Unbiased Bike Reviews, Guides & How-To's
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Unbiased Bike Reviews, Guides & How-To's
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Do you need a quality bike but you don’t want to break the bank? Then you’re in the right place. Check out our list of the 16 best cheap bikes you can get right now.
There’s a difference between cheap bikes and good cheap bikes. Paying little for your two-wheeler does not automatically mean that you will be sacrificing quality.
A cheap bike should not be cheaply made but cheaply priced!
A cheap bike can still last for years and be ridden for thousands of miles before you decide to replace it, as long you buy a reliable model and take good care of it.
If your requirements and expectations are not extremely high, there’s definitely a perfect cheap bike out there for you!
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Mountain | Road | Hybrids | Cruisers and comfort bikes | Kid’s Bikes
A cheap bike (in our opinion) should cost you around $1,000. For some people, that’s not cheap; but, considering the bigger picture, it’s a decent price for a good cheap bike.
A cheap bike also has good components for the money that are reliable, work well, and last a long time.
Moreover, cheap bikes on Amazon are not our first choice because there are many better brands and retailers to consider out there. Instead, we did some research and found the best cheap bikes all over the internet.
We analyzed dozens of models, compared them to each other, checked online bike shops for stock, and created our list of the best cheap bikes you can see below.
Best Budget MTB for Short Riders
MSRP: $599
Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 is the most affordable model from Co-op’s DRT lineup, which is a selection of budget-friendly mountain bikes with 27.5″ or 29″ wheels.
This aluminum rig is equipped with an entry-level SR Suntour coil fork that’s relatively heavy but does a great job of minimizing vibrations and smoothing out the rough terrain beneath you. It has 100 mm of travel which is not enough for serious trail riding, but it’s excellent for recreational riders.
DRT 1.1 has a 3×7 drivetrain with a total of 21 gears, which is a good beginner solution with a decent gear range for steep climbs. The front and rear derailleurs are low-tier Shimano Tourney. The shifters are Shimano RapidFire, so the groupset is a mix-and-match that works great together nonetheless.
Though Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 is the least costly model in the lineup, it comes with some nice surprises and guarantees REI’s high-quality.
Nowadays, disc brakes are non-negotiable on mountain bikes in any price range, so DRT 1.1 is equipped with a pair of Tektro hydraulic discs with 160mm rotors. That’s a tried and tested choice that’s commonly seen on bikes in this category.
Another thing that’s recognizable for DRT models is MTB-ready tires. This model rolls on Kenda Kadre, 27.5 x 2.1, which is a good choice for light trails, dirt roads, and pavement.
So if you want a dependable and pocket-friendly mountain bike to use on the weekends or anytime you feel like heading out into nature, Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 will be your best friend.
Best Cheap Hardtail Mountain Bike
MSRP: $1,050
It’s a surprise that the GT Avalanche Comp is so cheap since it comes with some decent components for the money. Sure, this is an entry-level bike aimed at beginners, but that makes it an excellent first mountain bike that will help you fall in love with off-road riding.
If you want to ride a mountain bike and reap all of the benefits it offers, you do not have to sacrifice all of your savings. The GT Avalanche Comp is a 10-speed hardtail mountain bike perfect for your daily commutes or leisure rides on unpaved roads.
Finding a high-performing bike in this price range is a rarity. The suspension is basic, so it’s not capable of tackling demanding trails and descents, but it will take your comfort to the next level.
This bike rolls on 29″ wheels and 2.25″ wide tires, which are quite wide and grippy, no matter the terrain. Therefore, you can ride this bike anywhere. The suspension improves comfort on rough terrain, and microShift components work well for daily use.
Let’s also not forget about the front and rear hydraulic disc brakes that you’ll appreciate having if you need to stop quickly or brake precisely.
If you wish to ride a capable MTB and spend as little money as possible, the GT Avalanche Comp is a good bike to start with.
