Road bikes under $300 are an excellent choice for those who are new to the cycling world or simply for people who are using their bikes to commute from point A to point B.
Finding a good quality road bike can be challenging due to a limited budget. In this article, we will cover the 10 best road bikes under $300 that will suit different needs.
Best Road Bike Under $300 – 6KU Single Speed Road Bike
Best road bike under $300 in 2023
6KU Single Speed Road Bike
One of the key features of this bike is its built quality and its weight. Light weight is achieved by a comfortable steel frame. Due to its lightweight, you can easily achieve higher speeds but also lift your bike when needed.
Thanks to the single speed the 6KU road bike doesn’t require much maintenance. With its minimalistic style, the 6KU looks very stylish and makes you look good.
Our favorite feature of this bike is that you can choose whether you want this bike to be fixed-gear or single-speed by simply flipping the back wheel.
6KU Single Speed Road Bike is the best road bike under $300 in 2023.
Pros
Decent quality and low maintenance requirement
Stylish minimalistic design
Light and easy to assemble
Cons
Hard to bike uphill
Front brakes tend to wear out fast
Presta valve required to pump the tires
Vilano R2 21-Speed Road Bike
Second Best Road Bike Under $300
Vilano R2 21-Speed Road Bike
Our second best road bike under $300 is the Vilano R2 Commuter road bike. This bike has a 21-speed Shimano drivetrain and very comfortable thumb shifters that will make your whole experience very enjoyable.
Vilano is equipped with above-average quality brakes that boost your confidence and safety whether you cycle in the city or outskirts.
Overall, we think that this bike is a great entry-level road bike due to its durability, price and 21-speed combination.
Pros
Great mechanical sound while riding
Comfortable thumb shifters
Easy to customize the seating to your height
Delivery on time
Cons
No kickstand
Heavy
Low-quality tires
Challenging to put it together
Eurobike XC550 21-Speed Road Bike
Third Best Road Bike Under $300
Eurobike XC550 21-Speed Road Bike
Third best road bike under $300 in our review. Very durable bike with a smooth 21-speed shifting system.
Eurobike XC550 is equipped with drop-off handlebars and 700C tires that will allow you to achieve high speeds.
The frame is made of carbon steel which makes the whole bike sturdy, durable, and at the same time good looking.
Pros
Smooth and comfortable ride
Easy to assemble
Good looking
Cons
Cheap pedals
May feel unsafe
Heavy
Kent Gzr700 Road Bike
4. Best Road Bike Under $300
Kent Gzr700 Road Bike
Kent Gzr700 has won many fans thanks to its lightweight and Shimano A050 shifters that allow selecting gears lightning fast.
This road bike is equipped with dropped handlebars that allow choosing among different positions for improved comfort.
If you’re looking to elevate your ride then this good-looking road bike might be your choice.
Pros
Light and sturdy
Dropped handlebars
Easy to assemble
Cons
Uncomfortable seat
Poorly constructed brakes
No bottle holder
Hiland Road 14-Speeds Road Bike
5. Best Road Bike Under $300
Hiland Road 14-Speeds Road Bike
Hiland Road Bike is one of the best road bikes under $300 when it comes down to reliability and low-maintenance ride. The bike is equipped with 700C high-pressure tires that allow going fast.
The frame is made of aluminum which makes this bike relatively light. The brakes are using dual caliper system that makes stopping power very handy and allow you to control speed without problems.
Pros
Stylish and sturdy
Light and fast
Easy to assemble
Cons
Hard to pedal when starting off
Handlebars can’t be adjusted upwards
High-pressure tires require a Presta valve
Avasta Single-Speed Road Bike
6. Best Road Bike Under $300
Avasta Single-Speed Road Bike
Avasta Single-Speed Bike comes in 5 different sizes and 10 colors. The bike is equipped with a flat handlebar for an easy and comfortable ride.
Thanks to the flip-flop hub, you’re able to choose whether you want to ride with a fixed or a freewheel.
Avasta Road Bike is 90% assembled from the factory and comes with all the necessary tools. We managed to assemble this bike within 15 minutes without prior preparation.
Pros
Steel frame
90% assembled
10 different colors are available
Cons
No kickstand
Weak brakes
Scratches easily
Hiland Road Bike 700C & 14-speeds
7. Best Road Bike Under $300
Hiland Road Bike 700C & 14-speeds
7. Best road bike under $300 is equipped with a steel frame and aluminum rims that are equipped with 700C high-performance tires.
The bike comes 85% pre-assembled with the necessary tools and pedals.
Pros
Good looking bike
High-performance tires
Cons
Aluminum cranks are low quality
High mileage durability issues
Takara Yuugen Single Speed Road Bike
8. Best Road Bike Under $300
Takara Yuugen Single Speed Road Bike
Takara Yuugen Road Bike is built from a high tensile steel frame and is equipped with an upright flat bar.
Flip flop hub allows choosing whether to use this bike with fixed or freewheel pedaling. Thanks to 700C 28mm tires you’re able to achieve higher speeds while not giving up on comfort levels.
