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The 5 Best Road Bikes Under $500 in 2017
Why Road Bikes are the Best Method of Daily Commuting
Cycling is arguably the most efficient and fun way to commute. There are mountain bikes, road bikes, hybrid bikes, cyclocross bikes, and entry-level road bikes to consider. Then there is what goes on the bike. Are you looking for steel frames, aluminum frames, or carbon fiber? Do you require disc brakes? The options are endless and can be a little confusing. However, once you have the right bike for your needs, the cost of upkeep for a bicycle is negligible when compared to maintenance costs of a car—not to mention the initial price for the vehicle's purchase. On top of that, for those who have a soft spot in their soul, for the problems of global warming caused by burning fossil fuels, the bike commuter can sleep easily, knowing that their vehicle is a state-of-the-art, zero-carbon-footprint machine (regardless of make or model). The best road bikes of 2017 can transform the way you live day-to-day and you don't have to break the bank. If you want to become a healthier, happier human, keep reading to see the 5 best road bikes with a price range of under $500 for 2017 that you can easily find online or down at your local bike shop.
The only question for those reading is: Are you ready to upgrade your lifestyle and integrate bike commuting as part of your daily habit? Perhaps, you remember biking as a child and feeling as though it was difficult or embarrassing. However, keep in mind that all bikes are not created equal. The effort which you expend in riding your bike is determined by the type of bike it is, the weight, and, most importantly, on what kind of tires that you are riding.
Why Ride a Road Bike?
Out of the many differences that road bikes exhibit—in terms of shape, material, aerodynamic design, and mechanical gear shifting differentiations—the main design feature of road bikes, which makes them the best bike type for commuters, is the tire size. Road bike tires are thin and sleek. They are meant to be ridden on the road and, therefore, do not require the surface area and treading, which is favorable for mountain bikes. This substantially cuts down on the tire’s mass.
Since road bike tires are thinner than others, they hold a lower volume of air and are designed to be filled to a much higher presser. The increased pounds of pressure per square inch of the road bike tire, combined with the decreased resistance of the tires surface area is the design feature, which provides road bikes with the benefit of pedaling effort efficiency. It takes less effort to pedal when there is higher air pressure and less physical resistance.
Road Bike Types
The road bike types that are designed with the best use in mind for riders are racing road bikes, endurance road bikes, cyclocross road bikes, and touring road bikes.
- Racing road bikes
These bikes are built for speed. They are sleek and slender, designed for racing. The gears are closely set in ratio and the tires generally measure between 23 mm and 25 mm. The slim tires and drop-down handlebars make cutting through the streets a breeze. However, they are great bikes for commuting too. The speed design makes these road bikes great for commuters who like to get where they are going—fast. Racing road bikes are meant for the rider to bring the bike up to a cruising speed and to continually shift between accelerating and drifting. The positioning of the rider on the bike can be less comfortable for those with any kind of physical limitation. Racing road bikes are designed for flexible athletes, but for anyone who is in shape or is dedicated to getting fit, racing road bikes are the easiest to pedal and the fastest type to ride.
- Endurance road bikes
Endurance road bikes are, perhaps, the best road bike for full-time bike commuting beginners and those who commute on rougher terrain. They combine a mixture of comfort and high-performance features for the rider who is in it for the long haul. The frames are designed to handle rougher terrain and the bike can accommodate a range of tire dimensions and sizes, based on the terrain’s dictation.
- Cyclocross road bikes
These road bikes are designed for a specific style of racing, in which the contestants race each other in a circle, over many laps—similar to a horse race or Nascar. These bikes are extremely lightweight and require the most hunched over riding position of any type. The wheels have an identifiable solid plate inside the wheel hub, which increases their aerodynamic attributes.
- Touring road bikes
Made for the open road, touring bikes are the best overall road bike model type for those who rely on biking as their primary means of transportation. The feature most identified with touring bikes is the rear pannier rack, which is designed to carry bags, boxes, crates, or packages of any kind. Though the tires are slightly thicker than those of road tires, usually around 32 mm wide, the added mass helps to bear the load of extra travel gear. This results in the frame being slightly longer than racing road bikes and more suited to a sustainable biking posture, resulting in a riding position which is more naturally upright.
