This is the second part of our road bike “beater” series. After covering the best $300 road bikes, the next level up is the $500 sweet spot.
In 2023, $500 still isn’t a lot of money for a road bicycle. However, the good news is that there are many more road bikes with decent tech, specs, and better build quality.
The Vilano Shadow Road Bike reigns supreme as the best road bike under $500. Its integrated shifters and brake system, classic road bike design, and speed to even pass as a beginner triathlon bike make it the best option in this price range.
For a bit more comfort and hill climbing ability, the Shadow’s brother, Vilano Diverse is the next best choice, while the 6KU Urban Track bike (a fixie road bike) is the most portable and affordable road bike here weighing an effortless 21 lbs.
The 6KU is a winner in its own right as it is currently our #1 pick as the best road bike under $300.
Table of Contents
Best overall | Best value | Budget Pick | Best for speed | Best for kids | Best for commuting | Best by category
Best Road Bikes under $500
- Vilano Shadow 3.0 Road Bike
- Vilano Diverse 3.0 Road Bike
- 6KU Urban Track Bike
- Eurobike XC7000 Road Bike
- Raleigh Alysa 24 Kids Road Bike
- Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike
Things to Know
Visit a Bike Shop
Unless you’re used to setting up new bicycles, I recommend you take your assembled road bike to a local bike shop for a safety check-up.
Bicycle Fit
Your bicycle may not fit your proportions exactly, so be prepared to make adjustments to get the exact fit for your riding style.
Manage Expectations
These may go without saying but these are entry-level road bikes. As such, do not expect them to be great when climbing hills or off-road.
Assemble with Video
If you end up assembling the bike yourself, find the assembly video for the bike because the manufacturer written instructions can be hit-or-miss.
#1 Pick
Vilano Shadow 3.0 Road Bike – Best Road Bike under $500
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The Vilano Shadow 3.0 is an affordable entry-level road bike. It has traditional road bike styling with drop bars and a lightweight aluminum frame. As such, the Vilano Shadow is great for commuting and everyday fitness riders.
Its brake lever integrated shifters are its standout feature. This system is intuitive to use, gives the bike a clean finish, solid controlled braking, and makes gearshifts seamless.
This bikes comes in 3 variants: 47cm, 53cm and 57cm
What people like
- Good value for money for a beginner road bike under $500 dollars.
- Integrated brake lever shifters make gear changes seamless. They are simple and intuitive to use.
- Strong and dependable brakes.
- Good choice starter bike for triathlons.
- Comfortable seat and smooth ride.
- Comes with bottle holder screws in the bike frame.
- Vilano provides a helpful assembly video on Youtube.
What people dislike
- A bit heavy for some at 30lbs.
- Not recommended for climbing hills.
- Does not come with a kickstand.
#2 Pick
Vilano Diverse 3.0 Road Bike – Best Value
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The Vilano Diverse 3.0 is a more rugged brother to the Vilano Shadow. It’s a road bike with MTB sensibilities from the flat handlebars to more powerful all-weather disc brakes. The upright riding position, larger wheels, and 24-speed shifters make it a great and comfortable all-rounder road bike.
It’s equally suitable for commuting, long-distance riding, and uphill climbs.
The Vilano Diverse is probably the most versatile road bike on this list. Capable on good or dirt roads, in flats or up inclines, and in dry or wet conditions.
What people like
- Great road bike for climbing hills.
- Good value for money.
- Overall, a smooth and comfortable ride.
- Good stopping power from the disc brakes.
- Good quality customer service.
- Capable on gravel, grass and country roads.
- Well-built frame for the price.
- Upright riding position is comfortable.
What people dislike
- No kickstand.
- Stock tires are not the best.
- The seat is narrow and hard. Consider getting a gel cover maybe.
- Handlebar grips are thin and slippery when wet.
#3 Pick
6KU Urban Track Bike – Budget Pick
- “how to choose size? please select size according to height: ▲ small (52cm) / 5’4 “”- 5’8″” ▲ medium (55cm) / 5’8 “”- 5’11″” ▲ large(58cm) / 5’11 “”- 6’4″”.Please reconfirm whether the size you purchased is correct before you pay.
