Best Hybrid Bikes Under $500 of 2020

When it’s time to pick a bike to get around with, you’ll likely be overwhelmed with the number of available options.

Hybrid bikes are a great option because they combine between characteristics of road bikes, touring bikes, and mountain bikes.

And if you’re looking for stability, comfort, and ease of use at an affordable price, you should look into hybrid bikes with a budget of $500.

There are plenty of options on the market that provide you with your commuting needs without breaking your bank, and on this list, I’ve listed all the best hybrid bikes under $500 to help you make your choice.

Hybrid Bikes Under $500 – Comparison Table

The 5 Best Hybrid Bikes Under $500

1. Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bikes

The Schwinn Discover is a great women’s hybrid bike under $500 as it flaunts some quality standards and a low frame that enables ladies to climb up the seat easily while wearing skirts or dresses.

Moreover, the design is not bulky as well as adequately aerated, while the aluminum frame makes it both lightweight and sturdy.

I thought the white paint was nice to hide scratches, but it looks like it gets dirty a lot faster than darker paints.

Equipped with 21 speeds, the Schwinn Discover allows you to traverse a wider variety of terrains as well as a ride up altitudes with ease and comfort.

On top of that, the 27.5-inch 700c hybrid tires give it a smooth feel over unpaved routes.

The brake system on the Schwinn Discover gives you full control over the bike at all times, while the handlebar is swept towards the back to ensure that you’re in the most comfortable posture while you ride the bike.

Bottom Line:

The Schwinn Discover is a great bike for commuting to and from work or school, but it also has enough features to allow you to take detours and discover new areas or paths that may be a little more rugged.

2. Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Hybrid Bicycle or eBike

This 26-inch bike is a great choice for a men’s hybrid bike under $500.

And although a blend between a mountain bike and a road bike is what most users would expect from a hybrid one, this one features characteristics of the smoothness of a road bike and the comfort of a cruising one.

It’s quite great for leisure, commute, and cruise purposes.

The aluminum frame measures around 19 inches and weighs about 36 pounds –so it’s pretty easy to handle and control.

The low profile frame and comfortable design provide you with comfort and ensure an upright position while riding to prevent strain on your back and shoulders.

You can switch between the 7 speeds on the bike to traverse a wider variety of terrains with ease.

And you won’t have to worry about tougher conditions as its black matte frame doesn’t gather dirt easily.

Bottom Line:

The Sixthreezero EVRYjourney comes at an even lower price than the 500 bucks mark, yet it delivers amazing performance with great smoothness. Although it doesn’t have that many speed options, it’s still good for most urban terrains.

3. Schwinn Volare 1200 Men’s Bike

The Schwinn Volare 1200 comes with 21-speed options that you can transition from and to with seamless fluidity. This is thanks to the Shimano shifters and rear derailleur system.

It has a sturdy aluminum frame that makes it strong and durable, while the robust fork provides you with a smooth ride regardless of the smoothness of the road.

Moreover, the linear-pull alloy brakes are great as they bring the Schwinn Volare 1200’s 700c to a safe halt in a matter of seconds –even in rain or snow.

The only downside is that the bike isn’t the most comfortable as the seat is a little too hard, and the grips aren’t comfortable to hold for extended periods.

Bottom Line:

The Schwinn Volare 1200 is an excellent budget hybrid as it’s the most affordable choice on the list, yet it has enough versatility and packs all the features of a high-end bike.

However, it’s only good for casual commutes to work or school, but not for detours through unpaved routes.

4. Raleigh Route 1 Hybrid Bike

If you’re looking for a bike with a strong fork in bikes under 500, then the Raleigh Route 1 is definitely the choice you should opt for. This one comes with an 80mm travel SR Suntour fork.

I’d say that this hybrid bike can act as a mountain one occasionally thanks to the sturdiness of its build.

It also comes with front and rear disc brakes that offer incredible stopping power, no matter which of the 21 speeds you set your gear too.

Moreover, Raleigh Route 1 is equipped with 700x47c tires that are wide and stable even when you’re riding off-road.

As for ergonomics, this bike comes with comfort grips that provide you a comfortable riding position. However, the saddle doesn’t have springs, so you might experience road bumps in a less comfortable way.

Bottom Line:

The Raleigh Route 1 is a high-quality bike. And although this commuter bike goes beyond the $500 mark a little, it’s still worth the few extra bucks.

5. Pure Fix Original Fixed Gear Single Speed Bicycle

If you’re looking for a fixed-gear, single-speed hybrid bicycle under 500, you’ll find none better than the Pure Fix Original.

The fixed gear option makes it more suitable for flatter rides where there aren’t many uphill rides or altitudes.

