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Research >> Road Bike >> $500

The Best Road Bike on a Budget Under $500

The benefits of cycling are just as endless as the roads that you will be traveling. If you don’t own a bike yet, now is the time to get one. If you’re on a tight budget don’t worry. There are many road bikes available that are within your budget. The best thing about it is that you can definitely find one that suits the level of comfort and durability that you desire. 

But before you start shopping there are important things that you have to keep in mind. Here are some tips to guide you when shopping for that best road bike that’s within your budget. 

Helpful Tips when Shopping for Budget-Friendly Bikes

1. Evaluate your needs.

Note that some bikes are not capable of going through long sportive weekends. Others are only good for gentler rides while some can do well for friendly competitions. If you’re planning to break cycling records, opt for performance bikes that were made from high quality carbon fiber. If you want something that gives you the chance to ride with a more upright and relaxed steering position, look for bikes with recreational frames. If you are just looking to own a bike for daily commuting, look for bikes that have steel frames. Don’t forget to check also which one suits you best - a drop bar or a flat bar.

2. Check the whole package.

If you’re looking to find one with its frame made from carbon fiber material, note that not all carbon fibers are created equal. Besides, some bikes that have good frame technology may not possess the best finishing kit. Some of these may have poor quality brakes, saddles, wheels and gears. Chances would be a little twist and your brakes would no longer work. In other words, don’t just look into the frame material. You have to check the entire package and see if the finishing kit, groupset and wheels were also made from good quality materials. Some manufacturers do scrimp on these things in order to produce budget-friendly bikes so beware. 

3. Choose the best group sets.

The bike groupsets, which is also referred to by other people as the “grouppo”, consists of several mechanical components. These components greatly spell the difference between a comfortable ride and a stressful one. These have to be engineered in a way that guarantees optimal overall mechanical function of the bike. The major brands for groupsets that are available in the market today include Campagnolo, Shimano and SRAM. these groups include front and rear brakes, bottom bracket, cassette, crankset, rear derailleurs, chain and brake levers. It is important to note that bikes designed for professional racing competition are not the only ones that have reliable groupsets. In fact, there are also entry-level bikes that are just as durable, efficient and long-lasting.

4. Opt for lighter and stiffer wheelsets.

Keep in mind that the wheelsets have to be stiff yet lightweight. This is because the stiffer and lighter the wheelsets, the more capable it is of running with better speed. However, bikes like these may also mean you have to compromise a bit of your budget and comfort level as well. When it comes to choosing wheelsets that are wallet-friendly, some of the best choices include carbon and alloy wheels. These materials make the wheels highly responsive while also giving you a lightweight riding experience. Besides, if your daily commute entails frequently going over slopes or uphill pathways, these alloy and carbon wheels won’t give you much trouble.

5. Pay attention to frame geometry.

Another thing to carefully consider is the geometry of the frame. The way it is constructed is also important. These things largely affect your comfort and performance. If you happen to choose a bike with a racy geometry, chances are you will experience some pain when you’re into long rides. You have to really check the frame and how its angles are constructed even if you’re just looking for a bit of additional “swag” to your everyday commute. 

If you opt for that bike with super lightweight frame that guarantees the perfect aerodynamics, that’s fine. However, if it’s something that has a budget-friendly price, its overall package may not assure you of the quality that best represents its supposed value. Actually, most of the bikes sold at affordable price are made from carbon frame. The sad thing about it is that carbon frames have high likelihood of flexing under load. This would mean less comfort on your part as a biker. These bikes made from cheap carbon frames are also more brittle compared to those made from aluminum or steel. 

6. Opt for lightweight yet durable bike.

Of course, you want your bike to be both light and fast. However, a lightweight material may also mean it’s not that durable. So, don’t just look for lightweight bike. Choose the one that is both lightweight and strong. Although it may sound too demanding if you also require that such bike be budget friendly. However, this demand is not impossible. You just have to really do your homework and don’t buy right away the first lightweight bike that you see. 

