Low-priced road bikes are no longer awfully scaled back, as the companies are toiling over manufacturing advanced bikes at the cheapest cost possible. You can enjoy the best road bikes under 500, rather than spending a fortune. Modern bikes are faster more comfortable and technologically sophisticated than ever before.
Basically, most road bikes have smooth, skinny tires and drop handlebars for on-road racing along with the ability for paved trail ridings. However, many dedicated road bikes, especially ones at a racier end of the spectrum are not capable of carrying heavy loads, so are not much suitable for commuting or unpaved trail ridings.
We recommend road bikes for commutes to school or work, for easy rides around the neighborhood, and for short to medium daily commutes. It is a great vehicle for those keen to dodge public transport and stand a safe interval away from people.
We have included some of the best road bikes under 500, that we feel extend the best fusion of workability and value for money.
Best Road Bikes Under 500 Dollars Comparison
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Best Road Bike Under 500 Dollars Detailed Review With Opinion
1. Goplus Road Bike Commuter Bike Shimano 700C Aluminum 21 Speed Quick Release Racing Bicycle
Are you bored with your ancient, super-cheap road bike?
Then it is time to upgrade your bike to something a little more excellent from a recognizable brand name. And Goplus Road Bike serves this purpose well, among all other best commuter road bikes under 500 dollars.
Goplus Road Bike looks distinctly good straight out of the box, with its glossy colorful appearance (black, blue, green, orange, and red). The stylish light design and efficient transfer power offers more benefits to the wheels on the road as well as allow you to keep pace with the fashion. It has the ability to handle rides smoothly and reacts quickly.
The finishing of this bike is made of Aluminum Alloy 700 c, which is flimsy enough to add more velocity to your rides. Goplus road bike will never fail to fill the bill of a race fanatic like you.
The soothing parts are the easy installation, disassembling, and maintenance, which is mostly due to its quick release front wheels. Therefore, you can enjoy an outstanding performance as well as the ease with the parking and storage.
This 32 lbs bike can support up to 440 pounds weight, which is pretty good in proportion.
You should bear in mind that the seat can be a bit tough as it does not come with enough padding and the brakes might not provide the expected control.
Attractions
- High performance 700 C tires
- Fast and agile sport type bike
- Included kickstand
2. Trinx TEMPO1.0 700C Road Bike Shimano 21 Speed
The Chinese brand Trinx is well known for the classic design of its road bikes, which is the prime thing to notice among Trinx bikes. TEMPO 1.0 700C is a recent highlight of Trinx which is basically designed in Italy and manufactured in China.
As a budget friendly bike, the Tempo is often light-toned than expected. The bright appearance with blue/white colors and unique geometry often appeals to the customers. CST Czar tires are long-standing and suitable on streets. Life is better on Tempo’s two wheels!
You could do gear shifting with your eyes shut with the Shimano SL-A050 levers. Drop-bar and Crosstop both levers are placed on this bike, permitting an aerodynamic and standard riding position; which you will not find in another best road bike under 500 dollars. Besides, its alloy frame is comparatively light and quite resilient while the double wall rims are strong enough for tolerance rides. And of course, the eyelets permit the installation of rear racks, fitting out the bike for commuting.
I know all these sound like a broken record, but its WinZip brakes might give you some poor performances along with the uncomfortable saddle. You might face some occasional rim punctures as well.
Attractions
- Long lasting tires
- Shimano Cassette
- Shimano TZ500 front and TZ500 Rear Derailleur
3. Schwinn Phocus 1400 and 1600 Drop Bar Road Bicycle for Men and Women
Schwinn is the biggest name in the cycling world which has adorned its Phocus Road Bicycle with the best attributes. Its wide-ranging geometry provides its supreme maneuverability along with revolutionary comfort. This 24 lb bike has proven to be a substantial bump in its performance.
The carbon fork which is added to its aluminum frame all together reduces weight for through and through responsive riding. Some of the newest included technologies are microshift 16-speed integrated shifter brake lever and Shimano rear derailleur that facilitate effortless gear changes. The Schwinn Phocus Road Bicycle has promax alloy caliper brakes for secure stops and road style tires for extra grip and cushioning. You can easily adjust height with the quick releasing saddle.
All the best road bikes under 500 dollars possess the racing characteristic, which is the dream of any devil-may-care rider. Additionally, the double-wall rims appoint durability without weighing you down. Other comprehensive qualities include carbon fibre road fork, alloy crank, 8 gear rear cluster, and plastic rat trap pedals.
Arguably the most irritating thing about Schwinn Phocus road bike is its clicking sound which tends to occur at the time of pedaling. However, it will fade away if you tune up the bike.
Attractions
- Cheap as chips
- Quick gear shifting
- Strong and durable
4. Schwinn Volare 1400 700C Road Bike for Men, Women
If you know Americans well you would know their admiration for Schwinn brand, as most of them grew riding bikes of Schwinn than any other brand.
