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If you’ve been planning to buy a bike, this is the sign that you should finally do it. Aside from being an eco-friendly alternative to commuting, road cycling can also give you the exercise you need to stay fit and healthy. And that goes to show what a great investment it would be.
The thing is, a lot of people hold back on buying a decent bike because of the misconception that they are expensive. While some do come with a steep price tag, there is a wide range of cheap road bikes under $300 that are already of great quality.
And if you need help in looking for the best road bikes under $300 tight budget– then this article is for you.
When it comes to affordable yet high-quality road bikes, Vilano is a name that we trust. That’s why it’s no surprise that the Vilano Tuono T20 is one of the first budget bikes we’ve named on this list.
Coming from a brand like Vilano, we had so much to expect from this quality road bike. And fortunately enough, it exceeded our expectations.
The Vilano Tuono T20 has a double-butted aluminum frame, which makes it incredibly lightweight. As a result, cycling and maneuvering this bike have been a breeze. Navigating through obstacles and bumpy roads has never been easier.
Also, we have to note that the frame’s construction is also quite durable. While aluminum is known for being lightweight, the double-butted design makes it extremely sturdy, and that offers excellent support and stability. You don’t have to worry about it falling apart anytime soon.
Speaking of stability, the Vilano Tuono T20 is fitted with a pair of 700c double-walled wheels. We enjoyed its comfortable cushioning, so we barely felt any impact from the road while we’re driving. And at 29 inches tall, we think this is the perfect introductory bike for teenagers and petite riders.
While we’re on the subject of comfort, the Tuono T20 also comes with a soft padded seat that offers decent bottom support to keep us in the best position while riding. And that’s not bad for an affordable road bike.
But, perhaps one of the most interesting characteristics that this affordable bike has to offer is its 21-speed Shimano gear system. To be honest, we didn’t think that it lived up to its promise of 21 speeds, but we were instantly impressed when we gave it a try.
The A050 shifters are conveniently located in the handlebar, so switching between gears was hassle-free. This is also the ideal shifter location for beginners, but the speed offered is definitely for more experienced riders. Nevertheless, this goes to show that the Vilano Tuono T20 is one quality bike that you can improve your riding skills with.
But as impressive as it is, you have to assemble this unit on your own. While we didn’t have a problem with setting it up – since the instructions are straightforward and easy to follow – we think others with no assembly experience might have a hard time. In this case, we recommend absolute beginners to have this bike assembled by a professional to ensure your safety as well.
Overall, we are quite impressed by the Vilano Tuono T20. It’s fast, it’s comfortable and really effortless to operate. That makes it a top contender for the best 300-dollar road bike.
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The Hiland 700C Racing Bicycle is another top contender for the best road bike under 300 dollars. If you prefer easy assembly over anything else, then this unit is an excellent choice for paved roads.
One of the reasons why we included this on the list is its hassle-free assembly. This cheap road bike is already about 85% assembled, so there’s not much to do once you get it. The assembly tools are also included in the package, so there’s no need to look for them separately. It only takes a few minutes, so you can start enjoying your new bicycle as soon as you get it.
Aside from being effortless to assemble, the Hiland 700C Racing Bicycle also boasts impressive durability. when we think of preassembled bicycles, we often think of toy bikes that tend to fall apart easily. That’s not the case for this unit at all.
Surprisingly, this bike has a hi-ten steel frame, so you’re assured of its stability, endurance and sturdiness. It also has a steel fork that offers impressive support for the frame and wheels, so you don’t have to worry about accidents due to the fork falling apart. And that is quite impressive.
We must also mention that the Hiland 700C is fitted with the premium 14-speed Shimano Gear system. This offers a smooth transition between each gears, and that allows for fast acceleration and steady performance. Being a thumb shifter, you don’t have to move your hands around to make changes, and that makes it perfect for beginners.
The Hiland 700C Racing Bicycle comes in four frame height options: 50 cm, 52 cm, 54 cm, and 58 cm. As a result, this makes it perfect for anyone between 5 feet and an inch tall to 6 feet and 2 inches tall. And since it’s so easy to use, even beginners who are at least 12 years old and above can comfortably ride this unit.
The only downside we can think of this unit is that it is quite heavy. Because of its steel construction, this bike is a little on the heavy side, so it may not be the best for urban roads with a lot of uphill climbs. Nevertheless, it’s still simple to maneuver, so it’s not such a big problem.
