Top 20 Best Hybrid Bikes Under $500 In 2020: September Update!

So, you are looking for a bike. You want something that can do basically everything you may want a bike to do, be it daily commute or longer trips, on- or off-road. They say you can’t have everything. But what if I told you… such bikes exist? And they are called hybrid bike.

The good thing about the modern market is it has everything you want, bikes included. If you can’t find the bike you want, then you are not looking in the right place.

Worry not, we know where, we looked, and we have selected the top 20 hybrid bikes of the year 2020. Just for you.

Editor’s Choice: Top 20 Best Hybrid Bikes Under $500

What Are The Best Hybrid Bikes Under $500 To Buy?

• Best for The Money: Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Hybrid Bicycle
  
• Best for Hill: Vilano Diverse 3.0 Hybrid Bike
  
• Best for Touring: Tommaso La Forma Hybrid Bicycle
  
• Best Overall: Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike
  
• Best for Seniors: Schwinn Wayfarer Hybrid Bicycle
  
• Best For Training: Diamondback Trace Hybrid Bicycle
  
• Best for Long Distance: Schwinn Volare 1200 Hybrid Bike
  
• Best for Beginner: Schwinn GTX Hybrid Bike
  
• Best for Commuting: Co-op Cycles CTY 1.1 Hybrid Bicycle
  
• Best for Men: Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1 Hybrid Bike
• Best for Big Guys: Co-op Cycles CTY 2.2 Hybrid Bicycle
• Best Electric: Cannondale Quick Neo SL 2 Hybrid Bike
  
• Best Electric: GHOST Hybride Square Hybrid Bike
  
• Best Electric: Rad Power RadRover 5 Hybrid Bicycle
  
• Best for Women: Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women’s Hybrid Bike
• Best Affordable: Co-op Cycles CTY 3.1 Hybrid Bicycle
  
• Best for City Riding: Cannondale Quick CX 2 Hybrid Bike

Sixthreezero EVRYjourney

A fine product from a fine brand. The Sixthreezero EVRYjourney, as the name suggests, is designed for nearly every kind of biking journey you can think of.

Designed for an upright riding position with adjustable seat, the EVRYjourney allows for an easy ride both on even ground and on slopes. Moreover, the 26’’ wide tires will make sure your ride stay smooth and sweet whether on paved roads or on dirt paths.

For your selection, there are the 1-, 3-, 7- and 21-speed versions. If you live in a flat area with few inclines on the road, then you should select either the 1- or 3-speed version. If you want to take this bike off the road more than every once in a while, or want to go on long biking trips, then the 21-speed one is for you. And as always, there is the jack-of-all-trades middle ground 7-speed variant.

No matter what variant you select, the gears are known to be smooth shifting, and will give you no trouble when you need to adjust your gear as the terrain changes.

To top all that off, the bike weighs only 40 pounds thanks to its aluminum frame, further allowing you an easy control of it while biking through the streets or through pathways.

Product Specs

Vilano Diverse 3.0

There are the cruiser-oriented hybrid bikes and there are the mountain-inspired hybrid bikes. And there is the Vilano Diverse 3.0. Why the Diverse 3.0 stand out? Because if this bike were a person, its occupation would definitely be that of a soldier. Tough, strong and fast.

The Vilano Diverse 3.0 is one of those hybrid bikes that evolved from mountain bikes, and is leaned more towards the high-performance side: strength and speed. When you drive the Vilano Diverse 3.0, you will see that the designers wanted it to go just as such.

With straight handlebar and wide tires, this bike boasts the tough look that suits its tough characteristics. The Diverse 3.0 can take on asphalt streets or gravel roads with equal ease. Coupled with the bike’s 24-speed system, it will make sure your ride is easily navigable on- or off-road.

Its disc brake allows you to stop your bike safely, be it sunny or rainy. Such stopping-power might be a bit uncomfortable at first, however, and will take some time for getting used to.

And then, there is the an aluminum frame, which means the bike weighs only 41 pounds, making it maneuverable across all kinds of terrain you can think of.

Product Specs

See also:

• Top 14 Best Mountain Bikes Under 500 Reviews In 2020
• Top 19 Best Cruiser Bikes Review In 2020
• Top 20 Best Bike Cell Phone Holders and Mounts in 2020
• Top 15 Best Hitch Bike Racks Reviews In 2020

Tommaso La Forma

If the Vilano Diverse 3.0 is ‘the soldier’, then the Tommaso La Forma would be ‘the daredevil’. Daring, intense and efficient.

