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Best Road Bikes Under $500, $300, and $200: Which One to Pick

Are you in the market for a road bike so that you can commute or go to school? It can be hard to find a good one within your budget as they’re getting more expensive these days due to inflation. Luckily, some manufacturers are aware of this problem and make them at excellent price points.

We’ve compiled a list of the best road bike under $500, $300, $200 in this article. Many important factors like the design, durability, wheel, chain wheel, seat, and so on have been taken into account when making this list.

Keep reading to find out the best options in your budget. We’ve shared everything you need to know in detail about these bikes to make an informed decision and get the most bang for your buck.

Top 7 Best Road Bikes Under $500, $300, $200

So, here in this section, we’ve shortlisted the top 7 astounding bikes that you can pick while keeping yourself within budget. Let’s wait no further and binge on some bikes.

Best Road Bikes Under $500

01 Vilano R2

Vilano R2 - Best Road Bikes Under $500

Why It Stands Out to Us?

Vilano R2 is the ideal road bike for daily commuters. It offers you a comfortable ride, great controllability, and smooth braking. There are thumb shifters that allow you to switch gears easily.

The wheels of the Vilano R2 are made with premium-grade polymeric substances, and it has a rigid suspension system. Together, these things will make sure that you don’t bump hard when driving on uneven terrains.

Most road bikes will be difficult to assemble for beginners. Normally, you’d have to take it to a bike shop. But the Vilano R2 comes with clear instructions, and even a beginner can install them.

Our Experience with Vilano R2

  • Design

The Vilano R2 doesn’t only look sleek, but it has a nice frame design that offers great functionality as well. You won’t have to overstretch or be in awkward sitting positions while driving it.

It has mount points on the frame for a water bottle. That makes it the perfect bike for commuting and driving over long distances. The Vilano R2 comes in three variants – 50 cms, 54 cms, and 58 cms. You can only find it in one color, and it’s a combination of red and green.

  • Durability

Vilano didn’t compromise at all on the quality of this bike. It has a nice 6061 aluminum frame that’ll surely last a long time. The wheels, cage mount, and derailleurs are all made with high-quality materials. It’s safe to say you won’t run into any problems when using this bike anytime soon.

  • Wheel

Being equipped with a 700c doubled-walled wheelset (CNC machine) with quick-release skewers makes the bike handle weight perfectly and more durable. The size of the wheel in this bike is around 29 inches.

You can tighten or loosen the wheels because of the bike’s skewers. Even if you have a flat tire, dealing with it will be quick and easy, and you can get back on the road time in no time.

  • Brake

Alloy caliper brakes are installed on the Vilano R2. These brakes halt your bike even on wet roads and also have stable stopping power.

We also believe the bike has the caliber to provide the same braking performance, whether for racing or simply for road trips. This is one of the significant reasons why this bike is an astounding choice for on-street use. That’s not all; the levers are also neutral, so you’ll have a natural feel in your hands.

  • Thumb Shifters

This bike’s A050 thumb shifters operate with a 21-speed Shimano gear, making it a wonder bike itself. Although the forward rings have friction shift that surely requires some practice, we believe it’s not much of a challenge once you get hold of it.

Even the feature that attracts us so much is the combination of Shimano’s front 3-speed and rear 7-speed. This means you’ll have enough speed for the terrain.

  • Tire

The Vilano R2’s 700c x 25c wheels have a good grip on the road, and thanks to the slim shape, they’re an ideal road choice. Although, we would state that the inner tubes of these wheels tend to lose air fast, which can be a matter of slight concern.

To be honest, they aren’t terrible, but if you want to get the most out of your ride, it’s recommended that you also check the tires out of this bike version.

What Could Be Improved And Why?

In our opinion, we think the inner tubes of the tire could be improved. However, we aren’t stating that it’s not remarkable; it could be better. This is because extensive use of this bike could slowly deflate the inner tubes, which can later cause issues during your ride.

If the manufacturers put a pinch of improvement here, the bike could be the champ in the industry.

Specifications

  • Bike Type: Road Bike
  • Brand: Vilano
  • Number of Speeds: 21
  • Wheel Size: 29 Inches
  • Frame Material: Aluminum

Reasons to Buy

  • The overall design is pretty sturdy
  • The lightweight feature makes it easy to ride
  • It has smooth gears
  • According to the price, the performance is remarkable
  • Pretty easy to assemble

Reasons to Avoid

  • It doesn’t have any kickstand

02 Vilano Shadow 3.0

Vilano Shadow 3.0

Why It Stands Out to Us?

