Fitness Gear Equipment The 8 Best Bikes Under $500 of 2022 Schwinn's GTX Comfort Bike does double-duty as a road and mountain bike By Lindsey Lanquist Lindsey Lanquist LinkedIn Lindsey Lanquist is a writer and editor specializing in fashion, lifestyle, and health content. Her work has appeared in SELF, StyleCaster, SheKnows, MyDomaine, and more. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 01, 2022 Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall LinkedIn Marley Hall is a writer and fact checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. 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. Reviewed & Approved Schwinn's GTX Comfort Bike does double-duty as a road and mountain bike and can be used on different types of terrain. If you're looking for a road bike, look no further than Vilano's R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike, which has a 12-speed drivetrain. 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. Here are the best bikes under $500 on the market. Our Top Picks Best Unisex: Schwinn GTX Comfort Hybrid Bike at Amazon Jump to Review Best Hybrid Bike: Decathlon Riverside 100 Hybrid Bike at Decathlon.com Jump to Review Best Road Bike: Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike at Amazon Jump to Review Best Commuter Bike: Hiland Road Bike at Amazon Jump to Review Best Electric Bike: SWAGTRON Swagcycle Folding E-Bike at Amazon Jump to Review Best Folding Bike: Schwinn Loop Adult Folding Bike at Amazon Jump to Review Best Cruiser: sixthreezero Around The Block Women's Single-Speed Bicycle at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Unisex: Schwinn GTX Comfort Adult Hybrid Bike 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon Pros Unisex design 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. 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 View On Decathlon.com 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. The bike boasts a 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. 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 View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Sears.com 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, 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. Style: Road | Height Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 27 pounds The 5 Best Road Bikes of 2022 Best Commuter Bike: Hiland Road Bike 700c with 21 Speeds Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon 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, 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. 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 View On Amazon View On Adorama.com 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, 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. Style: Electric | Height Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 37 pounds The 12 Best Exercise Bikes of 2021 Best Folding Bike: Schwinn Loop Adult Folding Bike Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Foldable 7-speed drivetrain Lightweight, yet sturdy Solid height range 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 is pretty 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. Style: Folding bike | Height Capacity: 4 feet, 8 inches to 6 feet, 2 inches | Weight: 33 pounds The 7 Best Folding Bikes of 2022 Best Cruiser: sixthreezero Around The Block Women's Single-Speed Bicycle Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Sixthreezero.com Pros Great for leisure rides Incredibly lightweight Beginner-friendly Solid height range Cons Not very versatile Better for beginners If you’re a casual cyclist who craves a comfortable ride, you can't beat sixthreezero’s Around the Block Single-Speed Bicycle. 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. Style: Cruiser | Height Capacity: 5 feet to 6 feet | Weight: 34 pounds The Best Hybrid Bikes for Every Cyclist Final Verdict For both men and women, Schwinn's GTX Comfort Adult Hybrid Bike (view at Amazon) is a good option thanks to its comfortable ride and versatility. It's crafted with sturdy aluminum that keeps it lightweight yet durable. Plus, the front and rear alloy brakes offer incredible stopping power when you need to come to a halt in a hurry. What to Look for in a Bike Under $500 Style Different bikes are designed with different styles of cycling in mind. Mountain bikes are great for off-road adventures, road bikes are great for speedy rides on slick pavement, hybrid bikes are great for versatility, and cruisers are great for leisurely rides around the block. Consider what kinds of cycling you plan to do, and snag a bike that suits those preferences. If you're new to cycling or you want to cover multiple types of terrain, a hybrid bike is probably the best option. Height Capacity Figuring out whether a bike will fit you right can be tough when you’re shopping online. But a bike’s height capacity can make it a little easier. When perusing a bike’s product description, look for metrics like “height capacity” or “recommended height range.” This can help you figure out whether the bike you’re eyeing is the right size for you. Weight Some bikes are heavier than others. As a rule, lightweight bikes tend to offer a quicker ride, while heavier bikes will offer a slower, sturdier, and more controlled one. That said, a bike’s weight can also affect its portability. So consider both of those elements when deciding whether a bike’s weight seems like a fit for you. Frequently Asked Questions How long do bikes last? How long your bike will last depends on how you care for it. With regular servicing and replacement parts, your bike can last for 10 or more years. If you use your bike regularly and do not get replacement parts, your bike may last around 5 years. However, the original quality of your bike will also determine how long your bike will last. How often do bikes need tune-ups? It is wise to get your bike tuned up at least once per year. Usually, having your bike tuned up in the spring, or before the season you will be riding it the most, is a good strategy. If you notice any issues with your bike's performance, an additional tune-up could help. How many miles can you put on a bikes tires before replacing them? How many miles you can put on bike tires before replacing them depends on the tire quality. Premium tires usually last 2,500 miles. Tires that are made to withstand more rigorous use, such as touring, could last up to 4,000 miles, while tires used for racing may need replacing more often, at around 1,000 miles. How do you do basic maintenance on bikes? For regular maintenance on your bike, the first step is to keep your bike clean and free from mud and debris. Lubricate the mechanisms (chain, chainring, breaks, derailleurs) so they continue to work correctly. Index your gears by adjusting the derailleurs for smooth movement. You may need to replace your gear cables if they are old. Inflating your tires to the correct pressure is also part of basic maintenance. Finally, check your bike's components such as the bolts to ensure they are tightened properly. Replace any components that are old or worn. What is the best way to wash a bike? Hot soapy water applied with a soft sponge is the best way to wash your bike. Also using a degreaser is a good idea. Clean all areas of the bike, including spokes and gears. Buff them dry with a soft cloth. Be sure to lubricate any areas that need it. Why Trust Verywell Fit As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit