Top 10 Best Road Bikes Under $500 in 2014

In the bicycle niche, road bikes are among the most durable, reliable, and therefore, the most loved by speed craving cyclists. An array of brands and models are also attainable both offline and online, at various price ranges. If you are out shopping for a road bike, but having problems finding a good entry-level model that satisfies your needs, read on to learn about the top 10 brands under 500 dollars in 2014 that you should consider buying.

10. Denali Pro Road Bike by GMC

GMC’s Denali pro ranks tenth on our review of the top 10 best road bicycles under $500 in 2014. For those looking for a well-built, lightweight, and cost effective bicycle that you can use regularly, this model is the best. For instance, its 24-inch aluminium frame durable and light. Weight-capacity is also high, with a recommended height range of around 5.9 to 6.1-inches. To heighten its performance, GMC has lowered the weight further by adding slim 700c aluminium wheels laced with durable stainless steel spokes. Finally, its 16-speed fast-fire drivetrain and a Dual-pivot disk braking system are effective.

9. Imola Road Bicycle by Tommaso (Women)

The Imola road bicycle is a professionally assembled road bike for women. Its 6061 aluminium frame is light and designed specifically for women. Whether you like wearing shorts exercising and trousers or dresses when cycling to work, the Tommaso Imola’s curved frame design makes the bicycle easy to mount and maneuver, even on busy streets. The Tommaso for women saddle on the Imola is comfortable, while its precision components by Shimano and SunRace’s R-80 series shifters make scaling steep cliffs or tough terrain a breeze. You will never regret buying this bike.

8. GMC Denali Women’s Road Bike

Eighth on our review, the Denali women’s road bike by GMC is among the cheapest best models in the market in 2014. However, you do not sacrifice quality for price. The 19.5 straight-gauge 7005 aluminium material used to manufacture its frame is durable The traditional drop tube configuration of the frame also makes mounting and cycling a breeze. Other attributes that have won the hearts of many women globally are its quality front (Shimano FD-TZ 31 Index) and rear (Shimano RD-TZ30GS 7SPD) derailleurs, responsive handlebar-mounted shifters, and well-assembled Promax 501A Caliper Braking system that rarely fails. Its Cionlli saddle stays comfortable for long cycling sessions, while its Maesbend handlebars keep the body streamlined for faster cruising speeds. Fully assembled, this bike only weighs 25 pounds.

7. Nashbar Bull Single-Speed Road Bike

If you have experimented with several road bikes have but failed to find a model that satisfies all your needs, consider the Nashbar Bull single-speed bike. Though simple, it performs better that many high-end designs for many reasons. First, It has a durable and low-maintenance steel track frame, Chromoly fork for optimal handling, and streamlined multi-position bull horn handlebars. Unlike many traditional road bikes, its front crankset is smaller (40 teeth). Therefore, when you are cycling over long distances, it drives the 18-tooth rear crankset (18 teeth) faster, for greater acceleration and speed.

6. Diamondback Trace Sport Dual Sport Bike (2013)

The 2013 edition of the Thrace Sport Dual bicycle franchise by Diamondback ranks sixth on our review. Apart from the excellent reputation Diamondback has in the bike-making industry, many riders love this road bike because of its durability. First, its butted dual-sport aluminium frame is strong. Quality parts such as its double wall Sl-7 rims and 75mm travel fork also sturdy, and rarely fail over the life of the bicycle. Apart from its durability, many cyclists also love it for its reliability and overall performance. The rapid-fire Shimano shifters fitted on this bicycle accelerate it faster when cycling. Its Tektro Novela brakes are also responsive.

5. Giordano Libero Men’s Road Bike

Giordano is an accredited manufacturer of road bikes with many innovative models in its arsenal. The Libero bike, for example, is one of its best men’s designs retailing under 500 dollars. Because of its handcrafted aluminum frame, Libero is surprisingly light. Its 57.15 cm top tube design lowers weight further and makes the bicycle very easy to maneuver at high speeds. For faster acceleration and cruising ability, Giordano has fitted a 16-speed STI Shimano drivetrain with handlebar-mounted shifters on this bike and a bottle mount for storing water/ drinks, when cycling for long distances.

4. Phocus Men’s Road Bike by Schwinn

According to many user reviews published on the Internet, the Phocus drop bar bicycle by Schwinn is one of the best road bicycles retailing under under $500 for many reasons: first, because of its light and durable aluminium frame and road fork made of carbon fiber, it is agile and easy to maneuver. Its 14-speed full Shimano drivetrain and handlebar-mounted shifters that eases cycling. Finally, the high weight capacity and breaking power of this bike is impressive. Its high profile alloy rims have paired spokes for strength, while its Promax caliper breaks offer unmatched braking power.

3. Vilano 21-Speed Road Bike

The 21-speed Vilano is a quality entry-level road bike that is bestseller in many stores. Its aluminum frame is double-butted, durable, and light. it is also available in several sizes that are suitable for various body sizes and individuals who want to enjoy a personalized cycling experience. Its drivetrain is a 21-speed rapid-fire model by Shimano. Shifters are handlebar mounted for easier control, while its 700c wheels have strong double-walled alloy rims with machined sides and rustproof steel spokes. Off the box, this Vilano is among the easiest to assemble and weights a paltry 24 pounds when done.

2. Takara Kabuto Single-Speed Road Bike

Light and durable, the Kabuto single-speed bicycle ranks second best on our review. Apart for its professional-looking yellow and black paint job, this bicycle offers many interesting features for the price. For instance, its fork and Tig-welded steel frame are durable. Its alloy rims and hubs are also rustproof and durable, while its side-pull alloy brakes are efficient and low-maintenance. Like other road bikes on this list, the Kabuto single-speed is also easy to assemble and weighs in at only 25 pounds.

1. Single-Speed Urban Fixie Bike by Pure Fix Cycles

As per our review, the single-speed fixed-gear bicycle is the best model in 2014. It has a single-speed fixed gear for better control at high speeds. Because you do not shift many gears or multitask while trekking, you concentrate on cycling and as such, lower the risk of accidents or debilitating injuries. Its frame is made of Tig-welded steel material, while its 50mm wide deep-dish wheels with Kende tubes and tires improve traction. This heightens its safety at high speeds.