As far as the overall riding comfort is concerned, Vilano Shadow 3.0 is in a different league in the industry. The bike’s rigid suspension ensures its riders get the right stability throughout the journey.

Its lightweight aluminum frame is also an attractive feature that we think pulls customers towards it all the time. The bike’s 14-speed options make it a “riding road champ,” and in our opinion, it’s one of the best on road bikes so far.

So, if you want to get a hold of a road bike under $500, then this is the champ you can think of picking.

Our Experience with Vilano Shadow 3.0

  • Lightweight with Astounding Design

Well, there’s no doubt that the frame is the bike’s heart. It not only makes your bike look lavish but even contributes to the bike’s stability.

Vilano Shadow’s aluminum frame is pretty light for its price. But that doesn’t mean the bike is not robust. Instead, we believe the bike is strong enough to provide all the essential features for perfect durability. Moreover, the narrow tube also makes the Shadow 3.0 aerodynamic and super quick.

  • Durability

As far as durability is concerned, the bike is indeed remarkable due to its robust construction and high-quality material. We even think the bike is ideal according to the price range, especially if you want to enjoy riding without worrying about wear and tear.

  • Brake Levers

Shadow 3.0 has 14 gears along with Shimano Tourney derailleurs. And we think it’s more than enough for any beginners to have the best braking support.

Unlike many cheap road cycles, the Shadow has integrated brake levers that you can easily use to shift and brake. This makes the bike super safe to ride and provides astounding efficiency.

  • Tire

Well, the Vilano Shadow 3.0 might not be a hybrid road bike, but you can surely go for rides on different local routes.

The 700c wheels and Kenda tires make it an ideal pick for any bike enthusiast. And we also haven’t gone through any complaints among users regarding the overall comfortability of this bike.

  • Pedals And Saddle

The pedals of this bike are super convenient, and it also aids in providing you with an easy riding experience. However, we think beginners should always go for flat pedals as this gives them the right foot stability.

The bike’s pedals are designed in a way that you can easily ride them while wearing any shoes. So, even normal footwear would be enough to give you the ultimate riding experience.

What Could Be Improved And Why?

Although the integrated brake levers are truly amazing, they could cause an issue within the tire tube. Now, the major reason for this issue is that these integrated shifters aren’t trigger-style. It means that even your brake levers also assemble as shifters.

That’s not all; the pedal and saddle are also pretty low-end, which might create some problems with riders. However, if these slight challenges are looked after, then this bike can surely be one of the favorites.

Specifications

  • Bike Type: Road Bike
  • Brand: Vilano
  • Number of Speeds: 14
  • Wheel Size: 29 Inches
  • Frame Material: Aluminum

Reasons to Buy

  • The overall quality of the bike is A1
  • It’s pretty classy and well-designed in appearance
  • Provides stable riding, especially for beginners
  • An ideal bike for off-road and on-road journeys
  • Speed shifts are pretty simple to operate

Reasons to Avoid

  • The saddle and paddle are pretty low

03 Trinx TEMPO1.0

Trinx TEMPO1.0

Why It Stands Out to Us?

Trinx is a beast itself, and if you’re someone who wants to enjoy a smooth and relaxing ride, then this is the ride you can pick. The bike has 21-speed modes, and the entire construction is made of an aluminum frame. It makes the bike attractive and gives a classy and astounding look.

We also believe the bike is a champ regarding riding convenience and durability. The overall construction and design make it an ideal pick for a road bike. Therefore, we think the bike’s an amazing pick for anyone whose budget is under $500.

Our Experience with Trinx TEMPO1.0

  • Design And Framework

Frame comfort is pretty important, and Trinx has developed that perfectly on their bike’s design. The overall metal frame of this bike can easily withstand any weight.

And this is one of the reasons why we prefer this bike so much. Moreover, this tube frame is considerably light, making this bike an astounding pick for optimum durability. In contrast, the bike’s a wonder itself, and it surely suits fine with the price range.

  • Durability

There’s no question that the alloy material makes the bike super robust, so you can easily use it for any route journey. As the bike requires less maintenance, we think there won’t be any hindrance during your ride.

However, we would still recommend you take care of the maintenance once in a while; this keeps your bike well-sustained.

  • Wheel

The 700C colorful wheels and the frame make the bike appear classy and drastically enhances its overall beauty. So, if you love bright, reflecting colors, this can be an astounding ride for you.

