$1740

by John Bradley and Marc Peruzzi

Shana Novak

It's nice to see carbon-frame bikes in this price range. But although the cost is a bit de-tuned, the performance certainly isn't. This is the same stiff frame used in Raleigh's top race bikes, and our testers found it surprisingly zippy on the flats and punchy on the climbs. And everyone was impressed that the Supercourse came equipped with FSA's compact handlebars, which offered an easy reach to the drops while maintaining wrist clearance. It's odd to see a frame like this outfitted with Shimano's lower-end (and clunky) Tiagra parts, but they work just fine—assuming you're not looking to impress your bike-snob buddies. If you are, check out the Raleigh Competition ($2,200); it's the same frame with better parts. 19.4 lbs, 56cm; raleighusa.com

• Essential Gear: Bike Commuting
• Innovations: Bike Derailleurs
• Women's Essentials: Cycling Gear
• Five Tips: Cycling
• Covet: Road Biking Gear
• Taking Care of Your Bike

2009 Summer Buyer's Guide Road Bikes Reviews

Wilier Triestina Izoard Gear of the Year	$3299
Cannondale Six 5 Killer Value	$1760
Bianchi 928 Carbon Mono-Q 105 Compact	$2699
Giant TCR Advanced SL 2	$4200
Cervélo P4	$6800
Raleigh Supercourse	$1740
Independent Fabrication XS	$5995

2008 Summer Buyer's Guide Road Bikes Reviews

Trek Madone 5.2 Gear of the Year	$3680
Scott Contessa Speedster Killer Value	$1450
Pinarello FP2 Killer Value	$2000
Ritchey Steel Break-Away Road Bike Killer Value	$1300
Bianchi 928 Carbon T Cube Rival	$4300
Felt B2	$3600
Felt FW2	$2900
Specialized S-Works Ruby SL	$6300
Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL2	$8500
Cannondale SuperSix 3 Compact	$3500
Jamis Xenith Comp	$1850

2007 Buyer's Guide Road Bikes Reviews

Kestrel RT700 Gear of the Year	$3300
Raleigh Supercourse Killer Value	$1475
Cannondale Synapse Féminine Carbon 2 Killer Value	$3000
Look 595 Origin	$7000
Electra Amsterdam Classic 3	$550
Orbea Diva	$5495
Trek Equinox TTX 9.9	$5500
Schwinn Peloton Pro	$2300
Fuji Supreme SL	$5000
Cannondale SystemSix 3	$3500

2006 Buyer's Guide Road Bikes Reviews

Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 Gear of the Year	$3200
Leopard CL1 Killer Value	$2500
Kona Lisa RD Killer Value	$1399
Kona Zing Deluxe	$2000
Schwinn Fastback Comp	$1300
Fuji Finest RC	$2290
Litespeed Ghisallo	$8000
Orbea Mitis	$2249
Titus Modena	$2870
Trek Pilot 5.2 S.P.A. WSD	$3270

2005 Buyer's Guide Road Bikes Reviews

Giant TCR Composite Gear of the Year	$2100
Raleigh Competition Killer Value	$1710
LeMond Buenos Aires	$2200
Scott CR1 Pro Centaur	$2699

2004 Buyer's Guide Road Bikes Reviews

Schwinn Fastback Killer Value	$749
Trek Madone 5.9	$4999
Cannondale R2000	$2399

Related Gear Features

• State of the Art Outside Magazine, April 2005

  Whether on the highway or the trail, the new spokesmodels of spin will carry you forward in revolutionary style

• Built to Lust Outside Magazine, July 2007

  Boutique bike manufacturer Seven Cycles can build you a custom-fit, precision-crafted, $9,500 machine that looks like a MoMA sculpture and rides like a Maserati. Are you worthy?

• The Road to Lanceville Outside Magazine March 2004

  If your hero is a guy named Armstrong, you'll need a hero's ride. We pick 2004's best.

• Race Upgrades Summer Buyer's Guide 2009
• Beat the Traffic Outside Magazine September 2001

  Promote global cooling with the latest commuter bikes, clothing, and gear

• Custom Cool Outside Magazine, October 2005

  Boost performance and play in perfect comfort by investing in innovative made-to-order gear

• Rolling Wonders Outside Magazine, April 2006

  From sleek and sexy road machines to mountain-taming single-speeds, the big news about this year's best bikes is trickle-down technology that makes cutting-edge performance accessible for every rider and any budget

• Stand Tall Outside Magazine, April 2008

  Speed doesn't have to hurt. These "comfort performance" bikes go easy on your back–but not on the competition.

• Women's Road Biking Summer Buyer's Guide 2009
• Gear of the Year Summer Buyer's Guide 2009

  Wilier Triestina Izoard

• The New Right Stuff Outside Magazine December 2004

  Presenting our just-discovered Periodic Table of Outside Elements, a breakthrough in mapping the scientific building blocks of big, bad fun. We've alchemized gold, steel, titanium, wood, leather, wool, silicon, plastic, and carbon fiber into an array of 56 high-design gifts that you'll definitely want to give. And, just as important, get.

• Mavic Zxellium Outside Magazine, Cycling Special

  Road

• Game Changers Outside Magazine, September 2008

  Go faster. Play smarter

• The Best Road Bikes of 2009 Outside Magazine, Cycling Special
• The Best Commuter Bikes: Surly Cross-Check Outside Magazine, October 2009

  The easiest way to build fun and adventure into every day? Lose the car keys and ride your bike to work—and everywhere else. Here's how to pull it off in style. Saddle up!

The Gear Guy on Road Bikes

• I’m an aspiring cycling racer... on a budget. What kind of wheels should I get?
• What's a good bike for longer-distance rides?
• What kind of commuting/touring bike can I get for under $1,000?
• Is the Marin Kentfield FS a good beginner bike?
• What’s a good, all-purpose bike for around $1,000?

The Gear Blog on Road Bikes

• Bianchi San Jose
• Crank Brothers Power Pump Ultra
• Timbuk2 Artist's Canvas Messenger Bag, Timbuk2 iPod Case
• Uvex Wing RS bike helmet