7 Best Road Bikes for Intermediate Riders for 2023

When it’s time to get a new bike, most people are sure to have butterflies in the stomach. For many people, the excitement is the same as getting a new car or going on a big vacation. One mistake can spoil the investment and render it useless for your specific purpose. So, it’s important to ensure that you get the best road bike for an intermediate rider.

The intermediate stage is when you have crossed the beginner’s phase and step into the next level to face slightly harder challenges. When you are competent to ride comfortably for more than 2 hours at a stretch, without stopping even in the rocky and uneven terrains, you are an intermediate rider.

At this stage, you will start using clipless pedals and have probably already participated in one or two races. The next level comes the ‘strong intermediate’ wherein you can comfortably ride for over 3 hours at a good pace (with no or fewer stoppages) at least once a week.

On the technical trails, you should be able to ride for more than 4 hours. By the time you become an experienced intermediate, you should be able to ride a full-suspension mountain bike, wear some body armor, have a seat dropper seat post, and wear clipless pedals too.

So, now that you know what an intermediate rider is and should be capable of, it is important that you choose a suitable model. Only when you are armed with the right bike and accessories, you will be able to exploit your potentials to the fullest.

Whether you wish to ride on smooth pavement or the hilly road less taken, you need a bike that is engineered to meet the specific requirements. As the market is full of a plethora of brands and different models, it can be hard to make a choice, so we have done it easier for you.

Our team has rigorously researched, analyzed, compared and reviewed numerous bikes for intermediate riders and come up with a few hand-selected models. If you don’t have the time to read all the reviews and need to make a quick decision then we recommend the Giordano Acciao Road Bike (learn more) for its amazing features and ability to customize as per your needs.

For women intermediate riders, we recommend the Giordano Aversa Aluminum Road Bike for its neutral colors, lightweight and powerful features at an affordable price.

#1. Schwinn Fastback 2 Performance Road Bike

When you want to set the pace and feel like a pro rider in the making, this road bike by Schwinn Fastback helps you go faster and further on the road. Attractive in appearance and lightweight, it helps you push your limits and explore more. The model sports a road-tuned triple-butted aluminum bike frame and a race carbon fork. The 18-speed drivetrain comes with an FSA Vero compact crank and Shimano Sora shifters for an optimum gearing performance.

The road bike comes with high-quality brakes and brake levers to give you good control and precise stopping when needed. It also features a 28-millimeter tire clearance that comes with rack and fender mounts. This adds versatility to the intermediate riders seeking dirt protection and extra carrying capacity. Other features like Schwinn S2 road stem, double-gel bar tape, Schwinn S1 road race saddle, double-wall rims, and Schwinn 700 x 25c tires further help in boosting the speed and performance.

Product features and specifications

Weighs 21.9 pounds

18-speed Shimano Sora drivetrain
FSA Vero compact crank
Schwinn 700 x 25c tires

28-millimeter tire clearance
Schwinn S2 road stem and bar
Schwinn N LITENED Gold triple butted aluminum road frame

Shimano Sora 18-speed STI shifters, front derailleur and rear derailleur; with FSA Vero 50/34T cranks, and Sunrace 11-28T cassette
Schwinn alloy caliper brakes
Schwinn S1 road race saddle and double-gel bar tape

User/ Customer reviews

Real riders have said that although the bike frame is not made from carbon fiber, it is significantly lighter and delivers better performance on the rough terrain. Cyclists appreciate the tires which are one of thickest on road and most users have reported that the bike helped them improve their performance. A few customers have warned that the gears need to be adjusted constantly after a ride, which can be slightly disappointing for some.

Conclusion

Everything about the Schwinn Fastback (shop now) speaks of quality. From the drop handle and comfortable seat to the thick wheels and precise brakes. If you are an intermediate rider who really wants to step-up in the game and push the limits, this bike is a must-have.

#2. Giordano Acciao Road Bike

When you wish to go faster and accomplish the next set of goals, the Giordano Acciao Road Bike can help you achieve it. This 700c road bike is a perfect choice for both beginner and intermediate riders seeking a superior quality road bike equipped with advanced features. Built with superior quality high-tensile steel frame and fork, this bike is engineered in a way to deliver a smooth and silky ride on all types of roads. While the steel gives enhanced durability to the bike frame, it makes the bike light enough to boost your speed.

