Riding a bike is no longer a new thing, but it has never lost its touch. Cycling is good for your health, environmentally friendly and economical – too many advantages to pass on these activities.
Bikes are not cheap – it is a fact. But if your budget is limited, and you want to try bike riding, what can you do? Don’t worry, you just need to look up this list – the best 17 affordable bikes in 2021 to get what you wanted!
Table of Contents
Why You Need a Cheap Bike?
Biking is more than just a hobby, it can be a means of transportation, or a sport to strengthen your health. But not everyone can afford a luxury bike, and not all good bikes are necessarily expensive, there are cheap bikes that do well in racing and even leisure riding.
A cheap bike is a good choice for beginners at all ages, or for people with a tight budget but still want to enjoy quality cycling all around. If we choose carefully, a cheap bike maybe even better than thousand dollar peers.
Best Cheap Bikes Comparison Chart 2021
In case you want to know more about each model before deciding to buy a cheap bike, this comparison chart will be helpful for you. In this chart you will find all the best aspect and the ranking of each model from the real-deal users:
What Are The Best Cheap Bikes To Buy?
There are a lot of criteria to assert a cheap bike, which in turn leave us a wide range of choice for a good bike. We here have some of the best recommendations for a reasonable bike with high quality:
- Best Overall: Sixthreezero Around the Block Women’s Cruiser Bikes
- Best Cheap Price: Vilano Diverse 3.0 Hybrid Road Bikes
- Best Racing: Mongoose 27.5″ R4054WMC Bikes
- Best Hybrid: Schwinn Volare 1400 Hybrid Road Bikes
- Best Economical: Vilano R2 Aluminum Road Bikes
- Best Valuable: Firmstrong Urban Man Beach Cruiser Bikes
- Best For Cruising: Kent Oakwood Men’s Cruiser Bikes
- Best Road Bike: Vilano Shadow 3.0 Road Bikes
- Best For Trekking: Northwoods Aluminum Mountain Bikes
- Best For Trails: Schwinn Discover 700c Hybrid Bikes
- Best For Triathlon: Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mountain Bikes
- Best For College: Sixthreezero Touring City Road Bikes
- Best For Kids: Strider – 12 Sport Balance Bikes
- Best For Beginner: Sixthreezero Around the Block Men’s Cruiser Bikes
- Best For Commuting: Schwinn Volare 1200 Men’s Road Bikes
- Best For Girls: Firmstrong Urban Lady Beach Cruiser Bikes
- Best Under 500$: Merax 26″ Mountain Bikes
Top 17 Best Cheap Bikes Reviews In 2021
Now, we shall get to the main part of this article. This detailed and sincere review of the top best 17 cheap bikes will tell you all about the most affordable and great bike for you to enjoy the ride. We hope that you will have a chance to get closer to your dream bike!
Sixthreezero Around the Block Women’s Cruiser Bikes
Today we will have this Sixthreezero Around the Block Women’s Cruiser Bikes as the very first choice for cheap bikes. Although it is described to be for women, all riders regardless of gender can enjoy a ride on it without any complaint.
The frame of this bike is made from high-grade aluminum steel, providing the best durability and lightweight feel. Since it is for female riders, the smoothness and stability of this model are emphasized strongly, you can hardly feel any impact from the road, however tough it is. What is more, there are accessories attached to the bike to make it better: the back seat, bottle holder, and storage rack.
This model is available in many different colors, you can get one which you like most. In general, the ride with this bike is easy and calm, suitable for beginners too. However, the height of the center bar is a bit high, if you are short or considering to get it for your children, this would not be the best option.
To find out more about this Cheap Bike, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Good performance
- Lightweight
- Smooth ride
- Wide range of attachment
Cons
- Centerbar is a bit too high
Product Specs
| Brand | sixthreezero |
| Product Dimensions | 52 x 27 x 8 inches |
| Item Weight | 40 pounds |
| Color | Mint Green |
See also:
- Top 14 Best Mountain Bikes Under 500 Reviews In 2021
- Top 20 Best Bike Cell Phone Holders and Mounts in 2021
- Top 25 Best Hybrid Bikes Under $500 In 2021: January Update!
- Top 15 Best Hitch Bike Racks Reviews In 2021
Strider – 12 Sport Balance Bikes
In case your kids want to enjoy cycling too, the Strider – 12 Sport Balance Bikes will be our first recommendation. The Strider is one of the most well-known bicycle brands across the US, ensuring the best quality for this model.
