris 8-speed shifting with wide range of gears
• Basic FSA cranks and Tektro brakes

Giant’s replacement for the affordable alloy Defy inherits the best features of its predecessor, with a lively, comfortable ride.

Shimano’s 8-speed Claris offers very competent shifting and a wide range of gears, and its latest incarnation has hidden cables.

Giant’s in-house components are all decent, with the wheels being a little bit lighter than those typically found on bikes at this price point.

The brakes would benefit from an upgrade to cartridge pads, but the total package is a good one.

• Read our full Giant Contend 2 review

Ribble Endurance AL Disc

• From £899 (£1,099 as tested)
• Buy the updated Ribble Endurance AL Disc now from Ribble Cycles
• Racier end of endurance geometry, plus disc brakes
• Mounts for mudguards

Ribble offers a lot of bike for the money with its aluminium framed endurance bike. The Ribble starts at just £899 with Shimano Tiagra and cable discs, but spending a bit more gets you full hydraulics.

It’s not the lightest machine, but it’s year-round capable and well suited to big rides, winter training or long-distance commuting.

• Read our review of the Ribble Endurance AL Disc

Ribble R872

• £1,299
• Buy the updated R872 now from Ribble Cycles
• Shimano 105 R7000 shifting with Tektro brakes
• Carbon frame plus a carbon-legged fork

Yes, it’s a good bit more than a grand but there is a Tiagra version that squeaks under if you prefer.

The R872 packs a lot of value in and is a great all-round performer, with climbing performance to match anything else at this price, as well as impressive levels of comfort.

The latest version has an all-new frame, which we haven’t tested yet, and it’s an appealing prospect with the latest R7000 components.

• Read our full Ribble R872 (previous frame version) review

Rose Pro SL

• £997
• Buy the Rose Pro SL 2000 now from Rose Bikes
• German direct-sales racer with a lovely alloy frame
• Full Shimano 105 groupset, Mavic Aksium wheels
• Firm but brilliant ride

The Pro SL is still one of the best value bikes on the market thanks to its combination of spec and ride quality.

Rose gives you a full 105 groupset and Mavic Aksium wheels, along with an exceptionally nice alloy frame that’s easily mistaken for carbon.

It’s not the most compliant ride out there, but the Pro SL is genuinely exciting, putting budget carbon to shame.

If your budget is flexible and you’d rather have discs there’s also a Pro SL Disc, which scored well when we originally tested it, and which now also gets updated components.

• Read our latest review of the Rose Pro SL and the women’s Pro SL Lady

Specialized Allez

• £650
• Buy the 2020 Allez now from Evans Cycles
• Striking alloy-framed racer that’s fun and fast
• Shimano Claris shifting with wide range of gears
• Quality own-brand finishing kit

If you want a genuinely racy bike on a limited budget, you can’t go wrong with the Allez.

The cheapest version of Specialized’s entry-level road bike offers exciting performance and a competent Shimano Claris-based spec, along with one of the best looking frames you’ll get for this kind of money.

It’s a surprisingly refined ride too thanks to a skinny seatpost and reasonably plump tyres.

• Read our full Specialized Allez review

Trek Émonda ALR 4

• Top-notch alloy version of Trek’s super-light racer
• Shimano Tiagra groupset, Bontrager finishing kit and wheels
• Taut, lively ride that’s still commendably smooth

The Émonda ALR is the affordable aluminium version of Trek’s incredible carbon Émonda SLR, offering much of the same racy goodness to those on a more limited budget.

The ALR is no poor cousin though. It’s a properly sorted bike in its own right with a bang up-to-date frameset that’s ultra-lively and comfy too, thanks to slim seatstays and a 27.2mm post.

Trek hasn’t included mudguard mounts, which is a shame, but it’s our only real complaint. The finish may be muted, but the pearlescent paint looks lovely up close and the welds are nicely smoothed. There’s a red version too if this one’s just not eye-catching enough.

On paper, the Émonda ALR is average value, but the calibre of its frameset makes it a strong contender at this price.

• Read our Trek Émonda ALR 4 review and Matthew Allen’s long-term Emonda ALR review

Bianchi Via Nirone 7

• £750 as reviewed, £950 for current Sora model
• Buy the Bianchi Via Nirone 7 Dama Sora 2020 now from Tredz
• Great looking frame that performs
• Mixed spec, but latest version sports Sora for not much more

Despite being Bianchi’s entry-level model, the Via Nirone gets a very decent alloy frame with remarkably smooth ride quality.

