In this article, we shall look at several of the best commuter bikes under 500. Why? Riding is the real deal in the 21st century. According to Statista in 2018, there were 47.5 million cyclists in the US.
With cycling becoming even more popular as a means to get to work, school and for leisure, we will see this number growing. Also, remember that climate awareness is spreading fast.
Even as Tesla pioneers the mass production of electric vehicles, commuter bicycles are going to take care of the city transport needs of a huge chunk of the population.
But first…what is a commuter bike?
In short, it’s a city road bike. There are different types of commuter bikes. However, some of the features that spread across board include a narrow saddle, flat pedals and minimal gearing.
Some of these bikes are foldable, some have disc brakes and some can hit high speeds of even 30mph. They come at different prices, with some costing hundreds of dollars and some going for more than $1000.
Here, we will look at the best commuter bikes under 500.
Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
---|---|---|---|---|
6KU Fixed Gear Single Speed Urban Fixie Road Bike, Fuchsia, 58cm/XL | Prime | Buy Now | ||
Retrospec Beaumont-7 Seven Speed Lady's Urban City Commuter Bike, Olive, 38cm/Small | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Goplus Commuter Bike Road Bike Quick Release Aluminum 700C Shimano 21 Speed (Red) | Prime | Buy Now | ||
Retrospec Harper Single-Speed Fixed Gear Urban Commuter Bike, 53cm, m, Slate | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike 21 Speed 700c | Prime | Buy Now |
Best Commuter Bikes Under $500
With so many bikes costing less than $500, there is no reason why you should not join this healthy movement and cycle your way to work.
To make your bike selection easier, we have done the hard work for you.
1. 6KU Urban Commuter Bike, Single Speed
- Durable high-tensile steel frame
- Easily removable front/rear brakes
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This high quality bike is built to help you meet your daily commute, workout and even casual riding needs. When you look at the bike, it looks stripped down, and this is done deliberately to minimize the weight as much as possible.
Among some of the notable features that you get with this bike include the steel frame and fork. This reduces impact and shock on your person when you are riding along a rumbled road.
You will get two cycling settings with the flip-flop hub. When you are on a sloped stretch of road, just flip your wheel and put it in coasting mode.
You can also pedal on freewheel and wallop through town on your errands easily.
You get to sit in the upright position on this bike, the handlebars are stylish and raised so you can feel comfortable on your leisurely rides. The handlebars have a racing feel to them, the brakes are responsive and the bike feels stable on the road.
When you sit on the bike, the sturdy handlebars, saddle and frame inspire confidence. You will always feel in full control.
When the bike is shipped to you, it comes with the tools that you need for assemblage and for regular maintenance.
What we like
- It is a sleek and stylish bike with nice colors
- Comes with rear and front brakes for more stopping power
- Light enough to carry when you need to
- Simple to put together and adjust when needed
What we don’t like
- This is a big bike, mostly good for tall people
2. Retrospec Beaumont Ladies’ Commuter Bike
- Lightweight hand-built step-thru steel frame design with an upright riding position designed for urban commuting, leisurely riding, and exercise
- Equipped with Shimano 7-Speed drivetrain and RevoShift twist shifters for ultimate precision, speed, and control
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This seven-speed commuter bicycle meets the needs of beginner as well as advanced riders very well. As a lightweight bicycle, you can be able to plow through the traffic with it.
It has good takeoff speed and when you get onto the saddle, you can feel the precision by which this bike moves. You can feel more in control and you can move at varied speeds easily.
Thanks to the upright riding position and design, this bike can be used for city commuting and errands. Whether you ride at speed or at a leisurely pace, you will have a great time with the bike.
The front and the rear brakes are linear-pull. This gives you more confidence on the road and it makes you feel in complete control all the time.
The small carrier at the back should be enough for your bag or other small items that you may want to carry. This bike is also available in different soft colors, which makes it just perfect for a woman.
The bike is shipped semi-assembled. Not to worry though as it has a detailed user manual. It also comes with the tools that you need to complete the assemblage.
What we like
- It comes in cute colors
- 7-speed setting makes it good for different uses
- Easy to assemble as it comes 85% assembled
- Lightweight with strong steel frame for durability
What we don’t like
- Chain rubs against the chain guard
- Securing it on vehicle bike rack can be a problem
3. Goplus Road Bike Commuter Bike
- Light Weight: Constructed with aluminum reduces the weight of the bike and offers more benefits on quickness of speed. Easy meet the demands of adding the transferring power, doubling the riding efficiency and bringing an excellent racing experience.
- Sturdy Frame: Strong aluminum frame is up to the terrible road situations and the purpose for stable-riding can be fulfilled. It also provides comfortable and adjustable handle bar and seat post for you.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
We love the predatorial look of this GoPlus city commuter bike. It has the profile of a racing bike. When you need to get from one point to another fast, or take off fast as soon as the light goes green, this is the bike for you.
This bike is light in weight. After all, it is made with aluminum. This minimal weight helps a lot when it comes to the speed.
It also helps if you have to carry your bike up the stairs at work or elsewhere because you have less weight to hoist over your shoulders.
Maintenance of this bike is quite easy. First, the wheels are quick release, so you can have them off and on fast. Mostly, you get the wheels off when you are putting the bike in storage.
Getting the wheels off also reduces the size of the bike considerably when you want to pack it in the trunk.
The bike uses 700C tires, which is a performance tire. It is made for racing, but that does not mean you cannot ride it at a leisurely pace when you want to.
