Best Hybrid Bikes Under 500 Dollars Review for 2022
My love for bikes grew stronger when I saw all those bikers hit the road with their action-cams on. I used to watch them on YouTube, riding their bike in a pack like the wolves.
Imagine, you’re riding on a blank road, and as you turn right, you can see the sea waves. You can feel it, can’t you?
No one can beat the experience you’ll have while riding a bicycle with your friends under the sunshine.
However, if you don’t have a good bike with you, your biking experience can give you a hard time. Especially, the mainstream, cheap bikes can slow you down, cause discomfort and whatnot as you cycle your way through.
But then again, money matters a lot. You cannot spend a fortune on a bike experience, can you? Well, this is why I’m here to help you up.
To make sure you don’t end up getting your hands on the wrong bicycles, I’ll guide you to the best hybrid bikes under 500 dollars. So, without further ado, let’s dive in.
In a Hurry? Check Our Top 3 Hybrid Bikes for Under $500
Best Overall
Raleigh Cadent 2 |
Colors - 03 |
Speeds: 24 |
Best Use for Men |
Editors Pick
Schwinn Discover |
Colors - 01 |
Speeds: 21 |
Best Use for Men & Women |
Budget Pick
SixThreeZero EVRYjourney |
Colors - 03 |
Speeds: 21 |
Best Use for Women |
10 Best Hybrid Bikes Under 500 Dollars Review
1. Schwinn Discover
Here is the first hybrid bike named Schwinn Discover which is great for the men & women who area looking for a good hybrid bike.
We have nominated this bikes as EDITORS PICK in our list of best hybrid bikes under 500 dollars. So I think It will be the perfect beast for you.
Firstly, as you take a look at this bike, the premium design and sleek finish will make your jaw dropped.
Buying a durable bike is a must, and this one has got it all. Made with a pure aluminum frame, the hybrid bike comes with the ultimate durability which will last for years.
As you sit on the seat, you’ll feel your bottoms have landed on a large piece of marshmallow.
As a result, while riding this, your bottom won’t get hurt. This will let you ride your bike for hours with ease and comfort. You can ride for hours while your bottom gets the room to stay relaxed all the time.
If you want to ride uphill but your current one doesn’t let you do that, you need to get rid of it right now. Join your friends and ride uphill with the Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike.
With the Shimano rear derailleur and 21 speed SRAM grip around, you can pedal easily uphill from now on, by avoiding any kind of danger.
So suddenly you see a bus appeared, right in front of you out of the blue. If your bicycle doesn’t have a good braking system, the odds are, you’ll end up having an accident.
This hybrid has got Promax alloy linear-pull brakes. Once you pull it, the bike won’t even move further. This is a matter of safety if you need to pull your brakes suddenly. In our Schwinn Discover review we dive deeper into features.
Highlighted Features
- The bike boasts a premium design that will impress you.
- Its heavy-duty aluminum frame ensures the ultimate durability that will last for years.
- The 21 speed SRAM grip will let you ride uphill with ease.
- With the Promax alloy linear-pull brakes around, you can stop the bike suddenly, anytime.
3. Raleigh Cadent 2
In 2nd place, We have listed Raleigh Cadent 2 hybrid bike for men which we have marked as BEST OVERALL in our list of best hybrid bikes for under $500.
If you want an all-weather conditions bike, then this beast is the right choice for you. You can easily tackle uneven terrains, thanks to the strong frame it has.
Besides, you’ll be glad to know that the manufacturers used the same frame they used on Cadent-1-AL-6061, which was a hit in the marketplace.
The shifter the Cadent 2 use is an improved version of the Cadent-1 which was a total hit. So, you can guess what this one has to offer.
With its Shimano 3 x 8-speed shifters, the bicycle comes with 24 gears and combinations which lets you easily tackle the difficult terrains.
Besides, to make the movement more efficient, the Shimano TX800 derailleur and the rear Shimano TX800 back the bike up.
The tires and rims will boggle your mind with their jaw-dropping sturdiness. The Weinmann QR17 Double disc rims are not only warp-resistant but also can support an incredible amount of weight.
