Table of Contents
- What are the top 5 best road bikes for intermediate riders?
- What Are the Essential Parts of a Road Bike?
- How To Choose the Best Road Bike – Endurance or Race Bike?
- What Are Road Bike Frames Made From?
- How Much Do You Need To Spend on a Road Bike?
- Why You Should Buy Road Bikes
- Is Road Bikes Worth It?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Road Bikes
- Conclusion
It is necessary to learn the best road bike tips as a rider, and therefore I wrote this article so that you can feel safe and impressed whenever you embark on your next tour or take up a cycling challenge.
Technology improves every day, and you must learn new tweaks to improving your riding skills as an intermediate rider.
You are not alone if you think cycling is the hardest thing in the world. This article supplies a lot of things you need to jumpstart your skill as a rider.
Don’t you want to become a pro rider? That is our goal! But it takes discipline, and one disciplinary hack is reading this article.
I know you want to learn the new “act of riding like a pro.” We shall begin with the best road bikes for intermediate riders.
What are the top 5 best road bikes for intermediate riders?
I shortlisted the 5 best road bikes for you, and I spent more time explaining each in the best language you can understand. Let’s see how far we can go without wasting much of our time.
- Tommaso Forcella
- Tommaso Imola
- Giordano Aversa
- Savadeck Phantom 2.0
- Kent Gzt700
1. Tommaso Forcella
Tommaso Forcella is popularly known as a lightweight and high tensile strength road bike because it is made from carbon fork. Carbon fork road bikes are all cyclist choices for short or long distances.
If you replace your steel fork bike with a Tommaso Forcella carbon fork, you also reduce your bike weight by 50% (+/-) percent.
Tommaso Forcella is a 24-speed road bike with 3 shifter gears and 8 cogs rear cassette. A 24-speed road bike is one of the latest bike technologies you should consider. The reason is that the gear assists you in comfortable riding when descending steep hills or during a fast-speed ride.
Aside from the 24-speed gear, the bike’s performance is note-worthy: it has a 3×8 Shimano Claris Groupset, including a 12x25T Claris cassette and 30/39/50T Claris crankset.
“The Claris cassette and Crankset features” make the bike the best for intermediate and entry-level bikers. For example, the parts are easy to assemble, and you can do it yourself – thus, you’d save money for repairs and other miscellaneous expenses.
Tommaso Forcella is the best choice for outweighing terrain: either hills or flats variation. The bike has gears levels suitable for all riding conditions.
The bike is a commuter because the frame contains a collection of fenders and racks. Fenders and racks protect you from skunk stripes; they protect you tremendously when you ride in snowmelt or the rain.
Tommaso Forcella’s other features and dimensions include 700 centimeters of wheel size, rigid suspension, and aluminum frame material.
The bike frame is the main bike geometry and occupies the body’s most significant part because it is measured from the “crank axle to the seat tube.” Thus, an aluminum frame is lightweight and suitable for all age-range.
2. Tommaso Imola
Tommaso Imola is an aluminum road bike suitable for long or short courses. The bike comes with a 2-year warranty for components (although the warranty doesn’t cover features like tires and tubes) and a lifetime warranty for the frame.
A bike frame is the largest part of a bike – Tommaso Imola, with a lifetime frame warranty, shows that you will only perform little or no repair on the bike for a long period.
The bike comes with 24-speed gear similar to “Forcella.” Tommaso Imola is the solution for fast-ride courses and cross-country challenges.
As much as you learn to become a pro, your bike features “help you write a success story” as a biker. For example, inferior body parts will pull you down as much as you try harder.
Tommaso is a leading brand in bike production, and the “Imola” model is one of their best products. I specifically selected the brand and model following my research in the bike industry. For example, Imola’s wheel is classified as “Corsa TC20.”
The wheel depth rim profile, front, and rear spokes are 20mm, 20, and 24, respectively. The wheel properties certify that you can “travel at high speed” without damaging your bike or getting injured. What’s sweeter than this? Nothing, I suppose.
I’ll put it in a simple language you’d understand. First, any bike product you buy should not put you at risk or danger; you cannot have this in inferior materials. Tommaso Imola gives this combo: you and your bike are safe!
Here are the superior properties: Imola includes a 6061A super light aluminum frame. The aluminum frame is sturdy, withstands stress/pressure, and lasts long. Also, the bike comes with a VDT steel fork.
As mentioned above, carbon fork is lighter than steel fork. Still, the VDT steel fork is sturdy; Imola is your “endurance bike.”
3. Giordano Aversa
Giordano Aversa is an aluminum-frame road bike. So far, you have learned that the frame is a major part of a bike. Not only does Giordano Aversa have an aluminum frame, but it also has 29 inches wheels.
A typical feature of a 29 inch wheel is a shallow “attack angle,” which is an advantage over others. For example, Giordano Aversa is sturdy against logs, rocks, and other things you may encounter.
Aside from this, the Giordano Aversa is a better choice if you feel comfortable with large wheels. I am connected to my bikes because their features meet my desires. Ensure you find your desires in a potential bike.