All things considered, the Hiland 700C Racing Bicycle is a reliable unit that’s sturdy and well-balanced. That makes it easy to ride – and perhaps one of the best beginner road bikes under $300.
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Vilano proves to be a trusted brand when it comes to affordable yet highly functional quality bikes since the third item on this list is the Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike. If you’re looking for a speedy road bike that can be used as a commuting alternative, then this is the best option for you.
Like the Vilano Tuono T20, the R2 Commuter has an aluminum body that makes it lightweight and highly maneuverable. We tested it on an uphill slope and were able to power through it with no problem, thanks to its lightweight frame.
While the frame is lightweight, you’d be surprised by how sturdy it’s built. It felt really sturdy, and the frame was quite stable throughout the ride, which goes to show how well the frame is.
Speaking of stability, this bike is paired with a durable 700c tire that gives added cushioning when riding through rough roads. It also offers excellent traction, so you don’t have to worry about slips even when it’s raining.
We must also note that the Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike also has 21-speed gear. But unlike the Tuono T20, the shifter is thumb-activated, so you barely move a muscle when you have to switch between gears.
The transition between gears is also quite impressive, owing to home seamlessly smooth it is. It’s one of the first things we noticed on our first ride, and that easily landed it a spot on this list.
For our convenience, this commuter road bike features a built-in water bottle cage, so you don’t have to install one separately. This feature allows you to rehydrate easily, which comes in handy if you’re planning to go on a long-distance weekend ride.
Of course, safety is also our top priority. Fortunately, the Vilano R2 Commuter Bike comes with a powerful braking system that allows it to stop almost instantly, but without the surprising jolt that usually comes with it. That guarantees that your safety, and that will surely give you peace of mind on rougher terrain.
However, like the Tuono T20, the R2 Commuter also requires assembly. If you don’t have the right tools with you, or if you have zero experience in setting up a bike, it’s highly recommended that you take it to a professional to ensure a safe and secure assembly.
All things considered, the Vilano R2 Commuter Bike is a top contender for the best road bike under 300 dollars, especially for experienced riders looking for cheaper alternatives to commuter bikes.
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The GZR-700 by Kent is a great entry level bike suitable for beginners and falls under a very affordable budget of 300 dollars.
The bike is made highly durable by giving it a high tensile steel frame and fork. Furthermore, for ease in usage and better control while riding, drop handlebars are used which are very easy to hold on to. The Vitesse 36 spoke rims in the tires of the bike have an approximate measurement of 25mm.
The integration of Shimano 21-speed stem shifters in the bike provides the rider with a clean and smooth gear shifting experience and the safety of the user is warranted by the addition of strong and easy to regulate single pivot alloy brakes along with alloy calipers and brake levers.
Kent is a company known for its amiability and great customer service, and they also provide a warranty for the operational life of the frame of the bike along with another warranty for the other portions of the product which has a validity period of 6 months.
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This 21-speed road bike under 300 features a light body and fork made of high quality solid steel and completely suitable for beginners and new learners alike.
The best part of this lightweight bike is that it has two variations: the one with aluminum alloy wheels and the one with magnesium alloy wheels, so you can choose from between whichever frame you feel you will be most compatible with.
Nonetheless, because of being known as a lightweight and highly-durable alloy, we would suggest you to go for the bike variant that has aluminum alloy wheels instead of the magnesium one.
TZ-30 and 50 derailleurs from Shimano are fitted to the front and back of the bike respectively paired up with a Shimano A050 shifter for flawless shifting of the gears. Moreover, this bike comes with really powerful and sturdy Shimano drive-train brakes as well.
The bike is made suitable for both men and women of all sizes and the assembly is made even easier with the provision of an informative guidebook.
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For our sixth product of the day, we will be reviewing the Commuter Bike by Max4out. This bike is also fit for beginners and you could learn how to cycle using this bike as well.
If your core interest lies in purchasing a bike that falls on the lower-end of the price spectrum and yet comes packed with a plethora of different features, then this bike is the one for you.
This best road bikes under 300 dollars can be found in three different sizes for people of different heights. For those who fall between 5”1-5”4ft, a bike size of 48cm would be good enough.
For people with a slightly taller build (5”4-5”8ft), 51cm would make the perfect bike size. Lastly, those who are even taller and fall between heights of 5”8-6”3ft, would find the largest bike size (54cm) fit for them.
Unlike the previous one, this bike has an aerodynamic aluminum frame body, thus offering even better mobility and making the bike even more light-weight Furthermore, the drop handlebars can be gripped onto easily.
