Best entry-level road bikes under $1000

We’ve tested six of the biggest-name road bikes for around $1,000 / £650 / AU$1,300: the Cannondale CAAD8 Sora 7, the Trek 1.2, theMerida Ride 200, the Giant Defy 3, the FocusCayo Al Sora and the Specialized Allez E5 Sport.

To get a good feel for these machines, our four-rider test group rode these bikes on a regular test track near Sydney’s Northern Beaches. With sharp pinches and sustained climbs, dead and bumpy road sections, twisting descents and scenic views, it’s a road bike-testing playground.

We get to grips with the highs and lows of each below. Given that these six are drawn from some of the biggest and most renowned global brands in cycling, it should come as no surprise that there are no truly bad choices to be had here.

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