How do I choose a cheap bike to get me off the couch and onto the bike path? Our bike experts weighed in on how to choose an inexpensive bicycle and offer a few of the best budget bikes to get you started.
Bicycle sales are currently booming around the world. Due in part to coronavirus, and in part to the warming spring weather, people are flocking to bike trails like never before.
And if you’re like a lot of people, you might not know a ton about bikes. Fortunately, our team of editors has got you covered. We have decades of experience riding, racing, and commuting.
Although we love our high-end steeds, we have a soft spot for cheap bikes too. These bikes are all under $1,000 and work great. You can also check out our story on the best road bikes under $1,000.
So this article is for you, beginning cyclist, who just wants to pedal around the park, hit that fun dirt path, and avoid the bus. These are some great, budget-friendly bikes. They are reasonably reliable and easy to maintain.
And, hopefully, they’ll get you excited about a new mode of transportation and sport that you can continue long after COVID-19 is a distant memory.
The Best Cheap Bikes
Civia Venue: From $350
Remember the first bike you had as a kid? Well, the Civia Venue costs the same and will make you feel about as young. This totes adorbs city bike has but one speed, perfect for cruising around the neighborhood. Best of all — coaster brakes, baby! Simply ease your legs backward to apply the internal drum brakes and slow your roll.
Most likely, you haven’t pedal-braked since you were 8, but trust us, it’s a hoot! And even if you already have a nice road bike, for $350, the Venue is a steal (albeit aluminum) for a great grocery-getter and around-the-park goer. Civia also offers eight- and 24-speed options, but come on — coaster brakes!
Shop the Civia VenueTrek FX 2: $650
One of our editors has a Trek FX with more than 20,000 miles on it! After commuting in Chicago on a late-model FX for more than 8 years, he said it’s a great choice for pretty much anyone who wants a good urban bike at a value.
The FX series ranges a lot in price, from about $570 for the base FX 1 to $2,100 for the FX Sport 6 with a carbon fiber frame.
Shop the Trek FX 2