Moreover, the matching tires are also designed to reduce rolling resistance, which gives you more comfort during your ride.

Thus, you need half as much effort to accelerate and glide your bike. So, in our opinion, the wheels of this bike won’t upset you in any way possible.

  • Seat

If you’re a regular rider, you should know how important it is to have a comfortable saddle. This is where we think Trinx has played its ace of spades!

The overall seating feature on this bike is remarkable, and the SR supports have also made the bike a champ regarding sitting comfort.

It’s true that excessively long rides might prove uncomfortable (and it’s common for most bikes), but for short and mid-ranged journeys, the bike’s a beast!

  • Brake

The WinZip aluminum twin brakes make this bike super beginner-friendly. So, if you’re new to bikes, then this can be the perfect bike to start your journey with.

This provides the necessary traction on wet surfaces and ensures optimum safety throughout the journey. That’s not all; the brakes are also designed with the most advanced features to aid you in avoiding unexpected roadblocks.

The advanced shifter on this bike also enables seamless shifting so you can make the most out of your ridings.

What Could Be Improved And Why?

As far as we reviewed it, the bike is a bliss to ride. However, one of the drawbacks that can actually upset (and have upset) many users is its rim design. The bike rims can cause repeated punctures, which can troubleshoot bikers.

So, if the manufacturers reconsider the rim design, this bike can be a really good option for bike enthusiasts.

Specifications

  • Bike Type: Road Bike
  • Brand: Trinx
  • Number of Speeds: 21
  • Wheel Size: 53 cm
  • Frame Material: Aluminum

Reasons to Buy

  • The bike is super lightweight
  • Its gears are smooth and pretty simple to change
  • Easy to assemble
  • An ideal pick for fast riders
  • The stability and balance are remarkable
  • A great option for beginners

Reasons to Avoid

  • The rims design can cause frequent punctures

Best Road Bike Under $300

04 6KU Fixed Gear Bike

6KU Track Fixed Gear Bicycle

Why It Stands Out to Us?

Without a doubt, the main stand-out design of this bike is its premium color and the overall framework construction. We also think that the lightweight aluminum frame and fork are the features that got the most of the customer’s attention.

It ensures more stability during your ride and provides you with the comfort necessary for an optimum biking experience. That’s not all; the easy maintenance and upkeep aid you with the best experience.

However, we believe this is one of those bikes under $300 that’s surely going to be loved by many biking enthusiasts.

Our Experience with 6KU Fixed Gear Bike

  • Design And Frame

This bike has two kinds of material construction: steel and aluminum. However, it’s pretty amazing how both these versions are so unique and different from each other.

The steel version of this bike is usually heavier than aluminum, but it’s super long-lasting and easily withstands wear and tear.

On the other hand, aluminum is super light and easy to move, but we think they’re always chances of aluminum breaking when excessive stress is exerted.

  • Wheel

The double-wall Deep V rims are robust and comfortable, but they aren’t that heavy. Moreover, the 700 x 25c tires are a little wider than those narrow road-bike tires. So, this provides you with the necessary stability, which can surely be pretty helpful, especially when you’re riding bikes on uneven and wet tracts.

  • Handlebars

This astounding gear bike has high-quality riser handlebars, which make this bike one of the top-rated bikes in the market.

The handlebars are pretty narrow, so they are super easy to keep stable and even provide you the necessary leverage. And one of the amazing features that we find on this bike is that you can easily change the handles according to your style, taste, and needs.

  • Seat

As you already know, sitting convenience plays a significant role, especially when you’re planning to have a relaxed riding journey.

So, this is where the 6KU lands its ace with the most convenient sitting feature.

Its seat has a synthetic leather saddle that provides comfort along with a sleek and astounding look. And in our opinion, the seat is amazing according to the overall price range.

What Could Be Improved And Why?

There’s no question that the overall bike is a class itself. But one thing that we found disappointing is the pedal size of this bike. The pedals are unnecessarily large and don’t even suit the amazing design of this bike. So, we think the bike would receive a better response if these issues were looked at.

Specifications

  • Bike Type: Fixed-Gear Bike
  • Brand: 6KU
  • Number of Speeds: 1
  • Wheel Size: X-Small
  • Frame Material: Aluminum

Reasons to Buy

  • The overall design is elegant
  • It has a robust framework
  • The lightweight feature makes it more stable
  • Astounding braking mechanism
  • High-quality performance even on uneven surfaces

Reasons to Avoid

  • The pedal size could’ve more standard appearance

05 Eurobike 700C Bike

Eurobike 700C Bike

Why It Stands Out to Us?

