Traveling by bike is becoming very popular nowadays, and it’s convenient for students, and daily commuters who would like to avoid thick traffic.
If you want to join the band and are looking for the best commuter bike under 500, then you’ve come to the right place.
Riding is the best alternative to vehicles for those who deal with parking problems as well. Furthermore, it’s a one-time investment that saves on fuel expenses and is friendly to the environment.
There is a wide variety of bikes you can buy for your day-to-day travels. However, commuter bikes take on a design that makes them appealing for long, tedious rides.
In this review, we have compiled a list of several road bikes that are cheap yet reliable in many ways.
Out of all the choices, the commuter bike that stands out the most is Royce Union RMX Mens Commuter Bike Anyway, let’s get the show started by looking at all the models in this article.
They are related: Best hybrid bikes under $500 & Best road bikes under $500.
Best Commuter Bike Under $500
1. Royce Union RMX Mens Commuter Bike
The 700c Royce Union RMX is great for your movement through the campus, a leisure excursion over the weekend, or your daily commute.
It has a lightweight aluminum frame that is durable, stylish, and easy to handle. It also has s a Zoom-suspension fork for superb performance.
With a slight-raise handlebar, you are in an upright position when riding, which enables you to stay comfortable without stressing your neck, shoulder, or back.
This fabulous road bike comes with a simple 3-speed Shimano twist and Shimano nexus rear derailleur for smooth and swift shifting.
It also boasts the Shimano internal hub, which offers protection to the gear from dirt, mud, rain, thereby reducing time spent on cleaning and maintenance.
Top Features
- Richly padded VELO saddle
- Ergonomic grips
- Zoom-suspension fork
- Linear pull brakes
- Shimano Nexus 3-speed internal drivetrain
- Rear rack/ bell
- 4-step assembly
- Aluminum frame
- 700c tire tread
- Front and rear fender
Pros
- Available in 17”, 19”, and 21” frame
- Dual springs in seat and quick release for adjustment makes it comfortable
- Presence of spring-loaded rear rack makes shopping easy when commuting from the mall
- The packages come with tools for smooth and easy assemblage
- Use of a bell as a safety feature to warn other commuters
- 10-year limited frame warranty
Cons
- Poor quality control
- The bike feels a bit heavy compared to others in its category
For a great biking experience as you go about your daily activities, Royce Union RMX Men’s Bike will deliver exceptional service with peace of mind.
2. Critical Cycles Harper Single-Speed Commuter Bike
If you are out for exercise and want a machine that will get you worked out to the bones, consider Critical Cycles Harper Single-Speed Urban Commuter Bike. As the name implies, this two-wheeler is single-speed, and that means no gear assistance.
Well, a few reliable gears are good for when you are tired, but if you find yourself falling into the trap of using gears throughout, then you need to choose a single speed bike only.
This ride is entirely basic with a few premium components like the Kenda tires and a durable steel frame that ensure solid performance. The KMC chain and VP freestyle pedals are long-lasting as well.
Critical Cycles’ few structural parts mean less maintenance for the rider. The brakes are traditional, but they provide reliable stopping power whenever you need it.
Harper comes with a flip-flop hub that allows you to decide how you want to ride. You can cruise in a single-speed mode with either a fixed gear or freewheeler. In freewheeler, you get the bike going without pedaling. This ride works better in urban areas with even roads.
Top Features
- Hand-built steel track frame
- Plastic pedals
- 700x23c Kenda tires
- Flip-flop hub
- Super Deep-V Wall rims
- No toe overlap
- Riser handlebars
Pros
- Durable and lightweight
- Very little maintenance is required compared to electric bikes
- Fixed gear bikes deliver efficient workout results
- The riser handlebars promote upright riding which is good for your back
Cons
- Traditional brakes rather than advanced varieties
- No suspensions
- Single-speed can be tiresome to pedal
Critical Cycles Harper Single-Speed Fixed Gear Urban Commuter Bike is good for anyone with a limited budget or serious fitness experts that need lightweight single-speed bikes. With the few components it comes with, you won’t have a lot to maintain. The bike can be upgraded to anything one wants.
If you are a big fan of this brand, then here is an in-depth article on bikes from Critical Cycles.
3. sixthreezero Ride in The Park Men’s Road Bicycle
sixthreezero Ride is the bike you need for cozy afternoon leisure or long-distance rides. The lightweight frame used makes it feel light. There are seven options for gearing, and this helps when riding uphill, and you don’t want to sweat a lot.
Most bikes don’t come with fenders, and that can spell doom for you if it rains. This one comes with both front and rear fenders to keep mud splash away from your dazzling attires.
The geometry of the handlebars, together with the linearity of the saddle promotes upright riding, and that is good for your back. Both the saddle and handlebars height can be adjusted to promote comfortable long-distance rides. The ends of the handlebars sport synthetic leather hand grips to foster a firmer grip in sweaty or rainy conditions.
sixthreezero Ride comes with a chain guard and a stand that allows the bike to stand on its own while you rest. The brakes are reliable in urban areas as long as they are in good condition, and the weather doesn’t get super ugly.
