Bikes under £500: our top picks

It’s universally known that bikes are a great way to get fit, travel energy efficiently, and give you a boost for your mental health too! And, if you have all the gear you need, cycling is a fantastic, low-cost way to spend a day out with friends and family during the beautiful British summer months.  

However, it can be a bit daunting to take the leap and make that investment into some bike gear (and yourself) – it can always be put off to another day, month or year, especially when other outgoings need to be prioritised. But don’t worry, we have some great options for yourself or a member of your family who wants to get into cycling which won’t break the bank, as all these bikes are under £500 (at least, at the time of writing this article)! 

Bikes for children – under £100 

There is nothing better than being able to teach your wee one how to ride a bike... unless it’s getting to teach them with one of these amazing children’s bikes! With eye-catching designs, these are bikes they can be excited about, offer first-rate safety features and don’t cost an arm and a leg because, let’s face it, they are going to outgrow their first bike very quickly.  

All of these bikes are aimed for children who are 3-5 years old, and whichever one you pick is guaranteed to bring big smiles to your youngster.

 

Kids Concept Unicorn 12-inch Bike in Pink  

With a bright enticing design and excellent safety features to keep little fingers safe, the Kids Concept Unicorn is a brilliant introduction to the ‘magic’ of cycling.  

This is a Townsend classic, so you’ll enjoy extra padded seats, adjustable brake levers to ensure that your little one can stop safely and easily, and a chainguard to help protect little fingers. There are, of course, also some hard-to-miss unicorn stabilisers that are adjustable to ensure stability, and removable when they get the hang of it. 

And to finish off the unicorn look – pink shimmering tassels on the handlebars. Magic! 

  • Perfect for your child’s first bike 
  • For children 3-5 years old 
  • 12-inch wheel bike 
  • Pump up pneumatic tyres 
  • Spoked steel wheel rims in pink colour 
  • The white foam handlebar pads add an extra layer of protection 
  • Also included: full size chainguard to protect their fingers 
  • Front and rear side-pull calliper brakes with easy reach adjustable brake levers 
  • Stars and unicorn theme 
  • Removable and adjustable unicorn stabilisers 
  • Not suitable for children under 3 

Kids Townsend 12-inch Rocket Bike with Toolbox  

Another winner from Townsend, this superstar bike will help rocket your little one into cycling! With bright and eye-catching designs that are sure to help your little one to stand out, this ‘first bike’ comes complete with a handy toolbox, useful for any potential tools, or perhaps just for some picnic snacks. 

The Rocket Bike also comes with adjustable brake levers to ensure easy and effective braking, padded seating for extra comfort on longer journeys, and a chainguard to protect inquisitive digits. And to cap it all off, there are some rocket boosters stabilisers that are both fully adjustable and removable. 

With a quality blue paint finish and cool frame graphics, this ‘first bike’ is sure to be the envy of all the little astronauts out there! 

  • Perfect for your child’s first bike 
  • For children 3-5 years old 
  • 12-inch wheel bike  
  • Proper pneumatic tyres 
  • Spoked steel wheel rims in gloss vivid orange colour 
  • Rear-mounted Toolbox for storing ‘tools’ (or food and drinks) 
  • Foam handlebar pad is both stylish and provides added protection  
  • Features a full-sized chainguard  
  • Complete with colour coordinated stabilisers  
  • Front and rear side-pull calliper brakes with reach adjustable brake levers  
  • Suitable for children aged 3-5 years, inside leg measurement of 35-44cms / 14-17inches 
  • Front and rear mudguards to protect your child from the elements 
  • Not suitable for children under 3 

Concept Cybot 12-inch Wheel Boys Bicycle  

A cybernetic masterpiece, this children’s bike from Insync offers some iconic graphics and flashy designs that are sure to help get your little one ready to fight the robotic menace. 

With its single-speed freewheel transmission, the Cybot is a fantastic introduction to cycling and gives a smooth stable ride for those learning. Equipped with adjustable and removable stabilisers, it will help your wee one go from their first ride to cycling like a pro. You’ll also be able to adjust the saddle and handlebars to ensure the Cybot is a comfy fit while your little one grows. 

And with its steel calibre brakes and full-length chainguard, you can rest easy knowing that your little one is riding one of the safest bikes on the market.  

Plus, with its fantastic and flashy design, it’s sure to be a huge hit at the playground! 

  • An amazing first bike  
  • 12-inch wheel bike 
  • Single-speed freewheel transmission  
  • Removable stabilizers and height-adjustable saddle and handlebars.  
  • Red frame and rims 
  • Full chainguard and stabilisers 

Under £200 

De Novo Ozone 16-inch Wheel Unisex Mountain Bike  

Expanding our price range slightly, we come to the De Novo Ozone, an amazing bike for the bike enthusiast who is slightly older – between 5 and 7 years of age. 

The De Novo Ozone frame is made of lightweight aluminium, providing an easy yet stable ride, and painted in ‘space blue’ to ensure an eye-catching experience for every bike ride. It also comes with V type brakes, with two finger type brake levers for easy stopping and safety. Speaking of safety, it also comes with a space-age see-through chainguard, so no chance of fingers getting caught. 

