Finding the best road eBike is difficult as the market is highly competitive and many of the bikes come with a hefty price tag.
The best electric road bikes will have some standard features. These characteristics include a light base weight, a stiff and responsive frame, big battery capacity for long-range rides, smooth power transfer, and a durable wheelset.
In addition, cyclists that ride in areas with lots of rain or ridiculously steep climbs will need powerful hydraulic disc brakes and high wattage from their motor.
In this article, we will look at eight of the best electric road bikes on the market in 2021. These models are categorized as mid to top-end, with prices starting from $4500 up to $15,000.
Best Electric Road Bikes of 2021
Look – E 765 Optimum Disc 105
Wilier – Cento
Orbea – Gain M20I
Pinarello – Dyodo
Bianchi – Aria Ultegra Di2
Trek – Domane+ LT
Specialized – S-Works Turbo Creo SL
Cannondale – SuperSix EVO Neo 3
Look E 765 Optimum Disc 105
MSRP: $6,200
Jenson USA
- Carbon frame
- 2×11 Shimano 105
- Shimano 105 Hydraulic Brakes
- 700x32c Hutchinson Sector 32 (Max Clearance 42mm)
- Weight: 30 lbs
Look’s E 765 Optimum Disc 105 is an e road bike with a stylish design and comfortable endurance geometry.
This bike performs best on long rides where comfort is a priority. Relaxed geometry, 3D Wave Technology in the seat stays, which gives 15% more flexibility, and a shock-absorbing carbon fiber frame ensures a premium ride quality. In addition, the E 765 has sleek internal cable routing and versatile 42mm tire clearance.
The Fazua Evation motor provides up to smooth 20mph of pedal-assistance, making climbs seem effortless, while a removable battery and 2×11-Speed Shimano 105 drivetrain keep you going for a mile after mile.
Finally, Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes provide responsive stopping power for excellent control, whereas Shimano WH RS171 rims and Hutchinson Sector 32c tires add more to the smooth ride quality.
Electronics
- Class 1 eBike – 20mph
- 250W Mid-Drive Motor
- 252Wh Fazua Evation Battery
- Torque: 55nm
- Range: 53 mi
- Charge Time: 2 Hours
4 levels of pedal-assistance
> Read more
JensonUSA.com/
Wilier Cento
MSRP: $6,000
Backcountry
- Frame – 46T Carbon Monocoque
- Motor – 250W rear wheel, EBikeMotion X35
Max torque – 40Nm - Drivetrain – Shimano Ultegra R8020
- Brakes – Flat Mount Disc
160mm rotors - Wheels – Miche Race AXY WP DX
- Tires – 700 x 28c Vittoria Zaffiro Pro
- Weight – 26lb 3oz
Wilier’s Cento Ultegra Class 1 electric road bike perfectly balances innovative modern technology with the exceptional engineering of the world-class Italian brand.
This high-end racing bike will make you feel like a pro thanks to the exceptionally light base weight of just 26lbs, a responsive 46T monocoque carbon fiber frame, and lightweight Ebikemotion electronics.
The drivetrain on this bike is 22-speed Shimano Ultegra R8020. This groupset combines perfectly with a 250W/40Nm rear hub motor and Panasonic battery to deliver great ranges and max speeds of 20mph.
Lastly, powerful hydraulic disc brakes, 28mm Vittoria Zaffiro Pro tires, and sporty geometry give this bike a fast and controlled ride feel.
> Read more
Backcountry.com/
Orbea Gain M20I
MSRP: $5,999
Jenson USA
- Carbon
- 2×11 Shimano Ultegra Di2
- Shimano R8070 Hydraulic Brakes
- 700x28c Mavic Yksion Pro (Max Clearance 40mm)
- Weight: 27 lbs
Orbea’s Gain M20i electric road bicycle comes with premium components and powerful electronics on a sleek carbon fiber frame.
