Best Beginner Road Bike Under $500 in 2021: Reviews + Buying Guide

If you want a new road bike to stay in shape or just get to work, you’ll need to review your options very carefully.

In this article we will take a look at a few very impressive products to help you find the best beginner road bike under $500. Our top choice is the Vilano R2 Commuter Road Bike, which features a versatile 21-speed drivetrain.

This bike also boasts a rugged but lightweight frame, as well as double walled wheels that offer a comfortable ride.

Before you decide on a certain bike, we recommend that you check out all of the options listed below.

A Spotlight On Some of The Best Beginner Road Bike Under $500 in 2021:

 

Eurobike 21 Speed Shifting System Road Bike

This Eurobike Road Bike features a 21-speed transmission to allow for riding on a variety of terrain as smoothly as possible. You’ll be able to go up steep hills, ride on dirt roads, and cruise along smooth pavement roads.

The handlebars on this bike have a curved design for improved aerodynamics to help you go faster. This also reduces the amount of effort that is required to operate the bike.

One of the reasons we chose this bike for our list of best beginner road bike under $500 is its impressive 700x28C tires. These tires will give you a more comfortable overall ride by effectively managing vibration caused by potholes and other things. They are specifically designed to handle rough surfaces with grace.

You’ll find that the carbon steel construction of this bike will last a very long time through regular use. The frame is capable of withstanding a lot of abuse and exposure to the elements without corrosion or damage. You can therefore count on it to serve you well for a number of years.

This bike comes mostly assembled, so you can put it together without much time or effort. There is even a video on the product page that details the assembly process with step by step instructions. You will only need to put on the seat, pedals, and front wheel. It’s also necessary to put air in each of the tires.

If you are searching for a reliable road bike at a reasonable price, this Eurobike has a lot to offer. It offers a sleek and attractive design that will provide you with an enjoyable riding experience on a consistent basis.

Vilano R2 Commuter Road Bike

The Vilano R2 Commuter Road Bike has an aluminum frame with a sturdy double butted design. This makes it tough and rugged as well as impressively lightweight. The thumb shifters that are located near the handlebar allow you to change gears on this 21-speed bike quickly and easily to match your needs.

There is no question that the versatile design of this bike makes it well-suited for exploring a wide range of landscapes. It can easily handle everything from traditional city streets to uneven dirty roads and hilly slopes.

This bike’s alloy caliper brakes are just one reason that it is widely regarded as being the best beginner road bike under $500. These brakes are sturdy and allow for fast stopping to keep you safe on all of your cycling journeys.

We also really like the 700cx25c tires, which features presta valves that allow for a fairly high air pressure. You can rely on these tires to give you a smooth ride over many different surfaces.

A minimal amount of assembly is necessary to put this bike together when you receive it. You will need to put on the saddle, install the handlebars, pedals, and tune the brakes. All of the tools needed to complete these tasks are included with the bike.

Whether you need a new bike for commuting to work or just want a great cardio workout, this road bike is a great choice. It is one of the toughest and most reliable options available.

Sole Urban Commuter Bike

The Sole Urban Commuter Bike gives you serious stopping power with caliper brakes on the front and rear. These brakes have a dual pivot design that always lets you stop safely to avoid injury.
One of the great little features this bike offers is its eyelets, which can accommodate most water bottles. This allows you to stay hydrated during your cardio workouts.

The sheer durability of the Sole Urban Commuter is one of the reasons we picked it for our best beginner road bike under $500 list. The fork and frame itself are both made of high tensile steel material. It won’t rust, dent, or get scratched up easily. It is also very lightweight at just 26 pounds, which means more speed with less effort.

You’ll quickly discover that this bike’s 700x28c tires make it easy to ride on any number of surfaces. Whether you are cycling on a dirt road or through the city, you can expect a smooth and comfortable ride. While this bike only has one gear, it is still surprisingly versatile.

Very little work is required to assemble this road bike when you receive it. You will get simple but detailed instructions, as well as all of the tools needed to put everything together.

Best Beginner Road Bike Under $500 Buying Guide

As you look into your options in search of the best beginner road bike under $500, there are a few factors to consider. The list below will give you a good idea as to what you should pay attention to when doing your research.

Construction

The overall construction of your new bike will determine how much use you’ll get out of it. You’ll find that the best beginner road bike under $500 will have a steel or aluminum frame. There are benefits and drawbacks to each construction that you’ll want to think about.

Steel frame bikes are incredibly tough and resistant to damage, but they are also quite heavy. If you want a lightweight bike that can still take a good amount of abuse, you’ll want to look for ones with an aluminum frame.

Tires

It’s also important that you pay attention to the tires when looking for the best beginner road bike under $500. We recommend bikes that feature double walled rims, as they are very strong and dependable.

The tougher your bike’s tires are, the less likely it is that you’ll have to replace them anytime soon. Look for bikes with puncture-resistant tires that are going to last through regular use.

Drivetrain

The number of gears that your road bike offers should also be a factor in your final decision. If you want a bike that can be ridden on a variety of surfaces/terrain, a 21-speed drivetrain is recommended.

Single-speed road bikes are few and far between, but they can be beneficial for those who only ride in the city. If you don’t plan on using your bike on hilly slopes or rugged and uneven surfaces, a single-speed drivetrain should be adequate.

Make sure that you are able to change gears quickly and without much hassle. The best beginner road bike under $500 should feature a thumb shifter for this exact purpose.

Assembly

There are quite a few road bikes online that can be a real hassle to assemble, so this is something to keep in mind. We recommend searching for a bike that already comes mostly assembled. Check to make sure that you will get instructions for assembly as well as the tools needed to complete this process.

Brakes

If you want to ride safely on your new bike, you’ll need to look for one with solid brakes. Alloy caliper front and rear brakes are pretty much essential. They will help you stop quickly and safely when it really counts.

Saddle

The saddle or seat of the bike is also worth considering. A durable, high quality seat will last a long time and provide you with a comfortable riding experience. While this might not be the most important factor in your final decision, it isn’t something you’ll want to overlook.