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Fast road
Drop bars and skinny tires for speed and long rides on pavement.
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Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer Drop Bar
Gravel (drop bar) · 2024 · $$$$
A very cheap way into gravel riding, commuting and light bikepacking, with drop bars, wide tires and plenty of mounts. The mechanical discs and 2x7 drivetrain work but are basic, and the 7-speed freewheel limits gearing upgrades. Check which version you have, since early 2024 bikes came with a steel fork and 40 mm tires.
Sizes: S: 5′1″–5′5″ · M: 5′5″–5′10″ · L: 5′10″–6′3″
| Gearing | 2×7 (14 speeds) |
|---|---|
| Brakes | Mechanical disc |
| Suspension | None (rigid) |
| Wheels | 700c × 40 mm tires |
| Weight | 30 lb (13.8 kg) |
| Easy to work on | 3.5/5 |
- + Disc brakes: Stop well in the wet. Mechanical ones need the pads dialed in now and then.
- − Screw-on freewheel: Fewer gearing upgrades fit, and the rear axle is more likely to bend under heavy riders.
- + Rack mounts: Carry a rack and bags for commuting, groceries or touring.
Where to buy: Buy at Walmart
Schwinn Volare 1300 700c Drop Bar
Road · 2024 · $$$$
An inexpensive drop-bar bike for paved fitness rides and a first taste of road riding. Shifting is 2x7 through separate Tourney A050 thumb shifters rather than brake-lever shifters, and the 7-speed freewheel limits gearing upgrades. At about 13.5 kg it is heavy for a road bike, and the alloy caliper brakes need regular pad and cable checks.
Sizes: Medium (19 in): 5′4″–6′2″
| Gearing | 2×7 (14 speeds) |
|---|---|
| Brakes | Rim (caliper) |
| Suspension | None (rigid) |
| Wheels | 700c × 28 mm tires |
| Weight | 30 lb (13.5 kg) |
| Easy to work on | 1.5/5 |
- • Rim brakes: Cheap and easy to service, but weaker in the rain and they wear the rims.
- − Screw-on freewheel: Fewer gearing upgrades fit, and the rear axle is more likely to bend under heavy riders.
Where to buy: Buy at Amazon
Polygon Strattos S2
Road · 2024 · $$$$
A first road bike for fitness and group rides on pavement, with Shimano Claris 2x8 shifting built into the brake levers, a carbon fork and 28 mm tires. Tektro rim calipers and quick-release wheels keep it simple to maintain. On a used one, check the rim brake tracks for wear, the chain and 11-30 cassette for stretch, and the carbon fork for any crash damage.
Sizes: S: 5′4″–5′7″ · M: 5′6″–5′9″ · L: 5′9″–5′11″ · XL: 5′11″–6′2″
| Gearing | 2×8 (16 speeds) |
|---|---|
| Brakes | Rim (caliper) |
| Suspension | None (rigid) |
| Wheels | 700c × 28 mm tires |
| Weight | — |
| Easy to work on | 4/5 |
- • Rim brakes: Cheap and easy to service, but weaker in the rain and they wear the rims.
- + Cassette gearing: Easy to swap for a wider range or a new drivetrain later.
Where to buy: Maker's page
Polygon Strattos S4
Road · 2024 · $$$$
A road bike for longer rides and fitness, with an aluminum frame, carbon fork, full Shimano Tiagra 2x10 and tubeless-ready wheels on 28 mm tires. The Tiagra rim brakes work well in the dry but wear the rims over time. On a used one, check the rim brake tracks, the chain and the cassette.
Sizes: XS: 5′1″–5′5″ · S: 5′4″–5′7″ · M: 5′6″–5′9″ · L: 5′9″–5′11″ · XL: 5′11″–6′2″
| Gearing | 2×10 (20 speeds) |
|---|---|
| Brakes | Rim (caliper) |
| Suspension | None (rigid) |
| Wheels | 700c × 28 mm tires |
| Weight | — |
| Easy to work on | 4/5 |
- • Rim brakes: Cheap and easy to service, but weaker in the rain and they wear the rims.
- + Cassette gearing: Easy to swap for a wider range or a new drivetrain later.
- + Tubeless-ready wheels: Run lower pressure with fewer flats.
