Commuting via a bicycle is a great way to travel as it holds several health benefits as well as providing you with an enjoyable experience.
What’s more, it poses a great way to kill two birds with one stone as you can get to work, or anywhere else, while giving your body some much- needed exercise. To ensure you find the right city bike for your own needs we compiled a list of the best city bikes under 500 dollars:
To ensure optimal performance and comfort, this bike incorporates 24 gears courtesy of Shimano Rapid Plus trigger shifters.
The rack is as fender ready as the rest of the aluminum core and a spring-loaded comfort saddle coupled with the absence of slip pedals make this bicycle one for the top-drawer category.
Pros
- Available in a red and blue iteration, the Raleigh Detour 2 Step Thru is an excellent city bike whose sleek frame is built to ensure an upright position for easy long distance travelling.
- The fork and frame are forged from lightweight aluminum making it agile but still capable of withstanding the extra weight of any additional luggage.
Cons
- The bike comes with much of the assembly work done for you, however, the remaining 15 % of the assembly chore can become challenging due to the complexity of some parts.
- You’ll incur additional charges when you decide to take the bike to a shop for assembly since self-assembly is quite tricky.
The Vilano Shadow 3.0 is another bearing the world-class trademark touch of Shimano which is evident on the braking system that features STI lever integrated shifters.
Its frame is made from aluminum while the wheelset is of the CST slick Tire class.
Pros
- The Vilano Shadow 3.0 has enormous braking power due to the ingenious Shimano braking system incorporated into the design.
- It attains admirable speeds as a result of the streamline design and lightweight structure.
Cons
- Installing the disc brakes is a cumbersome task.
- The seat is plastic and devoid of any cushioning.
The specs for this model include Kenda commuter tires, VP freestyle pedals and a single-speed/fixed gear track frame with horizontal dropouts and no toe overlap.
There are two sets of brakes for instantaneous stoppages and the recommended height for this make is 5’6″ to 5’9″.
Pros
- The Critical Cycles Harper has great flexibility due to a flip-flop hub that gives you the option of riding with a freewheel or a fixed one.
- The bike comes with all the requisite assembly and maintenance tools.
Cons
- There have been a number of complaints pertaining to problems in assembling the bike’s pedals.
- The frame is extremely light and susceptible to damage.
As the name would have it, this bicycle is littered with a number of first-rate Schwinn accessories namely the alloy crank, suspension fork and perhaps most notably, a 21-speed SRAM grip shifter.
The design is also imbued with 4 finger brake levers paired with alloy twist shifters.
Pros
- The presence of a Shimano derailleur makes traversing upward slopes a breeze
- The padded seat and handlebars are positioned so as to ensure an upright posture while the fender curtails dirt from getting to the rider.
Cons
- The bike is rather heavy compared to other city bikes hence can make long distance riding tiring.
- Chain slippage is a frequently occurring mishap with this make.
This model also manages to cut the mustard thanks to its assembly of sterling parts namely 700c alloy rims, a quick release seat clamp, a lightweight aluminum frame and a Shimano Tourney rear derailleur.
Pros
- The Kent Northwood Springdale has a smooth gear shifting uncharacteristic of models in this price range.
- The bike has a sturdy yet comfortable feel to it.
Cons
- The assembly instructions are unclear and not very helpful.
- The handlebars tend to loosen with time and hence need constant tightening.
The Stowabike V3 is a city bike built from robust steel that makes up the 20-inch frame which harbors 6 stage Shimano gears that ensure seamless transitions between speeds.
The built-in rack at the back is strong enough to carry heavy luggage while the large wheels are drawn from a durable rubber that can withstand the hardships of long distance travels.
Pros
- It is a folded bike which means you can fit it into small spaces- e.g. the trunk of your car- for mobility or in order to save limited storage space.
- The bike’s sturdy and durable exterior makes it one that’ll provide you with years of service.
Cons
- The seat is a bit high which can raise the bike hence the body too high thereby elevating your center of gravity so much so that it can cause instability especially whilst leaning.
- After folding the bike, reassembly can become challenging as you might need to realign the brake setup and handlebars.
Also a folding bicycle like its predecessor, this model runs on 20 by 1.75-inch tires and is powered by a Shimano shifter (6-speed) and derailleur which are kept in check by a partly alloyed rear and front V-brake.
It has a front handle stem that detaches easily much like the rest of the 20-inch frame.
Pros
- It is extremely sturdy unlike most folding bicycles which tend to a bit shaky or flimsy.
- It is easy on the eye and is a durable bike built for the long haul.
Cons
- The tires need frequent filling which could be down to a design flaw so you might need to get a pump of your own.
- The pedals also seem to get easily damaged and fall off so the bike might require regular servicing as a result.
A Few Final Words
There you have it folks, some of the best city bikes under 500 dollars. There seems to be a synonymous problem with assembly so before you take to the road with your newly acquired bicycle be sure to first get the green light from a reputable mechanic. Otherwise, you have very little else to worry about with these models.
Recently on The Winning Bike

5 Best Fans For The Peloton Bike (2020)
When it comes to seeing results the number one most important factor is performance. As funny as it sounds putting in the hard work doesn’t

Top 10 Hybrid Bike Brands
If you are planning to buy a hybrid bike, there are many brands you can choose from depending on your budget, taste, and preferences. However,

Best Women’s Cycling Gloves [2020]
There are multiple reasons to wear gloves when cycling, whether you are a hobbyist or a professional that competes in competitions. They are made up

Hybrid Bike vs. Cyclocross Bike | Which one Should I Get?
If you are going to ride a bike, then you must choose the model that is engineered to optimize the experience on your specific terrain.

Best Hybrid Bike Tires: Detailed Guide (2020)
If you want to make the most out of your cycling experience, you need the best hybrid bike tires. With the different models out there,

The Best Women’s Mountain Bikes Under $500 [2020]
Mountain biking is a great sport for those that want to mix an adrenalin rush with the great outdoors. With a top women’s mountain bike,

Top 5 Best Mens Commuter Bikes
Commuting with your bike is the best way to exercise and cuts transportation expenses thus saving you some money. This is why many people all

Diamondback cobra 24 review: Best for your Kids?
When selecting a bike for your children you don’t want to allow them to sell you on the glitz, glamour, and hip design. Sure, these

Do Tandem Bikes Go Faster Than Average Bikes?
Tandem bikes seem quite fun at first glance but don’t necessarily look or seem to be efficient. They seem to be dependant on both rides

Best Mountain Bike Helmets under 100
Cycling is a recreational activity millions of people enjoy. Visits to the canyon, mountain ranges, and forests are never complete without a few kilometers of

Best Kids Mountain Bikes 2020
Biking is a great and enjoyable way to spend time with your family. It provides several health benefits while enjoying what nature has to offer.

Top 5 Best Mountain Bike Trainers 2020
A mountain bike trainer is an invaluable tool for your training.If you can’t go outside because of snowy or rainy conditions, you’re still able to

Cheap Vs Expensive Bike Helmets: What’s The Difference?
First of all, a cheap helmet is not necessarily any less safe than an expensive helmet & an expensive helmet is not any safer than

SE Bikes Draft Lite Bike Review
Shopping for an everyday commuter bike? Our SE Bikes Draft Lite Bike Review of the 2016 bike model will help you determine if SE Draft

Can You Commute on a Mountain Bike?
When I was first interested in commuting all I had was a mountain bike & I decided to take it for a spin & see