The 700 x 35c Kenda Kwick Tendril Tires will give you the riding experience you never had. You can ride even on slippery roads and under severe weather conditions, thanks to the 35mm wheels.
When it comes to braking systems, you have to make sure you have the best one. Otherwise, you might end up crashing yourself someday.
Thanks to the Terktro Novela Mechanical Discs that allows you to stop whenever you want, right away. Just pull the brakes, and the bike will not move a single step.
When it comes to the handlebars, the bicycle comes with a comfortable grip angle. As you can keep your hands in line with the stem, you can lean forward very easily.
Besides, if you want better splitting and standing up positions, this bike is the one you need. We discussed more detail in Raleigh Cadent 2 review section
Highlighted Features
- Shimano 3 x 8-speed shifters allow you to tackle difficult terrains.
- With the Weinmann QR17 Double Disc rims, will support an incredible amount of weight.
- The 700 x 35c Kenda Kwick Tendril Tires will let you travel swiftly even on slippery roads.
- The TerktroNovela Mechanical Discs will let you stop the bike immediately when you need to so that you can avoid accidents.
3. SixThreeZero EVRYjourney Womens
Who said that the boys can have all the fun? This heavy-duty bike is specially made for women. If you have issues sitting on bikes made for men, you can simply switch to the SixThreeZero EVRYjourney Women’s Hybrid Bike.
Its a budget hybrid bike for those who are looking for a hybrid bike for women under $500.
As you take a look at it, you’ll see the bike holds a premium dominance with its stylish color and sleek design. The perfect combination of matching fenders and aluminum city frame will boggle your mind.
Cruising, campus, commuting, you name it, this hybrid bike is ideal for every situation. With its perfect frame geometry, handlebars shape, and tire thickness, you can take your cruising experience to heights.
Going to your school or workplace? You can strap your books or your bags on the back rack.
If you want to ride uphill, on tougher terrains, trails, and long-distance trips, this hybrid is the perfect catalyst for you, thanks to its Shimano 7 Speed Internal Hub.
Riding a bike for hours can give you a hard time. You may experience sudden pain on your back. Sometimes the legs and knees hurt a lot as you cycle all day long.
Say all your discomfort goodbye as the SixThreeZero hybrid bike comes with the ultimate comfort zone you’ve desired all these days.
To make sure you can put your feet firmly on the ground, the bike comes with a foot-forward seat. There’s no need for you to leave the saddle.
Worried safety? Well, this hybrid bicycle ensures maximum safety and ease. You can easily hop on to it and feel the breeze with its forward pedaling system,
Thanks to the precise frame design it holds, which allows you to mount and unmount it easily. You can also ride the curves very safely with the help of its 2″ semi-stick tires.
With such tires around, there’s no chance of accidental sliding, slipping ever again. If you want a smooth and easy ride, the SixThreeZero EVRYjourney can be your best buy.
Highlighted Features
- It has a heavy-duty construction that ensures its durability for the long run.
- The perfect frame-geometry lets you have an amazing cruising experience.
- The Shimano 7 Speed Internal Hub lets you ride on uphill, terrains, trails, and long-distant trips.
- The 2 inches semi-stick tires let you keep your balance and saves you from accidental sliding or slipping over.
4. Schwinn Network 3.0
If durability and style are what you crave for, the Schwinn Network 3.0 700C Men’s Hybrid Bicycle can meet your demand.
Now there are very few bikes in the marketplace that is made of pure Aluminum. But this beast right here has got it all to stay as an exception.
It boasts pure Aluminum Hybrid Schwinn Frame which makes durable enough to last for years.
The heavy-duty Schwinn Suspension fork will help you maintain your stability as you ride on this bike.
You see while riding your bike on paving roads, and you’ll get the shock and vibrations.
The suspension will absorb all the shocks and vibrations and give you the most comfortable ride you’ve ever had.
Besides, if you want to ride by staying upright comfortably and flawlessly, the geometry frame it has helps you have all the ease and convenience you need.
