By The term “race bike” usually elicits images of sleek, lightweight, high-performance machines used by pro riders or aspiring professionals. That’s pretty accurate—the best race bikes are designed to give you every advantage against the competition. But the category is also incredibly diverse. Some are pro-level bikes straight out of the box, while others are meant to help you get in the game without forking over a ton of cash.
There also are purpose-built bikes for almost any race you can dream of, from traditional events like triathlons, road races, and cross-country mountain biking to more niche categories like crits, gravel races, and enduro mountain biking. Here is a snapshot of a few of our favorite bikes and where to buy them. Scroll farther for more detail and information on some of the best bikes for a wide variety of racing.
Aggressive design for hardcore gravel racing.
Proven design–now in hot new colors.
Great suspension and really stable at speed.
Super light and scary fast road racing machine.
Carbon frame, BRAIN suspension, and carbon wheels.
How much does a race bike cost?
Just like any bike, the prices of race bikes vary widely. Typically the more you pay, the lighter a bike will be—weight is generally more important to racers that recreational riders. Though you can find some models for less, most race bikes start at around $2,000 and get more expensive from there. The Cannondale CAAD 12 Ultegra is a great deal at $2,200. Race-ready hardtail mountain bikes, like the Trek Pro Caliber 6, start around $2,000. And full-suspension cross country bikes cost more—the Specialized Epic Comp runs $2,900. Finally, tri bikes, see Canyon’s Speedmax CF 7.0, start in the $2,500 range.
What to Look For
Every type of racing places unique demands on riders and their equipment. Weight, strength, components, and geometry all play important roles in how a bike will perform. Compared to standard bikes, race bikes typically weigh less and have stiffer and more efficient frames with geometry dialed for faster handling. On road, cyclocross, and cross-country mountain bikes, experienced riders typically prefer lower handlebars because they put them in a more powerful position, as well as giving them better control over the bike, says Tom Kellogg, owner of custom brand Spectrum Cycles.
Here are some key factors to look for no matter what type of races you plan to enter.
Road Bikes
These typically have shorter stack heights and longer reaches than recreational road bikes. That puts you in a more aggressive position for better handling and aerodynamics, though you’ll sacrifice some comfort over the course of the ride. For example, Cannondale’s SuperSix EVO (size 58) has 584mm of stack and a reach of 399mm, but the race-oriented Synapse is 26mm taller and 6mm shorter. Most road race bikes also now have aero frames and parts. If that really matters to you, look for equipment that was tested in the wind tunnel, not just given aero features.
Mountain Bikes
For cross-country bikes, look for models with 80 to 100mm forks and about the same in the rear if you go full-suspension. Races are often won on the climbs, so you want an efficient system more than a plush one. A bike with a steeper head tube angle and shorter wheelbase will “maintain agility at low- and mid-speed maneuvers,” says Zack Vestal, Niner’s marketing manager.
You’ll need a different bike for enduro or downhill racing. Enduro bikes typically have 160 or 170mm of travel and 27.5 or 29er wheels. DH bikes will have 180mm or more of travel and extra long wheel bases to keep the bike calm at high speeds.
Triathlon Bikes
In a triathlon, aerodynamics and efficiency are of paramount importance. But don’t forget about fuel storage, since most tri jerseys don’t have pockets. “Things like fuel and fit are critical to take into account,” says Dr. Chris Yu, director of Integrated Technologies at Specialized.
Gravel Bikes
Your main choices will be frame material, tire clearance, and drivetrain type. For racing, carbon bikes save weight, but titanium ones offer extra durability. A 2x drivetrain is popular with longer-distance racers for the added gears, and tire clearance in the low-40s is popular—more than that and the extra space starts to mess with the bike’s geometry and handling.
Don't be Afraid to Change Some Parts
Pick your bike based on the frame that suits your needs, with the best wheels and components in your price range. Then swap out or upgrade things like cassettes, chain rings, and handlebars to meet your specific race needs. Most shops and online bike retailers can help you navigate those decisions.