Carbon is a major alloy contributing to a “high tensile steel fork.” Giordano Aversa is made of a high-tensile steel fork; therefore, it is sturdy! The bike is resistant to breaking or bending.
The high-tensile steel fork is a regular material incorporated in bike production because of its durability and toughness.
Giordano Aversa’s steel fork protects you and saves you from unnecessary repairs. Get ready for any cycling challenge if you can afford the bike.
Lastly, Giordano is a “big company” in the bike industry. So, any of their products are authentic, and you should expect nothing but the best.
Other features include a 14-speed drivetrain, 700c by 25mm tires, 40mm rims, a 32-hole double wall, and a caliper brake.
4. Savadeck Phantom 2.0
The Savadeck brand was introduced in Germany in 2008, and the Phantom 2.0 speaks of their 15 years+ in bike production.
The Phantom 2.0 is an adult bike with carbon fiber. Carbon bikes are as good as new bikes after years of normal usage. The bike has a “smooth processing performance” and “high strength/corrosion resistance.”
The carbon brazing material used in making Savadeck Phantom 2.0 is the same material used in aerospace, sports cars, and military-quality construction.
Aside from strength and quality, the Phantom 2.0 is designed for smooth shifting and efficient rides. For example, the seat tube and post are positioned for comfort.
Likewise, the “internal cable routing” does not interfere with your cycling. Also, the “tapered head tube” enhances handling and strengthens the torsion.
The bike comes with a “Shimano Ultegra groupset.” This set includes Shimano Ultegra 8000 2 by 11 speeds, rear and front derailleur, V brake freewheel, and crankset. These features enable effective and smooth shifting and increase durability.
Other features/gears include a saddle, 50mm bearing wheelsets, 700 by 25C tires, and free pedals.
5. Kent Gzt700
Kent is an international bike-producing company. The Gzt700 was manufactured in 2016 and is known as one of the best road bikes produced by the company. The bike has a high-tensile steel frame, fork, Shimano stem shifter, and rear derailleur.
These features provide an excellent riding experience because the quality of the bikes is outstanding. For example, the brake system is swift and responsive because of the alloy calipers and brake levers.
The Vitesse 36 holes rims are super durable, with a maximum weight capacity of about 250 pounds. You are at fault if you purchase a bike below your weight capacity. Please look at the weight measure before you purchase any product.
Kent Gzt700 comes with a single-pivot brake system, which is an extra advantage for you. Well, dual-pivot caliper brakes are popular and more effective than single-pivot brakes.
Nonetheless, single-pivot brake systems work better if poorly maintained than dual-pivot systems. Thus, a single-pivot brake operates effectively when a dual-pivot would have stopped working.
Kent Gzt700 has free-moving and more sensitive suspension compared to a dual-pivot bike. For this reason, the Kent Gzt700 is a suitable choice if you cannot maintain your bike adequately.
It is best to give your bikes a hundred percent attention for a better and more effective cycling experience.
What Are the Essential Parts of a Road Bike?
A bike maintains its beauty and remains the best when you give it to a professional mechanic for repair.
However, bike maintenance is not limited to your action when it develops a fault, especially when you take it to a professional; it otherwise begins by keeping your bike safe and fault-free.
Proper bike maintenance and care begin by understanding the parts of your road bike. For this reason, let’s start by considering the 5 most important bike parts you must care for.
- Chain
Chain is an automatic converter: it converts your input forces (from your foot) into output spin, which causes your tires to move.
Therefore, the chain is the most crucial and the weakest part of a bike (it doesn’t break or worn-out easily) because it removes easily and causes major drawbacks.
You must keep a good eye on your chain when you purchase and ride your bike. Most importantly, it would be best to watch out for dryness/rust, chain stretch, and stiff links.
A typical chain shines and has a silvery color; any variation may imply dryness or rust. Also, your chain may have stiff links when it skips each revolution – the presence of kinks is another determinant.
- Brake pads
The brake rotors and wheel are connected: the brake rotors turn the wheel, and the wheel moves the bike (frame). The connection between the brake rotor, the wheel, and the brake pad determines your bike’s efficiency.
The brake pad is between the caliper and brake rotor, and the caliper works on the rotor when the brake is applied. Brake pads reduce friction and prevent accident/brake failure when the brake is applied.
For this reason, brake pads are the second-rated best part of a road bike due to their crucial contribution to bike efficiency. In addition, brake pads wear over time, and you must change them.
- Tires
A bike tire does not only propel you but also functions in the brake network: a typical tire must be able to move and stop your bike ultimately. Tire selection makes a huge difference if you consider the width, tread, and rubber components.
Another thing you should know is that tires are designed based on the “bike species.” For this reason, road bike tires are typically the same or have the same basic properties.
- Cables
You should know that a bike system works like a connection: from the handle to the tire (wheel). The brakes and gears are the essential things that make your bike functional; cables control them.
What do you call a cable? Let’s call it the “power controller” because a defective cable implies a connection error which may lead to serious complications.