The drophandle bars are designed in a way that you don’t get slumped over and maintain a good posture while riding. You don’t need to bend too much in order to reach the handle, thus you are more comfortable when trying to take up longer distances. Available in different sizes (small, medium, and large), you can choose the one that suits your requirements better. When the bike arrives, it needs to be assembled by an experienced technician as there are many screws, cables, and adjustments needed. The rims and gear are top-notch while the 14-speed Shimano Tourney STI drivetrain ensures that you enjoy a smooth ride.

Product features and specifications

Measures 60 x 25 x 40 inches
Weighs 38.6 pounds

700c x 25mm Tires
Alloy Dual Pivot Brakes
Medium fits riders

30mm Alloy Rims
High Tensile Steel frame and fork

User/ Customer reviews

Bike users feel that Giordano Acciao comes with some advanced features that are even better than some of the expensive bikes available in the market. While customers feel that most of the components are fantastic, the most common problem is with transmission malfunctioning making it hard to change gears. A few users have said that this problem can be solved by making a few adjustments.

Conclusion

As already mentioned above, the Giordano Acciao Road Bike (see Amazon) comes with some really amazing features, but it has some common downsides that are expected in an intermediate bike. Most of the common issues can either be adjusted or the rider can get used to. Hence, we feel that this is a good investment to make the transition from beginner to intermediate level.

#3. Tommaso Forcella Endurance Aluminum Road Bike

When you want to move around like a serious biker and improve your game, the endurance road bike by Tommaso Forcella comes across as a great choice. It khas a durable and lightweight aluminum compact frame with HCT carbon fork that takes a lot of weight off your bike to help you move faster. It also helps with vibration dampening for a more solid performance on rough and rocky terrains. We love that the bike frame is perfectly drilled with racks, fenders, and accessories making it a wonderful commuter bike. This allows the riders to customize the bike as per their own specific requirements.

When it comes to performance and speed, the 3×8 Shimano Claris Groupset delivers an unbeatable performance with a wide range of gears for different terrains. The STI shifters help in providing a smooth shifting every time in all types of riding conditions. Talking about the design, the compact geometrical frame and premium handlebars are put together in a way to offer both comfort and power. Whether you wish to use the bike to commute to work, race, or go on long ride, the Tommaso Forcella does it spot on.

Product features and specifications

Weighs 35 pounds
US Based Assistance
Lightweight Aluminum Compact Frame

HCT Carbon Fork
Lifetime Frame & Fork Warranty
3×8 Shimano Claris Groupset

Rim Brakes
Claris crankset and 12x25T Claris cassette
Premium compact handlebars

User/ customer reviews

Both beginners and intermediate riders find this bike a great choice they made to feel more power and speed while on the road, thanks to the advanced features and customizing options. Users are impressed that they can optimize everything ranging from the handlebar width and stem length to the crank arm length to meet your specific needs.

Conclusion

Tommaso Forcella is a great bike for athletes getting into cycling or a beginners trying to step up into the intermediate level of bike riding. At this price, you get a bike that looks and feels more expensive than it is, plus you also get assembly for free. Good value for money!

#4. Tommaso Imola Endurance Aluminum Road Bike

If you are looking for an affordable intermediate bike with all the superior-grade features then check out Tommaso Imola Endurance road bike. As the company directly offers products without any third party in the middle, you get 100% Shimano gears and true quality promise. The lightweight aluminum frame along with the light wheels cut back a lot of weight from the cycle making it perfect for longer rides in the pavement, hills, or woods. Whether you are planning to take the first step in cycling or getting back to the sport after a long time, this is the perfect bike to give you a desirable performance. As the bikes come with integrated shifters, it is capable of delivering precision shifting.