How We Chose
Every product here has been thoroughly evaluated and vetted by our team of test editors. We research the market, survey user reviews, speak with product managers and engineers, and use our own experience racing and riding these products to determine the best options. Many of these bikes have been tested and raced by our staff, and those that haven’t have been carefully chosen based on their value, quality of parts (most of which we’ve tested separately), our experience riding similar models, and how the overall package meets the needs of the intended buyer.
RIDDEN AND REVIEWED
Specialized Tarmac Disc Pro–SRAM Force eTap AXS
specialized Tarmac Disc Pro - SRAM Force eTap AXS
Pros
- Lightweight and aero
- Tubeless-ready carbon wheels
- SRAM Force eTap AXS 12-speed
Cons
- The 48t big chainring may be too small for some riders
The Tarmac has been a stalwart at or near the top of Specialized’s line for years. Within the Tarmac family, the $6,700 Tarmac Disc Pro is a standout for delivering the same highly refined ride characteristics of the $11,000 S-Works Tarmac, but at a much more affordable price. The SRAM Force eTap AXS 12-speed groupset on the Tarmac Pro Disc is virtually indistinguishable, in terms of performance, from the SRAM RED eTap AXS (the company’s top-tier road group above Force). And despite the marginally heavier carbon used in this frame, compared to the S-Works frames, you’re still left with a very light bike–our 58 centimeter test bike weighed in at only 16.6 pounds.
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Canyon Aeroad CF SLX Disc 9.0 Di2
canyon Aeroad CF SLX Disc 9.0 Di2
Pros
- Aero frame
- Integrated handlebar and stem
- Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset
Cons
- 1.25-inch steer tube limits stem options
This bike is the complete package: an aero road bike that’s light (15.8 lb. for size L), efficiently stiff while still very comfortable. And the top-flight component spec with deep section carbon wheels means it’s race-ready right out of the box. Shimano’s Dura-Ace Di2 drivetrain, with hydraulic disc brakes, offers perfect shifting and pinpoint braking control, and 62mm DT Swiss ARC 1100 feel solid and swift as you rocket along your favorite roads faster than you’re accustomed to. Unlike some aero road bikes, which feel brilliant on flat or rolling terrain but lose their luster on climbs, the Aeroad CF SLX begs you to dance uphill. Out of the saddle, the integrated aero handlebar and stem have minimal flex, a departure from some aero bars, and the oversized 1.25-inch steerer tube helps keep the front end in line as you crank out the watts. It’s light, it’s stiff, it handles corners brilliantly, and it’ll make you feel really fast. What more can you ask for?
Viathon G.1 RED eTap AXS
Viathon Bicycles G.1 Red eTap AXS
Viathon Bicycles G.1 Red eTap AXS
Pros
- SRAM AXS 12-speed drivetrain
- Tubeless-ready carbon wheels
- Aggressive, race-oriented fit
Cons
- Minimal eyelet mounts for carrying additional hydration and nutrition
The G.1 has all the vibes of a road-racing bike, but with insane tire clearance (51mm on 700c wheels)—something Viathon accomplished by giving this bike a long wheelbase and chainstays without sacrificing sharp, tight handling. Its reach is on the short side for a gravel bike, but its stack is so low, it leans toward the aggressive side in terms of fit. If you want a more comfort-oriented position, adding a few spacers under the stem is all it takes. The G.1 handles rough gravel better than some road bikes handle chip-seal pavement, but the bike really comes to life when you push its limits. SRAM’s RED eTap AXS 12-speed will take care of most of your gearing needs, although some riders may prefer a lower gear for long, steep climbs. But like the frame design, the components were selected to cater to riders who are pushing their bikes and bodies to the limit.