7. Include maintenance and accessories to your budget.

Although the best bikes may cost more than $20,000 there are good quality bikes available under $500. Once you have decided the amount that you’re willing to spend for a bike make sure to have around $250 earmarked for accessories and maintenance. Remember that you cannot just ride on that bike without a helmet, jacket, safety lights, jerseys, gloves, etc. You should have these accessories to ensure that you're comfortable and safe all throughout your ride. Your bike also needs proper maintenance for it to last. Therefore, you also need to buy a saddle bag equipped with patch kits and pump. You also need to prepare spare tubes, chain lube and other tools. 


Reviews for best road bikes with budget under $500

Here’s the good news. If you plan to own a bike that does not cost more than $500, but one that definitely represents good value for your money, check out the following options. Please note that prices may be subject to change.

Schwinn Men's Phocus 1400 700C

This bike is a best seller. It not only has a solid construction. But it also guarantees durability and agile riding. So, you can be assured of a smooth ride even when you’ll have to go through uphill paths, bumpy roads and long commutes. In fact, this model has everything that a biker wants in a bike. Its features cater to every biker’s aesthetic and functional needs which is the reason why experienced and novice riders will surely appreciate this. Whether it’s going to be a smooth or bumpy ride, this bike assures you’re ready for any situation. It has Shimano A050 bar-mount shifters, coupled with 14-speed rear derailleur. It also possesses narrow high-pressure Kenda 700c tires. Not to mention its rigid fork that does a great job in absorbing shock. However, once you purchase this bike, might as well consider upgrading its brake levers right away. 

Reviews 4.0 stars from over 300 customer reviews

GMC Denali Road Bike

This is another brilliant choice for those who want a bike for long distance biking or group riding. It is also available in several colors and sizes. They may have held back the price for this bike but certainly not on the quality of its features.  Although its tire tape and brakes are not made of topnotch quality, it would still be a big bonus to know that it boasts of Shimano Revo shifter and Shimano Derailleur. Add in the 36 spoke wheel set from Boyd Vitesse that includes 700c bike tires and you’ll surely feel fortunate to have this bike at a budget price. 

Reviews 3.2 stars from over 400 customer reviews

Vilano Shadow Road Bike

This bike is perfect for just about every type of cyclist. If you’re into sprint triathlons, club rides or just an ordinary daily commuter this one will be your perfect choice. It has an aluminum frame that is lightweight making it easy for one to carry it around and ride. However, it’s brakes and pedals aren’t made from high quality materials. The disadvantage about having a frame made from aluminum is that you can hardly ignore those vibrations when going over bumpy roads. 

Reviews 3.6 stars from over 170 customer reviews

Giordano Rapido Single Speed Bike

When it’s from Giordano, you know it’s definitely far from being mediocre. This Rapido single speed bike doesn’t need cyclists to opt for several gear shifting. But it does have a flip flop hub which enables bikers to go from a free wheel single speed to a fixie mode and vice versa. Its lightweight due to its aluminum frame. It has alloy cage, alloy toe clips, steel seat post and alloy seat collar. However, some users of this bike complained about not reaching a full stop as quickly as it should be. It also has a pivot caliper style and not the common side pull. So, novice bikers may find themselves having difficulty with it during the first few days of use. 


Diamondback Insight 2 Flat Bar Road Bike

If you’re looking to own a bike that has the capability to go over mixed terrain without any trouble and can also do well as your daily ride to work, then this one is the ideal choice. This may look like just your ordinary bike, but it does serve you well when you’re riding in different situations. At an affordable price, you already have a versatile and durable bike in one. Its equipped with 21-speed Shimano drivetrain that gives you the luxury of effortless gear shifting. Its aluminum tubes are light weight and its brakes are strong. The bad side of it? It produces a sound that could disrupt other riders on the road. Also, it does not have a kickstand. 


See? Owning a great bike without breaking the bank is indeed possible. 

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