Best road bikes 2024 — the best drop bar, skinny(ish)-tyre bikes for riding on the road

The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 was one of the most anticipated bikes released in 2023 and claims to be lighter, faster, stiffer, and more comfortable than its predecessor, the SL7. Any new bikes claim to be exactly that, but it turns out that the SL8 actually does beat its competitors and predecessors - albeit at times marginally - in about every aspect. It weighs an impressive 6,940g - the frame itself is 120g lighter than the SL7, features excellent geometry and has a 6% improvement in rear compliance. The bike's direct feel, enhanced stiffness, and aero improvements also made this bike an exceptional ride.

Our S-Works test bike came with the top-tier SRAM Red eTap AXS drivetrain, Roval Rapide CLX II wheels, and integrated cockpit completing the high-quality components list.  Despite this build being absolutely top both, the sensible(ish) money would undoubtedly be spent on something further down the range, but if you're after the pinnacle of bike technology, the SL8 is very high up the list.

If you love speed on the flats, Giant Propel Advanced Pro 1 is a stellar aero road bike with a lot of improved aero efficiency. Although it's not the lightest aero bike out there, and the SRAM Rival eTap AXS groupset is not top-tier, it still stands out for its exceptional efficiency, comfort, and overall value in the current market. It remains stable even in crosswinds which is perhaps partly due to the Propel's redesigned frame, featuring truncated ellipse tubes, promising improved aerodynamics. Despite the aero premise and a little more aggressive geometry, this bike still impresses in terms of the comfort it offers - and on the flats it will make you faster. 

The Ultimate has been designed as a race bike and, if you have the legs, Canyon’s absolutely correct – this is one fast bike. Upon this carbon beauty, you can sprint, climb and descend swiftly and with style. The test model came in at 7.27kg but if that’s not light enough for you, an even higher-spec model comes in at 6.8kg.

But what of the spec of the Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2? Well, as you can tell from the title, it’s equipped with Shimano’s electronic groupset, this time in the form of its 12-speed Ultegra. It works wonderfully and you’d have to be a real shifting pedant to look to upgrade to the more expensive and ever-so slightly lighter Dura-Ace Di2.

Wheels come in the form of DT Swiss’ ARC 1400s and they complement the bike nicely, though they will suit rolling roads a little more than properly hilly routes. The 50mm depth can be nudged slightly by sidewinds, but these are one of the easiest wheels to get along with in gusty conditions. Mounted onto these wheels are Schwalbe Pro One Skin tyres that perform well.

Rocketing bike prices mean Canyon isn’t the value-packed brand it once was. But with the Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2, that doesn’t matter. It’s comparable price-wise with its contemporaries (or better than) and it delivers a fantastic ride, one that’s fast and comfortable. If you have the money, you can’t go wrong.

French retailer Decathlon has forged a reputation for fine-value sports gear, but this is next level. At £300 (£50 more than when we reviewed the older B'Twin-branded version, but still a right bargain) the Triban RC100, from Decathlon’s own Triban brand, is cheaper than some shoes we’ve tested. And that price doesn’t come totally at the expense of ride quality, as this is one comfortable and smooth bike that also comes in a women’s option.

The aluminium alloy frame and entry-level components mean it’s a relatively weighty number (11.61kg), with much of that extra bulk down to the steel forks and rudimentary wheels. But, perhaps surprisingly, it doesn’t feel sluggish. It’s a comfortable ride, helped by the 32mm tyres, which have a bit of knobbly tread on the sidewalls, so are ideal for hardpacked towpaths and bridleways. Handling’s good and it’s plenty stable enough through corners and when descending.

The drivetrain’s a bit of a mish mash but it all works. The seven-speed Shimano gear shifter is operated by your thumb. Shifting across the range is fine albeit a little clunky. The calliper brakes do a solid job, especially in the dry.

Overall, this is a good package for very little money.

One of the few bikes to receive a 10/10 score from road.cc and a road.cc Recommends Bike of the Year winner, the Fairlight Strael 3.0 is even better than the versions before it and wowed our reviewer with its stunning ride quality, genius design and versatility. 

It takes everything brilliant from its predecessor but includes some updates that not only improve the ride quality but also give the Strael an even smoother, more refined look. The forming and butting of the chainstays on this model have been reshaped to work better with forces in all directions, and this results in a very stiff bike that responds almost as well as a carbon superbike. It's comfortable and well-balanced too, meaning this bike is at home in races, on sportives or even the commute if you're after a luxury mile-munching bike. 

The attention to detail on the Strael 3.0 is second to none, and with so many mounts for extra gear, it can be anything you want it to be.

The price we've quoted is for a build with Shimano's Ultegra groupset at the time of writing. The frameset currently starts at £1,399, and you can completely customise your build with Fairlight when ordering. 

The Specialized Allez is a bit of a cult classic when it comes to aluminium road bikes. The updated 2023 Specialized Allez has, as you might have guessed, an aluminium alloy frame that offers a smooth ride feel, lacking any harshness. Being also very competitively priced, this bike is ideal for beginners wanting to get started in their cycling journey. The well-balanced geometry provides stability and control, making it enjoyable for both new and experienced riders and while the stock tyres feel a little "dead," they're easy to replace. The Tiagra groupset, hydraulic brakes, and full mudguard compatibility also add to this bike's winter capability and versatility. 

If simplicity is what you're after in your bike, then having a 1x drivetrain is one way to achieve that. Vielo R+1 Alto Classified is a high-performance road bike that skillfully combines the simplicity of a 1x system with the gear range of a 2x setup. The impressive gear range is achieved using the Classified's Powershift rear hub, which is powered by contactless energy transfer and eliminates the need for a front derailleur while maintaining a wide gear range.

Despite the additional weight of the Classified system, this bike tips the scales at an admirable 7,870g and excels in sprints and climbs alike, showcasing its versatility and practicality. The 1x setup simplifies the look of the bike but simultaneously offers well-rounded performance with minimal trade-offs.