The Best Road Bikes of 2023

Whether you're an experienced cyclist looking for your next race bike or you're just getting started, these are the road bikes to know this year.

If you want to ride on pavement, whether that’s roads or bike paths, a road bike is the most efficient tool for the job. Within the realm of pavement pedaling, road bikes are ideal for a broad spectrum of pursuits, from getting fit to winning races.

Features to Consider When Shopping for Road Bikes

Road bikes come with carbon fiber, aluminum, titanium, or steel frames and forks, and they’re usually spec’d with stable and speedy 700C wheels with relatively skinny tires. That wheel and tire combo offers reduced rolling resistance and less drag than the chunkier tires found on mountain bikes and some gravel bikes.

Gearing: If your last road bike was an old ten-speed, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the range of gearing available on modern road bikes. While some have a single chainring and others have two, today’s models typically deliver a wider spread of gearing options for powering up hills and hitting top speed on flat pavement.

Geometry: If you’re a racer, you'll want a bike that’s aerodynamic, which means it has the lowest possible wind resistance. It's also good to opt for a frame with more aggressive geometry: When you’re riding, your torso will be close to the bike’s top tube. Although the bike can feel less stable when you’re descending or cornering, it’ll help you shave seconds off your time.

Planning on touring or doing long-distance rides? Opt for a bike with more relaxed geometry for a more comfortable body positioning and less fatigue after long hours in the saddle. You’ll also want to make sure it has the fittings for racks, bags, and bottles.

Related: Surly Releases Preamble: New All-steel 'Pavement Bike'

Pavement vs. Gravel: If you’re an adventurous spirit, consider a road bike designed to handle dirt and gravel roads as well as pavement. Look for road bikes that have space for wider tires—they’ll soak up bumps and make riding dirt roads or broken pavement a more pleasant experience. Some gravel bikes also have a broader handlebar with splayed ends that’s easier to hold onto when the going gets rough. In addition, gravel-specific bikes sometimes come with a drivetrain with a very wide range of gears to make climbing loose surfaces easier, and they’ll be fitted with brakes that are easier to grip on chattery surfaces. All the road bikes we reviewed here have disc brakes, which we highly recommend for their safety and superior stopping power.

Electronics: Some modern road bikes also have electronic parts, including electronic shifting and pedal assist (bikes with this feature are technically e-bikes). Electronic shifting is highly dependable and precise, and it reduces hand fatigue: Gear changes require just a gentle tap of the shifter. Pedal assist, which uses a motor and battery to provide a boost of power as you pedal, can help you ride farther.

Pricing: When it comes to price, road bikes run the gamut—but the most expensive isn’t always the best choice. It’s like the difference between owning a Porsche or a Chevrolet. Very high-end bikes are the fastest, but they can also be more fragile, and they often require more maintenance. The least expensive bikes are often spec’d with low-quality components that are typically heavier, less precise, and quicker to wear out. Consider your needs, budget, and the type of riding you want to do when choosing between models. If you're mainly focused on riding for exercise or leisure, for example, you likely won't need a top-spec race bike.

Find the Right Fit

Whichever bike you buy, make sure it fits. Work with your local bike shop to get a bike that pairs well with your body. Whether you’re buying a stock bike or ordering a custom one, that will help you have the best riding experience.

Ready to ride? These are the top road bikes to consider this year.

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The Best Road Bikes of 2023

1. Pinarello F5

Best for: Speed-focused riders seeking a high-end bike with racing geometry

Inspired by Pinarello’s Dogma F, which achieved a podium finish at the Tour de France, the new F5 has racing geometry, aero design, and lightweight performance with a more affordable carbon layup that’s still top of its class.

The bike is made from T700 carbon fiber for responsive performance, and it also absorbs road vibration better than the racier builds of the Pinarello F. A balance of sleek aerodynamics, stiffness, and low weight, this bike’s carbon fork enhances handling while seated or when you’re out of the saddle in a full sprint. The hidden front seat clamp is compact, lightweight, and cuts down on drag. So does the shaped carbon post. And this bike keeps speed while also having clearance for 30mm tires.

Asymmetry is a signature of Pinarello designs. This bike has asymmetrical chainstays and seatstays that enhance the bike’s lateral stiffness, minimize wasted energy, and provide a more responsive and balanced ride. The head tube is also asymmetric; it features an aerodynamic tapered shape with more room on the right side for cabling to pass through the frame. Even the bike’s integrated seatpost clamp is designed for smooth aerodynamics. Borrowing from Pinarello’s Dogma, the bike is spec’d with a super-thin proprietary seatpost and a very small seatpost binder system that slides in from above. The trim top tube and seatpost also save weight.