The 5 Best Road Bikes Under $500 in 2017
Bicycles are a mechanical, physical, man-powered machine and every detail of the design, engineering, manufacturing, and construction of the bike, determines the overall quality of the unit. That being said, road bikes with high price tags are, in all likelihood, justified in their asking price. However, just because it doesn't come with all the bells and whistles, as a $3000 bike, doesn't mean that you have to mortgage your house to get a great road bike. To give you a hand, here is a list of the 5 best road bikes for under $500 dollars on the market in 2017.
1. Vilano Shadow Road Bike
The Vilano Shadow Road Bike starts around $300 and tops out around $450. If you want a great road bike for a great price, the Vilano Shadow Road Bike is overall the best road bike for under $500 in 2017. With a smooth aesthetic design, the Vilano Shadow is the tuxedo of high quality, economical road bikes. The lightweight aluminum frame makes carrying the bike easily manageable and the model comes in a simple assembly format. The 700c tires and 7-gear Shimano shifters are perfect for riding on the road, with low to medium altitude differentiation.
2. GMC Denali Road Bike
For those with the need for speed, (and frugality) the GMC Denali is the best road bike under $500 in 2017, for racing and getting where you’re going, fast. The 21-speed Shimano Revo shifters make for progressively easy hill climbing and are located conveniently on the handlebars to allow the rider to maintain control between shifts while riding at high speeds. The GMC Denali is constructed out of lightweight aluminum and comes in weighing under 35 pounds for easy transportation, handling, and low-resistance, high-speed riding.
3. Vilano Aluminum Road Bike 21-Speed Shimano
Another great option for the speed demons is the Vilano Aluminum Road Bike. It features 21-speed gear shifters and the frame is constructed of lightweight 6061 aluminum. Handlebar mounted shifters make for safe, effortless shifting while going through tight turns and steep hills. In total, this bike weighs less than 25 pounds, which makes it the best lightweight road bike under $500 in 2017.
4. SE Bikes Royal 14-Speed Road Bicycle
With a 14-speed Shimano gear derailleur and shifter, an alloy road caliper brake set, and an SE 1 alloy main frame the SE Bikes Royale 14-speed Road Bike is the best road bike for anyone worried about their bike breaking. Sturdy, solid, and safe this bike will get you from A to B without constant maintenance. Priced in the range of $500 to $700 and weighing over 30 pounds, it is not the first choice on this list; however, it is a high-quality, economical commuter bike.
5. Giordano Libero 1.6 Men's Road Bike - 700c
The trailblazer’s dream. The Giordano Libero 1.6 Men’s Road Bike is a high-quality endurance/touring bike, suitable for the multi-day excursion. A hand-crafted, lightweight aluminum frame, weighing only 26 pounds, securely, and effortlessly carries the 16-speed Shimano Claris STI shifters and derailleurs, which makes climbing steep hills an invigoratingly manageable task. Coming in around $400, the Giordano Libero is the best road bike under $500 in 2017 for the biker who wants the ability to adventure freely.
Biking is a fantastic way to stay healthy, help the world, and just get around. Always obey the rules of the road—after all, bicycles are equivalent vehicles to cars on the road. And, always, always, always, wear a helmet whenever you go for a ride. There are plenty of super cool helmets on the market, so be safe and have a blast!
VeloVieVecteur 100 Aluminum Alloy Road Bike
Road biking is a fun and active way to stay fit and healthy. It is also a fun activity to bond with your kids, friends, and the whole family. Are you also looking for an activity that will de-stress your week?
Road biking might be an exhausting physical activity but it will remove stress and let you become one with nature. Once you get the hang of it, you will want a high-end road bike that has high-quality parts and materials.
Are you into road biking? Get the most out of it by getting yourself a brand new road bike that will improve your biking experience.
