Are you looking for a road bike that you can ride smoothly on any terrain, weather, and road condition? There are plenty of amazing options out there, all promising high performance, durability, and more.
The only problem is, a lot of them don’t come cheap. But here’s the good news- you don’t have to break the bank in buying a road bike that works for you. You’ll find that there are plenty of cheap road bikes available. And, cheap doesn’t have to mean cheap quality, either.
Sounds complicated? Don’t worry, I’m here to help.
I’ve listed down for you my personal favorites and top picks when it comes to cheap road bikes that give you the best value for your money. These are all well loved and highly rated by hundreds and thousands of satisfied customers in the US and other parts of the globe, so you don’t just have to trust my word for it.
Plus, to help you further, I’ve also included a helpful buying guide to let you know what to look for in finding the best road bike that fits your personality, needs, and most importantly, your budget.
The 10 best cheap road bikes ranked:
I want to start off this list with my personal favorite, the Eurobike EURXC550 21-speed road bike. I primarily like this one because of the variety in wheel type options, including 30 or 60mm rims, and the choice between K wheels or ordinary 3-spoke rims.
And, seeing as it’s Amazon’s number 1 Best Seller, it appears that hundreds of satisfied customers agree with me. Trust us- you’re in for a good ride with this one. It also comes in two color options, and you’ll get a couple of necessary tools with your order, so you can assemble it at home with a bit of trial and error.
This durable road bike is made of a high tensile strength steel frame that can support heavy loads of up to 300lbs, fitted with 700c 3 spoke aluminum rim wheels that ensure a fast and comfortable ride on any terrain, and features 21-speed Shimano shifters and derailleurs for a versatile riding experience under any weather and road condition.
Another great thing about this is that it comes in two frame sizes so you can find one that works for your frame, and it’s equipped with dual disc brakes, which are significantly stronger, faster, and more long lasting than traditional V brakes.
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Next on this list is hailed as Amazon’s Choice when it comes to road bikes. It’s a great and versatile ride suitable for both men and women, made of high quality materials, and doesn’t break the bank.
Available in 1400 and 1600 drop bar options, this bike comes in aluminum frame 700c wheels- the double walled alloy rims with paired spokes make for lightweight but strong tires. Plus, the front is equipped with a quick release function for easy maintenance and storage.
It runs on 14 to 16 speed drivetrains, with a microshift integrated shift and brake lever combo. This means that you can ride easily and comfortably on almost any terrain, and shift or brake effectively as needed. Oh, and did I mention that the brakes are Promax alloy dual pivot caliper brakes?
The bike frame itself is made of aluminum and features a carbon fiber fork and an alloy crank, so everything is guaranteed lightweight, durable, easy to use, and long-lasting. Plus, you can get it in sleek colors of black, white, and blue.
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Here’s a premium quality road bike that’s especially made for racing. It’s manufactured and sold by Trinx, and comes with a lot of their trademark parts and accessories, so you’re sure to get a superior quality and performance bike at an affordable price.
For one thing, the 700c double wall alloy rims are engineered with sealed bearing hubs specially engineered by Trinx, and the saddle and handlebar are Trinx trademarks as well, so you can expect the best and no less.
As for the bike itself, it’s made of a hydroformed aluminum alloy frame and high tensile strength steel fork, so it’s strong, durable, and can handle any terrain, weather, and road condition. You can also order this bike in either 20 or 22 inch frames, whichever better suits your height and build.
The 21-speed Shimano speed shifters and derailleurs deliver versatility and performance in riding on any terrain, and are equipped with a smooth shifting mechanism so you can change from one gear to the next with ease.
This bike also features quick release wheel mechanisms for hassle-free maintenance and storage, and comes with alloy brakes and a KMC chain. You can get it in either black and green, or blue and white.
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If you want an excellent commuter bike that gives you speed, practicality, and style, look no further with Goplus’ racing and commuter road bike. It’s got 700c tires that deliver a high performance, fast, and safe riding experience that meets your every demand.
This one’s made of a lightweight aluminum frame for an easier and faster ride, perfect for racing. It’s also sturdy and stable, so you can ride comfortably, especially with the adjustable seat and handlebar.
It features 21 speed Shimano front and rear derailleurs that enable you to ride on any terrain, weather, and road condition, and you’ve got the aid of superb alloy caliper brakes for a safe and effective stopping power.