The frame uses a 12mm x 100mm thru-axle on the front and 12mm x 142mm thru-axle on the rear for energy-efficient stiffness. The downtube tucks the bottle cage out of the wind, and by routing cables internally, Pinarello made the bike even sleeker.

The F5 comes in nine frame sizes. Every frame size was designed from the ground up, so no matter which you choose, you’ll get the same performance characteristics.

[Starting at $6,000 with electronic shifting; pinarello.com]

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2. Specialized Turbo Creo SL

Best for: Electric pedal assist

If a boost on hills or extra support getting home at the end of a ride sounds appealing, consider Specialized’s Turbo Creo pedal-assist road bike. Introduced in 2019, this bike is still at the top of its class. With assist on, the Turbo Creo delivers up to double your power at speeds up to 28 mph. But it's still light enough to ride without assist: The higher-end builds weigh in around 26.8 pounds. That includes a headset equipped with Future Shock 2.0, which lets you control compression via a knob while hydraulically damped internals control rebound.

Throw a leg over the Turbo Creo, and you’ll experience the bike’s smooth and lively ride—with or without electric boost. Built on Specialized’s Fact 11r carbon frame, it’s the lightest e-bike in its class, yet it still delivers up to 240 watts of added power. The motor’s torque curve feels natural; sometimes it's hard to tell if the bike’s power transmission has kicked in or if your legs just feel great. The bike’s assist matches your cadence, and there’s no resistance when you’re riding it with the motor turned off. The internal battery can last for up to 80 miles, though your actual range will depend on which assist mode you choose and the terrain you’re riding on. An optional range-extender battery can give you an additional 40 miles of range.

Pair the Turbo Creo with Specialized’s Mission Control App and you can tune the motor to your personal preferences, record your rides, monitor your remaining power, and maximize your range. The app also displays fitness stats, like how many watts you’re laying down. If you prefer to leave your phone at home or keep it stashed out of sight, you can also control the bike through a digital screen in the cockpit.

[Starting at $4,500; specialized.com]

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3. Mosaic GT-1 AR

Best for: Hard-to-fit riders

If you’re hard to fit, or just want a bike that fits you like a glove, Mosaic’s titanium custom-fit GT-1 AR is a great do-everything option. It’s energetic on pavement but has the tire clearance and the stability for occasionally exploring dirt roads and gravel. The GT-1 AR’s low bottom bracket, longer wheelbase, and space for 38mm tires enhance its stability on any surface. 

With geometry that bridges traditional road and off-road frames, this bike’s short chainstays, steeper head angle, oversized head tube, and carbon fork make it feel fast without leaving you feeling beat up on rougher roads. So do the double-butted titanium tubes, which are responsive and offer a smoothness that other materials can’t replicate. They also make the frame durable and lightweight.

Every Mosaic GT-1 AR bike is designed to match its rider’s weight and preferences. If you’re looking for a bike for long days in the saddle, with the option to add mounts for touring or commuting, this bike is a great choice. But custom isn’t the only available option—if you fit on Mosaic’s stock tubesets, you can save a few bucks and go for an off-the-shelf model.

Just make sure you plan in advance: It takes Mosaic about 12 weeks to deliver this bike.

[Starting at $4,500 for Mosaic’s Batch Built bikes with standard raw finish, or starting at $7,200 for custom geometry frameset; mosaiccycles.com]

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4. Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 7 Disc eTap

Best for: Adjustable fit, and a carbon frame at a great value

A user-friendly introduction to riding a race bike, Canyon’s Aeroad CF SLX 7 Disc eTap gives riders the ability to adjust their position on the bike in a way other aero road bikes don’t. In addition to being lighter and more aerodynamic than previous iterations, this Aeroad gives you the option to ride with your handlebar at three different widths—a huge bonus for riders who want to use this bike for training, racing, and everyday riding.

Canyon, a brand known for delivering more for your money, developed the carbon fiber Aeroad SLX frame (and the wheels) with aerodynamics experts Swiss Side. But reduced drag isn’t the only selling point: The frame creates a more relaxed, balanced riding position that minimizes muscle fatigue, improves power transfer, and helps you achieve maximum speed.

The Aeroad has the bells and whistles found on premium road bikes: integrated cables, a seconds-shaving aero profile, and in this build, SRAM eTap electronic shifting. But the user-friendly handlebar width and stem height adjustment make it a real standout in its class. The handlebar adjusts up to 20mm per side, and the stem has 15mm of flexibility that can be changed anytime—no steerer tube trimming or spacers required. It also comes in a broad range of sizes, from 2XS to 2XL.