For power, you have an Ebikemotion motor and battery. This pair includes a 250W rear hub motor and a 248Wh battery to provide max speeds of 20mph for long-range rides.
The most impressive features of this bike are the Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8050 electronic drivetrain and the fully integrated carbon fiber frame. In addition, this bike has versatile tire clearance of up to 40c and tubeless-ready Mavic Aksium Elite rims for a professional ride feel.
Finally, Mavic Yksion Pro tires and Shimano hydraulic disc brakes ensure excellent control and comfort in varied riding conditions.
Electronics
- Class 1 eBike – 20mph
- 250W Rear-Hub Motor
- 248Wh Ebikemotion Battery
- Torque: 40nm
- Range: 60-100 mi
> Read more
JensonUSA.com/
Pinarello Dyodo
MSRP: $7,999 Competitive Cyclist
- T700 Carbon
- 2×11 SRAM Force 22
- SRAM Force Hydraulic Brakes
- 700x28c Pirelli Cinturato Velo
- Mavic Aksuim Disc Wheelset
- Weight: 27 lbs
Pinarello is one of cycling’s most prestigious brands in their Dyodo gives you the ability to ride like a pro.
This bike features this same design and clean lines as the World Tour-winning Dogma and uses such stylishly and stealthily integrated electronics that you barely even know it’s a motorized road bike.
Beginning with a T700 Carbon, the Dyodo has incredible handling and a smooth feel. The drivetrain used is an SRAM Force 22 2×11-speed which integrates perfectly with the Ebikemotion motor and battery. In addition, you have a 250W rear hub motor and a 248Ah battery. This pair lasts up to 60 miles with max assisted speeds of 20mph for power.
Elite-level Mavic Aksuim Disc wheels, durable 28c Pirelli Cinturato Velo, and SRAM Force Hydraulic Brakes combined for a controlled and stable ride. Finally, this bike weighs an impressive 27lbs, one of the lowest in this price range.
Electronics
- Class 1 eBike – 20mph
- 250W Rear-Hub Motor
- 248Wh Ebikemotion Battery
- Torque: 40nm
- Range: 60mi
- Charge Time: 4 Hours
> Read more
Competitivecyclist.com/
Bianchi Aria Ultegra Di2
MSRP: $7,200 Backcountry
- Carbon
- 2×11 Shimano Ultegra Di2
- Shimano Ultegra R8070 Hydraulic Brakes
- 700x28c Vittoria Rubino IV
- Weight: 26 lbs
Bianchi’s Aria Ultegra Di2 electric racing bike is an exceptional piece of engineering that looks exactly like a regular road bike.
This bike completely disguises the battery in a regular size down tube and houses the motor in the rear hub to keep the frame proportional. The frame itself is made from lightweight carbon fiber and has efficient aerodynamic geometry. Thanks to premium electronics, the total base weight is only 26lbs.
The motor is a 250W/40Nm Ebikemotion model, and the battery has 248W, which, when combined with the 2×11-speed Shimano Ultegra Di2, delivers long ranges of 50 to 60 miles. In addition, you can choose from three levels of pedal assistance which you can configure through the Ebikemotion app.
The Shimano Ultegra set up on this bike is incredibly sharp, reliable, and versatile. Powerful Ultegra hydraulic disc brakes are necessary to handle the extra power away from the motor and battery.
Finally, wider 28mm Vittoria Rubino IV tires, Vision Trimax wheels, and the carbon fiber build contribute to smooth and comfortable riding over long distances.
Electronics
- Class 1 eBike – 20mph
- 250W Rear-Hub Motor
- 248Wh Ebikemotion Battery
- Torque: 40nm
- Range: 50-60mi
- Charge Time: 4 Hours
> Read more
Backcountry.com/
Trek Domane+ LT
MSRP: $6,000 Trek Bikes
- Carbon
- 2×11 Shimano Ultegra R8000
- Shimano Ultegra Hydraulic Brakes
- 700x32c Bontrager (Max Clearance 38mm)
- Weight: 32 lbs
The Domane+ LT Trek electric road bike makes you feel like a pro. This long-distance electric bike is made for road bike enthusiasts who want the assurance and freedom of powerful electronics.