Introducing the VeloVieVecteur 100 Aluminum Alloy Road Bike. It is a race grade carbon fiber bicycle with an alloy steel tube designed around alloy road technology – VeloVie’s proprietary frame construction method.
Therefore, it is strong and comfortable and gives you a “low weight / high comfort” riding quality. The Vector 100 is equipped with Shimano 105 group set and with an alloy system, seat post, and handle bars that come from Ritchey components.
You can have it delivered to your doorstep fully professionally assembled. You just have to attach the front wheel, seat post, and handlebars and you’re ready to go.
Features
- Race grade carbon fiber
- Lightweight frame
- #7005 grade aluminum construction
- Carbon fiber fork
- Alloy steel tube
- Outfitted with Shimano 105 group set
- Equipped with Ritchey components
- Professionally assembled
- 11 speed
- High quality
- Absorbs shocks
Pros
- Lightweight
- For casual biking
- Comfortable
- Smooth drive
- Efficient shifter
Cons
- Maximum tire size of 700×25
Verdict
If you have the budget for road bikes, theVeloVieVecteur 100 Aluminum Alloy Road Bike is a high quality option. It is made of alloy road technology equipped with Shimano 105 group set including the crank, shifters, brake levers, derailleurs, and cassette.
It is also outfitted with Ritchey components that include the seat post, handlebars, and front wheel. It is really a great “not too expensive” road bike.
Comparison
We can compare VeloVieVecteur 100 Aluminum Alloy Road Bike to other high quality road bikes with almost the same price. As a biker, you want to have an efficient and comfortable road biking experience by choosing the best road bike made of high quality materials and components.
We can compare VeloVieVecteur 100 Aluminum Alloy Road Bike to Kestrel Talon Road Bike. It is also made of Kestrel’s Enhanced Modulus Hybrid (EMH) carbon which is a combination of 700K and 800K carbon fibers.
This material makes the overall frame of Kestrel Talon Road Bike lightweight and stiff. It has full internal cable routing to allow clean airflow. Its design is in the A2 Wind Tunnel which allows for more aerodynamics.
Kestrel Talon Road Bike’s H-Stays have asymmetrically shaped seat stays and chainstays for more effective power transfer and stiffness. It has also the EMS Pro Aero Seatpost so the saddle can be mounted in a variety of positions.
Another high quality, expensive road bike is the Diamondback Bicycle’s 2015 Century 3 Carbon Complete Road Bike. It has an advanced tube to tube carbon fiber construction that gives the overall bike frame a lightweight and compliant ride.
Its geometry gives a superb comfortable position and its carbon fiber fork and tapered head tube deliver smooth shifting and damps vibration. It has neat internal cable routing that works well with mechanical and electronic systems.
It is equipped too with a Shimano drivetrain and HED Flanders c2+ wheelset. It is one of the most expensive road bikes today but offers a superior road biking experience.
All of the abovementioned road bikes are worth the money. However, the VeloVieVecteur 100 Aluminum Alloy Road Bike stands out because it doesn’t cost that much but has high quality materials, components, and features found in expensive bikes. It is composed of trusted gear sets such as the Shimano and Ritchey which other expensive road bikes don’t have.
Verdict
When it comes to quality, efficiency, comfort while choosing a road bike, the VeloVieVecteur 100 Aluminum Alloy Road Bike is one of the most trusted models.
It is equipped with high quality Shimano gear sets for superb comfortable biking and Ritchey components for a smooth, non-bumpy drive.
It doesn’t cost that much but it is made of high quality alloy road technology – race grade carbon fiber and #7005 grade aluminum for very light and highly comfortable ride.
With VeloVieVecteur 100 Aluminum Alloy Road Bike, you can have fun, active and quality time together with your kids, friends and family.
Get along with nature, de-stress, or work out efficiently and comfortably with the VeloVieVecteur 100 Aluminum Alloy Road Bike. Have a fun road biking experience!
Schwinn Men’s Phocus Road Bicycle
Road bikes are built to increase agility, speed and performance to endure concrete pavement, hilly terrains, or grassy trails and even extended hours of cycling.
