Road bikes under $500 are usually in a price range that allows typical buyer to tick-all-the-boxes. Such road bikes are usually well-built, durable, good looking and have improved brakes altogether with gear changing systems.
Whether you want to buy a road bike for workouts or for daily use, keep reading this article and find out what best road bike under $500 fits your needs.
Best Road Bike Under $500 – Eurobike XC550 Road Bike
Best road bike under $500 in 2023
Eurobike XC550 Road Bike
Eurobike XC550 is the best road bike under $500 according to our experience. Eurobike is a perfect choice for an entry-level rider that values the best value for money.
Eurobike CX550 has 21 gears and the gears changes are very smooth. The bike has dual disc brake technology which provides braking safety regardless of the weather.
The bike is 85% pre-assembled and a beginner should be able to put this bike together in under 20 minutes.
Eurobike XC550 also won the best road bike under $500 title thanks to its after-sales warranty service. All returns and exchanges are accepted within 30 days after purchase.
Pros
Comfortable seat
Smooth gear changes
Easy to put together
Cons
Ride is a little too rough
Some riders find it heavy
No kickstand
Hiland Road Bike
Second Best Road Bike Under $500
Hiland Road Bike
Hiland road bike is ranked #2 in our best road bikes under $500 rankings. Another perfect choice for those who are looking for an affordable, but also reliable road bike.
The Hiland road bike has 14 gears and Shimano shifters. We genuinely think that it’s enough for comfortable riding across different surfaces like gravel, city road or other tough terrains.
The bike has high-pressure tires that allow riding at higher speeds without any significant rolling resistance.
Hiland road bike is 85% pre-assembled and includes free installation tools altogether with pedals.
Pros
Great looking bike
Very durable
Easy to assemble
Cons
Uncomfortable seat
Uncomfortable handlebar
On the heavier side
Hiland Aluminum Road Bike
Third Best Road Bike Under $500
Hiland Aluminum Road Bike
The third-best road bike under $500 in our rankings is another bike from Hiland.
This bike comes in three color options: black, green and red. The sizes are also divided into three categories – Small, Medium and Large. If you’re not sure how to choose the appropriate bike size for yourself then we recommend you read our bike size guide.
The bike has 21 gears and shifts are very smooth. Double-wall aluminum rims give you the confidence to have a ride on the roughest terrains.
Hiland bikes are backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
Shifting is precise and quick
Great for workout routines
Attractive design
Cons
Difficult to put together
No kickstand
Might miss screws from the front brakes
The Vilano Shadow 3.0 Road Bike
4. Best Road Bike Under $500
The Vilano Shadow 3.0 Road Bike
he Vilano Shadow 3.0 road bike has a classic timeless road bike design that looks very good.
The bike has integrated brake shifters that make braking and shifting gears very comfortable and convenient. Also, the bike has high-pressure tires that allow cruising at higher speeds.
Pros
Beginner friendly gear shifting
Easy to put together
Comfortable seat
Cons
Uncomfortable seat
Some find pedals to bee too slippery
A couple of screws can be missing
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
The Hiland Aluminum Road Bike with Shimano 21
6. Best Road Bike Under $500
The Hiland Aluminum Road Bike with Shimano 21
Another Hiland bike in our best road bikes under $500 article. With such consistency, we can assure you that Hiland bikes are one of the best in their class.
Again, 21 gears with a brake lever provide convenient and smooth gear changes. The bike is pre-assembled by 85% and includes free installation tools and pedals.
The bike is made from a high-quality ultralight aluminum frame that makes this bike very lightweight and at the same time durable.
Pros
Lightweight
Smooth pedals
Fun to ride
Cons
Brakes wear out too quickly
Can’t raise a handlebar
Rear wheel needs to be balanced
The Giordano Aversa Aluminum Road Bike
7. Best Road Bike Under $500
The Giordano Aversa Aluminum Road Bike
he Giordano Aversa is the best road bike under $500 that is meant for women. The bike is designed for riders that value comfortable and reliable rides.
The bike is equipped with a 14-gear system that is produced by Shimano. Most of the best road bikes under $500 are equipped with this system due to its durability.
The Giordano Aversa Aluminum Road Bike is a 700c women’s small bike designed for riders who are looking for a comfortable and reliable ride. Here are some advantages and disadvantages to consider before making a purchase.
Pros
Easy to assemble
Lightweight
Sleek and pretty
Cons
No kickstand
Weak tires
Some find a seat a bit too uncomfortable
The Giordano Libero Aluminum Road Bike
8. Best Road Bike Under $500
The Giordano Libero Aluminum Road Bike
The Giordano Libero road bike is made of a 6061 aluminum frame that is very durable and relatively lightweight.
The bike has 16 speeds and is equipped with well-known Shimano shifters. The tires are high-pressure, so Giordano Libero road bike can go relatively fast.
The fork is made out of steel which adds some degree of additional weight, but on the other side, it allows one to cruise with better comfort and adds durability.
Pros
Excellent clearance
Durable tires
Good looking
Cons
Uncomfortable handlebars
Uncomfortable seat
Weak brakes
Conclusion
According to our subjective opinion, Eurobike XC550 is the best road bike under $500 in 2023. Besides its best value for money, it’s very durable and provides one of the best braking capabilities in different weather conditions. One of the best additional values this bike has is its warranty and 30 day return or exchange policy.
