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Best Road Bikes Under 500 Dollars Reviews, Tips & Guides
Drifting on the city roads or riding up the hill is no ordinary affair, for the technology is here to make the experience more overwhelming and adventurous. The talk is about the high-tech road bikes. Whether you are going to work, or racing or riding as an exercise, these bikes got you covered.
Available in a wide rof with specifics of weight, height, features, price and color dimensions, the bike can be tailor-made to suit the requirements of individual novice riders.
The sturdy frames, high-speed drivetrains, wheelsets and light pedals can turn an experience effortless for an individual. The market is flooded with various top road bike brands manufacturing some of the best road bikes for beginners.
Thus, choosing the right one that suits your requirement becomes difficult. First of all, you should be clear as to which type or style of road bike you intend to buy:
Types of Road Bike
- Race Bike– These bikes are great for competitive purposes like say you are jostling for position in a race, or looking forward to some aggressive positioning. The race geometry road bikes aren’t the best choice for most people. To enjoy a more aerodynamic, racing style position these bikes are the best.
- Endurance bikes– Now, if you are looking out a bike for your day-to-day commuting then endurance bikes serves the purpose well. On this bike the handlebars are higher than on the race bikes, thus it puts less strain on the back allowing the rider to enjoy a more comfortable ride. In fact in endurance road bikes gears are even slightly lower. So if you want to enjoy a relaxed position and long comfortable rides, these bikes are the best.
An endurance style road bike is the best road bikes for beginners. Now there are some other things that you should consider the next time you’re thinking about buying a new road bike:
Things to consider before buying a new Road Bike
- Frame– The most common materials these days are aluminium and carbon, but steel and titanium have their own advantages. Aluminum is the most popular choice in entry-level bikes. For race bikes, carbon is the most prominent choice as carbon is much lighter than aluminium. Titanium is the strongest of all but also expensive. Steel frames are often handcrafted and they used to be the most used frame material in previous years.
- Groupsets– Components form the main part of the bike. This comprises of chainrings, cassette, chain, gear levers, cranks, derailleurs, bottom bracket and brakes. There are three major manufacturers that you’ve come across: Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo. Shimano’s entry-level groupset is Claris, followed by Sora, Tiagra, 105, Ultegta, then Dura Ace. At entry-level prices, Shimano is the best option available. The higher the range you go with components, the more expensive the bike gets.
- Brakes– Road bike with rim or disc brakes? Usually, the entry-level road bikes had caliper brakes( in this the blocks of rubber squeeze against the rim), but now a lot of bikes are equipped with disc brakes, as they offer better braking. Now make a choice carefully here, as rim brake bikes cannot be converted to discs and vice-versa.
- Gearing– This is another important aspect to consider. Chainsets are commonly double, triple, or compact. A larger chainring offers more resistance, thus you can choose according to the purpose you are buying the bike for.
To help you out with your first purchase, we bring before you a comprehensive guide on the best road bikes under 500 dollars. Take a look:
Best Road Bikes under 500 Dollars for 2022
1. Vilano Aluminium Road Bike Speed Shimano
B005EFTPXOThe good quality product at a reasonable price would be an apt portrayal if one talks about Vilano Aluminium road bike 21 speed Shimano.
Equipped with value parts like Shimano A050 Shifters, a hi-ten 700 c 1 1/8” threadless fork the bike assures a smooth ride for the daily commuters.
Offered at a meager price range of 200-300$, the bike can be a preferable pick for the first time buyers.
With a double butted aluminium frame 6061 and 700c Doubled walled CNC machined sides, the bike is lighter in weight as compared to others in this category. Although for a prolonged keep, limited use of the bike on rough patches is recommended as the bike is suitable for smooth surfaces.
A forged alloy 50/40/30 crankset and alloy caliper brakes, the bike lacks an adjustable brake pad which is a limitation to this category bikes.