It doesn’t matter if you’re on a short trip or covering long distances, this bike will make sure you can ride with comfort in your way.
Did I forget to tell you the Shimano Easy Fire 21 Speed Trigger shifters? Well, the bike has got it, and this one teamed up with the Shimano rear derailleurs which helps you maintain the ultimate gear performance.
Fromnowon, you can climb hills or race onthe road aroundthe town, thanks tothe Shimano rear derailleur.
If the braking systems do not work properly, you need to get rid of your current bike right away. You might need immediate brakes while riding, and if your bicycle doesn’t let you, you’re done.
Get your hands on the Schwinn Network 3.0 700C Men’s Hybrid Bicycle. The Alloy Linear Pull Brakes let you stop your bike anytime, anywhere while you’re riding.
Just pull the brakes, and you’ll see the bike will halt right away. You can check more detail here in Schwinn Network 3.0 review.
Highlighted Features
- The Aluminum Hybrid Schwinn Frame enhances its durability.
- The suspension absorbs all the shock you get from bumpy roads to give you smooth riding experience.
- the Shimano Easy Fire 21 Speed Trigger shifters give you ultimate gear performance.
- The Alloy Linear Pull Brakes
Related article you may like – MTB’s under $500
5. Pure Cycles
Want the perfect fusion of style, functionality, and durability? Get your hands on the Pure Cycles 8-speed hybrid road bike.
As you take a look at it, you’ll see that the bike boasts a premium design with a sleek finish. Eventually, you’ll realize that this product is a prime.
Built with heavy-duty 4130 Chromoly steel frameset, the bike comes with the ultimate durability and strength that will make you go wow.
That being said, the Chromoly steel frameset is stronger than Aluminum. With such durability, this bicycle can take a beating. It doesn’t matter how rough you’ll use it; the bicycle will hold its strength for years.
Want to ride on tough city streets? It won’t be a problem for you anymore with this amazing bike around. The Tektro M280 disc brakes will take care of it. As soon as you pull the brakes, the bike stops right away without moving any further.
As you ride over the roughest roads, the dual chain guard makes sure the chain of the bicycle remains in place. So, you don’t have to face any issue regarding the chain anymore while riding hard.
Riding on uneven streets can give you a hard time, especially when your tires do not back you up. However, you don’t have to stress yourself as you got the Pure Cycles 8-Speed Urban Commuter Hybrid Bike with you.
With the 700 x 32 WTB slick comp tires around, you can ride and roll smoothly like a tornado with snappy handling.
Uneven roads? No problem at all. The tires will absorb all the shocks while giving you a comfortable ride.
To enhance your comfort zone, the padded WTB saddle will back you up with its squishy feedback. As you sit on it, the softness will make you blow your mind.
With this comfortable seat around, you can ride for hours, and your back and bottom won’t have any pain. The saddle gives you broad sit-bone support you need to stay upright.
Highlighted Features
- The strong 4130 Chromoly steel frameset enhances the durability of the bike.
- The Tektro M280 disc brakes stop the bike anytime you want. The dual chain guard helps the chain stay in one place.
- 700 x 32 WTB slick comp tires let you ride and roll smoothly on uneven roads.
- The comfortable saddle makes sure your back gets the support to stay upright, while your bottom does not get any pain.
6. Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Men’s
Here is another hybrid bike for men’s from the renowned brand SixThreeZero ( AKA 630 ). It is one of the leading brands that has been keeping its brand loyalty for a long time.
Well, this time you can count on the Hybrid Alloy Cruiser Bike with your eyes closed. Let me tell you why it’s different.
As your eyes fall into its Matte Black frame, the dominating design will take over your mind. You’ll know it holds the art of manliness. The sleek design and heavy-duty body will impress you no matter what.
Long trip, short trip, you name it, you can ride to a wide span with this black beast. The 7-speed Shimano external hub will back you up.
From now on, you’ll be able to get leisure to long-distance commutes.
Bike with hard saddles is the main reason for you to go through this problem. Get your hands on the Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Hybrid bicycle instead.
It has got a comfortable dual-spring saddle that gives you the comfort zone you deserve.