The bike is assembled with a Shimano A070 derailleur and a wide range of gears and this assists in smooth gear changing. The bike comes with Tektro MD-C40 disc brakes which are very strong and will provide you with a safer braking effect.
As already mentioned, this bike is perfect for beginners who are looking for a great product at a low price as this bike has almost all the necessary features needed for a great riding experience.
To further ensure customer satisfaction, the product is assembled by hand by an expert and usually goes through a 500 meter test run before it gets the green signal for packaging.
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Up next we will be looking at the Giordano Aversa beginner Road Bike which is yet another decent bike found in the market at just under $300.
The Giordano Aversa has an aluminum frame paired with a fork made of Hi-tensile steel so that any extra vibrations may be dampened. The even and pliable shifters along with the derailleurs at the front and the back offer a potent braking system.
Giordano ensures that you can ride with ease, no matter what distance you will be covering. The brand ensures this by giving their bikes a solid build and equipping the products with handlebars of the finest quality that were designed for luxury.
Unlike the last two ones discussed before, this bike can be used by both intermediate and beginner-level rider. Although it is generally used by intermediate riders, but because of its user-friendly attributes and affordable price, beginners are also often seen purchasing this bike.
However, you will find it extremely difficult to assemble this bike by yourself and so professional help is highly recommended and required. Albeit not made for competitive use, you could still use this bike to practice cycling and to get better at it. Moreover, this bike will let you carry out your day-to-day travelling for free.
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Many riders feel more pleased with a single speed road bike. There are numerous specific reasons for choosing a single speed bicycle, some of which are low maintenance cost, fewer moving parts, and no hassles of any critical issues.
The Takara Oni single-speed fixed gear bike is basically an excellent option for them. It is much slimmer and lightweight than other standard single-speed bikes. Furthermore, it is constructed with a high tensile steel frame, which is relatively durable and has more increased resistance capabilities. Due to this, it can deal with any outdoor condition.
The Takra Oni fixed gear bike can be used more efficiently for tours, leisurely rides, or other outdoor activities. Besides, it is very reliable compared to geared bicycles. Hence, the bike will be pretty useful, especially in the field of your fitness training; it will improve your leg speed along with leg muscles and pedaling rate.
The bike has no front or rear derailleur, which makes it easy to maintain as there are no worries about bike malfunctions, as well as mechanically fewer parts.
It has 32 holes double-wall durable alloy rim with 700c tires to make your riding experience more reliable. Also, Takra Oni fixed-gear bicycle is very affordable compared to multi-speed bikes, due to which you are getting less cost than your budget.
Though the Takra Oni single-speed bike has many advantages, you can use it in almost any riding activity, but you must keep one thing in mind. As it is a fixed gear bike, you cannot use it for long-distance riding. Moreover, because of the lack of gear, it will consume a lot of your energy. So you must try to keep the matter in mind.
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The Redfire hybrid bike is a great road bike selection, especially for those who want to accept various outdoor challenges. It is made of a sturdy aluminum frame, which makes it relatively lightweight, and offers a lot of comfort while moving.
Redfire has included the most popular Shimano front and rear gear with 21-speed shifters for efficient riding on different kinds of surfaces, hills, and long-distance. It provides you with precise gear shifting as well as an excellent riding experience.
Also, the 700C tire that comes with it is less resistant with significant rolling momentum, which provides faster performance. Classic V brake design offers a powerful braking experience and provides a smooth ride in any condition.
Most of the bikers seem to get annoyed with the bike assembly part. In most cases, beginners face this hassle after buying a new bike. In order to avoid all these hassle, Redfire has made this bike almost 85% pre-assembled with the most crucial parts. So you can be pretty relaxed about the installation part.
All installation tools are also included, as well as a detailed instruction guide to make the rest of the assembly easier.
One of the best advantages of Redfire hybrid road bike is that you get nearly $100 worth of free essential bike accessories with it, which most manufacturers do not usually give with the road bikes.
With this bike, you will get a waterproof frame bag, nylon saddlebag, bike lock, installation tools, LED bike lights, squeeze water bottle, alloy bottle cages, cooling neck gaiter. Considering overall things, this is the best road bike under $300.
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Often some bike riders are seen to be worried about their weight; especially most road bikes are not ideal for overweight people. If you are also in search of a comfortable bike for heavier riders, which has great weight capacity, then Viribus Adult Gravel Bike may be an ideal option for you.