Well, if you’re looking for a faster and more traditional bike, this is the two-wheeler you should grab. According to us, the number of speeds, along with the hardcore suspension types, make it an astounding bike for many users.

Moreover, the overall wheel size and color combinations make it an ideal pick for anyone. We also think the braking system on this bike also deserves appreciation as it gives the perfect traction on the wheels and surface.

So, there’s no doubt it’s one of the champs that you’ll get under $300 with all the attractive features required.

Our Experience with Eurobike 700C Bike

  • Design

Well, the design might have some questions regarding many users as it appears pretty basic to many cyclists. However, we think the design is classy enough to provide an attractive look. The overall design and frame construction are pretty robust, providing users with long-lasting attributes.

  • Gears

The gears in this bike are simply phenomenal as it comes with Shimano’s 21-speed shifter along with a brake lever that aids you in changing gears fast.

That’s not all; users even love how smoothly the gears change without any issues whatsoever. So, according to our experts, we think Eurobike’s gears are till now one of the best of all.

  • Brake

Talking about the braking system, there’s no doubt the braking system of this bike is tremendous. It provides faster and more reliable brakes than those old V-brake systems.

And one of the catchy features of its braking system is the disc brakes. These discs are designed in a way that they don’t tend to wear out the tires and even aid them to last longer. This is what we believe is one of the iconic features of this bike.

  • Saddle

The seat on this bike is adjustable, so you can easily adjust the seat heights according to your needs. Moreover, as the entire seat is made of foam, you will have a comfortable ride throughout. That’s not all; the waterproofing feature on this seat also makes it an ideal fit for this bike.

  • Tire

Eurobike tires are designed to take in less energy. This is the secret behind the smooth speed of this bike. Since the 700c tires have less rolling resistance, so you’re more likely to enjoy efficient riding.

We personally think the bike can be the best choice for those who require more stability during their rides.

What Could Be Improved and Why?

Without question, the bike is pretty convenient to ride. But beginners might struggle a bit since it’s not that lightweight. Therefore, there are chances that certain riders might struggle to keep up with the balance. However, we believe that once they get used to it, it’s going to be a piece of cake to operate.

Specifications

  • Bike Type: Road Bike, Hybrid Bike
  • Brand: EUROBIKE
  • Number of Speeds: 21
  • Wheel Size: 29 inches
  • Frame Material: Steel

Reasons to Buy

  • The framework and construction are remarkable
  • It can easily withstand a lot of stress
  • The speed-shifting system is pretty convenient
  • The braking mechanism provides riders with optimum safety
  • Its tires are robust and give the right stability

Reasons to Avoid

  • Comparatively more heavyweight than other bikes

Best Road Bike under $200

06 PanAme 700C Commuter Bike

PanAme 700C Commuter Bike

Why It Stands Out to Us?

With no questions, PanAme is the ultimate bike for comfort and stability. The wheels of this bike provide diversified riding options that make it an astounding option for any biking enthusiast.

In our opinion, it’s also one of those durable bikes that can easily take on wear and tear.

Moreover, the overall color combinations make it an ideal pick for anyone who wants a fancy ride both on and off-road. The lightweight feature is also attractive here, as it provides more riding convenience.

We think it’s one of the best deals one can have under the $200 budget range.

Our Experience with PanAme 700C Commuter Bike

  • High Tech Frame Work

PanAme FT is famous for having one of the best frameworks. It’s super durable and can easily withstand wear and tear without any signs of dents or scratches. Well, all thanks to the amazing aluminum body, we think this bike can be a game-changer for both on and off-road rides.

  • Easy to Assemble

This bike is, without a doubt, one of the simplest bikes to assemble. It won’t be wrong if we state the bike entirely comes built-in.

That means all you need is to put on the front wheel and pedals and adjust the saddle, and you’re done. Moreover, the bike has all the necessary tools to complete your installation in no time.

  • Suspension Fork

Its premium dual suspension frame absorbs thumps and bumps, allowing you to enjoy a fun and comfortable ride. Especially during off-track rides, you need a high-quality shock-absorbing bike to ensure safety and comfort.

And in our opinion, this bike can easily fulfill those criteria. So, if you’re planning to grab an excellent bump-soaking bike, this can be the champ to bet your money on.

  • Dual Disk Brake

Well, its dual disc brake is also an iconic feature to look for. The overall stainless steel rear and front brakes make it an ideal bike for optimum riding.

