A road bike can be a great way to get out, explore local paths and roads, and get a great workout. Road bikes are both fast and fun. The price range for a road bike can vary greatly, from as little as a few hundred dollars to as much as $10,000 or more.
Buying a new road bike doesn’t have to break the bank. There are some excellent affordable road bikes out there for under $500. This guide will help you find the best women’s road bike under 500 dollars and the best entry-level road bikes.
(Top photo by Matt Saling on Unsplash)
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Table of Contents
- Road Bike Comparison Chart
- What are the Different Kinds of Bikes?
- Road Bike Buyer’s Guide
- Top Pick for Best Women’s Road Bike Under 500 Dollars
Top Pick for Best Women’s Road Bike Under 500 Dollars:
Road Bike Comparison Chart
| Best Road Bikes | Features | Price |
| Vilano Shadow 3.0 Road Bike | -Lightweight aluminum Aero frame -Integrated brake lever shifter -14 speeds -Integrated headset and internal cable routing -Water bottle cage mount. | Click For Price |
| Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike 21 Speed 700c | -Lightweight double-butted aluminum frame -21 speeds -Thumb shifters -Alloy caliper brakes -Quick-release seat and wheels | Click For Price |
| Schwinn Volare Mens and Womens Hybrid Road Bike | -Alloy crank with double chainrings -Alloy caliper brakes -Shimano 14-speed integrated shifter and brake lever combo -Front and rear Shimano Derailleurs -Comes with a limited lifetime warranty | Click For Price |
| Eurobike Dual Disc Brake XC550 Road Bike | -21 speeds -Dual mechanical disc brakes -High-carbon steel frame -SHIMANO TZ50 rear derailleur | Click For Price |
| Giordano Aversa Aluminum Road Bike | -14 speeds -Aluminum frame -Alloy dual-pivot brakes -Caliper brakes | Click For Price |
| Giordano Libero Aluminum Road Bike | -Lightweight aluminum frame -Kickstand -16 speeds -Shimano Claris STI Shifters -Rear derailleur -Caliper brakes | Click For Price |
| Vilano Diverse 3.0 Performance Hybrid Road Bike | -hybrid bike -Aluminum frame -24 speeds -Disc brakes -Flat Handlebars | Click for Price |
What are the Different Kinds of Bikes?
What is a road bike?
Road bikes are best for riding on paved surfaces, such as roads (hence the name). They often have a lightweight frame and they feature thinner tires when compared to other types of bikes. They also often feature drop handlebars, which can take some getting used to if you are not used to them. Road bikes are best known for being aerodynamic and attaining high speeds, in large part due to their light frame and thin tires. A road bike is most commonly used as a racing bike.
Click here for the latest prices on road bikes
What is a hybrid bike?
A hybrid bike is a hybrid of a road and mountain bike. It often features a pretty light frame, though it is usually heavier than a road bike. It also features thicker tires than a road bike, but thinner than a mountain bike. The handlebars on a hybrid bike are generally straight and provide a lot of comfort and control. A hybrid bike is ideal for paved surfaces but can handle gravel, small rocks, and similar rougher surfaces.
Click here for the latest prices on hybrid bikes
What is a mountain bike?
A mountain bike features the thickest and most durable tires, and it is ideal for rough terrains, including rocky trails. It also features a heavier frame than a road or hybrid bike. As a result of these features, it is also the slowest bike.
You can learn more about my top recommendations for the Best Mountain Bikes Under $1000!
Click here for the latest prices on mountain bikes
What is a cruiser bike?
A cruiser bike is also known as a motorbike or beach bike. It features balloon tires and an upright riding position, which is different from the forward tilt of the road bike and hybrid bike. It also features a single-speed drivetrain and sturdy steel construction. Cruiser bikes have a lot of style and personality. The bike tends to be heavier in weight than a road bike or hybrid bike, and it is best for casual and vacation bike rides.
Click here for the latest prices on cruiser bikes
What is an urban bike?
