So I recently embarked on what I feared would be a wild goose chase: the search for the best road bike under 200 dollars.

Initially I was very reluctant (despite my editor naggings) since I know how hard it is to get good bikes under $200 even in other types of bicycles.

But I had to do it- though only after running out of excuses!

Well, I have to admit this:

I thought I was a pro as far as understanding the modern day bike market is concerned…until I discovered the sub $200 bike segment, which is largely composed of used bikes.

Although there aren’t a ton of choices at this price level, you can find cheap road bikes under $200 if you scour hard enough.

In a Rush? Here are Our Top Picks

6 Best Road Bikes Under $200

Max4Out Road Bike

As a beginner road cyclist on a budget, you deserve a road bike that is flawlessly comfortable to ride. That is what the Max4Out Road Bike brings to the table.

It’s the best entry-level bike by a mile, and it’s easy to see why. With its upright-flat handlebars, Max4Out puts you in a more natural cycling posture. That relieves you from back and neck discomfort when cycling.

Max4Out features a lightweight aluminum frame that makes it easy to maneuver your road bike. Its fork is also aluminum and is responsible for absorbing bumps to provide you with a smoother ride.

This road bike under $200 can carry up to 330 pounds and is suitable for riders of up to 6 feet tall.

Its disc brakes are a welcome addition at this price point. All in all, we believe the Max4Out sets the standard for road bikes at a budget price point.

Highlight Features

• Upright handlebar
• Aluminum frame
• Disc Brakes
• Water bottle mount
• 330 pound weight capacity

Kent Road Bike

If you want a try a different brand from Vilano, then Kent International is the go-to brand. Their new Kent GZR700 Road Bike has a few similarities with Vilano Diverse 1.0 covered above.

For example, both road bikes come with 700c rims and 21-speed gears with shifters. That means you also get to conquer the climbs using Kent GZR700.

But unlike Vilano Diverse 1.0, Kent GZR700 comes with a high-tensile steel frame that may be slightly heavy but undoubtedly durable.

The other difference is the fork, which is rigid on Kent GZR700. So, this bike literary has no suspension, and as a result, it’s not the best pick for bumpy roads. But if you ride on flat grounds, that’s not an issue.

Its alloy caliper brakes will ensure you stay safe on the road even if you are racing.

This best road bike under 200 comes in a 54cm medium-size frame that makes it easily accessible by a novice. Its 36-spoke alloy rims look godsent, and I could say the same about its 700 x 32c tires.

Its saddle is quite comfortable, and the bike supports up to 250 pounds.

Highlight Features

• High-tensile medium-size steel frame
• 21-speed rear derailleur
• Rigid suspension
• 700c x 32c tires
• 36-spoke alloy rims
• Allow caliper brakes
• Comfortable saddle

Outroad Road Bike

Novice women cyclists deserve the simplest-to-pedal and the most comfortable road bike. Of course, it has to come in the trendiest girly style.

Well, nothing fits the description better than the Outroad Road Bike.

This is one of the best bikes under 200 dollars, and it comes in a medium-size (54cm) for easy access by beginner female cyclists.

It runs on an easy-to-maintain single-speed drivetrain that’s also known to promote easy pedaling. As a result, it’s a perfect pick for commuters.

At the heart of this road bike is an aluminum frame that gives it a solid, yet light build. Together with the bike’s horizontal dropouts, the frame puts you in the most natural cycling position.

Its anti skid and wear resistant tires will keep you safe on the road as you learn to ride on the road.

One downside of this bike to keep in mind is that it is on the heavy side. So if you are riding uphill or competitively, this might not be the road bike for you.

Highlight Features

• Aluminum Alloy frame
• Horizontal dropouts
• 21 speed
• 330 pound weight limit
• Comes mostly assembled
• Anti Skid tires

GMC Denali Road Bike

If the Takara Kabuto might seem slightly lacking and you need a more powerful option, the GMC Denali Road Bike is an incredible choice.

This bike comes in a black-green frame, just like the Takara Kabuto, but it’s less bold. Its frame is slightly smaller (54cm), so keep this in mind if you are a taller rider.

With its Shimano 21 speed derailleur with swift shifters, it’s spectacular on climbs.

Its frame is all-aluminum, which is expected in this price point, making it lightweight to maneuver. Its Vitesse racing rims are not just high-profile but also 100% reliable.

The 700c tires perform incredibly on rigorous streets, and I can say the same on the alloy caliper brakes.

GMC Denali features a water bottle cage that allows you to mount your water bottle. Thanks to its richly-padded saddle, you can go for longer rides more comfortably.

Highlight Features

• Aluminum frame
• Bottle mount
• Alloy-caliper brakes
• Vitesse racing rims
• 700c tires
• Shimano 21 speed derailleur with twist shifting

Vilano Aluminum Road Bike

Whether you are a beginner male racer or commuter, the Vilano Aluminum Road Bike promises the most pleasing riding experience in your novice years.

Starting with its 54c medium-size aluminum frame, the road bike is lightweight, yet sturdy.

It features a 21-speed derailleur with shifters that allow you to take head-on any outdoor terrain. You can go through hills with relative ease.

And when you want to pull an emergency brake or slow down, the caliper brake’s performance is up to the task.

Its 26-inch wheels give it a bossy build outdoors, while its narrow, high-pressure tires allow it to ride fast and efficiently.

The Vilano Aluminum Road Bike features drop handlebars that minimize air resistance to maintain a uniform speed.

And as you cycle under the heat, you don’t have to go thirsty as the bike features dual water cages for mounting your water bottles.

This cheap road bike under 200 dollars comes partially assembled, but you can easily do the rest of the assembly.

