Are you looking for a road bike that wonât break the bank? Are you someone who enjoys biking on a regular basis? If you answered âyesâ to both of these questions, youâre in luck.
Weâll be taking a look at the best road bikes under $1500. Weâve handpicked eight of these road bikes that are considered the best on the market. One of these may be yours depending on whether or not they meet your personal needs or preferences.
If you are looking for a road bike that will be one of the best in quality, but affordable compared to other bikes, keep reading. Weâll be going over a detailed review of each bike. If you are pressed for time, check out the table below with some quick need to know information about each cycle:
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | Â rating | price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Trek Domane AL 4 Disc Bike |
|
10 |
|
Runner Up | Vitus Energie Cyclocross Bike |
|
9.7 |
|
Budget Pick | SAVADECK Carbon Road Bike |
|
9.5 |
|
Specialized Allez Elite |
|
9.3 |
||
Giant Contend AR 3 |
|
9 |
||
Tommaso Monza Endurance Aluminum Road Bike |
|
8.5 |
||
Schwinn Fastback Carbon Road Bike |
|
9 |
||
Trek Domane AL 3 Disc |
|
8 |
Best Road Bikes Under $1500 Review
Trek Domane AL 4 Disc Bike â Best Overall
First up is our best overall choice. The Domane AL 4 Disc bike might be the bike for you if you are looking for a smooth, seamless ride every time. With high quality parts and an alloy frame, itâs the kind of bike that will perform at a high level (even for a bike thatâs priced fairly reasonably).
Spec Features
This features a frame made from aluminum alloy. Itâs lightweight, so it allows you to move around with plenty of nimbleness. And you can be able to keep your balance a lot easier when riding the straights and rounding the corners.
This bikeâs perfect geometry includes a carbon fork measured at 12x100mm. It supports wide tires, which is great for when you want the best grip possible while on the smooth surfaces. Whether itâs dry or wet on the pavement, youâll have a set of tires that will be reliable enough to keep you stable.
The carbon fork also helps absorb plenty of shocks when you decide to take the bike from the smooth surface to the unpaved paths and roadways. If you are looking for a great bike that works both on the pavement and in the dirt, look no further.
The bike is also equipped with disc brakes, which you can engage with the levers in front of the handlebars. They will allow you to stop quickly compared to coaster brakes, which require you to anticipate the opportunity to stop.
Pros
- Absorbs shock with ease
- Rides well both on the road and on dirt
- Easy to adjust seat post
- Great for short and long trips
- Brakes are very responsive
Cons
- May have too much pedal power
- Can move slow in wet, unpaved roadways
- Paint may chip off after a few months
Vitus Energie Cyclocross Bike â Runner Up
The Vitus Energie Cyclocross Bike is our runner up choice for one of the best road bikes under $1500. If speed and agility are the two things that you wonât compromise on, this bike will likely be the one that comes out on top.
This bike was designed for the roads and the beaten paths. No matter where you go with it, you will be able to ride with ease and without worry about damaging it. With excellent shock absorption and the ability to move gracefully, this road bike is perfect for a casual ride, no matter what day it is.
Spec Features
First off, the frame is made from 6061-T6 aluminum. This kind of aluminum is tough and can take on plenty of abuse. It gives steel frames a run for its money.
If durability is what you want, youâll get it. Plus, since itâs lightweight, you will also get the benefit of being able to move around like a ballet dancer when making turns.
This has Engine Evo carbon forks designed to absorb plenty of shock while youâre going off-road. Shock absorption makes your ride a lot more comfortable. The last thing you want to feel is continuous vibrations that will create the opposite effect.
The bike is equipped with Shimano GRX 2Ă10 Groupset with hydraulic disk brakes. This will make breaking a lot smoother. The brake levers are easy to squeeze, so you can be able to stop at a momentâs notice when sudden obstacles show up out of nowhere.
The chain is equipped with a ten speed gear, allowing you to shift with ease whenever you are tackling the straights, the uphills, and downhills. No matter what nature throws your way, you have a bike that can withstand the challenge.
Pros
- Responsive brakes
- Rides very well in various conditions
- Lightweight
- Easy to navigate
- Sturdy frame
Cons
- None
SAVADECK Carbon Road Bike â Budget Pick
SAVADECK Carbon Road BikeIf you are looking for a real good deal on a road bike that is under $1500, the SAVADECK Carbon Road Bike might just be right up your alley. What makes this bike a bit more interesting compared to the others is the way it was tested before it even hit the market.
