8 Best Cheap Road Bikes In 2022

Last updated 24. June 2022

If you are looking for a bike to start your cycling journey, either for fitness or simply as a way to commute, then it is unlikely that you will want to spend a lot of money. At this early stage of cycling, you are unsure whether the habit will take and how often you will actually use your bike which is why many people want a cheap road bike.

There is a large variety of cheap but reliable road bikes that are available that can offer you miles of power, speed, and durability without the large price tag. As a beginner to cycling then it is likely that you will find your choices of cheap road bikes overwhelming.

We have researched the most popular and highest customer rated reviews to find the ten best cheap road bikes in 2022.

Related; road bikes under $1000.

View The Best Cheap Road Bikes Below

1. EUROBIKE Road Bike EURXC550 21 Speed 49

EUROBIKE Road Bike EURXC550 21 Speed 49

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This cheap road bike has a durable aluminum frame and has a disc brake system to provide a long-lasting, stronger stop. This stopping power is more precise than traditional V-brake systems seen in other bike models. It is fairly easy to assemble and comes with a lifetime warranty for the frame, making it a great value.

This cheap road bike comes in a range of colors and designs so it can be personalized to suit your personal tastes. It has a very smooth ride and can gather good speeds when on the roadside. The weight capacity and height limits are generously making this bike suitable for so many different riders.

Pros:
+ Disc brake system
+ Easy to assemble
+ Lifetime warranty
+ Color range
+ Smooth ride

Why We Liked It – This cheap road bike is durable, offers a smooth ride and has precise stopping power.


2. KENT GZR700 Road Bike

KENT GZR700 Road Bike

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The KENT GZR700 Road Bike may be affordable, but that doesn’t mean it compromises on quality. The frame is built around a tig welded, high tensile steel frame and fork which makes it durable and long-lasting. The stem shifters and reliable derailleurs provide smooth shifting through the 21-speed range.

The brake and alloy clippers allow you to stop quickly making this bike incredibly safe to ride, which is ideal for beginners. It has a sleek and streamlined body that is ideal for picking up speeds and staying balanced when on the road. This cheap road bike is equipped with a comfortable bike seat for long bike rides.

Pros:
+ Affordable
+ High-quality frame
+ 21-speed range
+ Quick break
+ Comfortable seat

Why We Liked It – This cheap road bike is ideal for beginners as it has a reliable brake system, streamlined body, and a comfortable seat.


3. Schwinn Phocus 1500 Flat Bar Road Bike

Schwinn Phocus 1500 Flat Bar Road Bike

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This cheap entry-level road bike has been made for quick and efficient riding. It has an aluminum fitness frame and a sport suspension fork to make it fast and reliable. The derailleurs provide precise shifting as you ride through the easy to reach trigger shifters. As it is easy to control, this bike would be great for beginner cyclists.

The mechanical disc brakes and levers supply a crisp and efficient stopping with every ride. This makes this cheap road bike ideal for the commute as it is safe to ride. This road bike is a sleek and stylish model that can make roadside cycling feel effortless.

Pros:
+ Quick and efficient
+ Fitness frame
+ Precise shifting
+ Easy to control
+ Crisp stopping

Why We Liked It – This cheap road bike is a sports model that offers an efficient and reliable ride on the roadside.


4. Giordano Rapido Single Speed Road Bike

The Giordano Rapido Single Speed Road Bike has a durable and high-quality steel frame and fork, which makes this bike long-lasting and ideal for repeated use. This frame and the horizontal dropouts are made to handle the abuse of a big city, which is why this is a great commuter bike.

This bike can be ridden on a fixed gear or with a standard freewheel due to the flip flop hub. The alloy road bike wheels and Kenda tires can handle a range of terrains and uneven roads. It has a sleek design and is best suited to male cyclists.

Pros:
+ Durable
+ High-quality frame
+ Made for commuters
+ Flip flop hub
+ Sleek design

Why We Liked It – This cheap road bike is a sleek model that is designed to withstand the pressures of a big city.


5. Giordano Libero Acciao Road Bike

The Giordano Libero Acciao Road Bike is a beautifully made road bike that is affordable. It has a hand-crafted high-tensile steel frame and light but strong wheels to offer a smooth, stable and reliable ride. This bike also features a precise 14-speed STI equipped drive train that is reliable and easy to control.

It is an incredibly high-quality bike that is certain to please beginners and professionals in cycling. This bike is ideal for long-term riding as it features a water bottle holder and comfortable handlebars. The large size of this bike is ideal for tall riders and is comfortable to control.

Pros:
+ Beautifully made
+ Durable
+ High-tensile frame
+ 14-speed
+ Precise

Why We Liked It – This road bike is high-quality, beautifully made and durable while still being affordable.


6. Schwinn Volare 1200 Men’s Road Bike

Schwinn Volare 1200 Men's Road Bike

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This cheap road bike is made for great speeds and comfortable riding, as it has an aluminum fitness frame and rigid fork. This makes the bike long-lasting, durable and ideal for repeated wear. This bike is comfortable to ride, even long distances, as it has flat-styled handlebars and a sport riding seat.

