Do you have a budget of $500 to purchase a road bike? If yes then you have landed on the right page. We have compiled Best Road Bikes Under $500 right here.
Here’s your guide to find all about the road bikes and get one for yourself (or a loved one) while spending under $500.
Read on to get insights about the top 10 road bikes under $500. Check out the bikes, their features, their performances, pros, cons and choose the best that suits your requirement.
In a hurry? The test winner after 180 hours of research:
Vilano Diverse 3.0 Performance Hybrid Road Bike
Why is it better?
- Performance Hybrid road bike
- Disc Brakes for Great Stopping Power
- Hydroformed Alloy Performance Hybrid Frame and Fork
94/100our score
Our Buying Guide
We began with an online research by going through the best ranges available in the market for all bikes. We jumped to the manufacturers’ website of individual bikes and understood the entire process of making the bike, the components used, the materials used and the time spent to achieve precision and comfort while riding.
More than 25 road bikes and their features were researched by 3 of our product experts. They spent over 180 hours thoroughly analyzing these bikes after comparing them with each other. It is after this process of comparison and analysis that we selected the 10 best road bikes which were under $500.
Also Read – What Determines The Bike Cost?
How We Reviewed
To make sure that you get the best quality road bike, our team dedicated their time to research. In the due course we spoke to various local shops selling road bikes and also several online road bike sellers.
Not only the sellers but we even spoke to the users of the bikes, i.e. the road bike riders. Our reviews are based on the weight of the bike, the price of the road bike, customer reviews, both positive and negative, geometry of the bike and many other significant criteria.
It is only after we understood and weighed each and every pros and cons, strengths, Unique Selling Propositions that we bring our top 10 picks in front of you through this article
Also Read – Best Mountain Bikes Under $500
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Our Top Pick
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Our Top Pick
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Vilano Diverse 3.0 Performance Hybrid Road Bike | Rating: | View Latest Deal →Read Full Review |
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Our Pick
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Trinx TEMPO 1.0 700C Road Bike | Rating: | View Latest Deal →Read Full Review |
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Kent Gzr700 Road Bike | Rating: | View Latest Deal →Read Full Review |
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Schwinn Stites Fixie Adult Commuter Road Bike | Rating: | View Latest Deal →Read Full Review |
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Hiland Road Bike 700c Racing Bike | Rating: | View Latest Deal →Read Full Review |
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EuroBike Road Bikes 700C | Rating: | View Latest Deal →Read Full Review |
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Finiss Road Bike | Rating: | View Latest Deal →Read Full Review |
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Vilano Tuono T20 Aluminum Road Bike | Rating: | View Latest Deal →Read Full Review |
Why Road Bikes?
Road bikes are meant to ride on smooth surfaces like paved roads, roadways, etc. They are the most practical and common bike type as they are very easy to use. By putting a little effort you would be able to ride a road bike easily at high speeds.
The bikes are light in weight having drop handlebars for convenience. The road bikes do not have front or rear suspension. They generally have skinny tires with carbon fiber fronts. These are the best for commuting purposes.
Also Read – Best Road Bikes For Every Budget
Best Road Bikes Under $500 For 2021
Vilano Diverse 3.0 Performance Hybrid Road Bike
No products found.
The best in range in terms of safety and speed. It comes with 24 speed changers for all terrains. The gear shifts are smooth and swift thanks to Shimano. Weather change would no longer be an issue while riding as this Vilano comes with 700 C tires and disc brakes.
You will feel completely confident riding this bike owing to its efficient brakes and smooth tires. The ergonomic design of the bike with upright handlebars and comfortable seat make this bike a super comfortable one.
Quick Facts:
- It is a 3 in 1 bike performing as road bike, mountain bike and hybrid bike
- Comes with 700 C wheels and Shimano components
- The bike is made of hybrid frame of hydroformed alloy, fork
- It has good stopping power with disc brakes
- The handlebars are very comfortable
What We Like
- It is a versatile terrain bike.
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Bike is available in various sizes and colors.
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Very easy to assemble.
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Being a lightweight bike it performs very well.
What We Don’t Like
- Some users have complained about the quality of the frame.
Trinx TEMPO1.0 700C Road Bike
No products found.
The Trinx TEMPO 1.0 falls in the mid expense range and is a brilliant choice for all the beginner riders. The bike with an aluminum frame weighing 20 pounds is best for new riders as the bike is very easy to control.
