Looking for the best road bikes under $500? Just read this article.
While $500 will only get you an entry-level road bike, it will open up a world of choices for beginners. Soccer players have played in the dirt, and road bike circuit stars will have purchased road bikes at rock-bottom costs.
Our guide covers the top ten entry-level road bikes for less than $500. We compared more than 60 of Amazon’s best-selling bike models.
From there, we’ve chosen the most affordable road bikes for every riding style.
Are there road bikes under $500 to choose from?
You certainly can. As road bike accessories become more accessible, an increasing number of businesses compete with one another while also entering the entry-level road bike category.
The riding quality and value for money of road bikes priced under $500 have been considerably improved.
Choosing the correct road bike allows you to get more out of your everyday commute and training sessions.
A quick look at our top three -Best road bicycle under $500
- Outroad Road Bike
- Vilano Shadow 3.0 Road Bike
- Eurobike 21 Speed Shifting System Road Bike
1. Outroad Road Bike
The Outroad Road Bike is my personal favorite road bike shape, coming in first. Overall, the aluminum frame is quite simple. There are as many as four hues to pick from, yet these are not the most significant to many people.
If you’re intrigued, you can click to see the pricing, which often astounds people. If you look at the price, you can return to read the rest of the review! The Roller Sport 700C*25C is a basic tire that has a long tread life and is resistant to abrasion.
The purchase will also include assembly tools, 80 percent of the pre-assembly, and the rest of the part, which can be simply assembled if you follow the tutorial.
The only disadvantage is the weight. There are 57.2 pounds in all.
Advantages
- Aluminum frame
- Multiple colors to choose from
- 14/21 speed
- Comes with assembly tool
Disadvantages
- Heavy body weight
2. Vilano Shadow 3.0 Road Bike
The Vilano Shadow 3.0 is one of the greatest value road bikes you can buy at this price point, and it’s ideal for commuting and fitness riding. These fundamentals, which include a lightweight aluminum frame, an integrated headset, and internal cable routing, make for a quick ride.
A 14-speed shifter is also included, as well as accurate and controlled braking and shifting in a handy single unit intended exclusively for beginning roads.
Advantages
- 14-speed integrated brake shifter
- 6061 aluminum frame
- Cost-effective
- 700cc double wall
Disadvantages
- Needs to be adjusted to ride
- Need to buy stand
3. Eurobike 21 Speed Shifting System Road Bike
If you’re looking for a fast road bike with a lot of speed, the Eurobike 21 Speed Road Bike is great for you. While some reviews indicate it’s not for beginners, it does take a lot of practice to really become used to riding a road bike.
This bike has curved road handlebars for quick riding, reliable gears, and mechanical disc brakes to help you avoid slow riding and deliver a comfortable and reliable ride.
The 700c*28c narrow wheels and 21-speed shifting mechanism let you quickly navigate complex road surfaces such as level pavement, broken, gravel roads, and rainy roads.
Advantages
- Sturdy carbon steel frame
- The whole bike weighs only 26 lbs
- 21-speed drivetrain
- Multiple frames to choose from
- Mechanical disc brakes
Disadvantages
- Need to adapt to riding
4. Vilano Tuono T20 Aluminum Road Bike
A rider’s favorite are value-for-money road bikes. In addition, this bike has a 21-speed A050 SIS shifter with a wide range of shifts, so you won’t have to pedal as hard when riding on the road.
It is also appropriate for daily commuting, fitness, and weekend store riding. Some newcomers criticize the aluminum frame with a slim crossbar and shifter in the center of the handlebars for requiring some tweaking for proper riding.
The mechanical disc brakes, which have a relatively excellent braking action, are also modified to improve braking. As a result, the Vilano Tuono T20 is the ideal road bike for casual riders.
