Are you struggling with finding a good but affordable hybrid bike? Are there too many options? We have the best hybrid bikes under 500 dollars right here!
There are many reasons to own a hybrid bike for yourself. We think of them as the most versatile type of bicycle at the moment. Therefore, there is no doubt that hybrid bikes are gaining popularity in the market nowadays.
However, in the situation that many models get released every year, customers are confused about what bike is the most suitable.
Some are too expensive with unnecessary features. Some cheap ones do not perform very well.
This topic is going to help you narrow down the winners among the best hybrid bikes under $500 .Table of Contents
What are the best hybrid bikes under $500
1. Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women's Step-Through Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle
We highly recommend this vehicle for middle-aged commuters, especially those who are suffering spinal and knee issues. It is supposed to be a perfect physical training vehicle.
2. Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bikes
This bike is quite bulky in size, so we recommend it for tall men (about 5''9). Besides, it can show off maximum capacities with haulage and commuting, which ask for durability and sturdiness.
3. Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Men’s Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle
The bike is designed for people with 5’’4 to 6’’4 of height. However, if you don't mind standing over on the toe, you will be fine with under 5''4 heights. This model is for men but the design of sizthreezero focuses much on the middle-aged and long-distance commuters.
4. Schwinn Wayfarer Hybrid Bicycle
The Wayfarer is made for commuters. It can tackle moderate terrain like hills or off-road. And more than that, it can handle light haulage. We think of it as a versatile vehicle that can do more than providing cruises.
5. Schwinn Network 3.0 700C Men’s Hybrid Bicycle
This Schwinn is something between a mountain bike and a road bike. You can commute or cruise around the places, but you cannot race. It offers comfortable riding time with soft seat and supportive speed gear.
6. Schwinn GTX Comfort Hybrid Bike
GTX is a totally new wind from Schwinn. While all hybrid bikes are doing in between, this GTX appears to be a stable bike to cope with a harder job like rougher terrains or heavier hauling. This bike will be so helpful if you need a real recreational vehicle instead of a regular commuting bike.
All of its features and warranty made it to our list of best hybrid bikes under 500 dollars.
7. Schwinn Capital 700c Hybrid Bicycle
If you are new to riding, this bike is an excellent choice to begin the journey. It’s medium, easy to use with responsive brake. You can ride for hours without hurting your back.
8. Sixthreezero Explore Your Range Women’s Hybrid Commuter Bicycle
This bike is made for women from 5'' to 6''2 of height. But it's terrific with shorter or taller women. Because the gear is not designed for tough terrain, we recommend using the bike for daily commuting and on short trips over the moderate grounds.
9. Retrospec Beaumont-7 Seven Speed Lady’s Urban City Commuter Bike
the bike looks elegant with full fenders, like a complete shield from top to toe. This one is a small bike for short girls under 6’’, but children can comfortably use it too.
Ladies! There are no reasons to refuse such a good-looking bike.10. Kent Springdale Men’s Hybrid Bicycle
Kent is a standard hybrid bike with aluminum frame and 21-speed gear. It's supposed to be an enormous mountain bike than a commuting vehicle. But because of the unresponsive brakes, we would recommend the bike for entry cruiser. But for commuting, we highly recommend it because of the cushioned seat.
Related review:
Top 10 Best Hybrid Bikes under $500 Reviews 2021
#1. Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women's Step-Through Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle
First comes in the best hybrid bikes under 500 dollars is a product made by sixthreezero. Will it be disappointing if you know this product is manufactured in China?
You shouldn’t because this bike works amazingly.
Super comfortable riding position
From the outlook, this EVRYjorney Women's Step-Through bicycle wins over customer's love completely. But riding on it makes you feel extremely pleased. The manufacturer built the bike with a lower seat, raise handlebars, and pedals for foot forwarding movements.
Have you ever experienced backache because of riding on a road bike?
Bikes are supposed to give the best exercises for back and knee but actually, only ones designed with an upright position can. This posture lets you enjoy the ride for hours without feeling tired.
Besides, allowing the feet to stretch naturally also helps with spinal ache and tiring knees. It's the reason why we highly recommend this product from sixthreezero for women at middle ages and older.
True bike for women
This women bike is designed with the construction that helps even small girls with balancing effectively. The seat is set up low enough so women with a standard height ( from 5’’ to 6’’) can stand over with their whole feet placed on the ground.
Therefore, the bike is considered safe to all users provided they meet the height requirements.
Time-consuming assemble
However, with all those gears, the seat and extensive handlebars, the bike usually requires riders much time to assemble.
What we like:
- Versatile vehicle
With the impressive gears provided by the producer: 3-speed, 7-speed, and 21-speed, the young have a 2in1 bike which they can use to commute around town and also take them on hills and off-road trips out of the city.
Depending on the gear version you choose, you can tackle unlimited terrains with just a bike.
- Lightweight aluminum frame
The frame is made from lightweight metal which can be maneuver easily by women.
- Shock absorptive with semi-slick tires
To support off-road riding, the bike comes with a semi-slick tires which absorb shock much better to provide you smooth ride.
- Extra racks for basket
Girls now can carry some belongings on the ride. They have a spare room and rack so you can set up a basket to handle little haulage.
- Great colors match
They made this vehicle for women so the colors respond to feminism. There are many options in color but all of them are to praise elegance and girliness.
What we don’t like:
Sixthreezero is known for bad customer service. It’s very hard to connect with the CS teams by emails or phones.
#2: Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bikes
We bet Schwinn is no longer a strange name for riders all around the world. This brand showed up in 1895 and introduced to the bicycle market many famous models like Phantom and Stingray.
And this Discover Hybrid gave us a blast.
Shock absorptive gear
A selling point of Schwinn Discover bike is the Shimano rear derailleur- a popular name on bicycle gear. This rear derailleur lets riders speed up much faster than non-derailleur bicycles.
Besides, with the high-end Shimano, the bike is supposed to work very smoothly no matter what level you choose among 21-speed gear options.
Comfortable riding pose
To build a friendly hybrid and unisex vehicles, Schwinn creates the bike with an upright position. Therefore, we can commute around the city or take a cruise over the countryside without getting tired or having a backache.
Easy to customized
Has it ever crossed your mind that you want a bicycle for yourself?
With Schwinn, getting your bike customized is as easy as a piece of cake. Not mentioning universal parts like seat or basket, you can even change the rear wheel, the height of position to make the vehicle more suitable for you.
Tight brake
However, there is an unpleasant feature, which is the tight brake. While regular bike's brake becomes so responsive with only a slight squeeze, this Schwinn’s needs extra force to handle.What we like:
- Lightweight aluminum frame
They chose aluminum to built the frame. So, we expect a lightweight bicycles that is easy to carry manually.
- Handy backswept handlebars
The bike comes with handlebars that rise higher than regular bikes 2 inches. So, the whole riding posture is supposed to be comfortable.
- Four brakes levers
Depend on your speed, you have 4 brake levers to stop the bike. This system can maintain the rim better than a fix brake.
- Absorptive seat to prevent shock
The suspension seat is made for long ride. It feels soft and comfortable no matter how long you commute.
- Sturdy and robust bike for hauling
What we don’t like:
- Quite tricky assemble
You must follow the instruction carefully or you will have the bike malfunction afterward. You should have the bike checked in LBS.
- Cheap plastic fenders
#3: sixthreezero EVRYjourney Men's Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle
This product is one of the best hybrid bikes under $500 on the market.
Comfortable seat
If the version of EVRYjourney Women does not please you with the hard seat, this men version save your butt from screaming in pain.
But, here comes this bike as a savior. The chair is made to be comfortable and softer with an extra layer of suspension. The new edition makes riders feel better while sitting on the bike all day long.
Absorptive tires
But not only the seat but also absorptive tires contribute to producing a smooth ride.
If you have experienced riding bikes before, you are likely to differentiate the feelings between a heavy steel bike and a small thin one. Almost all of the products from the brand sixthreezero include aluminum in their production because of low production cost and light weight.
Weird brake
However, the maneuvering is weird because you have to twist your wrist on holding the handlebars instead of a squeeze. This function may not be familiar with regular riders.What we like:
- Comfortable riding position
In the EVRYjourney Men’s Hybrid Cruiser, we found the combination of the signature design by Standard and comfortable design by sixthreezero - the upright position and foot-forwarding. So, men with spinal and knee issues, you have been saved!.
- Convenient 3-speed option
The have the 3-speed gear which help to bike approach more terrains such as flat roads to uphill.
- Lightweight frame
- Easy stop with the front brake
What we don’t like:
Sizthreezero does not excel at providing responsive and helpful customer service. So, it might annoy you if you cannot reach them to seek help on missing tools, weird function, or instruction.#4: Schwinn Wayfarer Hybrid Bicycle
The Schwinn Wayfrayer is a very comfortable and speedy bike that you can find in any Schwinn stores.
Slim tires
The first thing to add in the speed of this bike is the narrow tires. They help the bicycle to get over off-roads and obstacles much faster. For commuting, skinny tires can move quicker and more smoothly because they reduce drag when you move forward.
The aluminum frame also makes this bike lighter to maneuver and ride forward.
All of these features- frame, tires and doubled rims combined create a speedy vehicle.
The Wayfarer offers both front and rear brake, but after our test, we conclude that the more effective one is the rear one. It is so responsive that you can stop your ride halfway , unlike other bikes which often take a while to slide before coming to a complete stop.
Protective fender for chainring
One more thing we love about this Schwinn is the full fenders.
All bikes have got fenders to protect the tires, brakes and so on. However, this Wayfarer gets equipped with fenders for the chainring, too.
Hard seat
The Wayfarer, at a price under 500 dollars, still bears some flaws. One of the considerable disadvantages of this bike is the uncomfortable seat.What we like:
- Retro style
The bike reminds vehicles in the old time with both structure and color remade in correspondence to the past.
- Comfortable sweptback handlebars
Combined with the upright position, the bike comes with very comfortable handlebars which swept back.
- Responsive brake
They have both rear and front brake and the system can help you with stopping the bike anytime you want immediately.
- Adjustable seat
What we don’t like:
- Hard seat
#5: Schwinn Network 3.0 700C Men's Hybrid Bicycle
Gentlemen! This Schwinn is the bike for you, and we believe that you don't want to miss it. We mention it as the optimal choice for men because of the substantial 700C wheels. Therefore, if you have ever felt uncomfortable with a small average bike, this one will be a perfect replacement.
But, it’s not the deciding point to buy this Network 3.0. There are more appealing features to consider.
Comfortable seat
The last Schwinn came with a tough seat, but in this version, they made a suspension seat. Riding on it is much more comfortable, for sure. Getting a good seat in the first place can save you a great deal of money in the long run. And no one wants to sit on a brick for several hours, especially commuters who ride every day.
More stable
However, the bike comes with extra grips in the saddle part. This feature can help with building up smooth rides and providing more control during the ride. Men tend to fancy fast and adventurous cruises, so we think that having the bike under control will guarantee their safety. This Schwinn Network can meet that need perfectly.What we like:
- Shimano gear for 21 speed
This gear support to produce smooth acceleration and responsive shock absorption.
- Strong brake
To support men in managing a great bike, the vehicle itself provides heavy-duty brake made of alloy- a durable, flexible but also sturdy metal. The new brake system adds extra power in stopping.
- Lightweight but stable frame
The frame support riding faster and also, it make the whole bike is easier to maneuver.
- Easy to assemble
What we don’t like:
- The down kickstand
Not many people are familiar with the down kickstand. This design is handy and easy to use. However, stopping your bike with a down kickstand also means putting it in a falling-prone position.
#6: Schwinn GTX Comfort Hybrid Bike
In GTX, Schwinn is producing a more comfortable bike in terms of riding pose and uses. Let's take a closer look.
Relaxing position
First of all, we can see that the upright position is the one that Schwinn improved in the GTX design. They built the seat lower while handlebars were swept back and risen.
This structure allows riders to stretch up their back and keep the spine straight no matter how far they ride. this structure is also ideal for middle-aged people who need treatment for spinal issues.
Effective disc brake
The disc brake is one of those. Disc brake, due to its immediate effect, causes fast wearing out on the rim, but we cannot deny how excellent it works.
Many bike manufacturers refuses to apply disc brake, but in GTX, this feature becomes a spotlight. It does affect the rims but compensate by the responsiveness. Riding down the hills or on off-road terrain will no longer be scary with this brake.
Fixed seat
However, the seat is a big disappointment. Generally, the bike is not a really excellent vehicle for extended riding. And because users cannot adjust it, the bike becomes less flexible.What we like:
- Lifetime warranty
Once you purchase the bike, manufacturer provides free service for all malfunctions of the bike relating to production.
- Lightweight
The aluminum frame is a feature to tell how lightwieght it is.
- 21 speed options of Shimano Drivetrain
The Shimano gear promises very smooth ride, including acceleration and general changes in speed.
- Heavy-duty and big wheels
What we don’t like:
Not so comfortable seat
The seat is not really hard but it’s not so suspension either.#7: Schwinn Capital 700c Hybrid Bicycle
Moving on with another product from Schwinn, the next one on the list is a model for women with a smaller frame.