- Pedals/Grips
The pedals and grips keep you in the best riding position. Anything can work contrary to the default settings, do you know? Yes! This is the main reason pedals and grips are positioned at the upper and lower side of a bike.
You must ensure that the bike grips are not slippery, sticky, or deteriorating. You should replace them if they show any of these signs.
How To Choose the Best Road Bike – Endurance or Race Bike?
The two types of road bikes are designed based on body position: endurance and race road bikes.
Endurance road bikes put you in an upright position because the frame angle geometry allows you to relax, thus increasing confidence, comfort, and stability. On the other hand, race road bikes subject your torso to a lower and more aerodynamic position for quick grabbing.
A typical road bike should give you a high strength-to-weight ratio. You can quantify this feature by checking the lightweight property and efficiency.
In short, do not trade efficiency for lightweight and vice versa; it must be balanced! Based on this fact, carbon fiber is lighter than steel frame, and aluminum frame is the best choice for the perfect “high strength-to-weight ratio.”
What Are Road Bike Frames Made From?
Road bike frames could be steel, aluminum, titanium, or carbon fiber. Carbon frames are strong and long-lasting, just like steel frames. As mentioned above, aluminum is light and has a high strength-to-weight ratio.
Aluminium possesses sturdy properties and is also anti-corrosive. Thus, it is quite adorable compared to other materials.
You should have noticed that carbon fiber has a high advantage over other frame materials, which is why it is typically the most expensive.
However, carbon frames are substituted to fracture more than metal: the frame becomes fragile and dangerous to ride when fractured.
How Much Do You Need To Spend on a Road Bike?
This question is best answered by checking your budget or planning. Also, your budget and planning are not perfect without checking the features and quality of what you need.
In summary, the amount you spend on a road bike depends on your “budget,” and budget is a factor of what you “desire/need” in a road bike.
I will guide you on how you can make the best budget. First, the amount you get for your bike is not the same as the amount you’d spend to maintain the bike. In this section, we shall cover the “purchase and maintenance prices.”
Here are the rules, first #1: prepare $1,000-3,000 on your first bike. Bikes under this price range are high range-bikes, at least for entry-level. Purchasing a high-quality product means you have paid a maintenance price that shall cover you for a long period.
For example, you have a sure warranty, and the quality products do not wear out or call for repair sooner. Also, you need to consider the price of a used bike vs the original price.
Rule #2: do not buy a bike if the “used price” is less than $1,500. Let’s do the logic: the quality and market prices of used products fall over time.
However, some products (even though they are used) maintain good market prices. This is because the quality is still valid. So, we can say that the quality of a good road bike can be accessed by “used price.”
The #3 rule: follow the trend. The price is not static: it varies per model and brand. If you want high quality, you may need to pay an even higher price based on the production company.
Why You Should Buy Road Bikes
Everyone owns a bike for reasons best known to them. “Why do you need a road bike” sounds like “why do you eat?” Everyone does not eat to live (because we eat for different purposes) even though we need to live.
Since a road bike is cheaper than a car, I believe it is more affordable. This may be a reason you should consider a road bike. No?
Well, a road bike is tough and durable and comes with all speed – it cuts through the air and keeps you safe while you enjoy the breeze.
It contributes to the practical well-being of society: keeping you, your family, and the whole community safe from carbon or other emission/radiation.
Is Road Bikes Worth It?
Road bikes are worth all your penny. Pause, a “good road bike is worth all your money.”
Let’s define this based on “investment.” Investment is good if you have an outstanding “return on investment,” that is, profits. The same applies to road bikes and all the pennies you spent to have one.
Road bikes are naturally worth the money, and as mentioned above, you can buy a good road bike between $1,500 and $3,000.
Any road bike in this price range should give you “entry benefits.” However, you may spend more if you want advanced features.
Frequently Asked Questions About Road Bikes
What is an intermediate cyclist?
The intermediate cyclist is the individual who looks for a challenge or some program that will break him out of his comfort zone. You can also see an intermediate cyclist as a rider who hasn’t ridden a multi-day tour, and a major classified as someone who has “1 – 3 riding years” in sport.
What are road bikes good for?
Road bikes are suitable for commuting, event rides, racing, touring, and fitness programs. The bike puts you in an aerodynamic position that works on your spine and makes you feel comfortable. Although this position may be uncomfortable for an entry rider, you will get used to it quickly.
What are the benefits of a road bike?
Outside the fun and leisure practices, road bike benefits are associated with health benefits. You can build your muscles and remain fit by riding your bike every now and there. It doesn’t mean you must ride every day before you enjoy all the benefits listed here.
Conclusion
Tommaso Forcella is our best pick among the top 5 best road bikes for intermediate riders. You must have gained a lot from this article, and I believe you know how to select the best bike for your loved ones and yourself.
However, choosing from our best bikes (above) would not be bad because we shortlisted them from in-depth research and personal reviews/testing.
In summary, you should not trade fun/entertainment for quality nor settle for less. Ask questions, make your findings, and get the facts before you purchase any products.
