8 Of The Best Road Bikes Under $400 Budget , A Complete Unbiased Buying Guide

As fun as it really is, the thought of road cycling may seem daunting to beginners, because with a good bike comes the responsibility of buying the right gears, finding the right terrain and of course, maintaining a budget. However, with just a little bit of research, you will be confident enough to head out to your nearest bike shop and get the perfect bike for yourself with in a limited budget of 400 dollars.

To help speed up the research process for you a bit, we have compiled a list of the best road bikes under $400 tight budget that you will find in the market. Without further ado, let us move on to our very first product of the day!

best road bike under 400

Road Bikes Under 400 Dollars, Our Top 3 Picks

Villano R2 commuter road bike

Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike

Best Overall Road Bike Under $400 (durable and lightweight)

1. Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Budget Road Bike in depth review

SPECS AND KEY FEATURES

  • Bike’s weight: 27lbs
  • Frame: Aluminum alloy frame
  • Stem: Forged aluminum
  • Fork: Steel fork
  • Handlebar: Drop handlebars
  • Number of gears: 21 speed gears
  • Shifter: Shimano A050 thumb rear indexed 7-speed, front friction 3-speed
  • Maximum load capacity: 330Lbs
  • Braking system: Dual pivot Alloy caliper
  • Suspension: Rigid
  • Front derailleur: Shimano
  • Rear derailleur: Shimano Tourney
  • Wheelset: 700c Doubled Walled CNC Alloy Machined Sides, Quick Release Skewer
  • Tires: 700c x 25c, presta valves
  • Seat:
  • Kickstand: Full black side stand
  • Color: Matte black with green and white touch

For our first product of the day, we will be reviewing the R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike from Vilano. This is an entry level road bike and is very affordable and suitable for beginners for their daily commutes.

The 6061 double butted aluminum aero frame and A050 thumb shifters of the bike gives it a very light overall weight. This frame is paired with a 700c x 25mm double walled CNC machined wheel-set which is further equipped with quick release skewers.

This versatile bike is also fitted with a Shimano 21-speed drivetrain to give it the capability of performing well even in rough roads and terrible terrains. While the front derailleur is Shimano, the back one is a Shimano Tourney.

Although the bike is sold only partially assembled, assembly of the bike is a fairly easy chore because of the informative instruction guidebook that Vilano provides with all its bikes.

This affordable road bike is mainly made for personal commuting reasons instead of for competitive usage, and it will work to its best potential in urban areas and in the suburbs.

What we liked

What we didn't like

2. Eurobike 21-Speed EURXC550 21 speed Cheap Road Bike Under $400

SPECS AND KEY FEATURES

  • Bike’s weight: 35Lbs
  • Frame: High quality Carbon Steel
  • Stem: Forged aluminum
  • Fork: Steel road bike fork
  • Handlebar: Steel road racing handlebar
  • Size: 54 cm
  • Number of speeds: 21 speed gears, 3 gears in front and 7 gears in the back
  • Maximum load capacity: 330Lbs
  • Rider height: 5.8″ – 6.1″ย 
  • Brake: Front and rear mechanical disc brakes
  • Suspension: Rigid
  • Chainwheel: 42T*32T*24T*170mm
  • Front derailleur: Shimano TZ30
  • Rear derailleur: Shimano TZ50
  • Tires: 700C*28C full black tires
  • Rims: 3 spoke wheel
  • Kickstand: Full black side stand
  • Pedal: Resin black

The Eurobike EURXC550 Road Bike was tailor-made for beginners and people who are still learning how to ride bikes. It is reasonably priced and with its high carbon steel frame body, it is also moderately lightweight.

This inexpensive bike comes incorporated with Shimano derailleurs (TZ-30 and 50 for the front and back respectively) and a Shimano 30 shifter that assists you in smooth shifting of the gears.