This article includes one road bike that is meant only for women. We think that not all people are willing to bike unisex bikes. The Giordano Aversa has 14 speeds, is very durable and looks very pretty.
And once again. Don’t be scared purchasing bikes through online just because you’re not sure about your size. Read our bike frame size guide to gain some confidence and perhaps it will ease your mind!
If you think that above mentioned road bikes are out of your budget, please take a look at best road bikes under $300 article.
FAQ
Is everything necessary included when ordering a road bike from Amazon?
Ordering a road bike from Amazon can be tricky as different sellers are including or not including different components and tools.
Some best road bikes under $500 are coming with all the necessary tools like wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers and a crescent wrench. But some sales don’t include anything and it can create frustration and a certain level of discomfort.
Worth mentioning that no sellers are including a pump or a Presta valve. So you should make sure that you have an electric pump that can inflate tires up to 110 psi and a Presta valve that will fit your best road bike under $500 high-pressure tires.
What materials are road bikes under $500 made of?
Best road bikes under $500 are usually made from aluminum. This material is very durable, but also lightweight which creates the best value for money on the current market.
Some bikes can be made from steel. Steel bikes are generally more comfortable, but they tend to weigh a lot. We know that some manufacturers are using modern technology when creating a steel frame to reduce weight. However, aluminum bikes tend to be lighter.
In general, the best road bikes under $500 will be built from lower-end components, but they are still very durable and pass all the quality requirements.
How long will a road bike under $500 last? Are road bikes under $500 durable?
There is no right answer to answer this question. All bikes mentioned in this article are generally very durable and can withstand hundreds of miles without problems. However, it’s important to understand that usage frequency, amount of power applied and differences in terrain might affect overall durability.
With proper care and maintenance, well-made road bikes that were constructed from high-quality materials will last for several years or more. However, that doesn’t mean that you don’t have to replace brakes or tires as these are consumable parts.
Overall, the best road bikes under $500 are durable and fit entry-level riders perfectly. If you’re planning to race, then you should look for more expensive road bikes.
How many gears should a quality road bike have?
Road bikes typically have between 16 and 22 gears. For most riders, this will be enough to find a perfect balance between gear ratio for different situations and comfortable cadence.
If you’re living in an area where you will face plenty of hills, we’re recommending looking for road bikes that have at least 16 gears.
Professional bikes tend to have even more gears. More gears help athletes deal with different situations and tackle more challenging terrains without giving up on their pace.
Are more expensive road bikes better than cheap road bikes?
More expensive road bikes are generally better than cheaper road bikes.
The difference comes in material quality, different components and overall construction complexity.
However, it’s important to understand whether a more expensive road bike suits you and fits your needs. Very often people tend to buy more expensive road bikes, but it doesn’t match their riding goals, budget or rider’s skill level.
So what’s the difference between expensive and not-so-expensive road bikes? Expensive road bikes are built from lightweight carbon frames, and high-performance components and often have professional tires. This is done to achieve the best possible aerodynamics, handling, and speed.
However, if you’re a beginner or a casual rider, road bikes under $500 are enough to satisfy your goals and needs. Cheaper road bikes are a little heavier and they might look not that cool, but they are still fun to ride.
What are good road bike brands?
It’s important to understand that there are hundreds of reputable brands out there. Consider your budget first, ask your friends whether they have a road bike to test, and try to read different websites and magazines.
The choice is nearly endless, but here are our favorite brands that we trust.
1. Schwinn – Superior quality, good price and classic style.
2. Hiland – Known for its reliability, low maintenance and affordable price.
3. Eurobike – If you’re seeking performance on a budget, the Eurobike is the right choice.
4. Vilano – One of the best value for your money. Perfect for an entry-level road bike.
5. Giordano – Great for casual riders.
Is it hard to assemble a road bike that was ordered from Amazon?
Assembling a road bike that was ordered from Amazon can vary in difficulty levels. This depends on bike specifics, your level of experience with tools and how much is bike assembled already.
Commonly, the bikes from Amazon have been assembled already by 85% and you need to attach handlebars, pedals and wheels. Usually, it will take you around 45 minutes.
Before ordering a road bike from Amazon, make sure that all required tools are included with the bike. Or make sure that you have Allen (hex) keys, torque key, bike grease (optional), Presta valve and a pump.
It’s also important to note that all bikes require proper fit. If you’re not sure what’s your correct position, we recommend reading our road bike size guide.
How to pump up a road bike tire?
Pumping a road bike tire can be challenging as high-pressure tires have different types of valves.
Presta valve is commonly used on road bike tires. High-pressure tires can be inflated to a higher pressure than standard tires. The key advantage of such tires is speed and handling improvement.
The Presta valve is long and thin and requires a smaller hole than the Schrader valve (often called a standard valve). Thanks to the Presta system, the valve stem is threaded and it doesn’t allow any air to escape when the pump is removed.
However, due to high-pressure tires, it’s nearly impossible to inflate tires without an electric pump. We recommend buying an electric pump that can inflate tires up to 110 psi.
