Looking for your first road bike or perhaps want something fresh? If you’re a biking enthusiast, it is worth spending on a road bike that will your cycling needs. Fortunately, it’s possible to get reliable, low-budget road bikes on the market today. However, since there are several road bike models out there, it can be quite challenging to choose the right one for you.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the best road bikes under 500. Here are our top picks of the best road bikes under $500 and a handy guide to help you make an informed decision.
Contents
Types of Road Bikes
There are several types of road bikes out there. Road bikes are among the most attractive types of bikes manufactured to date. From appealing looks to high-quality construction, a road bike comes with everything that will attract every bike enthusiast. Here are some different types of road bikes.
Aero Road Bikes
Aero bikes are specially designed to be fast and aerodynamic. These bikes are made for areas that have strong gusts of wind. They are made of carbon-composite style materials that make them lightweight, with aerodynamic tire designs. These road bikes come with much more reduced drag compared to other models.
Commuter Road Bikes
Commuter road bikes are the best road bikes for cyclists who ride their bicycles on the road daily. As the name suggests, these bikes are perfect for commuting. Commuter road bikes provide better efficiency and speed along with exceptional comfort. These bikes are perfect for the elderly and kids.
Gravel Road Bikes
A gravel road bike is specially designed for cycling on off-road terrains. This road bike has a solid frame and wide tire designs that can effectively handle the bumpiness of uneven roads. Since these road bikes are more focused on offering a smooth riding experience on rough roads, they don’t have high speeds.
Bikepacking Road Bikes
Bikepacking road bikes are designed for load-bearing. These bikes can hold heavyweight and loads, so they have solid and robust construction. Additionally, these bikes come with wider tires, making them stable and have great grip even when fully loaded. However, speed is not on its list of perks.
Racing Road Bikes
A racing road bike is exceptionally built, packs a lot of power, and is fast and lightweight. It also comes with high-quality brakes. You should choose this bike if you’re serious about racing.
Why Road Bikes?
A road bike is specially designed for smooth roads. In fact, road bikes are the most common type of bikes since they are simple, practical, and easy to use. The best road bikes under $500 are designed to help cyclists achieve high speeds with less effort.
These bikes are lightweight and don’t come with front or rear suspension, most have drop handlebars, and most of them have a fork made of carbon fiber. They also have light and skinny tires. Road bikes are great for commuting to school or work and for short to medium daily commutes.
Road Bikes Under 500 Buying Guide
When looking for the best road bikes under 500, you should choose the best. Here are some crucial factors to keep in mind when buying the best road bike under $500.
Frame Material
Most expensive bikes on the market are made out of materials such as carbon fiber. Carbon fiber has the same level of stability and durability without weighing too much. Other frame materials include titanium, steel, and aluminum. You should look for a road bike with a lightweight frame that will suit all your commuting needs.
Brake System
You should never compromise the braking system of your road bike. There are two main types of brake mechanisms for road bikes- disc and pull-up caliper brakes. Pull-up caliper brakes are cheaper and demand less maintenance compared to disc brakes.
On the other hand, disc brakes offer a reliable stopping force, which lasts for years. It is usually more expensive and requires higher maintenance. If you’re looking for an affordable option, look for a mechanical disk brake.
Bike Assembly
Bike assembly may not seem like a big deal. But it can be a pain if you’re a beginner who doesn’t know the way around these things. Especially when the bike comes completely unassembled. Therefore, ensure that your best road bike under 500 dollars is easy to assemble or comes pre-assembled.
Drivetrain
The bike’s drivetrain comes with cranks, pedals, chaining, and chain, and a well-made drivetrain makes all the difference. If you go for a poor-quality bike, then the drivetrain won’t last long or will be low-quality.
Gears
Your road bike will most likely come with gears for the front and rear wheels. If you’re going up and down hills, you need to choose one with more gears.