Firm and secure braking is assured by the Shimano drive-train 160mm aluminium dual disk brakes that this bike is assembled with during manufacture. You’re going there! You can’t deny that this bike is really safe on the road. It includes a top-of-the-line athletic iron handlebar that keeps the rider balanced and comfortable.

You’ll like the ergonomic seat, which has been precisely designed to ensure your riding comfort. Because you have lower back rests and an upright riding position, you can wave goodbye to back problems. The seat height can be adjusted precisely. On the road, the seven plus freewheels are incredibly smooth.

The Eurobike XC550 road bike was personalized for people of all genders and riding style to further ensure comfort in riding. The bike comes packaged with an instruction manual that gives you relevant information on how to successfully assemble your bike.

As mentioned before, these bikes are very affordable, with their price range falling under 400 dollars. If you are looking for a high-quality but low-cost bike with dual disk brakes, the Eurobike XC550 bike will be your best bet.

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What we liked

What we didn't like

3. Giordano Acciao Beginner Road Bike Under 400 dollars

SPECS AND KEY FEATURES

  • Bike’s weight: 29Lbs
  • Frame: High-tensile Steel
  • Stem: Aluminum alloy 90mm x 42mm
  • Fork: Hi-tensile steel
  • Handlebar: Steel 420mm drop bar
  • Number of speeds: 14 speed gears
  • Shifters: Shimano tourney STI shifters
  • Maximum load capacity: 330Lbs
  • Rider height: 5′.4″ – 6′.0″ย 
  • Brake: Alloy linear dual pivot caliper brakes
  • Suspension: Dual
  • Cassette: Shimano 7 speed 14-28T
  • Front derailleur: Shimano tourney
  • Rear derailleur: Shimano tourney
  • Tires: 700c x 25mm with Presta valve
  • Rims: 32 Hole Double Wall 30mm Alloy Rims
  • Kickstand: Full black side stand
  • Pedal: Alloy cage

We will be reviewing yet another road bike from Giordano. The Acciao is another great bike that falls under the tight budget of $400 and that is very reasonable considering all the unlimited features that this bike has.

The frame and the fork of this bike is made lightweight and durable with high tensile steel. Gear shifting is made smooth and effortless by the Shimano Tourney STI 14 speed gears shifters.

Side by side, the bike has a very powerful braking system due to the alloy dual pivot brakes and maximum control is ensured by the wide tires (700c x 25mm) which consists of 32-holes double wall alloy rims. These tires also have shock absorbtion capabilities.

This is a great light weight bike for beginners and rookies who fall within the height range of 5โ€™4โ€-6โ€™0โ€. This product may be used by both male and female riders and is designed tangibly to make sure the fit is accurate.

This high-level entry road bike is seamless for inter-city and casual riding and comes at such an affordable price that we just could not help but add it to our list of the best road bikes under 400 dollars.

With Giordanoโ€™s outstanding customer service and the astonishing features of this product, this bike is a must-have on beginner riders shopping list.

What we liked

What we didn't like

4. Detroit Bikes Sparrow, Top entry level budget road Bike Under 400 Dollars

SPECS AND KEY FEATURES

  • Bike’s weight: 22Lbs
  • Bike frame: Aluminum light weight frame.
  • Fork: Premium aluminum
  • Handlebar: Steel road racing handlebar (Ergonomically shaped)
  • Number of speeds: single speed
  • Maximum load capacity: 330Lbs
  • Brake: Front and rear dual pivot caliper brake
  • Brake style: Linear pull brakes
  • Saddle: Aftermarket SDG Duster saddle
  • Suspension: Rigid
  • Chain: Rustproof KMC chain
  • Tires: Authentic WTB Thick Slick tires
  • Rims: Matching aero rims

Yet another tight budget entry-level bike for trainees is the Detroit Bikes Sparrow.

Weighing only 22 pounds, this bike is extremely lightweight and comes assembled with a high quality aluminum frame and body and a very comfortable saddle as well. It has a very responsive braking system with dual pivot brakes.

