Look for the best gravel bikes under $500 with high-quality features? Then, this article is for you! For some folks, biking is about more than just getting from point A to point B. It’s about being active and getting fresh air, exploring new places and seeing the world through your own eyes. And for others (like me), biking opens up a whole new world of possibilities that makes every adventure better.
Finding a budget gravel bike that’s of good quality is quite challenging, but that’s not to say that’s there isn’t any out there. Just read on! You’ll get to know the gravel bikes under 500.
10 Best Gravel Bikes Under $500
After enormous research, we’ve compiled a list of the top gravel bikes below $500. Let’s check them out!
Gravity Liberty 2.0 Gravel Bike
The Gravity Liberty 2.0 is an affordable bike that offers great value for money. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for a great commuter, or want something to get started riding again after years of neglecting your bike.
The frame is made from lightweight aluminum, which helps it feel nimble and responsive when you’re out on the road. Besides, the wheels are tubeless tires so they won’t puncture easily. The fork has a coil spring suspension system and hydraulic disc brakes on both wheels (front & rear).
Furthermore, there are 28 gears in total as standard equipment on this model. It’s equipped with 12-speed Shimano Tiagra drivetrain means you have plenty of options when choosing how fast your ride should go! Finally, this model comes in either red or silver/black color schemes so there’s no need to worry about how it looks either! It’s our pick as one of the best gravel bikes under $500.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Lightweight aluminum framework
- 28 gears in total as standard equipment
- It’s equipped with 12-speed Shimano Tiagra drivetrain
- Available in beautiful colors
- Comes with a coil spring suspension system
- There’s a hydraulic disc brakes on both wheels
Cons
- You need to be careful with the handlebars
Giordano Libero 2.0 Gravel Bike
Giordano’s Libero 2.0 is one of the most affordable gravel bikes on the market, and it doesn’t skimp on quality. The steel frame has 700C wheels, flat handlebars and 21 speeds to help you get around town or over rough terrain with ease. It also comes with front and rear disc brakes for added security in case you get caught in a rain storm or strong winds come up unexpectedly—or both!
Alternative:
The Libero 2.0 weighs just 27 pounds, so it’s easy to carry around all day long without feeling weighed down by your bike (which may be an issue if you live somewhere where temperatures can drop below freezing). If you want something that won’t break down easily, then this might be perfect for you because there aren’t any parts that need replacing often… at least not yet anyway.
Pros
- Durable steel frame
- 700C wheels and flat handlebars
- Smooth ride on difficult terrains
- It also comes with front and rear disc brakes
- Surprisingly lightweight design
- Best budget gravel bike
Cons
- Not ideal for starters
Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Gravel Bike
The Schwinn Protocol 1.0 is a 700c gravel bike with 27.5″ tires, which means it will be able to handle rough terrain and make smooth-rolling hills more comfortable on your ride. It also comes with disc brakes and Shimano 21-speed drivetrain to make sure you can go faster or climb hills better than ever before!
The aluminum frame is light enough for you to carry around without feeling too heavy (or breaking your back), but sturdy enough that it won’t wear out quickly if used regularly over time. This is important because most people don’t want their bikes getting old while they still have other options available…at least not yet anyway!
Pros
- Comes with 700c wheel with 27.5 inch tires
- It also comes with disc brakes and Shimano 21-speed drivetrain
- Impressive aluminum framework
Cons
- You have to be careful with the body frame
- Durability needs improvement
SE Monterey 2.0 Gravel Bike
The list of the best gravel bikes under $500 won’t be complete without mentioning SE Bikes Monterey 2.0. This is a hybrid bike that combines the comfort of a hardtail mountain bike with the speed and handling of an upright or drop bar road bike.
It’s equipped with Shimano Acera derailleur, shifters and drivetrain for crisp shifting every time you lean forward to grab some air on your climb or when you need to accelerate out of a corner at full speed.
This model will let you ride confidently up steep slopes while still maintaining agility on switchbacks or downhills where you don’t want to slow down much with added weight on top of your frame (or vice versa).
Pros
- Impressive handlebar design
- Equipped with Shimano Acera derailleur, shifters and drivetrain
- Stylish overall design
Cons
- Not the most durable
Schwinn Hybrid 700c Gravel Bike
If you’re interested in getting into cycling but don’t want to break the bank, this hybrid bike is a great choice. It has a flat handlebar and a more upright riding position than other bikes, so it’s easier to ride while still being comfortable enough for long rides.