Advantages
- Aluminum frame
- Disc brakes
- 21-speed A050 SIS shifter
Disadvantages
- Needs adjustment to ride
- Large brake travel
5. Hiland Road Bike Aluminum Frame 700c Racing Bike
Getting on a road bike isn’t just for fun; it can also be a useful piece of training equipment, even if your budget isn’t more than $500. However, you must choose a high-quality road bike.
This Hiland Road Bike features a high-quality aluminum frame with classic color paint, as well as a SHIMANO 2*7 gear shifter for fast road travel. 700C*25c wheels that adhere to a race bike’s geometry angle, providing for improved handling and cornering stability.
The box is 85 percent pre-assembled and includes installation tools as well as pedals. For the first time, you will need to make some modifications, so get assistance from a bike shop.
Advantages
- Aluminum frame
- SHIMANO 2*7 speed shifter
- Multiple colors to choose from
- 85% pre-assembled
Disadvantages
- Needs to be adjusted for a better ride
6. Eurobike Bikes HYXC550
If you’re looking for a three-wheeled beginning road bike, this will offer you immediate access to them. The robust steel frame is accented by a flowing classic paint job, which gives a stylish touch.
Furthermore, the Eurobike HYXC550 is available in 21 speeds and a variety of gearing options. If you’re not used to 3-spoke wheels, multi-spoke wheels are an option.
The Eurobike HYXC550 also has mechanical disc brakes with curved grips for precise braking even at high speeds. It improves handling and enables more acrobatics even when accelerating through curves.
Of course, this bike will require some modification after purchase, and no pedals are visible in the sales photographs, but it still comes with free pedals in the box. Ideal for riders between the heights of 5’5″ and 5’7″ who want to improve their skills or commute.
Advantages
- Sturdy steel frame
- 21 speeds
- 3-spoke wheels
- Disc brakes
- Easy to assemble
Disadvantages
- Rather heavy
- Needs to be adjusted for better riding
7. Best 500 Dollar Road Bike-Kent Gzr700 Road Bike, 700C
It may have certain drawbacks, but at such a low price, it’s impossible for a newcomer to pass up. The Kent Gzr700 is still a good choice for commuting. The Kent Gzr700 has a high-strength steel frame and fork.
It employs Shimano’s 21-speed shifter, allowing you to ride at high speeds. Of course, a low-cost bike must be compared to similar-priced road bikes, and the steel frame’s durability can accompany you for a long time, and then it is taller.
700C*25c wheels are appropriate for riders 6’1-6’5 in height. Squeezing into the subway in a hurry is not the ideal option; instead, you can ride this road bike and simply go around the commute.
Advantages
- High strength steel frame and fork
- Shimano 21-speed shifter
- Comfortable seat
- Easy to assemble
Disadvantages
- Maximum weight capacity is only 250 lbs
- Not a disc brake
8. Best Beginner Road Bike Under 500-EUROBIKE Road Bike XC7000
There aren’t many high-quality road bikes under $500 on the market. And one of the greatest options is the EUROBIKE XC7000. The bike’s sleek aluminum frame and aluminum double-walled rims keep the overall weight to a minimum, with the bike weighing only 36.5 pounds.
Of course, its frame is incredibly strong and can support up to 300 lbs.
I have my own idea of the best mens road bike under 500.So,this bike is the ideal bike for me in terms of weight and frame.
Shimano’s 14-speed shifter makes your ride even easier. Riders 5’5″-6’1″ tall are recommended. Assembled is also reasonably simple, with 85 percent pre-assembly and all assembly equipment provided. According to some reports, they continue to do an excellent job after the transaction.
Advantages
- Universal for men and women
- Aluminum frame
- Easy to assemble
- After-sales service is worthy of praise
Disadvantages
- Tires are rather thin
- Needs to be adjusted to ride better
9. Best Beginner Road Bike Under $500-Trinx TEMPO1.0 700C Road Bike
The Trinx TEMPO1.0 is marketed as a speedway road bike for less than $500. However, it has the appropriate setup that is ideal for first-time speed racing. Indeed, in our review, for the uninitiated this bike could well be called one of the best racing bikes under 500.
