Best Road Bikes Under $500

Do you have a budget of $500 to purchase a road bike? If yes then you have landed on the right page. We have compiled Best Road Bikes Under $500 right here.

Here’s your guide to find all about the best road bikes and get one for yourself (or a loved one) while spending under $500.

Read on to get insights about the top 10 road bikes under $500. Check out the bikes, their features, their performances, pros, cons and choose the best that suits your requirement.

In A Hurry?

 VILANO DIVERSE 3.0 PERFORMANCE HYBRID ROAD BIKE

Why is it better?

• Performance Hybrid road bike
• Disc Brakes for Great Stopping Power
• Hydroformed Alloy Performance Hybrid Frame and Fork

Our Picks

Vilano Diverse 3.0 Performance Hybrid Road Bike

Trinx TEMPO 1.0 700C Road Bike

Kent Gzr700 Road Bike

Schwinn Stites Fixie Adult Commuter Road Bike

Hiland Road Bike 700c Racing Bike

EuroBike Road Bikes 700C

Finiss Road Bike

Vilano Tuono T20 Aluminium Road Bike

Why Road Bikes?

Road bikes are meant to ride on smooth surfaces like paved roads, roadways, etc. They are the most practical and common bike type as they are very easy to use. By putting a little effort you would be able to ride a road bike easily at high speeds.

The bikes are light in weight having drop handlebars for convenience. The best road bikes do not have front or rear suspension. They generally have skinny tires with carbon fibre fronts. These are the best for commuting purposes.

Best Road Bikes Under $500

Vilano Diverse 3.0 Performance Hybrid Road Bike 

Specifications

• It is a 3 in 1 bike performing as best road bike, mountain bike and hybrid bike
• Comes with 700 C wheels and Shimano components 
• The bike is made of hybrid frame of hydroformed alloy, fork
• It has good stopping power with disc brakes 
• The handlebars are very comfortable 

The best in range in terms of safety and speed. It comes with 24 speed changers for all terrains. The gear shifts are smooth and swift thanks to Shimano. Weather change would no longer be an issue while riding as this Vilano comes with 700 C tires and disc brakes.

You will feel completely confident riding this bike owing to its efficient brakes and smooth tires. The ergonomic design of the bike with upright handlebars and comfortable seat make this bike a super comfortable one.

        Pros                                                  

• It is a versatile terrain bike
• Bike is available in various sizes and colours
• Very easy to assemble
• Being a lightweight bike it performs very well

Cons

• Some users have complained about the quality of the frame

Trinx TEMPO 1.0 700C Road Bike

Specifications

• The frame of the bike is made of alloy.
• The height of the frame is 530 mm suitable for riders with height 5’6-5’10
• Another variant is made for 5’10-6’2 rider height with 560 mm frame height
• The bike has Trinx Hi-Ten Steel Road Fork
• The tires are colourful with Cst 700C*25C 
• The shifter lever used are Shimano SL-A050

The Trinx TEMPO 1.0 falls in the mid expense range and is a brilliant choice for all the beginner riders. The bike with an aluminium frame weighing 20 pounds is best for new riders as the bike is very easy to control.

There are 21 diverse speeds in the bike enabling you to ride on all kinds of surfaces. The bike needs to be assembled upon arrival. The manual along with it is very clear to understand.

Pros

• The frame and components are of high-quality yet priced reasonably
• Bike meant for all terrain rides thanks to the 21 speeds 
• The bike is very light in weight and durable
• It is easily controllable too

Cons

• Needs complete assembly

Kent Gzr700 Road Bike

Specifications

• It has high tensile steel fork and frame 
• the bike has Shimano 21-speed stem shifters
• It comes with 36 hole rims alloy double wall and tires of 25mm width 
• It has single pivot alloy brakes

This bike is great for teenagers as it is very simple to ride. The mechanism of the bike is very easy. It comes with Pivot alloy calliper brakes and steel frame, fork construction.

The design is rigid and tough thus best for young riders as much physical effort is not required.

Pros

• Easy and simple design 
• Convenient for the young entry-level riders
• Has steel frame and fork
• Ensures stability and super control 
• The brakes are of pivot alloy which stop quickly

Cons

• Only available in 1 size

Schwinn Stites Fixie Adult Commuter Road Bike

Specifications

• The ride is very comfortable, reliable and agile on the pavements thanks to the steel fork and frame from Schwinn.
• The gear speed shifting is very convenient in this bike with 46tx18t drivetrain of single speed 
• The brakes are applied effectively with the help of dual alloy caliper 
• Comfortable seats and grips work wonders

The bike is great with acceleration and construction. It is although a little heavy to ride due to the steel racing frame, and huge sized bike about 58 cm.

This bike was introduced by the Stites as Fixie as it comes with a hub of flip flop fit with a single speed sprocket. It has a great urban saddle that keeps you comfortable on long best road rides. 

It is a lightweight commuter package bike and offers very less maintenance on your end.

Pros

• Great value bike

• Best for urban rides

• Silver frame having blue accents is great

• Very easy assembly

• Very low maintenance required

Cons

• The body of the bike is heavy The pedals are or inferior quality

Hiland Road Bike 700c Racing Bike

Specifications 

• The bike’s frame is made up of 55 or 60 cm highland frame.
• It comes with a 700 C fork.
• It has a chain wheel of prow heel having 42×52 teeth
• It has Shimano A050 shifters

This bike packed with SHIMANO 2*7-speed Shifters is a super easy ride bike which gives great comfort in spite of being very cheap. The bike is stable and very well controlled and balanced.

