Best Hybrid Bikes Under $500

We know why you’re here. You must be a commuter and looking to buy the best hybrid bike without breaking your wallet. 

We know hybrid bikes offer you the best of both worlds. You can ride it on the road and trails. But, of course, you can’t get too polarized in your approach because these bikes are designed to handle mid-level trails and roads. 

If you’re buying a hybrid bike for the first time, you should know what to look for when buying a hybrid bike under $500. 

So, what options do you have?

Take a look at the review of the best hybrid bikes under $500 and decide for yourself. 

Check out our other best product reviews!

Best Hybrid Bikes Under $500 Reviewed

1. SixThreeZero EVRYjourney – Best Hybrid Bike Overall

The SixThreeZero is the best hybrid bike under $500. The men’s model has a step-over design, while the women’s model has a step-through design. 

It is available at different speeds, but the most popular of them all is the 21-speed variant. The tire size of this bike is 26 inches with dual suspension. Therefore, there will be plenty of comfort in your ride.

The feature that makes it one of the most iconic hybrid bikes is its stylish aluminum frame available. In addition, this frame is durable and lightweight. So, you are not going to feel much pressure when going at speed. Due to the robust aluminum frame, this bike only weighs 38 pounds.

This cruiser hybrid bike can handle bumpy trials and can ride well on concrete. Therefore, it is a suitable option for all riders ranging from all sizes. Plus, it comes with a load capacity of 220 lbs. This bike also comes with a rear rack and features hand brakes on both ends. 

Pros

• Lightweight construction. 
• Rear rack. 
• Hand brakes on both ends. 
• Dual suspension for ride comfort. 
• 21-speed gear mechanism. 

Cons

• Don’t have a sportier look. 

2. Schwinn Discover – Best Unisex Option

This unisex bike comes with a slightly aggressive look but is still not sporty enough for many. Schwinn is all about comfortable commuting on mild trails and the streets. So, you can ride on it for those long beach rides as well. This bike fits the riders on a slightly taller side ranging from 5 feet 7 inches to 6 feet 0 inches in height. 

The bike features an alloy hybrid frame that ensures a smooth ride, but this bike is slightly heavier than the previous one and weighs 43 pounds. So, steering will still be pretty decent on it. 

It features 21-speed shifters and also comes with a rear derailleur that ensures accurate gear changes. Additionally, this bike comes with linear-pull brakes that are made of alloy metal and are pretty robust. These brakes can provide a powerful stop whenever you pull them. 

The seat-post also comes with suspensions to keep you comfortably seated. Even on your longer bike riding sessions, there are ergonomic grips and hybrid saddles that make your ride pretty relaxing. 

Pros

• Robust and lightweight alloy frame. 
• Durable suspensions fork. 
• The suspension seat makes your ride comfortable. 
• Excellent stopping power with linear-pull brakes. 
• Rear rack. 

Cons

• The handlebar is slightly difficult to adjust.

3. Vilano Diverse 3.0 – Best Hybrid Bike for Men

You’ll get a high speed with this performance hybrid bike. It comes with a 24-speed gear shifter and has disc brakes on it. So, not only will you go at faster speeds, but you will also get much better stopping power.

There is an upright handballer on this bike, and your purchase will also include pedals. However, you need to keep in mind that this bike does require assembly on arrival, and you will also need to tune it according to your ride preferences. 

One downside that it comes with is that it doesn’t feature suspension, so your ride on trails will be slightly tough for you. However, it does come with an aluminum frame as well as an aluminum fork assembly. So, there is no extra weight on it. 

Pros

• Suitable for hard surfaces. 
• Lightweight aluminum alloy frame and fork assembly. 
• Your purchase also includes pedals. 
• Fast speed. 
• Superior stopping power. 

Cons

• No suspension.
• Not comfortable for long rides. 

4. Royce Union RMY – Best Hybrid Bike for Women

The RMY Union bike features a lightweight aluminum frame and weighs around 43 pounds. The frame has a step-through design, which means you can conveniently get on and get off your bike in no time. 

Royce hybrid bike comes 90% assembled. The package will also include the tools you will need to get the rest of the assembly done. It won’t take you more than an hour if you do the assembly for the first time.

This bike is richly pedaled and has dual springs that are ergonomically designed to provide you with absolute peddling comfort. In addition, these pedals are highly responsive, and you can continue to ride on this bike for as long as you want. 

Another good feature of this bike is its linear-pull brakes, so you will have plenty of stopping power behind you. No matter at what speed you are riding, you can stop on a dime when you need it. That is why this bike is great for riding on the beach and through the streets. 

Pros

• 21-speed shifter. 
• Linear pull brakes for excellent stopping power. 
• Comes with a front suspension for more comfort. 
• Available in different sizes and colors.
• Convenient step-through frame design. 

Cons

• Not all the models can go uphill (only the red one does).

