Editors Choice #1 in Women’s Road Bikes

Although it’s a compact frame bike, the Specialized Ruby Expert Compact holds its own against full-size bikes, ranking near the top of many lists for performance and value. One of the top names in bicycles, Specialized makes a comprehensive line of women’s road bikes, and the Ruby is near the top of the company’s line, surpassed only by the competition-level Amira models.

Compact bikes sometimes represent a sacrifice in comfort and stability, but reviewers of the Specialized Ruby Compact compare this bike favorably to full-size road bikes. The bike is designed for endurance, comfort and speed, with a light-weight, shock-absorbing carbon frame and Zertz inserts.

BikecyclingReviews.com and RoadBikeReviews.com both rated this bike one of the best road bikes for women and that says a lot about its performance and value. Consumer reviews at Buzzillions highlight this as a great all-around bike, for racing, long-distance, sprints, fitness or casual riding.

The 2010 model has been completely re-designed and re-purposed for greater comfort and versatility making, according to the Specialized website, “the long road feel short.”

Our Sources
1. BicyclingReviews.com
In their post, Six Best Bikes for Women, Bikecyclingreviews.com ranked the Ruby Comp Compact, a step below the Expert, as one of the top road bikes for women, calling it “economical and sporty,” as well as one of the lightest on the market.

2. RoadBikeReviews.com
Roadbikereview.com, an authoritative website for consumer reviews of road bikes, ranked the Specialized Ruby Compact Expert 4.2 out of 5, with two 5-star reviews posted. Smooth, fast, responsive and comfortable, this bike offered everything these reviewers looked for, exceeding expectations.

3. Buzzilions.com
All the bikes in the Ruby line did well in consumer reviews at Buzzillions; the Expert Compact received five stars across the board from three reviewers. Pros included: great shock absorption, comfort, great components and superior handling. None of the reviewers listed any “cons” with this bike.

Editors Choice #1 in Men’s Beginner Road Bikes

In a category where Jamis, Felt, Giant, Cannondale and others all make several different top-quality beginner men’s road bikes with aluminum frames, the Trek 1.2 leads the race. Trek is perhaps the most well-known name in road bikes, and this made it easy to find reviews of this rider favorite.

At a price point of around $700, the bike proves its possible to get a high-quality, lightweight aluminum road bike that’s easy to ride for under a grand.
One reviewer compared it favorably to the Giant Defy, another good choice in this class of road bikes, noting that the Trek felt more comfortable and responsive. Other consumer reviewers at the Bicycling magazine Gear & Bike Review Finder site also commented on its responsiveness. The bike has no problem going fast, but also offers a stable ride for those just beginning discover the joy of cycling.

The only downside? The brakes were a bit squishy, said several reviewers. (Some used the terms “mushy,” or “soft.”) Even so, this bike was cited as the best value in its class. The components, including the Shimano Sora derailleurs, are all entry-level, but that’s the case for most bikes at this price. If you have an extra $500 or $600 to toss at a beginner road bike, I’d recommend the Trek 1.5, the next step up in this line, where you’ll get a faster ride, lighter weight, and more responsiveness.

Our Sources
1. Bicyling.com
Bicycling.com readers gave this bike an average of 4.4. stars. The most critical reviewer on the website (3 stars) said he fixed the soft brakes with a $20 set of Dur Ace pads. He also replaced the front shifting with an Ultegra triple. Accustomed to racing high-end bikes years ago, this reviewer has higher standards than the average beginner. That’s one thing about road bikes — once you upgrade to the next class, it’s hard to go back — even 20 years later. One new rider on the site, who gave the bike five stars, said, “The gear shifting is very responsive and it does have a sense that it wants to run.”

2. RoadBikeReviews.com
Seventeen reviewers and 122 quick ratings gave this bike 3.64 stars out of 5. One experienced rider said he replaced the brakes with Dur Ace and “now it rides more like a $3000 road bike.” One weakness he pointed out, echoed by other reviewers, is that the Sora shifters cannot be operated from the drops.

3. BeginnerTriathlete.com
Reviewers at Beginner Triathlete had good things to say about the Trek 1.2. Out of nine reviews, the bike got seven 5-star ratings. One reviewer called it “the best value in the entry level category.”