 It comes with 700 C wheels which keeps you safe and firm on the ground. Taking turns in this bike is super easy thanks to the drop handlebars. 

Pros

• The frame is high in quality and light in weight
• It is best for city rides with 700 C wheels
• The bike is versatile for pro as well as beginner riders
• It comes with modern designs

Cons

• Limited sizes so not suitable for very tall riders

Euro Bike Road Bikes 700C 

Specifications

• It is made up of 700C Steel Frame
• It has Dual Disc Brake
• It comes with 21-Speed Shifting System
• It has Aluminum Multi Spokes
• Suitable for riders of height 6′-6’3”.

This bike although is not light in weight, it is great in acceleration and the performance is anytime above average. The fork and the steel frame have added on to the weight yet stays manageable.

The frame of the bike provides great stability. For young riders, this is best for entry level.

Pros

• All kinds of riders can ride this bike 
• 21 speed shifting and dual disc brakes
• The acceleration of the bike is super great 
• Has great top reaching speed 

Cons

• Few components need to be attached by you after purchase

Finiss Road Bike

Specifications

• It comes with KENDA 700*28C fork
• The rims of the bike are reinforced with aluminum alloy rim
• It can carry a weight of 330 pounds
• Quick-Release Front Wheels that no need of any other tools to fit in
• Free pannier bag is also included with the bike

This bike is a super light weight bike when compared to the others as it only weighs 29.7 pounds. Thus it can speed very well.

The performance of the bike is guaranteed with Shimano shifter and Shimano Derailleur. Highly comfortable seats and smooth turning handles make it a great choice for newbies.

Pros

• Great bike with lightweight frame
• Suitable for racing 
• Has tremendous speed
• Easy to control during long rides
• Heavy rides can ride it too 

Cons

• Only available in 1 size

Vilano Tuono T20 Aluminium Road Bike

Specifications

• The bike has a brilliant performance at the lowest and the highest speed making it useful for various kinds of purposes. It is highly functional.
• The bike is super light in weight enabling it to perform better.
• It is made up of a superior quality aluminium making it sturdy.
• It comes with a manual making it super easy to assemble as well.

This bike from Vilano is known to be a showstopper amongst the regular riders. Vilano has a reputation of manufacturing bikes with high end brakes, this segment is great for multipurpose activities too.

It is a great entry level 21- speed gear road bike that is well suited for commuting and exercise. It is a very fast, great looking bike that is perfect for people who are looking to get into cycling.

If you are looking for a hype and recreational bike then Vilano Tuono is the bike for you.

Pros

• Great performance in comparison to the similar models
• Very durable and serves longer
• It is a very comfortable to ride
• Great bike for beginners
• Being lightweight, it enhances performance

Cons

• The tires are not of great quality and would require replacement

Buyers Guide

Frame Material

The main function of the bike is its performance. A bike would perform its best if the material of the frame is good. So, it is more than important to choose the right kind of frame material while buying a bike.

The weight of the bike is dependent on the material of the frame. The best material is aluminum. It would be light in weight and also give you high speed, power, great flexibility and super control.

Drivetrain

The speed of the bike is completely dependent on the drivetrain. Shimano is the common drivetrain found on all the best road bikes and is known to be the best.

Swift and smooth change in speed is what Shimano delivers. So look out for Shimano drivetrain.

Brake

One of the most essential features in a road bike are the brakes. This will ensure your safety and security as well. Cable-operated caliper brakes are commonly used.

They are super efficient, quick in response and not very expensive as well. So look out for these kinds of brakes or even the upgraded versions like hydraulic callipers or disc brakes.

Total Weight

A road bike with light total weight gives you mobility and sharp handling. You can achieve great performance and sharp handling along with mobility if the total weight of the bike is less. It is a commonly known fact that a lightweight bike has the best technology.

Gear Levels

When we talk about gears, they help the bike to improve the performance while riding uphill or  on rough terrain. Here again Shimano is the best road bike brand for gears. Through rough terrain the gears are used for easy bike riding

Size And Comfort: 

Size and comfort are the primary things to be considered while buying a road bike. It has to be ideal as per your height and comfortable for daily commutes as well. You would face a lot of discomfort if you buy the wrong size.

Check the saddle, make sure you reach to the handlebar and also pedals apart from just the frame height. Once you are sure and comfortable with all the aspects of the bike, go for it.

Out Of Box Assembly

The bikes are not fully assembled. You will have to assemble a little part of the bike as you would get nearly 80% assembled. If you are buying the bike online, then ensure that a proper understandable assembly manual is packed with the bike.

This will make it easy for you to assemble, else you will end up in problems like brake failures or loose chains.

Mountain Bike  vs  Road Bike

1. Sport, recreation
2. Bike created for off-road cycling
3. Riding on dirt tracks, over rocks, steep passes and not on paved roads.
4. Wide knobby tires for good traction and shock absorption, front and rear suspension, up to 30 gear speeds for a variety of terrains.
5. Cross country, all day endurance, free ride biking, downhill biking

1. Conveyance, recreation
2. Bikes used primarily on paved roads.
3. Used mainly in a paved road environment.
4. Light weight aluminum frame with drop handlebars, high pressure narrow tires to decrease rolling resistance.
5. Touring, hybrid, utility, Roadster, recumbent.

Conclusion

Hope this article has lessened your stress for buying a road bike making it easier for you to decide on one. These are under $500 options.

But there are a lot of bikes out there in the market. But these bikes under this price segment are the best ones. So, do refer to this article before buying.