When I first started cycling, I grabbed an old bike from my garage and just started pedaling. I didn’t worry at all about the weight, the size, or the style of the bike, it was just a way to get outside. As my appreciation for the sport grew, I became more and more convinced that my old bike wasn’t cutting it. I needed to tune my brakes, get a new chain, then sand the rust off my seat post, finally, after I found myself about to purchase a brand new headset for a bike that is five years my senior, I decided that it was time to look for a new bike.
I think this point must come in every cyclist’s life, where they realize that not all bikes are created equal. A cyclist’s first bike usually takes the form of whatever is lying around, but the next bike is inevitably a product of almost too much time and effort. The kind of effort that only comes along with starting something new.
So, for those of you who are just starting this process, we have compiled a list of ten of the best bikes coming out in 2014. This list is far from exhaustive, as there are styles and brands made to meet every need that a rider could have, but this will get you started and whet your appetite for the latest and greatest in road bikes.
2 of Outside Online’s top 5
These first two bikes and their review come from Outside Online’s top 5 bikes from the Interbike Expo.
Bianchi Infinito CV
The endurance category of road bikes co
ntinues to expand. The CV in the name refers to Countervail Vibration Cancelling Technology, an application which has been used by NASA, is embedded into the carbon layup to absorb vibration so that your body doesn’t have to. Juan Antonio Flecha rode the Infinito CV at Paris-Roubaix last year and called it, “the best classics bike” he had ever ridden. It will come in five models, ranging from $4,600 up to $12,400.
Scott Addict SL
This year’s Addict is below a kilo including the fork. That doesn’t make the Addict the lightest production frame ever, but it does place it right up there—about as airy as your kid’s helium balloon on a windy day. Sc
ott makes all the requisite claims about how the new Addict is more compliant, stiffer at the bottom bracket, and more aerodynamic (with DNA lifted from the Foil) than ever before. But we remember just how dang good the original Addict was, and we wonder how it could possibly get better. It will come in four specs for 2014, from $2,950 up to $12,650.
Men’s Fitness Top Bikes for Serious Cyclists
The Next three bikes and reviews are from Men’s Fitness’ review of the top ten road bikes for serious cyclists.
Scott’s Plasma Premium
This tri bike was the fastest steed in last year’s Kona Ironman World Championship, when Sebastian Kienle powered his mount to a rookie win. The bike also set an Ironman world record last year with a super aero carbon frame that shaves weight where it isn’t necessary and reinforces key areas for maximum efficiency. We’re not saying you’ll win the next Kona, but you’ll break records—if only your own. Caveat: faster and lighter means an emptier pocket. ($9,000)
Cannondale CAAD 10 5 105
Carbon frames are popular these days, but they can be expensive, and some sprinters find the flex inefficient when it’s time to power forward. This bike is a great aluminum alternative—it’s stiffer than carbon but smoother than most aluminum bikes, so you’ll have both acceleration and comfort. And with a frame that’s only 2.5 pounds, it’s actually lighter than several carbon steeds. Not to mention light on your wallet. ($1,730)
Planet X N2a SRAM Red
This superfast aero was designed in collaboration with renowned Italian carbon specialist Roberto Billato and six-time Tour of the Peak winner Mark Lovatt to produce their most ambitious technical road bike yet. Aerodynamics are optimized using aeronautics profiles, including a tapered fork for low drag and better handling on turns. Low-slung race geometry and a responsive chassis mean this bike is fit for unrivaled speed. ($4,000)
Bicyling.Com Picks
These last bikes come highly recommended by Bicycling.com after their review of the Interbike Expo.
Kovit R6i
The R6i model shown here weighs 700 grams, and has what’s called an IsoTruss construction in the main tubes, helping the frame to damp road vibrations. Each of the strands in the woven structure is called a tow. To create a sturdy tube, the tows are wound around a mandrel and then cured in place. The frames are made in Utah, cost $3,500, and have a tapered head tube, a BB30 bottom bracket, and no rider weight restrictions.
Felt AR
The new AR bikes have revised shapes that the company says lets them incur even less aerodynamic drag. The updated models also come with a new reversible seatpost design that lets riders easily convert their bike for a triathlon or time trial with clip-on aero bars. The new frame also hides the rear brake under the chainstays, where it’s better shielded from the wind. This accessible version, the AR 5, costs $2,500. The high-end AR FRD Di2 comes complete with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 components and Zipp 404 wheels, and costs $12,500.
Pinarello Dogma K Hydro
The Dogma K is built for riders who want the speed of the Tour de France-winning Dogma, but prefer a slightly more comfortable position and some additional damping. For 2014, the platform is available in a disc-brake version for added stopping power that will let you get the most out of your favorite descents. The bike will be sold only as a frameset in the United States and will cost $5,300.
ProForm Alpe D’Huez
Known primarily for its spin cycles and other gym equipment, ProForm designed the Alpe D’Huez is an 800-gram frame made from high-modulus carbon fiber and designed around aggressive racing geometry. Built with Shimano Ultegra and carbon wheels, it will sell for $5,500. Budget-conscious riders can opt for the aluminum Col du Galibier for $3,500 with Ultegra parts.
Marin Verona T3
A taller head tube and longer wheelbase make this a comfortable bike for longer rides, and will suit cyclists desiring a more upright position. There are five carbon models, which range in price from $2,000 to $4,200. The aluminum Argenta line has an identical geometry and starts at $750. The best part? Every bike in the line comes with cushy, grippy 25mm tires.
What Now?
Hopefully this list and the other articles on this site will help you make your decision. All of us at Christensen & Hymas remind you to stay safe on the roads and wish you the best in all of your cycling in 2014. Remember that if you or a loved one have been wrongfully injured don’t hesitate to contact us.
For More Reviews on bikes not listed here you can turn to Cycling Weekly’s Reviews.