Editors Choice #1 in Women’s Road Bikes

Women’s beginner road bikes offer shorter frames, more narrow handlebars, and a frame custom-designed for the female form. Today’s top bicycle manufacturers make quality women’s road bikes that offer the same level of performance as the men’s bikes in the line. The Trek 2.1 and the Scott Contessa (a counterpart to our Editor’s Choice Men’s Road Bike, the Scott CR1) are both great options for female cycling enthusiasts.

But in consumer reviews, the Specialized Dolce Elite stood out from the rest. Specialized makes seven different models in the Dolce line of beginner bikes for women, including compact models, and each received rave reviews in a number of places. The Dolce Elite Triple offers triple chainstays for an easier ride, a more upright riding position, and a smooth ride. The double shifters were a selling point for me when I purchased my Dolce Elite, and a few reviewers noted the convenience of this set up, too.

Some reviewers said braking could be better and, in my experience with this bike, I’d agree.

I’ve been riding the Dolce Elite for three years now, and fit the product’s demographic perfectly: a social rider and fitness enthusiast who wants a bike that looks like a race machine, but feels stable and secure.

Our Sources
1. Buzzilions.com
Buzzillions offered five reviews of the Specialized Dolce Elite. Out of these reviews, the road bike garnered an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Many reviewers said this was their first road bike. One reviewer compared it favorably to the Fuji Finest 1.0, which has better components but a similar frame. “I’d rather save the $$$ as the handling seems a bit more sensitive on the Dolce.” She also also said the Specialized bike was easy to ride.

2. RoadBikeReviews.com
The Dolce Elite got 4.2 out of 5 stars at RoadBikeReview.com. Both reviewers said the bike wasn’t as comfortable as they’d hoped it would be on long rides. One reviewer said switching to a gel seat helped considerably. Both reviewers liked the handling and one pointed out the benefit of the double shifters: “Gives you different places to put your hands, good for traffic and for regular commuting.”

3. BeginnerTriathlete.com
Although the Specialized Dolce Elite is not a triathlon bike at all, reviewers at Beginner Triathlete gave it seven 5-star ratings and two 4-star ratings, with rave reviews calling it a great entry level bike. Reviewers used it for triathlon training and century rides. One reviewer commented, “This has been an excellent bike for the sprint and Olympic distances I’ve done.” Another said, “I rode this bike on a 100-mile century ride and my butt was not the least bit sore!”

Editors Choice #1 in Men’s Road Bikes

An all-carbon fiber road bike at a price that makes it accessible to serious riders on a budget, the Scott CR1 for 2010 has been re-designed for greater comfort and long-distance rides. The “Scott Dampering System” seat stays and chain stays provides a smoother ride than previous models — best known as a serious road racing bike. Now the Scott Addict steps up to fill that spot in Scott’s product line, and the CR1 becomes an Editor’s Choice pick as the best all-around road bike.

Riders looking at the 2010 CR1 as a “step up” from previous models of this bike will be disappointed if they’re looking for the speediest racing bike around. This bike compromises some speed for comfort but, according to the Bicycle.net reviewer, finds the perfect blend of both. He predicts the CR1 to be another category leader, “sure to please the most picky of bicycle consumer.” If you can own just one road bike, the Scott CR1 would be a good choice.

Our Sources
1. Bicycling.com
Bicycling.com’s Gear & Bike Review Finder classifies the Scott CR1 as a quality bike for the road biking enthusiast, making it a good fit for AllReviews Editor’s Choice in the category of men’s road bike.One reader review on the website gave the bike 4 stars. It’s hard not to compare this year’s CR1 to the road racing version of the past, but Bicycling.com’s test reviewer called the blend of comfort and speed “a compromise done right.”

2. RoadBikeReviews.com
Comfort, comfort, comfort. That’s the number one word associated with this bike in nearly every review. Whether you want to ride a century or do the occasional race, the Scott CR1 will suit you well. The reviewer at this website summed up the ride: “The bike felt very comfortable but did not feel mushy while climbing or sprinting.”

3. Bicycle.net
Bicycle.net provided a compelling review with close-up photos of key components to the Scott CR1. He comments on the bike’s more upright riding position (compared to previous versions), which create less back strain, especially on long-distance rides. Of professional reviewers, the Bicycle.net writer offered the most favorable of many positive reviews — nearly glowing. He says the bike is designed for: “The rider who is looking for a fast, secure, confidence building, easy on the body, high performance machine,” noting that it transitions from local road races to century rides.