You also get an upgraded derailleur that makes the bike a delight for casual riding.
There are many convenient features. One of them is the quick release wheels as mentioned above. However, the handlebars are also adjustable as is the saddle.
What we like
- Available in many colors
- Very comfortable because of a few adjustable features
- Can be used for speed riding or for leisure riding
- The price is affordable considering the features
What we don’t like
- Seat should have more padding
- Can’t put many add-ons on the handlebars
4. Retrospec Critical Cycles Harper Commuter Bicycle
- Includes a flip-flop hub so you can ride fixed or with a freewheel
- Premium hand-built, tig-welded, high-tensile strength steel frame absorbs the bumps in the road and is as durable as can be
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Not all commuter bikes come with variable speed. With the Retrospec Critical Cycles Harper city commuter bicycle, you will get one-speed setting.
However, this is more than enough for city commuting needs. If you would like a bike that will help you to burn calories and tone your leg muscles fast, get this one.
This bike is designed with a high quality and high tensile steel frame. There are many benefits to this kind of frame. First, when you hit a bumpy road, the steel will absorb most of the shock and keep you safe.
Secondly, this bike will last a long time. It can take the rigors of daily use very well. It is also sold with the tools for its maintenance.
What we like
- The select colors look very nice
- High strength steel frame makes the bike durable
- Sold at an affordable price
- The deep V-design of the rims makes them stronger
What we don’t like
- The bike lacks a stand
5. Vilano R2 Bicycle
- 6061 Double Butted Aluminum Frame - Lightweight
- A050 Thumb Shifters
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
You can use this multi-gear bicycle for regular riding, speed riding and a mix of both easily. The small weight that comes with the aluminum frame makes this bike easy to pedal up hills.
It has valuable components such as the rear and front derailleurs that come from Shimano, one of the most reliable bike part makers in the world.
When you get the bike, you will see that it seems a bit plain since it lacks some of the frills that other bikes come with.
However, don’t be disappointed because you can add certain things such as fenders, front light, bell, chain guard and others.
This bike does not have disc brakes. Rather, it has alloy caliper brakes, but they do a good job since this bike is meant to be used for city cruises.
Please note the weight limit of the bike, which is 200 pounds. However, you can probably get bigger and wider tires if you weigh more than that.
The bike is delivered partially assembled, but it comes with the tools that you need to complete the job. You will also be using these tools for maintenance. It has a detailed user manual for assemblage.
What we like
- Good for riding long distances at variable speeds
- Light in weight but very stable on the road
- Simple to assemble and maintain
- Simple but stylish design make it good for young users
What we don’t like
- Misses several important parts such as fenders, chain guard and bell
- Weight limit is a bit low
6. Diamondback Bicycles Trace St Dual Sport Bike
- 60661-T6 aluminum alloy construction with forged dropouts for durability
- High tensile steel fork for confident steering
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The dual capability of this bike, both as a sport and everyday bike makes it quite endearing for all users. It has good and strong features too.
For example, this Diamondback commuter bike has a durable 60661-T6 aluminum alloy. The steel fork gives you a confident feel when you are steering the bike.
It also absorbs a lot of the shock that comes with riding bumpy roads.
You can be assured of a smooth ride on the pavement thanks to 700c tires. They roll easily, they are large and they will support your weight amply. The alloy linear brakes give you the stopping power that you need for emergency stops.
To make your ride as efficient as possible, you get 21 gear choices. You can select the most efficient gear for your needs depending on the road that you are riding on – steep, flat or sloped.
Whether you want to use your Trace bike for sports or for your daily commute needs, it has everything you need for both activities. That is why it is a dual sport bike.
What we like
- Fast assemblage since the bike comes 95% assembled
- Superb design and build quality with durable material
- High quality 3×7 speed train from Shimano
- Durable wheels
What we don’t like
- Chain pops off from time to time
Buying Guide For Commuter Bikes
As you have seen in the section above, commuter bikes are somewhat different from the regular ones. Therefore, buying one for the first time can be a bit daunting.
Consider the tips below when looking for a good bike for daily commute:
1. Consider the brake type for your commuter bike
Road bikes come with either linear or disc brakes as the most popular types. However, linear brakes are better since this is not a performance bike. Disc brakes require more care and maintenance, but they give more stopping power.
Some bikes also come with rear brakes only, while others come with front and rear ones as well.
2. Design of the bike
The design of the bike will influence your riding comfort. Some bikes come with raised handlebars, some with sunken ones and others come with flat handlebars.
The bikes with flat handlebars are mostly hybrid, combining mountain biking aspects with road bike aspects. Sunken handlebars require you to ride in a slouched position while the raised handlebars keep you straight on the saddle.
3. The assembly time
It is rare to find a bike that is delivered while it is 100% assembled. However, you can always consider the amount of work you will have to do if you are a beginner.
Some bikes may be 75%, 85% or even 95% assembled. If you are a beginner commuter rider, buy a bike that requires minimal assemblage.
Bikes also come with tools for assembly and maintenance.
Conclusion
After reading the information in this article, buying the best commuter bikes below the price of 500 dollars should not be hard at all. After assembling yours, adjust the saddle and the handlebars depending on your weight.
Identify a bike garage where you can have your bike serviced from time to time.
Apart from those few needs, commuter bikes are easy on the pocket when it comes to buying price and maintenance.
Related Posts:
Best Mountain Bikes Under $1500 You Can Buy
Top 6 Best Entry-Level Road Bikes Today