In this article, we will see many options. Im sure youll find yours on this list. So lets go through it. For each option, Im describing the Pros., Cons., and what makes an option better than the others.
Table of Contents
Comparison Chart
Commuter Bikes | Speed | Price | Frame Material |
---|---|---|---|
Big Shot Bikes | 1 | ~$350 | Steel |
Pure Cycles | 16 | ~$750 | Steel |
Mercier Nano | 16 | Click to see | Aluminum |
Retrospec Mantra V2 | 1 | ~$300 | Steel |
Tommaso Imola | 24 | ~$900 | Aluminum |
Schwinn Stites | 1 | ~$400 | Steel |
ZiZZO | 7 | ~$300 | Aluminum |
Who doesnt like to commute by bike? Commuters and urban cyclists have a special place in our hearts for this activity.
Thats why we always do our best to pack everything we need before our ride into town. Maybe youve packed everything you need, and youre planning to take the old bike you have with you.
Are you sure everything is in its place? How about buying a new commuter bike for the money.
Ive selected 7 options for you to make a list of the best commuter bikes under $500 to make the right choice for yourself.
Lets look at the pros and cons of their features.
Which bike is best for daily commute?
Schwinn Stites Single-Speed Fixie Bike
It has enough potential like other popular bikes on the market.
Its designed for city riding and features front and rear alloy caliper brakes for precise stopping.
The 700C wheels offer strength and performance during daily commutes.
You have a choice of white or silver.
Schwinns steel racing frame and fork provide a responsive and reliable ride.
Theyre also more robust than other standard bikes on the market.
It is equipped with a flip flop hub system, which means the rear wheel can be flipped to the other side, giving you a choice between freewheeling and true fixed gear.
The bike is available in two different sizes. You can choose your size depending on your height:
- 55cm/Medium Frame
58cm/Large Frame
And they provide all the accessories you will need to assemble this bike.
So you dont have to worry about assembly. It comes ready to be assembled with 700C wheels.
What I like:
- It has a unique design so far.
- And this company made the custom bike with the best-branded parts in the world.
- Also, this bike has a different size option.
- It is easy to assemble.
What I dont like:
- I think this is a new company. It hasnt gained enough trust from customers yet. Thats the main Cons with this bike.
- And this bike has no warranty.
What is the best bike for commuting to work?
ZiZZO - Folding Commuter Mountain Bike
This is a new bike on the market that is versatile. You can use it to commute. And its a folding bike. So, after riding, you can fold this bike to store it in a small place.
It can also easily fit in the trunk of your car. And it has an aluminum alloy frame.
Of course, its a lightweight bike that weighs only 28lbs. It can handle up to 240lbs of weight. But the company recommends not to put more than 200lbs of weight. Yes, thats enough, I think.
And it has steel V-brakes to stop your bike in an instant. It also has a 7-speed system to keep you going fast and smoothly.
But thats not the reason we put it on the list. The main reason is that it has a folding facility. This will allow you to keep the bike with you.
If you go to the office, you can fold it and keep it next to your desk. You dont have to worry about the thief.
Lets talk a little bit about assembly. The company provides almost 100% assembly.
What I like:
- The main thing about this bike is the folding feature Ive mentioned several times.
- And this bike can also be used as a mountain bike.
- Also, it has a suspension that allows you to ride smoothly.
- Finally, this bike is light and robust.
What I dont like:
- Its a brand new companys bike, you can worry about the after-sales service.
- And, they do not provide any kind of warranty service. I think they should provide it.
best budget commuter bikes
1. Big Shot Bikes - City Commuter Bike
Big Shot is very popular for its custom bike-building services. They made this one for riding around town and named it Dublin. This bike will be one of your best choices if you need to get to the gym, school, and work.
With a stylish matte black design, they put high quality and lightweight steel frame. It can produce enough strength besides a light body and has a double-wall aluminum rim. But they dont have a disc brake system.
Instead, they put a standard old-fashioned brake system. But its not bad. It will stop you in no time after you pull the brake. They put in a single gear to better protect you from the weather, which is not very good but very effective on the training ground.
This bike is for someone who doesnt have much experience with cycling. Also, this bike will need less maintenance than a standard bike, which is the best pro for a beginner.
I think Big Shot Bike did it in that spirit. Not too fancy, not too judgmental. Just an exciting matte black frame with a very simple design.