There are 21 diverse speeds in the bike enabling you to ride on all kinds of surfaces. The bike needs to be assembled upon arrival. The manual along with it is very clear to understand.
Quick Facts:
- The frame of the bike is made of alloy.
- The height of the frame is 530 mm suitable for riders with height 5’6-5’10
- Another variant is made for 5’10-6’2 rider height with 560 mm frame height
- The bike has Trinx Hi-Ten Steel Road Fork
- The tires are colorful with Cst 700C*25C
- The shifter lever used are Shimano SL-A050
What We Like
- The frame and components are of high-quality yet priced reasonably.
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Bike meant for all terrain rides thanks to the 21 speeds.
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The bike is very light in weight and durable.
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It is easily controllable too.
What We Don’t Like
- Needs complete assembly.
Kent Gzr700 Road Bike
This bike is great for teenagers as it is very simple to ride. The mechanism of the bike is very easy. It comes with Pivot alloy caliper brakes and steel frame, fork construction.
The design is rigid and tough thus best for young riders as much physical effort is not required.
Quick Facts:
- It has high tensile steel fork and frame
- the bike has Shimano 21-speed stem shifters
- It comes with 36 hole rims alloy double wall and tires of 25mm width
- It has single pivot alloy brakes
What We Like
- Easy and simple design.
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Convenient for the young entry-level riders.
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Has steel frame and fork.
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Ensures stability and super control.
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The brakes are of pivot alloy which stop quickly.
What We Don’t Like
- Only available in 1 size.
Schwinn Stites Fixie Adult Commuter Road Bike
The bike is great with acceleration and construction. It is although a little heavy to ride due to the steel racing frame. It is a huge sized bike about 58 cms.
It was introduced by the Stites as Fixie as it comes with a hub of flip flop fit with a single speed sprocket. It has a great urban saddle that keeps you comfortable on long road rides.
It is a lightweight commuter package bike and offers very less maintenance on your end.
Quick Facts:
- The ride is very comfortable, reliable and agile on the pavements thanks to the steel fork and frame from Schwinn.
- The gear speed shifting is very convenient in this bike with 46tx18t drivetrain of single speed
- The brakes are applied effectively with the help of dual alloy caliper
- Comfortable seats and grips work wonders
What We Like
- Great value bike.
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Best for urban rides.
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Silver frame having blue accents is great.
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Very easy assembly.
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Very low maintenance required.
What We Don’t Like
- The body of the bike is heavy. The pedals are or inferior quality.
Hiland Road Bike 700c Racing Bike
This bike packed with SHIMANO 2*7-speed Shifters is a super easy ride bike which gives great comfort in spite of being very cheap. The bike is stable and very well controlled and balanced.
It comes with 700 C wheels which keeps you safe and firm on the ground. Taking turns in this bike is super easy thanks to the drop handlebars.
Quick Facts:
- The bike’s frame is made up of 55 or 60 cms highland frame.
- It comes with a 700 C fork.
- It has a chain wheel of prowheel having 42×52 teeth
- It has Shimano A050 shifters
What We Like
- The frame is high in quality and light in weight.
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It is best for city rides with 700 C wheels.
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The bike is versatile for pro as well as beginner riders.
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It comes with modern designs.
What We Don’t Like
- Limited sizes so not suitable for very tall riders.
EuroBike Road Bikes 700C
This bike although is not light in weight, it is great in acceleration and the performance is anytime above average. The fork and the steel frame have added on to the weight yet stays manageable.
The frame of the bike provides great stability. For young riders, this is best for entry level.
Quick Facts:
- It is made up of 700C Steel Frame
- It has Dual Disc Brake
- It comes with 21-Speed Shifting System
- It has Aluminum Multi Spokes
- Suitable for riders of height 6′-6’3”.
What We Like
- All kinds of riders can ride this bike.
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21 speed shifting and dual disc brakes.
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The acceleration of the bike is super great.
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Has great top reaching speed.
What We Don’t Like
- Few components need to be attached by you after purchase.
Finiss Road Bike
This bike is a super light weight bike when compared to the others as it only weighs 29.7 pounds. Thus it can speed very well.
The performance of the bike is guaranteed with Shimano shifter and Shimano Derailleur. Highly comfortable seats and smooth turning handles make it a great choice for newbies.
Quick Facts:
- It comes with KENDA 700*28C fork
- The rims of the bike are reinforced with aluminum alloy rim
- It can carry a weight of 330 pounds
- Quick-Release Front Wheels that no need of any other tools to fit in
- Free pannier bag is also included with the bike
What We Like
- Great bike with lightweight frame.
