The 8 Best Bikes Under $500 of 2023

Here are the best bikes under $500 on the market.

When looking for a bike under $500, consider the number of gears it has, the types of terrain it can go over, and check for comfort. We researched the top options and examined for durability, style, versatility, and price.

Cycling is a great form of commuting or exercise, and if you plan to do it often, it’s worth selecting a good bike. The right bike will make your rides more comfortable and efficient, and although performance bikes can be expensive, there are plenty of high-quality options under the $500 price point.

Best Unisex

Schwinn GTX Comfort Adult Hybrid Bike

4.8

Amazon

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Pros

Hybrid
Multiple colors
Easy to assemble

Cons

Height range is limited
Not great for advanced riders

We chose Schwinn’s GTX Comfort Adult Hybrid Bike as our top pick because it’s a budget-friendly option that can take you anywhere. The hybrid offers the speed of a road bike, the capability of a mountain bike, and the comfort of a cruiser—giving you the versatility you need to explore different styles of riding and types of terrain.

The bike’s aluminum frame should feel durable, but lightweight. Plus, it comes equipped with a suspension fork that promises to keep your rides smooth and comfortable. The bike’s 21-speed drivetrain will help you nimbly navigate different trails and paths while its grippy tires promise plenty of traction both on and off the road.

Price at time of publication: $383

Key specs:
Style: Hybrid | Height Capacity: 5 feet, 4 inches to 6 feet, 2 inches | Weight: 33 pounds (estimate)

Best Hybrid Bike

Decathlon Riverside 100 Hybrid Bike

Courtesy of Walmart

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Pros

Can take on multiple terrains
Sturdy and durable
Beginner-friendly

Cons

Height range is limited
Better for beginners only

Versatile, comfortable, and efficient, Decathlon’s Riverside Hybrid Bike will make a well-rounded addition to your cycling routine, offering a great outdoor alternative to training on indoor cycling bikes. We love this bike’s sturdy steel frame, and since it comes equipped with an impact-absorbing suspension fork, you can rest assured knowing it will handle obstacles with ease.

The bike’s hybrid tires are designed to flexibly handle both slick city streets and off-road trails and its 6-speed drivetrain will help you nimbly adjust to different terrain. If you’re looking for an affordable take on a classic hybrid, you’ve found it.

Price at time of publication: $350

Key specs:
Style: Hybrid | Height Capacity: 5 feet, 5 inches to 6 feet, 1 inch | Weight: 31.1 pounds

Best Road Bike

Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike

Courtesy of Walmart

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Pros

Lightweight
Beginner-friendly
Available in three sizes

Cons

No height range listed
Not as versatile as some bikes

Crafted from lightweight aluminum, Vilano’s R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike can quickly pick up speed while offering a nimble ride. It features a 21-speed drivetrain that will help you flexibly navigate a range of conditions, and while the speedy characteristics may sound intimidating, we like that the bike is designed with beginners in mind.

Take the bike on your daily commute or on a quick ride around your neighborhood. While it may not be the best pick for an off-road adventure, it should handily meet your more day-to-day cycling needs.

Price at time of publication: $300

Key specs:
Style: Road | Height Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 27 pounds

The 5 Best Road Bikes of 2023

Best Commuter Bike

Hiland Road Bike 700c with 21 Speeds

Courtesy of Amazon

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Pros

Unisex
Lightweight, nimble ride
Solid height range

Cons

Not as versatile as some bikes
Requires some assembly

Looking for a road bike that can get you to and from work every day? Hiland’s Road Bike is here for you and your commute. The sleek road bike boasts a lightweight aluminum frame, and since it weighs a mere 18 pounds, we love that it provides a quick and efficient ride.

The bike’s 21-speed drivetrain will give you all the options you need to flexibly tackle hills and other obstacles, and its caliper brakes will help you come to smooth, reliable stops any time you need to.

Price at time of publication: $465

Key specs:
Style: Road bike | Height Capacity: 5 feet, 3 inches to 6 feet, 4 inches | Weight: 18 pounds

The Best Commuter Bikes for Going to and from Work

Best Electric Bike

SWAGTRON Swagcycle EB-5 Folding Ebike

Courtesy of Amazon

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Pros

Budget-friendly for an electric bike
Foldable
Hybrid

Cons

No height range listed
Battery doesn’t last very long

It can be tough to find a budget-friendly electric bike, but Swagtron’s Swagcycle Folding E-Bike is fairly affordable, considering what you get. While it has a shorter battery life—it can only sustain 15.5 miles on full throttle—it isn’t as bulky as other options.

The battery life may be a downside, but the bike does offer compact foldability. Folding down to a fraction of its full size, we like that it’s easy to store and transport. Combined with affordability, the bike is a great option if you’re new to the electric bike scene.

Price at time of publication: $550

Key specs:
Style: Electric | Height Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 37 pounds

Best Folding Bike

Schwinn Loop Adult Folding Bike

Courtesy of Amazon

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Pros

Foldable
7-speed drivetrain
Lightweight, yet sturdy

Cons

Step-through design for laidback riding
Not very versatile

Schwinn’s Loop Adult Folding Bike is one of the most formidable folding bikes around. The step-through bike boasts a lightweight aluminum frame, which you can fold up for easy storage and transport. And despite the bike’s flexible design, it still promises a sturdy ride.

The bike comes equipped with a 7-speed drivetrain, which can be tough to find in a folding bike. It also features plush street tires that keep your rides smooth and comfortable every time you head out on the bike.

Price at time of publication: $490

Key specs:
Style: Folding bike | Height Capacity: 4 feet, 8 inches to 6 feet, 2 inches | Weight: 33 pounds

The 7 Best Folding Bikes of 2023

Best Cruiser

sixthreezero Around The Block Women’s Single-Speed Bicycle

Courtesy of Amazon

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Pros

Great for leisure rides
Incredibly lightweight
Beginner-friendly

Cons

Not very versatile

If you’re a casual cyclist who’s more used to pedaling on exercise bikes and looking for an easy-to-use, comfortable outdoor ride, you can’t beat sixthreezero’s Around the Block Single-Speed Bicycle. We like that the bike is designed to keep you upright as you pedal, so you can rest assured knowing your rides will feel both laidback and comfortable. The bike’s plush waffle-tread tires also feel great on both city streets and bike paths.

Since the bike is a single-speed, you won’t have to worry about fiddling with tons of gears and settings as you ride. Instead, you can just kick back, relax, and explore your neighborhood—while leisurely pedaling, of course.

Price at time of publication: $284

Key specs:
Style: Cruiser | Height Capacity: 5 feet to 6 feet | Weight: 34 pounds

The Best Hybrid Bikes for Every Cyclist