As you sit on it, the saddle will give you spongy feedback as it adapts to the shape of your bottom. From now on, you won’t get those unwanted discomforts.
You can take your bike with you at your school or workplace while carrying your necessary things. The rack of the bicycle has the option so that you can add baskets and panniers,
Tackling the streets with uneven structures won’t be a problem anymore. The bike has got 21-speed Shimano which will help you tackle on uneven streets, and you can also ride uphill anytime you want.
To make sure you get a cushioned ride, the bicycle comes with 26-inch, 1.95-inch wide whitewall semi-slick tires. The matching fenders will shield your bike against debris and rain.
Highlighted Features
- The 7-speed Shimano external hub gives you the option to ride long distances with ease
- The comfortable dual-spring saddle prevents your bottom from getting discomfort as you ride for hours.
- The 21-speed Shimano helps you ride uphill and tackle streets with uneven structures.
- The 26-inch, 1.95-inch wide whitewall semi-slick tires give you a cushioned ride for easy rolling.
7. Raleigh Detour 2
This one is perfect for both professional and beginner riders who don’t want to compromise the fun-ride on the sunny path or cruise.
Presenting the Raleigh Detour 2 Hybrid Bike. What hasn’t it got? Quality, advanced features, style, you name it.
First of all, the simple yet elegant design will impress you and make you want to buy it. The premium aluminum not only describes its posh outlook but also enhances its durability.
Love the long-distance ride with your friends? Unlike any other, this hybrid bicycle offers larger rims that help you to maintain stability.
Navigating through wet grounds will be a piece of cake with the wide rims around to back you up.
The narrow tires will help you improve your efficiency as well. Besides, the tires are backed up by puncture-resistant casing.
So, it doesn’t matter if you’re going for a long-distance ride, city riding or whatever, this bike will make sure you ride like a tornado.
The Raleigh seat makes sure you get the squishy feeling as your bottom lands on it. With the thick cushioning around, you can ride your bike for hours with no pain on your bottom at all.
Riding on bumpy roads? No problem at all as the Raleigh Detour 2 absorbs all the shock with its suspension fork so that you can ride smoothly.
Now you don’t have to stay behind anymore as your friends ride uphill. The gear the bicycle offers are made especially for uphill riding.
On the front, you’re getting three gears and, on the back, you’re getting eight gears. While riding in hilly areas, the gears give you plenty of range to get you up and down.
You can switch between 24 gear combinations whenever you want, thanks to the Shimano 8-speeds shifters. On the other hand, the Pro Max alloy v-brakes lets you stop your bike immediately after you pull them.
Highlighted Features
- The heavy-duty aluminum structure ensures the enhanced durability of the bike.
- Larger rims and puncture-resistant tires will help you ride smoothly and safely.
- You won’t have any problem riding on bumpy roads. The suspension fork absorbs all the shock.
- Switch between 24 gear combinations with the 8-speeds shifters to ride uphill.
8. Schwinn Phocus 1500
If you’re concerned durability and functionality, this bike is the one you should pick. With jaw-dropping features, this one is running super-hot in the market place.
Presenting the Schwinn Phocus 1500 Women’s hybrid bike. As your gaze goes on their bodies, you’ll know this bike holds a dominating look.
The solid aluminum fitness frame constructs its body that is teamed up with a suspension fork.
Worried the durability? You don’t have to as this bicycle has got it all to last for years.
If you want to travel long distances a lot, you’ll be needing a wide range of gear combinations. Unlike others, the Schwinn Phocus 1500 comes with Shimano 24-speed EZ-Fire trigger shifters.
This feature has blended perfectly with the rear Shimano derailleurs. These features give you a wide span of gear range. You can switch between gear combination and ride for hours in long distances.
As a female rider, of course, you want your bike to offer you the perfect stability. The Phocus 1500 will fill your cup of tea.
The double-wall alloy rims it comes with are light yet strong enough to offer you the crucial stability you’ve always craved for. The rims boast a heavy-duty, so I wouldn’t worry their durability if I were you.