Editors Choice #1 in Women’s Carbon Road Bikes

Recognizing the women cyclist market, all major manufacturers of road bicycles make comparable women’s models at every price point. While many women’s bikes today have a straight crossbar — who rides a bike in a skirt anymore, after all? — they are all sized and designed to fit a woman’s body.

With many choices in the category of all-carbon frame women’s road bikes, two stood out from the rest: the Specialized Ruby Expert and our Editor’s Choice pick, the Cannondale Synapse Feminine Carbon. The Specialized Ruby Expert had been a top-ranked women’s road bike for several years running, but the most recent reviews spotlight the Cannondale Synapse Feminine Carbon as the better value and a slightly better bike. At 17.8 pounds, the one complaint about the Cannondale was its weight — a factor not mentioned in reviews for the Specialized Ruby.

Consumer reviews of bicycles in this class aren’t easy to find. Buzzillions offers a good sampling, and all the Cannondale Synapse models (men and women’s) did very well. In selecting our the Cannondale Synapse Feminine Carbon in this category, we relied primarily on bicycling magazine and website reviews.

Why the Cannondale? The comfort, shock-absorption thanks to the all-carbon frame, and overall durability of the bike set it apart, at a price point hundreds lower than other bikes in its class. The bike features reach-adjustable Shimano shifters and brake levers and a triple chainring for steep climbs, and relaxed geometry that gives it a great look along with added comfort.

The Synapse Carbon Feminine comes in 3, 4, 5 and 6 models, each with slightly different features at different price points.

Our Sources
1. outside.away.com
Outside magazine rated this bike a “killer value” and the top road bike for women. The reviewer said it’s perfect for quick sprints or century rides, thanks to the combination of speed and comfort offered by the all-carbon frame.

2. RoadBikeReviews.com
This website offers consumer reviews of road bikes, and the Synapse Feminine Carbon ranked well, with 3.71 stars (out of 5) and one positive review. The reviewer (who previously rode a Trek 1420) liked the comfortable and responsive ride, giving the bike 5 stars for value and overall.

3. Bicycling.com
Bicycling magazine’s Gear and Bike reviews gave the Cannondale Synapse Feminine Carbon a positive review and a thumbs-up in its Buyers Guide, emphasizing its performance and comfort for long-distance races.

Editors Choice #1 in Road Race Bikes

The top-of-the-line Scott Addict RC received a thumbs-up and editor’s choice in Bicycling magazine’s Gear & Bike Reviews Buyer’s Guide. With a $9,000 price tag, this bike is designed for pure professional racers. Bicycling Magazine reviewers also raved at the lower cost Scott Addict R3, calling it “snappy.”

Scott revamped its CR1 line, turning it into more of a comfort bike, while, in the words of Bicycling magazine’s reviewers, the R3 is designed for weight freaks and ride-quality connoisseurs. The Scott R3 road racing bike is lighter than the CR1 and also offers a smoother ride. The 790g frame (54cm.) is manufactured through Scott’s Integrated Molding Process, shaving about 11 % of the material from the junctions at the top, head and down tubes. The dropouts, cable stops and front derailleur hanger are made from carbon, too.

While the bike’s lightweight astounded the Bicycling staff, even more important is the ride — smooth and fast. Consumer reviewers at BikeReviews.com and Buzzillions agreed.

Our Sources

1. Bicycling.com
In an in-depth article that compares the Scott R3’s predecessor, the CR1, with this new top-rated road racing bike, staff reviewers loved the light weight and stiffer ride, which make it equally suitable for a century or a day ride as for its intended purpose — intense competitive racing.

2. BikeReviews.com
The Scott Addict R3 earned an average of 4 out of 5 stars with 16 reviews at this website. The website highlights components like Shimano brakes, shifters and front and rear derailleurs.

3. Buzzilions.com
The Scott Addict R3 earned five out of five stars from one reviewer at Buzzillions. This avid cyclist found no negatives about the bike, listing positives confirmed by other reviewers, including comfort, speed, good geometry, smooth handling and a light weight. “It rides perfectly and climbs even better,” he said.

Editors Choice #1 in Men’s Carbon Road Bikes

The Cannondale Synapse Carbon road bike dominates the best carbon road bike category, earning Editor’s Choice for both men’s and women’s carbon road bikes. Many may associate all-carbon frames with speed, but the fact is, carbon frames also provide superior comfort, which is precisely what the Cannondale Synapse line is known for, thanks to its Synapse Active Vibration Damping, which eliminates road buzz and high frequency vibration. One Buzzillions reviewer called the bike, “Great for someone with a bad back.”