Where else can you find a bike that is wind-tunnel tested for aerodynamics. Youâll be able to ride around and be able to maintain a good rate of speed whether youâre pedaling or just coasting along. Other than that, it has a great deal of handling that you can use to your advantage.
Spec Features
This bike has a TORAY T800 Carbon Fiber Frame. Itâs lightweight but still absorbs a lot of shock like a champ. Not to mention, if itâs lightweight, then moving around wonât be a problem.
The bike is equipped with two 9-speed gears, bringing it to a total of 18 speeds. Youâll be able to shift it into the gears that you want whenever you are on the smooth roadways or tackling the challenging, steep hills (which might give your legs a workout in the process).
The handling on this bike is excellent thanks to the aerodynamic design that has been tested in a wind tunnel of all places. For better speed and handling, this bike just might be right up your alley (even if it is one of the best bikes that you can afford.
Finally, the 6061 Aluminum Alloy frame is lightweight and tough enough to handle the bumps and bangs that come with biking.
Pros
- Great for users across various heights
- Super tough frame
- Excellent handling
- Easy to shift gears
- Best road bike under $1500 for the money
Cons
- Tube quality is questionable
- Tires may need to be changed before use
- May not be suitable for taller riders
Specialized Allez Elite
Next is the Specialized Allez Elite. We can talk all day about how quality is important in a bike. But if quality is something that you wonât settle for less, then this is the bike for you.
It is lightweight and tough. It can climb hills like itâs an effortless task. And itâs a bike that is perfect for the casual or sporting rider.
Spec Features
The frame is made from Specializedâs patented E5 premium aluminum. It has a suspension fork made from high-quality carbon measured from 1 â â to 1-â â. If you are looking for something that will absorb a lot of shock and give you a much smoother ride, you may want to give this bike a whirl.
It has an 11-speed gear, which is great for when you want to take on the curves and climb the steep hills (or not so steep). Just shift to the appropriate gear, and youâll be in business.
For smooth riding that wonât give you a hard time when it comes to climbing hills or tackling the beaten paths that youâre tempted to ride more, this bike could just be your favorite compared to the many bikes youâve ridden in your lifetime.
Pros
- Can tackle hills like a champ
- Excellent handling
- Easy to pedal
- Smooth-shifting
- Great durability
Cons
- Some may think itâs a little too heavy
- Paint may chip off after a while
- May slow down considerably in the mud
Giant Contend AR 3
Road riding has never felt so awesome. Especially when youâre riding a bike quite like the Giant Contend AR 3.
No level of terrain can slow this nimble, lightweight beast down. With smooth brakes and excellent tire grip and clearance, itâs a bike that will be hard to resist.
Spec Features
This comes in sizes ranging from extra small (XS) to extra large (XL). Regardless of height or frame, this bike will have the right size that will fit you best.
This has a tough aluminum frame that was built for off-road riding. If youâre looking for a frame that can take a serious beating, this is one of those bikes.
Equipped with this bike is the Shimano Sora crankset (which is also responsible for the shifters and derailleurs). This bike will be easy to handle and operate whenever youâre on the roadways or if youâre far down the unpaved paths that no one ever dares to travel.
Pros
- Great handling
- Available in various sizes
- Easy shifting
- Very nimble
- Excellent tire grip
Cons
- None
Tommaso Monza Endurance Aluminum Road Bike
Tommaso Monza Endurance Aluminum Road BikeIf you are someone who loves to ride for long periods of time, youâll want a bike that will keep up with you. They donât call it an endurance bike for nothing.
For the best in speed and versatility, the Tommaso Monza could be right up your alley.
Spec Features
The bike has 2 10-speed gears powered by the Shimano Tiagra 50/34T Crankset. Youâll get plenty of speed that will help you put in the miles no matter what point A through point B throws your way.
Youâll be shifting gears much faster than even some of the other bikes on this list. Not to mention, the responsiveness of the gears will be hard to beat compared to the competition.
For the best in reliability and comfort, the HCT Carbon Fork will absorb a lot of shock and keep you well-balanced on the straightways. No vibrations will make your ride uncomfortable in the slightest.
Pros
- Great for long trips and commutes
- Superior shock absorption
- Gears are responsive and easy to shift
- High-quality components
- Super lightweight
Cons
- Derailleurs are improperly adjusted
- May scratch up a bit after short-term use
- Seat may be a tad wider than expected
Schwinn Fastback Carbon Road Bike
Schwinn Fastback Carbon Road BikeItâs no secret that Schwinn may be one of the best brands when it comes to bikes. Their Fastback Carbon Road Bike might just be one of their best bikes to come off their assembly lines.
