The summer is for cycling! If you’re thinking of securing a new ride to see out the rest of the warmer months then read on to find out more about the best road bikes of 2023, from Trek, Specialized & More.
Specialized Aethos Expert Ultegra Di2 Carbon Road Bike
Lighter than light, the Specialized Aethos was designed to provide the perfect blend of ride quality, low weight and undeniable style.
Specialized claim this is the lightest frame out there, with the S-Works version coming in at just 585 grams in a size 56) and we’d certainly agree it’s almost shockingly light even outside of the S-Works range.
But despite its light weight, the Aethos balances stiffness with exceptional ride quality and balance and no loss in durability.
The Ultegra model we’ve featured at the top of our list comes with a full Di2 groupset offering silky smooth electronic shifting. It also benefits from Ultegra hydraulic disc brakes for exceptional stopping power, and bombproof Roval C38 carbon wheels.
Specialized Tarmac SL7 Expert Road Bike
The Tarmac is an iconic, race winning machine and the SL7 Expert model won’t disappoint. It’s a bike that is designed to go fast, with a Rider-First Engineered frame that delivers the best possible ride characteristics across the entire size range.
The Expert model features a full Shimano Di2 electronic groupset that offers crisp, fast shifting and Shimano hydraulic disc brakes that provide confidence inspiring stopping power.
The Roval C38 carbon wheelset is a versatile, durable all-rounder for all types of rides and the S-Works Turbo 700×26 tyres will keep you rolling fast. Get ready to hit some new PR’s!
Giant TCR Advanced 1 Disc-Pro Compact Road Bike
This model of the Giant TCR features an advanced grade composite frame and fork and a Shimano Ultegra 11-speed groupset. The TCR has been reengineered from previous versions with updated aerodynamic tube shaping in the headtube, downtube and fork. These updates give you the speed, efficiency and control to push this bike to the limit when racing or digging deep for a new PR.
Integrated disc brakes provide supreme stopping power that will give you the confidence to ride hard in all weather conditions.
Specialized Tarmac SL7 Comp SRAM Rival eTap Road Bike
The Tarmac is so good we had to include 2 spec levels in here. The Comp model offers the same lightweight, Rider-First Engineered frame as its higher spec siblings along with a SRAM Rival eTap AXS wireless groupset for efficient shifting, and SRAM hydraulic disc brakes with all the stopping power you could ever need.
The Tarmac is the perfect bike to help you achieve your cycling goals – PR’s, KOM’s or the top step on the podium! “One bike to rule them all” Specialized says.
Trek Emonda SL 7 Disc eTap Carbon Road Bike
The Trek Emonda SL 7 is an ultra-light bike that features an aerodynamic 500 Series OCLV carbon frame and fork and is designed to give you more free speed on any terrain.
This SL 7 model features a SRAM Force eTap AXS wireless drivetrain that includes a power meter for extra performance monitoring and improvement. Perfect if you’re training for your next race, sportive or just want to make improvements for your day-to-day rides.
You’ll also get a set of Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 carbon wheels and Bontrager Aeolus RSL integrated bar/stem combo for extra weight reduction/additional performance gains.
Specialized Aethos Comp Rival eTap AXS Carbon Road Bike
The Comp model of the Specialized Aethos we’ve featured here comes with a SRAM Rival eTap AXS wireless groupset, DT-Swiss R470 rims on Specialized hubs and a Roval Alpinist carbon seatpost for further weight savings and improvements to the ride feel.
The Comp spec comes in at a lower price point than it’s Expert sibling but you’re getting the same incredibly light, responsive frame that makes us love the Aethos so much.
Liv Avail AR 2 Women’s Endurance Road Bike
Liv bikes are designed by women, for women. The Liv Avail AR 2 is a great entry into the world of endurance road cycling with its lightweight aluminium frame providing great stability for a confident ride.
Endurance geometry means comfort for those big days in the saddle, and with compatibility for tyres up to 38c you’ll feel ready to tackle all sorts of road surfaces.
The Liv Avail AR 2 can also accommodate a rack and mudguards to keep you equipped on those long-haul adventures.
Trek Domane SLR 7 AXS Gen 4 Road Bike
The Trek Domane SLR 7 is crafted from Trek’s highest level 800 Series OCLV carbon, offering aero performance and low weight.
If endurance/long distance riding is your thing but you still want a fast bike for smashing some PR’s and contending for podium spots, then this could be the bike for you.
Rear IsoSpeed helps smooth out the road, and a wireless SRAM 2×12 Force eTap AXS electronic drive train provides effortless shifting. Power meter cranks allow you to track more performance metrics than ever, and the Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 carbon wheels can accommodate up to a 38c tyre making this one versatile ride.
Trek Emonda SL 5 Disc Road Race Bike
The Trek Emonda SL 5 Disc is an extremely lightweight carbon road bike with a balanced ride quality, superior handling and aero tube shaping that provides plenty of free speed. Perfect for tackling big rides on hilly terrain, windy flats or speedy descents!
This model of the Emonda comes equipped with smooth shifting, reliable Shimano 105 11-speed gearing and powerful hydraulic disc brakes. Internal cable routing creates a slick, clean look.
Bontrager Paradigm SL Tubeless Ready wheels finish off the Emonda SL 5 beautifully.
This could be the bike for you if you’re looking for ride that is flat-out fast up climbs and on flats.
Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 3 Ultegra 12 Speed Road Bike
The Domane is a high-performance endurance road bike that is ready for big days in the saddle. The SL 7 model features an all-new Shimano wireless electronic Ultegra Di2 drivetrain which offers lightning-fast precision shifting, and front/rear IsoSpeed that helps to soak up any bumps in the road.
An easy access storage compartment allows you to stow away additional ride essentials, and the carbon frame, fork and wheels shave off weight while offering a responsive ride.
Comfort is key for the Domane, but make no mistake – it’s still one fast bike.
So that’s our Top 10 road bikes of the moment! Would you add any others?
For our full range of road bikes, please click the button below!