Where to buy: Maker's page
Giant Contend 3
Road · 2025 · $$$$
A sensible first road bike for fitness and group rides on pavement, with a balanced position that is easier on the back than a race bike. The 2x8 Claris gearing with an 11-34 cassette gives a low enough gear for most climbs. The rim brakes and 28 mm tire limit keep it a pavement bike, and rim brakes lose bite in the wet and slowly wear the rims.
Sizes: XS: 5′2″–5′7″ · S: 5′5″–5′9″ · M: 5′7″–5′11″ · M/L: 5′10″–6′2″ · L: 6′0″–6′4″ · XL: 6′2″–6′6″
| Gearing | 2×8 (16 speeds) |
|---|---|
| Brakes | Rim (caliper) |
| Suspension | None (rigid) |
| Wheels | 700c × 28 mm tires |
| Weight | — |
| Easy to work on | 4/5 |
- • Rim brakes: Cheap and easy to service, but weaker in the rain and they wear the rims.
- + Cassette gearing: Easy to swap for a wider range or a new drivetrain later.
- + Tubeless-ready wheels: Run lower pressure with fewer flats.
Where to buy: Maker's page
Salsa Journeyer Claris 700
Gravel (drop bar) · 2023 · $$$$
A relaxed adventure bike for touring, bikepacking, gravel and commuting, with rack, fender and bottle mounts on the frame and the Fantail fork. The Claris 2x8 with a 46/30 crank and 11-34 cassette gives low gears for loaded climbs, and it clears up to 50 mm tires. The Tektro cable discs are the weak point, so on a used one check the pads, rotors and QR axles.
Sizes: 49: 4′8″–5′0″ · 51: 4′11″–5′3″ · 53: 5′2″–5′7″ · 55: 5′5″–5′10″ · 57: 5′8″–6′1″ · 60: 6′0″–6′5″
| Gearing | 2×8 (16 speeds) |
|---|---|
| Brakes | Mechanical disc |
| Suspension | None (rigid) |
| Wheels | 700c × 38 mm tires |
| Weight | — |
| Easy to work on | 5/5 |
- + Disc brakes: Stop well in the wet. Mechanical ones need the pads dialed in now and then.
- + Cassette gearing: Easy to swap for a wider range or a new drivetrain later.
- + Rack mounts: Carry a rack and bags for commuting, groceries or touring.
Where to buy: Maker's page
Trek Domane AL 2 Gen 4
Road · 2027 · $$$$
A first road bike for fitness rides and fast commutes that also copes with rough pavement and light gravel. Thru-axles, a carbon fork, rack and fender mounts and tubeless-ready wheels make it a good base to grow with. The 2x8 Claris drivetrain and Tektro mechanical discs are entry level, so expect to adjust the brake cables as the pads wear.
Sizes: 44: 4′11″–5′0″ · 49: 5′1″–5′4″ · 52: 5′4″–5′6″ · 54: 5′6″–5′9″ · 56: 5′9″–5′11″ · 58: 5′11″–6′1″ · 61: 6′1″–6′3″
| Gearing | 2×8 (16 speeds) |
|---|---|
| Brakes | Mechanical disc |
| Suspension | None (rigid) |
| Wheels | 700c × 32 mm tires |
| Weight | 23 lb (10.3 kg) |
| Easy to work on | 5/5 |
- + Disc brakes: Stop well in the wet. Mechanical ones need the pads dialed in now and then.
- + Cassette gearing: Easy to swap for a wider range or a new drivetrain later.
- + Thru-axles: Stiff, and the wheels line up the same way every time.
- + Light (about 23 lb): Quicker to accelerate and easy to carry.
- + Rack mounts: Carry a rack and bags for commuting, groceries or touring.
- + Tubeless-ready wheels: Run lower pressure with fewer flats.
Where to buy: Maker's page
Specialized Allez (Shimano Claris)
Road · 2025 · $$$$
A solid first road bike for group rides and commuting. The light aluminum frame and carbon fork ride well, and the rack and fender mounts make it useful year-round. The 8-speed Claris gearing is entry level and the mechanical disc brakes need cable and pad adjustment now and then.
Sizes: 49: 5′1″–5′4″ · 52: 5′4″–5′7″ · 54: 5′7″–5′9″ · 56: 5′9″–6′0″ · 58: 5′11″–6′2″ · 61: 6′2″–6′5″
| Gearing | 2×8 (16 speeds) |
|---|---|
| Brakes | Mechanical disc |
| Suspension | None (rigid) |
| Wheels | 700c × 30 mm tires |
| Weight | — |
| Easy to work on | 5/5 |
- + Disc brakes: Stop well in the wet. Mechanical ones need the pads dialed in now and then.