The spec is middling, with average non-groupset brakes and basic wheels, but it all gets the job done.

There’s no Claris version for 2019, but £100 more gets you an upgrade to 9-speed Sora.

• Read the Bianchi Via Nirone 7 Claris review

Boardman Team Carbon

• £1,000
• Full carbon frame and fork at a great price
• Shimano Tiagra and Mavic CXP22 rims
• Slightly woolly feeling brakes and narrow rims and tyres

Budget carbon isn’t always the best choice, but the Boardman Team Carbon is still a compelling one, offering a carbon frame and a full carbon fork at a seriously impressive price.

That does mean some compromises on the spec; the brakes aren’t great and the cranks are nothing special, but it’s a lively, exciting ride, and Shimano’s 10-speed Tiagra is very nearly the equal of 11-speed 105.

The Team Carbon has now been replaced by the Boardman SLR 8.9 Carbon (see above), but it remains in our list for now because it’s a hugely popular choice that’s common on the used market.

• Read the Boardman Team Carbon review

B’Twin Ultra 900 AF / Van Rysel RR 900 AF

• £849.99
• Now renamed as the Van Rysel RR 900 AF
• Buy the Van Rysel RR900 AF now from Decathlon
• Quality alloy frame with a lively ride
• Full Shimano 105 and decent branded wheels

Decathlon’s in-house bikes pack a lot of value in, offering decent frames and specs that don’t cut many corners.

The company recently rebranded its road bikes, with the mid-range and higher end models now being sold under the Van Rysel name.

The Van Rysel Ultra 900 AF 105 is almost the exact same bike as the B’Twin Ultra 900 AF, but it gets an upgrade to the latest 105 R7000 groupset and does away with the silly under-chainstay rear brake.

• Read the B’Twin Ultra 900 AF review

Cannondale CAAD Optimo 105

• £1,000
• Racy geometry
• Shimano 105 R7000 components

Cannondale’s CAAD bikes have long offered performance to equal or exceed that of similarly priced carbon machines.

The CAAD Optimo is a somewhat racy ride and it comes equipped with the latest Shimano 105 R7000 components and third party brakes and cranks.

It’s not the most comfortable ride but it’s a good choice for riders seeking something more aggressive.

• Read our review of the Cannondale CAAD Optimo 105

Dolan l’Etape

• £1,000
• Buy the l’Etape now from Dolan Bikes
• Decent frame with 105 kit
• Sensible weight plus racy geometry

We don’t always endorse cheap carbon, but the Dolan offers a winning combination of racy performance and decent spec, and you can customise it to an extent too.

Unremarkable Shimano wheels won’t set the world alight but 105 shifting is always welcome.

The l’Etape moniker is perhaps a bit of a misnomer because this is more race bike than endurance machine, but if a reasonably aggressive fit is what you’re after then the Dolan is worth a look.

• Read our Dolan l’Etape review

Focus Izalco Race AL 105 / Izalco Race 6.9

• £999
• Buy the updated Izalco Race 6.9 now from Wheelbase
• Stiff, racy alloy frame rewards hard riding
• 105 kit and basic Alex wheels

The alloy Izalco isn’t the plushest bike in its class and it’s a little bit heavier than some, but it’s a rewarding ride if your style is fast-everywhere, because the stiff frame won’t waste your efforts.

Since we reviewed it, the Izalco has been upgraded to Shimano 105 R7000 (with a non-series crankset) and renamned the Izalco Race 6.9, with only a modest price bump.

• Read the Focus Izalco Race AL 105 review

Giant Contend 1

• Stiff frame can sometimes feel harsh
• Useful 32t cassette makes light work of climbs
• Brakes are disappointing but a relatively cheap area to upgrade

Another Contend makes this list, and it’s one we can wholeheartedly recommend.

With geometry based closely on that of Giant’s outgoing Defy model, there’s stable yet responsive handling which amounts to a ride quality normally associated with bikes costing a fair bit more.

The stiffness of the Contend’s alloy frame can make it feel a tad harsh at times, but it never gave us that ‘dead’ feeling that some cheaper bikes do.