Offering comfort for the long distance and surprising speed, the Cannondale Synapse provides everything both beginning and advanced riders could want for long-distance rides, relaxed training days, and fitness. The “relaxed ride” is not so much a characteristic of the handle bar height or the bike’s dimensions, but its overall character. The bike offers a smooth ride and predictable handling, even on the downslopes.

The carbon synapse for men is available in a variety of models, including the 105 carbon, reviewed favorably by BikeRadar.com, and the popular Synapse Carbon 3.

Our Sources
1. Buzzilions.com
With 4 reviews, the Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3 received a full 5-star rating. Reviewers ranged from casual to competitive cyclists. A competitive cyclist said the bike exceeded his standards, after he lowered the headtube and flipped the stem for a more competitive geometry. The same reviewer noted the brakes “could be better.” As a whole, reviewers cited the shock-absorption, comfortable ride, responsiveness, handling and comfort as “pros.”

2. RoadBikeReviews.com
Out of 57 reviews at roadbikereview.com, the Cannondale Synapse Carbon got an average of just under 4 stars, with the vast majority of reviewers giving it a solid 5. This was one of the few sites to find reviews of 2010 models.

3. BikeRadar.com
The reviewer at Bikeradar.com looked favorably at the entire line of Cannondale Synapse road bikes. In a meaty, honest assessment, he commented on the Cannondale Carbon’s “excellent comfort and remarkable stiffness at a good weight,” giving the bike 4 out of 5 stars.

Editors Choice #1 in Triathlon Road Bikes

The Cervelo P4 time trial and triathlon bike, the top of the line and one step above the company’s popular P3, received a thumbs-up in Bicycling magazine’s Gear & Bike Reviews 2010 Buyer’s Guide and rave consumer reviews.

Some cyclists say you don’t need a specific bike for triathlon competition if you’re a beginner. If it’s your first triathlon, odds are you won’t win, so there’s little need to spend $3000-plus on a custom-designed bike to suit the race. But for serious triathletes, the right bike makes a difference.

Triathlon bikes are designed to go fast while helping the rider conserve energy for other parts of the race. It should be easier to hold an aerodynamic (aero) position because of the bike’s geometry, while your hips can stay open in that position.

When it comes to aero-bikes, it’s hard to find a better choice than a Cervelo, reviewers say. The company has made the most popular bike at the Ironman world championship five years in a row. For those looking for the best time trial triathlon bike around, the P4 offers the same geometry, fit, stiffness and handling as the P3 — in an even faster bike.

Cervelo integrates the custom rear brake into the chainstays so only the tips of the brake shoes are exposed. The fork crown blends into the down tube, and the water bottle is integrated into the design. The bike sports a Cervelo FK25 carbon frame with a Smartwall Carbon fork, rear disc wheel and deep front wheel for a smooth, comfortable, zippy ride.

Our Sources
1. Bicycling.com
Matt Phillips, the reviewer at Bicycling.com, emphasizes Cervelo’s proven racing history and reputation, noting that the company “rules the aero bike world.” He spotlighted the bike’s comfortable, easy ride and stiff frame.

2. Buzzillions.com
The Cervelo P4 got two 5-star ratings from competitive cyclists at this consumer review clearinghouse. One reviewer called the bike’s geometry “VERY aerodynamic,” citing its speed and lightweight as pros. He said the geometry made it a difficult bike to fit, but worth the trouble.

3. BikeSportMichigan.com
We found a thought-provoking, honest, in-depth–and sometimes poetic–review of the bike at Bikesportmichigan.com, the website for “Michigan’s largest road and triathlon store.” The review highlights features that contribute to the bike’s aero design, including the integrated water bottle holder and the front wheel recess in the down tube, designed specifically to reduce drag. Reviewer Jon Wojcik a veteran, elite level triathlete said testing the P4 was: “Like riding a razor blade.”

It was a tough call between the Trek FX series (the Trek 7.2 FX WSD women’s model earned the Editor’s Choice award in the category of women’s hybrid bikes) and the Specialized Sirrus. The Schwinn 700C also deserves a mention for being such a good value.