So suddenly a bus or truck appeared in front of your eyes as you’re riding, if you can’t stop your bicycle , you can guess the next scenario.
Well, the mechanical disc brakes with Shimano brake levers will help you avoid such situations. The braking system is powerful enough to stop your bike at once as you pull it.
Highlighted Features
- The solid aluminum frame not only makes the bicycle a premium one but also enhances its durability.
- The Shimano 24-speed EZ-Fire trigger shifters give you a wide span of gear range so that you can travel long distances.
- The double-wall alloy rims give you crucial stability while riding.
- Women specific geometry helps to provide more comfortable.
- The mechanical disc brakes with Shimano brake levers help you stop the bike at once whenever you need.
9. Giordano G7
If simplicity is what you’re looking for, but you want advanced features as well, the Giordano G7 hybrid bike can be best for the men.
The outlook boasts a simple yet premium design. If you’re out for biking with your friends, you’ll definitely get the praise for your taste.
With the heavy-duty pure Aluminum frame, you can expect this beast to run for years. It doesn’t matter how rough you’ll use this; the bike can take all the beatings and still survive to serve you.
As you take it for a ride, your bike riding experience will reach its peak.
You see, other bikes have handlebars which are too low.
As a result, you’ll get aches in different parts of your body. But with this amazing hybrid bicycle around, you can say this hassle goodbye.
It has got alloy riser handlebar that comes with an adjustable riser stem. You can put this 24.5 mm aluminum alloy handlebar wherever you want.
Scared of running through the terrains and hills? Well, this one can help you cycle around terrains, and you can ride uphill as well. The whole credit goes to the 21-Speeds Shimano shifter and derailleurs.
Fill the cup of commuting on paved and dirt roads as you can roll faster with the 700 X 35C Black Clincher tires. On rainy days, you can ride with style even on slippery roads.
Tired of sitting on those hard seats? Well, you don’t have to worry anymore as the bike has a 27.2 X 350 mm alloy suspension seat post.
As you ride, you’ll know riding was never more comfortable than this one. No more shocks from bumps, gravel roads, and uneven streets, as the spring absorbs all the shocks.
Highlighted Features
- The bike comes with a heavy-duty Aluminum frame which enhances its durability.
- The alloy riser handlebar will let you ride with comfort and ease.
- The 700 X 35C lets you ride smoothly even on slippery roads on rainy days.
- The 27.2 X 350 mm alloy suspension seat post gives you a comfy feeling as you sit on it and ride for hours.
10. Diamondback Calico St
After men’s bike we have listed another hybrid bike for women which is named Diamondback Calico St Dual Sport bike.
This ladies hybrid bike will give you the ultimate bike riding experience with its advanced features and comfortable structure.
You don’t have to question its durability at all as this bicycle comes with 6061 aluminum frames specially made for female riders. The heavy-duty structure not only looks gorgeous but also lets the bike last for years.
From now on, you can travel through terrains with uneven structures with ease and safety.
The bicycle comes with the 21-speed Shimano 3X7 speed drivetrain that allows you to pedal through terrains faster.
If you can pull your brakes when you need to, you’ll end up having an accident as you ride faster. Unfortunately, not all the bikes have such brakes so that you can stop your bike suddenly.
With the DB Calico dual sport hybrid bike around, you can ride safely from now on. You can pull the alloy linear brakes for immediate halt if you sense any danger or a car coming towards you out of the blue.
Your bottoms won’t get hurt anymore as you ride for hours. Say goodbye to all of your discomforts as the bike offers you a squishy seat with perfect cushioning.
That being said, your comfort zone will increase as you ride smoothly on city streets, slippery roads, etc., thanks to the 700X40C dual-sport tires.
They provide you the traction you need for a smooth and faster ride. Your handling will be more solid as the bicycle has got high-tensile, straight-blade steel fork.
Highlighted Features
- It is made of heavy-duty Aluminum, which not only makes it posh but also enhances its durability.
- The 21-speed Shimano 3X7 speed drivetrain lets you paddle through terrains faster than ever.