With a 27-speed gear system, this bike is very much suitable for long journeys. Go far, go wide, go daring, just as what the La Forma was designed.

The La Forma won’t shy away from off-roading either: its extra wide tires adds stability and good traction for your ride. Combine this with the gear system that can shift in less than a blink of an eye, you will no problem while riding on dirt paths, gravel roads. You will find yourself conquering those intense mountain trails on the La Forma.

Remember the Sixthreezero EVRYjourney? It is light, at just 40 pounds. The La Forma weighs only 25 pounds. Light, yet durable and compact. The holes, which are drilled into the frame, does not affect durability, but allows you to mount almost any kind of racks and fenders you want. Efficiency at its finest.

Product Specs

Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike

Schwinn is a brand that you should be familiar with if you have been biking for a while. It is too often that their products show up on top lists for any type of bike. That sentence alone said it all.

The Schwinn Discover, like any Schwinn bike, stands for performance and reliability. The bike’s 28’’ wheels and the smooth-shifting 21-speed gear system guarantee the former part.

The 21-speed gear system combined with classic pull-brakes gives easy control over the bike’s speed, allowing you to smoothly ride over any kind of terrains. Speaking of terrains, the wheels at first glance may appears to be a bit too big, but once you got used to it, you will love the extra traction and stability it provides.

As for reliability, the Discover speaks up with its strong and sturdy looks, as well as with its urban-styled aluminum frame. Equipped with Schwinn’s famed fork-suspension on the front wheel, the bike will absorb much of the shocks you find while riding off-road.

Furthermore, The Schwinn Discover has swept-back handlebar, allowing you to either ride upright or leaned forward. Coupled with its big wheels and fork-suspension, you will find your ride easy and comfortable.

Product Specs

Raleigh Cadent 2

If you bike, then you know Schwinn. If you know Schwinn, then you must know Raleigh. Their candidate on this list is the Raleigh Cadent 2. The Cadent 2 has a classic look, and leans more toward the high-performance rather than the cruising side.

The bike’s design allows the rider to comfortably ride in an upright position, but still gives you good handling with Raleigh Comfort Grips. Did I also mention the tires are of the extra-large variety? Aluminum frame equals lightweight; lightweight, big tires and good handling equals great maneuverability.

The Cadent 2 also features a disc brake, allowing you to stop your bike timely and safely. But bear in mind, as with all disc brake, it will take some time for you to get used to it before you love it.

With 24 gears, the bike gives you great performance on either flat ground or inclines, on- or off-road. Add the above in with the gear part and you will see the Raleigh Cadent 2 is great for any occasion.

Product Specs

Diamondback Bicycles Trace

Diamondback Bicycles, one of the more successful bicycle producers around, once again stay true to their reputation with the Diamondback Bicycles Trace. Even though the firm terms their product ‘Dual Sport Bike’, the characteristics are pretty much that of what you would expect from a hybrid.

At first glance, the Trace might looks a bit stiff. No, it is not stiff, not one bit. Thanks to the shock-absorbing capability of the seat post and the well-designed grips, your ride on this bike will mostly be smooth and sweet.

Comes with a 21-speed gear system, with the gear-shift placed right next to your hand, you will always find a suitable gear and easily change to said gear in an instant.

Speaking of ‘suitable’, this bike is available in various sizes. So, no matter if you are tall or short, you can find the right size for your very own Trace.

The wheels, while of normal size, have what it takes to roll smoothly around the city, yet still possess the traction needed to go through trails. Imagine riding it through the streets of your city, onto to the dirt paths of the adjacent countryside, and then straight into the forests once the road ends. But wait, just try the Trace out, and you will know that these are not just imaginaries.

Product Specs

Schwinn Volare 1200

Another Schwinn product on the list. And as with all Schwinn’s products, the Volare 1200 does not disappoint. For that ride you make every weekdays to and from work, or that weekend trip to the countryside, or maybe those early morning exercise rides. The Volare 1200 has all of that in it.

If you want some speed on the road or some bumps on the rocky paths, you can keep the seat and handlebar in the original configuration and position. If you want a more comfortable cruising ride, the handlebar and the seat can also be adjusted. Adding more to versatility, the smooth-shifting 21-speed gear allows you to select the right gear for any occasion.

