Introduction
No segment of bicycles is growing more rapidly than electric bikes. Newer brands have sprung up, offering affordable options you can buy online.
Designs keep enhancing, electric road bikes are becoming more reliable at all prices, and the capabilities are upgrading. For travelers, the distance an electric bike can travel is critical when deciding which one to buy for a trip. The two crucial factors that determine how far an electric bike will be able to travel are the efficiency of the bike and the capacity of the battery.
How We Reviewed
We received eight samples of bikes from the manufacturers and went through 279 reviews that covered 22 different brands. To make the reviews as helpful as possible, we focused on lower to mid-price options from brands you can buy directly online.
Considering motor power, durability, and comfort, we have curated this recommended shortlist.
Here are the Best Electric Road Bike In 2022
1. Domane+ LT 9
Domane+ LT 9 features a 500 Series OCLV Carbon frame and fork with rear IsoSpeed, a fast, light, and efficient Fazua Evation Ride 50 motor and a 250Wh battery that aids up to 20 mph. You can effortlessly remove the Fazua drive pack (the motor and battery) from the frame and ride your bike with or without it. Additionally, it features a Fazua controller, 2×12 Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 wireless electronic drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V carbon wheels.
Specifications:
Frame: 500 Series OCLV Carbon, Fazua Evation integrated drive system, 148x12mm thru axle
Fork: Domane SL carbon, 12x100mm thru axle
Frame fit: Endurance
Wheel front: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V, 100x12mm thru axle
Wheel rear: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V, 148x12mm thru axle
Skewer front: Bontrager Switch thru axle, removable lever
Skewer rear: Bontrager Switch thru axle, removable lever
Rim: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V, 100x12mm thru axle
Tire: Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite, Tubeless Ready, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 700x32c
Tire part: Bontrager TLR sealant, 6oz
Rim strip: Bontrager TLR
Max tire size: 38c
Shifter: Shimano Dura-Ace R9270 Di2, 12 speed
Front derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace R9250 Di2, braze-on, down swing
Rear derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace R9250 Di2, 34T max cog
Cassette: Shimano Dura-Ace R9200, 11-34, 12 speed
Chain: Shimano Dura-Ace/XTR M9100, 12 speed
What We Like
- It is fast and efficient
- It offers removable drive pack
- It looks, feels, and rides more like a traditional road bike
What We Don’t Like
- It cannot maintain adequate motor assistance on long climbs. The power slowly fades as you ascend, and you consequently find yourself laboring to finish the climb.
- The most underwhelming aspect of the Domane is the price, as the cheapest model is selling for not less than $6,000.
Final Verdict:
The road-smoothing Domane+ frame paired with an efficient and streamlined electric drive system, plus Shimano’s highest-end wireless electronic drivetrain, makes it fast and efficient. It’s the best of two worlds—a true road bike feel with an added thrust of power when you want to crush a climb or push yourself to ride some more miles.On the other hand, it cannot maintain adequate motor assistance for longer climbs, making its price a little costly. Otherwise, it is the perfect option if you want a traditional-looking bike with high-end features.
2. Turbo Creo SL Expert EVO
The Turbo Creo SL Expert EVO features Fact 11r carbon chassis. It includes a 1x Shimano Ultegra Di2 build with an XT rear derailleur and an 11-42t cassette to take on braking and shifting duties. At the same time, Roval C 38 Disc carbon wheels get wrapped in 38mm Pathfinder Pro 2Bliss Ready tires to keep you riding super fast and worry-free, regardless of the terrain. And filling out the build are Adventure Gear bars with 12 degrees of flare, an X-Fusion 50mm Manic.
Dropper Seatpost, a Future Stem Pro, and our fan-favorite Body Geometry Power Expert saddle.
