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Road bikes have a huge fan base due to their easy-to-use design and multi-purpose functionality. They are great for hobbyist cyclists as well as for professionals.
When an entry-level riding enthusiast aspires to have one for themselves, it is better to go for more affordable models. Road bikes can be as cheap as $250 and as costly as $1000. But we have shortlisted mid-range products costing up to $500.
At this price, we can conveniently get a vehicle equipped with numerous features and functions. Let's look at the detailed review of the best road bikes under $500.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Road Bikes Under $500
- OUR TOP PICK: EUROBIKE TSM XC550
- RUNNER-UP: Giordano Trieste Gravel Bike
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Eurobike OBK XC550
Comparison of the Best Road Bikes Under $500
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Can You Find a Quality Road Bike Under $500?
It is possible to get a quality road bike at a low price. If the cost is less, the unit might not have advanced features compared to pricier models. However, it will still have all the fundamental features that ensure a safe and smooth ride. The industry today keeps coming up with thousands of competitive models that are available at cost-effective prices.
Although these bikes are not as versatile as pricey ones, they have adequate features such as good suspension and comfortable seats. These can be good for beginners and intermediate-level riders.
You can buy a cheap unit, but make sure that it does not lack any essential qualities. There are many products on our list that have high-quality construction and durability.
What Size Road Bike Should I Get?
You need to invest in a bike that best matches your body size and type. So, always keep the frame size of the vehicle in your mind when shopping for it.
There are some ways to measure or determine the right size of a road bike for yourself. The simplest way is that many products come with size charts. In these charts, they mention the frame size ideal for different height ranges.
You can find the range that matches your height and then looks for the respective bike size stated beside it. The perfect size will ensure that you have a straight posture when riding or reaching the handlebars.
Review of the Best Road Bikes Under $500
$500 is a price range in which road bikes are hard or challenging to find. We have great options listed in this limited budget, which are reviewed after thorough research. Don’t forget to take a look at their features, pros, and cons.
Best Overall:
EUROBIKE TSM XC550
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Customers reported that assembling this product was just a matter of a few minutes. Beginners also found the user manual very helpful. According to buyers, they liked the working of Shimano components the most. Some people found it to be quite heavy, but the smooth ride made up for it.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Shimano’s signature components make this unit one of the most popular and best ones on the market. The smooth gearing system ensures that the vehicle meets the needs of professional cyclists. From shifters to gears, the whole speed-controlling assembly consists of Shimano components, which are known for their exceptional quality.
The robust steel construction is another reason why we like this model.
The disc brakes provide the vehicle with excellent and super-responsive braking powers, which makes this bike ideal for high-speed riding. Moreover, the unit comes in different sizes, designed for people up to 5’3” to 5’9” tall and 290 pounds of weight.
Bottom Line
Undoubtedly, the steel body is going to last for years. It also includes great Shimano shifters and derailleur gears, making it possible for the rider to experience instant acceleration and responsive brakes.
Runner-up:
Giordano Trieste Gravel Bike
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Customers reported that they rode this Giordano vehicle with ease and had no problems in gear shifting. They also highlighted the disc brake system that facilitated them in making smooth stops. However, some individuals complained about the quality and life of the tires. But replacing these is very easy so that it won’t be a long-term problem.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This Giordano bike is equipped with tires measuring 700cx42mm. The ample size ensures that the vehicle is stable on the ground and provides the utmost balance and grip.
It runs at fast speeds and decelerates precisely with the help of mechanical disc brakes.
The frame is also exceptional. The entire frame, including the fork, is made of chromyl steel. This is one of the most durable and high-grade quality steel. This material is lighter in weight as compared to ordinary steel.
Bottom Line
To conclude, this unit's chromyl steel construction can withstand heavy-duty usage and resist rust and corrosion. In this way, the vehicle comes up with no cracks or damages and is low maintenance too. The integration of STI shifters ensures a smooth transition of gears.
Best for the Money:
Eurobike OBK XC550
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of positive reviews support this product by Eurobike. Some people appreciated the performance of dual disc brakes, particularly professional-level cyclists. People were also delighted with the diverse weight capacity. No serious issues were highlighted by buyers who rode this vehicle at higher speeds.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Top-quality steel is chosen for construction, the fork, crankset, and frame of this unit. This high-quality construction makes it ideal for overweight people. By using Shimano components, the vehicle has an impressively smooth riding experience guaranteed for users.
Various sizes are available in this model. The shortest size suits the height of 5’5”, whereas 6’1” is the largest size. The plus point is that the size range suits both men and women.
In addition, this unit has a user-friendly design that is comfortable and quite flexible. Consequently, this is also a great model for beginners. With a slight adjustment, you can choose the angle and orientation of the seat you wish to have.
Bottom Line
People usually prefer Shimano components since they are reliable to use. Therefore, this vehicle has made it to our list with its advanced and smooth gear system and top-notch steel construction. All these features are available at a reasonable price.