It has 21-speeds, Shimano rear derailleur and EZ Fire shifters which is some of the best in the business. Riders of this bike can rest assured that they are being taken care of by the world’s largest manufacturers of bike parts. The alloy pull brakes provide a controlled and quick stop, making this bike super safe to ride on the road.

Pros:
+ Comfortable bike
+ Fitness frame
+ Durable
+ Sport riding seat
+ Flat handlebars

Why We Liked It – This cheap road bike has been made to be incredibly comfortable and durable to ride.


7. Giordano Libero 1.6 Men’s Road Bike

This bike has been beautifully made and is handcrafted to have a lightweight yet durable aluminum frame. It features 16-speed shifters and derailleurs that are matched to the road compact crank to make climbing hills easier than ever before. The lightweight and strong aluminum wheels have good traction and offer a smooth ride on the road.

It features dual water bottle mounts to keep you hydrated on the go and is a great bike for weekend adventurers. This cheap road bike is attractive and has a sleek design making it suitable for so many different cyclists.

Pros:
+ Handcrafted
+ Lightweight
+ Durable frame
+ Compact crank
+ 16-speed

Why We Liked It – This road bike has great traction tires, a lightweight frame and is incredibly durable.


8. Schwinn Women’s Phocus 1600 700C Drop Bar Road Bicycle

This cheap road bike is a stylish and versatile model that makes roadside cycling incredibly easy, fun and efficient. If you want to try a different workout or a new commute, then this sleek bike is the one for you. It has a durable aluminum steel frame and carbon fiber fork which is lightweight and durable for a controlled ride.

It has a 16-speed drivetrain with Micro Shift integrated brake levers to offer smooth, controlled and fast gear changes. The shifter is located on the handles which make it easy to control even when riding. The tires are durable and offer smooth traction of the roadside.

Pros:
+ Stylish bike
+ Durable frame
+ 16-speed
+ Fast gear changes
+ Smooth traction

Why We Liked It – This stylish and versatile cheap road bike is lightweight, durable and easy to control on the road.


Cheap Road Bikes Buyers Guide

Cycling can be quite an expensive sport to get into. Whether you’re interested in it for the fitness or simply as an alternative way to commute, buying a bike can make a large dent in your bank balance. Of course, this doesn’t always have to be the case. There is a great range of cheap road bikes that are available.

This kind of bike still features high-quality technology, durable frames, and tough tires but they come at a considerably lower cost than other models. Cheap road bikes are ideal for beginners to cycling as they can make sure you feel comfortable and are equipped, without the pressure of having spent thousands of dollars on something that mightn’t work out.

When purchasing a cheap road bike, your budget may be covered, but there is a range of other features that you should look out for. Even though you are not spending much, you still want to make the most out of your money and your bike.

Frame Materials

The frame is the heart of any road bike which is why it is so important that you consider it carefully when shopping. This is where the majority of your budget will go. Bike frames can be made from a range of materials depending on their purpose. The most common types of bike frames are:

Steel: This is most commonly found on custom built bikes and touring models as it is a durable and beautiful material. It is heavier than aluminum and is incredibly comfortable to ride.

Aluminum: This is the most common material used for cheap road bike frames, It is inexpensive, durable and lightweight which is ideal for bikes that are to be ridden regularly.

Titanium: This kind of material is not as popular as steel or aluminum. It can be incredibly lightweight and durable, which is a great material for bikes. Titanium frames are also corrosion-resistant.

Another material that you may see mentioned in the makeup of cheap road bikes is carbon fiber. In some cheap road bikes such as the Schwinn Women’s Phocus 1600 700C Drop Bar Road Bicycle, this material is used in the fork, but it can be present in the bike frame too. Carbon fiber was once a very expensive material, but it is now being used for cheaper bikes due to how popular it is. You need to be mindful of the fact that some manufacturers of carbon fiber will be more durable and better suited to your needs.

Bike Size

When looking for the best cheap road bike for your needs, it is incredibly important that you consider the size. The size of a bike will determine how comfortable and easy it will be for you to ride. You should never choose a bike that is either too small or too large just because it has a good price tag. You can measure yourself for a bike at home or go into a bike store for advice.

There is a range of cheap road bikes throughout this review that comes in multiple sizes to suit a range of cyclists. The Retrospect Harper Coaster Fixie Style Single-Speed Commuter has perhaps the widest size range throughout this entire review, which is why it is a suitable bike for both men and women.

Your gender is also something that you might want to consider when looking for the right sized bike. Some bikes, like the Giordano Libero 1.6 Men’s Road Bike and the Schwinn Women’s Phocus 1600 700C Drop Bar Road Bicycle are specially made for either men or women. This means that their height, including the frame, saddle, handlebars, and brakes, have been adjusted to best suit the average size of either men or women.