Available in various sizes and two colors, the bike is suited for any age and gender which makes it a strong point for buying. The favorable looks, shifters, and derailleurs are the qualities that put an extra tick on the buyer’s checklist. Given all the features and price, undoubtedly this is one of the best road bikes for beginners.
2. GMC Denali Road Bike
B00FNVBSAMGMC is a licensed brand of Kent that includes road bikes and mountain bikes. GMC road bikes are a perfect blend of high quality at affordable price.
If one looks for a mid-way between a solid professional road bike and a lightweight daily commuter bike, the search ends here at GMC Denali Road Bike, 700c,48 cm frame.13 kg weighing professionally built bike is rather suited for both smooth as well as rough terrain.
Manufactured in a lightweight aluminium frame with the 21-speed mechanism, the bike is available in varied size from small to large with color options of black and green.
The bike has a wide range of quality features in this category. It encompasses Shimano derailleur and Shimano Revo allowing an easy shifting of gears by the commuter. The racing rims are of high-profile alloy Vitesse with alloy calipers and alloy brake levers stand strong on rough patches and potholes. High-performance 700c tires make the bike a suitable pick for street racing challenges and light trails.
However, the lever placement far too low on the handlebars somehow obstructs the smooth ride.
To check out the limitations, the placement of brake levers, efficiency of rear brakes and the comfort level of the seats will make it a preferable option.
3. GIORDANO LIBERO Road Bike
B00OJX8XV2Flying down the hills at 35mph could be an electrifying practice at minimal charge with this 700c Giordano Libero 1.6 Road bike.
Inspired by the Italian road bike, it is available in varied sizes of small to large for men. It features a lightweight handcrafted 6061 aluminium frame at 16 speed Shimano STI driven train. The aluminium frame is strong enough to handle extensive road use.
32 spoke high profile quick release alloy rims and 1 1/8” threadless stem are the additional features of this sports category bike.However, this best beginner road bike s only available in the red/white color combo. The 16 Speed Shimano Claris STI shifters are relatively simpler to use and can be shifted with ease.
The handlebar tape is of amazing quality but due to its white color, it gets dirtier very quickly. The best part is that along with this bike comes with a kickstand, which is great to use. Offering an economical comfortable ride to the commuters, the bike lags behind in its inner brake handles which hinders a smooth city ride.
Looking for a rather faster speed and commuting in the busy streets require some upgrading of components like tires, tubes, and brakes. It is recommended that if you purchase this bike, be ready to invest in upgraded brakes.
4. Vilano Shadow Road Bike
B00CLV5ZVKVilano has something in store to match to every biker needs. This brand is one of the most reputed brands in the bike industry.
For the ones looking out for commuting, riding and exercising in an affordable manner can watch out for this entry-level sports bike Vilano Shadow road bike.
A lightweight 6062 aluminium frame with an integrated headset, the bike features Shimano STI shifters, 700c 1 1/8” threadless, front derailleur, Shimano rear derailleur, Shimano Tourney, double alloy crankset and 700 doubled walled CNC alloy machined side rims.
The Shimano STI shifters marks for a convenient ride and easy shift in a single unit with controllable braking.
The bike comes with free pedals, 14 speeds and dual pivot alloy caliper brakes and alloy handlebars.
With ample features covered in the mere pricing of $$$, the bike is available in various sizes.Although the bike is a favorable option for novice riders, the features like the seat , 700c *25 c tires demand regular upgradation to prevent from worn out.
5. Tommaso Imola Compact Aluminum Road Bike
B01ACEYCV6Tommaso headquartered in Denver, Colorado, United States was founded in 1985. Since then the brand has expanded to include various types of road bikes that are known for their quality features and affordability.
Ready to ride build is what can be the perfect description for the lightweight aluminium framed Tommaso Imola road bike.With a weight of 23.8 lbs, the bike is available in various sizes from XS to XL.
Its immense features comprise of Shimano Claris shifters and derailleurs proposing a smooth and consistent shifting of gears while Shimano Claris Brake calipers bids for a quick reliable braking power.