The Viribus Adult Gravel Bike is made of high carbon steel, which is highly stable, durable, and shock-resistant. As well as being capable of handling up to 330 pounds of weight with durability, you can ultimately be satisfied.
It is not only limited to heavyweight capability. As well, a 21-speed derailleur provides enormous power for riding this bike on any surface. Consumers also say that the micro grip twist shifter that comes with it helps control and increase the speed efficiently.
To make your road riding more secure and efficient, Viribus uses the high quality and secured V brakes on the front and rear-wheel of their bike, which helps keep the bike in complete control and frequently brake while riding in any critical situation.
Viribus’s drop handlebars provide more leverage on uneven mountain trails, which is extremely helpful in racing. Also, sturdy aluminum spokes are more resistant, shockproof, and lightweight, which can be used for many years. In addition, its tires provide extra traction in uneven trails.
Viribus consumer support is very active; you get a 1-year warranty with the bike, as well as a complete manual guide for the assembly process. Considering the excellent built-in quality, the stylish looks, and overall features, this is a perfect road bike for both enthusiasts and cycling novices.
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Now that you know our top choices for the best cheap road bikes under 300 dollars price range, you might still be pondering on which one to get. To help you settle that dilemma once and for all, here is a buying guide to help you choose the budget road bike for you.
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One of the first things to consider in budget road bikes is the frame and build quality.
It goes without saying that the best road bike has to be one that’s built to last for a long time. It has to have a stable frame that you can ride confidently, knowing that it won’t fall apart in the middle of the road.
With that said, it’s important to assess the materials used in its construction. Two of the most popular materials used for affordable but quality road bikes are aluminum and steel.
Aluminum is especially popular because of its lightweight quality while still retaining a level of durability to keep it from denting or falling apart easily. On the other hand, steel is one of the most quality components around, so you don’t have to worry about how sturdy it is. However, steel is on the heavier side, so keep that in mind before you choose to buy one.
The next factors that you have to consider are the wheels and tires.
Like the frame, the wheels should be durable and well-constructed. Since much of the weight of the rider will be shouldered by the wheels, it shouldn’t be one that would easily bend or dent. Otherwise, it won’t be safe to ride such a bicycle. Thus, make sure that it’s made of tough, durable material.
As for the tire, or that portion of the wheel made of rubber that touches the ground, it has to offer a decent amount of cushioning to damp out the vibrations from the road. While most road bikes have no suspension systems, you get control and comfort from the tire’s cushioning properties, and that allows you to ride smoothly.
Also, make sure that the tires have deep lugs to ensure a good grip on the surface. These lugs are the deep textures on the tire’s surface, and that prevents you from slipping – even on smooth and wet roads.
When it comes to the brakes of a road bike, you need to check out if they are either rim brakes or disc brakes. Both are amazing kinds of brakes, however one is known to be better than the other.
For example, rim brakes are amazing when it comes down to their reliability. This kind of brakes are popular because of their quick release feature, which is quite a positive aspect for those always opting for high speeds on empty roads.
Another reason why rim brakes are so renowned is due to its maintenance. Unlike disc brakes, rim brakes are actually low maintenance, therefore you do not have to keep going back over them from time to time.
Disc brakes on the other hand, are way more high maintenance, as they fail have quite an unusual tendency of breaking down in the middle of certain moments. However, if you can work your way around that, disc brakes are generally way better than rim brakes in terms of quality and appearance. The only downside here is the hefty price tag attached.
Another factor you have to look into is the brand that manufactures the bike. Brands that have stood the test of time, as well as new ones that seem to have instantly risen to fame, are known to produce reliable bikes. That’s why it’s also important to look into them if all the specifications seem overwhelming.
Popular bike brands include Cannondale, BMC, and Specialized. However, their bikes are on the expensive side of the spectrum. Nevertheless, affordable options are those from Vilano and Hiland, who are known to produce budget-friendly bikes of decent quality.
Aside from the three main factors we have mentioned above, there are other factors that you should also consider to find the right road bike for yourself. That includes features such as the brake system used, the gears, as well as the size of the bike.
You should also look into the shifter or gear used for the bike. Some bikes come with up to 21-speed shifters, while others only offer about 7 or 14. Either way, the bike should allow you to transition smoothly between each speed – whether it’s thumb or handle control.
And finally, don’t forget to look into the size of the bike. As much as possible, it should be at a height that allows you to ride it comfortably. Otherwise, you run the risk of backaches and poor posture while riding.