There are two colors to pick from, an aluminum frame and steel construction fork that keeps the weight under 25 lbs., which is commensurate with the needs of speed racing.
As many as 21-speed drivetrains, with Shimano components: Shimano A050 Shifter, Shimano TZ500 Front and TZ500 Rear Derailleurs, Shimano Cassette; not exactly high-end components, but adequate.
The 700C*25C tires and double-wall alloy wheels are sufficient for a 2000-mile journey. Overall, with its speed, moderate weight, good overall frame fit, and sensitive steering, this is a road bike that will help you win a beginner’s road race.
It is important to note that, while it is simple to put together, it still requires some changes after it has been put together. The box includes adjustable tools, and the vendor has thoughtfully included a video of the adjustment process.
If you ask me who the best $500 road bike , this bike is at the top of my list.
Of course, if you are still dissatisfied, you can have a professional modify the Trinx TEMPO1.0.
Advantages
- Suitable for both men and women
- Available in two colors
- Light weight
- Affordable price
- 21 speed
- Sturdy and durable frame
Disadvantages
- Needs to be adjusted to make it easy to ride
- Some reviews say it needs a 100 mile break-in ride
- Caliper brakes
Buying Guide for Road Bikes Under $500
Regardless of the price point of your bike purchase, you need to think about how you will use it.
Daily Commuting
When purchasing a road bike to be used primarily as a daily commuter, one of the most important considerations is sturdiness. An excellent road commuter bike is one that is solid and durable, as well as one that requires little maintenance.
Because road bikes are faster to ride. It is excellent for medium to long-distance cycling and can cut commute time in half.
Race Use
Road bikes under $500 can compete in junior road races, where more speed numbers are required. Usually, a 1X,2X, or 3X tooth plate is used.
The weight should not be too heavy, usually between 25-30 pounds, and the frame will be more sturdy.
Fitness riding or recreational riding
Riding a road bike for fitness is more of a test of endurance and ability than anything else. Road bikes are more difficult to ride than normal cycles.
It also necessitates a certain level of competence and the coordination of physical power when riding long distances. This considers the speed of the road bike, the weight of the rider, and the comfort of the ride.
Most $500 road bikes need to be adjusted to ride better.
Even if you are the same height, it is possible that you may have different leg lengths and different angles between you, so how do you adjust to the right angle. You can ask a professional to adjust your bike to the right angle.
This also involves adjustments during assembly. There are many sellers who mention how to adjust better in their instructional videos on assembly, and it’s not too difficult to just take a little time to follow the instruction.
What to look for when buying a road bike?
Let’s go over some of the features that come up a lot in our article, and what we need to look for when buying to make sure we are buying the best road bike under $500.
Frame Material
You’ve probably noticed that most road bikes in this price range have aluminum frames for half of them and steel frames for the other half. What is the best frame to buy when shopping?
Actually, both frames offer advantages and disadvantages. If you are willing to maintain it, the steel frame is stronger but heavier and will follow you for at least 5 years of riding.
Aluminum frames for road bikes are less in overall weight and often more expensive than steel frames, but their strength diminishes with time and they have significantly weaker metal properties. The sturdiness is marginally inferior to that of steel frames.
A steel frame road bike is a good option for those on a tight budget. A somewhat more expensive aluminum frame is available if you want practicality and riding comfort.
Gears
The number of gears is often used to assess the quality of road bikes. In comparison to more expensive road bikes, the best road bikes under $500 evaluated in this article are more concerned with practical aspects such as spare component quality, and primarily use Shimano’s low- to the mid-range drivetrain, confirming the importance of pricing on product quality.
The speed number is generally between 14-21, such a configuration can help you easily face more complex terrain, of course, there are a few 7-speed configurations, but more for commuting use road bikes, in fact, how many gears you need depends more on your needs and what riding speed you want to achieve when riding.