Best Cheap Mountain Bike
MSRP: $999
Is there a tempting mountain trail or a forest road that you’ve been planning to ride for a long time but don’t have the bike to do that? You can change that with just $999 out of your pocket if you get Marin San Quentin 1.
As you will see from the example of this bike and what we tell you about it below, cheap mountain bikes can definitely be good. They have basic components, but if you choose wisely (with our help), you can get a great deal.
The first thing you notice on this bike is the 6061 aluminum frame painted in a beautiful grey color with black accents. Next, there’s the 130mm SR Suntour XCM34 fork. This is one of the best budget forks you can get, offering a big performance boost compared to no-name forks.
Let’s not forget the MicroSHIFT 9-speed drivetrain and disc brakes. Tektro hydraulic disc brakes offer a lot of power when it comes to braking.
The Marin San Quentin 1 has double-wall alloy rims roll on 27.5″ x 2.6″ tires. They look massive and feel really capable.
So, if you finally want to take the path less traveled and do it cheaply, we recommend checking out Marin San Quentin 1.
Best All-Black Paint Job
MSRP: $850
As we have already seen time and again, Tommaso makes some great affordable bikes. The Gran Sasso is the only mountain bike Tommaso makes, as the rest of their lineup is reserved for cheap road bikes.
The first thing you’ll notice about it is the all-black paintwork that makes the bike look streamlined and more expensive than it is.
The second thing that caught our eyes was the massive-looking 29 x 2.1″ tires that come with Presta valves and double-wall aluminum rims.
This diameter and width of wheels and tires will give you stability and comfort even when you decide to test yours and your bike’s riding limits.
Let’s not forget about the Shimano Acera components that will put 24 gears at your disposal, with an 11-32T cassette and 22/32/42T chainrings.
The biggest surprise on this bike is the Shimano M315 hydraulic disc brakes which are powerful brakes that let you ride aggressively when you’re on the trails because you know you can easily stop. You also get an SR Suntour 100 mm fork.
For all of these reasons, we can confidently say that the Tommaso Gran Sasso is a great bike for both women and men who want to get fit or have some off-road fun. Its only downside is the lack of internal cable routing.
Best Cheap 29er Bike
MSRP: $719
Norco Storm 5 is a capable and straightforward 29″ bike that you can have fun on, explore the rugged terrain, and do it all without paying through the nose.
Storm 5 does not stop for any obstacles. Why should it? With its 2.25″ wide tires and 29″ wheels, there’s nothing that can get in its way. Certainly not rocks, bumps, or mud. That’s a piece of cake!
Other than the massive tires, Storm 5 also has a 6061 Alloy Frame and a SR Suntour XCE28 fork with 100 mm of travel.
This mean beast has 21 gears in total, which you can change using Shimano Tourney derailleurs. This is an entry-level setup, but it’s more than suitable for beginners and recreational riders.
You’ll be able to stop easily by activating the mechanical disc brakes with 160 mm rotors. They provide more than enough stopping power, in our opinion.
If you need a bike that can tackle rocks, mud, snow, forests, and whatever else comes to your mind, Norco Storm 5 is the right tool for the job.
Best Cheap Gravel Bike
MSRP: $999
There’s a lot of hype around all-terrain bikes lately. More and more cyclists are talking about it and more of them are being ridden outside every day. Bikepacking is a way to explore the world and get out there in a quest to create new memories. You should do it on a fun and reliable bike, so our recommendation is Salsa Journeyer.
If you want a versatile adventure bike that’s capable of much more than a hybrid, then Salsa Journeyer is going to make you very happy.
Read more: Best Gravel Bikes
Salsa Joureyer is a bicycle that borrows some traits from road bikes and others from gravel bikes.
It comes with drop handlebars that allow you to change your grip frequently for more comfort, as well as 47mm tires that can roll over anything in their way.
