Top 20 Road Bikes in the UAE
We may picture the UAE as barren desert land, but they actually got 4,783 cycle routes to explore. It should not be a wonder why Emiratis and even Non-Emiratis enjoy road biking in these areas of Asia.
Road biking has become a worldwide outdoor activity during the pandemic, and its popularity among Asians has been growing. With this, many bike brands have innovated road-type bikes that would quench the thirst of any cyclist willing to tackle the road no matter the distance.
We hope that our top 20 picks of the best road bikes in the UAE will be a helpful resource as you make your choice.
SLR 8.9 Carbon by Boardman (Entry-level/Beginner)
This 2020 model is one of the least expensive road bikes there is. It already has the same aerodynamic tube profiles as the high-end 9.6 variants, and almost all its groupsets are of the Shimano 105, so this is definitely a great value for money. All-in-all, this first one on the list is light, stiff, comfortable, and aerodynamic.
Boardman describes this bike as a competitive model in endurance cycling due to its geometry. Still, it’s because of its racer-type head tube, which delivers a ride balancing speed and comfort with skillful handling.
Most road cyclists consider customizing to take advantage of its awesome frameset. While its wheels look basic, they are tubeless-ready. They also come with Vittoria tires which are already pretty decent.
Other technical specifications include C7 Carbon Aero-Optimized frame and fork with tapered steerer, integrated tapered headset, FSA Gossamer Compact cranks, Shimano 105 braze-on front derailleur, and Shimano 105 in 11-speed rear derailleur, Shimano 105 2 by 11 shifters, Tektro R315 long arm front brakes, and tubeless-ready Boardman front and rear rims with Vittoria Zaffiro Pro G2.0 in 700 by 25c.
Expedition by Bristol Bicycles (Intermediate)
This is a heavy-duty touring bike, so if you are aiming for a speedy race, you might want to skip this part.
The Bristol Bicycles Expedition is a tourer that takes its form from the classics such as the Dawes Galaxy with triple crankset now rarely seen on modern road bikes. What this bike features, though, is comfort on long-distance rides.
It is heavy as its frame is made of alloy while the fork is made of steel; however, some components are highly customizable according to your budget and needs.
Before you decide, you might want to note the components that make this road machine: Aluminum and steel (fork) frame with alloy handlebar, Shimano Sora mechanical disc brakes, Shimano Deore LX HG71 chain, Shimano Claris R2030 front derailleur and shifters, Shimano Altus M310 rear derailleur, and 36-spoke Quando hubs which comes with 35 millimeter Schwalbe Spicer tires.
Endurace AL 7.0 by Canyon (Beginner to Intermediate)
This machine is best in comfort and simple form, which a beginner cyclist would prefer. The simple geometry and its aluminum frame match its full-carbon fork. This clean-looking beast has almost invisible welding seams, which make it look like carbon.
While other road bikes brag about their wide range of gears for tackling challenging hikes, this bike features a top-notch brake system that would assure any rider his safety.
This powerful road bike from Canyon is built with 35-millimeter Schwalbe G-One Speed efficient gravel tires, which provide better grip and more comfort on asphalt roads. The components include Shimano 105 R7000 groupsets, carbon fiber disc fork, and Shimano CN-HG601 chain featuring SIL-TEC for improved durability. Rivets are installed on its all-around mount size top tube so any biker can screw on a bottle cage and other boxes for storage.
Contend SL 1 by Giant (Beginner to Intermediate)
This highly efficient aluminum material is mainly made from 6011 alloys. This delivers strength-to-weight ratios that are the best of their kind. This road bike’s framesets also have unique welding technologies for a high-performance ride.
This road bike’s D-fuse system allows better shock and vibration absorption in terms of safety and comfort on rough terrains.
Giant designed its fork and headset bearings to be oversized along with its tapered steerer tube to provide accurate and quintessential front-end steering performance.
This bike has a tubeless system which means fewer flat tires. This also means greater traction and less rolling resistance for a smoother, faster ride. Other key contributors to the performance of this road bike include the Tektro TK-B178 caliper rim brake and Shimano 105 groupsets. See this link for Contend SL 1’s complete specification.
