6 Best Beginner Road Bikes Under $500 to Get in 2023

If you want to dip your toe into road cycling, the number of bikes available can make it very confusing. There are a lot of manufacturers competing for your money.

We want you to make the best-informed choice you can, so we’ve created a guide to the 6 best cheap road bikes under $500 available in 2023.

After the bikes, we’ll have a little guide to help you pick the very best bike for you. They’ll be no fancy terms, no jargon, just straight forward advice. So read on and find the new road bike that you’re wanting.

Which Road Bike is Best For A Beginner?

The Trinx TEMPO 1.0 700c is the ideal road bike for a beginner. This road bike comes with WinZip alloy brakes, Shimano 21 speed, and an aluminum frame. Moreover, what makes it best for an entry-level cyclist is that this road bike is very easy to assemble.

How To Choose Road Bikes Under $500

When looking for a road bike, you should consider these five characteristics:

• Lightweight frame
• Sturdy wheels
• Slim tire rims
• Handlebars, brakes, and saddle
• Ease of assembly

Lightweight Frame

The material of your bike’s frame should be a lightweight aluminum (or other superior material). This will make your ride more pleasant, as most aluminum frames prove quite durable. This material also makes it much easier to ride as you won’t tire as quickly during a long ride.

A lightweight frame should weigh between 20 and 30lbs. Be sure to check the material when buying since some companies use metals or composites that aren’t optimal for a road bike. Bike frames of steel, carbon fiber, titanium, or alloy also work perfectly.

When choosing the correct frame, you should also keep your height in mind. If you measure the height of the inside of your leg, aka your “inseam length,” your bike must be at least two inches taller. This will ensure that you can fully extend your legs while riding.

Sturdy Wheels

You should choose tires that are sturdy and built for speed. Tires that produce less friction move much faster, though you should be careful using your bike when it rains. The bike you choose should have tires measuring between 26 and 29 inches.

If you like a bike but not its wheels, you can always change them. However, not all bikes have the same size or type of wheel, so pay close attention to the specs if you plan to replace the wheels.

Slim Tire Rims

Rims should measure about 23–28mm. Like smaller wheels, thin rims allow the bike to move much faster, making for an easier ride. They also add less weight to the overall frame, meaning you won’t work as hard.

Handlebars, Brakes, And Saddle

The handlebars and saddle on a road bike can make a huge difference. Your handlebars should not force you to crouch over as you ride, causing back pain. You should be able to reach the handlebars and brakes while sitting fully upright.

Having a comfortable saddle is also a must. Unfortunately, many of the best road bikes under $500 do not have comfortable seats included. This can lead to severe discomfort when on long rides.

Though a poorly designed saddle should not deter you from buying a specific make and model of a bike, you should consider replacing it as soon as possible. You will find many replacement options or covers you can buy to widen the saddle or make it softer.

Finally, make sure the bike has high-quality and easily accessible brakes. For example, mechanical disc brakes, which stop the bike from moving by creating tension with a steel cable, are perfectly acceptable. You can find this sort of information in the specs and reviews.

FAQs

How do I pick the right road bike?

There are a few things that you need to consider before purchasing a road bike if you want to pick the right model. The first is the construction of the bike, then comes the braking and the gear system. Another important thing is the tire size of the road bike.

How many gears should a road bike have?

The number of gears that your road bike should have depends on where you are planning on riding the bike. If you are going to ride on a hilly road, then getting a road bike with 20 gears will be ideal for you. On the other hand, for entry-level bikers, a road bike with 27 gears will be best.

Conclusion: Best Beginner Road Bikes Under $500

Whether you are a beginner in the cycling hobby or an experienced cyclist looking for a high-quality but affordable bike, you don’t have to invest thousands of dollars. Remember to check the specs and size charts when choosing your new bike.

When you buy online, remember that most bikes do not come pre-assembled. Keep in mind that if you have yet to complete a full bike assembly, you should probably take it to your local bike shop to help.

As for the best bike on the list for you, consider your level of cycling expertise and what you need the bike for. Our overall top pick in this list is the Trinx Tempo – a great balance of speed and value.

Though these rank as the best road bikes under $500, other bikes available have more advanced technology and will last for longer. These options are more expensive, but for bikers who indulge in the hobby often, think about spending the extra money.

If you need a bike for other purposes, such as for mountainous terrain or long-distance biking, you will find other specialized options available. You should consider another type of bike that suits your needs better, as road bikes are solely meant for biking on paved streets.