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The answer to whether or not to get an inexpensive road bike depends on the expectation level of the rider. In these entry level bikes, you may expect a mid-level aluminum frame. It won’t be as lightweight as the premium material used for expensive road bikes.
Furthermore, cheap road bikes may not come fully assembled from the company or bicycle store. Thus, you should be ready to pay a bit to assemble the road bikes as it comes to you. You will also need to look at the design. For inexpensive road bikes, the design might not be as stylish and durable as the high-end road bikes. Last but not least, you might find the cheaper road bikes compromising with the riding comfort and convenience. Nonetheless, even a cheaper road bike will offer you excellent service if you maintain the bike properly.
Admittedly, entry level road bikes do not come cheap. A top-of-the-line model with superior features usually costs around $1000 or higher, and that can be quite discouraging. Fortunately, there are decent models available for a fraction of the cost of expensive bike models. These cheap road bikes often sell for around $250 to $400, and that’s good enough for beginners and riders on a budget.
Road bikes often have lightweight frames and narrow tires, making them less durable than mountain bikes and other type of bikes that are made for all-terrain riding. As a result, they are not the best choice for traveling long distances, although they can be used for leisurely cruises and as an alternative to commuting.
A road bike is a type of bicycle characterized by a lightweight frame, narrow wheels, and a more forward-facing sitting position. These features allow the rider to pedal with much ease and comfort. These features allow it to move faster than any other bike type. With that said, road bikes are the ideal choice for urban riding and commuting.
Although cheaper road bikes aren’t as high-grade as the expensive models, these road bikes are still worth the investment. You can get a good-quality yet inexpensive road bike from $100 to $300 with ease with the good-quality frame, rims, and controls. Also, even the cheapest road bike offers a comfortable saddle, seat, and braking capacity to make your every ride comfy and convenient.
When you get the best cheap road bike within your budget, you won’t need to regret it at all. Just make sure you have chosen the right height for the frame, brakes, wheels, and tires, and above all, controls for the road bikes. Yes, these bikes may not allow you to go off-road riding, but you can easily opt for the cheaper road bikes for daily commuting. You may confidently take these road bikes to your workplace or for an occasional outing without any worries. So, these road bikes are undoubtedly worth the money.
Although many beginners think that entry level road bikes are hard to ride, the reality is quite different. Road cycling is easy, and you should learn cycling within a few days of riding. Yes, initially, you will find it a bit hard to control the bike, but you should get accustomed to it pretty soon.
You may start learning road cycling on the grassy surface to avoid injuries. Also, you should stay upright on the bike’s saddle and pedal the bike confidently. You will learn to ride the bike within a couple of days without worries. However, we recommend you wear a helmet along with an elbow guard and knee guard for better protection.
Finally, when you ride road bikes, try to go in the direction of the wind. It will boost your riding speed and reduce your stress and fatigue. Thus, you may ride for an extended period without getting exhausted while cycling.
The best time to replace road bike tires is after you’ve traveled 1,000 miles with them. By doing so, you prevent potential accidents due to flat tires or smoothened tire surfaces. On the other hand, if you don’t ride your bike frequently, a good rule to remember is to replace it after a year and a half. That is because tires also wear out and lose their quality over time.
Many people ask this question since they are concerned about their backs. Thankfully, road bikes aren’t bad for your back. Nonetheless, it would help if you chose the right height of the frame for comfortable riding experience.
Plus, you must ensure a proper posture and upright riding position on the saddle while riding the bicycle. If you ride the bike with an inappropriate riding position and opt for the wrong cycling technique, it might cause you back pain in the long run. Hence, you should learn the art of riding a road bike to avoid such inconvenience. Plus, the seat and the saddle should be comfortable to sit on, and the brakes must be appropriate to avoid injuries.
When you maintain a proper riding position and ride the bicycle with appropriate technique, you should never feel any back pain and sciatica.
Road bikes usually come with an expensive price tag. But if you know where to look, you might be lucky enough to find affordable ones that offer decent performance, stability and smooth riding experience. But since these bikes are not easy to find, we have already gathered seven options to help you find the best road bikes under $300.
If you prefer a lightweight unit that’s easy to navigate city streets with, then the top options include the Vilano Tuono T20 and the Vilano R2 Commuter. Both offer comfort, stability, and superior 21-speed gears that will help you conquer the urban roads.
But if you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, then perhaps the Hiland 700C is more to your liking. While it has a slightly heavier steel frame, it offers the durability that’s unexpected of an cheap road bike.