The CNC- machined brake tracks and WTB thick slick tires also come with aero rims of matching colors. Side by side, a Detroit floor pump is also included in the package and the bike is usually sold 95% assembled. All you need to do before you can start using your new bike is to fasten the seat to it.

For high-speed commuting within a small area, whether it is in the suburbs or in the city, the Detroit Bikes Sparrow will be your best investment. With the Sparrows highly affordable price and amazing features, this fixed gear bike will make a great gift for your loved ones and also for yourself for daily rides.

What we liked

What we didn't like

5. Trinx TEMPO1.0 700C Lightweight Road Bike Under $400

SPECS AND KEY FEATURES

  • Bike’s weight: 25Lbs
  • Frame: Trinx alloy
  • Stem: Trinx alloy
  • Fork: Hi-tensile steel 700C
  • Handlebar: Trinx steel road
  • Number of speeds: 21 speed gears
  • Shifters: Shimano SL-A050
  • Maximum load capacity: 330Lbs
  • Rider height: 5′.4″ – 6′.0″ย 
  • Brake: Alloy pivot double caliper brakes
  • Suspension: Rigid
  • Cassette: Shimano TZ21 14-28T
  • Chain: KMC 7S
  • Front derailleur: Shimano FD-TZ510
  • Rear derailleur: Shimano TZ500
  • Tires: CST C1406 700c x 25mmย 
  • Rims: Trinx Double Wall Alloy Rims
  • Kickstand: Full black side stand
  • Pedal: Alloy cage

Our next product is the Tempo 1.0 bike by Trinx. This starter road bike, much like all the other ones on this list, is beginner-friendly and comes at a very affordable price of under 400 dollars.

The bike is really durable due to the frame being made up ofย  aluminum alloy. The handle bars are easy to grip onto and the tires consist of spoke rims made up of the extraordinary Trinx alloy measuring roughly around 25mm.

Trinx ensures that its users experience a smooth gear shifting experience by using the Shimano SL-A050 21-speed stem shifters. On top of that, the alloy dual pivot brakes are also high quality and strong due to the fact that it consists of alloy calipers and brake levers.

As a way of ensuring utmost customer satisfaction, Trinx provides a lifetime guarantee of the frame and an additional warranty with a validity of 6 months for the other parts of the road bike.

Despite not having the superior and extravagant components of high-end road bikes used by professionals, the Trinx Tempo 1.0 road bike is a great first bike choice for all the beginners out there.

What we liked

What we didn't like

6. Hiland Daring, 700C Aluminum City Commuter Bike Under $400

SPECS AND KEY FEATURES

  • Bike’s weight: 33.5Lbs
  • Frame: Hiland aluminum alloy frame
  • Front Fork: ย 700C carbon Fork
  • Number of speeds: 21 speed gears
  • Shifter: Shimano A050 shifter
  • Maximum load capacity: 330Lbs
  • Brake: Dual pivot alloy caliper
  • Freewheel: Shimano 14-28T teeth
  • Chainwheel: Prowheel 30*40*52 teeth
  • Chain: KMC Z7
  • Suspension: Rigid
  • Cassette: Shimano 7 speed 14-28T
  • Front derailleur: Shimano TZ510
  • Rear derailleur: Shimano TY300D
  • Tires: 700c x 25mmย 
  • Rims: Aluminum double wall H 19mm

Yet another product from HH Hiland is the 700C wheel Aluminum Commuter Road Bike which is very durable and compact.

Similar to other bikes by Hiland, the Commuter is also made for superior comfort while riding with its lightweight aluminum body and topnotch handlebar. Side by side, the body of the bike is compact and is structurally designed to provide added coziness to all riders. It can also carry heavy load of up-to 330 pounds, which is enormous.

The bike has a wide range of gearing because of the 3 x 7 Shimano A050 gear shifter that it uses. With the help of this, you could also use your bike for uphill riding while maintaining the same speed that you would have on flat terrain.

