Gravel biking’s popularity has been on the rise for some time now and all of us adrenaline junkies can’t wait to jump this bandwagon. This is mainly because gravel bikes are a fun way to explore and at the same time you can get some exercise in. It is a good activity to get those joints moving. But with demand comes the price hike! Not all of us can afford the $$$$ priced gravel monsters!
On the bright side, buying a gravel bike does not always require you to file for bankruptcy. That’s right. We have researched and tested several gravel bikes that are under $500 and do the job just right. You don’t have to go through the grueling task of endless searching because I have already done that.
Ready to know about the affordable options? Let’s explore!
Top Gravel Bikes Under $500
Best Gravel Bikes Under $500: Comparison
Use this comparison to narrow the list by use case, fit needs, and the tradeoff that matters most before you choose a product.
| Product | Rating | Price | Best for | Product path | Main tradeoff | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schwinn Volare |
9.0/10 |
Check current price | new gravel riders comparing low-cost drop-bar, hybrid, and all-road options | Product path | Verify fit, sizing, and current availability before buying | Check Price |
| Hiland 26/27.5 |
8.9/10 |
Check current price | new gravel riders comparing low-cost drop-bar, hybrid, and all-road options | Product path | Verify fit, sizing, and current availability before buying | Check Price |
| Mongoose Grit |
8.8/10 |
Check current price | new gravel riders comparing low-cost drop-bar, hybrid, and all-road options | Product path | Verify fit, sizing, and current availability before buying | Check Price |
| Giordano Acciao |
8.6/10 |
Check current price | new gravel riders comparing low-cost drop-bar, hybrid, and all-road options | Product path | Verify fit, sizing, and current availability before buying | Check Price |
| Vilano R2 |
8.5/10 |
Check current price | new gravel riders comparing low-cost drop-bar, hybrid, and all-road options | Product path | Verify fit, sizing, and current availability before buying | Check Price |
Important Notice: All the prices mentioned are subject to change.
1. Schwinn Volare- Editor’s Choice
Price: Check current product page
Schwinn Volare
Editor's ChoiceBest for new gravel riders comparing low-cost drop-bar, hybrid, and all-road options. Check the product page for current sizing, fit notes, and availability.
Pros
- ✓ Built Using Quality Components
- ✓ Quality For Less Price
- ✓ Has Responsive Handling
- ✓ Suitable For Riding On Rough Terrain
Cons
- ✗ Problematic To Change Gears
- ✗ Faulty Brakes
- ✗ Time-Taking Assembly
Our Verdict
Schwinn Volare
Schwinn Volare remains in this review for new gravel riders comparing low-cost drop-bar, hybrid, and all-road options. Compare fit, sizing, warranty, assembly needs, and current availability before buying.
Best for: new gravel riders comparing low-cost drop-bar, hybrid, and all-road options
2. Hiland 26/27.5
Price: Check current product page
Hiland 26/27.5
Ranked Pick #2Best for new gravel riders comparing low-cost drop-bar, hybrid, and all-road options. Check the product page for current sizing, fit notes, and availability.
Pros
- ✓ Internal Cable Routing Gives A Clean Finish
- ✓ Powerful Brakes Give You The Control
- ✓ Responsive Handling
Cons
- ✗ Bike Skips Gears Sometimes
- ✗ Bearings Might Need Tightening
Our Verdict
Hiland 26/27.5
Hiland 26/27.5 remains in this review for new gravel riders comparing low-cost drop-bar, hybrid, and all-road options. Compare fit, sizing, warranty, assembly needs, and current availability before buying.
Best for: new gravel riders comparing low-cost drop-bar, hybrid, and all-road options
3. Mongoose Grit
Price: Check current product page
Mongoose Grit
Ranked Pick #3Best for new gravel riders comparing low-cost drop-bar, hybrid, and all-road options. Check the product page for current sizing, fit notes, and availability.
Pros
- ✓ Internal Cable Routing Gives A Finish Look
- ✓ Comfortable Bike Seat
- ✓ Provides Value For Money
- ✓ It Is Accessarizeable
Cons
- ✗ Wrongly Installed Fork In Some Cases
- ✗ Uses Low-Quality Bearings
- ✗ The Bottom Bracket Is Weak
Our Verdict
Mongoose Grit
Mongoose Grit remains in this review for new gravel riders comparing low-cost drop-bar, hybrid, and all-road options. Compare fit, sizing, warranty, assembly needs, and current availability before buying.
Best for: new gravel riders comparing low-cost drop-bar, hybrid, and all-road options
4. Giordano Acciao
Price: Check current product page
Giordano Acciao
Ranked Pick #4Best for new gravel riders comparing low-cost drop-bar, hybrid, and all-road options. Check the product page for current sizing, fit notes, and availability.
Pros
- ✓ The Bike Is A Great Fit
- ✓ Tires Effectively Absorbs Road Vibrations
- ✓ The Gear Shifting Is Smooth
Cons
- ✗ The Saddle Is Uncomfortable
- ✗ Paint Chips Off Easily
- ✗ The Wheels Are Low-Quality
Our Verdict
Giordano Acciao
Giordano Acciao remains in this review for new gravel riders comparing low-cost drop-bar, hybrid, and all-road options. Compare fit, sizing, warranty, assembly needs, and current availability before buying.