Best Beginner Road Bike Under $500:
Sentuca Aluminum Road Bike
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Many customers loved the HCT carbon fork on this unit, as it added more excellent stability and durability. They also enjoyed the Shimano gears and how smooth the transition was. Some people showed satisfaction with aluminum construction. Most beginners bought this unit and loved its design.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We think this product has something extraordinary for all beginners with its simplistic design. It features a high-grade aluminum frame, which offers substantial durability and reduces the unit's overall weight.
It is equipped with the HCT carbon fork that dampens a great amount of impact. As a result, the biker feels no bumps in his body while driving on rough roads.
The best part is that a lifetime warranty covers the frame and fork. Therefore, it is one of the best value-adding products in the market. It has a dual disc brake mechanism which provides efficient stopping power.
Bottom Line
Summing it up, the aluminum construction makes this unit a lot more lightweight. This allows the rider to ride it at a higher speed and carry it to places with them. We recommend this bike to beginners, but also find it suitable for professional-level cyclists.
Best Women's Road Bike Under $500:
Eurobike EURXCEU550
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The structure and frame size of this bike is reported to be suitable for female drivers. However, some men bought this bike and found it to be quite useful for them. Many customers reported that it was beyond their expectations, especially due to the dual disc brakes and the steel construction.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Along with the Shimano gear system and a 21-speed shifter, this bike is an incredible product in terms of performance. It enables the user to manage higher speeds and also provides an efficient brake system.
It is constructed of steel. The whole frame is compact yet sturdy enough to accommodate both men and women. We find high-quality reflectors impressive and useful. These are mounted on both front and rear wheels. Thus, these allow you to ride the vehicle in a dim environment.
Bottom Line
With reflectors making night-time rides easier and fun, this steel bike is the ideal model for women. Also, you don’t need to worry about speed controls as the Shimano gears guarantee a smooth and secure performance.
What Should I Look For When Buying an Affordable Road Bike?
People think that buying lower-cost products might not be a good decision in the long term. However, when you know exactly what to look for in an affordable bike, the decision is made much easier.
Here is a list of must-haves for an affordable product.
Material
The frame on which you are supposed to sit and ride the bicycle should have exceptional durability and resilience to sustain your weight, accidents, and weather calamities. Steel, aluminum, and carbon are common materials known for their strength.
If the vehicle is made from a less concentrated alloy of these materials, the frame’s quality can be doubtful.
EUROBIKE TSM XC550
Component Quality
Don't add an affordable model to your cart if it does not involve Shimano or branded components. This is very important, particularly for gear systems and brake mechanisms. A local gear assembly can affect the speed and overall performance of the bike.
Brakes
Look for a vehicle that has an exceptional-quality brake mechanism. Even the most affordable units on our list feature advanced brakes such as the dual discs systems. Disc brakes are way better than V-brakes and rim brakes and work great in all weather conditions. Poor-quality brakes can endanger your safety on the road.
Pros and Cons of a Road Bike Under $500
When you look for a low-budget road bike, be prepared for some benefits and disadvantages coming along with it. The drawbacks are minor as compared to the advantages.
Pros
Let’s see what pros road bikes have to offer.
Superb Brakes
The brake mechanism of these vehicles has advanced recently. They entail accurate and responsive brakes that swiftly come into action without heating the calipers. This quality also makes the product good for starters.
Fast Speed
The gear system allows the bike to run faster and achieve variable speeds. You can quickly reach the destination since it offers high-speed rides.
Durable
Top-notch durability is ensured by aluminum, steel, and carbon construction of such bikes. These materials are generally used for constructing these models, which are least susceptible to breakages and distortion.
Cons
The following are the downsides of these vehicles:
No Suspension
There is no suspension system in these units. This can make longer rides painful for the rider. Also, the vehicle becomes sensitive to every bump or jerk on rough pavement.
No Theft Safety
No locking mechanism is equipped on these bikes, meaning anybody can conveniently steal it. There might be some higher-priced units that have this feature.
Conclusion
Inexpensive products are considered to be of poor quality, but that is not entirely true. There are plenty of affordable road bikes that serve the purpose well; the models on our list will convince you of that. All these products have powerful brakes, super long-lasting construction, Shimano gears, and user-centric design. Most interestingly, they are under $500, making them a great purchase.
People Also Ask
The construction and working of a road bike are very easy to understand. But some other aspects are still confusing for some beginners. It's very important to clear out these concerns. We hope this section will be helpful to you.
Can You Find a Road Bike For an Intermediate Rider For Under $500?
Yes, $500 is enough to buy an effective road bike for an intermediate rider. The construction of a wallet-friendly model is mostly up to the mark. Other than this, products under this price limit also usually have Shimano components. The speeds are also fairly acceptable.
Are Cheap Road Bikes Good For Beginners?
Our picks are budget-friendly, yet secure and opportunistic for newbies. These models include Shimano shifters, gears, and crankset and are made from abundantly strong materials like steel and aluminum. Thus, as long as a bike includes such features, beginners can use cheap models.