Top Features
- 7-speed road bike
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- Shimano external derailleur
- Front and rear handbrakes
- Rear rack for small groceries
- 700x35C wheels
- Chain guard
- Front and rear fenders
Pros
- Promotes upright riding
- Durable and lightweight
- High-quality Shimano components
- The rear rack is a great addition for frequent shoppers
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- No suspension
- Designed for men (but your better half can still ride it if she wants to)
sixthreezero Ride is far from an entry-level bike cruiser bikes, although it doesn’t cost much. Therefore, it’s a good grab for a wide range of riders-whether you are a pro or a fledgling rider. Like the rest, it can be upgraded later on to something even better.
Related: Another top pick bike from sixthreezero Brand is Sixthreezero Evryjourney, mostly famous for its outstanding features.
4. Goplus Road Bike Commuter Bike
There are those few special bikes that come with premium features, but somehow they manage to keep their prices on the low. One such bike is Goplus Road Bike. The design and a careful combination of modern colors make this ride quite irresistible.
Both the frame and fork are made from lightweight aluminum, yet the bike loads up to a maximum of 440 pounds.
Like any other 21-speed bike with Shimano shifters, this two-wheeler is perfect for cozy, effortless riding around the neighborhood as well as extreme competitions over long-distances.
The dropping design of the handlebar minimizes air resistance, but that’s not the best style for individuals with back problems. The alloy caliper braking is not the greatest in the market but guarantees safety whenever you need to stop.
This bike drops by with top performance 700C wheels with the front adopting the quick-release design for easier assembling, maintenance, and storage.
The saddle comes with medium quality leather, and its height can be adjusted for comfortable riding. Although not worth much, the kickstand does help a lot when you must rest, and there is no structure to prop your bike on.
Top Features
- 21-speed gear system
- Shimano shifters
- Quick release wheels
- High-performance 700c tires
- Alloy caliper brakes
- Kickstand
- Maximum load: 440 lbs.
Pros
- Extensive gear system for handling challenging grounds
- Quick release wheels enable fast assembling
- Lightweight construction as its only 32lbs
- Colorful design (Black,Blue, Red)
- Budget-friendly price
Cons
- Doesn’t come with shock absorbers and fenders
- The handlebar design doesn’t promote upright riding
Goplus Commuter Bike displays both good looks and exemplary performance without breaking anyone’s bank. The bike shelves much weight offers multiple riding gears and doesn’t cause headaches to put together. If you aren’t sure about other bike models, then this is definitely worth looking into.
Takeaways: Speaking of Commuter Bikes, check our top 5 Commuter Bikes for Women review here.
5. Diamondback Bicycles Trace St Dual Sport Bike
Diamondback Bicycles Trace St Dual Sport Bike is ideal for bike lovers who commute daily but once in a while engaging in other bike adventures such as mountain riding.
This is a dual sport bike that combines the toughness of a road bike with the smooth hill-cruising abilities of a mountain bike. With 21 gear options at your disposal, only the sky (and the oceans-so to speak) will be the limit.
Trace ST adopts a flat handlebar and saddle whose height can be adjusted to promote upright riding. This is something one has to look into if you will be riding many miles. The linear pull brakes provide superb friction for decelerating and stopping.
And before you ask-or start wondering about the frame, Trace ST bears a lightweight aluminum frame, durable forks and DB SL-7 wheels making it able to hold quite a considerable amount of weight.
The tire sports some serious treads to offer reliable traction in wet and sliding surfaces. The handlebar ends sport a grippy covering that helps one to keep their arms firmly on the bars even in rainy conditions.
Top Features
- Flat handlebar design
- 21-gear system
- Aluminum frame
- Shimano drivetrain
- Alloy brakes
- DB SL-7 wheels
Pros
- Offers a wide range of gears
- Good quality linear pull brakes
- Dual purpose bike for daily commutes and mountain riding
- Arrives almost fully assembled
- Affordably priced
Cons
- At 40 lbs., this bike is a bit heavier than other models in this review
- No suspension and fenders
Diamondback Bicycles Trace St Dual Sport Bike suits bike lovers who once in a while can’t avoid indulging in many biking adventures. Nevertheless, its affordable price makes it a target for newbies who are looking for a sophisticated ride as well.
Looking for more details? Here is our single review of Diamondback Bicycles Trace St Dual Sport Bike.
6. Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike
Beginner riders who are still getting the hang of cycling would be better off with Vilano R2 Commuter bike. It’s lightweight, cost-friendly, and bears an expansive gear system that allows easy shifting to plow through hills and long distances.
The front and rear derailleur from Shimano and thus reliable. The 6061 aluminum frame used can withstand a lot of weight but only up to 200.
If you weigh more than that, replacing the tire with a larger one can create room for more weight. The bike is designed with urban riders in mind and hence the traditional braking system rather than the top quality disc brakes.