This one is ultimately suitable for kids, not for adults. This small model fits perfectly for children, making it easier to ride. The lightweight frame and sturdy handlebar offering better grip and control for the kids, alongside with the adjustable seat to make it even better. Overall, the ride on this bike is stable and smooth, your children will surely love it.
This mini bike comes in various colors, you can pick one up to your taste. Its tires are all puncture-proof and soft to absorb all the impact from the riding surface. However, this one is a balance bike – no pedals included.
To find out more about this Cheap Bike, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Great for kids
- Easy to ride
- Good performance
Cons
- Small size suitable for kids only
Product Specs
| Brand | STRIDER |
| Product Dimensions | 33 x 15 x 22 inches |
| Item Weight | 6.7 pounds |
| Color | Green |
Schwinn Volare 1400 Hybrid Road Bikes
Among the road bike line, the Schwin products are always the most well-regarded ones. And the Schwinn Volare 1400 Hybrid Road Bikes will not let you down. Being one of the most high-quality hybrid models, this bike looks sleek and gives the best ride on the road.
If you are aiming for a speedy, smooth and stable ride, look no further. This reliable model can work wonders on different terrains, including dirt road or pavement without leaving too much impact on the riders. It is also ergonomically designed, so you won’t be exhausted even when riding it for such a long time. All of the pressure on your neck and shoulders are reduced, so you would not suffer as much muscle pain as usual.
The frame of this bike is quite lightweight and neat, giving off a poised feeling. However, the legroom is a bit small, so if you are a tall rider, this would be a disadvantage. This bike is may not be the cheapest one, but the excellent quality speaks for the price.
To find out more about this Cheap Bike, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Sleek looking
- Great performance
- Good for all terrains
- Pressure reduction
Cons
- Small legroom
Product Specs
| Brand | Schwinn |
| Product Dimensions | 52.09 x 29.49 x 8.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 28 pounds |
| Color | Red |
Northwoods Aluminum Mountain Bikes
If you love to roam the road, this Northwoods Aluminum Mountain Bikes will be our recommendation. Powerful and reliable, this model can travel you through all kinds of terrains.
The design of this model is quite simple, but its beauty lies in that simplicity. Its frame is from high-grade aluminum, making it lightweight, sturdy, and durable. The sizing of this model is also good, it can work for both adults and teenagers. This is a multi-speed bike, it has a 21-speed level for you to freely enjoy it. There is nothing to complain about the suspension, braking system, or tires of this model, all of them do their job well.
The handlebar is great at giving a good grip, and the bike itself does well when it comes to absorbing the shock from the surface. However, there is no place for a back seat, so this model is only suitable for solo traveling.
Pros
- Great design
- Multi-speed
- Great performance
- High quality
Cons
- No back seat
Product Specs
| Brand | Northwoods |
| Product Dimensions | 68 x 23 x 38 inches |
| Item Weight | 42 pounds |
| Color | Orange/ Grey |
Vilano Shadow 3.0 Road Bikes
Next is another great choice for road riding, the Vilano Shadow 3.0 Road Bikes. This is a good model at a reasonable price, it does not cost you too much and still offer a stable ride on the road.
The design of this model is slim and sleek, the black color also gives out a powerful and cool vibe. The frame is a little bit heavy, but the sturdiness and durability are on another level. The top speed of this bike is not quite fast, but if you just use this for leisure activities, it is enough. The braking system and suspension do it work, no trouble with them actually.
The handlebar is ergonomically designed so your arm won’t be tense after a long time riding. However, the pedals and saddle feel quite cheap and not durable, if possible you can replace them for better performance.
To find out more about this Cheap Bike, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Good performance
- Easy to ride
Cons
- Cheap pedal and saddle
Product Specs
| Brand | Vilano |
| Product Dimensions | |
| Item Weight | 32 pounds |
| Color | Black |
Firmstrong Urban Man Beach Cruiser Bikes
In case you want a classic, lightweight and reliable companion, the Firmstrong Urban Man Beach Cruiser Bikes will be the answer. This one is an affordable bike that can go with you for a long time without any struggle.
