Specialized bike online shop right now: Is electronic shifting really better? While the majority of road groupsets are mechanical, using cables from the shift levers to change gears, there are a growing number of road bikes that now come fitted with electronic shifting, where a motor shifts the derailleurs between ratios. The main electronic systems are Shimano Di2, Campagnolo Wireless and SRAM eTap AXS, which all offer 12 speeds. There are benefits and drawbacks of both mechanical and electronic options. Mechanical components, such as mechs and levers, are generally cheaper and lighter than their electronic counterparts. They are also, for the most part, easier to fix when something goes wrong. Electronic gears benefit from reliable shifting. There’s no cable tension at play here. If you’ve suffered a hand injury, the ease of changing gear with the press of a button could be appealing. See even more info on bicycle repair Baton Rouge.

Equipped with internal cables (so that brake cables are hidden within the bike frame) and stock disc brakes (which offer the best stopping power), this bike offers an unbeatable price point at around $1,200 — especially if this is your entry-level bike! (However, pros have ridden this model to the top of the podium, too!) The relaxed frame geometry allows the rider to sit in a more upright position, placing less weight and stress on the arms, neck, and back. “This could be helpful for a first-time road bike owner or someone that is looking to begin riding longer distances,” says Joshua Metzl, orthopedic surgeon, Cat 4 bike racer, three-time Leadville 100 MTB Finisher, and five-time Ironman. “Plus, the lightweight frame and the 30-millimeter tires give the rider the ability to attack road and some gravel as well, if the conditions change.” The Allez is the lightest bike in its class without any bells and whistles, making it the perfect choice for those looking for all-day adventures on a race-proven platform, explains Pastore.

The Cervélo S5 garnered top spot in our Race Bike of the Year awards in 2023. We rated its straight line speed, but also its cornering ability and superb ride quality. It’s the handling that sets it apart from other fast aero bikes though: fast to respond to a change of line but not twitchy. We rated with Reserve wheels, with their internal width helping to add comfort to the tires and progression when cornering. It’s not the lightest bike, tipping the scales at over 8kg, but you don’t feel that when riding. If you want some validation of the bike’s qualities, how about 2022 Tour de France yellow and green jerseys and a slew of one day race wins?

Trek took note of riders’ needs, added more oomph to the latest electrified version of its all-road bike, and made it Class 3. (E-bike manufacturers have been conservative making bikes in this category, likely because each state’s restrictions differ—most allow Class 3 bikes in bike lanes and on roads, but you might not be able to take them on bike paths in some areas.) TQ’s impressively compact motor that lives in the bottom bracket is nearly silent and generates up to 300-watts of assistance and 50 Newton-meters of torque. The 360-watt-hour battery housed in the downtube gives the Domane+ SLR a range of up to 90 miles using standard energy-savings settings. Like the standard Domane, the Domane+ SLR has a sleek OCLV carbon frame with endurance-focused geometry for confident handling. Trek’s vibration-damping IsoSpeed decoupler (a mechanical pivot that lets the seat tube flex independent of the top tube) kept us feeling fresh on longer rides. We were also inclined to venture off the pavement, thanks to the generous tire clearance that let it run 40 millimeter-wide gravel tires.

The Vitus Venon Evo has a trick up its sleeve. With its wide tire clearance of 45mm it’s not glued to the road and you can buy the same frame specced out for gravel duties, with a series of models with a GR suffix; we’ve also reviewed the Vitus Venon Evo-GR gravel spec bike. The carbon frame weighs under 1kg and has plenty of compliance built in. The road-going specs are fitted with Michelin Power Cup 28mm tubeless tires on Prime Attaquer alloy wheels. We tested the 105 Di2 model of the Vitus Venon Evo, but there’s a whole range of electronic and mechanical groupset options from Shimano and SRAM. The ride on the road is well balanced and firm but comfortable and there’s plenty of room to fit mudguards on the hidden mounts, making the Venon Evo a good option for year-round use. It’s lightweight as well. Read additional details at https://www.capitolcyclery.com/.

Perhaps more important to everyday riders is how the Propel feels when going fast—it’s a glorious bike to ride. It’s tangibly light and stiff—not just for an aero bike, but for a good road bike, period. The Propel is a wonderful partner on long climbing days and when you feel inspired to attack steep pitches. Sharp stabs at the pedals are rewarded with quick bursts of speed with no hint of delay or hesitation. The handling is equally precise and responsive. It feels somewhat buzzy and electric, but without being harsh or unwelcoming like many other aero road bikes. It’s a veritable eager puppy, always up for another go and brimming with more energy than you.