- + Cassette gearing: Easy to swap for a wider range or a new drivetrain later.
- + Thru-axles: Stiff, and the wheels line up the same way every time.
- + Rack mounts: Carry a rack and bags for commuting, groceries or touring.
Where to buy: Maker's page
Polygon Strattos S4 Disc
Road · 2025 · $$$$
A solid all-weather road bike, with Shimano Tiagra 2x10, flat-mount hydraulic disc brakes, 12mm thru-axles and a tapered carbon fork. It is reasonably light at about 9.9 kg and the rims are tubeless-ready. The 140mm rotors are on the small side for long descents, and the 34x28 low gear can feel tall on steep climbs.
Sizes: XS: 5′1″–5′5″ · S: 5′4″–5′7″ · M: 5′6″–5′9″ · L: 5′9″–5′11″ · XL: 5′11″–6′2″
| Gearing | 2×10 (20 speeds) |
|---|---|
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc |
| Suspension | None (rigid) |
| Wheels | 700c × 28 mm tires |
| Weight | 22 lb (9.9 kg) |
| Easy to work on | 5/5 |
- + Hydraulic disc brakes: Strong, light-touch stopping that works in the wet and self-adjusts as pads wear.
- + Cassette gearing: Easy to swap for a wider range or a new drivetrain later.
- + Thru-axles: Stiff, and the wheels line up the same way every time.
- + Light (about 22 lb): Quicker to accelerate and easy to carry.
- + Tubeless-ready wheels: Run lower pressure with fewer flats.
Where to buy: Maker's page
Cannondale Topstone 4
Gravel (drop bar) · 2025 · $$$$
A good one-bike pick for gravel roads, light trails and commuting, with rack, fender and three bottle mounts. The 1x10 microSHIFT setup with an 11-48 cassette gives easy climbing gears and simple shifting, and the carbon fork and thru-axles keep the front end precise. The weak spot is the cable disc brakes, which need more hand force and more pad adjustment than hydraulics.
Sizes: XS: 4′10″–5′5″ · SM: 5′4″–5′9″ · MD: 5′7″–6′1″ · LG: 5′10″–6′4″ · XL: 6′3″–6′8″
| Gearing | 1×10 (10 speeds) |
|---|---|
| Brakes | Mechanical disc |
| Suspension | None (rigid) |
| Wheels | 700c × 37 mm tires |
| Weight | 23 lb (10.5 kg) |
| Easy to work on | 5/5 |
- + Disc brakes: Stop well in the wet. Mechanical ones need the pads dialed in now and then.
- + Cassette gearing: Easy to swap for a wider range or a new drivetrain later.
- + 1x gearing: One front ring: simple shifting and less to adjust.
- + Thru-axles: Stiff, and the wheels line up the same way every time.
- + Light (about 23 lb): Quicker to accelerate and easy to carry.
- + Rack mounts: Carry a rack and bags for commuting, groceries or touring.
Where to buy: Maker's page
Polygon Strattos S5 Disc
Road · 2024 · $$$$
Good for fast endurance road rides and a first try at racing. Shimano 105 2x11 with hydraulic brakes, thru-axles and a carbon fork is a strong package. The 140mm rotors and 28mm tires are road-only, and the rims are tubeless ready but come set up with tubes.
Sizes: XS: 5′1″–5′5″ · S: 5′4″–5′7″ · M: 5′6″–5′9″ · L: 5′9″–5′11″ · XL: 5′11″–6′2″
| Gearing | 2×11 (22 speeds) |
|---|---|
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc |
| Suspension | None (rigid) |
| Wheels | 700c × 28 mm tires |
| Weight | 22 lb (10.2 kg) |
| Easy to work on | 5/5 |
- + Hydraulic disc brakes: Strong, light-touch stopping that works in the wet and self-adjusts as pads wear.
- + Cassette gearing: Easy to swap for a wider range or a new drivetrain later.
- + Thru-axles: Stiff, and the wheels line up the same way every time.
- + Light (about 22 lb): Quicker to accelerate and easy to carry.
- + Tubeless-ready wheels: Run lower pressure with fewer flats.
