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5 of the best road bikes under £500

If you’re just starting out or fancy getting a cheap bike for the winter months, take a look at what’s on offer below. There’s a good range of road bikes under £500 which shows you do not need to spend a fortune to get a great bike.

Verenti Substance Sora (2017) Adventure Road Bike

What they say

The Verenti Substance uses a 4130 cromoly frame designed for comutting and gravel riding. A bike for everything and anything, with mudguard clearance and rack mounts the Substance can even be used for some long adventures.

Key specifications

  • Full Chromoly butted frame and forks
  • Integrated Headtube
  • Shimano Sora drivetrain
  • TRP Spyre cable disc brakes
  • WTB Riddler tyres 700x35c
  • Cosine finishing kit

Our verdict

A tough, well thought-out bike that will last a long time. The Verenti Substance comes with a dependable Shimano groupset and cable disc brakes for extra stopping power. 35c tyres, run at the correct pressure will provide a comfortable and grippy ride.

Where to buy

Price

£499.99

From

Wiggle

Price correct at time of publishing.

Merlin Performance PR7 Road Bike

What they say

The Merlin PR7 is an unbeatable value entry level road bike rivalling bikes out there that are twice the price. With a classic, understated look it’s not just a good-looking bike, it’s a great riding bike too with the performance to match its elegant and modern appearance.

Key specifications

  • Aluminium with rack mount & rear mudguard eyelets
  • Mavic CXP-22 Wheelset
  • Shimano Claris ST-2400 with FSA Tempo 50 Chainset
  • San Marco Saddle
  • Carbon fork

Our verdict

At £399, you’ll not find much better for the price. A year-round bike with mudguard eyelets and rack mounts make this ideal for commuting and winter riding.

Where to buy

Price

£399.00

Price correct at time of publishing.

Raleigh Criterium Road Bike 2017

What they say

Raleigh’s Criterium Road Bike has been designed to offer a comfortable all day ride, yet also be fast enough to race over shorter distances. It adopts Raleigh’s “RE2P” geometry, which means it provides a slightly more upright riding position to reduce arm fatigue.

Key specifications

  • Aluminium with internal cabling
  • RSP AC1.0 700c Wheelset
  • Shimano Claris with FSA Tempo 50 Chainset
  • Raleigh R1 Saddle
  • Carbon fork

Our verdict

Another great bike that’s £50 short of the £500 budget. Reliable Shimano components with a carbon fork to keep front end weight down.

Where to buy

Price

£449.99

Price correct at time of publishing.

Pinnacle Laterite 2 2018 Road Bike

What they say

The Laterite could be your first introduction to road bikes, it could be an upgrade or just a winter bike so where ever you plan to ride it’ll have your back. The Two is equipped with Shimano’s Sora 9 speed groupset, Tektro dual pivot caliper brakes and high quality rubber from Schwalbe.

Key specifications

  • Aluminium frame
  • Tektro R315 brakes
  • Shimano Sora R3000 gears
  • Pinnacle finishing kit
  • Carbon fork
  • Alloy double wall 700c wheelset

Our verdict

A really well-specced bike for £500. A good aluminum frame, carbon forks, and a 9 speed Shimano Sora gear set. This is a serious good first bike!

Where to buy

Price

£500.00

Price correct at time of publishing.

Vitus Bikes Razor Road Bike 2017

What they say

The Vitus Razor provides a solid introduction to cycling on the open roads; this lightweight performer combines durability and affordability in one neat package. The new Razor delivers unrestricted enjoyment and comfortable on each ride.

Key specifications

  • Alloy frame with carbon forks
  • Shimano Claris 2400 groupset
  • Vitus Alloy wheelset
  • Vitus finishing kit

Our verdict

A good quality alloy frame with carbon forks and Shimano Claris groupset. Perfect road bike for beginners or something to ride through the winter months. One of the lighter bikes in the budget at just under 10kg. Bargain!

Where to buy

Price

£381.99

Price correct at time of publishing.