Specification :
Frame: FACT 11r carbon, Open Road Geometry, front/rear thru-axles, fully integrated down tube battery, internal cable routing, fender/rack mounts, Boost™ 12x148mm
Fork: Future Shock 2.0 w/ Smooth Boot, Boost™ 12x110mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc
Seat Binder: Specialized Alloy, 30.8mm
Stem: Future Stem, Pro
Handlebars: Specialized Adventure Gear Hover, 103mm drop x 70mm reach x 12º flare
Tape: Supacaz Super Sticky Kush
Saddle: Body Geometry Power Expert, titanium rails
SeatPost: X-Fusion Manic Dropper, 50mm travel
Front Brake: SRAM Rival eTAP AXS, hydraulic disc
Rear Brake: SRAM Rival eTAP AXS, hydraulic disc
Rear Derailleur: SRAM GX Eagle AXS
Shift Levers: SRAM Rival eTap AXS
Cassette: SRAM NX Eagle PG-1230, 12-speed, 11-50t
Chain: SRAM, NX Eagle, 12-speed
Crankset: Praxis Alloy Crank Arms
Chainrings: SRAM X-SYNC, 44T
Front Wheel: Roval C 38 Disc, carbon, tubeless-ready, 38mm depth, 24h
Rear Wheel: Roval C 38 Disc, carbon, tubeless-ready, 38mm depth, 24h
What We Like
- An attractive design
- Performance to complement the looks
- Quality components throughout
What We Don’t Like
- Some motor noise
- A sizeable investment
Final Verdict:
You can go for Turbo Creo SL if you like the idea of owning a premium road bike and are also tempted by having the bonus of electric-powered assistance if you require it from time to time. Also, you can go for it if performance matters to you and it is within your budget.On the other hand, don’t buy it if you are looking for an easy ride, need proper bike appeal, and if you are an unshakeable cycling purist.
3. S-Works Turbo Creo SL
The S-Works Turbo Creo SL is a pinnacle build. The FACT 11r chassis and Future Shock 2.0 with a hydraulic damper are dressed with a 1x build that incorporates SRAM Red AXS eTap and a 10-44t cassette for an excellent gear range. It features Roval Terra CLX Disc carbon wheels and 30mm S-Works Turbo tires. And to complete the build, it comes with S-Works Future Stem, S-Works Carbon Hover bars, and a Body Geometry S-Works Power saddle.
Specification :
Frame: FACT 11r carbon, Open Road Geometry, front/rear thru-axles, fully integrated down tube battery, internal cable routing, fender/rack mounts, Boost™ 12x148mmFork: Future Shock 2.0 w/ Smooth Boot, Boost™ 12x110mm thru-axle, flat-mount discSeat Binder: Specialized Alloy, 30.8mmStem: S-Works Future Stem w/ Integrated Computer mountHandlebars: S-Works Carbon Hover Drop 125mm, Reach 75mm, w/Di2 holeTape: Supacaz Super Sticky KushSaddle: Body Geometry S-Works Power, carbon fiber rails, carbon fiber baseSeatPost: Roval Terra Carbon Seat Post, 20mm OffsetFront Brake: SRAM Red eTAP AXS, hydraulic discRear Brake: SRAM Red eTAP AXS, hydraulic discRear Derailleur: SRAM Red XPLR eTap AXSShift Levers: SRAM Red eTap AXSCassette: SRAM XPLR, XG-1271, 12-speed, 10-44tChain: SRAM XX1 EagleCrankset: Praxis Carbon Crank ArmsChainrings: SRAM X-SYNC, 46TFront Wheel: Roval Terra CLX, 30mm inner width carbon rim, 32mm depth, Roval AFD hub, 24h, DT Swiss Aerolite spokesRear Wheel: Roval Terra CLX, 30mm inner width carbon rim, 32mm depth, Roval AFD hub, 24h, DT Swiss Aerolite spokesFront Tire: S-Works Turbo 700×30 Rapid Air 2BRRear Tire: S-Works Turbo 700×30 Rapid Air 2BRInner Tubes: Presta, 48mm valveMotor: Specialized SL 1.1, custom lightweight motorUI/Remote: Specialized MasterMind TCU, percentage of remaining charge, 120 possible display configurations, MicroTune assist adjustment, over-the-air updates, ANT+/Bluetooth®, w/Handlebar remoteBattery: Specialized SL1-320, fully integrated, 320WhCharger: Custom charger, 48V System w/ SL system charger plugWiring Harness: Custom Specialized wiring harness w/ charge port
What We Like
- Roubaix comfort and control
- Superbike specification
- Handling is superbly stable
- Chain security is good even on rougher terrain
What We Don’t Like
- Superbike price
- Motor noise superbike specification
Final Verdict:
The S-Works Turbo has a massively impressive machine, with the power delivery cleverly obtained and matching your energy seamlessly.