If youâre an intermediate or an advanced rider, this bike may be an upgrade from your current bike. With excellent steering, handling, and easy to shift gears, itâs a solid bike that youâll have so much fun tearing up the terrain with.
Spec Features
This has a super-durable aluminum frame that can only be tested for the roads and the beaten paths. Itâs lightweight, strong, and is exactly what the experienced rider looks for in a road bike.
This includes a Shimano drivetrain that has a total of 22 speeds. Youâll have a lot of speeds to work with, so you will have no trouble climbing uphill or going down it.
Included is Schwinnâs patented race carbon fork that will absorb plenty of shocks as youâre going for a long ride from one place to the next. This 1 â inch aluminum steer will help you round the corners and curves with little to no trouble.
If you want brakes that are responsive and can stop your bike fairly quickly, you might like the addition of the Shimano 105 BR-7000 dual-pivot caliper brakes.
Pros
- Available in various sizes
- Great for intermediate and advanced riders
- Solid frame
- Very responsive brakes
- Comfortable seat
Cons
- Some cosmetic flaws may happen after a few months
- Quality of the rims is questionable
- Shifters may be a challenge to move at times
Trek Domane AL 3 Disc
Lastly, weâll be taking a look at the Domane AL 3 Disc bike. What impressed us was the overall look and design.
While you can choose between one of a handful of colors, the lithium grey and trek black looks awesome when you look at it. Aside from the design, the performance and overall comfort of the bike is just a couple of reasons why youâll enjoy this road bike.
More: Discover the Best Road Bike Under $300 [Review and Buying Guide]
Spec Features
The bike has a lightweight aluminum frame (the same frame you will see on all Domane bikes). Itâs durable, and the paint doesnât chip off after a few months of use unlike some bikes. The frame makes the bike look like a professional sportbike rather than a standard road bike.
The overall geometry of this bike will provide you with stability, endurance, and maximum control over your bike. Youâll be riding around on those long commutes knowing that you will have the most comfortable ride and be able to make quick turns at a momentâs notice. No obstacle will stand in the way (and if they do, youâll easily go around them).
Pros
- Excellent handling
- Perfect for long rides and commutes
- Not too heavy to carry
- Great tire grip
- Absorbs plenty of shock
Cons
- Pedal power may be a bit much
- May be slow to climb up very steep hills
- May get scratched easily in some places
Buyerâs Guide
Choosing between one bike or the other can be a challenging task. But this buyerâs guide will help you decide which bike will be best. Consider some of the following features that will help you make a process of elimination (and why these features matter most):
Frame size
Not all bikes will be of the same frame size. There will be different sizes that will accommodate riders based on their height and weight. A rider who is 5â8â can benefit from a bike that is 54cm bike since it accommodates their height and inseam size.
More: The Best Bike for Teenager On The Market [ Review and Buying Guide]
Frame material
The frame material will play a role in your bikeâs overall performance. Thatâs because youâll be picking up plenty of dust and maybe even a few rocks. You also want a frame that can take a beating. Typically aluminum alloy or even steel will be perfect when it comes to taking on small flying objects that can otherwise leave dents on your bike.
More: The Best Road Bikes Under $200 On The Market [Review And Buying Guide]
Speeds
Some bikes come with 11 speeds, and others come in speeds like 18 or 22. How many youâll need will depend on where you will normally bike on a regular basis.
If youâre planning on scaling steep hills, youâll want plenty of gears or speeds to help you shift into a gear that will allow you to climb it with ease.
More: Vilano R2 commuter review: Is It good Beginner Bike?
Conclusion
If you want the best road bike under $1500, then you may want to consider one of these eight options. But we do have a couple of recommendations that may be best for you.
Our first recommendation is our best overall choice, the Domane AL 4 Disk Bike. We recommend this bike for its excellent handling, easy to engage brakes, and itâs perfect geometry that will make navigating the cycle a lot easier for short and long trips.
Our second recommendation is the SAVADECK Carbon Road Bike. Not only is it one of the best budget-friendly options on the market, but you can be able to quickly shift from one gear to the next so you can keep the momentum going while youâre riding the topsy turvy curves and steep hills.
Both of these bikes have the best geometrical measurements, so you get excellent handling. Plus, they both have very durable and lightweight frames that are built for handling the rough conditions should you decide to go off-road.