But among these performances, comfort should not be compromised. Comfortable road bikes reduce or totally eliminate injuries or body pains especially after long hours of cycling.
The good thing is, you can choose from a wide variety of road bikes thanks to bike manufacturers that spend their time building high quality, durable, and comfortable road bikes.
One of the most efficient, durable, and comfortable road bikes that they have come upwith is the Schwinn Men’s Phocus Road Bicycle.
It is made of an aluminum road frame with rigid fork, Shimano 14 speed rear derailleur with Shimano A050 shifters, alloy rims with paired spokes, alloy caliper road brakes, and SR Suntour alloy crank. All these components work together for a smooth and fast performance.
Schwinn Men’s Phocus Road Bicycle is designed to be lightweight but strong and will go a long way over long hours of cycling.
Its front rim is quick release for more convenient use and maintenance. Its brakes have great breaking power and its crank is designed for wide gear range.
With an affordable price, Schwinn Men’s Phocus Road Bicycle is one of the most cost effective road bikes today. What is another good thing about it is its good appearance including its wheels that have a nice design.
Features
- Aluminum road frame
- 14 speed rear derailleur
- Shimano A050 shifters
- High profile alloy rims
- Lightweight
- Strong
- Front rim quick release
- SR Suntour alloy crank
- Great stopping power
- Lifetime warranty
Pros
- Quick, agile riding
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Convenient
- Easy maintenance
- Easy adjustable height
- Affordable
Cons
- Requires assembly
Verdict
Schwinn Men’s Phocus Road Bicycle is truly one of the most affordable and strongest road bikes today. It’s loved by a lot of cyclists and other biking enthusiasts because of its materials and design.
It puts you in a comfortable position to help you bike faster without pain. It also lasts for years of continuous biking and cycling along different kinds of pavement.
Comparison
It is important to take into consideration the other best-selling road bikes today. There are many high quality road bikes equipped with practical parts that work in coordination with each other.
It is also important to remember the features that every good quality road bike should have: stability, strength, and comfort. Without these, you won’t be able to keep up with the fun and challenges of road biking.
So it is important to examine every road bike that you want. To help you further in choosing the best road bike for you, here are some good quality options.
One of these road bikes is the TommasoSentiero Adventure Road Bike. It has an aluminum compact frame combined with SST Steel Frame for strength, Shimano Claris Derailluers and shifters for smooth and convenient shifts and brakes, and Shimano Claris triple crankset in front partnered with 12 x 25 cassette at the back.
It has compact frame geometry for extra comfort and power. And it needs professional assembly to get all these parts fixed and working together.
Another good road bike is the Vilano Aluminum Road Bike. It is lightweight made of 6061 double butted aluminum frame, Shimano A050 thumb shifter, 21 speeds, and 700c double walled CNC machine sides. Its handlebar and seatpost are both made of alloy for more comfort.
It’s great for commuting or just going around the town faster. Plus it comes in three colors that you can choose from: white, silver and black. It is very affordable so if you have a very limited budget for road bikes, this is a good option.
All of these three road bikes are made of sturdy materials such as the aluminum frame. But when it comes to comparing Schwinn Men’s Phocus Road Bicycle to the other two road bike, the TommasoSentiero Adventure Road Bike and the Vilano Aluminum Road Bike, the difference is obvious.
Schwinn Men’s Phocus Road Bicycle stands out because it is the most cost effective road bike, has an easy, adjustable height to accommodate the different sizes and height of bikers, and can be conveniently maintained with its quick release wheels. No wonder it is the best among most road bike models.
Verdict
When it comes to comfort and performance, you won’t go wrong with Schwinn Men’s Phocus Road Bicycle. Priced reasonably, it gives you everything you need in a good road bike.
While its parts need to be assembled, this is a small drawback compared to all its other advantages. Once you set it up, you can ride it with ease, efficiency, and comfort. It is sturdy enough too to last long hours of cycling.
