Whether you love mountain biking, or you simply feel you would love to ride around town and enjoy the scenery, having a bike is a great way to improve fitness and enjoy the outdoors. People often stay away from buying a bike due to the expensive prices. However, it doesn’t need to be expensive and we have found the best bike under 200 to help you get in the saddle. The Schwinn Men’s High Timber Mountain Bicycle is a state of the art option for beginners.
Finding great bikes for beginners has always been a fun hobby for me and I love to test out new bikes and see what they have to offer. Most people believe that you should stick to an elite bike, but that is not always the case and the more affordable bikes also offer great features for the beginner. I have had the fortune of testing numerous bikes and this made it easier to spot the elite options. You should also check out the overall best mountain bikes.
Doing some in-depth research has helped me understand some of the key features and with many beginners as friends; you quickly learn what they want in a bike. Buying a bike for under $200 will not offer you elite features, but it is perfect to get you started. I found a couple and tested them to help you find the best and we have also included a buyer’s guide that will enable you to find them on your own.
Best Bikes Under 200 On The Market Today
If you enjoy the sport and you are not competing, you should still be able to find a decent bike to help you have some fun. This can be either a commuter bike or a mountain bike. These bikes we selected should be perfect for beginners to help them get out of the saddle and enjoy the outdoors.
Top Pick: Schwinn Men’s High Timber Mountain Bicycle
Schwinn might not be the best brand on the market today, but it does have a ton of great features for affordable prices. The Schwinn Men’s High Timber Mountain Bicycle is a large mountain bike made from durable steel. 27.5-inch wheels have been fitted, making the bike not only suitable for any terrain, but also for larger riders. That makes it our overall top pick for the best bike under 200.
Shimano is the brand used for the drivetrain and the 21-speed derailleurs feature a twist gear style. This makes it much easier for you to change between gears on the trail. The front suspension system is ideal for tough terrains and we also love the stylish color and design of the bike. Linear alloy pull brakes are included for functional stopping.
The only real downside might be the weight and this bike is rather heavy compared to some of the aluminum counterparts. However, the durability will be off the charts and the bike is also really affordable. This will be a decent starting bike for beginners who are into mountain biking. Moreover, using it for commuting is also easy.
Best Mountain Bike: Northwoods Aluminum Mountain Bike
If you are looking for something to tackle the most arduous of terrains, the Northwoods Aluminum Full Suspension Mountain Bike will certainly be the bike to consider. It is affordable and made from durable aluminum to help keep the weight to a minimum. Medium-sized users will also enjoy the decent 24-inch wheels that are included.
Once again, it has been fitted with the Shimano speed shifters and this 21-speed drivetrain should help you navigate any terrain with ease. A full suspension system with shocks in the back and the front has been included and this makes it possible for navigating tough and larger obstacles. The triple steel crank also provides decent shifting.
While this one might be a little expensive and you will be lucky if you can find it for under $200, the bike is definitely suited for mountain bikers. With so many intricate features, we would recommend this as the best mountain bike you can find under 200. However, it might not hold up for competition purposes.
Best Mountain Bike For Women: Dynacraft Women’s Blast Bike
Female riders will definitely enjoy the feeling of the Dynacraft Women’s Air Blast Bike. With a state of the art mountain bike design, the bike has been colored for women. Heavier riders will love the durability on offer from the steel frame, it also enables them to take on more arduous terrains.
The bike features a 21-speed drivetrain and this is also powered by Shimano. With shock in the front and back of the bike, the full-suspension system will offer maximum comfort and allow you to easily navigate through any terrain. 26-inch wheels are included for the bike, making it perfect for the larger women as well.
One of the stand-out features is the lifetime warranty on the frame and the fork. With a warranty like this, you will have peace of mind and comfort when enduring any terrain. This bike is really affordable and features some elite features. We would definitely recommend it to the avid female who enjoys getting outdoors. This is the best mountain bike under 200 for women.