[Starting at $4,999; canyon.com]

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5. Cannondale SuperSix EVO

Best for: Racing

The fourth generation of Cannondale’s SuperSix EVO race-winning road bike is the lightest, most aerodynamic version yet. The bike maintains its best qualities—exceptional handling, speed, and an unbelievably smooth ride. But the newest version will help you ride even faster because it has less drag and it’s even lighter.

Cannondale redesigned the EVO to be faster and more aerodynamic than its predecessor by using a wind tunnel to fine-tune its design. For 2023, it saves riders 12 watts of power at 28 mph over the previous version.

Cannondale offers a range of SuperSix EVO models, including the top-spec LAB71 Super Six Evo, which uses Cannondale’s new Series 0 carbon construction, an advanced fiber and nano-resin composite with exceptional strength. The new material helped Cannondale engineers shave ounces off this frame: Because the compound is so strong, they could use less of it. The LAB71 frame weighs 770 grams for a fully painted, build-ready size 56. When fully built up, the LAB71 SuperSix EVO tips the scales at the UCI minimum of 6.8 kilograms (14.99 pounds). It’s available as a frameset and as a complete bike.

Cannondale collaborated with motorsport design firm MOMODesign to make a fully integrated carbon handlebar and stem for the LAB71 and Hi-MOD 1 models. Using drag-reducing shapes, the two companies created a handlebar and stem that put riders in a more ergonomic position.

Everything about the SuperSix EVO is aero, down to Cannondale’s new Gripper Aero bottles and ReGrip Aero Cages. Both align with the bike’s signature tube shapes to smooth airflow and minimize drag.

The SuperSix EVO is available in several models and as a frameset.

[Starting at $3,225; cannondale.com]

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6. Scott Foil RC

Best for: Competitive riders who want versatility

The fastest bike Scott has ever made, the Foil RC is 20 percent faster while also being nine percent lighter and a heck of a lot more comfortable than previous Foil iterations. Whether you’re breaking away from the peloton or sneaking in miles before work, this bike is a great choice.

Scott says that the bike is a minute and 18 seconds faster over 40 kilometers at 40 kilometers per hour. While that’s faster than most of us ride for a sustained hour, the modifications make a difference for just about any rider. The bike’s oversized head tube accommodates integrated cables (you can option yours with either mechanical or electronic shifting) and acts as a wind-splitting fairing. The bike’s fork has a higher crown and a deeper cross section, which also helps reduce drag. Dropped seatstays add flex, which makes the ride more comfortable; they also reduce air resistance by forcing air into the spokes of the rear wheel, where it’s diffused. On top of that, the seatstays also hide the disc brake calipers, cleaning up the design and reducing drag even more.

The patented seatpost might be our favorite feature. It has a carbon fiber load-bearing front that flexes when the going gets rough, helping your feet stay on the pedals. A USB-rechargeable, three-mode rear light, sold separately, slots directly into the back of the seatpost.

Also new in the 2023 Foil: The single-piece handlebar and stem has been trimmed down to deliver both efficiency and comfort that adapts to your position and power input. The single piece system is stiffer than a stem clamped to a handlebar—when loaded in a finish line sprint, it’ll help you transmit power more efficiently into the bike. Because there is no clamped junction between bar and stem, this cockpit setup also absorbs and disperses road shock better. On the frame, a better carbon layup made from fewer pieces and fewer joints helped Scott engineers shave weight without giving up race-winning stiffness.

[Starting at $5,800; scott-sports.com]

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7. Giant Fastroad AR Advanced 1

Best for: Fitness riding

Riding bikes is a great way to get fit, and Giant’s Fastroad AR is a superb value carbon-frame bike to help you meet your goals. Its composite frameset and shaping inspired by more expensive Giant bikes save riders 200 grams over the aluminum-frame version. The carbon frame also has a stiffer bottom bracket that improves power transfer, so riders can crush climbs and hit cruising speed sooner with less energy expended.

If you’re a rider who wants the speed of a road bike but you don’t like the idea of drop handlebars, the Fastroad AR provides an alternative. It comes with a flat bar that allows for a more upright riding position, which can be easier on your body without compromising stability and confident handling. The compliant carbon frame pairs with a carbon fork to absorb road shock and prevent shoulder soreness. The bike has a shock-diffusing seatpost as well. Overall, it’s a solid setup that will boost your confidence and help you push your limits.

Better yet, the Fastroad AR has clearance for tires up to 42mm, making it well-suited to road or gravel. It comes with both single and double chainrings—depending on which build you choose—to better accommodate rider preferences and the terrain where you’ll pedal. Add racks via the integrated mounts if you need to carry gear for commuting, running errands, or weekend adventures.