The bike is also relatively light, just a bit over 39 pounds. With its tires and rim sturdily made, this bike can be maneuverable just about anywhere you expect a bike to go. And when you need to stop, you will fall in love with the precise braking system, all thanks to the back linear alloy pull brakes.

And if all of the above did not convince you that the Volare 1200 is worth your money, then it looks may just be the final kick. I mean, just look at it. The design is elegant, sporty and stylist. The paintjob and finish are excellent. This bike truly has both the bark and the bite.

Product Specs

Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1 Step-Through Bike

Co-op Cycles may not be as old as Schwinn, but their products worth the buyer’s money just as well.

The Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1 is a great urban bike (maybe that is why it has the name ‘CTY’). One of its most distinguishing features is the 63mm-traveling fork suspension on the front wheel. This is enough to absorb the shocks you may find on the bumpy side roads in your city or perhaps on those paths and trails as well. If you feel like you won’t need the suspension, you can lock it for increased control.

The gear system features 8-speed, and can shift smoothly, allowing you to ride through various kind of terrains. Ergonomic grips and great seating will make sure you stay comfortable while doing it. The hydraulic disc brakes gives you all-weather great stopping power, allowing you to stop your bike timely and safely (if you’ve got used to disc brakes, that is).

As you can see, the CTY 2.1 is an excellent city bike. But it also shows characteristics worthy of some limited off-roading. Comes in two versions: this step-through version would be more comfortable for female bicyclists. All that is left to say is: try it, you will like it.

Product Specs

Co-op Cycles CTY 1.1

Another one from Co-op Cycles, the CTY 1.1. is designed for entry-level bicyclists, and mostly for urban travelling, but can perform decently on longer rides as well.

Previous generations of Co-op Cycles’ bike have steel frame. Although steel frames are indeed stronger and sturdier than aluminum frames, they are also costlier and heavier. Moreover, steel frame maybe an ‘overkill’, as in too sturdy for the kind of impacts a bicycle is expected to withstand. Thus, with its aluminum frame, the CTY 1.1 is tough enough to ensure reliability and durability, yet also light enough to allow decent maneuverability.

The CTY 1.1’s 8-speed gear system, while intended primarily for city streets, also allows for riding over various kinds of terrain. The wheels rolls smooth enough on city asphalt, but still have enough tractions to grip the road on rainy days, or to do a little bit off-roading.

Finally, the Co-op Cycles CTY 1.1. can fit a wide range of accessories. Almost anything you may need, from fenders, racks, to panniers. This will ensure you ride comfortably either dirt paths or pavements, go on short trips around the block or a weekend trip to the countryside.

Product Specs

Cannondale Quick CX 2 Bike – 2020

The Cannondale Quick CX 2 is a true hybrid: “Dirt one day. Road the next.” – As per written on Cannondale’s website.

Mountain bikes inspired the CX 2’s design, and thus you will find yourself riding this bike in an upright position, which means a comfortable and natural feeling in nearly every situation. The fork-suspension travels 50mm. While this is not the 63mm-fork travel of the CTY 2.1, this number is also very decent.

The big 40mm-wide tires are of multi-surface design, giving you reliable grips on dirt paths. The 9-speed gears will make sure you either zoom speedily through city streets, or pedal effortlessly on rocky trails.

And for all those amazing features above, the bike weighs only 26 pounds, so you can already imagine what kind of maneuverability it has. This bike will get you nearly anywhere a bike can go. If it can’t get you there, it is light enough for you to carry it there.

Product Specs

Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1 Bike

Co-op Cycles may not be as old as Schwinn, but their products worth the buyer’s money just as well.

The Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1 is a great urban bike (maybe that is why it has the name ‘CTY’). One of its most distinguishing features is the 63mm-traveling fork suspension on the front wheel. This is enough to absorb the shocks you may find on the bumpy side roads in your city or perhaps on those paths and trails as well. If you feel like you won’t need the suspension, you can lock it for increased control.

The gear system features 8-speed, and can shift smoothly, allowing you to ride through various kind of terrains. Ergonomic grips and great seating will make sure you stay comfortable while doing it. The hydraulic disc brakes gives you all-weather great stopping power, allowing you to stop your bike timely and safely (if you’ve got used to disc brakes, that is).

As you can see, the CTY 2.1 is an excellent city bike. But it also shows characteristics worthy of some limited off-roading. Comes in two versions: this step-over version would be more comfortable for male bicyclists. All that is left to say is: try it, you will like it.