Is more gearing always better? No, most people have a sufficient 7-speed setup to operate; nevertheless, if the speed number is high enough, the learning cost of your ride will climb enormously.
It increases the learning curve and destroys the purpose of purchasing a road bike. However, for veterans, the speed limit may be increased; after all, you may have varied riding expertise and may travel in more difficult road conditions.
Handlebar
When you look closely, you will notice that there are two sorts of handlebars: flat handlebars and curved handlebars. These minor nuances have no bearing on our decision.
Because it is easily remedied by purchasing handlebar attachments. The major objective of this section is to illustrate how curved handlebars affect our riding.
Curved handlebars allow you to ride fast by reducing wind resistance, allowing you to attain quicker riding speeds, and in the upper section, you can also ride upright, fast and slow to combine riding, which is more beneficial to your riding skills improving. And both styles of handlebars can provide good steering control.
Brakes
Caliper brakes are the most common form of brake under $500 road bike, however disc brakes are also available. When buying, I still strongly recommend disc brakes due to their lower maintenance costs.
However, because caliper brakes are less expensive to produce, manufacturers frequently opt for this setup. If you purchase a road bike with caliper brakes, you can upgrade to disc brakes at a later date.
The brakes have less travel and are better suited for long-distance riding.
Saddle comfort
The saddle’s comfort is especially crucial for long rides or long-distance rides. You don’t want to ruin your enjoyment of riding after a certain distance because of the saddle.
At the time of the study, the requirement for a saddle was relatively uncommon, but if you feel that the saddle is less comfortable, it is recommended that you get a more comfortable road bike saddle on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the main questions people ask most often about road bikes, and we’ve combined the answers with the features of the best road bikes under $500.
Should I buy a road bike or a mountain bike?
If you want a lighter, faster-riding bike, a road bike is ideal for you. On flat roads, you can accelerate quickly and have excellent road handling. And if you want to improve your performance in road cycling races, a decent road bike is essential.
How long will a road bike under $500 last?
They will endure at least 5 years if ridden properly, according to our list. It’s especially vital to maintain steel-framed road bikes on a regular basis to make them more compatible with your riding habits.
Of course, there will be some wear and tear parts to replace in the interim. We’ve seen in a few stories that some elderly people are still riding bikes they bought in the 1970s, proving that a decent bike may last a long time, if not a lifetime.
How about the best used road bikes under $500?
From personal experience, you can find a good used road bikes under $500。However, be sure to confirm the frame of the bike and the important components with the seller before you buy, otherwise, you may get a piece of junk.
| Road bike frame size | Height | Inside leg |
| 15″, 16″ (small) | 160cm-170cm / 5’3″-5’7″ | 71 cm / 28 inches |
| 17″, 18″ (Medium) | 170cm-175cm / 5’7″-5’9″ | 76 cm / 30 inches |
| 19″, 20″ (large) | 175cm-180cm / 5’9″-5’11” | 79 cm / 31 inches |
| 20 inches, 21 inches (large, X-large) | 180cm-188cm / 5’11”-6’2” | 81 cm / 32 inches |
Overview
Purchasing a road bike is more about what you want and what attributes you require. Alternatively, if you have friends who ride a similar style of bike, you can base your purchase on their recommendations.
It all comes down to fit, which includes things like the correct size, weight, speed, and so on.
If you know what you want, you can do a search for the best road bike for your requirements. However, if you are unsure of what type of road bike you require, you can choose the best one based on our ranking recommendations.
Do you know how we screened the good road bikes under 500？
Our choice is the result of rigorous consideration, 16 hours of study, 60 bike comparisons, and more than 2,900 reviews.
Of course, all of this is to help you get the greatest road bike for your $500 or less budget.
If you are a woman rider ， need to buy a road bike, drop us a line. We’ll meet your needs ，provide reviews of the best women’s road bikes under 500.