This gravel adventure bike is powered by the MicroShift Groupset, which is common on mid-range gravel bikes. It’s a solid affordable groupset that’s built for beginners and intermediate riders. In total, there are 9 gears you can choose from, with a micro crankset and an 11-42T cassette, which offers a good range of gears.
Like all serious adventure bikes, Salsa Journeyer touts disc brakes, which makes it suitable for tackling off-road terrain and steep descents.
The frame has a plenitude of mounts, so you can easily fit fenders, lights, several water bottles, frame bags, etc. Therefore, you can head out on a multi-day adventure carrying everything you could possibly need, and more.
Best Cheap Road Bike (for Men)
MSRP: $900
FULL REVIEW: Tommaso Imola
Tommaso Imola is the definition of attractive Italian design. And you don’t have to pay through the nose for it, you can get it on a cheap bike!
This affordable road bike is built around a quality Tommaso 6061 SLA Aluminum compact road frame and it’s available in three awesome colors: black, white, and orange.
First of all, the frame is light and durable, so it will last for years of good riding fun, without any issues. The accent is on the curved top tube which gives Imola plenty of character.
This is a pretty fast bike equipped with Shimano Claris shifters and derailleurs for quick and easy gear switching. There are 24 gears at your disposal, so you can easily maintain your riding cadence even up very steep hills.
Tommaso Imola is the answer to the question of whether cheap bikes can be good or not. If you do your own research and choose wisely, cheap road bikes can definitely be good.
This bike does not have disc brakes. Instead, it provides stopping power using a pair of Shimano Claris brake calipers that still do a great job of bringing you and the bike to a halt. If you don’t live in a very hilly area, this is good, because it provides some weight saving as well.
Imola is the perfect road bike for beginners who want a reliable and stylish two-wheeler without going broke!
See more: Cheap entry-level road bikes section
MSRP: Check on Amazon
This is by far one of the cheapest bikes on our list. It costs just under $400, but you get more than you expect to from that amount of money.
First of all, Hiland has a relatively light aluminum frame, painted black and light green. The contrast of the colors is very attractive, so most don’t assume this is a “Walmart” bike when they see it on the roads.
This road bike is fitted with Shimano Tourney shifters and derailleurs and offers 21 gears to the lucky owners. This is the most basic Shimano groupset, but it still offers good value for money.
The Hiland Road Bike is a great choice for bicycle commuters who want a reliable machine to take them from point A to point B or accompany them on relaxed weekend rides.
Other notable things to mention are the 700c double-walled rims which are on the heavier side, but that makes them stronger and more durable. The bike rolls on 25mm tires which offer good traction but not such great puncture protection.
If you want to spend as little money as possible but still get a reliable bike that will serve you well if you use it for what it was built for, you won’t make a mistake with the Hiland Road Bike!
Unique Lefty Fork
MSRP: $1,275
If you want to get just one bike to cover all of your cycling needs, we recommend opting for a hybrid model. If, on top of that, you want to spend little money but get lots of value, we recommend choosing the Cannondale Bad Boy 3.
The best word we can find to describe this Cannondale model is “capable,” combining a lightweight aluminum frame and puncture-resistant WTB Byway, 650b x 40mm tires, which is ideal for fast riding on pavement.
Thanks to that, Cannondale Bad Boy 3 is the perfect choice for paved roads. When it comes to the components, Cannondale fitted this bike with a Shimano Tourney/Altus drivetrain, putting 16 gears at your disposal.
If you want the Cannondale Bad Boy 3 to be your everyday workhorse, you can fit it with fenders, racks, lights, and a water bottle cage. It has ready mounts for all of that!
The most eye-catching feature of this bike is the Lefty rigid fork that makes it possible to replace a flat tire without taking the wheel off.
The Bad Boy 3 can meet and exceed all of your expectations if you need a durable and capable fitness or commuter bike.