One of the most agile bikes of Schwinn is Volare 1400 700C, which is a beast in line with the other Schwinn bikes. If speed is in your DNA, you would never want to miss the fast-paced riding with this bike, no matter how messy your hair becomes after each ride!
The main aspect which contributes to its nimbleness is the lightweight Schwinn aluminum road frame that pairs with the steel road fork. Not to mention the light handlebar, stem, and seat post componentry are also responsible for its agility. This model has opted for oversized road tires (700×28) which are smooth and fast. Besides, the alloy double wall rims keep the bike durable.
Schwinn Volare punches well in terms of premium appeal with its matte purple and red paint job. It is no less than any other best road bikes under $500 as it offers 14 speeds along with shifter/brake lever combo for precise shifting. These features are extremely user friendly for new riders.
Although the brakes might need fine tuning to work appropriately.
Attractions
- Quick release tires
- User friendly shifter/brake from Shimano
- 14 speeds have a good high and low
5. Schwinn Volare Adult Hybrid Road Bike, 28-inch Wheel
Founded in 1895, Scwinn bikes have quickly become one of the largest bike brands in United States with the goals of expanding across multinational markets. Schwinn has been holding the market skilfully with its latest additions till now.
Finding the best road bike under 500 can be a bit tricky for a beginner. Schwinn’s Volare Adult Hybrid Road Bike surely can be a better choice for those to start their commuting journey.
You can essentially grab yourself to this model with wildly upgraded 28 C road tires, Schwinn sport saddles, alloy seat post, and other basic machines. The double-wall alloy rims add durability and strength without weighing you down.
Volare is an excellent bike at the entry and recreational level, initiating with the 14-speed Shimano A050 shifters. Moreover, a Shimano rear derailleur ensures precise and prompt gear changes. Effective alloy caliper brakes can lock the wheels at any speed with moderate pressure.
Whereas the front crank is sleeker and more attractive than it appears in the picture. If you are surrounded by rough terrain, a road bike is not the answer; you will do much better with a hybrid bike. And, Volare Hybrid Road Bike serves the exact purpose, unlike other best road bikes under 500 dollars.
Certain components might feel dirt cheap such as freewheel and handlebar. The seat is hard and uncomfortable while the brakes might squeak under pressure.
Attraction
- Low price
- Thin and tough tires
- Responsive riding
6. EUROBIKE Road Bike TSM XC550 Bike 21 Speed Dual Disc Brake 54CM 3-Spoke Wheels Bicycle
EUROBIKE is a far-reaching manufacturer out there, offering excellent value with its TSM XC550 bike. Whether you are a simplicity freak or performance seeker, TSM will always satisfy your demands.
The company has designed this bike for endurance road riding with constant comfort. And the comfort starts with its effortless installation which is 85% assembled already, so what you need to do is to tighten the bolts. And, that’s it!
Talking about speed, TSM provides 27 Speed Road Bike Shifting which ensures safe braking at any speed. Besides, it has a Dual Disc brake to provide long-lasting stopping power than the traditional V-Brakes which are used in any other best road bike under $500.
Another point to bear in mind would be its capacity, which will allow weight up to 300 lbs, and the company also recommends it to people with a height of 5’3”-6’0”. The design is more fashionable with high double wall Aluminum rims along with free pedals and comfortable seats. You will ride this bike confidently with the lifetime warranty on frames and a one-year warranty on components.
However, the bike weighs about 33.5 lbs which might seem heavier than some mountain bikes. Whereas the gear shifting is not so smooth as you expect it to be.
Attractions
- Excellent support
- Long lasting brakes
- 100% quality guarantee
7. Giordano Libero Aluminum Road Bike, 700c Medium
The 700c Medium Giordano Libero Road bike features high-end performances and weight-saving technologies, which makes up a complete speed machine. It is an elegant choice for intermediate riders searching for a top-notch road bike with satisfactory attributes without overpaying.
Buyers from all over the world have positive outlooks for the appearance and finish of the Libero. It is a complete, road-ready bike which you can find at the lowest end of the price range. This extremely gorgeous road bike is built with a light 6061 aluminum frame and Shimano Claris drivetrain with 16 speeds. The STI shifters are quite unexpected to find on such an inexpensive bike. So, you’ve got a bonus feature at the same price! Are there any best road bikes under 500 that will provide you more than this?
The Libero features a rear derailleur which gives a smooth ride and good control when rolling on city streets. It has a high tactile steel fork and 32 Double Wall Rim and tires with a dimension of 700c x 25mm. In addition, the dual pull brakes offer strong and secure stopping.
On the dark side, the saddle is quite uncomfortable and the tires lack durability. And, the STI shifters are an advanced design though some riders find them clunky.