An urban bike is also known as a city bike, a utility bike, a classic bike, and other names. As the name implies, it is best for short, frequent trips along relatively flat, paved urban terrain. They are more geared toward comfort and practicality, rather than speed.
Click here for the latest prices on urban bikes
What is an electric bike?
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are much newer than other kinds of bikes, and they are becoming more and more popular. They tend to be the most expensive bikes. They feature an electric motor that helps the bike move faster without the need to pedal faster or harder. They are powered by a rechargeable battery and can go up to 28 mph or faster.
Click here for the latest prices on electric bikes
Road Bike Buyer’s Guide
When figuring out what bike is best for you, there are certain questions to ask yourself before buying a bike:
What is your budget?
Bikes come in a wide range of prices, from as little as a few hundred dollars, to $10,000 or more. Figure out what your budget is to help zero in on the best bike for you. This guide will give you some excellent options for road bikes under $500.
Where are you going to be using the bike?
This will play a part in determining what kind of bike is best for you. If you will be primarily riding on asphalt, sidewalks, roads, or other flat surfaces, a road bike, hybrid bike, urban bike, or cruiser bike will probably be best. If you are planning to ride on rocky paths and terrain, a hybrid or mountain bike will be the best choice. If you are planning on taking casual weekend or vacation bike rides, a cruiser bike is a great choice.
How fast do you want to ride the bike?
Road bikes and e-bikes are the fastest bikes, hybrids are generally a little slower, and cruiser bikes and mountain bikes tend to be the slowest. Determining how fast you want to ride the bike will help you decide what bike is best for you.
What features do you want for your bike?
Ask yourself if you want extra accessories like a basket or rack for carrying items, a water bottle holder, or a kickstand. These can be a matter of personal preference and can help determine what will be the best bike choice for you.
Buying a Road Bike Online
When buying a road bike online, the bike will require some assembly when it arrives. You can assemble the bike yourself, pay for assembly when ordering the bike, or you can take it to a local bike shop for help with assembly. It’s also a good idea to bring the bike to a local shop to have them assist with any adjustments or check-ups.
Also, many of the bikes come in different sizes, depending on your height. Make sure to choose the best fit for you. When purchasing a bike online, many models come with sizing charts to help you figure out the best size for you.
Top Pick for Best Women’s Road Bike Under 500 Dollars
Vilano Shadow 3.0 Road Bike
| Bike Type | Road Bike |
| Weight | 29.5 pounds |
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Brakes | Caliper |
| Speeds | 14 |
| Shifters | Integrated Brake Lever Shifters |
The Vilano Shadow is a top pick for the best beginner road bike. It features a lightweight aluminum Aero frame and an integrated brake lever shifter. It has 14 speeds and an integrated headset and internal cable routing. It also includes a water bottle cage mount. The Vilano Shadow offers a smooth ride for commuters and casual riding.
| Pros | Cons |
| Handles commutes well | May require adjustments at a local bike shop |
| Pretty easy assembly | Brakes can be slow to react |
| Comfortable seat | 14 speeds is less than other options |
| Can handle long distances | |
| Lightweight |
Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike
| Bike Type | Road Bike |
| Weight | 27 pounds |
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Brakes | Alloy caliper |
| Speeds | 21 |
| Shifters | Shimano A050 Thumb Shifters |
The Vilano R2 Commuter bike is another great bike option from Vilano. The bike features 21 speeds with thumb shifters and a lightweight Double Butted Aluminum Frame. The brakes are alloy caliper. The bike also features a quick-release seat and wheels to easily fold it into your car for travel. One recommendation, though, is to upgrade the tires after purchasing, because the delivered tires are prone to getting flats easily.