Best Cheap Hybrid Bike for Men and Women
MSRP: $799
Read More: Co-op Cycles CTY Series
What is your favorite route to take? Paved or unpaved? No matter which one you choose, Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1 hybrid bike will be able to take you along it. This is the best cheap hybrid bike for men and women that Co-op Cycles has to offer, so we didn’t think twice when adding it to our list.
This model costs little but delivers a lot. It’s based around a lightweight aluminum frame with custom-formed tubing. The fork is a suspension fork to take all the bumps out of the road.
You may choose from five sizes that fit riders 5’0″ to 6’3″ tall.
Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1 does not come with any accessories, but you can easily add fenders and a rear rack to make it more practical for daily commuting.
The components are pretty standard for this price range. You’ll get front and rear Shimano Altus derailleurs and Shimano Altus shifters. In total, there are 16 gears you can work with, which is more than enough for entry-level riders, as well as for recreational and practical needs.
Last but not least, for maximum stability, comfort, and control, CTY 2.1 comes with Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and 700 x 40mm tires. Thus, you do not have to be conservative when choosing which roads to take!
If you’re a lady or a man looking for a versatile bike that will help your grocery haul, fitness goals, or improve your health, Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1 is a good and cheap solution.
Best Affordable Electric Bike
MSRP: $1,695
If you’re ready to take your commutes to another level but you’re not ready to do the same with your spending, we have some good news for you. We present to you the Ride1UP 700 Series, one of the best affordable electric bikes Ride1UP has made so far.
The electric setup is the main selling point of this bike. 700 Series is powered by a zippy 750W rear hub motor combined with a 48V15ah battery. It will help you reach 28 MPH with pedal assistance and 20 MPH with the throttle. According to the company, this bike has a 30-50-mile range, which is average for an e-bike of this kind. The motor is powerful and quiet, so it won’t annoy you but it will help you reach your destination quickly and with ease.
You’re also getting a fork with 100 mm of travel. That means this bike is comfortable and capable of navigating unpaved roads as well. Moreover, you get a Shimano Acera drivetrain, which will come in handy when riding up steep hills as the 700 Series adjusts pedal assistance with a cadence sensor.
Ride1UP 700 Series comes with quality Shimano entry-level components and powerful motor and battery so you will definitely not need to push it up steep hills.
You don’t have to push it down hills either, thanks to the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with massive rotors. Around bends and on slippery terrain, the wide and knobby WTB Groov-E 27.5″ x 2.4″ wheels and tires will take care of the grip. All you need to do is choose the route.
The conclusion is that Ride1UP 700 Series is worth your money if you want to ride more demanding trails and singletracks and you want to get great value for your money.
Best Cheap Cruiser Bike
MSRP: $630
Did you know that commuting by bicycle is the cheapest way you can get from one place to another? You probably did. However, most people think the initial investment is high, but that’s not true. Electra Townie 7D costs around $580, which makes it an investment that can pay off in no time.
Yet, that’s not the only reason why this city bike is a good investment. After we’ve taken a closer look at its components, you’ll see that it offers tons of value.
The frame and the fork are made from durable aluminum and steel, which are the most popular materials for city bikes. These are cheap and very comfortable materials that you can’t go wrong with.
Electra Townie 7D is a good-looking bike as well, with elegant and sleek lines. This step-thru model is great for male and female riders and comes in a simple palm green color. Electra is most famous for its Flat Foot Technology which allows you to easily put your feet on the ground while sitting on the saddle.
City rides usually do not require many gears, so Townie 7D has a seven-speed drivetrain. It’s equipped with a Shimano Tourney entry-level rear derailleur, which is a common sight in this price range.
The 26″ x 2.0″ balloon tires are extremely comfortable, you’ll feel confident when riding, and the dependable alloy V-brakes will only add to that feeling.
We recommend you purchase Electra Townie 7D if you want an attractive everyday bike that costs little but is capable of plenty.