As with all of Trek’s high-end bikes, the Domane+ LT has a lightweight carbon fiber frame. This particular one is a 500 Series OCLV with IsoSpeed technology integrated, significantly limiting the vibration fatigue experienced over long distances.
For power, you have a lightweight Fazua Evation 250W motor and their 250Wh battery to match. When used with the pro-level 2 x 11-speed Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 electronic drivetrain, riders can expect up to 65 miles of range. In addition, if you don’t need the extra power on a given day, you can save the battery weight by removing it to make a standard Domane.
Other notable features of this bike include the lightweight Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V carbon wheels, powerful hydraulic disc brakes, and wide 32c tires with additional clearance up to 38mm. These components, along with clever frame design, help provide a comfortable ride matter the length.
Electronics
- Class 1 eBike – 20mph
- 250W Mid-Drive Motor
- 250Wh Fazua Evation Battery
- Torque: 40nm
- Range: 55mi
- Charge Time: 4 Hours
> Read more
Trekbikes.com/
Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL
MSRP: $14,500 Mikes’ Bikes
- Carbon FACT 11r
- 1×12 SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS
- SRAM Rival 1 Hydraulic Brakes
- 700x30c S-Works Turbo Rapid Air 2BR
- Weight: 27 lbs
The S-Works Turbo Creo SL Expert Specialized electric road bike is the best we’ve seen. The famous bike brand delivers an exceptional piece of engineering with the most delightful ride quality a road bike aficionado could ask for.
Thanks to its powerful electronics and high max speed, the Turbo Creo SL is considered a Class 3 speed pedelec.
This bike is built using a FACT 11r carbon frame with the most advanced carbon manufacturing processes. In addition, you have Future Shock 2.0 fork technology to help dampen any road vibrations, helping you stay fresh for longer.
The electronics used include a premium Specialized 240W/35Nm mid-drive motor and 320Wh battery. This motor provides incredibly smooth power matching and can last up to 80 miles on one charge with an additional 40 miles from the range extender that is included with purchase.
Lastly, an SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS drivetrain delivers elite-level shifting accuracy, reliability, and efficiency. You also have SRAM Rival 1 hydraulic disc brakes, 30c S-Works Turbo Rapid Air 2BR tires, and carbon fiber Roval Terra CLX wheels to boost ride comfort and control.
Switch easily between Eco, Regular, and Turbo mode.
Electronics
- Class 3 eBike – 28mph
- 240W Mid-Drive Motor
- 320Wh Specialized SL1-320 Battery
- Torque: 35nm
- Range: 80mi
- Charge Time: 3-4 Hours
> Read more
Mikesbikes.com/
Cannondale SuperSix EVO Neo 3
MSRP: $4,500
Cannondale
- Carbon
- 2×11 Shimano 105
- Shimano 105 Hydraulic Brakes
- 700x28c Vittoria Rubino Pro Bright Black
- Weight: 28 lbs
Cannondale’s SuperSix EVO Neo 3 is one of the best value electric road bikes we’ve ever seen. This bike has lots of innovative technology and high-quality components allowing it to perform above its price tag.
This bike flourishes in tough conditions thanks to punchy Ebikemotion electronics. Headwinds and steep hills are nullified thanks to a 250W rear-hub motor and 250Wh battery. In addition, the SuperSix EVO Neo 3 has a reliable 2×11 Shimano 105 which helps you get up to 70 miles of range on a single three-hour charge.
The lightweight carbon fiber frame used has aerodynamic tubes which reduce drag by 30%. You also have a HallowGram SAVE carbon handlebar and KNOT 27 seatpost which further reduce drag, and absorb bumps to boost speed and comfort.
