The 10 Best Road Bikes Under $500 in 2022 & Beyond

With 25% of adults ages 30-49 years old claiming to be a cyclist, biking is clearly a sport that people of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy.

Road biking is especially popular, with many riders choosing to skip the horrible traffic in the car lanes for the fresh air and sunshine that comes with commuting by bike to college or work.

Road biking is also a popular hobby, with many riders enjoying long weekend rides with their friends.

Road biking doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby to start with; there are many affordable, high-quality road bikes available on the market today.

After looking at 10 road bikes listed in this review, we think that the Tommaso Fascino – Sport Performance Aluminum Road Bike is the best road bike under $500.

Its lifetime warranty, the wide variety of sizes, and high-quality Shimano STI Integrated shifters are all great benefits to a sharp-looking bike.

Best Road Bikes Under $500

1. Tommaso Fascino – Sport Performance Aluminum Road Bike

Tommaso Fascino Sport Performance Aluminum Road Bike comes from a company that is 100% employee-owned and operated.

Their stated goal is to make high-quality, affordable road bikes simply because of their love of biking. The Fascino is available in five sizes for the perfect fit.

They offer a lifetime warranty on the Fascino frame and are one of the few road bikes to provide a full Shimano Tourney drivetrain – shifters, triple crankshaft, and cassette.

It is patterned after their famous Imola bike and includes the same quality that Tommaso is known for.

The small size weighs a light 23.6 lbs. and the frame offers a quick release front wheel. The wheels are 700c x 25mm, a size that will glide effortlessly over the open road.

This definitely qualifies as one of the right beginner road bikes for newbies.

Pros

• The Shimano Tourney drivetrain is high-quality, especially for a bike of this price.
• Tommaso offers a lifetime frame warranty on their bikes.
• This bike is lightweight, which is preferable for a road bike.
• The quick release front wheel makes repairs during a ride quick and easy.
• Tommaso offers a 7-day free trial of their bikes to interested buyers.

Cons

• The steel fork adds weight to the bike.
• The back wheel is not quick release.
• The wheels may not do well on dirt roads or sandy trails.

The Fascino bike is high-quality, with name brand components, for a beginner-friendly price and budget bike.

Big fan of Tommaso brand? Take a look at one of the famous Tommaso Imola bike review.

2. Schwinn Phocus 1400 and 1600 Road Bicycles

As usual, Schwinn has projected its signature of quality and innovation into the Phocus 1400 and 1600 Drop Bar Road Bikes.

Both road bikes have similar features that will serve you for your daily workout or a ride into town.

An aluminum frame and carbon fiber front fork provide a responsive ride while enjoying durability and lightness as you move on tough roads.

It is ideal for men and women thanks to its drop bar that ranges from 16”-27” alongside a saddle with quick release for adjusting the height to the level that is comfortable for you.

The 700c high standard alloy rims with paired spoke pattern, which is durable and sturdy, and Kenda narrow, high-pressure tires, enable you to have an enjoyable, stable, and smooth ride on the road.

With an option between the 14-speed or 16-speed rear derailleur and Shimano A050 bar mount shifters, you will enjoy changing gears on the motion as you pedal along.

Pros

• The aluminum frame and steel fork make it lightweight but stable to ride on.
• Use of SR Suntour alloy crank offers a wide gear range.
• The drop-bar handle allows you to ride in an agile position with optimum support.
• The alloy dual-pivot caliper road brakes help with smooth, fast, and a sharp stop.
• Straps and toe clips included in the package to boost performance.
• Schwinn Lifetime Warranty is included.

Cons

• Tires easily get flat.
• Phocus 1400 does not have an integrated gear and shifter lever.

Schwinn Phocus 1400 and 1600 road bike has the kind of quality that makes it stand out among intermediate or beginner road bike.

With such an affordable price tag, you will not regret investing in the bike as you commute from place to place.

3. Pure Cycles Classic 16-Speed Road Bike

With six sizes to choose from and four different colors, it’s no wonder that the Pure Cycles Classic 16-speed road bike is one of the best-reviewed road bikes under $500.

Awesome features match its retro and classy look– a frame and fork of 4130 chromoly steel, 16-speed Shimano Claris STI shifters for easy shifting, and easy-to-use front and rear alloy caliper brakes.