SLA 6061 aluminium framed lightweight road bike can be a durable ride for years with a Tommaso TRS performance Seatpost, VDT steel fork accounts for easy to use quick release system while the Tommaso Corsa TC20 rims deliver a lightweight performance for any type of riding.
The ultralight compact bars provide shadow drops for ease in using the drop with flat tops for added comfort. 24 speeds of pure performance the bike can climb like a dream and accepts the challenge of many miles of hard riding.
Be it a busy city ride or long rides for fitness, the bike is the best beginner road bike in the market.
6. Schwinn Men’s Phocus Drop Bar Road Bicycle
B00AWNI07KSchwinn is one of the top road bike brands that has made some of the best road bikes for beginners. Not only this, they even manufacture some of the best road bikes for women.
A perfect synonym for fitness regime is the Schwinn Phocus 1400 which is a lightweight yet sturdy bike comfortable for the long routes. Established in 1895 by Ignaz Schwinn in Chicago, it’s a trusted name for every age group which makes it a perfect road bike.
This bike has 14 speeds to offer and features Shimano front and rear derailleur with A050 shifters, making it super easy for shifting the gears.
The high-profile alloy rims are paired with spokes and the alloy caliper road brakes provide full control over stopping the bike. The whole wheel-setup is amazing and gives strength to the bike.
This Black colored sports bike offers sizes to fit diverse age groups and make it a comfortable run.
There is also an SR Suntour alloy crank that provides you with a wide gear range. It also has a convenient quick release feature that allows for easy transportation and storage. Another plus point is the saddle, which offers a quick release function for easy height adjustments. This road bike has Kenda 700C tires that minimize the rolling resistance. However, some users may find that the brake levers are not up to the mark and need upgradation.
Another plus point is the saddle, which offers a quick release function for easy height adjustments. This road bike has Kenda 700C tires that minimize the rolling resistance. However, some users may find that the brake levers are not up to the mark and need upgradation.
Be it your first ride, a short excursion or a training regime, the brand is trusted for its quality and value. Equipped with aluminium road frame, the bike comes with a rigid fork for quick agile riding.
Below is the comparison table of some of the best road bikes under 500, that will help you analyse these products better:
It is really important to find a bicycle that works for you, i.e. one that fits your budget and requirements. Honestly, nobody can tell you that’s what right for you. You need to find out for yourself. If you want to buy best mountain bikes under 500, you can visit here.
To really enjoy the comfort of cycling, always go for a test drive before making the actual purchase. Take your bike for a tune-up before use, so as to enjoy a smooth ride.
Buying Guides – How To Choose The Best Road Bikes
When it comes to choosing the right bike, it can be quite a tough proposition. With all the various models and designs available, you’ll have to make the toughest decision of all: which bike to buy. There is a wide variety of road bikes on the market, from cheap, budget-friendly ones to the more expensive ones – the ones that would make any true biking fan salivate. How do you go about choosing the right bike for you? Here are some tips.
o First of all, you have to decide between hardtail and full suspension bikes. Hardtails, as their name suggests, have no suspension in front, but rely on the back wheel for stability. They’re lighter than full suspension bikes and are great for people who don’t plan on doing as much off-road work. On the other hand, full suspension bikes, as the name implies, have full suspension in the front and will provide greater stability when riding off road.
o You should also consider your budget. Most road bikes are available in two categories: entry level bikes, which have good features for the first time bikers, and pro bikes, which have more advanced features. If you’re just starting out with road biking, entry level bikes will serve as a good choice, as they’ll offer you great value for money. Once you’re ready for the next level in biking, however, you’ll probably want to spend a bit more for a bike that offers higher performance features.
o When you’re choosing a bike, you should also consider the type of riding you’re going to do. Do you plan to ride just for leisure, or do you plan to race your bikes? For leisure purposes, you’ll probably be better off with an economy class bike. These types of bikes are easier to handle on smooth pavement, as well as for dirt surfaces. If you’re planning to race, however, you’ll be happier with high-performance bikes that are built to last.
o How does your body shape to fit into the bike? It can be difficult to choose a bike that’s most comfortable for you, as there are so many different shapes of bikes. A lot of experts recommend getting a road bike that’s built for your height, or for a specific body type. For example, if you’re tall (you stand over six feet), you should get a mountain bike that has shorter wheels and a longer top tube.