We also believe the bike can easily withstand quick and sharp turns without tumbling over due to a sustainable braking mechanism. And the best part is you can easily apply force on your bike without worrying about slips on wet or uneven tracks.

  • Tires

The high-quality sports tires on this bike surely deserve applause. PanAme tires are specially designed to ensure optimum endurance and grip on pavement, gravel, and dirt. So, if you love cycling on muddy tracks and all, then we think these tires are going to be your biggest support.

What Could Be Improved And Why?

PanAme is a well-recognized brand, and there’s no donut about this. The overall features that this bike offers are also pretty remarkable. However, one of the issues that we think might upset the beginners is their gear-shifting convenience.

It can be a challenge for any newbies to biking to mess up with the gears since they appear to be a bit confusing to the beginner. So, if the manufacturers could dig into the issue, the bike could be to a whole new level.

Specifications

  • Bike Type: Road Bike, Mountain Bike
  • Brand: PanAme
  • Number of Speeds: 21
  • Wheel Size: 26 inches
  • Frame Material: Aluminum

Reasons to Buy

  • It’s pretty easy to assemble
  • The overall look of the bike is attractive
  • Robust and constructive design enables it to withstand stress
  • High-quality tires allow smooth riding
  • Remarkable suspension fork

Reasons to Avoid

  • The gear-changing mechanism might be a challenge for beginners

07 Eurobike EURXC550 Bike

 Eurobike EURXC550 Bike

Why It Stands Out to Us?

EUROBIKE has always been loved because of its carbon steel frame material along with its lightweight feature. Moreover, if you’re someone who prefers stability during on road journey, then we think it’s the champ for you.

The overall wheel size is ideal for providing you with the right balance during your on-road rides. That’s not all; the rigid suspension type and 21-number speeds also make it a top-notch bike under the $200 range.

So, if you want to break the heat and breathe the cool breeze, then we believe it’s the bike you need to grab.

Our Experience with Eurobike EURXC550 Bike

  • Carbon Steel Frames

One of the most iconic features of this bike is its carbon steel framing. This is what makes this bike a staggering choice for on-road and mountain rides. We also recommend this version of Eurobike for daily commuters as the overall design makes it pretty comfortable for any rider.

  • Speed Shifters

As far as speed is concerned, its overall 21-speed shifter makes it an ideal option for speedsters who enjoy smooth yet fast rides. And you also won’t need to worry about speed strains as the chains on this bike are super durable and won’t let you down that easily.

  • Easy Assemble

It only takes 15 to 25 minutes to get the entire bike assembled. And the reason is the bike already comes with 80% completed. You must attach the front wheel, pedals, and saddle to get your bike ready for a spin.

  • Brake

The 700C brakes make this bike even more astounding. We’ve analyzed that one of the biggest successes behind this bike is its outstanding braking mechanism. Whether slippy tractions or muddy tracks, riders can always rely on the brakes. So, if safety is your primary concern, then this bike can be an ideal pick for you.

  • Handles

Eurobike handles are designed to be curved, and this framework significantly reduces the overall friction on the bike.

So, these handles will provide you with the necessary balance, whether bumpy rides or unwanted roadblocks. Although we think the grips of the handles could’ve been better, it’s truly appreciated according to the price.

What Could Be Improved And Why?

The bike itself is of another level. It enhances the overall riding experience of the bikers and even provides amazing grip. But one of the reported drawbacks we discovered is that excessive use tends to loosen the pedals. It tends to happen, especially when bikers are on continuous rides.

So, we believe if this could get a solid improvement, the bike could be the champ in the Eurobike series.

Specifications

  • Bike Type: Road Bike
  • Brand: EUROBIKE
  • Number of Speeds: 21
  • Wheel Size: 27 inches
  • Frame Material: Carbon Steel

Reasons to Buy

  • Curved handles provide riding stability
  • It has advanced braking systems
  • The overall assembling is pretty straightforward
  • Lavishing design and framework
  • Pretty easy to ride

Reasons to Avoid

  • The pedals might loosen over time

About the author

Joshua Fernand

I’m a 38-year-old father of two and an avid adventurer with a history of road bike racing in the mountains. I’m also a member of the Mountain Top Cycling Club, Colorado. I took part in several cross country rides across the states with my cruiser bike.

Tell you what, each tour was over a thousand miles long and it wouldn’t have been possible if I hadn’t studied bike mechanics. Most of the fixes required during my travel had to be fixed by myself. Cruiser became my favorite category since then.

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