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Suitable for racing.
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Has tremendous speed.
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Easy to control during long rides.
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Heavy rides can ride it too.
What We Don’t Like
- Only available in 1 size.
Vilano Tuono T20 Aluminum Road Bike
No products found.
This bike from Vilano is known to be a showstopper amongst the regular riders. Vilano has a reputation of manufacturing bikes with high end brakes, this segment is great for multipurpose activities too.
It is a great entry level 21- speed gear road bike that is well suited for commuting and exercise. It is a very fast, great looking bike that is perfect for people who are looking to get into cycling.
If you are looking for a hype and recreational bike then Vilano Tuono is the bike for you.
Quick Facts:
- The bike has a brilliant performance at the lowest and the highest speed making it useful for various kinds of purposes. It is highly functional.
- The bike is super light in weight enabling it to perform better.
- It is made up of a superior quality aluminium making it sturdy.
- It comes with a manual making it super easy to assemble as well.
What We Like
- Great performance in comparison to the similar models.
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Very durable and serves longer.
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It is a very comfortable to ride.
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Great bike for beginners.
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Being lightweight, it enhances performance.
What We Don’t Like
- The tires are not of great quality and would require replacement.
Buyers Guide – Best Road Bikes under 500 Dollars
Frame material
The main function of the bike is its performance. A bike would perform its best if the material of the frame is good. So, it is more than important to choose the right kind of frame material while buying a bike.
The weight of the bike is dependent on the material of the frame. The best material is aluminum. It would be light in weight and also give you high speed, power, great flexibility and super control.
Drivetrain
The speed of the bike is completely dependent on the drivetrain. Shimano is the common drivetrain found on all the road bikes and is known to be the best.
Swift and smooth change in speed is what Shimano delivers. So look out for Shimano drivetrain.
Brake
One of the most essential features in a road bike are the brakes. This will ensure your safety and security as well. In today’s road bikes, cable-operated caliper brakes are commonly used.
They are super efficient, quick in response and not very expensive as well. So look out for these kinds of brakes or even the upgraded versions like hydraulic calipers or disc brakes.
Image Source: Amazon
Total weight
A road bike with light total weight gives you mobility and sharp handling. You can achieve great performance and sharp handling along with mobility if the total weight of the bike is less. It is a commonly known fact that a lightweight bike has the best technology.
Gear levels
When we talk about gears, they help the bike to improve the performance while riding uphill or on rough terrain. Here again Shimano is the best road bike brand for gears. The gears are used for easy bike riding through rough terrain.
Size and Comfort:
Size and comfort are the primary things to be considered while buying a road bike. It has to be ideal as per your height and comfortable for daily commutes as well. You would face a lot of discomfort if you buy the wrong size.
Check the saddle, make sure you reach to the handlebar and also pedals apart from just the frame height. Once you are sure and comfortable with all the aspects of the bike, go for it.
Also Read – Road Bike Frame Size Calculator
Out of Box Assembly
The bikes are not fully assembled. You will have to assemble a little part of the bike as you would get nearly 80% assembled. If you are buying the bike online, then ensure that a proper understandable assembly manual is packed with the bike.
This will make it easy for you to assemble, else you will end up in problems like brake failures or loose chains.
Where to buy the best inexpensive road bike?
Online is the best place to shop for bikes. Online marketplace is always better with umpteen number of options and all kinds of brands with an extensive range of pricing. You can find the best product for yourself at the best price.
You will have genuine user ratings and reviews of the bikes you shortlist for easy decision making. The best online marketplace for bikes are:
- Amazon
- eBay
- Bonanza
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Hope this article has lessened your stress for buying a road bike making it easier for you to decide on one. These are under $500 options.
There are a lot of bikes out there in the market. These bikes under this price segment are the best ones. So, do refer to this article before buying. Explore a wide range of best bike brands at BikesReviewed.com. Whether it’s conquering challenging trails, commuting with ease, or simply enjoying leisurely rides, there’s a bike out there for everyone. Happy cycling!
Also Read – Vilano Diverse 3.0 Performance Hybrid
In a hurry? The test winner after 180 hours of research:
Vilano Diverse 3.0 Performance Hybrid Road Bike
Why is it better?
- Performance Hybrid road bike
- Disc Brakes for Great Stopping Power
- Hydroformed Alloy Performance Hybrid Frame and Fork
94/100our score
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Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API