Product Specs

GHOST Square Cross 1.8 Step-Through Women’s Bike

Even though it does not bear the word ‘hybrid’ in its name, the GHOST Square Cross 1.8 Step-through is a true hybrid bicycle.

With its design inspired by classic mountain bikes, and adjusted to suits what a female cyclist would need, this bike can perform well in everyday commuting, or as a fitness bike, as well as giving the rider an easy time going off-road.

The seat is designed to be easily adjustable: Up or down, forward or backward. This will greatly help bicyclist of different height and arm reach to sit comfortably on their bike. The straight handlebar offers allows for a natural upright riding position, further increasing control and comfort.

The fork suspension travels 50mm, again: not the best in its class, but is nothing short of ‘very good’ for its purpose. The tires are 35mm wide, with smooth section in the middle and knobs on either sides, so you will find yourself zooming through city streets one moment and crashing through gravels the very next.

Product Specs

Co-op Cycles CTY 2.2 Bike

Can be regarded as the ‘big brother’ of the CTY 2.1. They are similar in many aspects, but the 2.2 outperforms its 2.1 brother in more than one regard, thanks to its better components.

Similar to the CTY 2.1, the CTY 2.2 features a 63mm-travelling fork suspension on the front wheel, as well as a lock for when you feel like you don’t need that much shock absorption. Moreover, the NRX suspension mounted on the CTY 2.2 is lighter than the NEX on the CTY 2.1.

The tires on the CTY 2.2 is also 40mm-wide, same as on the CTY 2.1. But the former’s tires are also puncture resistant. And just like on any other CTY models, the reliable hydraulic disc brake will make sure you stop your bike safely and timely, once you get used to it.

Lastly, the CTY 2.2. features a 9-speed gear system (1 additional speed compared to the CTY 2.1). This will give you an easier time biking through hilly areas or dirt paths.

Product Specs

Co-op Cycles CTY 3.1 Bike

Another from Co-op Cycles. The CTY 3.1 is the real deal for those of you who like to go on journeys that include a lot of dirt paths, trails and gravel roads.

The first distinguishing features that makes the CTY 3.1 stands out compared to its peer is its steel frame. Despite its steel frame, the CTY 3.1 weighs 28.5 pounds, which is actually lighter than the aluminum-framed CTY 2.1. With its steel frame, you can expect the CTY 3.1 to be durable, comfortable, and practical. Which is exactly what it gives you.

The second easily noticeable feature of the CTY 3.1 is its massive 47mm-wide tires. These rubbers will crash right through gravels and dirt with little problems. But before you hit that gravel road, you are likely to have to go through that asphalt street in front of your house. Worry not, then, as those massive wheels are knobby just enough to make sure you ride smoothly through both gravel and asphalt alike.

Product Specs

Cannondale Quick Neo SL 2 Electric Bike

A Class-1 Electric bike (that is, with a pedal-assisted electric bike) from Cannondale, with its battery hidden inside the lower tube, the Quick Neo SL 2 hardly looks like one.

The 250W MAHLE ebikemotion X35 truly lives up to its fame: after 3 hours of charging, the 100% full battery can assist you for 40 miles of biking. Once you run out of battery, or when you decide that you no longer needs pedal assist, there is virtually no drag on your bike.

The Quick Neo SL 2 features good handling and tires in a lightweight packet. Easy enough for your trip from and to work, but sporty enough if you want to do some exercise.

Another feature is the SAVE micro-suspension that allows for much comfort by absorbing much of any bumps you may encounter while zooming on your SL 2. Coupled with the upright riding position, you will find comfort, good visibility and handling.

Finally, the bike features a smartphone holder, which then displays your speed, distance covered and more with the Cannondale app.

Product Specs

GHOST Hybride Square Trekking B1.8 AL Step-Through Electric Bike

Another class-1 electric bike on the list. The GHOST Hybride Square Trekking B1.8 AL features a powerful 500Wh battery with 3 assist modes. Its 9-speed gear system has also been proven to be smooth and reliable. Add the 30 miles of pedal assist in, and you will see that this bike allows you an easy ride through the streets.

Also featured is the Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brake with immerse stopping power. And you can active that power with just one finger.

The 42mm-wide tires give you easy control of the bike be it on gravel or asphalt. The front suspension is the famed Suntour NEX. Yes, the same NEX that travels 63mm. Coupled with the straight handlebar and upright riding posture, this bike will gives you a lot of comfort while journeying.