Vilano R2’s design is marvelous with a few bells and whistles. You can upgrade the bike through the addition of fenders, chain guard, bell good quality bells, front light, and rack. As you can see, those few details are not a deal-breaker since the bike can still operate without them.
You can find more details of the Vilano road bikes in-depth.
Top Features
- 6061 Double Butted Aluminum Frame
- 21-speed
- Shimano drivetrain
- Quick release skewers
- Tires: 700c x 25c
- Alloy caliper brakes
- Shimano front and rear derailleur
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight for day-to-day riding
- Multi-gear system for hill and long distance riding
- Affordable models for beginner riders
- Only 10% of the bike such as Front Wheel, Handlebar, Pedals etc needs to be assembled.
- Durable 6061 aluminum frame
Cons
- No suspensions to absorb shock
- No fenders or chain guard
Vilano R2 Commuter bike doesn’t sacrifice on the durability of the key parts. It’s simple, affordable and lacks only a few components that can be added later on. The bike works better in urban areas where roads are in good condition. If you wish to make it an all-road bikes, then use large tires and suspension-enabled fork.
If you are looking for an alternative option from Vilano, then the Vilano Shadow could be a bike that will catch your attention.
7. Raleigh Cadent 2 Fitness Hybrid Bike
If you are interested in a slightly sophisticated ride, then put Raleigh Bikes Cadent 2 Fitness Hybrid Bike at the top of your list. The ride comes with the highly coveted mechanical disc brakes both to the front and rear tire and, of course, Shimano drivetrain.
These are merely a few of the reasons why this bike can cost a few more coins above $500. However, with proper research, you should be able to get it at slightly lower prices.
Raleigh Cadent 2 is a hybrid bike with slightly wider tires for proper traction. Thanks to its dual construction nature, this bike is not only suitable for your commuting rides but can tackle other adventures like mountain and fitness riding.
The lightweight feel and flat handlebars will help you to achieve a lot of stability and maneuvering.
Most bikes arrive partially assembled, and so does Raleigh Cadent 2. With a little knowledge, you can install the rest of the parts in a few minutes. It comes with all the holes that accept a rear rack. Like any other bike, you can upgrade this ride with other parts to give it the looks you love.
Top Features
- Mechanical disc brakes
- 700c wheels
- Quick-release wheels
- Aluminum frame
- Flat handlebars
Pros
- Supports a rear rack
- Sturdy and lightweight
- Reliable mechanical disc brakes
- Versatile hybrid bike
- Good traction wheels
Cons
- Lacks shock-absorbing forks and fenders
Raleigh Bikes Cadent 2 is a suitable grab for riders who commute daily but partake in other fun activities during the weekends or holidays. Raleigh bikes are usually lightweight enough for newbies but still practical for advanced riders on a limited budget.
Take a look at more discussion about Raleigh Cadent 2 bike review.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
One of the best ways to learn about anything is to read the FAQs from previous users. Nothing about bikes is complicated. However, in the spirit of doing something once the right way, it pays to go a mile further in your research.
Here are a few common questions people ask regarding commuter bikes and their answers:
Q. What is a commuter bike?
A. A commuter bike, also known as a road bike, is a ride that you can use for your daily travels while heading to school or work as opposed to attending other bike adventures like sports, touring, or recreation. This bike is best suited on flat terrains rather than uneven grounds.
Q. What features can enhance a commuter bike?
A. Commuter bikes are not different from the rest and thus can be upgraded to become as sophisticated as one wants. However, a few parts that you can add to your bike to make it practical and safe include fenders, suspensions, headlights, and chain guard.
Q. How much should I spend on a reliable commuter bike?
A. The most reliable options come at around $300-500 and sport durable, lightweight frames and forks with a powerful gearing system for cruising through hills and long distances. Do not obsess over extremely cheaper bikes as they might start crumbling as soon as you start riding.
Q. Is a commuter bike good for long distance rides?
A. Yes, but only the ones with multiple gear options are good for traveling over long distances. Only the gears make it possible for one to use less energy while pedaling. Unless you are a seasoned rider, it might be tough to cycle single-speed bikes over many miles.
Q. Are hybrid bikes good for commuting?
A. Yes, they are. A hybrid bike blends the features of a mountain, touring, and road bike and thus more reliable and efficient for cruising over hills, uneven roads, and virtually any terrain. However, their general-purpose nature can make them fairly expensive than plain commuter bikes.
The Bottom Line
There is a wide variety of commuter bikes under $500 that works just as fine as the top level models. And the best part is, you can modify any road bike to make it as sophisticated as the high-end collections.
The best commuter bike under 500 can get you around town and help you to get to school on time for your lessons. However, their design somehow limits them to the flat terrain of urban areas. If you intend to partake in other sporting adventures, it would be better to look into the general-purpose hybrid bikes. Feel free to make your choice from the list provided above.
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