It also features 700c x 28mm tires for speed with enough traction for various terrains. The adjustable drop handlebar allows for a variety of hand positions to find the one best suited for you.

The frameset has all the mounting and attachment points needed for whatever add-ons you want. The medium-sized bike weighs a light 26 lbs., perfect for a road bike.

Pros

• Pure Cycles offers a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty on their frame, and a one-year warranty on the components, as long as the bike has been assembled by a professional.
• Many taller riders said that the sizes offered provided a fit for them, which had been harder to find from other brands.
• The four color choices are classy and stylish.
• The Shimano STI shifters are some of the best quality shifters available.

Cons

• Many users noted that it will need a professional tune-up after shipping and assembly before it’s ready to ride.
• The quality of the rims and seat are unknown, as they are not a name brand but manufactured by Pure Cycle.
• The warranties are only valid if the bike is assembled by a professional.

This Pure Cycles Road Bike looks like a high-quality and stylish choice, rolled up into one affordable package.

The Shimano shifters are one of the main attractions for many buyers—this is the lowest-priced, but a highest-quality, bike that offers these STI shifters!

Read here for more details on Pure Cycles Bike!

4. GMC Denali Road Bike

The GMC Denali Bike – not the car – offers four sizes for a perfect fit. It is also available in three colors, one of which is pink (how fun!).

It has a 6061 aluminum frame, alloy calipers, and side-pull brake levers, alloy Vitesse racing rims, and Shimano derailleur and Revo shifters with 21 speeds.

The popular drop bar handlebars are perfect for those that desire speed when riding, while the Vitesse saddle is comfortable for longer rides.

The medium-sized bike weighs 30 lbs., while the other bikes weigh a little more or less depending on the size.

The wheels are 700c x 28mm, perfect for road biking, but also able to handle the wet or loose terrain.

Pros:

• The four sizes offer a good fit to riders of varying heights.
• The Revo shifters allow easy shifting without removing your hands from the handlebars.
• An alloy water bottle cage is already attached to the frame.

Cons:

• The caliper brakes’ brand is unknown—some reviewers complained that the brakes were hard to use, and they didn’t feel like they slowed the bike down enough.
• The freewheel design isn’t the most popular—it can result in bent and broken axles in some cases.

For the price, the GMC Denali Road Bike is a great two-wheeler that can be upgraded to suit your needs.

It will be a suitable bike for the amateur cyclists or the experienced rider who wants a cheaper second bike for commuting or other running errands.

5. Schwinn Volare 1400 Road 700C Wheel Bicycle

The Volare 1400 from Schwinn, undoubtedly a market leader in the cycling industry, is one of their most popular models, with this size (and color) directed towards the female riders.

It features a lightweight aluminum frame with a steel fork, Shimano 14-speed integrated shifter and brake lever, Shimano derailleurs, and oversized road tires.

The bike comes with a limited lifetime warranty from Schwinn. It weighs 29 lbs. Reviewers mentioned that it was packaged well and is relatively simple to assemble.

Pros:

• The Shimano shifter, brake lever, and derailleurs are high-quality.
• Reviewers noted that assembly was easy and the instructions were clear.
• The oversized road tires make different terrains easier to navigate.
• A limited lifetime warranty is offered with this bike.

Cons:

• Some users find there’s a learning curve with the integrated brakes and shifters, and that it’s not intuitive to beginners.
• The steel fork adds weight to an already heavy road bike.
• Only one size is offered.

While perfectly suited as a road bike for the beginning cyclist and surely among the beginner road bikes for commuters, it seems that there are other options available besides this bike that perform well at the same price.

None seem to have a combination of its impressive options, sizes, and color choices.

However, it’s a good frame with Schwinn’s well-known warranty, so a lot could be done to make this the bike of your dreams!

6. Giordano Libero 1.6 Women’s Road Bike

Raved about by its users, the Giordano Libero 1.6 Women’s road bike is impressive and solid.

This bike made of 6061 aluminum and has a steel fork.

It weighs about 24 lbs., depending on the size ordered, and includes a 16-speed Shimano STI drivetrain. The tires are 700c x 25mm and it includes dual water bottle mounts.

Reviewers mentioned that it needed a lot of work right out of the package, and recommended taking it to a bike shop for assembly.