Best Cheap Folding Bike
MSRP: $850
Read More: Best Folding Bikes
Let’s show you the best cheap folding bike straight away as well! We didn’t have much doubt when we chose the Brompton C Line to take this position.
It was the obvious choice for three main reasons: the quality of the build, the choice of components, and the frame that folds down small for easy storage and transport.
The first thing we have to mention, which you will notice straight away as well, is the steel frame. This bike folds in a few quick steps into a compact bundle that you can carry around. It weighs around 27 lbs. so almost anyone can carry it up a flight of stairs.
This affordable Brompton foldable bike also boasts a decent set of components. It uses a Brompton shifter and derailleur offering 6 gears in total. This is Bromptons own groupset, but it will make any beginner rider happy and is of excellent quality.
See more: Best Bikes For Women
The Brompton C Line also has rim brakes with dual pivot calipers. Also, it rolls on tiny 16″ wheels and 1.35″ tires that are capable of navigating paved and unpaved roads.
In our opinion, this bike is everything a beginner commuter needs. A good-looking and practical machine that will put a smile on your face for thousands of miles!
Best Cheap Cruiser
MSRP: Check on Amazon
Read More: Sixthreezero Around the Block review
Do you like waves, the light breeze, and the smell of the sea? Is your ideal day spent on a sandy beach just relaxing under the sun? Then the best cheap bike for you is the sixthreezero Around the Block cruiser.
This is a simple bike that will make your life simpler and your days better and more interesting. It’s available in five color combinations that include the color of the frame and the color of the saddle and grips. It’s hard to choose the best one.
Sixthreezero Around the Block is a single-speed beach cruiser, so maintenance is a breeze. All you need to do to keep it running is clean and lube the chain from time to time and that’s it.
It has a classic, curvy design, with wide tubing that flows from one end of the bike to another, like the waves in the sea. The geometry and the curved handlebars will put you into an upright riding position, which is ideal for comfortable city rides.
To simplify things even more and make the bike more authentic, you’ll be stopping using coaster brakes, just like in the good old days.
However, if you want some more advanced levels, you can add more gears (3/7/21), rim or disc brakes, and even opt for an electric model.
Sixthreezero Around the Block will take you around your block and along the beach to enjoy the sun, commute to work, or get a nice exercise.
Best Cheap Cruiser
MSRP: Check on Amazon
Cycling can be expensive, complicated, and result-oriented, but it can also be simple, cheap, and inspired by fun. If you’re aiming for the latter, then Schwinn Discover is the perfect bike for you.
This good-looking cruiser is the ideal means of transportation for women & men who want a bike that is easy to maintain and can get them from one place to another without fuss.
It’s extremely comfortable to ride due to the upright geometry and wider tires on 700c wheels. The handlebar is slightly curved toward the rider, so you will reach it easily without having to bend.
The riding experience is even better if we consider that this bike has front suspension as well, even though it costs around $300. That means a lot when the roads get tough.
The Schwinn Discover comes fitted with fenders and a rear rack, and you can add a water bottle cage on it as well. Therefore, you can take this bike on longer rides and bring some refreshments with yourself. You can even ride it on rainy days if you don’t mind getting wet.
In case the roads in your vicinity are not perfectly flat, you’ll be happy to learn that Schwinn Discover has 21 speeds and Shimano derailleurs and shifters for easy and reliable gear changing.
Whether you want to commute from home to work, spend more time outside, or carry groceries, you can’t go wrong with Schwinn Discover.
Best Cheap Kids Balance Bike
MSRP: Check on Amazon
If your child is old enough to walk, they’re old enough to ride a bike. The best way to teach a kid how to ride a bicycle is to let them teach themselves. They can do this in no time with a balance bike, such as the Strider. According to Bikexchange.com, this is one of the best toddler bikes they recommend.
If you’re not familiar with balance bikes, these are tiny lightweight bicycles without pedals or training wheels. They have two wheels, a frame, handlebars, and a saddle. That’s all your kid needs!