  • 16-inch wheel bike 
  • Unisex bike 
  • Durable aluminium frame, padded saddle  
  • Fully enclosed chain cover to protect little fingers 
  • 16-inch alloy rims, MTB tyres and non-slip pedals 
  • Complete with a space blue paint finish and cool frame decals  
  • Front and rear V-type brakes with two finger type brake levers 

Viking Paloma Girls Traditional Dutch Bike 20-inch Wheel  

Returning to our younger riders, the Viking Paloma Traditional Dutch Bike is a stylish introduction to cycling. With an iconic design and traditional blue colouring, this bike is guaranteed to be a firm favourite with anyone particularly fashion conscious. With 20-inch wheels, the bike is aimed for riders aged between 7-9, and offers a six-speed gear system and powerful V-typebrakes, giving full control over your ride and ensuring a quick and effective stop. 

As part of the iconic design, the swept-back handlebars offer a relaxed and comfortable riding position that is perfect for idyllic rides through the countryside. And with its padded saddle and steel frame, you’ll be able to ride for hours in comfort (and style!). 

And even better, there’s a rear carrier luggage space for picnicking goods! 

  • For younger rider, 7-9 years of age 
  • Six-speed gears, powerful V-type brakes  
  • Hi-tensile steel frame with a low step-over design  
  • Swept-back handlebars  
  • Silver lightweight alloy rims, twin steel mudguards and wide Kenda tyres  
  • Rear carrier for extra luggage, colour co-ordinated tan grips

Coyote Caillisto XFS Ladies 16-inch Frame Mountain Bike 

The first adult bike on our list, the Coyote Callisto is a well-priced all-rounder for women looking for a smooth and comfortable ride. With the bigger bike comes a steel frame, making the bike sturdy and stable. However, the Callisto manages to keep a lightweight figure thanks to innovative alloy levers and wheel rims. The combination gives the Callisto a strong and responsive ride that keeps an easy-to-use feel. 

You’ll also be ready to tackle any hills (or mountains) that cross your path with its 18-speed Shimano gearing, offering you smooth transitions and giving you full control over your ride. An excellent bike for anyone new to cycling, or perhaps those who haven’t cycled in a while and are thinking about returning to the cycle paths this summer. 

  • 26-inch wheel mountain bike 
  • Steel frame making it both strong and responsive  
  • Lightweight alloy rims and a powerful V-type brake system with lightweight alloy levers 
  • Chunky wide mountain bike tyres and a comfort lady’s padded saddle 
  • 18-speed Shimano gearing with mega range feature to minimize the impact of steep hills  

 

Under £300 

Coyote Alpine Ladies Front Suspension Bike  

Another entry for our younger riders, the Coyote Alpine is the ideal bike for those who want to enjoy a comfortable ride that offers full control. Aimed at those a bit more serious about their cycling, the Coyote Alpine is a stylish bike with some top-of-the-line tech.  

A 21-speed gear system with Shimano EZ fire gear levers gives smooth transitions between gears, making any hill climb a breeze. Plus, with its special Alloy Urban style frame, you’ll be able to enjoy a sturdy ride combined with lightweight responsiveness. 

  • 700C Alloy Urban style frame 
  • Shimano 21-speed gears 
  • Shimano EZ Fire gear levers 
  • 14/28 seven-speed Sunrace freewheel 
  • Triple 28/38/48T chainset with a cartridge BB set 
  • 00C Alloy 32-hole wheels, Alloy QR 32-hole Disc hubs, with 700C X 42 black tyres

Under £400 

Coyote Quasar Orange Mens Front Suspension Bike 

Another entry from the geniuses at Coyote, the Quasar is a serious bit of bike kit for any keen cyclist. Emblazoned in fire orange, the Quasar makes a statement from the moment you lay eyes on it. With a massive 21-speed gear system and mechanical disc brakes, the Quasar offers unparalleled control and safety. 

With serious biking in mind, the Quasar’s frame offers a softer ride for difficult paths and extra padding on the saddle to keep you comfortable for longer rides. The double wall rims also help add extra grip and control, even on dirt paths, so nothing will be stopping you!  

  • 21-speed Shimano tourney with ez fire shifters 
  • Mechanical disc brakes 
  • Alloy crown and legs – non-adjustable front suspension forks 
  • Double wall rims with Qr axles 

Under £500 

Claud Butler Grey/Orange Alpina 650B Wheel 17-inch Frame Bike   

Our final entry is the distinguished Claud Butler Alpina. A dignified ride, this adult bike makes a statement in its stylish grey and red colouring and comes fully equipped with a 27-speed Shimano drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes. You’ll also enjoy a smooth ride thanks to the specially designed ‘hydro-formed’ alloy frame, an exclusive feature of Claud Butler bikes. 

With a host of high-quality components to heighten your cycling adventure, the Claud Butler Alpina lives up to its prestigious name. 

  • Stylish grey and orange design with clean lines and internal cabling 
  • 27-speed Shimano drivetrain 
  • Shimano hydraulic disc brakes 
  • Double wall alloy rims 
  • Claud Butler Custom MTB saddle  

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Photo credit: Febiyan-X via unsplash.com