How to choose the perfect road bikes for you depends on what you’re going to use it for most of the time. There are bikes out there that are specially designed for mountain biking, racing, or for using off road trails. For leisure riding or everyday use, you should choose a regular bike. These bikes are easy to get around in and they usually have good fuel mileage.
If you do decide to go with a specialist brand, such as Specialized, you can usually find a good range of options. You can go with hard tail, full suspension, dual suspension, or a hard tail with disc brakes. Regardless of which kind of bike you choose, you should always ensure that the company that makes the bike has a good reputation. Most companies have a solid history of making reliable, quality products that will stand up to the toughest challenges. Check out the company’s track record and read some reviews online, before you make any final decisions.
How to choose the perfect bike for you depends on how often you plan to ride and what kind of terrain you’re willing to ride on. For most people, they’d choose to have a hard tail bike, as they are light and easy to maneuver on smooth paved surfaces. For those who like off road travel, they may want to choose a dual suspension bike as they are able to handle rocky terrain without getting a lot of stress. The most important thing is that when you are shopping for a new bike, you should take your time and compare different brands and models so that you get the perfect bike for you.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Difference Between A Road Bike And Triathlon Bike?
What is the difference between a road bike and triathlon bike? There is a big difference between the two, and it all comes down to what you’re after. Road bikes are much simpler in design, as they are intended for low-distance riding. They usually have a single wheeled frame and handlebars that are fixed in place. The benefit of this is that you can pedal more easily and move faster without any resistance provided by the pedals.
On the other hand, triathlons require a much stiffer frame to accommodate a large number of athletes, and these often come with a gear system called the rack and chain. This system allows for the quick shifting of the bike’s pedals, which makes it much more efficient to use and prevents the rider from pedaling harder than necessary. Triathlon bikes differ from road bikes in that they have their own gear system and are designed specifically to accommodate the requirements of long distance triathlons. A triathlon bike is typically longer (usually around 45 cm) than a road bike and comes with a longer front and rear gears to prevent the bike from being overloaded while using the gear system.
So what is the difference between a road bike and a triathlon bike? Well, if you’re training for a triathlon event, you’ll obviously need to select a different bike than if you’re training for just a road ride. Think about it this way: A triathlete will be pushing hard against his pedals and will be expending a lot of energy. If he has a bike that does not suit his body shape or size, he will simply become fitter – and lose out on the competition!
So, what does the difference between a road bike and a triathlon bike mean? It means that if you are looking to invest in a new bike, you should go for a bike that is suited to your body’s shape and size. You don’t want a bike that is too small if you have a large frame or a large tuck under the bike seat, or if you are a woman, you do not want a bike that is too big! Also remember that a triathlete’s shoes are much more specialized than a road user’s shoes, as they are required to have special support for your toes. Road bikes are generally easier to fix if something does go wrong with them – so go for a bike that is easy to fix!
The main difference between a road bike and a triathlon bike in terms of performance is found in the wheel stiffness. A road bike has a lower degree of stiffness, which allows for greater agility and smoothness of movement. Due to the fact that road bikes are made to be cheaper and lighter, they tend to have lower top tube lengths and wider tires, both of which improve coasting. A triathlete will not be changing positions very often, so the wheel stiffness is less important to them.
Other differences between the two bicycles include the amount of stiffness present in the frame. A triathlete’s frame is typically much stiffer than that of a road biker. However, the stiffness levels of the bike are also affected by the type of riding you do. Road bikes are designed to be used on pavement, whereas triathlon bikes are usually designed to be used on trails. So make sure that whatever bike you buy, it fits you just fine!