In most cases, cheap road bikes are measured in centimeters, but this can differ between manufacturers. Some bikes throughout this review, like the Raleigh Bikes Cadent 1 Fitness Hybrid Bike, have sizes that are either small, medium or large which can be harder to determine.

It is always best for you to get yourself measured in store before purchasing a bike, especially if this is your first time on the road bike saddle. The most common standard of bike sizes determines that you should be able to stand over the frame with a couple of centimeters between you and the top tube.

Bike Components

There is a range of additional features that are included on cheap road bikes that can make all the difference to your purchase. If you are a beginner to cycling, then you may feel overwhelmed by all of the different technology that is involved. However, as a beginner, you should pay attention to the features that will make the ride more comfortable and easy.

The kind of components that are present on a cheap road bike will differ between manufacturers based on the purpose of the bike. For example, the Schwinn Volare 1200 Men’s Road Bike has a flat-style handlebar and a sports seat that makes it suitable for long distance riding and gathering speed on the road.

The Giordano Rapido Single Speed Road Bike features Kenda tires which are ideal for uneven terrains and uphill cycling. Some other areas to consider on a cheap road bike are the brakes, gear shifts, chain, and speed drivetrain. These will differ greatly depending on your ability and needs for your cheap road bike.

Wheels

Alongside the frame, the wheels are one of the most important parts of a cheap road bike. The wheels will determine how the bike rides as well as where it is able to be ridden. As all of the bikes throughout this review are made for the road, their wheels are quite similar.

In cheap road bikes, you can expect the tires to be lightweight as this makes them suitable for roads. The Giordano Libero Acciao Road Bike has light but strong wheels that can gather great speeds and offer smooth traction on the roads. Some tires may be better suited to uneven terrains or uphill cycles.

Cheap Road Bike Questions

In order to find the best cheap road bike for your needs, there are going to be some areas you need more information on. As cycling is such a popular yet strangely complicated sport, many customers have questions about what to look for.

What is a road bike?

A road bike is a specially designed bike that is made to be ridden on smooth pavements, sidewalks or roads instead of rocky or uneven terrains. Road bikes are quite similar to those that are used in bike racing as both are designed to pick up great speeds.

There are some significant features that you will notice in a road bike that may not be present in any other model:

– Narrow, high pressure and smooth tires
– Bent or dropped handlebars
– Typically use derailleur gears although fixed speeds do exist
– Disc brakes or rim brakes are used
– Lightweight frame

Road bikes can be used for professional racing, the work commute or as a simple beginners bike. They are easy to maintain, comfortable to ride and durable.

How cheap is a road bike?

Although it is common knowledge that good quality costs a lot of money, there is a range of cheap road bikes that are available. In the cycling industry cheap refers to any bike that is under $1000. Depending on how much you are willing to spend on a bike, the quality and kind of features that you can expect will differ.

Want to find a cheaper bike? Try a beginner road bike under $500.

Conclusion

If you are a beginner to cycling, then the high costs of bikes and accessories that this sport requires is likely to turn you off. However, it is not required for you to spend so much money on a bike. There is a great range of cheap road bikes available that are still high-quality, durable and lightweight without making a huge dent in your bank balance.

Cheap road bikes are typically priced under $1000 and are a great way to bring the joys and convenience of cycling to more people. Cheap road bikes are typically used by commuters due to how efficient and comfortable they are.

Everyone wants to get the most for their money and thankfully cycling is no longer excluded from this mindset. It is possible to get a good quality, long-lasting, durable and comfortable road bike at an affordable price, making cycling suitable for any and everyone.

Did You Know?

Road bikes and racing bikes are very similar in their design, and both are made for speed.

Expert Tip

A cheap road bike is anything under $1000, and you don’t have to compromise on quality.

Key Specs

Cheap Road Bikes Size Weight Men/ Women
EUROBIKE Road Bike EURXC550 21 Speed 49 – B07DK911J1 49 – 54 cm 41.5 pounds Mens
KENT GZR700 Road Bike – B01CUUWXTI 54 cm 31.2 pounds Mens
Schwinn Phocus 1500 Flat Bar Road Bike – B01MYGPE6S 17-19 inch 37.5 pounds Women’s
Retrospect Harper Coaster Fixie Style Single-Speed Commuter – B0184JRFVU 43 – 61 cm 30 pounds Unisex
Giordano Rapido Single Speed Road Bike – B004V36FW4 Medium, Large 21 pounds Men’s
Giordano Libero Acciao Road Bike – B01M9DL9A5 Small, Medium, Large 28.9 pounds Men’s
Schwinn Volare 1200 Men’s Road Bike – B00P0IN13K One size 42. 3 pounds Men’s
Giordano Libero 1.6 Men’s Road Bike – B00OJX8XV2 Small, Medium, Large 29.7 pounds Men’s
Schwinn Women’s Phocus 1600 700C Drop Bar Road Bicycle – B00AWNI1RO 16 inches 30 pounds Women’s
Raleigh Bikes Cadent 1 Fitness Hybrid Bike – B0753HT1PB Medium, Large, X-Large 26.4 pounds Unisex

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