Based on the multitude of positive reviews of the Sirrus as a great commuter bike, we selected the entire Specialized Sirrus line as our Editor’s Choice men’s hybrid/commuter bike. The line encompasses four bikes at different price points, from the entry-level Sirrus at about $500 up to the carbon fiber Pro model at more than $3000. Most users will find the best blend of comfort, speed and value in the Sirrus Sport, priced under $600.

While typical “hybrid” bikes show their MTB roots in their tires and other features, the Sirrus line is classified as a “flat bar” road bike. With no category to market this new concept, retailers are still calling the line a hybrid. Whatever you call it, the Sirrus blends speed and comfort for a great commuter and weekend rider bike. The knowledgeable reviewer at Tredz Talk, a U.K.-based bike blog, summed up this bike well: “a very fast, efficient bike that is more than capable of quick, long distance riding but is far easier to live with for the majority of riders.”

Our Sources
1. TredzBlog.com
The Tredz Blog is a great find for bike enthusiasts; the reviewer is knowledgeable, in-depth and unbiased. He tested several different lines of 2010 road bike releases, and had a lot of good things to say about the Sirrus Sport. This line sums up his thoughts best: “It’s quick enough to satisfy the cycle courier in me whilst feeling really safe, secure and comfortable in traffic. Perhaps most importantly it put a smile on my face!”

2. ReviewCentre.com
ReviewCentre.com published 11 reviews of bikes in the Specialized Sirrus line, giving it an average of 4 out of 5 stars. Not surprisingly, the pro model garnered five stars, but the Sport and the base model also got many complimentary reviews. Some reviewers noted they shaved time off this commute thanks to the slimmer tires, while one reviewer, accustomed to a mountain bike, called the tires “a bit scary,” but okay if you go a little slower.

3. Buzzillions.com
Fifteen reviews at this comprehensive consumer review site gave the Specialized Sirrus line of bikes an average 4.6-star rating. “Poor off-road handling” was listed as one negative — but this flat bar road bike wasn’t designed for off-road. As an entry-level commuter/city bike, the Sirrus represents a great value for the money. The difference of the thumb shifters on the Sport model versus than the twist shifters on the base model make it well-worth the added cost.

One criticism of hybrid bikes is that they don’t excel in any particular area — they don’t offer a level of speed road racers require, and they’re not the best at off-road antics. But they are exceptionally comfort, and a great value for a beginning rider or commuter. The larger tires provide greater stability while the upright riding position offers comfort for commuting or long weekend rides.

The Trek FX series, including the 7.2, 7.5 and 7.6, as well as the 7100 and 7300 women’s hybrid bikes are all highly recommended as the “best-in-class” for women’s hybrid bikes. We selected the 7.2 FX, but any bike in this line could be a top selection. Your choice will depend on how much you want to spend. There’s a big difference between the $1200 price tag of the 7.6 model and the $529 MSRP of the 7.2 FX WSD, but the only way you can tell if it’s worth the extra money for you is to test ride the bike.

While the reviews we quote below all focus on the 7.2 FX WSD, it was easy to find positive reviews on any of the models in the 7.x FX women’s line of Trek bikes. (The WSD is the women’s designation.) The men’s versions of these same hybrid bikes were also top-ranked according to many consumer websites.

Our Sources
1. Cycleloft
Cycleloft visitors assessed the 7.2 FX WSD, giving it five stars across the board. Reviewers agreed that it offered a blend of comfort, speed and good handling. Because the bike is all aluminum, it’s heavy and a bit stiff, but that’s to be expected of hybrid bikes in this class.

2. Buzzillions.com
Twenty-seven reviewers at Buzzillions.com gave the Trek 7.2 FX WSD an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Interestingly, several reviewers here perceived the bike as light weight. One reviewer noted: “I’m a college student and needed a bike that was light enough to carry upstairs into my apartment, strong enough to carry my groceries, and fast.” That — along with a comfortable ride — sums up everything a rider could want in a hybrid bike.

3. RoadbikeReview.com
Roadbikereview.com provides some excellent consumer reviews of top road bikes. Seven quick ratings and one review gave this bike an average ranking just over four stars. Giving it a five-star rating for value, the reviewer emphasized the bike’s smooth ride, even across rough sidewalks and gravel. “Nothing really impedes this bike’s progress,” she said. The bike comes equipped with trigger shifters versus twist-shifters — a huge benefit for ease-of-use and not common on hybrid bikes in this price range.