This model looks sleek and elegant, suitable for an enjoyable slow ride on the street more than to compete in a race. The frame size is quite good for typical adults, it has two options of 24 inches and 26 inches for you to choose from. Unlike the previous model, this one is a steel frame, it is a bit heavier but still, the durability and sturdiness are certified. If you don’t like the small saddle style, this one is just for you. The big saddle and firm pedals will give you the most comfortable experience on the ride.
The foam-coated handlebar provides a soft, yet good grip to your hands. The shock-proof ability of this model is also decent. However, the tires’ quality is not on par with other parts, it may get worn out very easily.
To find out more about this Cheap Bike, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Classic and elegant design
- Sturdy and durable
- Good performance
- Good saddle and pedals
Cons
- Low-quality tires
Product Specs
| Brand | Firmstrong |
| Product Dimensions | |
| Item Weight | |
| Color | Orange |
Sixthreezero Touring City Road Bikes
Another striking candidate from the Sixthreezero brand, the Sixthreezero Touring City Road Bikes is a great choice in the low-end and mid-end range. Also a classic, elegant model, but this one has a more vintage feel to it.
This model looks just like a typical bike in the ’80s or ’90s, with all the features and design. The frame is aluminum-made, not really lightweight but still acceptable. The handbrake and handlebar are all vintage-designed and hold plausible performance regardless of weather and surface. The ride with this bike is generally smooth and speedy, hardly you can feel any impact from the road at all.
This model already has a back seat attached, but you can still get to equip other accessories like a front basket to it. When shipped, it will come partially assembled, you have to do some of the work to get it in one piece. The process is quite simple, but we need to warn you that the manual book is not quite well comprehensive.
To find out more about this Cheap Bike, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Great design
- Good performance
- Easy to ride
- Can attach more accessories
Cons
- Confusing manual book
Product Specs
| Brand | Sixthreezero |
| Product Dimensions | |
| Item Weight | 37.5 pounds |
| Color | Silver |
Schwinn Discover 700c Hybrid Bikes
Schwin bikes have never gone out of style, especially for this Schwinn Discover 700c Hybrid Bikes. If you are looking for a strong, lightweight, and reliable model, this might be the best choice out of here.
This one here is a big-size model, so it would be perfect for tall and heavy riders. The aluminum frame gives it a sturdy and durable lifetime, combined with the high-quality tire, they could reduce most of the shock from the road. This is a hybrid model, so it can go well on multiple surfaces, for instance, city streets, trails, or mountainous areas.
The saddle of this model is well padded, and the pedal is large and comfy. The legroom is spacious even for tall people, but the center bar may be a bit too high if you are short otherwise.
To find out more about this Cheap Bike, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Good for tall and heavy riders
- Good performance
- Good for all terrains
Cons
- Not suitable for short people
Product Specs
| Brand | Schwinn |
| Product Dimensions | 31.89 x 7.48 x 53.94 inches |
| Item Weight | 43.3 pounds |
| Color | White |
Sixthreezero Around the Block Men’s Cruiser Bikes
One of the most affordable choices on this list is this Sixthreezero Around the Block Men’s Cruiser Bikes. This is a vintage and classic bike, designated for easy and leisure riding.
Looking at this model, we can feel the vibe from a black-and-white movie. The matte black color is versatile, although the limited choice of color may put off many people. The steel frame is not really lightweight, but it is still durable and sturdy. The braking system, tires, and pedal are also great for such price.
The highlight of this bike is the center bar and handlebar design. The slight bending gives much more ease for steering and controlling the bike. However, the center may be a bit too high for short people.
To find out more about this Cheap Bike, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Easy to ride
- Good performance
- Vintage design
Cons
- Center bar can be high for short people
Product Specs
| Brand | sixthreezero |
| Product Dimensions | 67 x 28 x 19 inches |
| Item Weight | 34 pounds |
| Color | Matte Black |
Firmstrong Urban Lady Beach Cruiser Bikes
If you still want to check out another cruiser bike worth paying for, the Firmstrong Urban Lady Beach Cruiser Bikes. This is a medium-size model that promotes a comfortable and stable ride for all riders, especially suitable for female bikers.
If the weight of the product is one of your concerns, this one would please you. The steel frame is surprisingly lightweight, you can control and steer this one effortlessly. The saddles are soft and comfy, you can hardly feel any shock or impact. The top speed of this model is great for cruising or free-riding too. The braking system, handlebar, and tires also contribute to a smooth and enjoyable ride with this bike.