Endurance AL Disc Sport by Ribble (Entry-level Racing)
The Endurance AL Disc Sport road bike is made of an Aluminum material (6061-T6) and is smoothly wielded. Its forks are fully carbon made with a tapered steerer for better resistance. It is powered by Shimano Tiagra 4700 groupsets and drivetrain in two-by-ten speed shifters. It also features a Tektro MD510 mechanical disc brake for safe stops.
Ribble uses Mavic Aksium for its wheelset for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio and high-quality performance. This system makes this road bike ideal for everyday road riding. Furthermore, the wheelset is fitted with puncture-resistant tires from Continental Ultra Sport.
The compact drop handlebars are LEVEL 1 suited with a LEVEL cork ribbon for several types of hand positions and are smartly matched with a LEVEL 1 alloy stern. This provides efficiency and comfort when ascending, descending, and even on the flats.
All in all, this endurance road bike is made light, agile, and comfortable.
Allez Sprint by Specialized (Intermediate to Pro Racer)
This ultimate alloy road bike borrows its aerodynamically efficient geometry from its predecessor, the Tarmac SL7.
Its seamless tubes are welded together through Specialized’s D’Alusio Smartweld Technology. The frame is one of the lightest in the market, weighing only 7.9 kilograms for a 56-centimeter model.
Key components of this road bike include Shimano 105 R7020 for its drivetrain; its wheelset is composed of DT Swiss R470 rims with Specialized hubs. Connected to it are the Turbo pro tires in 700 by 26c.
Suprema Carbon 105 by Java (Entery-level/Beginner to Intermediate)
This aerodynamic road bike from Java is an entry-level bike suited for triathletes and other bikers seeking high-performing bikes that do not cost a fortune. Its frames and fork are full carbon, meaning this bike is light and fast.
Now let’s see its specifications. This road bike’s frame and fork are made of full carbon material. It has Aero Road brakes, Shimano 105 R7000 groupsets in its front and rear derailleurs (2-speed and 11-speed shifters respectively) for less friction, Shimano 105 22-speed gear system, and the Michelin Sport 2 and Continental Ultra Sport 2 tires in 700 by 23c with 42-millimeter Decaf rims.
Spark by Pardus (Intermediate to Pro)
Spark is one of Pardus’ aerodynamics series road bikes with a small stack that could help shift the cyclist’s upper body’s point of balance to better control.
The bottom bracket drop of the Spark road bike measures 68 millimeters, which initiates good stability and flexibility, perfect for its not-so-aggressive geometry.
Spark road bike’s fork and the frame is made of Spark HS-EPS carbon and measures 12 by 142 millimeter. Its drivetrain constitutes Shimano 105 R7020 groupsets. It has an 11-speed shifter, and its brakes are hydraulic disc brakes with a TR70 brake rotor for great traction on the roads. Lastly, the Continental Ultrasport 2 700 by 25c tires are attached to its Pardus PW5 wheels which measure 100 by 12 millimeters in front and 142 by 12 millimeters at the rear. All in all, a great bike that would not break any road biker’s bank.
EDR AF by Van Rysel of Decathlon (Intermediate to Pro)
This not-so-cheap road bike’s geometry is designed for endurance and has a subtle balance of handling and comfort. This bike is lightweight; it only weighs 8.8 kilograms or 19.4 pounds (lb); thus, it is made for fast riding.
This road bike is efficient with its variably thick aluminum frame with a full Shimano 105 groupset. It also has a simple but powerful pivot brake for biting deceleration. The bicycle is supported by its carbon and aluminum Van Rysel fork, which makes it fairly affordable.
For its drivetrain, the EDR AF road bike consists of Shimano 105 R7000 11-speed with double front and rear derailleurs. The wheels are Fulcrum Racing 6 aluminum weighing 3.9 lbs or 1.8 kilograms each. The wheels measure 27.5 millimeters at the rear and 24.5 millimeters in front with 17c inner width perfectly fitted in its Michelin lithium 2 in 25 millimeters tires which gives great comfort.
Zenium Tiagra by Vitus (Beginner to Intermediate)
The Vitus Zenum Tiagra road bike is ready to tackle anything you throw at it. Its compact geometry is made slicker with its T7000 Unidericational carbon frame paired with a tapered steerer fork that measures 100 by 12 millimeters.
This is considered the least expensive disc brake-equipped carbon bike with 10-speed Shimano Tiagra 4700 groupset. It is speedy on leveled roads and endures sharp climbs and descents with its front and rear mechanical brakes from Shimano TRP Spyre with 160-millimeter rotors.