Others noted that the seat is uncomfortable (to be expected in this price range) and that the brakes aren’t always responsive at high speeds. They also mentioned the tires included are bottom of the line and could use replacing.

It explains why other reviewers also checked out other accessories like trunk mount racks and comfortable seats to add to their new bike.

Pros:

• The wheel rims are quick release for the front and back.
• The Shimano STI drivetrain is well-made and high-quality.
• Handcrafted Lightweight Aluminum Frame 6061.
• It includes two water bottle mounts.

Cons:

• Reviewers recommended replacing the seat.
• Some users had trouble with the wheels included with the bike.
• The brakes aren’t always responsive at high speeds.

Overall, this bike looks like a great choice for someone looking for quality at this price range. It has a good frame and shape, which can be customized and added on to as needed by the user.

7. Vilano Shadow 3.0 Road Bike

Popular among amateur bikers and experts alike, the Vilano Shadow 3.0 road bike has some great features not found in many other bikes in its price range.

It’s made of 6061 double butted aluminum, has 14-gear Shimano STI Integrated brake lever and shifters, mechanical dual disc brakes, and quick release rims.

Pedals are included with the bike, which weighs a light 23 lbs., and the wheels are 700c x 25mm – perfect for speed and stamina on the road.

Reviewers mentioned that the bike was shipped directly from the factory, and would probably need a professional tune-up before use.

Others found the integrated shifters hard to reach, and that the cheap components other than the Shimano pieces broke quickly.

Pros:

• Many users prefer the dual disc brakes on road bikes.
• The bike is lightweight, making it perfect for the road.
• The pedals are included.
• The rims are quick release.

Cons:

• The bike will need a professional tune-up before use.
• The non-Shimano components are cheap and break easily.
• The shifters can be hard for some users to reach.

A great choice for it’s lightweight and Shimano parts, the Vilano is a bike that could be appreciated by both commuters on a budget and leisure riders alike.

To read our review of Vilano Shadow road bikes With More Detail Info.

8. Vilano FORZA 4.0 Aluminum Integrated Shifters Road Bike

Another Vilano model, the Forza 4.0 comes in four sizes, with a 6061 aluminum frame, steel fork, and Shimano STI Integrated Brake lever shifters and Claris front and rear derailleurs.

It has 24 speeds, 700c x 23mm tires for extra momentum and agility, and the pedals are included with the bike.

Some reviewers had wheel issues and recommended replacing those before doing much riding.

The cheaper components of the bike were prone to breaking and needed constant repair or replacement.

Pros:

• The 24 speeds are help vary topography.
• The Shimano components are high-quality and well-made.
• The saddle and handlebars are adjustable for a perfect fit.
• It comes in several sizes (49cm, 53cm, 57cm).

Cons:

• Some users find the integrated brakes and shifters hard to use.
• Many users had trouble with the wheels.
• Reviewers noted that the cheaper components broke quickly.

While well-liked by the majority of users and reviewers, it seems there are better choices available in the “best road bike under $500” category that can offer extras like complete Shimano drivetrains, warranties, and size varieties than this bike.

Looking for more luxurious road bikes under 1000 dollars see our review!

9. Windsor Wellington 2.0 Road Bike

The Wellington 2.0 from Windsor is an excellent choice if you are new to the world of cycling, given its high-quality and lightweight nature used for daily commuting or exercise.

Just as it is available in yellow and black colors, respectively, the sizes also range from 47cm-53cm, which will suit the particular need of individual bikers.

It features the new 6061 series aluminum frame, multi-shape tubing, dual-pivot aluminum brakes, Shimano rear derailleur, and a higher performance aero-shaped stay.

With the full Shimano 21-speed and triple aluminum crankset, you can take on the roads anytime, any day knowing your safety is considered in its manufacture.

The comfortable saddle allows you to ride for hours without your butts feeling numb.

At a weight of 24lbs, it is very light compared to others in its category.

Pros:

• 21-speed Shimano shifters give you the option of speed and gear changes on different surfaces.
• Aluminum dual-pivot brakes allow you to stop your bike with ease and at once.
• Presence of suspension fork at the front helps with shock absorption.
• The use of black double-butted alloy with stainless steel spokes and KMC Z-51 chain makes it feel sturdy on the road.
• The components used for the bike are adjustable and changeable.
• The package has a free pedal included in it.