We love the compact geometry bike frame that offers a convenient and comfortable position for all types of riders. The shallow handlebar drop lets you feel more comfortable when riding the cycle in a lower handlebar position. With 700c road bike tires, you get more power, efficiency, and speed on all types of roads. Every little detail from the handlebar width and stem length, to crank arm length is optimized to meet the size requirements. We are impressed that the manufacturer not only claims to use the highest quality aluminum in the bikes but also backs it up with a two-year warranty

Product features and specifications

Weighs 35 pounds
US Based customer service

Super lightweight aluminum frame
Full Shimano groupset
Off-brand cranks or shifters

Steel fork
Customizable frames and accessories
Wider 25mm, 700c road bike tires

User/ Customer reviews

Most bikers are thrilled with their rendezvous with Tommaso Imola and they feel that this is one of the most elegant, powerful, and precise cycles money can buy. Although the bike comes unassembled, many customers have said that they did not face any issues in putting them together. A few users find the seat slightly uncomfortable, while others say that the riding position is good and goes up and down as you change gears.

Conclusion

Anyone who has a good idea of the road and wishes to speed up and feel the adrenalin rush will not be disappointed by this Tommaso Imola bike. It has all the features carefully selected, perfectly engineered and designed in a way to give you a well-deserving performance.

#5. Giordano Libero 1.6 White/Pink Women’s Road Bike

Yes, the white and pink colors may make it obvious that the bike is built for women riders but this should not put you off. If you go beyond the color selection of the manufacturer and take a deeper look, you will be impressed with its classic Italian design, lightweight, comfort, and affordable price. Whether you are looking for a solid bike to commute to work daily or something that can be your companion on weekend adventures on the rocky terrain, Giordano Libero is a game for both. The wheels are precisely designed to absorb shock from the potholes and other rough conditions on the road to keep you comfortable.

The hand crafted 6061 aluminum frame is not only lightweight but also adds a lot of durability to the bike. Front forks made from high tensile steel give stability and strength to the bicycles. Most of the other bike parts are made from lightweight alloys, including both the front and rear Shimano derailleurs. The drivetrain is also composed of 16 speeds that help the rider choose their own pace depending on whether they are racing or casually riding around the neighborhood. Numerous upgrades and customizes are possible to make the bike look and perform better.

Product features and specifications

Measures 36 x 17 x 65.5 inches
1.6 White/Pink

Weighs 32.8 pounds
Lightweight handcrafted aluminium frame
1 1/8 inch Thread less Alloy 100mm stem

Dual water bottle mounts
16-speed Shimano Claris STI Shifters

User/ Customer reviews

Most users are happy with the packaging in which the bike comes without any damage and requires less assembling work before hitting the road. Those who have used the bike for various road racers and mountain biking have said that they are so happy with the performance and the ability to not have to get down from the bike during the ride. Some cyclists have also mentioned that these bikes can be easily upgraded and made lighter to meet the requirements of different types of terrains.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a decent intermediate road bike (see Amazon) that does not burn a hole in your pocket and lets you ride on different roads without having to stop then this is a great choice. The bike frame and other components are good quality, and this may last you a good 2-3 years of use.

#6. Giordano Aversa Aluminum Road Bike

If the white and pink color is not your style then we have a more neutral colored and high performing aluminum road bike from the Giordano family. This 700c women’s road bike is perfectly suitable for beginners and intermediate riders looking for a decent quality bike. Made from sturdy and lightweight aluminum frame and equipped with Shimano 14 speed drive train, pivot side pull brakes, and double-wall alloy rim, this bike is built to help you add more power to your performances. The bike comes in two sizes to suit both tall and short women.

While we have reviewed this as an intermediate level road bike for women, we think that this can be a decent beginner’s cycle too. It is not only powerful and great looking, but also sleek and lightweight to help you ride for hours and push your limits without feeling exhausted. The best part is that several parts of the bike can be customized to make it much lighter for mountain biking and suit your specific requirements.

Product features and specifications

Measures 60 x 25 x 40 inches
Weighs 33.7 pounds
High Tensile Steel Fork

6061 Aluminum Frame
14 Speed Shimano Equipped Drivetrain
Alloy Dual Pivot Brakes

32 Hole Double Wall 40mm Alloy Rims
700c x 25mm Tires

User/ Customer reviews

Most users have said that this is an extremely lightweight and easy to assemble bike that can be used to ride for 15 to 20 miles at a stretch. People are impressed with the exterior appearance, performance and power that helps them get more out of the time spent on the road. Both commuters and racing enthusiasts find this bike a great choice to meet their specific requirements.

Conclusion

When you want to upgrade from your beginner’s bike and need something that gives you more speed on the road then the Giordano Aversa Aluminum Road Bike is a good choice. At this price, you get good value for your investment.