The company offers a lifetime warranty on the frame and fork and a 3-year warranty on the other components. They have a money-back guarantee too! That means if you dont like your bike after you buy it online, you can return it to them.
What can make a bike under 600 euros even better? But I should mention that this bike doesnt have gears and multi-speed hubs. So many expert cyclists wont want it. But it is still a very simple, minimalist bike best suited for a beginner.
What I like:
- It has a very low maintenance cost.
- The minimalist bike is the best for beginners.
- Quite sturdy next to a lightweight.
- They provide a lifetime warranty for the frames and fork with a money-back guarantee.
What I dont like:
- There is only one gear, which is not ideal for professional cyclists.
- It would be better if they put in a disc brake system.
2. Pure Cycles 8-Speed City Commuter Bicycle
If youre looking for something stylish but comfortable, go for it. With your comfort in mind, Pure Cycles created this 16-speed commuter bike.
This bike will perform best if you live in an urban area with no smooth roads. This bike is specifically designed for commuting and carrying something. It will give you enough speed to get around your urban area.
Moreover, it has a lightweight 4130 chromoly steel frame which is stronger than standard aluminum frames.
It can absorb more vibrations on the road. Thats why they call it a commuter bike.
Its smooth swept-back handle and comfortable grip allow you to move easily through traffic. And this bike is equipped with big 700x32c tires. That will give you more speed. Plus, they put an extra cushion on the seat so you can sit comfortably.
It has a disc brake system and a double chain guard. This will keep the chain in place. And another great thing about this bike is that they have 3 different sizes. This will allow you to choose a size that will fit you perfectly.
Even so, they also offer lifetime warranty services. They offer a lifetime warranty for the frame and a one-year warranty for the other components. I think that this is brilliant customer service from Pure Cycles.
What I like:
- The customer can choose a different size depending on what suits them best.
- A stronger body frame that can handle more vibration.
- And, it has big tires to produce more speed.
- In addition, they also provide warranty service.
What I dont like:
- It has big tires, which means it will take time to accelerate.
3. Mercier Nano Mini Velo Road Bike - Shimano Sora 16 Speed Commuter Bike
Mercier is a very compact all-purpose commuter bike. This bike almost looks like a custom bike. It has a unique design.
But that is not enough for a bike to be one of the best bikes on the market. The bike must have other important things like comfort, speed, and more.
So, the agile and fast steel frame will keep you comfortable and your back in the right position. From the name, you already know that this is a small bike. But its not too small for kids.
This bike is very comfortable for a minimum height of 54″. And it has a comfortable padded seat.
Plus, it has stronger side ratchet brakes to provide the best safety on the road. With this type of brake, you can stop your bike anytime, anywhere in an instant.
And this bike has a small wheel. But this small size wheel will give you enough acceleration to move fast and go faster.
They provide a 20-inch aluminum wheel which is lighter and stronger too. They also have a holder to keep a bottle.
For only $329, this bike is comparable to any $800/900 bike. This bike is one of the best choices for you to enjoy daily commutes with the best comfort.
But this bike has almost no lubrication. So, after you buy it, you may have to lubricate it. If you have experience doing this, you can do it yourself. Otherwise, you need to find an expert to give enough lubricant to the bike.
What I like:
- Nanosize to get around quickly and park anywhere.
- The best feeling of comfort when you ride.
- It can do fast acceleration.
- Also, a stylish custom design.
What I dont like:
- They dont provide lubrication.
- And its not a unisex bike.
4. Retrospec Mantra V2 Fixed-Gear - Seven Speed Ladys City Commuter Bike
This commuter bike from Critical Cycles is specifically designed for women.
With that in mind, they made a special step-thru frame that is light and strong.
This frame will allow you to ride with maximum comfort. And this bike also has a very feminine color. It has a single-speed control with a front and rear brake system.
They did not put a disc brake system. Instead, they keep it simple by putting the standard brake. Also, it has a mid-century bell with a vintage-looking bracket too.
Despite this, it has big 700 x 25C tires on both wheels. This will produce maximum speed. And it has a very comfortable old-fashioned handle.
This company gives 85% complete bikes and provides a guide to assemble the rest of the equipment. So you can assemble this bike very quickly without having any assembly frustration.
In terms of colors, it is available in red, black and silver.
What I like:
- The best comfortable classic design.
- It has a fixed gear with 1 speed.