5. Schwinn Suburban – Best Value for Money

If you’re looking for a hybrid bike that comes with thicker tires, you should go for this one. The Schwinn Suburban is available in two models. The black one features a step-over design, while the yellow one has a step-through design.

This bike is designed to work with the road and trails, focusing primarily on mid-level trails. And therefore, it comes with front suspensions to provide you with more comfort for your ride.

This bike has a steel frame. So, one of the downsides of this bike is that it does come with some added weight on it. However, this bike is pretty durable, and it can take bumps. In addition, it features swept-back handlebars that will keep you relaxed during your ride. 

Apart from that, you will also be able to maintain an upright riding position. This bike is designed for taller people, but there are different size options available here as well. 

The bike also features alloy linear-pull brakes to ensure a secure stopping whenever you need it. In addition, a highly ergonomic seat provides a comfortable ride. 

The lightweight and durable rims will shed off a few pounds from the overall weight without compromising the overall durability. 

Pros

• More stable for trials. 
• Sweep-back handles for a relaxed sitting position. 
• Available in different sizes. 
• Both step-through and step-over designs are available. 
• 7-speed twist shifters. 

Cons

• Not designed for long concrete rides. 

6. Hiland 700c – Best for Beginners

If you are looking for your first hybrid bike, Hiland is the best option. It comes with an aluminum frame and features a 24-speed shifting system with a lockout suspension fork. 

The frame is a mix of step-through and step-over designs. It has a switch front suspension and has disc brakes on it. Therefore, this is the bike suitable for mild trail riding and concrete roads. 

Thanks to the aluminum frame, this bike stays on the lighter side, and you can comfortably steer it at high speeds. Moreover, you will remain in control of your bike even at higher speeds. This bike does come with a potent disc brake mechanism on both ends. 

The bike comes 85% pre-assembled, and it will take you a couple of hours to fully assemble it. However, you might be able to do it within an hour if you have some experience with bike assembly. 

The bike comes in different frame sizes and is suitable for 5 feet 7 inches tall to well over 6 feet and 5 inches. 

Pros

• Lightweight aluminum frame. 
• Quality disc brakes with maximum stopping power. 
• 24-speed shifting system. 
• More suitable for trails. 
• Very easy to assemble.

Cons

• Brakes need a few adjustments. 

7. Giordano Brava – Best for Comfort

The Giordano Brava hybrid bike comes with a large wheel size so your bike can go faster and handles those bumps well. It comes with front suspensions and a 24-speed shifting mechanism. 

Therefore, if you have some riding experience and prefer to cruise along on concrete or mild trails, this is the right choice. The aluminum frame makes it light and easy to steer. 

This bike also comes with disc brakes, so you will have enormous stopping power behind you. The aluminum used in the construction of this frame is 6061 aluminum alloy, and it’s pretty durable and lightweight. So, riding will be a lot of fun here. 

This bike comes 80% assembled, and you will need to put in some effort to get it fully assembled. For the experienced, it will only take half an hour, but if this is your first time, it might take you two to three hours to complete. 

This bike is smack in the middle when it comes to the tire width. It means that it will work for you on the concrete as well as on the mild trails. You can continue to ride it on the beach and can ride it on the streets too. 

Pros

• Large wheels. 
• Powerful disc brakes. 
• Adjustable handles.
• Lightweight aluminum frame. 

Cons

• It does take some time to assemble. 

Hybrid Bike Buyer’s Guide

When buying the best hybrid bike under $500, you need to keep in mind a few important features to make sure that you get the best bang for your buck. Here are some features for you to look upon before you finalize your decision. 

Frame material

There are various material options available in hybrid bikes. However, you can only go for aluminum and steel in this price range. Carbon frames are way too expensive. Steel is extremely durable, but it will weigh more. In contrast, aluminum is durable and lightweight. 

If you are looking for easy steering, then perhaps aluminum is a better option. However, for rigidity, steel comes out on top. 

Comfort

You need to keep in mind your riding style. If you want to ride on flat surfaces, perhaps rear and seat suspensions will be more critical. But if you are looking to ride the trials, you will need front suspensions more than anything else. 

Dual suspension bikes are also available. But many hybrid bikes also don’t have suspicions on them to shed off a few pounds. 

Brakes

You have a few options here. Some hybrid bikes come with disc brakes, while others come with linear-pull brakes. If you are going to ride at faster speeds, you will need disc brakes because they are best for stopping power. Otherwise, linear-pull brakes can still get the job done for most rides. 

Handlebars

Make sure to go for a bike that comes with adjustable handlebars. If not, a higher handlebar will work best if you are looking for more riding comfort. But if you are looking to ride at speeds, your seat needs to be higher than the handlebars. 

Conclusion:

In our opinion, the best hybrid bike under $500 is the SixThreeZero EVRYjourney. It is available in both men’s and women’s models. This is the best hybrid bike for long and comfortable riding with a rear rack. This bike can handle mild trails but is specifically designed for flat surfaces.