Best Road Bikes Under 500 Reviews
Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike
The Vilano R2 is a lightweight bike that’s convenient for urban travel and commuters. Thanks to its straightforward construction, this road bike is a good bet for beginners. It has three frame sizes to help you get the perfect shape and size for your riding needs. This road bike under 500 dollars, has a solid build and should last for years. It has beginner-friendly and easily accessible features that make it an excellent choice for beginners looking for a reliable bike.
Features
- 21 speeds drivetrain
- Alloy caliper brakes
- 6061 Double Butted Aluminum frame
- A050 Thumb shifters
- 700c 28″ wheels
Pros
- Sturdy aluminum build
- Padded seats
- Smooth even on rough surfaces
Cons
- It needs some professional tuning
Schwinn Volare Men’s and Women’s Hybrid Road Bike
If you’re a biking enthusiast, you can’t go wrong with the Schwinn Volare Men’s and Women’s Road Bike. This road bike comes with a lightweight design and is a great choice for athletes and commuters. It comes with a strong aluminum frame that guarantees strength while keeping the bike lightweight.
The inclusion of 700c tires enhances the bike’s efficiency, making it one of the best road bikes under $500. What’s more, this model has 14-speed shifters that make gear shifting smooth.
Features
- 700c wheels
- 21-speed trigger shifter
- Alloy disc brakes
- Aluminum fitness frame
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Lightweight design
- Comfortable saddle
- Eye-catching design
Cons
- It doesn’t come fully assembled
Tommaso Imola Endurance Aluminum Road Bike
Tommaso has a decent reputation for building top-class road bikes with exceptional performance and durability. The Tommaso Imola Endurance Aluminum Road Bike is made with durable aircraft-grade aluminum to absorb impact and keep the weight down. With this road bike, you will enjoy a smooth riding experience, thanks to the 24-speed drivetrain.
Like other top road bikes, you will enjoy the convenience of the 700c wheels that can easily take on any terrain. This is a good bet if you’re looking for a state-of-the-art road bike that suits beginners.
Features
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- 700c road bike tires
- Shimano Claris 3 x drivetrain
Pros
- Vibration dampening technology
- Super lightweight frame
- Ultracompact handlebars
- Fully customizable frame
Cons
- A bit expensive
Eurobike Road Bike EURXC550 21 Speed Adult Bike
When looking for a road bike as a beginner, you need something to suit your cycling level. The Eurobike Road Bike EURXC550 21 Speed Adult Bike is one of the best road bikes for beginners and comes with a strong steel frame that guarantees durability. It has 700c lightweight wheels that can handle most terrains with ease.
The best thing about this bike is that it has a 21-speed drivetrain and so many shifting options that reduce the cadence and give you more comfort when pedaling.
Features
- 21-speed drivetrain
- Dual disc brakes
- High-carbon steel frame
- 330 lbs weight capacity
Pros
- Suitable for beginners
- Incredible stopping power
- Ideal for heavyweight guys
Hiland Road Bike Hybrid Bike
If you’re looking for a road bike with an aggressive braking system, this hybrid bike comes with excellent mechanical disc brakes for safety. Going to its parts, it comes with Shimano gears, shifters, and a derailleur. With such quality parts, you can bank on its safety and effectiveness when you encounter uphill slopes. What’s more, it comes with shock-absorbing aluminum alloy forks and padded seats, making it super comfortable.
Features
- Aluminum frame
- Lbs weight
- 24-speed drivetrain
Pros
- Robust braking system
- Excellent for fitness and long-distance commuting
- Super comfortable
Cons
- You have to adjust the brakes and gears while assembling it
Related:
FAQs
Is a Road Bike Faster Than a Mountain Bike?
Which is Better, a Smaller or Larger Frame Size?
What is the Right Saddle?
How Much Easier is a Road Bike than a Mountain Bike?
Conclusion
There are some high-quality road bikes that don’t cost too much, and they’re ideal for riding across the city and commuting. All the products listed above will suit your daily commuting needs and requirements if you’re operating on a budget. Pick one and take your cycling to the next level.