Mondraker Foxy Carbon 29
foxy carbon Foxy Carbon RR
Pros
- Really long reach adds stability at speed
- Fox Factory Kashima suspension
Cons
- Some riders may not like 29-inch wheels
Mondraker’s Forward Geometry philosophy gives the Foxy Carbon 29 one of the longest reaches of any enduro bike. It takes a few rides to get used to, but paired with long chainstays, it gives you a super-long wheelbase that delivers a smooth and stable ride—exactly what you want tearing down enduro tracks. The Zero Suspension platform limits pedal kickback and power loss and manages hard pedaling efforts, whether you’re accelerating out of a fast turn or climbing back to the top of the mountain. The Foxy Carbon is a bike you can ride all day on trails, but it really excels on the steep, gnarly terrain where it will push your riding and help you challenge your fastest Strava times.
Cannondale F-Si Carbon 2
Pros
- Super light carbon frame
- 100mm Lefty Ocho fork
- Tubeless-ready Hollowgram 23 carbon wheels
Cons
Cannondale’s F-Si Carbon 2 hardtail has everything you need to blow past the competition on your way to the podium. Its full-carbon frame, all-new Lefty Ocho fork, powerful Shimano XT brakes, SRAM Eagle drivetrain, and carbon wheels and cranks make it ideal for cross-country and endurance racing. At $5,550, this bike has a hefty price, but you get a level of components that typically come on even higher-priced bikes. That makes this a solid deal for racers who want the best.
Allied Alpha All Road
Pros
- Freedom to design and build your perfect bike
- Big tire clearance
Cons
- Quite pricey
The Allied Alpha All Road is a light, maneuverable bike that’s fast enough to enter any road race but has a little extra stability and less aggressive position to keep you more comfortable on longer rides and fondos. Unlike the stability-oriented feel of a gravel bike, the All Road is very lively. With narrower tires, it’s fast and agile, but max out its 38c tire clearance and the bike becomes a gravel-crushing machine. And because Allied lets you configure your own bike from a variety of color, component, and wheel options, you’ll very likely be able to outfit the bike in a way that suits your needs, wants, and budget.
Kona Remote CTRL
Pros
- Well-tuned suspension
Cons
- Slightly heavy compared to the competition
The Remote CTRL is a playful ride that’s great for varied trails with rock gardens and flow sections, and that excels on fast trails with steep, punchy climbs and tight, twisty descents. It isn’t just for riders who may need a little assistance; the E-MTB mode creates an organic riding experience that allows you to take the skills you already have and ride faster and harder. It has a 150mm RockShox Yari fork and a 132mm RockShox Monarch Plus R shock with good mid-stroke support and a progressive finish to help prevent bottoming out on big hits. The 27.5x2.8-inch Maxxis Recon tires offer plenty of traction and also help to absorb smaller hits. The Remote CTRL's excellent Bosch motor accelerates smoothly to be more manageable when pedaling through rocky sections and has more oomph at low cadence than other motors, so you can more easily ride out of tough situations if you get bogged down.
Cannondale SuperX Force 1
Pros
- Great mud clearance
- Precise handling
Cons
- Ai offset rear triangle means old wheels will have to be re-dished to fit on this bike.
Other than some eye-catching new colors, Cannondale’s SuperX Force 1 isn’t presenting anything fancy or new. There’s good reason for that: The SuperX has been such a consistent high performer, firmly ensconced in anyone’s list of the best ’cross bikes available, that Cannondale has been loath to mess with a product that’s so good. A slacker head tube angle and long, 55mm fork offset add a level of security on descents and technical sections that traditional ’cross bikes struggle to match. And short, 422mm chainstays keep the rear wheel tucked under the rider for better traction and more nimble steering. And thanks to the Ai offset in the rear triangle you still get massive mud clearance and a stiffer wheel to boot. At 18.1 pounds for a size 58cm even with aluminum wheels, the SuperX is a very light and race-worthy machine.