Comfortable ride
Like a good hybrid bike for commuting, the bicycle comes with responsive brake and comfortable upright position. The brake is made of aluminum, so it adds up flexibility and durability.
They use the Shimano shifter so you can change the 21-speed gear feature very fast and smoothly.
Flexible seat
It's not the only advantage of the Capital hybrid bike. The seat appears adjustable.
This bike targets at women users; therefore, a changeable size is of great help so that riders with different height can fit in. But this feature has limited the size options.
You should know that with 21-speed gear, there are many terrains you can enjoy with the Capital bike. However, the quick shifter causes unexpected issues such as stuck chainring on the gear hub.What we like:
- Smooth shifter with 21 Shimano speed option
The gear makes riding smoother. you will feel safe to try all speed levers that the bike offers.
- Powerful front and rear alloy brake
The brake is made of aluminum so it’s sustainable and strong. Besides, it’s lightweight to handle
- Sturdy rims
The rims are built for biking activities, form commuting to haulage or cruises.
- Good wheels
What we don’t like:
Easily coming off chain
Too many speed options and responsive gear hub sometimes cause the chain to come off.#8: sixthreezero Explore Your Range Women's Hybrid Commuter Bicycle
Have you considered a sixthreezero product even though they manufactured it in China? We are still voting for this brand because of certain benefits it brings with affordable price.
Flexible bars
In the edition of Your Range Women’s Hybrid bike, the producer continues with the signature upright position which seems suitable for every rider. furthermore, we can find adjustable handlebars included in this bike.
Possibility of changing the position can save you from discomfort during a long ride.
Comfortable seat
To support long hours of commuting, the brand also equips their bikes with a synthetic leather seat. This material can breathe and absorb shock. That well-padded seat promises a future of long ride without a backache or hurting butt.
The rear brake works fantastically, but the front doesn't. The brand still needs further enhancement on the whole brake system.What we like:
- Easy assemble
Even riders at entry level can assemble this bike without difficulties. The instruction is comprehensive and details.
- Versatile Shimano 7-speed ride
This smooth gear can make the bike becomes usable in all terrains.
- Smooth double-walled rims
The rims appear with doubled built steel so they can endure long ride and daily commuting.
- Good frame and comfortable ride and stop
What we don’t like:
Loose front brake
While rear brake seems very responsive, the front brake doesn’t. It works only for low speed ride.#9: Retrospec Beaumont-7 Seven Speed Lady's Urban City Commuter Bike
Retrospect Beaumont is a symbolic bike brand with a vintage look. Not only professional gears but also vintage looks are what they work on. For example, here comes this Lady's urban city commuter bike.
Retro inspired look
Inherited from the brand’s image, this bike contains a look of retro-inspired by 1960s nostalgia.
It is very gentle and fancy, exceptionally the lower top-notch to support all girls wearing dresses or skirts to ride comfortably and gracefully.
The low top-notch also fits children who have problems with standard high notches.
Smooth Revoshift
Apart from the look, this Beaumont catches up with the trend of the hybrid bike by the establishment of innovative Revoshift.
This Revoshift is signature for these vintage bikes and helps with controlling the bike more efficiently, especially with speeding up.
The control of Revoshift is placed on handlebars where you can press while riding. With that, you can accelerate speed very smoothly.
Common bike for commuting
It has a rack at the back where you can carry some necessary stuff for road trips. However, the tires is no quite heavy duty so riders cannot haul too much.What we like:
- Heavy duty steel frame
Unlike the vintage look, the wheels of this Retrospec Beamount seems very sturdy for roads and slight hills. The robust and narrow wheel provides better grips to save users from unexpected fall-over.
- Comfortable upright position
It’s very comfortable to ride the bike with lower seat and raised handlebars.
- Fast assemble with 85% built at arrival
You need to do very little of assembling job. The bike is 85% completed at delivery so you are supposed to in charge the accessories.
- Protective fenders for chainring
What we don’t like:
Narrow tire for heavy duty
The tires are too little to do heavy haulage. It’s just ideal for normal commuting.#10: Kent Springdale Men's Hybrid Bicycle
Kent Springdale finishes the list of the best hybrid bikes under 500 dollars by an exceptional offer. The hybrid bike that is chosen for the list today is an ordinary bike with extra focus on speed and convenience.
Effective rims
They come with impressive rims. The wheels are big but thin. The fact that they are made of the alloy makes the bike feel lightweight.
But what is the benefit?
These rims can go through obstacles, minimize drag, and make the way to move on without much force needed. So, riding uphill is no longer a problem.
