Road bike

What is a Road Bike?

By definition, the road bike was created for competitions. Its shape and technical features make it an ideal bicycle for riding on smooth asphalt to achieve high speeds... for racing, indeed!

What characterizes it? It is lightweight, has thin tires, the classic drop handlebars, and a forward-leaning riding position.

How to Choose Your Road Bike

Choosing the right road bike means evaluating experience level, the correct size, and your available budget. Here are the main aspects to consider.

First Road Bike: Men or Women

Choosing your first road bike depends mainly on your budget and intended use: groupset, wheels, and frame geometry significantly affect the final price, while models designed for men and women differ in sizes and proportions. If you want to explore more accessible models for beginners, check out our selection of entry-level road bikes.

How to Calculate the Size

It is essential to get help from one of our sales staff, and in the case of buying a used bike, to be patient before finding the right one. The size is determined based on the cyclist's height and varies by model and frame geometry.

What Type of Road Bike to Choose

A road bike can have infinite combinations and features: groupset, materials, technologies, different brands and models, components, and much more. Perhaps a few years ago, all road bikes had the same characteristics: drop handlebars, 23-inch tires, and more recently, disc brakes and carbon frames. But in reality, the variety of options available to choose from is due to many factors.

Road bikes are categorized as "race," "aero," and "endurance": the first require a lower and more aerodynamic cyclist position with a more aggressive geometry to offer greater agility and aerodynamics. The so-called "endurance" bikes are intended for long distances, allow the cyclist to maintain a more upright and comfortable position, and the frame geometry offers better stability.

Buying Guide Based on Price

Before guiding you in choosing the best road bike, we recommend evaluating your intended use and the price you are willing to spend.

In the first price range, up to around €2,500, you will find entry-level road bikes, designed for those approaching this sport for the first time.

The second price range could be defined as medium-to-high-end, from €2,500 to €5,000, typically made of carbon and equipped with hydraulic disc brakes and electronic shifting.

Finally, from €5,000 upwards, we find top-tier models used by World Tour professionals, meticulously designed and built to make the cyclist fast, aerodynamic, and in a word: winning!

What Are the Best Road and Racing Bike Brands?

At Cicli Mattio, you can find the best road sport bike brands, which in turn offer a wide catalog of models that differ in features and specifications.

Our offer includes the brands Pinarello, Bianchi, Wilier Triestina, BMC, Trek, Cannondale, Argon18, Cipollini, Officine Mattio, Focus, and Guerciotti.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a road bike cost?

The price varies based on the frame material and components: starting from around €1,500–€2,500 for entry-level models, rising to €2,500–€5,000 for the medium-to-high-end carbon range with electronic shifting, up to top-tier models from €5,000 upwards.

Aluminum or Carbon: Which is better for a road bike?

Aluminum offers an excellent price-performance ratio and is ideal for beginners. Carbon guarantees greater lightness and comfort, making it the preferred choice for those seeking superior performance.

How do I choose the right road bike size?

The size is determined based on the cyclist's height and varies by model and frame geometry: the safest way to avoid mistakes is to get advice from one of our sales staff.

What is the difference between men's and women's road bikes?

Women's models generally have more compact sizes, a shorter top tube, narrower handlebars, and saddles designed for greater comfort over long distances. However, many brands also offer unisex models with ample customization options.