Some cyclists are unwilling to spend a fortune on their road bike whether they want to take a long-distance ride with their friends or are commuting enthusiasts.
But some people think it’s hard to secure a quality bike at an affordable price. If you’re looking for a road bike under 200 dollars, we’ve got you covered.
In this post, we’ve reviewed the 5 best road bikes under $200, along with a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.
Best Road Bikes under 200 Reviews
Bikes EURXC550 21 Speed Road Bike
If you’re looking for an affordable road bike that comes with 85% assembled parts, this is a good bet. The Bikes EURXC550 21 Speed Road Bike is equipped with a 21-speed shifting system and dual disc brake that guarantees you excellent stopping power regardless of the cycling surface. This bike has a steel frame that gives a perfect balance of sturdiness and weight. Additionally, the seat and the handlebars are designed to provide a comfortable riding position and best posture.
Features
- Steel frame
- 21-speed Shimano shifting system
- Dual braking system
- 26-inch aluminum rims
Pros
- Durable and versatile
- Eye-catching design
- Easy to learn and ride
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Hard to assemble
- Not ideal for advanced riders
GMC Denali Road Bike
This road bike under $200 comes with a black-green frame designed to offer optimal comfort when cycling. It has a 21-speed derailleur with swift shifters, making it ideal for climbs. It is equipped with an all-aluminum frame that makes the bike easy to maneuver. The 700c tires and alloy caliper brakes make them ideal for long distant rides. Additionally, it has a water bottle cage that helps you to mount your water bottle.
Features
- Aluminum frame
- 21-speed derailleur
- 700-inch wheel size
- Alloy side pull brakes
Pros
- Lightweight frame
- High-profile alloy rims
- Easy to change gears
Cons
- It may be too heavy for some users
Takara Kabuto Single Speed Road Bike
Are you looking for a simple-to-pedal and most comfortable road bike at an affordable price? Look no further! The Takara Kabuto Single Speed Road Bike comes in a medium size that makes it easily accessible to female cyclists. It has an excellent color combination that makes it lady-like and eye-catching. It’s equipped with a single-speed drivetrain that allows easy pedaling. This bike comes with 700x32c tires and 32-spoke rims that give you a comfortable ride on any road.
Features
- 32-spoke rims
- Dual disc pull brakes
- Steel frame
Pros
- Attractive design
- Flawless design
- A very solid bike
Cons
- The braking system needs some upgrades
Vilano Road-Bicycles Vilano Aluminum Road Bike
If you’re a commuter or a beginner cyclist, the Vilano Road-Bicycles Vilano Aluminum Road Bike guarantees you the best riding experience in your beginner years. This bike has a 52c medium-size aluminum frame that’s extremely easy to pedal. It has a 21-speed derailleur with shifters that helps you to tackle any terrain with ease. With the 26-inch wheels, you can ride fast and efficiently in any outdoor space.
Features
- 26-inch wheels
- Drop handlebars
- 21-speed derailleur
Pros
- Easy to pedal
- Ideal for tough terrains
- High-pressure tires
- Wide wheels
Cons
- Comes partially assembled
Goplus Road Bike Commuter Bike Shimano
The Goplus Road Bike Commuter Bike Shimano comes with a sturdy and lightweight frame that can stand the test of time and handle harsh road situations. It’s constructed with aluminum that reduces the weight, and gives you the speed you need. It has quick-release front wheels that are easy to maintain, install, and disassemble. Additionally, you can easily adjust the height of the saddle to meet your riding preference.
Features
- Quick-release front wheels
- 700c tires
- Aluminum alloy frame
- Steel handle stem
Pros
- Lightweight
- Excellent racing performance
- Easy to install
- Adjustable saddle
- Sturdy frame
Cons
- The seat lacks sufficient padding
What are Road Bikes?
Road bikes are designed for road racing, school/work commuting, winding through beautiful country roads, and more. Since they have more aerodynamics promoting design, you can easily maneuver different pavements at top speeds while having a fun ride. Road bikes have multiple hand positions, mind-blowing lightness, elaborate gearing, and impressive features.
Types of Road Bikes
Aero Road bikes
These bikes are built for one reason, speed! Aero bikes are differentiated from other bikes by their deep-section wheels, large tube profiles, and component integration. These bikes are the best choice for a cyclist who likes to race and sprint. They have a low and long riding position and are fast handling.
