Biking is an incredible activity to take part in. It is so good for your, both for your physical health, but also your mental well being. Biking gives you the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. Biking evangelists, Dr K.K. Doty said “Cyclists see considerably more of this beautiful world than any other class of citizens. A good bicycle, well applied, will cure most ills this flesh is heir to.” Whether you are a beginner or an advanced rider, biking is nonetheless something that will make you happier and healthier with every adventure.
A good bike can be expensive, and not everyone has $750+ to spend on a road bike like the Schwinn Phocus Drop Bar Road Bicycle or a Giant Contend. Do not let that scare you away from trying something you might really love and enjoy. Some of the best road bike brands can offer some of the best values for your budget, offering the right bike for you. You have so many options for the best road bikes that cost under 500 dollars. I guarantee, there are way more than you think too.
Though it may be deemed as ‘top of the line’, the good news is that you can definitely find a good road bike that fits your price range and is a high quality product. You can spend hours and hours walking around your local bike shop searching for the best cheap road bikes. In actuality, the best road bikes under 500 dollars can be easily bought from places like Amazon and Walmart.
Finding the Right Bike For You
With all this being said, there are many types of bikes available out there, but the question is which one is the best choice for you? First thing you should think about is what you are looking for in a bike. Do you want more of a mountain bike for off road adventures, or a commuter road bike for riding the roads.
Will you be riding on rough surfaces or smooth surfaces? Are you wanting to do extreme biking or leisure biking? Knowing what you want in a bike is critical for finding the one that is right for you.Once you figure that out, then you can narrow down to your best choices.
In order to make your search easier, here is a short list of the best road bikes for a price under 500 dollars. Read through this list of top picks in order to find a bike that features an affordable price, provides great performance, and has a great value. Take the time to look them over and choose the best option in road bikes for you.
Here’s the scoop on the best road bikes under 500 dollars!
1. Vilano Shadow 3.0 Road Bike with Shimano STI Integrated Shifters
The Vilano Shadow 3.0 Road Bike is a great option when it comes to affordable road bikes. It is a great bike for commuting, exercise, and club rides. It has Shimano STI integrated shifters, a lightweight aluminum frame with an integrated headset, and internal cable routing.
This bike has highly responsive brake levers and grip shifters, which can help when shifting gears going both up and downhill. The Villanova Shadow offers precise and controllable braking. This bike also has Shimano 14- speed shifting in a convenient single unit design, making it an excellent entry-level road bike.
2. Schwinn Volare 1300 Adult Hybrid Road Bike
Schwinn Volare 1300 Adult Hybrid Road Bike has a 28-inch wheel and a lightweight aluminum frame. It has a rigid fork that offers a quick, agile ride. If you are looking for a good option for your first road bike, definitely consider this one. This bike features the Schwinn sport saddle with an alloy seat post, which makes the bike light weight while still providing the rider a comfortable ride.
It also has an alloy crank with double chain rings that offer optimal gearing, alloy caliper brakes that make for a quick stop and steady speed control. The rims are also made out of high profile double wall alloy rims, which are strong and light, ensuring strength and durability in a light weight bike.
3. Trinx Tempo 1.0 700C Road Bike 21 Speed Racing Bicycle
The Trinx Tempo1.0 700C Road Bike 21 Speed Racing Bicycle is one of the best road bikes available that costs under 500 dollars. It has an aluminum alloy frame, an alloy double wall rim, and a Trinx Hi-Ten steel fork.
This bike features Winzip alloy brakes, Shimano shifters and cassettes, and a net weight of 25lbs. It is a great bike for riders looking to travel short distances versus longer rides.
4. Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike
The Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike is an entry level road bike that has a built on, lightweight 6061 Aluminum frame. It features thumb shifters for convenience and has mount points on the frame for a water bottle cage. This bike makes an excellent option for a rider looking for a great commuter bike.
This Villanova R2 is a quality road bike for folks looking to get into cycling for health and exercise, or for the daily commute to work. It has larger wheels and thin tires, which enhance riding comfort brilliantly. Its rear derailleur is made of Shimano Tourney, and the front one directly comes from Shimano. So, you can trust the bike’s responsiveness and consistency in all situations.
5. 6KU Track Fixed Gear Bicycle
The 6KU Track Fixed Gear Bicycle has a lightweight frame and fork that is made of aluminum, making it a lightweight bike. It has stainless steel dropouts, smooth welds, and high-quality aluminum.
This is a track bike, so it is great for tackling the concrete jungles. It is a great option for the rider looking for a bike that can handle that everyday commute and while providing a reliable means of transportation.