What Is The Average Speed Of A Road Bike?
How long does it take to reach the top of a road bike? This question is often asked by novice road bikers as they eagerly start off their journey in a new road bike with the hope of reaching speeds that are hard to find in a road bike. The truth is: it depends on your skill. Below you will find a simple road bike riding guide to give you an insight into what speeds you should expect while riding your bike on various levels.
Average Speed Depending on Experience It has been known for certain that the top speeds for road bikes differ from one brand to another. In fact, from experience most experienced cyclists have been known to cruise at speeds of over 18 mph while some even reach speeds up to 24 mph. For those who have not had much of experience with road bikes it has been estimated that its safe to assume that the average speeds for road bikes are quite a bit lower than that. This may not be true for you, so make sure to read the rest of this article to get a better idea on what speeds you can expect while riding your bike. Road Bikes: Average Speeds For Beginners and Experts If you are a beginner it’s safe to assume that the average speeds of bikes is a lot lower than that of experts. As you gain more experience in road bikes however, it is safe to assume that experts can handle road bikes at a faster pace than beginners.
Handlebars To add speed to your bike, it’s best to add some handlebars that make your steering easier. There are a couple of options available when it comes to handlebars, you can go for straight handlebars which provide more feedback as you pedal, or you can go for a semi-closely cropped handlebar design. It is important to understand that while handlebars do make a difference on how fast you pedal, they do not directly affect how quickly you get off the pedals. Its best to experiment with both styles of handlebars until you find one that works well for you.
Mountain Bike Vs Road Bikes Mountain bikes and road bikes share a lot of the same components, but there are some slight differences between the two. The main difference is that mountain bikes handlebars which are closer in size to handlebars found on road bikes, they also have longer side grips and a lower center of gravity. Another difference is that most mountain bikes have a lot of travel, which gives them a smooth ride. Road bikes on the other hand, are designed to be more forgiving when it comes to terrain.
Suspension A bike’s suspension system is another contributing factor to the speed that it can go. A lot of road bikes and a lot of mountain bikes use a conventional spring system. A lot of mountain bikes however, use a firmer and longer-lasting compression style suspension. These types of suspensions provide a smoother ride and more agility. However, they are heavier and take more force to apply to the pedals.
Dashboard And Pedals Hybrid bikes are made by combining the functionality of both a motorcycle and a bicycle. By combining a motorcycle style dashboard with a bicycle styled handlebars, hybrid bikes create a hybrid that combines the best of both worlds. Many times a hybrid will have a shorter wheelbase than either a road bike or mountain bike, and it will usually have drop bars. Many times a hybrid will use the same type of suspension that you would find on a motorcycle, but it will usually have slightly higher suspension rates and will feature more efficient electronics.
Are Road Bikes Good For Commuting?
Are road bikes good for commuting? This is a question many cyclists have asked themselves and sadly there is no one easy answer. Yes, they are good for getting around quickly and with the ability to cut down on your fuel consumption, but you will find there are many differences between road bikes and regular bicycles and in some ways the two are no different at all.
For those looking to commute long distances often the answer would be yes, road bikes are ideal for long distance cycling. On the other hand, for those who live close to road or city surfaces they are not the best option, because of the fact that the pedals can often get slippery when wet and offer poor traction. For these types of commuters the answer would be to cycle on regular bicycles. One thing to remember with regular bicycles is that they have much more suspension than road bikes and mountain bikes and so you can expect more of a shock if you go off the trail. The same applies with paved roads, if you are going downhill you should probably avoid mountain bikes and opt instead for pavement cycling which offers better traction and less of a chance of slipping off (though this is not always the case).
So, how is a cycling commute different from a daily commute? One way is by the type of mounting points you use. For cycling on paved roads you will more than likely want to use the rack system where you secure your bike with a rack before you put it on your bike. These can be a touch expensive, but are far superior to having to remove your bike each time you want to take it out. Another difference is that you will need to lock your rack to a fixed point in the wall in order to prevent it from being moved during your journey. Regular bicycle use does not require any mounting points and can often be done without any problems.
