£500 FLYERS
Not everyone has thousands to spend, so we’ve rounded up six entry-level contenders that won’t cost you more than £500
Proving you don’t have to spend a fortune to have fun in the saddle, we test six bikes ranging from £420 to £500.
Our test bikes might not be where the latest digital gearing, carbon fibre construction techniques or wind tunnel wisdom are found, but £500 bikes are possibly the most important velo species of all. For many riders they are their first ‘proper’ road bike. The one that takes mileage into double or maybe triple figures, gets accessorised with Lycra shorts, a helmet and a threepocket jersey and maybe enters a sportive or charity ride. This could be the bike that gets you hooked on riding for the rest of your days.
We realise that £500 is a lot to spend on a new hobby, so you have every right to expect a great experience in return. These bikes have to deliver an enjoyable, performance-enhancing ride that you’ll want to repeat over and over again, allowing you to get fitter, go further and open up a whole world of serious biking.
We take the testing of these bikes massively seriously. Tackling all the same routes and challenges we’d put a superbike through and going through all the potential options, upgrades and adjustments to fully explore their potential, or lack of it.
Like most industries, bike building budgets are being squeezed tighter and parts prices are rising. As a result, putting a bike together for £500 this season is a harder act than ever. That’s why none of the big name global brands sent in bikes when we asked them, so we’ve got a line-up from mainly UK direct-sell or bike/ outdoor superstore brands. The good news is that they include some really good bikes, with diverse character and performance options. So, read through our reviews and work out which of our half dozen, half a grand bikes is the best for you.