The tires are made of Vee RoadRunner in 700 by 28c and match its Vitus TZ5F-12 rims on its front hub and Vitus KT on the rear.
It is unsurprising that many road bikers in the UAE or Asia prefer this over other expensive bike brands. This bike offers value for money with its durability and quality at an economical price.
Nicasio by Marin (Non-racer/Beginner)
This endurance road bike from Marin takes any cyclist on a great ride regardless of the track – may it be an asphalt road or rough terrain.
The frame is made of Series 2 Chromoly Steel matched with its full carbon tapered steerer fork with thru-axle rack mounts. Its front and rear hubs are forged aluminum alloy disc type with 32 hole rims on each, and the spokes are made of 14 grams of black stainless steel.
Other components included are the Shimano Hydraulic flat mount brake levers with integrated shifters from Shimano Tiagra. The same material can be found on the front and rear derailleurs. Finally, its tires are wired bead tires from Riddler that are tubeless-ready and are compatible with 700c by 37 wheelsets. This means that this road bike has an excellent blend of toughness and stability for a good price.
Pinnacle Laterite 3 by Evans Cycles (Beginner to Mid-level Racing)
If you are a cyclist transitioning from flat or riser bars to drop bars for a faster-paced bike ride, or someone who has stopped biking for a while and is wanting to go back on the roads, or if you’re just trying to get an upgrade from your older bike, this may be a good choice for you.
This bike features a 6061 heat-treated aluminum frame and carbon blade fork with an alloy steerer that makes it lightweight and durable. This bike also has Tektro R315 rim brakes with long drop pivot calipers for reliable stops. Its 2021 version uses an 18-speed Shimano Sora R3000 drivetrain for smooth shifting and durability.
London Road by Planet X (Non-racer/Beginner)
London Road is a do-it-all bike that can take any rider on an adventure. This simple but durable machine’s makers comprise all the elements of a modern road bike and a powerful dual-piston Rever Havits mechanical disc brake.
It has triple-butted aluminum hand-welded 6061-T6 Alloy frame thru-axle, which makes it suitable for a wider range of use. Cyclists can bring their necessities along because of their strong and long-lasting features. It can get just about anything on the road; that’s why this bike is also good for commuting.
Its full carbon fork is attached to Fulcrum Racing 900 disc center lock wheels in a pair of 700 by 32 Panaracer’s Tour Guard tires, making this bike capable of tackling rough roads without breaking the bank.
Domane AL 2 by Trek (Intermediate to Pro Racing)
Domane AL 2 is one’s access to easy biking. It’s steady, lightweight, easy to customize, and enjoyable to ride. Trek, even on road bikes, never disappoints.
This road bike’s frame is made of 100 Series Alpha Aluminum with mudguard mounts and DuoTrap that has an S-compatible rim brake capable of 130 by 5 millimeters of quick release, which is attached to a carbon fork.
Other components include Formula TK-31 and 32 alloys on its front and rear hub, respectively. The Bontrager Tubeless-ready rims are connected to the Bontrager R1 hard-case Lite tires making the ride safe on rain-drenched roads.
Finally, the drivetrain comprises a Shimano Claris R2000 – 8-speed shifter, a 31.8-millimeter clamp-on front derailleur, and a medium cage rear derailleur with 34 teeth for maximum protection from chain snapping.
TCR Advanced 2 by Giant (Intermediate Racing)
This is another giant from Giant that can do it all – balanced, stiff, and smooth.
This road bike’s geometry is designed to lower drag at a wider range of yaw angles. All tube shapes were studied, built, and tested to develop an overall structure that would keep the bike running with less hassle.
It is an 11-speed road bike with a Giant P-R2 wheelset containing hubs measuring 12 millimeters with thru-axle and a 28-millimeter Giant AC 1 in 700 by 25c tubeless tires. The frame is made of Advanced-grade composite, while the fork is made of the same material with an OverDrive steerer for precise handling. Moreover, the drivetrain comprises Shimano 105 shifters, front and rear derailleurs, and brake levers.
Teammachine ALR Disc Two by BMC (Beginner to Mid-level Racing)
This bike is painstakingly crafted to offer extraordinary performance on the road. This road bike is easy and powerful with features like compatibility with mechanical and wireless groupsets.