Shock absorption tires
To support cruises, manufacturers equip their bike with great tires that can tackle front shock very well. The seat also helps with keeping riders safe from vibrations. And with long hours of commuting on this bike, you would no longer feel pain or tiredness. If we compare the seat, this bike is the winner.
It can absorb bumps and save the bike from jumping over when running on rough roads. Extra bells and whistles are added, so you don't need to spend extra money on.
Tight brake
The bike is quite sturdy, and therefore, generating brake asks for more power. You must hold on with extra grip to get the brake work. Sometimes, it becomes quite dull and slow to respond.What we like:
- Lightweight aluminum frame
Almost all the bikes in this list are produced with aluminum, but only a few can show off outstanding speed. the light weight bike with wind-shred wheels keep the whole thing move faster.
- Versatile with 21 speed
You have a gear that support different speed lever to tackle different terrains.
- Cushioned seat
What we don’t like:
- Not really responsive brake
The brake seems very tight so you need to give it extra grips. Especially if you want it to work during high speed ride.
- Confused instruction
How to Choosing the Best Hybrid bikes under $500
Hybrid bikes consist of distinct characteristics that differ from other types of bikes. Below are some of the features:-
Handlebar Shape
Most hybrid bikes are created in the way that the seats are higher than the handlebars. This lets the rider to cycle in a more sleek posture and bid for supplementary power to the pedals.
Basically, there are 5 cardinal modes of handlebars on bikes available:
Drop bar:
Mostly, they found on road bikes. Drop-bar handlebars are at times present on hybrid bikes. They are light in weight and sleek, making them the most elevated alternatives for fast cycling. They also provide a number of cycling and hand positions.
Aslo read:
Best full suspension mountain bikes
Flat bar
These bars are exceptionally regular on hybrid bikes. They are cumbersome than drop-bar handlebars, but they allow the rider sit up in a more slacken position. This upright position minimizes toil on the rider's hands, wrists and shoulders.
Riser bar
Also common on hybrid bikes, riser bars stretch out somewhat upward and back toward the rider. They let the rider sit more upright and farther back for marvellous sight of the tracks ahead and an awesome dominance while steering the bike.
Moustache bar
These bars look alike to drop bars, merely with exceptionally little drop. They give the rider diversity of hand positions while enabling him/her to sit more bolt upright than with drop bars.
Cruiser bars
They are too well known as North Road or Upright handlebars. Due to its maximal hurtle, these kind of bars enables the rider to dominate the bike while sitting wholly upright.
Braking system
There are two kinds of brakes:-
Rim Brakes
Most hybrid bikes come furnished with rim brakes. Rim brakes trademark pads that grasp onto the wheel rims.
Disc Brakes
These type consists of brake pads that clench onto a brake rotor acsended to the wheel hub. Disc brakes come in two varieties:
Hydraulic disc brakes
They proffers extra escalating and durable braking with less force, and they self-calibrate for brake pad wear.
Mechanical disc brakes
These brakes require blue-collar adjusting as the pads erodes.
Bike Suspension
No Suspension
Numerous hybrid bikes do not encompass any suspension at all. Suspension forks compute poundage and can make pedaling less effective so majority riders who cycle on cobblestone paths and even terrain will relinquish it.
Front Suspension
A few hybrid bikes encompass front suspension forks that aid subsume footprints on the front wheel to even out the ride on knobby terrain.
Wheel Size
The standard size wheel common on majority hybrid bikes is 700c.
Also, some hybrid bikes are furnished with 26 inch wheels
A hybrid’s horizontal bars provide a supplementary upright cycling posture. Most standard hybrids are contoured for racks and mudguards, making it a well liked choice for commuters. If you are pristine to riding, and not certain precisely what you want from a bike, a hybrid can help you resolve. For the most part they are moderate choices to full-on mountain or road bikes and they give you the recourse of trying out both types.
My Top Picks
We recommend the Sixthreezero Women’s Step-through as the best choice that everyone should consider. It is not a high-end bicycle but seems to work at the best for general commuting and also basic cruises. all parts are made in balance and the whole bike is sustainable, too.
There are many hybrid bikes released to the market every day as this type of bike goes viral for its versatile usages. However, not all new arrivals are innovative. Thus, you must choose carefully. Choosing a bike requires attention to numerous features, including price.
The best hybrid bikes under 500 dollars list above is only recent recommendations based on our market research based on lightweight frame, responsive seat, and comfortable position.
We welcome any of you who has more to introduce. We will keep the list updated and extend the topic to reach as many riders as possible.
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