Where to buy: Maker's page
Giant Revolt 2
Gravel (drop bar) · 2026 · $$$$
A sensible gravel bike for dirt roads and mixed rides, with 12mm thru-axles, tubeless-ready rims and room for up to 53mm tires using the flip chip. The 2x9 Shimano CUES gearing gives a low 32x36 climbing gear. The Shimano RS305 mechanical disc brakes work but need pad adjustment as they wear and do not have the power of hydraulics.
Sizes: XS: 5′1″–5′5″ · S: 5′3″–5′7″ · M: 5′7″–5′11″ · M/L: 5′9″–6′1″ · L: 5′10″–6′3″ · XL: 6′2″–6′7″
| Gearing | 2×9 (18 speeds) |
|---|---|
| Brakes | Mechanical disc |
| Suspension | None (rigid) |
| Wheels | 700c × 45 mm tires |
| Weight | — |
| Easy to work on | 5/5 |
- + Disc brakes: Stop well in the wet. Mechanical ones need the pads dialed in now and then.
- + Cassette gearing: Easy to swap for a wider range or a new drivetrain later.
- + Thru-axles: Stiff, and the wheels line up the same way every time.
- + Rack mounts: Carry a rack and bags for commuting, groceries or touring.
- + Tubeless-ready wheels: Run lower pressure with fewer flats.
Where to buy: Maker's page
Specialized Diverge 3 Alloy (Diverge E5, Shimano CUES)
Gravel (drop bar) · 2026 · $$$$
A capable gravel bike that also handles commuting and loaded touring, with rack and fender mounts and room for 47 mm tires. The 2x10 Shimano CUES group with hydraulic discs and 12 mm thru-axles is a real step up from budget gravel bikes, and the carbon fork takes some sting out of rough roads. The stock Pathfinder tires are wire bead and the setup is not tubeless ready, so tires are the first worthwhile upgrade.
Sizes: 44: 4′8″–5′0″ · 49: 5′0″–5′4″ · 52: 5′4″–5′7″ · 54: 5′7″–5′10″ · 56: 5′9″–5′11″ · 58: 5′11″–6′2″ · 61: 6′2″–6′5″
| Gearing | 2×10 (20 speeds) |
|---|---|
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc |
| Suspension | None (rigid) |
| Wheels | 700c × 40 mm tires |
| Weight | 23 lb (10.5 kg) |
| Easy to work on | 5/5 |
- + Hydraulic disc brakes: Strong, light-touch stopping that works in the wet and self-adjusts as pads wear.
- + Cassette gearing: Easy to swap for a wider range or a new drivetrain later.
- + Thru-axles: Stiff, and the wheels line up the same way every time.
- + Light (about 23 lb): Quicker to accelerate and easy to carry.
- + Rack mounts: Carry a rack and bags for commuting, groceries or touring.
Where to buy: Maker's page
Trek Checkpoint ALR 4
Gravel (drop bar) · 2025 · $$$$
Made for gravel roads, bikepacking and fast mixed-surface rides. The carbon fork, thru-axles, SRAM Apex 1x11 and room for 45mm tires make it a capable all-rounder, and it has mounts for racks, fenders and frame bags. The cable disc brakes need more hand effort and adjustment than hydraulics, and the T47 bottom bracket needs the right tool.
Sizes: 49: 5′1″–5′4″ · 52: 5′4″–5′6″ · 54: 5′6″–5′9″ · 56: 5′9″–5′11″ · 58: 5′11″–6′1″ · 61: 6′1″–6′3″
| Gearing | 1×11 (11 speeds) |
|---|---|
| Brakes | Mechanical disc |
| Suspension | None (rigid) |
| Wheels | 700c × 40 mm tires |
| Weight | 22 lb (9.9 kg) |
| Easy to work on | 4.5/5 |
- + Disc brakes: Stop well in the wet. Mechanical ones need the pads dialed in now and then.
- + Cassette gearing: Easy to swap for a wider range or a new drivetrain later.
- + 1x gearing: One front ring: simple shifting and less to adjust.
- + Thru-axles: Stiff, and the wheels line up the same way every time.
- + Light (about 22 lb): Quicker to accelerate and easy to carry.
- + Rack mounts: Carry a rack and bags for commuting, groceries or touring.
- + Tubeless-ready wheels: Run lower pressure with fewer flats.
Where to buy: Maker's page
No paid placements: the order follows price, never a store or brand. Sizes come from each maker's chart. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.