More and more people are jumping onto bikes as a fun, cheap and fit way to get around, but they don't want to spend a lot of money.
So what's your best option for bikes under $500? Should you buy online, purchase new from a bike shop, get a department store bike or buy second-hand? We give you the low down on the options. If you're buying your first bike since you were a kid or buying a second bike to keep your racing machine pristine, you don't need to spend a lot of cash to get something that will do the job well and give you years of faithful service.
Let's look at the main options in this price range.
Second-hand bikes under $500
Verdict: Can be a great value option if you know what you're doing and happy to take a few risks, as there's no after sales support, no warranty and no bike servicing options.
Second-hand bikes can be a good deal, especially if you're a competent bike mechanic. If you're able to service a bike and inspect an older bike for damage or disrepair, you may be able to find a great deal. Obviously, you won't be covered by any warranty, so if there are any problems you'll have to fix them yourself. The key things to check in second-hand bikes are the frame, consumable parts and then general level adjustment and condition.
If there's any rust, chips or bubbles in the paint of the frame, it could indicate that the frame has been crashed otherwise damaged. If the brake blocks, tyres or cables are stiff, rusted or cracked, they'll need to be replaced for safety. If the brakes don't feel right, or the gears don't shift well, you'll need to pay for a service, or do it yourself.
Keeping all of that in mind, good bikes can be found second-hand, just remember that it's 'buyer beware' - if you are not a confident mechanic you could be up for hundreds of dollars in servicing and parts to get the bike operational if you buy a dud.
Department store bikes under $500
Verdict: Cheap prices, generally poor quality. Difficult after sales support, no mechanical support and no bike servicing options.
You can buy a bicycle from some of the big department stores at super cheap prices. These kinds of bicycles are bought in the box directly from the store, with no mechanical support and a very low build quality. The use of ultra cheap steel parts means that these bikes are typically very heavy, with no-name components that don't last. Bikes from department stores are not designed by riders and are made purely to meet a cheap pricepoint.
They look like a bicycle, but their high weight and low quality and poor design choices mean that they're not fun to ride and probably do more to discourage people from continuing to cycle (even if they do help them start off). So it's best to steer clear of department store bikes.
Bike shop bikes under $500
Verdict: Not many options under the $500 mark as brands, distributors and bike shops all add margin to make a profit. Good after sales support & offer servicing.
Lots of bike shops can provide good value bikes for under $500. If they're an established business selling a good brand name, you can rest assured that the product will be reliable, with some kind of warranty and after sales service.
The key things to look for are quality alloy components, even on steel framed bicycles, and overall good fit and finish on the products. A loose ball bearing bottom bracket, stamped or pressed steel brakes and single wall rims are all signs that corners have been cut - and should be considered as red flags.
A sealed bearing bottom bracket, forged brake calipers and double walled wheel rims are all generally indicators of a good quality bike. Even if you don't know exactly what they are, they're what you should ask for! Ask your local bike shop to show you the difference.
Buying online bikes from Reid Cycles under $500
Verdict: Reid Cycles sell quality bikes direct to market, so we have a great range of bikes in the sub-$500 category. Reid Cycles offer helpful after sales support and the best bike warranty in the industry.
Reid Cycles has a large range of bikes under the $500 mark. They're inexpensive, because Reid Cycles designs, manufacturers, transports, distributes and sells it's own bikes. There are no extra middlemen adding to the cost - so all your money goes into buying a quality bike, rather than paying margins for intermediaries and advertising/sponsorships.
Good quality components from trusted brand suppliers such as sealed bearing bottom brackets, forged brakes and double wall rims can be found on even our entry level models as we want your bike to be easy to use and maintain for years to come.