The design of this model is quite feminine, light-hearted, so it would be best for girl riders, but of course, boy can ride it without any problem. It is also not the best-priced bikes out there, but for this price, it is still a good investment.
To find out more about this Cheap Bike, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Good design
- Durable and lightweight
- Easy to ride
- Good performance
Cons
- Not cheap
Product Specs
| Brand | Firmstrong |
| Product Dimensions | |
| Item Weight | |
| Color | Army Green and Pink |
Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mountain Bikes
If you want a stronger, more reliable bike to conquer all the track, the cool Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mountain Bikes will help you. This heavy-duty buddy has its signature fat tires that can bring you to distant miles sweet and fast.
The frame is steel, not aluminum, so the weight of this product is quite on the heavy side. But the ride it gives is steady, no shock and easy. The tires are its most prominent features with the ability to resist puncture, absorb impact, and rolling over all types of terrains and weathers. The braking system is also wonderful, even though you ride in the rain or on the dirt road, it will make sure that you are safe and sound.
Even better, this one is ergonomically designed to help the riders control it easier. The weight limit of this model is exceptional, it can hold up to 350lbs, heavy riders would love this. However, the legroom is a bit limited, so if you are tall, you can feel awkward when riding this.
To find out more about this Cheap Bike, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Good for all terrains
- Great performance
- Suitable for heavy riders
Cons
- Not good for tall riders
Product Specs
| Brand | Mongoose |
| Product Dimensions | |
| Item Weight | 59 pounds |
| Color | Navy Blue |
Schwinn Volare 1200 Men’s Road Bikes
If you love the minimal and stylish design, why don’t you check this out? The Schwinn Volare 1200 Men’s Road Bikes is a good-looking bike at a surprisingly cheap price.
The aluminum frame and simple design take out all the excess weight of this model, leaving a lightweight, yet sturdy bike. The ability to absorb shock and impact from the road of this one is amazing, you will only feel the smoothness and steadiness from the ride, nothing else. Furthermore, saddle and pedals of this model are comfy too, you can expect an enjoyable experience.
However, the tires of this bike are not the best out there. It can get worn out quite fast, you can consider to change it to better ones. Besides, the braking system is just so-so, nothing excellent. But for this price, we can’t complaint more.
To find out more about this Cheap Bike, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Stylish design
- Lightweight
- Good performance
Cons
- Braking problem
Product Specs
| Brand | Schwinn |
| Product Dimensions | |
| Item Weight | 29.8 pounds |
| Color | Blue |
Merax 26″ Mountain Bikes
Onto another great choice for an affordable road bike, the Merax 26″ Mountain Bikes is a promising candidate. This one is a mountain bike, with the power to travel you across the most challenging terrains.
The hippie design of this model makes it more suitable for male riders than females, but if you love the strong look, both gender can try out. The frame is well made, alongside with the handlebar and suspension. This one is a multi-speed bike with a full-on gear to help you conquer all the terrains. The ability of shock-absorbing is also great, all the roughness from the road will disappear.
The large padded saddle also adds comfort to the already enjoyable ride, and the pedals work well too. However, the handlebar is not adjustable, so it can feel a bit awkward when riding this one.
To find out more about this Cheap Bike, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Good performance
- Lightweight and powerful
- Good accessories
- Great for all terrains
Cons
- The handlebar can not be adjusted
Product Specs
| Brand | Merax |
| Product Dimensions | |
| Item Weight | 46.6 pounds |
| Color | Blue |
Vilano R2 Aluminum Road Bikes
If you fancy a simple riding in the city, but still an emphasis on the lightweight feel, the Vilano R2 Aluminum Road Bikes will be the answer. This is a sleek and solid choice for a city tour ride.
This one is super affordable, but the quality exceeds the cost. The glossy black aluminum steel gives off a vintage feel and still maintain the least weight. The braking system works well on a relatively flat surface, it can stop the bike completely without too much abrupt movement. The tires are bigs and not really common, but in general, the ride is smooth and steady.
This one is ultimately a good choice for beginners since it is so easy to learn how to ride it. However, it does not come with a kickstand, so you should mind this when parking it.
To find out more about this Cheap Bike, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to ride
- Good performance
Cons
- Not good for tough surface
Product Specs
| Brand | Vilano |
| Product Dimensions | |
| Item Weight | 41 pounds |
| Color | Black and Green |
Vilano Diverse 3.0 Hybrid Road Bikes
Among the hybrid line, the Vilano Diverse 3.0 Hybrid Road Bikes is a good choice when talking about low-end to mid-end products. The all-black design with silver letters on its body signifies a simple and elegant beauty to this piece.