Attractions
- STI shifters
- Low price
- Available in 3 sizes for different heights (small, medium, large)
8. Giordano Libero Acciao Road Bike
In recent years, Giordano has been making a name for itself in the road cycling world by offering great value and Libero Acciao is an excellent example at that. This bike is a compulsive hunt for enthusiastic riders, who want to grasp road biking with its up to the mark specs.
The Acciao is light weight despite the use of stainless steel in its body, thus having an incredible balance between strength and lightness. Its frame is solid, durable, and can support your weight with ease. The quick release wheel helps riders to put the bike in the back of a car, which you will find in any other best mens road bike under 500. The best parts are its Tourney STI 14 Speed shifters and the 3-hole high v-profile alloy rims. The strong braking system allows you to come to a complete halt in a matter of a second.
Well, the company is also concerned about your hydration, so they haven’t forgotten to include the down tube water bottle mounts.
But, there are some complaints about its chain slipping when gears are shifted too quickly and also the instructions not being clear about how to shift the gears.
Attractions
- Offers comfortable riding posture
- Available in different sizes
- 1 1/8” Alloy Threadless stem and Alloy handlebar
Some Consideration Before Buying Road Bikes Under $500
Since every brand seems to have its own secret squirrel method of displaying the prime characteristics of their bikes, putting your money to the best use can be confusing. Clearly there will be some compromises when looking at entry level road bikes at a tight budget. Still you can pick out the finest ones by identifying your needs of riding a road bike. Beyond your requirements there are some aspects to notice before buying a bike, so that you don’t go off-track.
Let’s dive in.
Frame Material
The frame material has a dramatic influence on the overall ride quality of a bike. The 500-dollar budget will allow you with only two options- steel and aluminium.
Steel has been a dominant frame material from the very past and is still popular for its excellent durability and comfort. Steels are stronger than the aluminium frames.
Whereas aluminium is the most common frame material of road bikes because of its stiffness. It is less expensive and almost 30% lighter than steel. In rough situations steel tends to bend, on the contrary aluminium is brittle and significantly more likely to break.
Drivetrain and Brake Components
The drivetrain and brake components together make a bike’s engine room. Spending more money can provide you with more efficiency, durability, and shifting performance.
With this price range, you would find low entry-level components such as Shimano’s low end groupset Claris, Shimano Tourney, or other off market brands. They won’t offer weight saving, balanced performance but will provide you with resistant and trustable shifting and brakes.
In case of cranksets, if you are new to cycling or going to riding up steep hills or canyons, you will want a triple crankset, as it gives a wider range of gears. Flat-land cyclists may prefer a double crankset.
You won’t get hydraulic brakes at this price but can get other options such as rim brakes and disc brakes. Rim brakes are lighter and more aerodynamic while disc brakes provide better power and modulation, are less affected by bad weather.
Total Bike Weight
As you go up the price scale for road bikes, weight tends to come down.
Bikes at this price weigh more than high priced bikes, as they tend to use heavier frame materials and carrying heavier components. Steel frames are denser than aluminum which can weigh above 10 kg.
Bike size
Choosing the right size bike is critical when buying your first road bike. With the correct size for your height and dimensions will let you get the most out of your commuting. Don’t buy bikes that are too big or too small. A professional fitting includes observation, measurement, and adjustment to set your shoe cleat position, seat height and horizontal positioning, reach and drop to the handlebars, and body angles in relation to bike. The goal is to optimize your comfort on the bike and reduce any aches and pains.
FAQ
Do road bike tires often tend to flat?
Yes. The thin tires are susceptible to flats more than the wider ones. When bearing a rider, thin tires need more air pressure while having narrower threads. These two points all together increase the possibility of flat tires.
Do I have to buy a gender specific bike? What’s the difference?
No, you definitely don’t. It’s probably worth learning about them, though. What makes a women’s specific bike varies in different brands. Some brand uses different carbon thicknesses throughout the frame to make it lighter, while others tweak features to include things like a shorter reach to handlebars and women specific saddles. There are benefits to it, but all the geometry of the bikes doesn’t apply to all women.
Final Verdict
Almost all bikes will seem like a dime a dozen to a novice rider. The best road bikes under 500 may not actually be an appealing proposition as no bike could be called the best. But the passionate riders would find out the excellent ones among those, what suit them the most.
And, you can also pick your perfect one if you do a little homework on your requirements, as finding a good bike is not rocket science. You don’t need to be an expert, you only need to have a thirst for it. If you select any of the ones I have mentioned in this post you will not go wrong, in fact, they will ensure you experience something great with efficiency, speed, and safety.
The charming thing about cycling is that cyclists enjoy this wonderful world more than any other person of a society. A good bicycle, well occupied, will heal all your anxieties away. So, don’t buy upgrades only, learn to ride upgrades as well.