It has a welded steel frame with a somewhat aggressive, urban-inspired stance. Moreover, the frame geometry is designed for a responsive, city-friendly ride where you don’t have to bend over the handlebars.

The Pure Fix Original runs on Kenda tubes and tires and a Lasco laser-cut three-piece crank with a sealed bottom bracket.

And a unique feature that makes it more comfortable to ride is the use of wide handlebars with BMX style grips and a single front brake (Radius brand caliper).

Pros:

• Sleek design and an attractive look
• Lasco crankset
• Superb wheels

Cons:

• Rear hub threading is a little tight

Bottom Line:

Anyone that’s looking for a top-notch fixed-gear ride is going to love this beginner-oriented hybrid bike.

Why Pick a Hybrid Bike over Other Types of Bikes?

First and foremost, because of their versatility. Since they blend various characteristics from different bikes, they can traverse a wider array of terrains.

They’re revolutionized modern bikes that are very adaptable. You can ride a hybrid bike to work without worrying about getting into some rugged trails in the middle.

How Far Will $500 Go?

At $500, the hybrid bike you’ll get will be pretty great and durable. A lot of hybrid bikes below the $500 mark pack a lot of value for the price and have well-thought-out designs.

However, they may not be as lightweight and smooth as more expensive hybrid bikes. And while their suspension forks and adjustments are good enough for providing smooth rides, the higher-end bikes would offer even more smoothness. But with enough maintenance and a little extra care, a $500 hybrid bike can last years on end.

How to Pick a Hybrid Bike Under $500?

You don’t have to compromise on the quality of your bike just because you’re getting it on a tighter budget. So, here are the things that you should check for and make sure are reliable before you make your purchase.

Frame

The material of the frame should be one of your biggest concerns as it dictates how solid your bike is and how long it will last. Not only that, but it also affects the bike’s weight.

The common frame types you’ll find are aluminum, steel, and carbon fiber.

Aluminum

Aluminum frames make for the most affordable bikes. They’re also pretty light and provide ample strength and durability.

Steel

Steel frames are a little costlier than aluminum as they’re stronger. However, they’re quite heavy, so they make the bike a little harder to handle.

Carbon Fiber

Carbon fiber frames hit the ideal balance between being lightweight and durable. However, they’re quite pricey.

Wheel and Tires

The wheels on a bike come in two sizes: 700c and 26” ones.

700c wheels are the standard size for a hybrid bike and, consequently, are the 700cc ties.

These are good for uphill travel, easy acceleration, and taking on cracks, bumps, and pavements very smoothly.

On the other hand, 26” wheels and tires are more suitable for casual cruising and commuting. They wouldn’t be as smooth on rougher surfaces and are prone to wobble when rolling over them. But they do have superior speed and wind resistance.

Brakes

When you’re considering the brakes on your bike, you’ll find two variants:

Disc Brakes

Disc brakes are built with brake pads to grip onto the brake rotor, and they have two types:

Mechanical Disc Brakes

These are the old-school kind that uses a mechanical motion to stop the wheels. They require manual adjustments because the pads wear out over time.

Hydraulic Disc Brakes

These provide a more powerful and progressive braking mechanism that requires less finger effort. And the best part is that they are self-adjusting for the wear of the brake pads.

Rim Brakes

Rim brakes also have pads, but these grip onto the wheel rims instead.

Suspension

If you ride on smoother streets and paved bike lanes, you may not need suspension as much –especially that suspension works add weight and reduce the effectiveness of pedaling.

But they are quite necessary if you’re going to go through rougher paths with cracks, bumps, and possibly potholes.

Seat and Handlebar

By comparing the level of handlebars and of the seat, you’ll be able to decide whether the sitting posture suits you or not.

For cruising, leisure, or commuting, the seat should be lower than the handlebars.

However, if you’re seeking a more aerodynamic posture to apply maximum power to the pedals, then go for a seat that’s higher than the handlebars.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for versatility, durability, or stability, you’re bound to find it in one of the choices above as they’re the best hybrid bikes under $500.

The Pure Fix Original Fixed Gear Single Speed Bicycle is a great choice for beginners that have a definite, flat route that they regularly take. It has a sleek design with very sturdy tires.

However, if you’re looking to go on more adventures and climb uphill, you should go for the Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bikes. This bike comes with enough speed variability to suit different terrains, a great suspension system, and an aerated construction.

Finally, if you’re looking for something tougher, more rugged, and more durable, I’d recommend the Raleigh Route 1 Hybrid Bike. This hybrid bike features a lot of characteristics that mimic mountain bikes, which makes it perfect for taking on any routes or paths without worrying about bumps, potholes, or unpaved streets.