This model user-friendly, nothing can confuse you when choosing this one. Even though it is cheap, the frame is still made from high-grade aluminum, so you can rest assured on how durable and sturdy this one is. The general experience with this bike is comfortable, steady, and a little impact.
The gear also provides a few choices of speed, and this one can handle the tough road and weather conditions quite well. However, the center bar can be a bit too high for short riders.
To find out more about this Cheap Bike, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to ride
- Good performance
Cons
- Design problem
Product Specs
| Brand | Vilano |
| Product Dimensions | |
| Item Weight | 41 pounds |
| Color | Black |
Kent Oakwood Men’s Cruiser Bikes
In case you love to ride downtown, the Kent Oakwood Men’s Cruiser Bikes can be the best option for a regular city tour. This one is a lightweight model with ergonomic design to save the effort when riding it.
Unlike other cruiser bikes, this one is relatively lightweight with aluminum frames and medium-sizing wheels. The handlebar is a classic type, giving better comfort to steer and control. The braking system does not have any weakness, it does the job just right.
This model comes with a 7-speed gear, allowing you to customize your ride to fit your preference. However, this model is limited to the ability to attach accessories, so it can be a huge disadvantage if you are thinking of going grocery shopping with a bike.
To find out more about this Cheap Bike, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Cheap
- Easy to ride
- Good performance
Cons
- No attachable accessories
Product Specs
| Brand | Kent International |
| Product Dimensions | 53 x 8.5 x 28 inches |
| Item Weight | 40 pounds |
| Color | White |
Mongoose 27.5″ R4054WMC Bikes
The Mongoose produces some of the best and cheapest bikes you could ever wish for, and this Mongoose 27.5″ R4054WMC Bike is no exception. It is just so cheap that it won’t hurt your wallet, and the quality will not let you down either.
The frame and design of this model are quite solid, it is not lightweight though. The saddle is a bit small, but the padded part saves the day. The ride with this model is quite stable, with no major impact or shock (sometimes you can still feel the vibration from the tough road part).
There are two size options for you to choose from, so this is a big bonus point. However, the braking system is not quite good, we recommend you to replace it.
Pros
- Cheap
- Good performance
- Two size options
Cons
- Braking problem
Product Specs
| Brand | Mongoose |
| Product Dimensions | 68 x 25 x 41 inches |
| Item Weight | 50.1 pounds |
| Color | Black |
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Cheap Bikes In 2021
The low price does not mean low quality, you just need to know how to choose an affordable and high-quality model. So what are the criteria for a good cheap bike?
Types
Yes, there are a lot of types of bikes. Not all of them are the same, and each line has a specific purpose.
A road bike is for regular riding on the street, it will be good for city commuting and such. Touring bikes can travel you a long-distance without too much effort.
A cruiser bike is also a good choice for beginners since it is quite comfortable and easy to ride them. Meanwhile, mountain bikes are usually heavy-duty, it is good for off-road riding. The hybrid bikes are the combination of a mountain bike and road bike, they offer adequate quality on both regular and off-road riding.
Budget
The price is a big concern for every buyer. Even though cheap bikes are such a sweet deal, you should not opt for dirt-cheap bikes without considering the quality of the model. A good price range for beginner and low-end bikes would be around 300$.
Size
Next, we have the size. Choosing a perfect size will help you to ride the bike easier and less tiring, also you would not feel awkward on a too big or small bike.
Wheels
Wheels come in different types and sizes. The smaller wheel has a better top speed, but bigger one often gives a better bet on cushioning the road impact.
FAQs
What is the best bike for the money?
Some of the recommendations for the best bikes for the money are:
- Brooklyn Bicycle Co
- Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1 Bike
- Mongoose Men’s Elroy Adventure Bike 700C Wheel Bicycle
- Schwinn Wayfarer Hybrid Bike
Where can I find cheap bikes?
You can find them in a bike store, on online sales, or from auctions.
Are cheap road bikes any good?
Yes, if you choose the right one, they are good for riding.
How much does a decent bike cost?
A decent bike would cost around 300$ and up.
Why are bikes so expensive?
Because the material to forge a bike is usually expensive.