Plus, the quick release front wheel mechanism lets you easily maintain and replace it, as well as conveniently store your bike without much need for a big storage space. You can get this bike in either black, red, or blue, and as a nice bonus, it comes with a kickstand!
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If an entry level road bike is more your groove so you can bike your way to work everyday, this one’s a great and affordable choice. It comes in sleek black with nice and stylish white or red highlights.
This road bike is made of a lightweight aluminum alloy frame that is durable and ensures a comfortable ride, and comes with 700c double walled 3 spoke wheels that are also lightweight and durable. The wheels are equipped with a quick release mechanism for easy maintenance, replacement, and storage.
The 21 Shimano speed drivetrains can handle any situation, from leisurely cruises to high speed races, and is engineered with a touch operated quick adjustment setup so you can quickly and easily change gears as you ride.
It’s also equipped with great quality mechanical disc brakes, features a suspension fork, and is easy to assemble and maintain.
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6. Max4out commuter road bicycle
Here’s a high performance commuter road bike for you by Max4out, which guarantees a safe and fast riding experience that matches your needs and demands. It’s made of a strong aluminum frame that ensures a stable ride wherever, whenever.
This premium commuter road bike comes with 14 different speed gear settings, and you can quickly shift from one gear to another with a touch of your finger, so you can smoothly ride over any terrain and road condition.
Some of this road bike’s amazing features include a seat and handlebar that are both adjustable and comfortable to use, and a quick release front wheel for easy and convenient maintenance and storage.
You can get this bike in either black or white, although it only comes in one frame size, so it’s best to make sure that it works well for your frame to avoid straining.
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Another versatile road bike that’s suitable for both men and women is Loocho’s urban commuter road bike. It works great for city commutes, fitness rides, and leisurely cruises. Its main selling point is its intuitive shifting, making for a smooth and comfortable ride at all times.
This bike’s aerodynamic frame geometry is precision welded and comes in either red or blue (with only one size option) in a crisp, clean, and streamlined matte finish, so you’ve got one stylish, well performing ride.
Three front gears and seven rear gears enable you to enjoy 21-speed Shimano derailleurs and shifters that ensure a smooth ride all throughout, while the dual mechanical disc brakes give you that much needed extra stopping power to safely ride under various road and weather conditions.
You’ll also receive all the essential tools to assemble this bike and perform regular basic maintenance, so no need to bring it to the shop every single time.
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8. Outroad 14-speed aluminum road bike
Currently not available
This aluminum road bicycle by Outroad is yet another cheap road bike that’s made of decent quality materials and gives you a great value for your money. It’s a guaranteed perfect fit for riders with a height range of 5’1” to 6’2”, and has a maximum load capacity of 220lbs.
The aluminum frame is strong, durable, and relatively lightweight, and the 26 inch 3-spoke rims give you a light and easy riding experience on 700X28c Roller Sport tires that have a long tread life.
It’s designed with 14 speed gears so you can successfully traverse every terrain, with a unique mechanism allowing you to quickly shift from one gear to another, so you can ride smoothly, comfortably, and easily at all times, even when you move from one terrain to another.
It also includes all the tools you’ll need for assembly and maintenance. You just need a bit of time to get used to the feel of the saddle so it’s not uncomfortable to ride on.
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9. Mercier galaxy SC1 aluminum road bike
I’ve got here one more durable road bike that’s highly suitable for daily commutes and high speed races. It’s made of a lightweight and durable aluminum frame in either black or white, and a taper blade chromoly fork that ensures a smooth ride and long-lasting bicycle.
The 14-speed front and rear Shimano derailleurs are stem mounted and smooth shifting, so you get a wider gear range while being easy to main. With this bike, you’ll be running on 700c double walled aluminum alloy rim wheels. Plus, the aluminum side caliper brake gives you a quick and effective stopping power.
This road bicycle features a sturdy aluminum alloy handlebar, and a comfortably padded saddle that is ergonomic. Simply put, it’s a road bike that is easy to assemble, ride, and maintain, and most importantly, affordable.
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Last but not the least, here is a simple, lightweight, durable, and affordable road bike that’s perfect for short and long commutes. Unlike the previous bikes on this list, this one’s a single speed fixed gear road bike, which is a charming quality in its own way.