- The 700X40C dual-sport tires lets you ride faster even on slippery roads, uneven city streets, etc.
- Get solid handling with the high-tensile, straight-blade steel fork.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Budget Hybrid Bike Under $500
So, you’ve decided to buy a hybrid bike already? Well, if you know what things you should look for in a bike, you’ll get a good hybrid bicycle.
However, if you don’t know what the features are you should consider, you can get your hands on the wrong product.
To make sure you don’t go through this hassle, let’s have a look at what you need to look for inside a hybrid bike.
- Frame Material
Durability is a must for every product. If your product is not durable enough, you’ll have to buy a new one very soon. The same goes for bicycle as well.
If the frame material of your bike is not good enough, it won’t last that long. So before buying a hybrid bike, make sure you get a heavy-duty frame material.
Aluminum frames are light in weight but hold an amazing strength. If you want a bicycle that is resistant to rust and corrosion, choosing an aluminum bike should be wise for you.
On the other hand, you can also choose a carbon-fiber and carbon/aluminum mix frame. They’re light and strong as well. The only problem with them is they’re quite expensive.
So overall, I would choose the aluminum frame bike if I were you.
Also its crusial to get correct size hybrid bike to enjoy comfortable ride.
- Suspension Fork
A bike with better suspension fork will save you from the shocks that you get from bumpy roads, cracks, rut, and obstacles.
The suspension fork absorbs all these shocks and makes sure you always ride smoothly and safely. Some hybrid bikes do not have suspension at all, so, make sure your bike has one.
- Seats
If your hybrid bicycle doesn’t have a comfortable bike seat, you’ll end up getting discomfort and pain on your bottom as your ride for hours.
Make sure the bike you’re going for has a saddle that boasts ergonomic shape, comfortable and squishy.
There are anatomical shape saddles which block the pressure on soft tissue and eliminates your pain. You can go with the saddles that are made with gel padding and cushioning springs as well.
Whatever you do, don’t buy the bike that has a hard seat with no softness at all. Otherwise, you’ll end up regretting as it will cause you a lot of pain later on.
- Brakes
Without good-quality brakes, the bike is not good at all. Choose in between rim brakes called linear or direct-pull brakes or hub brakes.
If you want to have more braking control in descents, you can rely on disc brakes. Besides, when it comes to performing in muddy situations, disc brakes will offer you everything you need.
Hub brakes are basically more durable and need low maintenance. If you want less rigorous riding, you can rely on bikes with hub brakes.
- Gearing
In recent years, bikes have been making a lot of advancements in their gearing technology. Changing gears in modern bikes is easy as snapping your fingers.
If you prefer to ride around places like lower Manhattan or let’s say it can be up to the West Side Highway, getting a bicycle with fewer gears will fill your demand.
Now, as bicycle come with a wide range of gears, you can choose from 1 to 27 gear options or more. However, the more the gears, the more complicated it can be for you while riding the bicycle.
You can keep it simple if you want to. If you are a rider who loves to ride on hills and love climbing challenges, you should buy a bicycle with more gear options.
However, if you’re going to ride only on flat terrain, I don’t think you don’t need lots of gear options. The fewer the gears, the lighter your bike will be.
You’ll find some hybrid bikes that have a fixed speed range. That means you can’t change the gears. These are known as single-speed bikes.
Final Words
As a rider, getting the perfect hybrid bike is a must. Without this, you won’t be able to enjoy your riding experience. Why will you waste your money on mainstream bikes then?
It’s always better to use some cash on something good…something definitely worth it.
Well, if you have gone through this article, you should be able to buy the best hybrid bike under $500. I’ve talked the best of the bests here. If you want, you can give it a read again. But whatever you do, make sure you choose wisely.
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About the Author Zachary Anderson
Hi, I am Zach who is behind Bikefeatures.com I am a fitness geek. I love to ride bicycle regularly to be fit everyday. In winter when riding is impossible in cold then I love to workout at home using indoor exercise equipment. I also love to write in blog to share my knowledge in cycling & workout segment. I hope my articles will help you to be fit in any weather. Thanks!