Specialized Allez Sprint Comp Disc
specialized Allez Sprint Comp Disc
Pros
- Lightweight and stiff aluminum fram
- Full carbon fork
- Shimano 105 11-speed drivetrain
Cons
- Aluminum rims aren't as stiff as carbon
The aluminum-alloy Allez Sprint race bike is designed to have exceptional stiffness and responsiveness. It offers a snappy ride, meticulous feedback, serious efficiency, and even some aerodynamic optimization. It has a full carbon fork and seatpost and uses a proprietary tube-forming-and-joining process that results in a lighter, stronger, smoother-riding frame. Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes offer precise modulation and control, especially in wet conditions, and the brazed bottom bracket preserves stiffness where it matters most.
Specialized Epic Pro
Pros
- RockShox Brain Suspension
- SRAM X01 drivetrain
Cons
The Epic Pro is a less expensive version of Specialized’s much-vaunted S-Works Epic full-suspension XC bike, which has won multiple Editors’ Choice awards for its exceptional performance. That bike is on virtually every list of the five best cross country bikes money can buy. The Epic Pro, however, is $3,500 cheaper, giving what feels like a world class XC bike for 60 percent of the price of the S-Works. It’s not cheap, but is a real value if you’re looking for an elite race weapon. The Brain 2.0 suspension system makes this bike feel tight, nimble, and fast when you really want to step on it at race speed. On smoother terrain the suspension tightens up so you don’t feel excessive bounce, while becoming more active when you encounter rougher terrain. It has a unique ability to climb like an XC tuned short travel bike yet descend like a long travel trail bike. Lively yet smooth, the Epic Pro is one of the most well balanced XC bikes we’ve tested.
OTHER OPTIONS TO CONSIDER
Santa Cruz V10 S Carbon CC 29
santa cruz V10 S Carbon CC 29
Pros
- 29-inch wheels
- Fox Performance Elite suspension
Cons
- Some riders may prefer 27.5-inch wheels
Arguably the most famous downhill race bike of all time, the V10 first launched back in 2002 and has accumulated numerous World Cup race wins while being piloted by the likes of Steve Peat and Greg Minnaar, among others. It was also one of the first DH platforms to make the jump to 29er wheels, which have since become the norm at the sport’s highest level. Today, you can get a V10 with 29er or 27.5 hoops, allowing riders to choose based on height and style. Dedicated park rats may lean to 27.5 wheels, but our pick here is 29er for its all-out speed and rollover capability. The V10 S 29 comes with Fox Performance Elite suspension and SRAM GX drivetrain components to help keep cost in check. And like the more expensive build options, this bike features adjustable chainstay length to enhance front/rear balance, a lower suspension leverage rate to improve shock performance, and internal derailleur cable routing through the swingarm to protect the housing from damage.
Cervélo PX3
Pros
- Extremely aerodynamic
- Lot of in-frame storage
Cons
- Not legal in UCI-sanctioned events
- 32mm rims are versatile but not as fast as deeper rims
This radical-looking ride is a dramatic departure from the classic double-diamond frames we’re accustomed to seeing and is reminiscent of the Zipp Beam Bike from decades ago. DT Swiss P1800 wheels are incredibly fast in a wide range of wind conditions, and the bike is loaded with places to stash food and water bottles for the longest, hardest races. And let’s not forget that this bike is hung with Shimano Ultegra Di2 components, so you get the benefit of being able to shift from both the base bar and the aero extensions.
Masi Gran Criterium Classico
Pros
- Columbus SL double-butted steel tubing
- Campagnolo Veloce drivetrain
Cons
- 10-speed drivetrain doesn't match the vintage
The Gran Criterium was one of the best race bikes you could get—35 years ago. This classic re-issue brings all the speed in a vintage remake that’s perfect for races like L’Eroica. The steel beauty has all of the features racers loved three decades ago—Campagnolo Veloce derailleurs, Dia-Compe downtube shifters and brakes, and Cinelli bars and stem, not to mention high flange hubs. All you need is toe-clip pedals, wooden-sole shoes, and wool kit to complete the outfit. Oh, and some vintage goggles, because this retro-ride is eye-watering fast.