6. Vilano Diverse 3.0 Performance Hybrid Road Bike
The Vilano Diverse 3.0 Performance Hybrid Road Bike is a performance hybrid bike. Vilano gave special attention to its braking capacity since it is a hybrid bike.
This bike incorporates mechanical disc brakes which allow the rider to stop immediately in an emergency. It is an excellent bike for those who are beginners all the way through intermediate riders.
7. Giordano Acciao Road Bike
The Giordano Acciao Road Bike has a high tensile steel frame and fork. It has 32 hole double wall 30 mm alloy rims and 700c tires. It has alloy caliper brakes along with alloy dual pivot brakes and a Shimano Tourney STI shifter.
This road bicycle is a medium size one that fits riders 5’4 – 6’0. It is one of the best entry-level road bikes, but it is also a good choice for riders who are more advanced.
8. Hiland Road Bike Aluminum Frame 700c Racing Bike
The Hiland Road Bike Aluminum Frame 700c Racing Bike has a high-quality and lightweight aluminum frame, which gives you a more reliable cycling experience. It also has a 14-speed gear, which can be changed depending on your ride.
It is a great bike for racing as well as a quality bike for the road. However, this bike is for experienced riders and is not the best road bike for the novice rider.
9. Hiland 26 Inch Mountain Bike MTB Bicycle
The Hiland 26 Inch Mountain Bike MTB Bicycle has a steel frame. It also has Shiamno RevoShift twist grip shifters with 21 speeds, which makes pedaling uphill much easier. This bike offers the additional feature of a kickstand and pedals included for free, making it a real value.
10. Eurobike 21 Speed Shifting System Road Bike
The Eurobike 21 Speed Shifting System Road Bike is another one of the best road bikes available for under 500 dollars. It features a 21-speed transmission system, and good thing too, because the correct use of the transmission can cope with complex road conditions such as rough terrain, flat terrain.
The 700*28C road bike tires effectively reduce unnecessary bumps caused by these uneven road surfaces during bike rides. This feature greatly reduces fatigue caused by riding vibration and makes it a more comfortable ride. It has a high-carbon steel frame, which is sturdy and durable. The Eurobike offers a variety of sizes, making it easier to find a bike that is the right size for any rider. The three different options for frame size:
- 49 cm Frame XC550 Road Bike Frame fits 5’5”to 5’7
- 54 cm Frame XC550 Road Bike Frame fits 5’7″ ~5’9″,
- 56cm Frame XC560 Road bike fits for 5’8″-6’2″
11. Outroad Road Bike
The Outroad Road Bike is a durable and stable bike, with an aluminum frame and a steel road fork that ensures quick agile riding. This bike has 21 speeds allowing the rider to switch through the gears very quickly, adapting to every terrain.
Also, it has an ergonomic handlebar design which reduces resistance making it easier to control and maneuver. It is an extremely safe bike but still offers high performance. It is one of the best bikes available for beginners.
12. Hiland 29 Inch Aluminum Mountain Bike
The Hiland 29 Inch Aluminum Mountain Bike has dual powerful hydraulic disc brakes, which are more efficient than mechanical disc brakes. These disc brakes provide greater durability and more stopping power. 2*8 drivetrain gives you all the gears you need and none you don’t for your most rugged adventures.
The lockout fork can be utilized when riding downhill and on rough terrain. With the flip of a single switch, the suspension can be made more rigid for riding uphill or over concrete and asphalt roads and trails.
13. Vilano Tuono T20 Aluminum Road Bike
The Vilano Tuono T20 Aluminum Road Bike is an entry level 21 speed road bike. It is a great bike for commuting, exercising, and weekend rides. It has a 6061 aluminum frame with an integrated headset.
This is a fast bike, but it is also great looking. It is perfect for those new riders who are starting to get into cycling. It has 21 speed and both the front and rear derailleurs are Shimano.
14. EUROBIKE OBK XC550 Road Bike
The EUROBIKE OBK XC550 Road Bike features aluminum alloy wheels and magnesium alloy wheels. It has a 21 speed option which makes the gear changes smooth and easy. It offers two different sizes of frame heights- 49cm and 54cm.
One of the most important things to consider when deciding on a bike is size. It is best to choose your correct size bike based on your height, allowing you a more comfortable and controlled ride.
15. Merax Finiss Road Bike Aluminum 21 Speed 700C Racing Bicycle
The Merax Finiss Road Bike Aluminum 21 Speed 700C Racing Bicycle is lightweight and sturdy. In order to keep the weight down, it has an aluminum kickstand on it to help keep it in its upright position. This bike has an aluminum frame for easy transport and smooth riding.