[$2,100; giant-bicycles.com]

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8. Vitus Zenium Road Bike Tiagra

Best for: Cyclists on a budget

If you’re looking to get rolling without going into debt, this bike will help you hit the road. One of the most affordable carbon-frame-and-fork road bikes you can buy, the Zenium benefits from trickle down technology used on the brand’s top-spec models: handling-enhancing front and rear thru-axles and dropped seatstays that give the bike a modern look and add rear-end comfort for longer rides. Vitus positions this bike as a comfortable do-anything bike. While the Zenium’s geometry is slightly more relaxed than what you’d find on a performance road bike, it’s sporty enough to hop into a citizen’s race and comfortable enough to ride for a day out seeing the sights.

It’s about the most comfortable and efficient bike you can get for the price. And it’s also dependable. The bike is spec’d with Shimano’s Tiagra mechanical 10-speed groupset. It has fewer gear options than more expensive groupsets, but the shifting is clean, reliable, and upgradable when you’re ready. The bike’s cables are internally routed to keep them out of the weather, which will help this bike run better for longer. TRP Spyre disc brakes give the Zenium superb stopping performance, and it has space for tires up to 32mm.

That satisfying experience of riding a responsive carbon road bike is where the Zenium excels. Whether you’re looking to push your boundaries as a cyclist or on the hunt for a bike that’s comfortable without sacrificing performance, the Zenium is a compelling option.

[$1,599; vitusbikes.com]

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9. Salsa Warroad C 105

Best for: Touring and adventure riding

If you’re in the market for a road bike that’s focused on fun and exploring more than speed and aerodynamics, the Warroad delivers. An efficient, lightweight cousin of Salsa’s Warbird (a mountain bike-framed bikepacking steed), the carbon Warroad C 105 is built with endurance road geometry that’s comfortable for all-day rides.

Short chainstays make this bike feel zippy, nimble, and responsive. But it won’t lose its cool on broken pavement or when you hit a patch of sand or loose gravel. A slack head tube angle and a long offset fork give this bike high mechanical trail, which means it’s stable when you’re riding, even on rough ground. The Warroad has a carbon fork with a 12 x 100mm thru-axle for stiff and true tracking, and it comes with a flat mount disc brake for quick setup.

The bike gets you where you’re going efficiently, but you won’t feel like you’ve been beaten up when you get there. Salsa’s secret sauce is its vibration-reducing shaped seatstays. They have a tall, thin, vertically-oriented profile that enhances vertical compliance. The seatstays can flex outward on impacts without making pedaling feel sloppy. Horizontally-oriented chainstays resist torque and maintain a laterally stiff rear end. Both the seatstays and the chainstays lack bridges, which optimizes their flexibility. They work together with the stiffening rear thru-axle for an optimized ride.

You can spec this bike with 700C x 35mm or narrower tires, or opt for 650B wheels with up to 47mm tires. Swap the wheelset, and the Warroad goes from being a speedy pavement cruiser to an all-terrain tank. This build is fitted with Shimano’s workhorse 105 group. The parts are easy to find and affordable to replace when needed.

This bike is designed to carry cargo, too. Mid-blade fork mounts let you add a front rack and panniers. The frame accepts a bolt-on top tube bag, it has multiple bottle mounts inside the main triangle, there’s an accessory mount on the underside of the downtube, and the bike has fender mounts as well.

The Warroad can be spec’d with 1x, 2x, and electronic shifting drivetrain options, as well as a 27.2mm dropper post to lower your center of gravity when you’re speeding downhill on rough terrain. One other feature we love: Salsa expects this bike to be ridden hard, so the brand added frame and fork protection more commonly found on mountain bikes.

[$3,499; salsacycles.com]

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10. Diamondback Haanjo 1

Best for: Affordability and reliability

With its aluminum frame and mechanical disc brakes, Diamondback’s Haanjo 1 delivers a shocking amount of performance for the price, and it’s equally good on the pavement as it is on gravel. The bike has comfortable geometry to help you fall in love with road riding and a single chainring drivetrain to minimize maintenance and save weight. The nine-speed Shimano rear mech has fewer gearing choices than many other bikes in this class, but it provides enough range to manage a lot of terrain.

The Haanjo 1 comes with tires that walk the line between road and gravel widths, so you can dabble in both, and the frame has mounting points for carrying loads. If you’re just dipping your toe into riding on the road, this is a great bike to start with. Bonus: This bike comes with a tool kit and tubeless-compatible rims. (Though you’ll need to get tubeless tires, valves, and rim tape if you want the additional puncture-resistance that a tubeless setup affords.)

[$785; diamondback.com]

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