The Schwinn Hybrid 700c Trekking Bike comes equipped with 27 inch tires, which are perfect for most terrains. The frame of this bike is made from strong steel components that will last through many years of use without breaking down or becoming damaged in any way!
Pros
- It comes with 27 inch tires
- Quite easy to maneuver
- Flat handlebar
- Durable steel components
Cons
- Quite heavy
Diamondback Insight 2 Complete Performance Hybrid Gravel Bike
The Diamondback Insight 2 Complete Performance Hybrid Bike is a great option for those looking to get into the gravel bike world without spending too much money. It’s equipped with 21-speed Shimano EZ Fire shifters, which provide excellent shifting quality while riding on rough terrain and packed trails.
The bike also comes with alloy linear pull brakes, allowing you to stop quickly when needed and maintain control of your speed at all times. The Kenda Kwest tires are another nice addition that will help improve traction over more difficult terrain than usual (which makes sense considering the price point).
Pros
- Equipped with 21-speed Shimano EZ Fire shifters
- Alloy linear pull brakes
- Impressive Kenda Kwest tires
Cons
- Handlebars need improvement
Vilano Diverse 3.0 Performance Hybrid Gravel Bike 700c
The Vilano Diverse 3.0 Performance Hybrid Road Bike 700c is a great bike for you if you’re looking for a high quality road bike at an affordable price. It comes with Shimano’s 21-speed drivetrain that allows for easy shifting, as well as Tektro hydraulic disc brakes for increased stopping power in all conditions. You’ll also get fenders and racks included in the package, making this one of the most complete packages out there!
The Vilano Diverse 3.0 Performance Hybrid Road Bike 700c has all of these features plus many more. Firstly, it comes with aluminum frame with 27% more carbon fiber than other bikes in its category (top tube). Also, there’s Shimano 105 front derailleur & rear derailleur w/rear coaster brake. That’s not all! It has Alloy wheelset w/tubeless tires.
Pros
- Budget-friendly option
- It comes with Shimano’s 21-speed drivetrain
- Equipped with racks and fenders
- It has Alloy wheelset w/tubeless tires
- Aluminum frame with 27% more carbon fiber
Cons
- Overall durability needs improvement
Schwinn Wayfarer 700c Metallic Blue Gravel Bike
The Schwinn Wayfarer 700c Metallic Blue is a road bike that’s ideal for beginners and experienced riders alike. It’s built with a steel frame, which makes it sturdy enough to handle the bumps in your journey. It’s no denying that it’s one of the best gravel bikes under $500 on the market.
The Shimano 21 speed drivetrain provides smooth shifting, while the alloy linear pull brakes will ensure you stop safely when needed.
This model also comes equipped with fenders, which are great for adding protection from wet weather or getting caught in traffic jams.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly
- Steel frame
- Quite durable
- Comes with Shimano 21 speed drivetrain
- Equipped with fenders
Cons
- Quite heavy
- Not for serious riders
Jamis Coda Sport Femme Steel Frame Gravel Bike
The Jamis Coda Sport Femme Steel Frame Bike is a great option for those looking for an affordable gravel bike. It has 700c wheels and a 27.2 seat post, which means it can handle most terrain. The frame is made out of steel and the tires are 700x28mm tires, so you should expect them to hold up well on rough roads or off-road trails when used as intended.
The rear rack and fenders are included with this model, along with front reflectors, rear brake levers (which work well when paired with Tektro brakes), 3×8 drivetrain (which allows you to make small adjustments while riding), flat handlebars that won’t hurt your wrists after hours in the saddle – which is good news if you’re planning on spending longer than usual at one place!
Pros
- Steel frame
- 700c wheels and a 27.2 seat post
- Rear brake levers
- 3×8 drivetrain
- Tektro brakes
- Flat handlebars
Cons
- Quite heavy
Raleigh Bikes Alysa 1 Women’s Urban Fitness Gravel Bike
The Raleigh Bikes Alysa 1 Women’s Urban Fitness Bike is a great bike at an affordable price. This bike has a weight of 22 pounds and measures 14 inches high by 20 inches wide, which means it can easily fit into most backpacks or bags.
The aluminum frame makes it durable and lightweight, so you won’t have to worry about your ride being too heavy for yourself or your kids to handle. It comes in different colors such as black, blue, green and pink!