The bike comes in two sizes and in green color. In our opinion bike looks sleek and stylish.
Pros
Light
Easy to assemble
Good looking
Cons
Weak tires
Brakes are wearing off relatively fast
Only in green color
PanAme Road Bike
9. Best Road Bike Under $300
PanAme Road Bike
If you’re looking for a road bike under $300 that will fit both men and women then PanAme Road Bike is a great option.
The bike has 21 speeds with a shifter lever that allows efficient shift changes on both low and high speeds. The frame is made of aluminum and is relatively lightweight. Its weight is one of the key factors as it fits both men and women.
The bike is assembled 85% assembled and you need to install the front fork, front wheel, seat and pedals. Make sure you have basic tools around you and a possibility to air up the tires.
Pros
Sturdy and sleek look
Comfortable with nice handle grips
Perfect for the occasional rider
Cons
Requires more maintenance
Some women might find it uncomfortable
No tools provided
Hiland 14-Speed Road Bike
10. Best Road Bike Under $300
Hiland 14-Speed Road Bike
Last but not least road bikes are on our best road bike under the $300 list. This bike is equipped with 14-speed and 700C tires. This combination allows going around different terrains without experiencing any discomfort.
The 14-speed system is relatively safe and doesn’t require much maintenance. The bike has a relatively simple appearance and fits perfectly for leisure riding.
The bike is 85% pre-assembled and includes free installation tools altogether with pedals.
Pros
Easy to remove the front tire for transportation
Assembly tools included for free
Great customer support
Cons
No kickstand
Handlebars are too low
Handlebars are too low
Conclusion
According to our subjective opinion, 6KU is the best road bike under $300 in 2023. Besides its excellent build and very stylish design, it also offers very helpful and professional customer support.
If you’re looking for a road bike with gears then the best road bike under $300 is Eurobike. It has a great mechanical sound while riding, very comfortable thumb shifters, and easily customizable seating according to your needs.
Many of our readers ask us often how they can ensure that the bike they buy online is the right size. Luckily the answer isn’t that hard and a very precise bike frame size guide is provided.
If you’re not sure whether you’re happy with the road bikes mentioned above due to their quality, take a look at best road bikes under $500 article. More expensive bikes usually are built from better components and give to the rider more comfort, durability and overall satisfaction.
FAQ
What materials are road bikes under $300 made of?
Best road bikes under $300 are usually made of aluminum and iron. Aluminum road bikes are generally lighter in weight while iron road bikes are more durable and a little cheaper.
Can I ride a road bike on paved roads?
Yes, road bikes were designed to be ridden on paved roads. Every smooth surface is suitable.
What handlebars are available in road bikes under $300?
Best road bikes under $300 are usually equipped with drop bars and flat bars.
Drop Bars
Advantages:
- Meant for higher speeds
- Provides multiple positions for better control and speed
Disadvantages:
- Many find them uncomfortable
- Limits the visibility due to the upright position
- Can reduce the balance due to the seating position
Flat Bars
Advantages:
- The upright position fits beginners and those who value safety
- Easy to handle
Disadvantages:
- Limited hand positions
- Not as aerodynamic as drop bars
What brakes are available for road bikes under $300?
Road bikes under $300 are typically equipped with disc brakes. Disc brakes are pressing brake pads against a rotor mounted on the hub of the wheel to slow it down. Usually, they are offering sufficient braking power but can wear off relatively quickly. Luckily they are not that expensive to change.
How many gears should a road bike under $300 have?
The number of gears on a road bike depends on the rider’s preference and riding goals. If your goal is to have the most durable road bike under $300 then we would recommend going with a single-speed road bike.
If you’re planning to go around steep hills then you should look at the road bikes that have between 14 and 30 gears.
How important is suspension in road bikes?
Upgraded suspension is not usually included in road bikes that cost under $300.
Road bikes in this price category are usually very simple which makes them lighter and more aerodynamic which is important when cruising at higher speeds.
Suspension is not typically included in road bikes, as they are designed for speed and efficiency on paved roads. Road bikes usually have a rigid frame and fork, which helps to transfer power from the rider’s pedals directly to the road. The lack of suspension in road bikes also makes them lighter and more aerodynamic, which is important for racing and achieving high speeds.
How I should decide my bike size through online buying?
Buying online your bike can seem a frightening experience at first, but in reality, there is nothing to be afraid of.
Calculating your bike size is the most accurate and foolproof method. The formula is very simple:
0.70 x Leg inseam = Your frame size in centimeters
We have written a very detailed guide about how to choose the correct bike size and it has helped thousands of people already.
Is a road bike under 300$ good enough?
Road bikes under 300$ are good enough for beginners or casual riders or daily commuters. But it’s important to understand that road bikes that cost under $300 don’t have any high-end components or advanced features that can be comparable with expensive bikes.
Road bikes under $300 have certain limitations when it comes down to durability, weight, and overall performance. Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean that road bikes under $300 are a waste of money.
