10 Best Budget Road Bikes in the Philippines 2026 | Promax, Mountain Peak and More

Endurance bikes or sport bikes are built to put the rider in a more upright position, so that they will be more comfortable as they ride. The frame angles are softer, too, for stability during recreational and long-distance trips. This is the bike to get if you want to travel to many places by cycling.

It usually has a flat bar and is recommended for beginners since it will help you find your footing and what you’re most comfortable with. It’s a good bike to practice on and to use for conditioning, especially if you want to go on long rides eventually.

From their name, race bikes are designed for competitive riders since they require the rider to be more flexible and stretched out to maneuver the bike more easily. They’re built so that the rider can steer the bike effortlessly.

This is the type of bike to get if you want to improve your speed or if you want to enter triathlons or road bike racing events. They’re best for those who have road biking experience already since they may require more energy from the rider.

A road bike with an aluminum frame is your best bet if you have affordability in mind. They’re lightweight yet durable and are not prone to rust, so you can maintain them easily. However, because it’s a thinner material, some bikes aren’t entirely made from aluminum.

Others come with a carbon-fiber front to better absorb road vibration to give you a smoother ride. If you want something affordable and also comfortable to ride on, this type of bike is a good choice.

Carbon-fiber is more durable and absorbs vibrations from the road excellently, giving you a smoother ride. However, because of that, they’re more expensive than aluminum frames. It’s competition-level material, though, so if you want to enter triathlons or bike races in the future, this is a good material to invest in.

The drivetrain is more commonly known as a crankset or chain, and is a set of components that connects different parts of the bike, such as the chain, gears, pedals, and wheels, to make the bike move. Road bikes have either double and compact cranksets or triple cranksets. Double and compact cranksets have two chainrings in front paired with a 10-speed cassette.

Meanwhile, triple cranksets have three chainrings and are paired with a 9-speed cassette. If you’re a beginner, you should get a triple crankset for a wider range of gears, since it will help you have an easier time during uphill rides. If you’re already experienced, though, you may want to try double and compact cranksets.

Check the specifications of your bike’s wheels if they meet the standard wheel size. Most road bikes have built-in wheels measuring 700cc or 29 inches with an ISO diameter of 622 mm. The ideal tires for these wheels would measure 25 mm to 28 mm, since they offer more stability while descending and can absorb shock from road vibrations.

There are different styles of pedals, and some bikes don’t even come with them because some manufacturers give you the choice to customize your pedals. The most common types that you will encounter are platform pedals and those with toe cages. The best one for you will depend on your preferences.

For example, platform or “flat” pedals are most ideal if you’re looking for something that will be comfortable and compatible with any kind of footwear. Meanwhile, pedals with toe cages will help give you more control and power as you pedal.

The handlebars are the main mechanism that allows you to steer your bike. They often have the brakes on them so you can easily stop, especially if the place you're biking in has a lot of traffic. To know which is the most convenient for you, check user reviews about how the grip on the handlebars is maintained while using the brakes.

There are two types of handlebars: drop bar and flat bar. Drop bar handlebars have hook-like parts, giving you more options for your hand positions to get a better grip. Meanwhile, flat bar handlebars have a simple straight design that usually doesn't have any ergonomic adjustment for your hands. This makes them better for short rides.