Best for: new gravel riders comparing low-cost drop-bar, hybrid, and all-road options
5. Vilano R2
Price: Check current product page
Vilano R2
Ranked Pick #5Best for new gravel riders comparing low-cost drop-bar, hybrid, and all-road options. Check the product page for current sizing, fit notes, and availability.
Pros
- ✓ Offers Value For Price
- ✓ Bike Is Easy To Handle
- ✓ Very Lightweight
- ✓ Gives A Sleek Look
- ✓ Easy To Assemble
Cons
- ✗ Requires Frequent Brake Adjustments
- ✗ The Seat Is Uncomfortable
- ✗ It Is Not Durable For Rigorous Riding
Our Verdict
Vilano R2
Vilano R2 remains in this review for new gravel riders comparing low-cost drop-bar, hybrid, and all-road options. Compare fit, sizing, warranty, assembly needs, and current availability before buying.
Best for: new gravel riders comparing low-cost drop-bar, hybrid, and all-road options
If you haven’t found a bike you are interested in yet, check out this complete guide on the best gravel bikes!
What To Look For When Buying A Gravel Bike
If you are going to buy a gravel bike for the first time, here is what you need to look for:
| Feature | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Frame Size & Material |
|
| Weight |
|
| Suspension |
|
| Brakes |
|
| Wheel Size |
|
| Tubeless Compatible Wheels |
|
| Comfort Features |
|
| Customizability |
|
If you are having trouble understanding your gravel bike size, give this gravel bike size chart a read to learn everything from sizing to geometry. You can also use this bike size calculator to find the right size.
Why You Need A Gravel Bike?
In my opinion, If you can only afford one bike, you should get a gravel bike. Buying a bike is a very big decision since a lot of your hard-earned money is going into it.
Comfortable
Gravel bikes are comfortable. You can even do long endurance rides on them and not get tired. They may be slow, but they are comfortable. You can even use these bikes for road riding. All you would need to do is change the wheels. This saves you from having to buy an entire bike for different kinds of riding.
Discover the perfect size and width for your bike’s tires and take your adventures to the next level.
Speed
The bike is going to be slower only if you do not know how to ride it. If you are a seasoned cyclist, you can go fast on even a gravel bike. It is slower but not drastically slow. I was able to achieve an average of around 35 km in an hour so the speed is really up to you. I was also riding my gravel bike with the gravel tires, if you switch them with road tires, you can definitely cover more distance.
If you are going to upgrade your tires, you should definitely read How To Install New Bike Tires. Tips And Tricks
Geometry
Theoretically speaking, since the geometry is similar, you can even slap on a set of aero bars and turn it into a triathlon bike. You can use a gravel bike for all sorts of sports. It might not be ideal but it is possible. The same cannot be said for a triathlon bike or a road bike.
Versatility
Gravel bikes are versatile. Unlike mountain bikes, you can ride them anywhere you want since they are not track-restricted. You may get this option on a hybrid bike, but gravel bikes are more durable.
Related: Cyclocross Bikes Vs Gravel Bikes — Which One Is Better?
FAQs
How Much Do You Need To Spend On A Gravel Bike?
Generally, you can look at spending anywhere from $800-$10,000. The price really depends on a lot of different aspects like the brand, features, and the components used.
Is Gravel Bike Faster?
Gravel Bikes are neither too fast nor too slow. They allow you to achieve a moderate speed. Still, they are a great choice for anyone who wants to explore different kinds of terrain.
Is A Gravel Bike OK On A Road?
Yes, a gravel bike is certainly OK on a road. It does not have the same speed as road bikes but if you change the gravel tires and install road tires on it, it does get closer to a road bike in terms of speed.
Can I Use a Road Bike As A Gravel Bike?
Yes, with the right setup and tires, you can use a road bike as a gravel bike.
Is A Gravel Bike Comfortable?
Yes, gravel bikes are designed to be comfortable on different kinds of terrain. The level of comfort that you experience depends on different factors like tire choice and frame material.
Is Gravel Bike Good For Long Rides?
Generally, gravel bikes are good for longer rides. Especially when it comes to riding on mixed terrain where they are very comfortable. Their versatility is what makes them more comfortable.
Conclusion
Gravel bikes are a great way to enjoy the benefits of both road as well as mountain bikes in a single bike. They can be expensive but with the options I gave you above, you get the flexibility of making a sound decision. I will recommend trying the Schwinn Volare, Hiland 26/27.5, or the Mongoose Grit first before moving on to the other options. Chances are you will like one of these.
Now that you know what options you have, which affordable gravel bike is going to be next on your shopping list? Let me know in the comment section. Happy Ridding!
Also Read:
- Best Electric Bikes Under $3000 In 2023- A Guide For A Perfect Ride
- Rollin’ On The Rocks: A Review Of The Gravel Monster “The Kona Sutra”
- T-Lab X3-S- Is It Really A Sublime Gravel Bike?