- Lightweight bike
What I dont like:
- Because of the low price, the quality of the product is not very good.
- And some customers say that the maintenance costs are high.
5. Tommaso Imola Aluminum Road Bike,
This one is currently famous on the market, with good feedback from buyers: Tommaso Imola.
It offers many size options, from XXS to XL. Depending on your size, you can choose the one you want. And it has an aluminum frame with straight and comfortable riding position.
In addition, the wheels are made of durable aluminum rims. And the seat has extra padding for comfortable seating.
In addition, it is equipped with Shimano shifting for smooth shifting. And there are 24 gears to ride with your best comfort.
This is one of the best options to commute around town for regular use. You can easily and quickly get to the gym, the nearest store, and school.
This will be the best choice for a student or a health-conscious person. I recommend this bike because many customers are now crazy about this one.
It is one of the best-selling bikes in the market now. And it has enough capacity to satisfy the customers.
What I like:
- First, it has 4 different size options to choose the one that suits you best.
- And it has a 14-speed option with a Shimano gear shift.
- Plus, its one of the most comfortable commuter bikes on the market.
- The aluminum frame and rim produce enough strength while keeping the weight very light.
What I dont like:
- At times, this bike makes a weird noise when riding faster.
- Also, the chain often slips, which is weird.
By the way, if you are looking to upgrade your bike, I suggest you continue reading these posts:
- 2020 Best Road Bike Wheels Under 500 Dollars ; [TOP 4 Picks]
- Best Road Bike Helmet Under $100 ; [Top 5 Picks For 2020]
- Best Flat Pedals for Road Bike ; [Top 9 Picks For 2020]
What is a commuter bike?
Okay, so first know about commuting. Commuting is moving around an area that is very familiar to you. Heres what you need to know about heavy transportation.
You can get around this area with maximum safety without worrying about an accident. And the commuter bike is a vehicle that will allow you to move these areas faster.
A commuter bike is known for its safety and faster travel but is reasonably priced. You can also call it an economy bike.
This bike is not for going to the mountains or road trips.
This bike is for your regular use as you have to go to the nearest superstore to buy something. And you need to get to the office thats not far from your house.
So, the commuter bike is a bike that will allow you to get around more quickly in your daily life. And, it will save you money and time.
Key Decision-making Factors
Ive already provided you with a list of the best commuter bikes. Heres a simple buying guide for you too. It will help you choose the best one for you.
Material
For any type of bike, the material is essential. Depending on the material, there are four different types of bikes on the market.
Carbon fiber bike.
- Steel bike.
- Titanium bike.
- Aluminum bike.
Carbon fiber bike
This is the most expensive bike on the market. You cant find a commuter bike for under $500 made of carbon fiber. You have to spend a lot more than that. This type of bike is known to be strong and light. You hardly feel any weight.
Steel bike
This bike is known for its stronger body at a cheap price. Most of the cheap bikes are made of steel and aluminum. It is the most popular bike material. And it is known for its smooth and more robust body. In addition, the steel bike body frame can be repaired at a minimal cost.
Titanium bike
It is the lightest bike on the market. And a solid, smooth quality like the steel body frame. Its out of our budget.
Aluminum bike: Another popular and economical bike frame. It offers an excellent mix of lightweight and strength. But this type of frame cant handle too much vibration.
Size
To ride comfortably, you need to buy the right size bike. On the site above, there are different sizing options. Check the sizing details and choose something that best fits your size. Remember that a low or high bike size will not give you better comfort. It is not recommended for everyday riding.
Brakes
The brake is significant for a bicycle. Disc brakes are great, but conventional brakes are not bad either.
Speed
Speed control will keep you riding smoothly and comfortably. But shifting gears can be irritating for you. If you are familiar with shifting, then go for this model. Otherwise, you can choose a fixed-gear hub.
Also, ensure your seat has extra padding to provide a comfortable feel while riding. And the handle should move easily. A tight handle is not suitable for moving around comfortably.
Conclusions
Thats it on the 7 best commuter bikes under $600. I hope I gave you enough information to buy the best bike on a budget.
Depending on your needs, choose the best bike for your personal use. I can only tell you one thing: the 7 bikes I listed above are the best commuter bikes on the market.
So, without hesitation, you can choose any of them from this list. Please stay connected with us to learn more about the bike. And if you have something to know, you can contact us for that.