Cons:

• Delay in changing gears after a shift.
• Non-lasting tires if used on hilly surfaces.

The Windsor Wellington 2.0 Aluminum 21 Speed Road Bike is a road bike that is stylish, affordable, and will serve your varied needs.

10. Diamondback Bicycles Trace St Dual Sport Bike

Different from the previous bikes discussed, the Diamondback Trace is a dual sport hybrid bike.

It features the wheels of a road bike with the tough geometry of an affordable mountain bike – a good compromise for the commuter who wants to go off-roading on the weekends.

While some may compare this to the “Jeep” of cars, it isn’t quite the full effect you’d get from the typical off-road bike, but fun enough for wooded dirt paths and gravel roads.

It has 21 gears with a Shimano drivetrain, an aluminum frame with a steel fork, and alloy linear pull breaks.

It comes in four sizes for a comfortable fit, and its most unique feature from the previous nine reviewed bikes is its 700c x 40mm tires.

While these tires won’t necessarily offer the speed of the lighter road bike tires, they will perform great on rougher terrain and lend themselves more towards the explorers and wanderers.

Pros:

• The Shimano drivetrain is high-quality and well-suited to road biking.
• The dual sport hybrid design can perform well for commuting or road biking but also transfer to rougher terrain easily.
• It comes in four sizes.

Cons:

• The wheels may not perform well for speed and lightness on the open road.
• The steel fork will add weight and not be as good at absorbing road vibrations as other materials.

Overall, the Diamondback Trace looks like a fun bike for someone who wants a practical bike for commuting but also wants to have some off-road adventures at other times without owning a different bike.

The Shimano parts are high-quality and the reviews are excellent as well.

Best Road Bikes Under 500 Dollar Buying Guide

Wheels

The wheels of a road bike are one of its most defining features.

Road bike wheels must be lightweight, sturdy enough to hold up the rider, able to hold a good amount of pressure and handle the frequent use of the bike by commuters and racers.

The common road bike rim size is 700c, with a variety of wheel rim widths available, depending on your needs and the terrain you’ll be traveling.

The wheel rims of the average road bike are made of aluminum, although the upper level of wheel rims will be made of carbon fiber.

These are for professional racers that need as much weight as possible taken off their bikes.

There are three types of tires for bikes.

• Clincher tires are simply tires with tubes of air on the inside. This is the most common type of tire and the tire that is on most bikes unless otherwise stated.
• Tubular tires are similar to clincher tires, in that they have an inner tube filled with air, which is then enclosed in a casing and glued to the rim. These are usually best kept for professional racers, as they are complicated and requires repair a lot.
• Tubeless tires are a common mountain bike feature that has become popular among road bikers as well. These types of tires are simply an airtight clincher system that uses no inner tube.

Pedals

Many types of pedals are available to road bikers, each with their own unique advantages and disadvantages depending on your needs and experience.

Platform bike pedals are the typical pedals that many users have on their beginner bikes. They are usually made from lightweight materials with traction grips for wet conditions.

Many bikers prefer these types of pedals if they use their bikes in conditions conducive to crashes such as downhill mountain biking or wet areas, as they allow them to quickly dismount.

Toe clips, or toe cages, are small frames that the rider inserts their foot into, and include a strap that wraps around the ball of the foot for securing.

These types of pedals allow the rider to not only push down through the pedal stroke but pull up on it too.

Clipless bike pedals work with specially-cleated shoes that allow the user to “clip in” their shoe to the pedal’s cleats, in the same way, a ski boot clicks into skis.

They were invented as an alternative to the toe clips, as a pedal that a shoe can be directly clipped into by a direct attachment.

Brakes

Caliper brakes are the most common brake system on road bikes, featured in many of the bikes written about in this article.

The brakes are mounted centrally above each wheel so that when the brake lever is pulled, the calipers move inwardly toward the rim.

It is important to make sure that the brake levers are compatible with the brake calipers on a road bike – there are many types of compatible calipers and levers for different styles of handlebars.

There are also different brake pads available, depending on the bike’s rims and the weather conditions it is being ridden in.

Brake cables are one of the most important aspects of the brakes, and require routine maintenance and checking for safety.