Its handling is endurance bike gold, comfortably smooth needs handling with excitement, not frighten. Its communication with Garmin and the Mission control app is spectacular. However, it costs a huge amount, but you will never need to upgrade anything and, if it fits in your budget, then look no further.
4. Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon
The Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon consists of Fact 11r carbon chassis. Yes, that’s the same one on the S-Works model, and you will also receive a Future Shock 2.0. It includes a 1x Shimano GRX group to take on braking and shifting duties, while DT R470 Boost™ wheels get wrapped in 28mm Turbo Pro tires to keep you riding without any worries. When it comes to the saddle, you will find that our in demand Body Geometry Power Sport provides enough comfort.
Specification :
SWAT: Fender Clamp AdaptorCharger: Custom charger, 48V System w/ SL system charger plugWiring Harness: Custom Specialized wiring harness w/ charge portUI/Remote: Specialized TCU, 10-LED State of charge, 3-LED Ride Mode display, ANT+/Bluetooth®Battery: Specialized SL1-320, fully integrated, 320WhRear Brake: Shimano GRX 810 hydraulic discFront Brake: Shimano GRX 810 hydraulic discChainrings: 46TShift Levers: Shimano GRX 810 hydraulic brake levers, mechanical shiftingCrankset: Praxis, Forged alloy M30, custom offsetChain: Shimano HG601, 11spdCassette: Sunrace, 11-speed, alloy spider, 11-42tRear Derailleur: Shimano RX812 GX, Shadow Plus, 11-speedFork: Future Shock 2.0 w/ Smooth Boot, Boost™ 12x110mm thru-axle, flat-mount discSeat Binder: Specialized Alloy, 30.8mmFrame: FACT 11r carbon, Open Road Geometry, front/rear thru-axles, fully integrated down tube battery, internal cable routing, fender/rack mounts, Boost™ 12x148mmFront Wheel: DT R470 Boost, 12x110mmFront Tire: Specialized Turbo Pro, 700x28mmInner Tubes: Presta, 48mm valveRear Tire: Specialized Turbo Pro, 700x28mmRear Wheel: DT R470 Boost, 12x148mmTape: Roubaix S-WrapSaddle: Body Geometry Power Sport, steel railsSeatPost: S-Works FACT carbon 27.2mm, 20mm offsetStem: Future Stem, ProHandlebars: Specialized Hover Comp, Alloy, 125mm Drop, 75mm Reach w/Di2 Hole
What We Like
- Incredibly stealthy design
- Excellent weight distribution
- Motor activation is relatively smooth
- Tight tolerance on the locking system and battery pack alignment
What We Don’t Like
- Does not include a remote button pad.
- The TCU LED console doesn’t show your current speed, trip distance, max speed, range, or any other interesting stats.
Final Verdict:
It is one of the lightest yet most satisfying electric road bikes we have tested till date, the motor is remarkably zippy and the internal battery provides modest capacity but weighs under 4lbs.However, Y-splitter cable to charge the bottle battery and main battery simultaneously costs extra, the Range Extender battery cable is not included when you purchase the accessory. The bikes are fairly costly in general and offer lower capacity battery sizes by default and they are not removable too.
Are Electric Road Bikes Worth it ?
Yes, electric road bikes are worth it as they are safer than regular bicycles due to the way they are designed.
They use an in-line electric motor powered by a battery, which replaces the traditional pedaling, and this makes them really safe to ride on the road, and eventually provides you even more control.
Conclusion:
There are numerous electric road bikes to choose from in the market. If you are looking for a reliable and long-lasting electric road bike with a little higher price, then you can go for S-Works Turbo Creo SL. And, if you are looking for a durable bike with a powerful motor for your teenager, then Razor MX400 Dirt Rocket can be your perfect choice.
We hope the list of pros and cons provided will help you easily decide which one of the above best suits your needs and budget.