Endurance Bikes
Endurance bikes are becoming the most popular type of road bike, thanks to their stable ride, relaxed geometry, and comfort. Additionally, these bikes have disk brakes, a compact drivetrain set-up, vibration-damping mechanisms, and greater clearance.
Endurance bikes are sometimes referred to as ‘Sportive bikes’ since they are ideal for Gran Fondo events and endurance road riding. If you’re operating on a budget, you can get a quality endurance bike. However, some of them have a higher price tag.
Gravel Bikes
Gravel or All-road bikes are designed to allow riders to access any type of terrain with utmost comfort. These bikes are comfortable, durable, and have enough performance features.
Although they are similar to endurance bikes, they are equipped with disc brakes for the best performance, greater clearance for wider tires, and lower gear ratios for extreme profiles and easier riding.
Lightweight Bikes
These bikes are designed to suit riders who like some elevation and contenders in the pro peloton. Lightweight bikes are high-performing and agile machines that always keep your weight down and power transfer up. They don’t have the wheelbase and elongated headtube of an endurance bike or the aero tubes of aero bikes. Instead, they are equipped with featherlight frames and are specially designed to offer optimal performance when climbing hills.
Recreational or Fitness Bike
Fitness bikes sacrifice bells and whistles of performance bikes and prioritize practicality and comfort. They are ideal for riders who want an easy and active way to get from A to B. These bikes are equipped with wider tires, flat bars, easy-pedaling gear ratios, and flat pedals. They are the best choice for beginners or all-purpose machines for those who don’t take cycling seriously.
Touring Bikes
Touring bikes are a bit different from other road bikes since they don’t focus much on the riding performance. They emphasize longevity, comfort, and impressive gearing capabilities. A touring bike has a more stable and upright riding position and weighs more than performance-orientated road bikes.
Flat Bar Road Bikes
Most bikes with “flat bars” can be referred to as flat-bar road bikes, but the purpose and quality vary greatly. In a typical flat-bar road bike, the shifting mechanics differ from a drop bar without compromising the equipment and the general performance.
Related: Best Hybrid Bikes Under 200
Best Road Bikes under 200 Buying Guide
If you’re not sure about the best road bike under $200 to choose, here’s an easy-to-follow buying guide with some key considerations to help you make a wise decision.
Frame Materials
There are various frame materials to choose from for a road bike. Some quality materials include aluminum and steel. If you’re operating on a budget, steel is a great option since the material is affordable. Steel has excellent shock absorption abilities, allowing you to reduce vibrations and discomfort when cycling.
On the other hand, the aluminum frame is lightweight, helping you pick up speed quicker and with less effort. It’s also easy to cycle uphill on a road bike equipped with an aluminum frame. However, this material lacks some shock-absorbing qualities that steel offers, meaning that you’re likely to feel the impact of tough terrains.
Tires
You need to consider some factors when choosing the tires you need for your bike, like diameter and width. For width, you’ve options like 23, 35, 28, and 32 mm. A road bike with wide tires will always give you maximum comfort and better traction and control. Conversely, narrow tires are more aerodynamic, helping you to cycle at higher speeds.
Also, you should consider the tire tread. Treaded tires are heavier and thicker and make great options for long cycling trips, especially on uneven and bumpy surfaces. For smooth surfaces, go for a smooth road tire that will provide maximum grip when riding the bike.
Flat Bar or Drop Bar
A flat bar is an upright handlebar that gives better maneuverability and control since it provides a wider grip. This option is ideal for those cycling at high speeds or on rough terrain. Alternatively, drop bars have various hand positions when cycling, giving you control and a ride that suits your preferences. Additionally, you can easily ride uphill with a drop bar than with a flat bar.
Handlebars
This is dependent on the design and your shoulder width. Also, handlebars orientation varies between men and women bikes. The handlebars should be within your reach for great bike control and comfort.
Brake Types
When looking for a road bike, there are two options of stopping power, rim, or disc brakes. The main difference comes in where and how the braking forces are applied. Rim brakes are applied directly to the wheels’ sides or rim. This traditional braking system is simple and has reduced weight.
Disc brakes are designed to offer consistent power and excellent braking control. The braking system you choose should be easy to use and one that matches your level of cycling.
Conclusion
Here are the top selections that will give you comfortable rides if you’re operating on a budget. However, your taste, riding objectives, needs, and other important factors should play a crucial role in your decision-making. Good luck!
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