It is great for beginners because of its weight. It also features a Shimano shifter and a Shimano derailleur for reliable shifting. The rims are reinforced with an aluminum alloy. This bike can hold up to 330 lbs, which is very strong for a bike.
16. Takara Oni Single Speed Drop Bar Fixie Road Bike
The Takara Oni Single Speed Drop Bar Fixie Road Bike has a high tensile steel frame and fork. It has a drop bar and a flip flop rear hub. This bike has a 32 hole double wall alloy rim and single pivot allot brakes. It is great for urban life- riding and cruising.
17. Kent Gzr700 Road Bike
The Kent Gzr700 Road Bike has a high tensile steel frame and steel fork. It has Shimano 21-speed stem shifters for easy transitions over a wide range of terrains. The tires are 25 mm wide and have an alloy double wall 36 holes.
With its alloy calipers and brake levers, you can stop on a dime and come to a halt fast. This bike is equipped with a comfortable seat for long rides. The weight capacity for a rider is 250 lbs.
18. Mongoose Dolomite Men’s Fat Tire Mountain Bike
With the Mongoose Dolomite Men’s Fat Tire Mountain Bike, you can conquer any off-road trail with ease. This bike is made for men, but anyone can ride it. It is a steel-framed mountain bike with a supersized all-terrain knobby front wheel and rear wheels that are huge.
The threadless headset is adjustable for riders who are of different heights. To make the bike faster and increase its speed, the rims are made with a lightweight alloy. The rear derailleur with seven speeds makes hills easier to climb. Then, the twist shifters make it easy to change gears. The bike rides comfortably and is made much safer with the front and rear disc brakes.
19. Huffy Stone Mountain Hardtail Mountain Bike
The Huffy Stone Mountain Hardtail Mountain Bike has a gloss hard frame and 21 speeds. This is great for younger riders, 12-19 years old, and between 58 and 70 inches tall. The indexed Shimano TZ-31 rear derailleur combines with the microshift twist shifter to deliver the 21 speeds.
This helps with downhill cruising and uphill pedaling. The front and rear tires are knobby tires, which provide a great deal of traction and gripping power, helping the rider travel down bike paths with ease. There is a slight rise in the handlebar that enables an upright position, making the ride more comfortable and minimizing back and shoulder pain. The Kraton grips are extremely comfortable and the alloy matte wheels are a great touch.
20. Sixthreezero Electric-Bicycles Around The Block Women’s Beach Cruiser Bike
The Sixthreezero Electric-Bicycles Around The Block Women’s Beach Cruiser Bike is specifically designed for women, but it’s a fair game all around. This is a classic, curvy bike meant for cruising and a comfortable ride around the neighborhood.
The upright style keeps your back and shoulders in a comfortable position and helps prevent pain. This bike only has one speed, so it’s great for flat terrain. The pedal-backwards coaster brakes make breaking easy.
21. Schwinn GTX Comfort Adult Hybrid Bike, Dual Sport Bicycle
The Schwinn GTX Comfort Adult Hybrid Bike is a dual sport bike, which means it has an aluminum dual sport frame and suspension fork. It’s designed this way for versatile riding. It has 700c wheels, made for riders who are between 5’4” to 6’2” in height. It has 21-speed shifters with a rear derailleur that provides precise gear change.
This bike has alloy v-brakes that deliver incredible stopping power. The alloy double rims offer lightweight durability. This bike features multi-use tires, making the Schwann GTX great for on and off road biking.
22. Schwinn High Timber Youth/Adult Mountain Bike
Need a good bike for a youth in your life? Look no further than the Schwinn High Timber Youth/Adult Mountain Bike. This is a durable mountain bike that is specifically designed for trails and neighborhood rides. It has an alloy crank, which proves steady gearing and less maintenance work.
The twist shifter and rear derailleur help with a quick gear change when biking the trail. It is an all-terrain bike with wide, knobby mountain tires. These tires add improved stability. Another great feature is the adjustable seat post, allowing the rider to set the perfect height for comfort and performance.
23. Vilano Blackjack 3.0 29er Mountain Bike
The Vilano Blackjack 3.0 29er Mountain Bike has mechanical disc brakes. It has a fork with a suspension of 80mm travel without lockout. The rims are made of a double wall alloy.
There are 24 speeds and a frame size of 17”. The stand height is 32.6”, so since choosing the correct bike size is important, there should be a minimum of 1”-2’” between the rider and the top bar of the bike. This mountain bike is great for beginners and those who are just getting into riding.