Balance bikes are a fantastic choice to help your kid learn how to balance on two wheels and prepare them to ride a bigger bike later on, when they grow older.
We’ve chosen the Strider balance bike because it offers the best bang for the buck. This model is ideal for children between 1.5 and 5 years old. It will allow them to have plenty of fun and ride completely independently.
It’s suitable for kids that have an inseam between 12.2″ and 15.7″ long. You can adjust the seat height with an easy-to-use quick-release mechanism.
The Strider balance bike is lighter than ever. Therefore, even if your toddler falls while trying to ride it, there’s little chance that they will get hurt. It weighs just 6.7 lbs, so they can easily carry it over obstacles themselves.
Get More: Top Balance Bikes For Kids
From our experience (and experts agree) kids can learn how to balance on two wheels in just a couple of days on a balance bike. That’s a good reason to purchase the Strider.
Choose a reliable brand: Not all manufacturers make cheap bikes. However, some of them do. Also, there are some manufacturers who should NOT produce any kinds of bikes. So, do your research, read reviews and make a wise decision.
There are various places where you can find cheap bikes online (in case you didn’t find anything on our list). We marked the top 3 choices below:
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Hi Jeff, thanks for sharing this review on the cheap bikes. I am looking for a road bike for my girlfriend. Could you please recommend which one is best under $400 please. I hope i will get a reply from you. Thank You Jeff.
hi Mike,
Welcome to the page. Well, if she is new to cycling then you better get a proper bike fit after busying the bike. Be very particular about the frame sizes based on her height. Check out our entry level bikes for beginners. Let me know if this helps.
HiJeff,
Am 70 yo, 123 lbs. 5’2” – need to ride in NYC and Southampton mostly on streets.
Have low back pain and thumb arthritis.
Pl. recommend a very comfortable bike.
Thx
Azra
Hi Azra,
You need a bike with an upright riding position. A beach cruise will be more comfortable to you. You can also check out our best hybrid bikes to see if you can see something that is of interest. Look for a frame under the small category, preferably a 15”.
Hey Jeff. I do bicycle delivery 5 days a week for about 3-4 hours a day as well as use my bike as my main mode of transportation to my other two jobs within a mile or two of my house and love to ride the paved bike trails of Lincoln, Nebraska when I can. My bike was stolen this past weekend. My bike was a DBX Vanquish Mountain bike, I got it back in 2013. I don’t expect it to come back so I’m looking for a good all around cheap bike that will help me be an efficient deliverer and quick commuting. I found the Beaumont City Bike 7-speed by Retrospect for about $260. Any thoughts on it? The one I like the most on here would probably be the Holland Road Hybrid, I would love a bike with reliable breaks, could array of gears, and rack mountable(obviously cause I deliver). At $400 it would be my budget limit. I also like the Volare and the Schwann Discover. The latter for its price and included rack. Do you think it would fit my needs and endure the use well enough? Thank you for this page!
Hi Eli,
Sorry to hear about your experience. Those brands have stood the test of time and they are durable. If you are looking for a new one check out best MTBs under $500 or something from our hybrid list.
Hi Jeff, thanks for reviewing the cheap bikes. Is there any good hybrid bike for women within $150? I hope you will answer, if yes can you please recommend. I am looking for a bike for my sister, she is 5 3 and 20 years old.
Hey Nick, I can’t recommend any new bikes in that price range. Your best option would be to look for a used bike online, but that’s tricky if you don’t know what you’re looking for.
Thank you for this review. I have a question regarding a bike I consider to but but that is not in the list. What do you think about the Giordano G7 ? I need a bike to commute and also for fun during the weekend. Do you recommand this bike ?
Hi James, that’s a decent bike for the money. However, I’d go with a simpler model without front suspension and seat post suspension, considering your needs, such as Raleigh Detour 1. We wrote about it here, if you want to learn more.