If you’ve crossed the line between road bike novice and intermediate-to-good rider, you’re ready for an upgrade.
Entry-level bikes provide the essential components to help you build your skills, but you’re now able to appreciate the advanced technology and superior handling that bikes in a higher class can deliver.
It’s time to increase your budget threshold, and take a look at road bikes costing less than $2000.
If you’re not an intermediate or expert level biker, we recommend staying within a price range of less than $1000. A decent entry-level road bike will better prepare you for your future choice by introducing you to some of the advanced features and letting you decide what’s right for you. After all, when you invest a significant amount of money into a bike, you want to be sure that you get exactly what you want.
If you’re just starting out on your biking journey, there are plenty of bikes priced less than $500 that are better suited for beginners.
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5 Best Road Bikes Under 1500 & 2000 Dollars: Quick Comparison
| Product | Rating | Speed | Frame | Shifters | Derailleur | Cassette | Tires | Brakes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kestrel Talon 2016 | 2 x 11 | EMH Carbon | Shimano | Shimano | 11 Speed | 700c x 23c | Dual Pivot | |
Diamondback Haanjo | 2 x 11 | Aluminium | Shimano | Shimano | 11 Speed | 700c x 25c | Disc | |
Kestrel Talon 2015 | 2 x 11 | EMH Carbon | Shimano | Shimano | 11 Speed | 700c x 23c | Dual Pivot | |
| Diamondback Century 2 | 2 x 11 | Aluminium | Shimano | Shimano | 11 Speed | 700c x 28c | Disc | |
Kestrel Legend | 2 x 11 | Carbon | Shimano | Shimano | 11 Speed | 700c x 25c | Dual Pivot |
Reviews of Road Bikes Under $2000
It’s not always easy to sift through the many brands and models available. When you’re ready to take the bold leap into serious biking territory, we can help. Here are our top five choices for best road bike under $2000.
Kestrel Talon Road Shimano 105
User Rating - Made from Kestrel’s Enhanced Modulus Hybrid (EMH) carbon
- Stays, seat tube and seat post are aerodynamically contoured
- Proprietary Kestrel H-Stays improve power transfer
- Features down tube shifters
- Shimano 105 group set
Since its initial launch in 2007, the Talon has been an incredibly popular bike for serious riders. It allows you to choose a road or triathlon position, making it extremely versatile and customizable. The Talon features high-performance carbon frame construction for a price that most would associate with aluminum frames.
Weighing in at only 20 pounds, it’s an extremely light and fast bike that offers near professional-level performance for those who are ready to graduate to a more serious ride.
The components provide quiet, smooth operation and accurate shifting. If you’re ready to increase your average speed, the Talon will get you there. It also delivers impressive performance when climbing.
Negative reviews of this bike are rare; it’s mechanically sound and aesthetically perfect, and it gives intermediate to expert level riders a thrilling experience for a relatively low price.
Diamondback Bicycles 2016 Haanjo
- 6061-T6 aluminum alloy frame with Endurance Geometry
- DB gravel disc carbon fork
- Easy to assemble
- All terrain tires
- TRP disc brakes
- Shimano 105 11-speed drivetrain
Diamondback’s Haanjo Alternative Road Bike offers something unique for bikers who need a bit of versatility in their riding. Designed to handle rough terrain as well as pavement, the Haanjo performs well on any road you choose including gravel and dirt roads.
In addition to its durability, it offers Endurance Geometry to smooth out the rocky ride and help you stay comfortable for long periods. Its well-rounded, lightweight design also features a range of gears, a carbon leg fork, bigger tires and powerful brakes to match its durable construction.
Almost universally loved by its owners, it delivers great performance for anyone who deals with potholes and pavement cracks throughout their commute or just likes the freedom to take the rough road.
If you live in an area where you can’t avoid dirt roads or gravel driveways, this is your dream bike.
Kestrel 2015 Talon
- Kestrel Superlight carbon layup for the best combination of stiffness and compliance
- Triathlon model incudes Oval Concepts base
- FSA Metron shifters
- Includes limited lifetime warranty with professional assembly
Our second Talon on the list, the Kestrel 2015 Talon Tri Carbon Fiber Bike is considered by many to be the first aero road bike. With an aerodynamic frame and geometry made for the road, it’s even more popular today than when it was first released.