The gears are very useful, smooth and efficient and will always provide you with the optimum level of performance.

Whether you are coming back from a break or if you are totally new to cycling, this bike is incredible for riders of all levels due to its nice features and high level of suitability. Moreover, the bike comes with a 5 years frame warranty and U.S based customers get a great feedback service from HH Hiland as well.

Because of the policy of selling directly to customers that HH hiland very strictly follows, you will also be able to save some cash from when you buy this road bike.

What we liked

What we didn't like

7. Vilano Tuono T20 Aluminum Road Bike

SPECS AND KEY FEATURES

  • Bike’s weight: 25Lbs
  • Frame: Double-Butted 6061 Aluminum frame
  • Stem: Alloy bore: 25.4mm
  • Fork: Hi-Ten 700c 1 1/8″ Threadless
  • Handlebar: Drop Bar
  • Number of speeds: 21 speed gears
  • Shifters: Shimano A050 shifter
  • Maximum load capacity: 250Lbs
  • Brake: Front and rear hydraulic disc brakes with integrated brake lever
  • Suspension: Rigid
  • Front derailleur: Shimanoย 
  • Rear derailleur: Shimano tourney
  • Wheelset: 700c Doubled Walled CNC Machined Side
  • Tires: 700c x 25mm
  • Seat: Soft cushioned seat
  • Kickstand: You will have to purchase it separately

The name of this bike is pretty self-explanatory. The Tuono T20 Commuter from Vilano is a rather low-cost price which is very suitable for new learners and is a highly recommended product in our list of the best road bikes under 400.

The frame of this bike is a 6061 lightweight aluminum one combined with A050 thumb shifters. For the wheels, a 700c x 25mm double-walled CNC machined wheel set paired with quick release skewers is used.

To give the bike the ability to function well in difficult road conditions, a Shimano 21 speed drivetrain is used and at the front and back Shimano Tourney derailleurs are used respectively. It also comes with dual disk brakes for responsive braking.

Although the bike is sold partially assembled, assembly of the bike is a fairly easy task and does not require professional help. After you are done putting all the pieces together, all you need to do is pump air into the tires and then you will be good to take your bike out on its first ride!

As the name says, this is a commuter bike so it cannot be used for competitive purposes. This bike will be your ideal choice if you are looking for something to use to move about in the city or in the suburbs.

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What we liked

What we didn't like

8. Hiland Alliance Aluminum Road Bike reviews

SPECS AND KEY FEATURES

  • Weight of the bike: 29.5Lbs
  • Frame: Aluminum alloy road frame
  • Stem:ย  alloy
  • Fork: Hi-tensile steel 700C
  • Handlebar: Height adjustable dropdown handlebar
  • Number of speeds: 21 speed gears
  • Shifters: Shimano A050
  • Maximum load capacity: 250Lbs
  • Brake: Front and rear mechanical dual disc brakes
  • Freewheel: 14-28T
  • Suspension: dual suspension
  • Chainwheel: 28*38*48T
  • Front derailleur: Shimano TZ-510
  • Rear derailleur: Shimano TY-300
  • Tires: 700C 28″
  • Kickstand: Full black side stand

One of the cheaper entry level bikes for adults on our list of the best road bikes under 400 for daily rides is the Hiland Alliance Aluminum Full Suspension Road bike by Begasso.

Similar to other products on this list, this road bike also features quality aluminumย  frame, full suspension forks design and has a high-endurance build which enhances the cycleโ€™s durability and comfort. It can also carry heavy load of up-to 250 pounds.

Able to survive through harsh conditions with ease with the help of the Shimano 21 speed drive-train, the bike proposes reliable shifting and evenness while riding and uses TZ-510 and TY-300 derailleurs at the front and back respectively.