24. Schwinn Network Adult Hybrid Bike
The Schwinn Network Adult Hybrid Bike has an alloy hybrid frame with fit geometry and suspension fork, providing a smooth ride. It has a 21-speed shifter and a rear derailleur to provide quick and sharp gear change. The alloy linear pull brakes give the rider an incredible stopping power and the alloy rims are strong and lightweight.
Since it’s a hybrid bike, it has a hybrid saddle and suspension seat post with ergonomic grips, which provides a comfortable ride. This bike is great for riders who are 5’4 to 6’2. This bike is one of our favorite best road bikes under 500 dollars!
25. Kent KZ2600 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike
The Kent KZ2600 Mountain Bike has an aluminum full suspension frame that uses a floating beam suspension design that is mated to a suspension fork. It has double wall alloy rims with 36 spokes for durability and strength.
This bike has 21 speeds, which is courtesy of a Shimano rear derailleur and shifters.
26. Gravity Ave A Road Bike
The Gravity Ave A Road Bike has a lightweight aluminum frame and has a highly responsive performance. It has a semi-compact frame that gives the rider a relaxed and upright position. The tube of the frame slopes towards the back to help riders of different sizes ride easier.
This road bike offers wide gearing. Then, thanks to a 14-speed Shimano drivetrain, you can conquer different terrains with a lot less effort. The gear shifters are stem-mounted for easy reach, but also improved riding comfort. The all-weather disc brakes give this bike superior stopping power in different conditions.
27. Genesis 700c Saber Men’s Road Bike
This is the Genesis 700c Saber Men’s Road Bike. It has a lightweight aluminum frame with a stand over height of 32 inches. It has Shimano Revo twist shifters and precise Tourney derailleurs for the 21 speed drivetrain. High-profile Vitesse alloy wheels roll smoothly and track accurately over all road surfaces.
The handlebar grip tape keeps you comfortable for longer rides. Though designed for men, anyone can use this bike.
28. Decathlon Triban Abyss RC100, Aluminum Road Bike
The Decathlon Triban Abyss RC100, Aluminum Road Bike is great for beginners. It has a single chainring and 32 mm tires. The designers of this bike claim that this is the perfect bike has reassuring tires, easy gear changing capabilities, and a real curved handlebar for a better grip.
Because of this design, it is great on flat or slightly hilly roads!
29. PanAme 700C Road Bike Aluminum Frame Racing Bicycle
The PanAme 700C Road Bike Aluminum Frame Racing Bicycle has a strong aluminum frame. Because of this, it is ready for any terrible road situations, so that stable-riding can had. It also provides a very comfortable and adjustable handlebar and seat post for you.
This racing bike is a 700C bike with 21 speed shifting system and alloy dual pivot brake. You can switch through the gears very easily and quickly with your fingertips. You can quickly select a gear for every terrain.
30. Decathlon – Riverside 500
The Decathlon- Riverside 500 bike is a hybrid bike, made with an aluminum frame. Its low design is great for mounting and dismounting. This bike has a Kogee Odessa OS suspension fork with pre-adjustable spring. It has mechanical front and rear disc brake with adjustable, semi raised aluminum handlebar.
The wheels are anodized black aluminum rimes with machined walls for better braking. The saddle or seat is made of Ergofit ergonomic foam and is easily adjustable. All of these great qualities make this one of the best road bikes under 500!
Finding the best road bikes under 500 dollars does not have to be a challenge. Do not let the big brands scare you.If you have the money for an expensive bike, go for it! Buy the bike you dream of! But, ff you love riding and want to get into this great source of exercise and are on a tight budget, that is okay!
Choosing Your Bike
You do not have to purchase an expensive bike like the Giordano libero acciao road bike to have fun and reach your goals. You can still get an incredible bike, that is not a cheap bike, and has a price tag that aligns with your price point. The fun part is, you can change out parts like getting a new carbon fiber, fork carbon fiber fork, or a Shimano Claris. Getting a bike that you love is important. The best thing is though, you can always improve it. Add parts, trick it out, and make it your own.
Riding is more than just a hobby, but it can be a lifestyle enhancement choice. There is a famous quotes said among riders, “I don’t ride a bike to add days to my life. I ride a bike to add life to my days.” This could not be anymore true. Riding can bring out the best parts of your life: riding with friends, riding to get some self-care time, riding for tip top physical health, and riding for the adventure. Something like a price tag does not have to hinder your chance at having this kind of life.
Finding the best value for a great bike is always a good idea. Whether you want a bike to cruise around the city, race at high speeds, or casual road riding, you can find your dream bike at a dream price. These are just a few of the best road bikes under 500 dollars. Tell us which bike is your favorite!
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