#7. Lroplie R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike

If you have gone past the beginner’s phase and wish to get something that takes you to the next level then Lroplie R2 Commuter (see Amazon) is a good solution. Made from lightweight aluminum alloy, the bike frame adheres to endurance geometry for enhanced durability and all-day riding comfort. This bike comes with a 700c dual-walled CNC machine wheelset and 21-speed to handle any type of situation. It also helps in overcoming the numerous hurdles and challenges while doing rigorous street racing.

The Lroplie R2 Commuter allows you to quickly switch the gears on your fingertips to choose a suitable gear for different types of terrains. So, whether you wish to commute daily to work or use the bike to go on biking adventures, this one bike can meet all your requirements. Furthermore, the bicycle comes 80% already assembled and you only need to install the handlebar, front wheel, seat, pedals, and inflate the tires. Assembling does not take a lot of time and should be done in about 15-20 minutes.

Product features and specifications

Weighs 37 pounds
7 tower wheels
170 three small sprocket

mechanical disc brake
3 spoke aluminum wheels
21 speed road bike

High carbon steel
High quality Full suspension

User/ Customer reviews

Most women cyclists have said that the cycle has everything they expected to find when they ordered the product. People like the sturdy frame, great speed, high quality wheels and overall a great design to help riders perform well on all types of roads/ terrains. Customers also love that fact that the bike can be easily customized if you want the bike to look more stylish and deliver a more powerful performance.

Conclusion

After reviewing this bike closely, we feel that this is more like a hybrid bicycle that you would like to ride while commuting to work and also when you wish to take on the mountain trails. With a few upgrades, you can make it similar to any expensive bike in the market without having to spend a fortune on it.

Tips For The Intermediate Bike Rider

As an intermediate road bike rider, you need to work on improving certain skills to ensure that you really belong to that group. Only when you feel that you have achieved the abilities of a strong intermediate rider, take the leap to the pro level. Here are a few essential tips to help you perform better.

1. Descending with speed

When you descend on the road or hilly terrain, you need to maintain a good speed, especially when you are riding with a group. If you are still feeling like a beginner then the wind in your ears may scare you and make you feel that you might just fall. This requires some skills that come with practice, experience, knowledge, and confidence. There are many training materials, resources and videos that can help you get better at this.

2. Learning to service and maintain

As a beginner, you are busy learning the basics but now is the time to have a few set of tools that can help you clean and service your bike. This can save you a lot of time and money in the future. Some of the repair and adjustment jobs you can do at home are the alignment of the shifters, handlebar or stem replacement, wrap bar tape, replacing a chain or crank arm.

See more: How Long Does a Road Bike Drivetrain Last?

3. Advance your cycling garments

In the beginner stage, a basic pair of shorts and t-shirt may be enough but as you proceed to the intermediate level, you will need more upgraded clothing such as padded armoire, and better cycling pants. You may wear warmers when it’s cold and take off when you are climbing because the body temperature arises automatically due to exertion. Winter is time best time to do the transition from beginner to intermediate level.

4. Invest in a power meter

When you want to push your speed limits further, we suggest that you invest in a power meter to know how efficient you are. It can give you details of how much calories you have burned and acquire the ability to going faster when you race. Most importantly, it gives you an objective measure of your intermediate level training.

5. Train to improve your core strength

A good way of boosting your bike performance is to develop the core strength. When you improve upon it, you will be able to pedal for longer durations and find a competitive edge in races. You need to maintain a good posture and this will lead to better testosterone production.

For more information: What Is Average Cycling Speed For Beginners

6. Maintain a good diet

In the intermediate level, you are getting serious about your riding performance and to do better, you need to feel more active and agile. If you are finding it difficult to shed the extra pounds with exercise, we suggest that you try dieting. Watch what you eat and cut back on fatty foods and carbs to see a difference in your weight.

7. Upgrade your game!

As you make the transition from a rookie to an intermediate level rider, we would suggest that you invest in a few equipment upgrades. When it’s raining but you still feel the need to ride, a good pair of a waterproof jacket and cycling rain pants can help. Some other options you may consider are sensors. group set, gabba jacket, and helmet to name a few.