If you’re looking for a road bike that gives you the purest form of riding, this is a stylish dream fixie road bike that’s smooth and easy to ride around town. It’s made of high quality materials, and is low maintenance.
This bike is designed with well-built, comfortable steel frame and fork, equipped with a flip flop rear wheel hub for a choice between freewheel or fixed gear riding, and comes with reliable front and rear brakes, and riser handlebars.
It also comes in a wide range of frame sizes and 14 different color and style options, so you’re sure to find a bike that perfectly fits your frame and personality.
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Cheap road bikes buying guide
Road bikes are great bicycles that keep you active and fit. They come in many different varieties and have lots of extra features, which is what makes them versatile and adaptable. However, it’s also what makes it difficult to choose a road bike that is perfect for you.
There are many different factors that affect how you should decide on what kind of road bike is best for you, including your fitness and cycling ability, where you live and plan on riding the bike, and the type of riding you are currently doing and are planning on doing in the future.
Of course, there’s also the concern of how much the bike costs. While quality should always be your top priority, that doesn’t mean that you have to spend lots of money on a great road bike. To help you out, here is a comprehensive buying guide to help you find a cheap road bike that offers the best quality and performance while staying within your budget.
What is a road bike?
First of all, what exactly is a road bike, and what makes it different from other types of bike? Here are the most common features of road bicycles to help you distinguish them:
Athletic design
Since the main purpose of a road bike is for active outdoor exercise, it’s designed in such a way that optimizes how you work out your muscles. The frame, saddle, and handlebar are typically lower than recreational bikes to help you move your muscles more actively, and to reduce your frontal profile against the wind.
Slim wheels
Another common feature of road bikes are their skinny wheels, which range from 23 to 28mm, with a few 30mm tires, and the even rarer but quickly becoming popular 33mm tires, which are both more oriented to build your endurance.
Multiple gears
Most road bikes are designed to feature multiple speed gears, shifters, and derailleurs, so you can use them on most terrains and road conditions. These seven to 24 gears allow you a wide range of efficient mobility and speed. That said, there are also some single speed road bikes available if you want a simple bike that lets you get in a healthy dose of exercise.
Drop bars
Curled shape drop handlebars are the most common style of handlebars for road bikes, although you can also find some flat handlebars if that’s more your thing. These drop bars to position your hand in the most comfortable manner while still giving you much needed control to maneuver your bike through difficult terrains.
No suspension
It’s rare for a road bike to feature suspension forks, since it’s mostly ridden on flat and even surfaces, with the exception of “all road” bikes, so you won’t really need the extra smoothness and comfort that a suspension offers. If you need that extra support, you can always opt for a wider tire.
What are the types of road bikes?
Moving on, road bikes are actually often categorized into three different types, depending on where and how it’s primarily designed to be used, from fun, recreational rides to high endurance rides on tough terrains.
Aero bike
If you want a road bike that’s built for speed and made for flat roads, you’ll need an aero bike. These road bikes feature deep section wheels and large tube profiles, as well as an integrated design, making them perfect for racing.
This unique aerodynamic geometry is engineered in such a way that gives you the least amount of drag possible so you can ride at high speeds, but it’s also what makes these bikes stiff, heavy, and somewhat difficult to maintain, especially since most of the components are hidden.
Lightweight bike
The most popular type of road bike is the lightweight bike, which is highly versatile and suitable for a variety of riding demands and conditions. The extremely lightweight frame of this type of road bike makes it high performing and delivers the most power transfer.
There are plenty of lightweight bikes that fall under 2.5lbs, making them perfect for cycle racing, and going up and down steep sloping hills. In fact, most of the road bikes I’ve included on this list are lightweight bikes.
Endurance bike
This road bike type is quickly becoming popular because of its comfortable and stable riding experience, especially since it’s designed with a relaxed geometry that enables a stable handling and comfortable riding.
Common features of an endurance bike are compact drivetrains, and more recently, disc brakes. It’s your best bet for entry level road bikes that are also suitable for sporting.
Fitness bike
There are also fitness or recreational bikes, which are primarily geared for comfort and practicality. These bikes are easy to ride, gives you a nice range of all-purpose use, and are perfect for beginner cyclists and those who want a bike for leisurely purposes.