- How to assemble your 6KU bike? We have the assembly video available on this page or find it on YouTube. Tools included in the package.
- Lightweight Full Aluminum Frame and Fork
- 30mm Deep V Double-Walled Alloy Wheels
- Ride Fixed Gear or Freewheel with a Flip-Flop Hub, Including front and rear brakes, Suitable for commuters
The 6KU Urban Track Bike is the only single-speed road bike on this list. It’s also the lightest and most affordable road bike on this list with a retail price under $300. If you’re looking for a sleek, no-frills bike to get you from A to B with minimal maintenance, this is your best bet.
The 6KU is beautifully finished in either a matte black or crisp white finish. It has only one gear, so it’s easy to ride and maintain. Just get on and pedal like our grandfathers did. It comes with a flip-flop hub so you can ride either fixed gear or freewheel. It’s the best fixie road bike for under $500.
It comes in 4 steel frame variants: 49cm, 52cm, 55cm, and 58cm. Good for short and tall riders from 5’2″ to 6’5″ tall.
What people like
- Price is excellent (under $300).
- The matte finish and design are clean, minimal, and beautiful.
- 6KU provides a good instructional video that makes setup and assembly easy.
- Strong quality frame for the price point. Good base for future upgrades and modifications.
- Good for short to medium-length commutes. 10 – 15miles max daily
- The bike is extremely lightweight at 21 lbs. Easy for anyone to carry. Very portable.
- The bike rides fast and agile.
- Wheels and tires are good for fast city riding.
- Single speed makes it easy and uncomplicated to ride.
- The size of parts comes standard, so it’s very easy to upgrade bicycle parts.
- Flip-flop rear hub means you can ride either fixed or freewheel
- Little known brand and inconspicuous logo mean it will not be a major target for thieves.
What people dislike
- Parts are cheap, so you will need to upgrade them in future.
- Bike seats ride a bit high.
- Product written instructions are a bit confusing.
- No bottle cages or kickstands included.
- Stock tires don’t hold air very well.
- Handlebar tape and seats are uncomfortable for long rides.
- The stiff, light aluminum frame doesn’t absorb road shocks well so it’s not comfortable riding on broken roads and potholes.
- May have to true wheel.
#4 Pick
Eurobike XC7000 Road Bike
- 【Lightweight and Durable】54CM aluminum frame.Eurobike road bike frame uses high-quality aluminum and professional Shimano components. Bikes are designed for people who like to ride or use it for daily commuting.
- 【New internal wiring frame】The simple and beautiful internal wiring design can effectively prevent the damage of rain and sunlight, reduce the probability of rust damage to the brake cable and the shifting cable, and increase the durability. It can also avoid riding scratch the cable tube in the middle, making riding safer.
- 【Brake System】The brake system consists of double caliper brakes, which is easier to operate than disc brakes and more aerodynamic. Precise speed control ensures the rider stops immediately in an emergency and is a good choice for men’s road racing.
- 【700C Tires】700C adult road bicycle fits up to adult riders 5’5″-6’0″. Dual aluminum rims and 700*25C road bike tires reduce drag while riding on gravel, city roads. Allows you to ride farther with the same energy.
- 【Assembly Instructions】Eurobike bikes are all 85% pre-assembled, there is an installation video on the product page, and it is easy to assemble within 20 minutes. Delivery box includes free assembly tools and pedals WITHOUT kickstand.
The Eurobike XC7000 Road Bike, with its racy and aggressive styling, is for the speedy road cyclist. Its lightweight aluminum alloy frame, thin road tires, and aerodynamic exterior make it one of the lighter (25 lbs) and faster road bikes in this price range.
Equipped with double caliber brakes and Shimano 14-speed drivetrain, it is designed exclusively for road cycling pursuits from commuting, touring, and triathlon cycling.
Comes only with the 54cm bike frame with a clean finish. All its cables are inside its frame. Available in 3 beautiful colorways: red, white, and blue.