Moreover, you will be able to shift gears smoothly with just the help of your fingertips whenever you enter new topography. Hazards may also be easily avoided, thanks to the 700c tires and mechanical dual disc brakes that the bike uses.

This versatile road bike may be used by both men and women and though it is not suitable for long distance or competitive riding, it still makes a great bike for beginner riders for everyday use and can also be used to learn cycling.

ย Not to mention, the bike also comes at a super reasonable price of under $400!

ALSO CHECKOUT: Best Electric bikes Under $1500, Buying Guide

What we liked

What we didn't like

What To Look For When Buying The Best Road Bike Under $400, Buying Guide

Let us now take a look at some of the features you should look out for when purchasing a road bike under 400 dollars, whether it be for yourself or for a loved one. We hope by the time you are done reading through our buying guide section, you will have a clearer concept of what your road bike should or should not have.

1. Construction

Because of the alloy’s low density and good durability, road bike frames with an aluminum body are more widely preferred by all cyclists. When buying for a bike, opt for one with an aluminum frame and fork rather than one with a steel frame and fork.

2. Price

The price of any product is a major factor that needs to be considered before every shopping spree, and road bikes are no exception either. All of the road bikes we have listed above in todayโ€™s article fall under the category of best road bikes under 400 dollars.

However, this does not mean that the list is limited to just these 7 products. In fact, the list of the best road bikes under $400 is virtually endless and what we have shown you today is only just a snippet of it.

3. Brand

When buying a road bike, it would be better if you stuck with well-known brands like Vilano, HH Hiland, etc. This is because, well-reputed brands usually provide better customer services and their products are usually less faulty due to the fact that they have a name to uphold.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Road Bikes Under 400 dollars

1. Whatโ€™s the best road bike for absolute beginners?

If you are a complete beginner, we would suggest you to get an affordable bike that has an easy-to-shift gear and braking system so that you can concentrate more on learning how to ride the bike itself first. From our list above, we would suggest the Vilano Tuono T20 road bike for beginners.

2. What is the difference between a road bike and a gravel bike?

While a road bike is more widely used for racing and competitive purposes, a gravel bike has more casual uses due to the fact that road bikes are more aerodynamic than gravel bikes.

3. How do I know which road bike is the best one for me?

Well for starters, when buying beginner budget road bikes, personnaly check if you feel comfortable sitting on it and if possible test ride it. If you are purchasing it from an online store, then do some prior research to know which size would be perfect for you.

If you are going for a bike with gears and brake disks, make sure the parts used are all of good quality.

ALSO READ: Electric Bike Laws By State

4. Are heavy framed bikes better?

This totally depends on users preferences as some rider prefer heavy bikes, while others opt for light weight ones. If you are constantly travelling from one place to another in a car and like taking your bike with you, then light weight frames will be more suitable for you. Vice versa for the opposite case here.

5. What to Expect in a Road Bike Under $400

If you are purchasing a brand new road bike for $400, then you can expect the following things:

  • A full aluminum frame with a fork that is made of aluminum or high-quality steel
  • Wide range of gears and a minimum of 25mm width tires
  • Compact and smooth triple chain sets
  • Standard brakes of mid-ranged brands
  • Very light-weight so you can easily carry it in the hills

6. How much should I spend on a cheap road bike?

If you don’t have the funds to spend $1000 on a ride bike, you may always go for cheaper bikes used. The minimal amount to spend on a bicycle should be $500. Although an inexpensive road bike may be found for around $300, it all depends on your preferences. Before you buy an inexpensive road bike, make sure you inspect the quality of the construction.

Final Thoughts

Not only is road riding a very fun hobby to pick up, but it is also extremely healthy and will help you stay in top shape all the time.

As mentioned earlier, knowing what purpose your bike will serve is a huge step while deciding which bike to purchase. In our list of the best road bikes under 400, we have listed bikes for professionals as well as for beginners and we hope you found todayโ€™s article enjoyable and interesting. Thank you for staying with us till the end!

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