Best Bicycles for Every Budget: On Road and Off

October 9, 2018 0 0

Summer may be in rearview mirror and colder weather on the horizon, but now’s the time to start thinking about the new bicycle you could be riding not only this Fall, but well into next spring and summer as well. At this year’s Interbike trade show in Reno, a number of promising new models caught our eye, and while some are strictly for enthusiasts and semi-pros, there were plenty of options on offer for the budget-minded as well. Here are ten of the best bicycles to check out for next season and beyond.

Cervelo R5 Road Bike

You may never actually ride in the peloton in the Tour de France, but you’ll still feel like a professional racer when you hit the road with the Cervelo R5. With its high-end carbon fiber frame, you’ll feel like you’re in leading the race in the yellow jersey, and the 11-speed drivetrain provides 22 gears to aid you in climbing up the steepest of hills, while the bike’s disc brakes will ensure you can stop on a dime. The 2019 R5 might have a price tag higher than a used car, but can you really question the value of this dream machine?

MSPR: $10,000

Specialized Allez

For those riders who plan to put in serious miles on the road, but don’t want to drop serious change on a bicycle, the Specialized Allez is a true budget-friendly option. This lightweight, alloy race bike features a Shimano Claris 8-speed drivetrain that allows you to get in a good spin for miles and miles. And unlike higher priced road bikes, it features fender and rack mounts so you can use it for daily commuting during the week or on fall touring rides on the weekend.

MSRP: $799

Orbea Oiz Mountain Bike

If you want to be the king of the mountain this season, you need look no further than the Orbea Oiz, a full suspension carbon fiber mountain bike that can handle rugged single-track trails and endure fast descents like no other. The bike’s unique suspension system can be set with low sag to maintain the bike’s geometry on steep climbs, but can still make use of its full 120mm travel to provide a smooth ride on the descends no matter the terrain.

MSRP: $4,999

Salsa Beargrease Carbon XO1 Eagle

Colder months aren’t the easiest to cruise through, but on the Beargrease Carbon XO1 Eagle fat tire bike you’ll be able to ride through the deepest snow or slush and be in perfect shape for the trails come next spring. With its carbon fiber frame, Kingpin Deluxe fork and 80mm rims with 27.5 x 4-inch fat tires, it won’t just roll over anything in its way… it will practically fly. The XO1 also features a flashy paint in case you’re in the mood to turn heads.

MSRP: $5,599

Ridley Blast Acera Mountain Bike

It might be time to size up with Ridley’s new entry level 29er. With its 6061-T6 alloy frame and 29-inch wheels, this hardtail mountain bike will quite literally blast through trails. It is durable and stiff, providing an excellent power transfer to overcome rocks and gravel alike, while the disc brakes let you remain in full control even in the worst weather conditions. Forget seasonal snags: With the Blast Acera, your local trails will effectively be open year-round.

MSRP: $799

Specialized Pitch 27.5

Not everyone is looking to tear up trails like a speed demon on a high-end mountain bike, but if you’d like to do some off-road riding without breaking the bank, the Specialized Pitch 27.5 is just the ride for you. It features a lightweight A1 Premium Aluminum frame, a durable Shimano TX800 rear derailleur, and a Suntour XCT fork that offers up to 100mm of coil-sprung suspension. All ensure you’ll have a good time on the road and can still pay the rent afterwards!

MSRP: $499

Trek Civia Lowry Single Speed

Whether you’re tooling around town, commuting to work, or just taking a leisurely ride in the park, you can channel chic European style with the Civia Lowry. With just a single gear, this bike is practically maintenance-free and light enough that you can spin around town without getting down and dirty. There is even a chainguard that lets you ride in trousers without fear of grease or muck ruining your pants or your day.

MSRP: $399

Yamaha Cross Connect eBike

For the daily commute, you might need more than just pedal power, and Yamaha’s CrossConnect will ensure you get to the office without devolving into a sweaty mess even on warmer days. This bike features a power-assist that still lets you pedal, yet makes it feel like you don’t have to race to get to the office. The bike features a 500 watt-hour battery that will provide ample power without constantly needing to be recharged, while a built-in LED headlight will help you see the road or path ahead during the evening commute back home.

MSRP: $2,999

Tern Node D8

For apartment dwellers in urban locales a bicycle can be both a blessing and a curse – it’s an easy and affordable form of transportation, but then it becomes a burden to store. This is where the Tern Node D8 fold bicycle can prove an ideal solution. It folds up in just 10 seconds, but still holds up under duress and offers an 8-speed drivetrain to get you around town while the swept-back handlebars provide an upright and comfortable riding position.

MSRP: $800

Trek FX 

A hybrid bike by design can handle some light off-road riding and yet still serve as a good all-around town bicycle. The Trek FX features a lightweight aluminum frame that can accommodate racks and fenders for commuters or a day on the trails. It also features a Bluetooth/ANT+ sensor so you can log routes and track fitness progress whether you’re enjoying a leisurely ride or commuting to work.

MSPR: $339

 

Tags: Culture, Top 10 Guides Categories: Culture, Top 10 Guides
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Peter Suciu

Peter Suciu is a freelance reporter who has been covering gadgets, gizmos, consumer products, and everything else in the tech and gear alphabet from AR to Wi-Fi, Blu-ray to Bluetooth, 3D to 4G, HDTV to HTML and more for the past two decades.

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