Recreational bikes are easier to distinguish since they are made with flat handlebars, wide tires, and flat pedals, to name a few.
Touring bike
Contrary to recreational road bikes, touring bikes are made for long range cycling, so you can reach far distances at a sustainable riding performance. These bikes are comfortable and durable, and are typically heavier than other road bikes.
Touring bikes normally have 30mm tires, disc brakes, fenders, and racks. These are engineered to support heavy loads on an upright position, so you don’t easily get tired or strain yourself before you reach your destination.
All road bike
All-performance road bikes made to handle all sorts of terrains, roads, and weather conditions typically fall under the classification of all road bikes. These are extremely durable, have a wider tire clearance, and deliver a great performance all throughout.
These bikes are easy and comfortable to ride on gravel and rough roads, are equipped with disc brakes, and have lower gear ratios to help you ride easily.
Flat bar bike
Finally, there are also flat bar road bikes, which are essentially any road bike with a flat handlebar instead of a curled drop bar. Flat bar bikes pretty much deliver the same performance with other road bike types, so it’s mainly a matter of personal preference.
What are road bike frames made of?
The most important factor that determines what sort of road bike you’ll get is the material of the bike frame, since it affects its weight, durability, shock absorption, and more. Here are the most common bike frame materials for road bikes:
Carbon fiber
The only non-metal material used to build bike frames, carbon fiber is actually the strongest, most versatile, and most durable. It can be molded into any shape in order to optimize the bike’s strength, weight, and performance.
It’s quickly becoming the most popular choice of manufacturers when building bike frames and other bike parts, so it’s now somewhat affordable.
Aluminum
The most common bike frame material right now is aluminum, which is a strong yet lightweight metal, so you can get a fast, high performing, and durable bike that will last you for a long time.
Aluminum is really easy to work with, making it the most affordable choice of material, so most road bikes made with aluminum frames are on the cheap side.
Steel
Another metal material for bike frames is steel, which used to be the go-to choice by most manufacturers, since it typically has a high tensile strength, and is really durable. The only downside is that it’s stiff, not as shock absorbent, and difficult to work with, making it more expensive than other materials.
These days, steel bike frames are popular on classic, handcrafted, and bespoke bicycles.
Titanium
Finally, there is also titanium, which is comparable to carbon fiber since it’s also lightweight, strong, and durable. It’s also non-corrosive and rust resistant, but it’s hard to work with like steel, so it’s pricier.
Titanium bike frames are not as common nowadays, since they are mostly used on special, bespoke bikes.
What other factors should to consider before buying cheap road bikes
Aside from the type of bike, the material of the bike frame, and how you want to ride your bike, there are a couple of other important factors that you need to account so you can find the road bike that’s perfect for you.
Brakes
Most road bikes now feature disc brakes, which give you a great braking control and a more consistent power all throughout. They come in hydraulic and mechanical options, with the mechanical brakes requiring less maintenance. That said, rim brakes have been the longtime standard for road bike brakes, since they are simple and lightweight.
Wheels and tires
The type, size, and width of the wheels factor in to how easy the bike can be ridden, how optimum it is to ride on various terrains, as well as the comfort, convenience, smoothness, and overall riding experience.
Bike size
Finally, it’s important to get a road bike that fits you just the right way, meaning, you can sit on the saddle and ride the bike comfortably without straining yourself. An incorrect bike size is not only uncomfortable to ride, but also poses dangers and a heightened injury risk.
What’s your budget?
This one’s a no brainer, especially if you are looking for a cheap road bike. Road bikes come in a wide range of prices, from a little over a hundred dollars, to upwards of $7,000. So, it’s important to set a budget that works for you, and stick with it.
Most of the bikes on this list are under 300 dollars, and are great entry level road bikes for general purposes.
Final verdict: the best cheap road bike is…
The Eurobike EURXC550 21-speed road bike- it’s gorgeous, versatile, durable, and comes in a variety of frame size, wheel type, and color options, so you’re sure to find one that works for your frame, personality, and riding needs.
This Amazon Best Seller is a 21-speed road bike made of high tensile steel frame that can accommodate heavy loads of up to 300lbs, and features dual disc brakes.
I hope you were able to find the best cheap road bike for you with the help of this comprehensive review and buying guide. If not, let me know so I can help! Happy riding!