Highlight Features

• Medium aluminum frame
• Thin high-pressure tires
• 26-inch wheels
• Drop handlebars
• 21-speed derailleur with thumb shifters

Bavel Commuter Aluminum Road Bike

You expect the best road bike for experienced male cyclists to come in the sturdiest design and feature multiple gears and powerful brakes. That indisputably describes the Bavel Commuter Aluminum Road Bike.

Like most of the best road bikes under 200 dollars, this bike comes in a sturdy welded aluminum frame that allows it to support vast weight. It features a Shimano 21 speed derailleur with EF500 shifters that enables you to negotiate challenging terrain.

So, it’s the perfect commuter bicycle for experienced male cyclists.

It comes with ever-reliable disc brakes for controlling its speed and keeping you safe on the road. The Bavel Commuter Aluminum Road Bike has a quick-release function for the wheels.

It arrives 85% assembled, leaving you to assemble the pedals, handlebar, and front wheel.

Its seat post is carbon steel, thus robust and reliable to carry your vast weight. Plus, it comes with an aluminum fork for absorbing the day-to-day bumps.

What’s more, it enjoys a highly comfortable saddle. With this package, it’s one of the better cheap road bikes out there.

Highlight Features

• 21-speed Shimano derailleur with EF-500 shifters
• Disc brake
• Aluminum frame
• Carbon steel seat post
• Aluminum fork

What is a Road Bike?

As we all know, road bikes are amazing for winding rides through beautiful country lanes, road racing, work/school commuting, sportives, and more.

Thanks to their more aerodynamics promoting design, you can race at top speeds while enjoying every part of the ride.

I am referring to the bicycle’s mind-blowing lightness, multiple hand positions, elaborate gearing, and such impeccable features.

How Do Road Bikes Under 200 Compare with More Expensive Models?

Road bikes under 200 dollars are obviously going to have less bells and whistles than a state of the art carbon frame road bike. It goes without saying that a road bike under $200 is truly a budget option, and all things being equal we would recommend spending a few hundred more dollars for a better bike.

That being said, with a $200 or less road bike, in general you are going to be looking at an aluminum frame. You probably won’t get a steel frame at this price point, and definitely won’t get a titanium or carbon frame.

What this means is your bike will be heavier, albeit stable.

In terms of your wheels, they also will likely be heavier and not ride as fast.

How To Select the Best Road Bike Under 200

The answer lies in how well you will do your research…

Take your time, ask questions, compare and contrast, and look all around….

Here are some important considerations:

Road Bike Frame

Frames at this price point will most likely be made from aluminum. When you are talking about titanium (light and durable) and carbon fibre, you are talking about top of the end bikes for more than hobbyists.

Road Bike wheels

You need deep-section aerodynamic rims and lighter, faster tires.

Road Bike Brakes

Rim brakes are historically lighter and super aerodynamic. On the other hand, disc brakes have becoming increasingly popular lately, especially given they work better in wet or harsh conditions.

In general, if you are a serious cyclist, we recommend disc brakes. However, disc brakes at a cheaper price point will tend to be rim brakes. And if you can find disc brakes they will probably be mechanical, which is less powerful than hydraulic disc brakes.

But hey, you must make tradeoffs with a road bike under 200 dollars.

If you are wondering about the difference between rim brakes and disc brakes, here is a great primer video:

Road Bike Handlebars

The handlebars type you get will depends on your shoulder width and design. Also, handle bars orientation varies between women and men bicycles.

Brakes and gear levers should be within easy reach for better comfort and bike control.

Road Bike Saddle

When choosing a road bike saddle, comfort is important, especially if you are a novice rider. Make sure you choose a saddle that conforms well with your “sit bone”. If you are an overweight rider, check out this article on saddles for bigger riders.

How Many Gears Does a Road Bike Under 200 Dollars Have?

Some entry-level road bikes have 27 gears. However, a great deal of bikes priced below 200 are 21 gear .

How Do I Choose the Right Size Road Bike?

If there is one issue that can make or break your fledgling cycling hobby, it’s the bike size. You obviously don’t want a bike that’s too big or too small.

Instead, you should target a fitting bike as it helps you maximize on your newly acquired bicycle by ensuring cozy and exciting adventures.

You can ask the shop assistant to help you on size or consult the specific manufacturer’s bike chart for an accurate height and bicycle size recommendations.

Road Bike Size Chart

This road bike size chart indicates the correct sizes of various road bikes based on your actual height.

The charts differ from one company to the next so check on the manufacturer’s website for relevant measurements.

Women’s Road Bike Sizing Table

The following chart is for female riders.

FAQs

How Much Should I Pay for a Road Bike?

There’s no standard price for road bikes or any other bike category in any case. That’s because the brand type, bike size, construction material, and style dictate the market price.

From my research, it’s possible to get cheap road bikes under 200 dollars. But still, even the best road bikes under 200 dollars are no match for high-end carbon models that can cost over $2000.

Are Road Bikes Worth It?

If you are a  passionate road racer or enjoy the thrill, then yes, road bikes are worth it. However, if you don’t care anything about speed, then road bikes are not worth it.

Generally, road bikes are known for their unmatched speed and picture-perfect efficiency.

Should I Get a Road Bike or a Hybrid Bike?

Are you looking for speed and cycling efficiency? If yes, then go for a road bike. Nevertheless, if you want a more versatile and extra comfortable bike to ride, your best bet is a hybrid bike.

So, the decision solely depends on your cycling goal and preference.

Conclusion

So, which is the best road bike under 200 dollars?

Well, we have shared our ideas but ultimately, the choice is yours..

Your needs, taste, riding objectives, and the other crucial factors like saddles and related bike components should play an important role during your decision making.

The brands are many for women as well as mens road bikes under $200 so there is a massive chance you’ll get a very good piece.

Good luck!