With this model, you can choose a road-style or triathlon-style position. Both provide a smooth, easy riding experience, plenty of speed and exceptional control.
It’s a perfect bike for the serious rider with a limited budget. Similar carbon fiber bikes cost twice as much or more.
Because it has rather complex assembly requirements, professional assembly is recommended, but the results are well worth the trouble of taking to your local bike shop.
Diamondback Bicycles Century 2 Ready Ride
- Assembly only requires a few steps
- Sturdy 7005 aluminum alloy frame
- DBR AAMP disc carbon road with alloy steerer
- Enhanced geometry for increased riding comfort
- Shimano hydraulic road disc brakes with 160/140mm rotors
- Shimano 2×11 drivetrain with Ultegra rear derailleur
According to its riders, the popular Century 2 is easy to ride for long periods thanks to the enhanced performance geometry and overall design. Unlike a typical road race bike, the Century 2 allows its rider to remain upright, which produces less fatigue.
According to the manufacturer, the bike is shipped nearly assembled; you only have to put on the front wheel, pedals and seat. Brakes and derailleurs are already in place and adjusted.
However, some owners recommend obtaining professional adjustments after the initial assembly is completed.The bike is popular for its strong braking ability, smooth shifting and overall comfort.
If you’re just getting into long-distance riding, this is a great option.
Kestrel Legend Shimano 105 Bicycle
- Race-focused geometry
- Arrives 98 percent assembled
- Tapered head tube to increase torsional stiffness and improve stability
- Kestrel EMS fork
- Shimano 105 group set
- Dual-tapered shaping on the down tube increases pedal power
The Kestrel Legend Shimano features a carbon fiber design and lay-up that provides instant acceleration and an excellent riding experience. The frame is stiff and delivers plenty of power to the pedals, but it’s also compliant enough to absorb shock and keep the ride smooth.
Riders love its lightweight design, and many support the company’s claim of exceptional shock absorption and smooth operation. As an added bonus, the bike is a bright and bold machine with unique style that makes it stand out in a crowd.
If you’re a speed-hungry commuter or an aspiring road bike racer, the Kestrel Legend can provide whatever you need to meet your goals.
Why Are These Bikes Considered Premium or High End?
Before you spend a significant amount of money on a road bike, it’s important to understand why they cost as much as they do.
The differences between a $1000 bike and a $2000 one can be stark. The more expensive bike is going to have high-end components that perform better and last longer. Its frame will be lighter and provide a smoother, more consistent ride. You’ll be less likely to replace components or upgrade them when you choose a bike in this price range.
Bikes designed for the intermediate to expert rider place more focus on longevity and durability, and because they’re often used for racing, they’re crafted with speed and aerodynamics in mind.
Comfort is also a major consideration as expert level riders spend more time on their bikes than hobbyists. Better suspension, improved mechanical response, more comfortable saddles and customizable frames become more common and more advanced as prices rise.
For quick reference, here are a few features that set premium bikes apart from their entry-level and low-intermediate peers.
- Carbon composite frames and forks
- Aluminum frames with carbon fiber forks
- Quality group sets and components from names like Shimano and Campagnolo
- No pedals included; most expert bikers would rather choose their own
- Proprietary designs and components
- Customizable frames and features
If you are not willing to shell this amount of money, there are other options available at Aurumania.com for every type of road bikes.
Conclusion: Our Top Pick for the Best Road Bikes Under $2000
Based on our analysis, we’ve found that the Kestrel Talon Road Shimano 105 meets all of our expectations, and we have selected it for our best road bike under $2000.
It’s difficult to find anything negative to say about the Talon; since its 2007 debut, it has won over road bike fans from all experience levels and provided an affordable option for anyone whose biking skills exceed their budget.
With an impressive and unique design defined by high-end components and an innovative blend of carbon fibers, the Talon has set the bar high for road bikes in its price range.