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Cycling to work or around the park is possibly one of the healthiest and fun activities out there. You don’t have to splurge on a commuter bike as you might for a mountain bike. Read below for our reviews of best commuter bike under 500 for the best cycling experience in your city:
Table of Contents
Best Value Commuter Bike for Buyers on a Budget
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Commuter bikes do not have to be fancy. What most riders want from a good commuter are durability and smooth cruising. If you are on the lookout for a simple but smooth ride, the Pure Fix Original is a good place to start looking.
For a highly budget-friendly price, this model offers the following perks:
Lightweight frame, durable build, and multiple sizes.
The Pure Fix comes in multiple sizes starting from 1.69" (4.3 cm) and going up to 2.52" (6.4 cm). These sizes accommodate riders 4' 11" (1.5 m) in height to 6' 6" (1.98 m).
The frame is made from Tig-welded high tensile steel. That’s quite sturdy and durable for this price range. The frame sports the classic commuter bike geometry, so you can ride this as any older urban model.
The bike is surprisingly lightweight too. Depending on the size, the weight is between 22 (9.98 Kg) to 25 pounds (11.34 Kg). That’s light enough to carry the bike if needed.
It’s a single-speed fixie model, so that means you can’t use this to coast. But this model offers a very convenient ride, making it probably the best urban bike under 500 for casual riders.
Plus:
While some may not like the fixie build, the single-speed drive train is very easy to maintain. Compared to multi-speed models, taking care of the Pure Fix is a breeze.
While you can expect a relatively smooth ride for a fixie bike, we weren’t big fans of the seat. It’s well-positioned but could have done with more padding to make it more comfortable.
Regardless, this bike looks quite fashionable. The model is available in bright, eye-popping colors. You won’t have to worry about riding a drab, black junk heap to work.
Pros:
• Durable build given the price
• Supports a range of heights
• Stylish design
• Smooth rides
• Easy to maintain
Cons:
• Can’t coast on a fixie
• Saddle could be more comfortable
Best Foldable Commuter
If you love cycling in the city, then you can’t deny the convenience of a foldable bike. These bikes are the most convenient to carry up the subway stairs or on the bus.
The ZiZZO is an affordable commuter bike that comes with the benefit of fold-ability. Weighing 28 pounds (12.7 Kg), it’s not the most lightweight commuter out there. But it offers benefits like:
A 7-speed Shimano drive train, alloy frame, and front and rear V-brakes.
If you are buying this bike for its foldability, here a fun fact:
The alloy stem of the bike is single folding. This bike folds in a matter of seconds. The pedals also fold. High-quality alloy clamps hold everything together.
We were impressed by how small it folds as well. When folded, this bike is 27 inches (68.58 cm) in height, 31 inches (78.74 cm) long, and 12.5 inches (31.75 cm) wide.
What’s more:
You can adjust the seat post to match a comfortable riding height. This will be convenient for riders who experience back pain.
Do note that while the seat post is adjustable, the handles are not. So short riders may find it difficult to reach the handlebars.
This folding commuter is comfortable to ride, thanks to the saddle. It is wide and well-cushioned. The seat is a magnet catcher as well to hold the folded frame together.
Overall, this is a convenient and easy-to-use a commuter bike for those living in small apartments with minimal storage space.
Pros:
• Folds small
• Easy folding
• Adjustable seat post
• Single folding stem
• Comfortable saddle
Cons:
• Handlebars might be too high for short riders
• Not the most lightweight
Best Budget Commuter Bike for Women
One of the biggest challenges of choosing a bike as a woman has to do with height. Bicycles are only safe to ride if your feet touch the ground when you brake. As most models are designed with 28-inch (71.12 cm) standard wheels intended for taller men, women who tend to be shorter feel left out.
If you are a female rider who has encountered this issue when shopping, the sixthreezero Evryjourny might be the solution you are looking for. This bike model comes with slightly smaller 26-inch (66.04 cm) wheels, intended to accommodate women whose heights are between 5’ 4” (1.63 m) to 6’ 5” (1.96 m).
There’s more:
If you are a shorter than average woman, this model comes with a 24-inch (60.96 cm) wheel version as well. It can accommodate women who are 4’3” (1.3 m) to 4’ 11” (1.5 m) tall.
That’s not all:
The Evryjourny supports an upright sitting style as seen with classic beach cruiser bicycles. You can peddle forward without leaning in.
The upright riding position is exactly what one needs for cycles around the city. It will also most likely help riders with back issues cycle more comfortably.
Speaking of comfort, this bike has a wide, cushiony saddle. It absorbs shocks wonderfully and holds very well on long journeys.
The bike comes with 7-speed Shimano gears for the 26-inch (66.04 cm) wheel version. The 24-inch (60.96 cm) version only has 3 speeds. In either case, you can use the bike for more than what a single-speed fixer is capable of.
While this model holds up without big issues, for the most part, we did notice the following problem:
Durability. The frame and wheels are well built. But some of the peripheral parts were plastic and easily came off.
Other than that, this sixthreezero is a great option for women cyclists looking for leisurely commutes.
Pros:
• Comfortable saddle
• Upright riding position
• Accommodates a wide range of heights
• Multi-speed gears
Cons:
• Some parts are not durable
Best Budget Fixie
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Fixies are the “keep it simple” bikes. The Mantra V2 is about simple as a commuter bike can get, and comes with an affordable price tag.