Other notable features of this bike include the ultra-light and aero Cannondale RDe 1.0 wheelset, durable Vittoria Rubino Pro Bright Black tires, and integrated wheel sensor which delivers speed, route, and distance information.
Electronics
- Class 1 eBike – 20mph
- 250W Rear-Hub Motor
- 250Wh Mahle Ebikemotion Battery
- Torque: 40nm
- Range: 40-70mi
- Charge Time: 3 Hours
> Read more
REI.com/
FAQs
Why get an electric road bike after all?
The benefits of an electric road bike are twofold.
Firstly, they enhance many aspects of cycling that we love, including the ability to enjoy the outdoors, ride long distances to faraway places, ride with friends, and do all of this without worrying about your fitness or ability to keep up.
E-bikes also limit the negative aspects of cycling. These may be wicked headwinds that make you want to turn around or stomach-turning climbs. Additionally, they give you the ability to keep up on days where you’re not feeling so good, and they remove the barriers to cycling, which many of us will experience, like old age or loss of fitness.
How to choose an electric road bike?
Choosing an electric road bike depends mostly on your budget, where and when you’ll be riding, and the distances you hope to travel.
Wheel Sizes
In general, the diameter of road bike wheels is 700. The width of your wheels will determine how stable your bike is, the amount of traction you get on the road, and the speed of your tires. Once you pass 30c you see an increase in stability and traction with a reduction in speed.
700x28c – 700x37c
Frame
All of the bikes in this electric road bike review use carbon fiber as the frame material. Carbon is the lightest, strongest, stiffest, and, therefore, the most effective material for speed. Additionally, carbon reduces road vibrations quite nicely. Well-built aluminum frames can also perform quite well, especially when compared to cheap carbon fiber bikes.
Many bike brands like Trek (IsoSpeed) or Cannondale use other frame technology to increase comfort, reduce vibration fatigue, and improve the overall handling and ride quality.
Gearing
The most common gearing for electric road bikes is 2×11-speed or 1×11/12-speed. For e-bikes, the gear range and ratios do not impact ride quality as much as they do with regular bikes because you have the added power from the motor.
However, for those who like to ride without the help of pedal assistance, choosing a bike with a broader gear range (2×11-speed) or one with larger ratios will give you a better chance of finding the perfect gear.
Brakes
All of the bikes in this electric road bike review come with hydraulic disc brakes, which will deliver similar stopping power.
However, the higher quality ones (Ultegra, Dura-Ace, SRAM Rival 1) will last longer and be more durable under stress, such as having the ability to dissipate heat better.
Motor
Most e-road bikes have a similar-sized 250W motor. This size motor provides the perfect balance of wattage and weight for this style of bike. Ebikemotion is the most common brand found because they are very lightweight and efficient.
Additionally, most electric road bike motors are placed in the rear wheel hub to eliminate resistance when pedal assistance is not in use. If this is not important to you, a mid-drive motor is more efficient and lighter, such as that found on the S-Works Turbo Creo SL.
Battery
As with the motor, most of the bikes in this review use Ebikemotion 248Wh batteries for their low weight and small size for integration. This type of battery provides around 50 to 60 miles of range depending on the specific bike.
The top-end electric road bikes like the Turbo Creo SL (80 miles range) may have a bigger battery. In addition, you can also choose a bike that has a range extender like the Gain by Orbea.
How fast do e road bikes go?
Class 1 models have a 20mph pedal-assist max speed. Class 3 bikes (speed pedelecs) have a 28mph max assisted speed. All the bikes in this review are considered Class 1 save for the Turbo Creo SL, a Class 3.
Is it worth buying an electric road bike?
In our opinion, buying an electric road bike is an exciting and worthwhile purchase for many people. That said, it depends on your needs, how long and where you ride, and your budget.
As mentioned above, these bikes can take the discomfort out of riding and enhance everything we love. If that sounds good to you too, we hope you find the perfect bike for the job.