| Pros | Cons |
| Smooth shifters | Tires may require upgrade |
| Easy assembly | Seat may require upgrade |
| Nice appearance | More of a commuter bike than true road bike |
| Good customer service for new parts |
Schwinn Volare Mens and Womens Hybrid Road Bike
| Bike Type | Road Bike |
| Weight | 28 pounds |
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Brakes | Alloy caliper |
| Speeds | 14 |
| Shifters | Shimano integrated shifter |
The Schwinn Volare Hybrid Road Bike is a great value from the famous American bike company. It is a good road bike alternative to the more expensive Schwinn Phocus. The bike has 14 speeds, an alloy crank with double chain rings, and alloy caliper brakes. At 28 pounds, the bike is on the heavy side. The Schwinn also features a Shimano 14-speed integrated shifter and brake lever combo and front and rear Shimano Derailleurs. The bike also comes with a limited lifetime warranty for as long as you own the bike, which is a nice plus.
| Pros | Cons |
| Comes with limited lifetime warranty | 14 speeds is not as many as other models |
| Easy assembly | Weak brakes |
| Quick release tires | Thin tires |
| Easy to use Shimano brakes and shifter |
Eurobike Dual Disc Brake XC550 Road Bike
| Bike Type | Road Bike |
| Weight | 36.4 pounds |
| Frame | High-carbon steel frame |
| Brakes | Dual-mechanical disc brakes |
| Speeds | 21 |
| Shifters | Shimano A050 gear shifter |
The Eurobike Dual Disc Brake XC550 Road Bike is another great value option. It features 21 speeds, dual mechanical disc brakes, Shimano Tourney derailleur, and Shimano A050 gear shifter. It has a high-carbon steel frame, which makes it sturdy, but heavier than a typical road bike. It is another great option for its price point.
| Pros | Cons |
| Sturdy high-carbon steel frame | Steel frame does make it heavier |
| Nice sleek appearance | Cheap plastic seat |
| Excellent price point | Brakes may need adjustment |
| Easy assembly |
Giordano Aversa Aluminum Road Bike
| Bike Type | Road Bike |
| Weight | 33.6 pounds |
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Brakes | Alloy dual pivot caliper |
| Speeds | 14 |
| Shifters | Shimano 14 Speed stem shifters |
The Giordano Aversa Aluminum Road Bike is another good entry-level bike at an affordable price. It features 14 speeds, an aluminum frame, high tensile steel fork, 700c wheels, alloy rims, and alloy dual-pivot caliper brakes. Some negatives with this bike are that the seat and handlebars are not as comfortable, though they can be changed out. The instructions to put the bike together are also hard to follow.
| Pros | Cons |
| Lighweight | Instructions hard to follow |
| Smooth ride | Seat and Handlebars not as comfortable |
| Nice appearance | Brakes are not as good |
| Good entry level bike |
Giordano Libero Aluminum Road Bike
| Bike Type | Road Bike |
| Weight | 33.85 pounds |
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Brakes | Alloy dual pivot caliper |
| Speeds | 16 |
| Shifters | Shimano Claris STI Shifters |
The Giordano Libero Aluminum Road Bike features a lightweight aluminum frame and a kickstand, which some of the other discount models do not include. It has 16 speeds, Shimano Claris STI Shifters, rear derailleur, and caliper brakes. The bike offers a comfortable ride thanks to smooth Shimano shifters. It is another solid choice for a beginner road bike.
| Pros | Cons |
| Smooth shifters | Higher price point |
| Comes with a kickstand | Wear and tear can occur quickly |
| Easy assembly | Will likely require adjustments |
Vilano Diverse 3.0 Performance Hybrid Road Bike
| Bike Type | Hybrid Bike |
| Weight | 26.5 pounds |
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Brakes | Disc brakes |
| Speeds | 24 |
| Shifters | 3/8 Speed |
The Vilano Diverse 3.0 is technically a hybrid bike rather than a road bike, but it comes at a great price and it is an excellent entry-level option. It features an aluminum frame, 24 speeds, and disc brakes. The handlebar is flat rather than curved, which can be easier to handle for newer riders. It is a great option for handling steep hills as well.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy assembly | Seat is not comfortable |
| Solid bike for price point | Some cheap components |
| 24 speeds | Some issues with shifting |
| Lightweight | |
| Good brakes |
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