What people like
- Its sporty race design appeals to the competitive road racer.
- Capable of handling most triathlons.
- Great customer service.
What people dislike
- The seat is uncomfortable.
- The bike is a middleweight at 25 lbs.
- Only available for people between 5’5″ – 6’0″ tall.
#5 Pick – Best for Kids
Raleigh Alysa 24 Kids Road Bike
- Low stand over aluminum frame for easy on and off; fits ages 8 to 12 years old or 53 to 56 inches tall
- 24 inch wheels keep the bike sized just right for bigger kids
- Shimano Reva shifters roll through 7 gears with an easy twist of the wrist
- Alloy V brakes for speed control and easy stopping
The Raleigh Alysa 24 is a 24-inch road bike designed for 8 – 12-year-olds or rather kids that are 4.4ft – 5.2ft tall. Its frame is made from durable aluminum with an easy step-over frame. Its sturdiness means it can deal with dents along the way and can still be passed down to a younger child.
Features We Like
What people like
- Best for young girls between 8 – 12 years old. 4.4ft (53″) – 5.2ft (62″) tall.
- Comes about 75% pre-assembled.
- Well-built. Better than Toy-R-Us & Walmart bicycles. Can be passed down to younger children.
- Light aluminum frame.
- Precise shifter with easy-to-adjust brakes.
What people dislike
- May come without any instructions.
- No quick release levers on wheels.
- Design is not ideal for boys.
- Doesn’t come with a kickstand.
- Handlebars are not height-adjustable.
#6 Pick – Best for Commuting
Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike
- Front suspension fork, alloy crank, and a city rise adjustable stem, 19-inch frame fit to riders 5’9″ to 6’1″ tall
- 21-speed SRAM grip shifter and rear derailleur, uphill pedaling becomes more effortless, while the alloy twist shifter is compatible with 4 finger brake levers
- Promax alloy linear pull brakes provide reliable stopping power, while the alloy ahead stem allows for easy adjustment of the angle (rise)
- Experience a comfortable ride with the swept-back upright handlebars, padded seat, and lightweight yet durable aluminum frame
- Bicycle has fenders that protect riders from dirt and to ensure a clean and enjoyable ride while the rear cargo carrier adds convenience
The Schwinn Discover is the best road bike under $500 for commuters. Its upright sitting position and durable frame mean it’s comfortable to ride, especially on long distances. The front suspension fork and suspension seat post absorb road shocks easily and create a relaxed riding experience.
Equipped with fenders to protect your clothes from any sprays on your way to school or the office. Got cargo? It’s also got a rear rack to carry your bags or groceries on your way back.
Great for commuting, riding up hills, or leisurely weekend riding.
What people like
- Solid, durable and sturdy frame.
- Great bike for commuting to work or school and it comes with a rear rack too.
- Comfortable ride as the suspension fork nullifies any road vibrations.
- Comes with fenders to keep you clean, unlike most bikes on this list.
- Gears shift smoothly and tires ride quietly.
- Braking system is precise.
- Quick-release seat adjustment is convenient.
What people dislike
- As always, stock seats are average at best.
- Old school design will not appeal to some.
- Not recommended for more than 250 lbs in carrying weight (rider + cargo).
- It’s quite heavy (35 lbs). The heaviest on this list.
- Its heavier weight makes it a slower bike.
Best Road Bikes for under $500 – By Category
| Best Overall | Vilano Shadow 3.0 Road Bike |
| Best Value | Vilano Diverse 3.0 Road Bike |
| Best Hybrid | Vilano Diverse 3.0 Road Bike |
| Best Lightweight | 6KU Urban Track Bike |
| Best Fixie | 6KU Urban Track Bike |
| Best for Speedsters | Eurobike XC7000 Road Bike |
| Best for Kids | Raleigh Alysa 24 Kids Road Bike |
| Best for Everyday Commuting | Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike |
| Best for Climbing Hills | Vilano Diverse 3.0 Road Bike |
| Best Budget | 6KU Urban Track Bike |