Kent GZR700 Road Bike Review
The Kent Gzr700 road bike is an impressive looking cycling bike sturdily built for serious riders. The GZR700 is made with precision and welded using a tungsten-electrode inert gas welding style (tig welding) which sees the bike arc constructed of a high tensile steel frame and a fork maintained by a tungsten electrode. The Kent GZR700 road bike uses Shimano stem shifters as well as a rear derailleur to ensure very smooth and reliable shifting when changing between the 21 speeds.
The GZR700 road bike isn’t your average bike in that it differs from several other road bikes and mountain bikes. This bike requires getting used to, if you want a superb biking experience, else you may have issues with your posture which can lead to back pain. Consistency is key however, as you should get used to it after a while of riding and trying out the best sitting posture for you.
The shifting levers which control the speed range up to 21 ranges are attached to the center stem of the road bike’s handle bars. This puts them at least 3 or 4 inches away from the hands when on top of the handle bars and about 8 inches away when they are in the lower position. This position of the shifting levers is a bit tricky and can be inconveniencing for some users and requires getting used to, as you would need to remove one of your hands placed at the handle bar to change the speed range.
The Kent GZR700 road bike takes into consideration your decision to abruptly stop on any occasion and comes with alloy calipers and brake levers. The Kent GZR700 features high-profile alloy Vitesse 36” rims which not only give the bike that premium look, but also deliver top-notch cycling experience. There’s also comfortable seats on the bike which lets you ride seating without discomfort. The Kent GZR700 Road bike delivers a high capacity carriage but has a weight limit of 250 pounds which is pretty considerate.
Features
- A powerfully built steel frame, welded using the tungsten-electrode inert gas welding style (tig welding)
- Shimano stem shifters as well as a rear derailleur to ensure a very smooth and reliable shifting when changing between the 21 speed range
- Alloy callipers and brake levers that allows you stop sharply without difficulties
Pros
- Flexibility of Speed: The Kent GZR700 Road Bike has a wide variety of speed gear shifters to enable you go at your own pace. Whether you want to go fast or take it slow, the Kent GZR700 Road Bike’s got your back. It comes with 21 different speed settings ranging from very slow to medium to fast and very fast. With this bike, you’re not limited in any way.
- Halt: While the 21 different speed shifters allow you to go at a very fast pace, the Kent GZR700 Road Bike also puts into mind the times when an unforeseen event happens. It is fitted with brake levers and callipers made with alloy which give you total control over the bike. With the combination of the speed shifters and alloy brakes, you can go as fast as you can and still stop as fast as you can whenever you want.
- Sturdy Frame: The Kent GZR700 Road Bike features a steel frame which has been tested extensively and can withstand extreme strain and stress. The wheel forks of the bike are also made from steel, which gives it a firm standing. No matter the weight of the person riding it (as long as it isn’t more than 250 pounds!), and no matter the unevenness of the road on which it is driven, the Kent GZR700 Road Bike is good to go – any time, any day.
- Comfort ride: The Kent GZR700 Road Bike is equipped with padded bike seats to make sure you’re comfortable while riding it. This is most useful for long distance riders; the seats will make sure you don’t suffer from cramps even if you’re travelling a long distance.
Cons
- So far, there haven’t been any negative reviews for the Kent GZR700 Road Bike, which speaks a lot about its quality and durability. However, the Kent GZR700 Road Bike has a maximum weight capacity of 250 pounds, which means that people with a larger weight have to look for other forms of transportation.
- Also, the bike itself weighs 31.2 pounds, which might be too weighty for people that wish to carry it around. That shouldn’t be too much of a problem for people since bikes are not meant to be carried around, but driven around.
Conclusion
Overall, the Kent GZR700 road bike is a worthy bike, priced fairly reasonable at below $200 for serious bikers. If you are looking for a bike to take you up and down that rocky mountain without throwing you off the edge, your search ends here. The Kent GZR700 Road Bike is specially made for the purpose of riding through uncomfortable paths and roads with minimal effect to the body of the rider.