Best Road Bike: Kent GZR700 Road Bike
Are you more into riding around town and on the open roads than going off-road? Well, the Kent GZR700 Road Bike is one of the best options that you can get for the best road bike under 200. The bike features a durable steel frame for added durability. However, this might also be a downfall and make the bike a little too heavy for some.
Much like the others, it also features Shimano shifters and the 21-speed drivetrain will offer maximum functionality and allow you to manipulate the gears just as you see fit. As mentioned, the bike will allow you to reach great speeds. Fortunately, stopping is easy with the decent alloy caliper brakes. With a massive weight capacity of 250-pounds, this bike is perfect for larger riders as well.
Riders, who don’t like to be off-road, will definitely like this bike for the durability and the overall comfort. Compared to the elite bikes, this one is rather affordable. However, it might not be the best bike for your professional competitions. We would definitely recommend this bike for those cruising the city.
Best Commuter Bike: Vilano Aluminum Road Bike Commuter Bike
When looking for the best commuter bike under 200, you will need to look for something lightweight and comfortable to ensure that you can ride along the roads of the town. The Vilano Aluminum Road Bike Commuter Bike is a lightweight bike that is designed for commuting. Speed is fun and we all love to maneuver the bike a little better and faster. With the aluminum frame, you can move the bike around and manipulate it around objects with more ease.
Tackling any terrain will be much easier with the 21-speed drivetrain that has been included. The Shimano thumb shifters are ideal for helping you switch between gears much faster as well. The narrow tires have a minimal thread and while this might not be the best for grip, it offers decent speeds.
For the price, this bike is state of the art and the features will certainly help you have fun. It is worth noting that we do not recommend it for racing. However, you might try your luck if you want to have some fun. We would highly recommend this as one of the best commuter bikes under 200. It should also be perfect for any bike lover.
Best Hybrid Bikes: Schwinn
The best hybrid bike under 200 for women is the Schwinn Network Women’s Hybrid Bike, and for men is the Schwinn Men’s Wayfarer Hybrid Bike; both are ideal midway between a mountain and road bike. The comfort of the upright position is a plus for the traffic and leisure rides.
The 700c wheels allow a smooth and comfortable ride, whilst the shifting system assists in taking the hills. The vintage and retro looks give the sensation of a real old-style leisure ride.
Key Features To Consider When Buying A Cheaper Bike
If you are looking for a cheap bike, the features will be somewhat different when compared to an elite bike. These bikes might not have such impressive features, but they will certainly enable you to do what you love. Here are a couple of features that could help you when it comes to finding a decent cheap bike.
Frame
Steel is a common option for cheaper frames. However, they might be a little too heavy for some riders. If you are willing to dig deeper, you might find a decent aluminum frame for under $200. If you are looking for a bike for under $200, you can find a durable steel frame. However, aluminum is generally much lighter. It will still offer decent durability.
Type
Off-road trails will require a much more durable bike and the mountain bike will be your best option for taking on what nature has to offer. Those looking for something smaller to cruise around town should be fine with the commuter bike. If you need a decent bike for speed, a state of the art road bike should help you get these top speeds.
Size
Looking at the weight limit is also an important part of buying your bike. However, the wheel size is also important and with larger wheels, you will be able to take on much larger obstacles. As a rule of thumb, we recommend the 26-inch wheels for individuals over the 250-pound weight mark as it offers decent support.
Final Thoughts
$200 doesn’t seem possible for a decent bike, but it actually is the perfect price for beginners. Bikes at this price might not have all the elite features, but they will definitely help you get back in the saddle. We recommend all of the bikes listed for their intended purposes; these are the best bikes under 200. You should not have much trouble when it comes to finding the right bike for you.
We’d like to thank you for reading this article and encourage you to share some of your thoughts. Let us know if you have ever used one of these bikes and if we missed any of your favorites.
