Road-Bike Budgeting

After you’ve chosen your desired frame, brakes and gears (or perhaps more sensibly before), you need to work out your budget for a new road-bike. The prices vary massively and, although buying a new road-bike is always exciting, it can quickly become overwhelming when you start comparing features and price. From entry-level models to high-performance machines, you should always enjoy road-cycling and not be concerned about comparing your bike with what the pros ride.

Understanding what you can realistically afford will help you make the best choice. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first bike or an experienced cyclist eyeing an upgrade (or an addition), research ensures you invest wisely without unnecessary spending.

a. Other Road-Bike Components

When buying a road-bike, the frame and groupset often steal the spotlight, but the supporting cast of components can make all the difference in comfort, performance, and enjoyment. 

Upgrading these components is common and we explore these components in detail in a future chapter. However, here’s a quick run-down of other components you might want to consider when buying a road-bike:

• Wheels: Your wheels are where the rubber meets the road—literally. Lightweight carbon wheels boost speed and climbing performance but can often raise the price of a road-bike. Sturdy aluminum wheels provide durability and affordability. Also, if you are wanting to ride tubeless, make sure you get a tubeless-ready option.
• Handlebars: Handlebar shape and material are key to comfort and control. Aluminum bars are affordable and robust, while carbon bars are lighter and absorb more road vibration, offering greater comfort on longer rides. Compact drops suit endurance rides, aero bars are perfect for racing, and flared bars shine in gravel adventures.
• Saddle: Finding the perfect saddle is like finding your soulmate—trial and error is often key. Racing saddles are sleek but firm, while endurance-focused ones offer more padding for those long days in the saddle. Some saddles even feature carbon rails to reduce weight and absorb road buzz.
• Tyres: Wider tyres (28mm+) are becoming the norm for their improved comfort and grip. Slicks are perfect for smooth tarmac, while semi-slick or treaded options are ideal for gravel or mixed terrain. Tubeless tyres are increasingly popular for their puncture resistance and ability to run lower pressures.
• Cranksets: Cranksets aren’t just about chainrings—crank-arm length matters too. Shorter arms (165mm) are great for smaller riders or those focusing on high cadence, while longer arms (175mm) suit taller riders and those prioritizing leverage for power. Crank materials vary, with aluminum being sturdy and cost-effective and carbon offering lightweight performance.
• Bottom Bracket: The (often-overlooked) heart of your drivetrain, the bottom bracket determines how smoothly your cranks spin. Materials matter here—steel bearings are durable, while ceramic bearings reduce friction for a smoother, more efficient ride. Threaded bottom brackets are easier to maintain, while press-fit designs often save weight but can require precise installation.

These components might feel unimportant to you, but they can make a surprising difference when it comes to enhancing your riding experience. Whether you’re chasing KOMs, exploring gravel trails, or just enjoying a smooth ride, picking the right components will keep you smiling in the saddle.

Again, we are only touching briefly on these components in this section, as they are explored in more depth in our "Upgrading a Road-Bike" chapter.

 b. What to expect for your money

Budget is always going to be a massive factor when buying a new road-bike. There are those who want to spend the money on something flashy, those who purposefully don’t want to, and those who can’t afford to.

Here is a table to show what we would expect when buying a new (not second-hand) road-bike at different budgets:

c. Second-Hand Road-Bikes

Purchasing a second-hand road-bike can be an excellent way to grab a bargain, if you know what you are looking for. It can require some research in advance and you should always check out the bike in person before handing over cash.

Here are a few tips:

1. Ride the bike:
   Before committing to a purchase, it's crucial to test-ride the bike, to give you a chance to experience the bike's fit, handling, and condition. Pay attention to how the bike shifts, brakes, and listen for any unusual noises. Any issues you notice during the test-ride, such as ticking noises, clanky shifting, discomfort, or poor handling, may indicate underlying problems. It is also recommended to have someone with you who can take a photo or video of you on the bike to review how it fits.
2. Check the Frame:
   The frame is the most important part of any bike, and you should thoroughly check the frame for any damage. Look for cracks, dents, or any signs of structural damage, especially around areas like the bottom bracket, head tube, and dropouts. A damaged frame can affect the bike's performance and safety, so it’s essential to avoid bikes with significant flaws.
3. Age of the Bike:
   The age of the bike can give you some insight into its potential lifespan. Older bikes, especially those over 10 years old, might have outdated technology or worn-out parts that need replacing. However, well-maintained bikes from reputable manufacturers can still offer good value even after several years. If you’re buying an older bike, make sure it has been properly cared for and check for any signs of wear or neglect.
4. Manufacturer:
   The manufacturer of the bike plays an important role in determining its overall quality and long-term value. Established brands like Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, and Giant are known for producing durable, quality bikes that last. Research the specific brand and model to see how well it holds up over time and whether it’s known for reliability. A reputable brand can also help ensure you get good resale value if you decide to sell the bike in the future.
5. Components:
   Try to research in advance what groupset it has and from what year to help you understand what type of bike it is. Inspect the individual parts of the groupset to see if anything has been replaced or swapped out. Look at other key components like the wheels, tyres, brakes, and crankset for any signs of wear, rust, or damage. Worn-out parts will affect your riding experience, and replacing components like the tyres, brake pads, or chain can add up. If the bike has components in poor condition, factor in the cost of replacement when negotiating the price.
6. Maintenance History:
   A second-hand bike’s overall condition and maintenance history are crucial. Ask the seller for records of any services, repairs, or upgrades they’ve done. A bike that’s been well-maintained will typically perform better and last longer. If the seller doesn’t have maintenance records, ask about the bike's history—how often it was ridden, whether it was stored indoors, and if it has been in any accidents.
7. Research Market Value:
   Before buying, do some research to determine the bike’s market value. Websites like Bike Blue Book, eBay, or local classifieds can help you gauge what similar bikes are selling for. This will give you a better idea of the fair price for the bike you're considering. Keep in mind that certain models may have a higher resale value due to brand popularity, quality, or the presence of high-end components.
8. Fit and Comfort:
   Ensure the frame size and style is suitable for you; even the best bike won’t be enjoyable if it’s not the right size for your body or forces you into uncomfortable posture. You can check the manufacturer’s website to see if they still have the frame’s size chart available, or use a bike frame index such as Geometry Geeks, Bike Insights or Bike Stats to find the frame dimensions.
9. Upgrade Potential:
   One of the benefits of buying a second-hand road-bike is the potential for upgrades. If the bike has lower-end or worn-out components, you might be able to upgrade them over time to improve performance without needing to buy a whole new bike. Some older bikes, especially from well-known brands, have a solid frame that can still be a great platform for future upgrades. However, the frame might limit you if it is old or specific, so do some research in advance. 
10. Negotiate the Price:
    Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price. With second-hand bikes, there’s often room to haggle, especially if the bike has wear and tear or if the seller is eager to sell. Use the research you’ve done on the bike’s value and condition to make a reasonable offer. If the bike requires repairs or upgrades, factor those costs into your negotiation to ensure you're not paying more than what the bike is worth.

Overall, a second-hand road-bike can be great, but don’t rush it, do the research, inspect and ask questions.

That's the end of the Selecting a Road-Bike Chapter.

The next chapter is about Fitting a Road-Bike.

Continue reading with Fitting to Style & Ability