This machine’s frame is made of premium aluminum that is triple-butted, hydroformed, and sleeker. The wheels and axles are meticulously designed for 25 to 28-millimeter tire clearance for flexibility and endurance in tackling difficult roads. With a Teammachine SLR carbon disc tapered fork and a D-shaped Seatpost, this roadmaster is also keen on comfort.
Other technical details included in this piece are its internal cable management and integrated seat clamps to secure dropper posts. For powerful stops, the front and rear brakes are flat mounted at 160 millimeter-rotors and 140 or 160-millimeter rotors, respectively.
Addict RC Ultimate by Scotts (Intermediate to Pro Racing)
As the name suggests, this model has one of the best and the highest-spec build in the Addict RC range.
Scott’s carbon experts use HMX-SL type carbon on this bike’s frame. HMX-SL is created with nano-technology, combining nano-tube epoxy resin and T1000G carbon fiber for improved strength and accuracy.
This reasonably expensive model from Scott features components like the 24-speed SRAM Red e-Tap AXS shift-brake system, Zipp 202 NSW carbon wheels with 28 millimeters of Schwalbe Pro One TL tires, hydraulic disc brakes, and Syncros Creston iC SL handlebars that are fully integrated into this road bike with all of the cables hidden.
Lastly, this ethereal road bike weighs only 6.70 kilograms or 14.77 lbs, but it can carry up to 120 kilograms overall weight—a truly efficient and enduring bike for a price that is worth breaking your bank.
Reacto Team by Merida (Intermediate to Pro Racing)
This top-level aero bike and Team Bahrain Victorious’ Bike of Choice is lightweight, has perfect aerodynamics and hidden cables, and provides comfort. In other words, this road bike can give cyclists a great biking experience.
The Reacto Team’s frame and fork are made of Reacto CF5 IV full carbon type material capable of holding wheels measuring up to 700 by 30c. It weighs no more than 1 kilogram (in Medium size) which translates to a swift ride.
This road bike is also powered by Shimano Dura-Ace hydraulic disc brakes, giving the bike enough resistance to stop. The drivetrain is also from Shimano, particularly the Shimano Dura-Ace Di2. Other parts provided by Shimano are the chain, crank set with a power meter (CN-M9100-12 and Dura-Ace, respectively), and freewheel (CS-R9200). Click here to find out more awesome specs on this road bike.
RC520 Disc by Triban (Beginner)
RC520 Disc is another road bike that offers seriously up-to-the-mark value for money and is probably the gateway to cycling someone has been looking for.
Although a little heavy for a road bike, this bike offers comfort with its simple but meticulously designed geometry. This means that a biker stays in a sufficiently upright riding position even during long rides.
The frame is a hybrid of 6061 T6 aluminum material and carbon (fork) with mounting points on its downtube where mudguards, racks, or bottle cages for hydration can be attached. This bike is made even more dominant with Shimano 105 R7000 shifters and gears for the smooth and dependable ride, TRP high-road for a fairly reliable brake system for its price, and the Triban tubeless ready light wheels attached to Triban resist+ tires at 700 by 28c for speedy adventure rides. Learn more about this road bike’s specs before you make your choice.
SystemSix Carbon Ultegra by Cannondale (Intermediate to Pro Racing)
Last but definitely not least on this list is our only entry from Cannondale. With its top-of-the-line components, it offers more speed with less effort.
This bike generates the slightest aerodynamic drag with its frame made of BallisTec Carbon material, integrated cable routing, switchplate, and a flat mount disc. The fork and seat post are made of the same carbon material. It has braze-on Shimano Ultegra front derailleur and Shimano Ultegra GS rear derailleur.
Other components include a tapered headset, Vittoria Rubino Pro Speed Graphene 2.0 tires in 700 by 23c and has wide 32-millimeter rims, Shimano Ultegra hydro disc shifters, and Shimano Ultegra Hydraulic disc brakes measuring 160 or 140 millimeters with Shimano RT81 rotors.
Other features, pros and cons, and an overall expert review can be found in this page to help you understand the technicalities of this road bike.
We did not undermine the primary factors when we selected the best road bikes in the market, like the durability, comfortability, stability, safety and, most importantly, the value for your hard-earned money. With all of these options, we hope we have helped you choose your first or your new bike for whatever purpose you have in mind for it.