What Is The Lightest Road Bike Frame?
So, what is the lightest road bike frame? Actually it is not what you think. It depends on what type of riding you plan on doing. When you are out there for hiking and camping trips you do not want a heavy frame, in fact a lighter weight frame would be better.
You will also find that most road bikes today are built with a hard tail (when you just leave the bike on the rear wheels). This makes the bike much easier to maneuver around curbs and jumps. However this weight also makes it a little harder to get that smooth comfortable ride. You still want that smooth easy ride, but you don’t want to have to sacrifice much weight on it. Lightweight road bikes are usually much lighter than other types, so they are a good choice for beginners.
When you want to go on an adventure ride and you like to do lots of miles, then a full suspension bike would be your best choice for you. These bikes will give you the smoothest ride and better suspension. However, if you are just going to go down the local mall or small trail, then a lighter weight frame is better. What is the lightest road bike frame? A Lightweight Road Bike Frame.
When To Replace Road Bike Tires?
If you own a road bike, it is highly likely that at some point you will have to replace your road bike tires. Just like you would replace your running shoes when they get worn out, you should do the same with your road bike tires as soon as possible. And just like you do with your running shoes, the same goes for your road bike tires. You need to ensure that they fit properly, but you may also want to add on upgrades for more speed, durability or just all around performance.
The first thing you will want to consider is how worn down your current tires are. Do they feel like they have gone several months without a lick of paint? This means that either they do not have nearly enough tread left on them to protect your foot from road debris and other risks, or that the rubber has been severely worn due to road salt, heat, or just from normal wear and tear. In this case, it is best to choose from your next pair of tires, which should be the next in line from your original. These are usually the ones with the flat bottom, so you know that they are well worn and ready to be replaced.
Next, you should consider the size of the tires that you currently have. The larger the wire, the smaller the tube inside. A tire with a large diameter tube will require a larger tire to fit, and you may find that it is more difficult to get into those tight turns. You can get a handle bar to go along with your hand to help you pull yourself over the turns, but this may be too big of a deal for you. When to replace road bike tires? If you can not fit the new tire onto the current tubes, you should consider switching to a tire with a smaller diameter.
How Many Gears On A Road Bike?
Of all the different kinds of bikes, road bikes tend to be some of the quickest as well. Whether it s someone getting up their speed on the highway, or a rider taking his or her speed down on a mountain, road bikes have been specifically designed to be fast. But why are riders even using gears for their bicycles? If you stop and think about this, it makes sense. Riders are using these gears, not only to get more speed, but also to prevent themselves from losing control of the bike and falling off.
When a rider is racing, the gears can become one of the main ways they lose control of the bike. For example, when a rider is riding on a dirt road, there is always the risk that they might fall off, due to the resistance from the dirt. However, the gear ratio of the bike can make the fall possible. Many dirt road bikes have lower ratios, which mean that the gears will not work so hard, and cause less friction, reducing the amount of loss of speed and falling off.
Aside from being used to reduce the friction between the pedals and the road, another reason why riders would want to use multiple gears is to help with climbing hills. Because of the weight of the bike, sometimes the wheels cannot keep up and the tires can easily get worn out. There are many road bikes designed with large, wide wheels in order to help with this. In fact, in some cases, it is easier to go downhill when you have a big wheel on your bike, since it allows for more traction on the road. As you can see, gear changes are an important part of a road bike, whether you are riding on a dirt road or on a smooth road.
Conclusion
The typical Road Bike is light in weight, has a comfortable seat and handlebars that make it easy to change position on the bike and is fairly quick when going up a hill. Road Bikes is also made with a variety of styles and models. Some Road Bikes has more than one hundred engines while other Road Bikes has only hundreds engines. Some Road Bikes has a lightweight engine, but has heavy duty and alloy wheels and can weigh as much as 50 pounds.
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6. How To Choose A Mountain Bike?