The bike is, however, quite heavy. Even though GHOST gave this bike an aluminum frame, it still weighs 53 pounds. This will give you some problem if you don’t know what you’re doing on uneven terrains or while riding on gravels.

Product Specs

Rad Power Bikes RadRover 5

The famed ultimate off-road electric bike. The RadRover 5 has been the best-selling electric bike in North American for several years now.

Its tire – with a layer aramid and ceramic particles inside, is puncture-resistant. Thorns, glasses or other small pointy things you bump into on the road will have a hard time getting through your tire.

Featuring a 7-speed gear system, allowing you to zoom smoothly through the streets or climbing up any hills – and at top speed while doing it thanks to the pedal assist.

The in-built Rad Battery Pack features 672Wh capacity, which translates into 25-45+ miles of pedal assist per charge, and takes 5-6 hours to fully charge. Its 750W Bafang Geared Hub Motor allows you to push up hills and through uneven terrains with ease.

The front suspension fork has 80mm of travel, and can be adjusted pre-load or locked according to your needs. Another nice-to-have feature is the integrated brake light that will automatically activates anytime you hit the brake.

Product Specs

The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Hybrid Bikes Under 500 In 2020

Handlebar shape

When it comes to choosing the best hybrid bikes under 500 dollars, there’s a basic rule of thumb: The further the distance between the seat and handlebars, the comfier.

And up to now, there have been four main types of handlebar shapes:

• Moustache bar
• Riser bar
• Flat bar
• Drop bar

Frame materials

While most hybrid bikes are crafted from aluminum, there are still models made of carbon fiber or steel. The main differences between them are:

Carbon fiber is the highest-quality material out of three, being stronger than steel and lighter than aluminum. Its biggest flaw is an expensive price point.

Steel is the heaviest material. In turn, it gives a sweet spot between flex and strength for smoother, comfier ride.

Aluminum is the cheapest with an emphasis on stiffness, non-corrosion, and strength. But under the strong impact, it’s prone to bend or deform.

Brake types

Speaking of brake types, you will have to choose between disc brakes and rim brakes.

Disc brakes:

The brake pads of disc brakes will grip onto the brake rotor located on the wheel hub.

In comparison, this type is more durable than the rim brakes, making it cheaper in the long term. And it delivers stronger stopping power with less finger strain requiring so you can have more pieces in mind to ride it on wet terrains or steep hills.

But speaking of pad replacement, it would be more difficult than the rim brakes and the initial costs are usually higher.

Rim brakes:

As its pads grip onto the wheel rims, you will easily know when they wear out to replace and besides, the replacement process isn’t challenging as the disc brakes. Rim brakes are also known as an economical option for budget-minded riders.

However, take note that this brake type will wear out your bike’s wheel rim faster, implying for more frequent replacement.

Another flaw is less stopping power, which is a bit risky to ride on muddy or wet conditions. Not to say that it forces you to use more finger effort to aggressively brake it.

FAQs

How Do I Choose A Hybrid Bike?

There are three main things you should keep in mind when choosing a good hybrid bike are handlebar shape, frame materials, and brake types. To learn more, kindly read my detail buying guide above.

Are Hybrid Bikes Good For Long-Distance?

Yes, they are.

To ride it over long distances with comfort and safety, the bike should be equipped with a comfier seat, front and rear suspension, and disc brake.

Does A Hybrid Bike Need Suspension?

As suspension forks are commonly made of steel, which adds weight and makes pedaling less efficient, most hybrid bikes don’t include this component.

Can You Ride A Hybrid Bike On Trails?

It’s probably suitable for paved or unpaved bike trails. In fact, hybrid bikes aren’t as efficient and lightweight as road bikes so they can’t handle rough trails, like off-road mountain bike trails.

Is A Hybrid Bike Faster Than A Mountain Bike?

Yes, it is

In comparison, a hybrid bike is much lighter to pedal more easily and quickly on pavements.

Can Hybrid Bikes Go Off-Road?

Yes, they can.

It’s because hybrid bikes are a combination of mountain bikes and road bikes to hold up well for more sedate off-roading conditions.

What Is The Right Hybrid Bike Size?

This factor actually depends on the rider’s height. To give you simpler solutions, take a peek at this table:

Conclusion

I understand that any shopper is after the best hybrid bike under $500 for their specific needs, which is the reason the bikes reviewed here were picked based on overall rating, expert advice, and experience.

It’s your turn now!

Thanks a lot for reading and good luck.