Shimano’s Sora drivetrain lacks the close ratio shifts of Shimano’s higher-end groups but offers a very useful range thanks to an 11-32t cassette.

Giant’s own brakes aren’t the best, but they are a relatively cheap area to upgrade on what happens to be an otherwise very sorted machine.

• Read our Giant Contend 1 review

Giant Contend SL 2 Disc

• Comfy alloy from the world’s biggest bike maker
• Shimano Tiagra shifting
• Unique hybrid disc brake setup offers most of the advantages of proper hydraulics

If you’ve got some more cash to spend and value all-weather braking then this could be a better choice than the rim brake Contends.

The Contend SL 2 is middle-of-the-road on spec and weight, but it’s a solid performer that’s very beginner friendly thanks to relaxed geometry and great ride quality.

The unusual disc brake setup isn’t the easiest to adjust, but it works well and offers an experience pretty close to that of full hydraulics.

• Read our Giant Contend SL 2 Disc review

Marin Nicasio

• Comfy steel distance machine
• Claris shifting with basic Promax mechanical disc brakes

Most of the bikes at this price level are alloy-framed and built with race or sportive pretensions. The Nicasio is closer in spirit to a traditional tourer.

It’s heavy and versatile, with fat tyres as standard and the option to fit a rack and mudguards.

It’s not the fastest, but a bike like this makes a great commuter and long-distance machine.

• Read the Marin Nicasio review

Merlin Cordite SL

• £1,000
• Racy carbon frame with seatmast is essentially an old Ridley Helium SL
• R8000 shifting plus 4ZA brakes

If the Cordite SL looks vaguely familiar that’s because it’s essentially the old Ridley Helium SL with different paint, a 2008 design that was raced at the top level of pro cycling.

Its stout seatmast dates it somewhat and makes for a firm ride, as well as limiting the range of saddle height adjustment once it’s been cut.

The brakes aren’t amazing either, but the Merlin is nevertheless a good amount of bike for the money, offering a full carbon frameset and R8000 shifting.

• Read the Merlin Cordite SL review

Scott Speedster 40

• £649
• Good range of gears, wider tyres and mudguard mounts
• Basic spec with average brakes

The entry-level Speedster received some updates for 2018, making for a very practical all-rounder.

It’s got mudguard mounts and 28mm tyres as standard, as well as nice low gears for hauling up the steep stuff.

The endurance geometry should work for most riders, but it’s sharp enough to be fun.

• Read the Scott Speedster 40 review

Specialized Allez Elite

• Lively performing entry-level alloy racer
• Stiff, exciting ride makes up for average spec
• Shimano 105 shifting, Praxis cranks and own-brand everything else

The Allez has long been a go-to for entry-level road bikes, offering solid performance in an attractive package, if not exceptional value for money.

The spec is a bit piecemeal with a mishmash of own brand and third-party components mixed in with the Shimano bits.

Nevertheless, the Allez retains the likeable qualities for which it is renowned, and it’s a good basis for upgrades down the line.

For 2018, the Allez was updated with a new frame which we’ve found to perform very well indeed.

• Read our Specialized Allez Elite review

Pinnacle Laterite 3

• Ready for racks and mudguards
• Shimano 105 where you wouldn’t expect it
• Heavy wheels and so-so braking

The Laterite 3 is a product of Evans Cycles’ in-house brand Pinnacle, which we know has a knack for producing great budget bikes, and this is certainly no exception.

The no-frills aluminium frame of the Laterite strikes a good compromise between an aggressive race-like fit and more relaxed geometry, while mudguard and rack fittings open this bike to practicality that some competitors can’t match.

What really steals the attention here though is Shimano’s excellent 105 11-speed groupset, which is quite astonishing to see on a bike of this price (although it’s not the latest R7000).

Yes, we’d have rather seen a crank from Shimano, but the Pro Wheel chainset worked just fine. Heavy wheels and lacklustre brakes hold the Laterite back from scoring full marks.

• Read our Pinnacle Laterite 3 review

Have you found what you’re looking for?

If £1,000 is just too much money, there are some great road bikes in the sub-£600 bracket.

Has reading this article caused a little budget creep? If so, head over to our best under £2,000 and best under £3,000 lists.

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