The following are the types of caliper brakes:

• Dual pivot brakes are the most common type of caliper brakes. They are a popular choice for their easy maintenance and great stopping power.
• V-brakes are mostly found on great mountain bikes, but over the years have been embraced by the road biking community. They mount onto bosses on the frames/forks and offer great stopping power for different conditions, and provide clearance for wheel mudguards.
• Cantilever brakes feature brake legs mounted onto bosses on the frame/forks, with a pull cable linked to another cable that is connected to the two brake legs. They are lightweight, but only offer moderate braking power, making them a good choice for cyclo-cross racing, but not the best for commuters or amateurs.
• Disc brakes, featured on one of the road bikes in this article, are newer in the road biking world. These brakes work via a disc that’s mounted to a hub and a caliper that attaches to the fork and frame. These types of brakes work well in wet conditions since the braking is occurring on a disc rotor instead of the wheel rim.

Frame

The most important aspect of any bike is its frame, as many of the additional parts of the bike can be updated or fixed depending on the preferences of the rider but the frame cannot be changed.

Aluminum is the most common frame material, as it is lighter than steel and cheaper than carbon fiber.

Aluminum may not hold up the weight of heavier riders, though, and won’t be as durable as some other material choices.

That’s why big guys who love riding choose from this list of amazingly strong bikes.

Steel offers the strength needed for frequent riding and for taking on heavier riders, but there are disadvantages as well for steel road bikes.

The bike will be much heavier than bikes made from other materials.

Steel does not absorb road vibrations as well as other materials, and it will also oxidize in wet or humid areas.

Carbon fiber is the most popular material among professional cyclists for its strength and lightweight.

It is much more expensive than other bike materials, and it is known for its road vibration dampening abilities – a great choice for serious cyclists.

Want carbon fiber-frame but more costly hybrid bikes? Go here.

Know Your Size

Your ideal bike size can be determined by measuring your inseam. It’s done by placing your feet flat on the ground and about shoulder width apart. Measure from the floor and bottom of your foot to your crotch.

Use this measurement to compare the sizes on the manufacturer’s website of the bike you’re interested in.

Many makers’ bikes fit slightly different, even with the same measurements, so it’s best to check the exact charts that the bike company offers.

Generally, road bikes are offered from 47-48 cm for people 5’ and under, and up to 61-63 cm for those closer to 6’5”.

Tire Clearance

Tire clearance refers to the space available for the different width of tire rims. Road bike rims are notoriously thin, for the lightweight and momentum they offer on the open road.

Others prefer wider tires that can handle varying types of terrain that one may encounter on roads and trails.

Aerodynamics

The Relaxed Frame Geometry is on road bikes for commuters, leisure riders, and those seeking comfort over aerodynamics in their rides.

It features a more upright riding position due to the height and placement of the handlebars and saddle. Little wonder many people change their saddles after purchase.

This list contains amazing saddle options if you decide to replace the factory-fitted saddle.

Another name for these types of bikes is “endurance.”

The Competitive Frame Geometry is the classic road and racing bike look – the rider will be bent down over the handlebars to improve their speed and aerodynamics.

This type of ride may be uncomfortable for beginners or commuters, but will definitely improve the speed of the competitive rider.

Integration

In previous times, road bikes were seen as a personalized and specialized tool, reflecting the needs, desires, and budget of the user.

In recent times, however, bike companies are starting to manufacture the components of the bike themselves, offering users an integrated bike with parts designed to work in perfect sync.

Many cyclists prefer the idea of picking their own time-tested and user-approved components. At the same time fans support the streamlined aesthetics and removal of unnecessary connection points to lighten the weight and the number of repairs needed.

In Conclusion

Road biking is a sport that can appeal to everyone, from the nature-lover to the fitness guru.

A road bike, especially the 10 best road bikes under $500 reviewed in this article, is a tool for people to get in shape, save on commuting time and money, be kind to the environment, and find a new community of friends.

Another benefit to road biking is that it’s a hobby that many people can afford, thanks to the cheap road bike options available to users today.

Many are made by companies that are experts in road bikes and provide an affordable, more basic model of their popular road bikes for the average person to fall in love with the sport.

A bike is a tool, and as long as you choose that tool well, there’s nothing standing between you and the miles of open road available to you in life.

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