The materials used in this bike are high-quality steel tubes with rubber tires that provide protection from wear and tear on the roadways while also providing traction when riding on pavement surfaces (this makes them perfect for off-road paths).
This means that even if there’s mud involved during winter seasons, you’ll still triumph over it. That’s why it’s one of the best gravel bikes under $500.
Pros
- Quite affordable
- Lightweight design
- Durable aluminum framework
- Available in different colors
- High-quality steel tubes
Cons
- Some end-users had issues with the handlebars
Benefits of Gravel Biking
We’ve highlighted some of the benefits of gravel biking for you. Check them out!
Adventure in Your Own Backyard
Gravel biking is a great way to explore new roads and trails, but it can also be an opportunity for you to get out in your own backyard. Whether you’re looking for a family bike ride or want to do some exploring with friends, gravel bikes are perfect for this type of activity.
You can use them as transport during vacation trips or even just as transportation around town when the weather isn’t nice enough for riding on paved surfaces. If your local area has no paved paths available, then there’s no shortage of options! You’ll find plenty of dirt roads that will allow you to cruise through forests and across fields until they end up somewhere else entirely—wherever that might be!
Explore New Roads & Trails
Gravel bikes are more versatile than traditional road bikes. They can be used for a variety of purposes, including exploring new roads and trails. With the right equipment, you can ride through forests or along rivers in search of adventure on your gravel bike!
The durability of gravel bikes makes them suitable for long-distance rides as well as short weekend trips. These types of bikes will last longer than their plastic counterparts because they don’t require heavy maintenance like oiling or replacing parts like spokes every few months.
You won’t have to worry about damaging your favorite wheels either. They’re made from aluminum instead of steel so there’s less chance that things will break down over time!
Ride with Others
Gravel bikes are great for riding with friends. They’re a good way to get your friends into cycling, and they’re more social than road bikes or mountain bikes.
With an asphalt-shod pedal stroke, you’ll have a much easier time getting off the ground and rolling through intersections at a reasonable speed. And since gravel roads tend to be wider than paved roads, there’s more room for your body language—which means less stress on those precious knees!
Gravel bikers often ride together in groups because of this ease of communication. However, if you’d prefer not to get caught up in this social dynamic (or if you just want some solo time), feel free to hop on one of those gravel paths behind someone else who would love company. If you’re managing a YouTube channel geared towards bike fans, consider exploring resources like YouTubeStorm to boost your subscribership and engagement.
Gravel Bikes are More Versatile Than Traditional Road Bikes
Gravel bikes are more versatile than traditional road bikes, as they can be used on unpaved surfaces. They are also more durable and comfortable than other types of bicycles, making them suitable for long-distance journeys or even daily commutes.
Furthermore, gravel bikes tend to be less expensive than their carbon fiber counterparts because the materials used in their construction are less expensive than those needed for high-end carbon fiber framesets. Read more about gravel bikes and traditional road bikes on Triplecreekbmx.
Gravel Bikes Let you Ride Farther, For Longer
Gravel bikes are built for endurance and versatility. There are more than 70,000 miles of singletrack in the United States alone and over 100,000 miles of cross-country mountain biking trails. We can’t all ride our bikes on pavement all day long, so it is important to have a bike that can handle all types of terrain.
Gravel bikes allow you to get out there and explore the world without worrying about what kind of surface the trail might be or how much climbing you will do.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are gravel bikes, and why are they popular among cyclists?
Gravel bikes are versatile bicycles designed for various terrains, including gravel roads and trails. They’re popular because of their ability to handle diverse riding conditions.
Why is the article focusing on gravel bikes under $500?
The article focuses on budget-friendly options to help cyclists find high-quality gravel bikes without breaking the bank.
What are the key features to look for in a budget gravel bike under $500?
Key features include frame material, tire width, gear options, and overall build quality. These factors determine the bike’s performance and durability.
Can I find information about the brands and models of gravel bikes under $500 in the article?
Yes, the article likely provides recommendations for specific brands and models of gravel bikes that offer great value for the price.
Are there any drawbacks or limitations to consider when buying a budget gravel bike?
Budget gravel bikes may have limitations in terms of components and materials, so it’s important to set realistic expectations based on your budget.
Conclusion
With these bikes, you can get a great ride that will be happy to go anywhere with you. You won’t have to worry about repairs or maintenance and the bike will last for years. If you want something more expensive but still affordable, check out our list of the best gravel bikes under $500!
