Choosing a bike to buy may be a daunting affair. Thousands of possibilities are available, ranging from expensive yet professional road bikes to the most basic, no-frills vehicles. Prices differ according to feature sets, brand names, and quality.
It is not uncommon for professionals to spend hundreds of dollars on a bicycle. A newbie is just as likely to buy a cheap bike that gives a terrible ride before falling apart.
However, there is a sweet spot. Some bikes are economical and quality, and some even include cutting-edge technology.
Fortunately, you don’t have to go through numerous bike ads to locate these hidden treasures. I’ve compiled a list of them for you here.
The top ten best road bikes for less than $300 are listed below.
|
Rank
|
Product Name
|
Type
|
Weight
|
Speed
|
Frame
|
Amazon Link
|
|
1
|
Takara Oni Fixie Road Bike
|
Commuter
|
35.2 lbs
|
1
|
Steel
|
|
|
2
|
Schwinn Volare Hybrid Road Bike
|
Road
|
30 lbs
|
14
|
Aluminum
|
|
|
3
|
Vilano Shadow 3.0 Road Bike
|
Road
|
29.8 lbs
|
14
|
Aluminum
|
|
|
4
|
Hiland Celerite Road Bike
|
Road
|
33 lbs
|
14
|
Aluminum
|
|
|
5
|
Single Speed Urban Track Bike
|
Commuter
|
30 lbs
|
1
|
Aluminum
|
|
|
6
|
Roadmaster Granite Peak
|
Hilly Road
|
38 lbs
|
7
|
Steel
|
|
|
7
|
Giordano Aversa Road Bike
|
Road
|
33 lbs
|
14
|
Aluminum
|
|
|
8
|
Vilano R2 Commuter Road Bike
|
Commuter
|
27 lbs
|
21
|
Aluminum
|
|
|
9
|
Eurobike Road Bike EURXC550
|
Road
|
40 lbs
|
21
|
Steel
|
|
|
10
|
Takara Sugiyama Flat Fixie Bike
|
Commuter
|
34 lbs
|
1
|
Steel
|
Top 10 Best Road Bikes Under $300 Reviews
1# Takara Oni Single Speed Drop Bar Fixie Road Bikes
Takara’s single-speed fixie ranks first on the list.
One look and you can’t help but admire its elegant lines. Bikes in this price range typically skip frills and expensive paint treatments, instead focusing on improving the construction and mechanics.
The Oni exemplifies this. The frame and fork are TAG welded and made of high-tensile steel for rock-solid stability. This less overall welding approach produces higher quality, more aesthetically beautiful outcomes than the more popular TIG method.
If the quality of craftsmanship doesn’t persuade you that this bike is extraordinary, keep reading. The Oni has drop bar handlebars and double-wall 700c rims. With 28 mm wide tires, this bike is designed to tackle the most challenging terrain a road bike will likely encounter.
The Oni depends on side pull brakes at both the front and rear. Side pull brakes are the most affordable stopping option, but they are also the most reliable – and the Oni has two, so you can stop on a dime.
The flip-flop rear wheel hub will likely be the feature you’ll like the most on this bike. Single-speed bikes are generally fixed gear and cannot coast like freewheel bikes. With the flip-flop wheel hub, you get the best of both worlds. The Oni is a coastal fixie.
Takara Oni Single Speed Drop Bar Fixie Road Bike: Check Its Price on Amazon!
2# Schwinn Volare Adult Hybrid Road Bikes
It’s uncommon to see a bike list that does not contain a Schwinn. The Volare represents this historical brand in the sub- $ 300 pricing range, which appears criminally inexpensive when considering its characteristics.
Like the Oni, the Volare features 700c, double-wall rims and 28mm tires so that it can take bumps on the road just as well. It also has drop-bar handlebars and calliper-style side-pull hand brakes, but this is where the two bikes split.
This is a 14-gear multi-speed bike. Our gives it an advantage over the fixies on our list in terms of adaptability, especially while pedalling uphill. Shimano A050 shifters and a rear derailleur from the same recognized brand ensure smooth and snappy gear changes.
In addition, the light aluminium frame of this bike will make climbing inclines easier. It provides stability equivalent to a heavier steel frame while saving a few pounds.
It also comes in a choice of vibrant paint treatments. Please leave it to Schwinn to throw in some creature amenities.
Schwinn Volare Adult Hybrid Road Bike: Check Its Price on Amazon!
3# Vilano Shadow 3.0 Road Bikes with STI Integrated Shifters
Conversely, the Shadow takes things to the next level with the Shimano Total Integration system. This novel innovation merges the gear shift and brake control mechanisms into a single device. You may change speeds without lifting your hand from the handlebars, which is convenient and safer.
And, if you look closely at the Shadow’s slim shape, you’ll see that the cords are hidden. This ostensibly entry-level bike has internal cable wiring and an integrated headset.
How is this less than $300? The key cost-cutting strategy is sending the bike unassembled. However, a bike of this calibre is an excellent value even with minor assembly necessary.
Vilano Shadow 3.0 Road Bike with STI Integrated Shifters: Check Its Price on Amazon!
4# Hiland Celerite Road Bike
Another aluminium-framed, multi-speed entry on the list, this product from Hiland, offers a balance between the attributes of the Volare and the Shadow.
The rim architecture is similar to prior entrants, but the tires are 25 mm thinner. The tubes of the tires, in particular, have Presta valves.
Shimano provides the derailleurs once again, with an A050 on the front hub and an A070 on the back, one more than the Schwinn but without the STI of the Shadow.
Other little things distinguish this bike. The aluminium seat post saves even more weight. The chain wheel is from Prowheel, while the freewheel is from Shimano.
This bike depends on the direct distribution and partial assembly to keep prices down. However, the bike arrives 85% preassembled, so you won’t have to wait long to get it on the road.
Hiland Celerite 700c Racing Road Bike: Check Its Price on Amazon!
5# 6KU Aluminum Single Speed Urban Track Bike
Another fixie, this one from manufacturer 6KU, joins the list. This single-speed has many similarities with the Takara Oni, but single-speed bikes only have so much functional variety.
However, there are some significant variances here. First, this bike has the same aluminium frame as the previous multi-speeds, providing a weight advantage. On the other hand, the fork is a 1 and 18″ alloy component that provides more steering firmness.
In terms of steering, this is the first entry to use riser bars rather than drop bars, favouring agility over adaptability.
The flip-flop rear wheel hub is also included, allowing freewheel coasting. The wheels follow the conventional design but are 30 mm wider and in the Deep V shape, providing better straight-on aerodynamic performance than shallower sectioned rims.
Furthermore, stainless steel dropouts allow you to easily remove the wheels without derailing the chain.
6KU makes a point of guaranteeing their work. To that purpose, their bikes come with a one-year warranty against manufacture or quality problems. This applies to all components, including the paint and decals.
6KU Aluminum Single Speed Urban Track Bike: Check Its Price on Amazon!
6# Roadmaster 26 Inch Granite Peak Men’s Mountain Road Bike
This mountain bike is included for those who believe roads to be challenging terrain. Contrasting the qualities of this bike with those of the others is also instructive.
Smaller alloy wheels, for example, save weight and provide proportions better suited to shorter riders.
Of course, the steel frame and fork compensate by being heavier, but this is necessary for the bike to withstand rigorous riding. Because this is a characteristic often reserved for mountain bikes, the Takara Oni’s hardiness stands out even more.
This bike features 18 gears and twists shifters on the cushioned riser bars. Compared to the STI integrated gear change, these are two completely different approaches for keeping your hands on the wheel while moving gears.
Because of the design’s increased leverage, front and rear linear-pull brakes provide better-stopping force than cantilever brakes.
Quality of life elements round out this bike, such as a comfortable seat that can be adjusted tool-free and three piece mountain cranks that, despite their name, are also good for the road.
Roadmaster 26 Inch Granite Peak Men’s Mountain Road Bike: Check Its Price on Amazon!
7# Giordano Aversa Aluminum Road Bikes 700c Women’s Medium
The first women’s bike on the list comes from Giordano. That information may indicate significant variations from past entries. However, this is different.
This bike’s frame is made of the now-familiar 6061 aluminium, while the fork is made of high-tensile steel. Shimano provides the drivetrain, which has an average of 14 speeds.
Following a pair of bikes with riser bars, this one returns to the drop bar standard.
The wheels will look familiar to you: 32-hole double-wall alloy rims. The breadth is what distinguishes these from the Takara Oni.
The rims are 40 mm wide, but the tires are the thinner 25 mm size.
The Aversa’s twin pivot side-pull alloy brakes are unusual among the motorcycles we’ve tested thus far. Dual pivot brakes combine the benefits of side and centre pull brakes for a higher mechanical advantage due to the longer levers, giving this bike more stopping power.
Giordano Aversa Aluminum Road Bike 700c Women’s Medium: Check Its Price on Amazon!
8# Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike 21 Speed 700c
Vilano’s second entry on our list maintains the same quality while introducing new vital features.
The frame is still made of 6061 aluminium, but it’s now double-butted. This strengthens the ends of the tubes that make up the frame, providing for better stress tolerance without adding weight to the centre of the tube centres. It’s a high-quality feature that’s unexpected to discover on such a low-cost bike.
Shimano offers the gearset, front and rear derailleurs and A050 thumb shifters. There’s no STI this time, but the 21 gears make this a very adaptable ride.
At this stage, the 700c double-walled CNC alloy wheelset is predictable. However, the fast-release skewer is a good addition. It enables the removal of wheels for replacement or maintenance without needing tools.
The tires are 700c x 25mm, and the tubes have Presta valves. Finally, this Vilano has mount points for a water bottle cage. It is supplied half-constructed, as is the other bike from the same brand.
Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum 21 Speed Road Bike: Check Its Price on Amazon!
9# Eurobike Road Bikes EURXC550 21 Speed
Finally, we have this one-of-a-kind product from Eurobike.
This is one of the heavier and more durable entry-level deals with a steel frame and fork. Shimano provides the gearset, like every other bike, with the A050 and TX-30 shifters making another appearance.
When you get down to the wheels, the EURXC550 truly starts to shine. The 700c x 28 mm tires are typical for a heavy bike like this, and the aluminium rims are standard.
Look at the brakes; you’ll notice a distinct and high-end feature on this sub-$300 bicycle. This is the only motorcycle on the list with twin-disc brakes.
Without a doubt, disc brakes deliver the most stopping force with the least amount of pressure applied. This Eurobike’s aluminium twin disc brakes not only improve safety.
They can help to minimize hand muscle fatigue. They are the most excellent option, providing the EURXC550 with an outstanding feature.
The 3-spoked wheels are more contentious. While they are aerodynamic when viewed from above, they do not function as well in crosswinds as standard, many-spoked wheels.
Eurobike Road Bike EURXC550 21 Speed: Check Its Price on Amazon!
10# Takara Sugiyama Flat Bar Fixie Road Bikes
Takara is back for our last entry, another basic steel-framed fixie.
Aside from the unusual visual aspect of the brilliant blue tires, there is little to distinguish the Sugiyama from the Oni. The 58-centimetre frame is welded with the more common TIG procedure this time, but the quality of the bike’s performance remains unaffected.
Front and rear calliper-type hand brakes and the 32-hole 700c alloy wheelset make another appearance.
However, the tires have a 32 mm width, making them the largest on the list and placing this fixie on a level with the Roadmaster in handling challenging roads.
Like the others on this list, this one has a flip-flop hub.
The only difference between it and the Oni is the flat bar handlebar, essential for individuals who dislike drop bars but love everything else about these magnificent Takara motorcycles.
Takara Sugiyama Flat Bar Fixie Road Bike: Check Its Price on Amazon!
How to Choose the Best Road Bikes Under $300
Finding the Best Road Bike Under $300 might be a daunting task. Because, for the most part, they all looked identical in terms of frame design, handlebars, and pricing (all between $200 and $300).
It would help if you acquired the most excellent road bikes that are fashionable, modest, and equipped with additional functions. Here are a few critical questions that should be addressed.
What would you do if you had a road bike? Would you use it for fun, fitness, commuting, or racing? How often would you ride the bike every week? Would you use the bike for long-distance touring or short- to moderate-distance commuting?
Other factors to consider are construction material, brake kinds, speed gears, brand, cost, frame size, simplicity of usage, style, fit, traction, etc.
It can quickly become too much for you to figure out, which is where we come in.
Based on these criteria, we reviewed and listed the items listed above. Before ranking these Road Bikes, I researched and tested them on each criterion.
In addition, before making our ultimate selection, I examined their frame, comfort level, seats, suspension, and assembly. Because these are some of the most basic requirements of any modern road bike, they were Our priority when compiling the preceding list.
Durability, quality, comfort, seating position/fit, suspension, tire width, gears, weight, speed, customisation, cost, simplicity of assembly, and construction material were our primary priorities while compiling the above list, followed by all other elements of a modern road bike.
Overall, I’ve compiled a list that will make you want to choose your favourite.
The Bottom Line
Each bike mentioned has at least one distinguishing characteristic, demonstrating the quality and astonishing variety in the sub-$300 price bracket.
If you’ve been thinking about buying a bike but have been put off by the exorbitant prices of the top models, this list has shown you that inexpensive bikes with pro-level feature sets exist.