To be sure, this fixie isn’t much to look at. It’s mostly a hunk of black and grey metal. However, it does offer an important feature for a bike of this type:
A Tig-welded, hand-built steel frame.
Any fixie bike needs a powerful and durable frame to speed as intended. And this model’s got one.
Plus:
Instead of the usual single break for fixies, this model comes with two, one each at the front and the rear. This makes the bike extra safe, especially for those who are used to coasting.
This bike has 28-inch (71.12 cm) wheels. But what’s special is the tires. They are extra wide than those usually found in commuter bikes. So you get more traction and more balance while you speed down the lanes.
Something to be cautious about:
Unlike most branded bikes, this fixie does not come with a manufacturer’s guarantee. So remember to buy this in the right size. You might not get a replacement once you purchase it.
This fixie doesn’t offer anything fancy but has all the features you would need at this price range. This model might suit those who are looking for an affordable and convenient fixie for city cycling.
Pros:
• Strong steel frame
• Double brakes
• Wider than usual tires
Cons:
• No guarantee
Best Commuter Bike for Fitness
Urban bikes are not just for commuting. Most cyclists prefer to double commuters as fitness bikes too. If you are looking for a well-rounded commuter for traveling, leisure, and exercise purposes, this Huffy might fit your needs.
Design-wise, it mixes the best features of a commuter with that of a speedier road bike. You will get features like these:
A lightweight alloy frame perfect for cruising, and all-terrain tires.
The tires are wider than usual and can handle any manner of urban environment except deep mud. This bike has a 7-speed drive train, which means you can speed and coast as you like.
Then there’s this:
The saddle is comfortable. It’s wide and doesn’t cut into your rear on long rides. Commuter bikes are not known for comfortable seating so this is a perk.
The lightweight frame is backed by a 10-year warranty by the manufacturer too. The build quality is surprisingly durable, making this one of the best city bikes under 500.
It doesn’t come with a rack attached but like almost all other commuter bikes on this list, you can attach one manually.
Some downsides are inevitable at this price range, like these:
The bike cannot backpedal, even with all those gears. Also, the seat is not adjustable, which means that it’s very important to pick the right size for you.
Other than the above, this model doesn’t have major problems. Generally speaking, we loved the specs given the price range and the smooth rides this model offered.
Buying a commuter bike isn’t rocket science. Still, it would help to be aware of the following:
No matter how great the commuter bike model you choose is, if it’s not the right height for your frame, then it simply won’t work. Most bike models come in different sizes to suit riders of varying heights. Before you purchase a commuter, make sure you check the sizing chart and choose the model designed for your height. You can also check the height of the seat post as well, just to be sure.
Comfy bike saddles that cushion your behind is a must for riders who want to avoid sores and similar problems after a long day riding. Unfortunately, most budget commuters don’t come with comfortable seating.
The saddle is usually where manufacturers compromise to keep the price down. Therefore, most budget-range models tend to have stiff saddles that are just uncomfortable on long rides. There are notable exceptions of course.
However, don’t let a bad saddle stop you from buying an otherwise great bike. You can always replace the saddle if you like. But you can’t replace bad parts with genuine ones. So if the bike frame, drive train, and gears are authentic, prioritize these.
The frame is important. There aren’t that many choices here. You either get a steel frame or an alloy frame at this price range. Alloy is lightweight and durable, so it would be our choice.
That’s not to say steel frames are bad. Steel frames tend to be sturdy and rigid. However, they also tend to weigh more than alloy.
Carbon frames for commuter bikes do exist, but not necessarily in the budget range. In any case, carbon makes bikes heavy so you might want to avoid it.
You may notice that some commuter bikes are available as single-speed, fixed-gear “fixie” bikes, while others are available with multiple gearing options. There’s a reason for this.
Multi geared bikes allow you to control the speed of the bike with the shifters during rides. Single-speed bikes don’t have speeding options. You have to control the speed solely by manual pedaling.
Multispeed bikes also allow you to “coast.” That is, the bike moves forward even when you don’t pedal, thanks to the drivetrain. Fixie bikes don’t offer this option. The bike stops still when you stop pedaling.
Fixie bikes are traditionally used in winter in the city. In the old days, these bikes came with frames that could last the colder seasons. These days, most commuter bikes are weather-resistant so you don’t have to buy a fixie for the winter separately.
Urban commuters still prefer fixie bikes for the pedaling versatility these models offer. They are also lightweight and good for speeding. So if you are in the market for a cheap but fun leisurely cruiser, don’t overlook the fixies.
Unlike other types of bikes, commuter bikes usually come with attachments. Mainly, you can attach a rack or a basket to the rear or front of the bike.
Not all commuter bikes offer this option, so it’s important to always check the product description for this feature. Sometimes the rack isn’t included, you have to manually attach it. Still, make sure the bike comes with the brackets to attach racks.
Rider position is not something that most buyers think of when shopping for commuter bikes. Keep in mind that different bike models offer either upright or lean-forward rider positions.
The upright position is common with most urban bikes. It allows for a more leisurely and comfortable ride.
But if you want to speed down the lanes on your commuter bike, you might want to aim for a frame that allows leaning forward on the bike.
Neither is better than the other. Still, some cycling positions are better depending on what you expect to do on your bike.
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Choosing the right commuter bikes would hopefully be easier now that you have gone through our reviews. As always, pick the model that best suits your needs
