Whether you prefer mountain biking or simply moving through your suburban area and having some fun on the road. A bike is one of the best investments you can make to make these journeys worthwhile and improve your fitness. Bikes also should not cost you an arm or a leg and the best bikes under 300 should help you.The Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bicycle stands out as one of the best options for all users.
While I was testing numerous different bikes, I noticed that many people love cycling, but none of them are ready for elite bikes. This led me to believe that an affordable bike is something that will help people get into the sport. I not only focused on a specific bike type but tried to accommodate people from all walks of life.
In this article, we have taken a deeper look at some of the best bikes and brands for less than $300. This should help you when it comes to finding the ideal bike. We have also included a short buyer’s guide to help you when looking for a different bike. Should you be looking for a cheaper alternative, this article is definitely for you.
Best Bikes Under 300 On The Market Today
The bikes we have selected are great for people from all walks of life. They might be mostly targeted at beginners and casual riders, but everyone could use one. As mentioned, a bike will also be a great way to improve your fitness if you hate jogging. That being said, here are the top bikes under $300 on the market today:
Top Pick: Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bicycle
If you enjoy casual cruising, the Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bicycle is the top hybrid in our list of the best bikes under 300. The bike is constructed with a durable and lightweight aluminum frame. This will boost functionality and durability. Anatomic grips have also been included, meaning they will perfectly fit into the average hand.
With a 21-speed Shimano derailleur, the bike offers a lot when it comes to versatility and taking on different terrains. It comes with a built-in rack that you would expect to find on the top commuter bikes and the design is also really stylish. With large brake levers to support the cantilever brakes, the bike should offer great stopping power.
Since it is considered a hybrid bike, it can be used on the road and off-road terrains. This makes it possible to take those shortcuts through the woods if needed. Since it will cost you less than $300, the bike is really affordable and it features some of the best accessories. We would recommend this for beginners and for commuters around town.
Runner-Up: Mongoose Impasse HD 29″ Wheel Mountain Bicycle
Designed specifically for mountain biking purposes, the Mongoose Impasse HD 29″ Wheel Mountain Bicycle is one of the top bikes for the off-road riders. With a hardtail design, the bike stands out for climbers and the lightweight aluminum frame makes this easier. This frame also adds a lot in terms of overall durability.
Disc brakes have been incorporated into the design of the bike. If you are in wet conditions, it will be perfect for the maximum stopping power. With a 21-speed derailleur, you are once again left with maximum versatility when it comes to different terrains. It is also highly responsive to keep you from hitting a snag.
As mountain bike prices go, this is one of the more affordable options on the market today. Most of these features on top brands will spike up the price much more. Since it also comes with 29-inch wheels, the bike is highly recommended for larger riders. However, we would also recommend it for normal riders as well.
Best Commuter Bike: Critical Cycles Beaumont-7 Seven Speed Lady’s Urban City Commuter Bike
The commuter bike is one of the best options for those looking to save some gas money. It is not only perfect for male and female riders around town but students as well. The Critical Cycles Beaumont-7 Seven Speed Lady’s Urban City Commuter Bike is the Best Commuter Bikes Under 300 and it comes with a steel frame for durability. While this does add to the weight, it is still really functional.
With only 7 different speeds to choose from, beginners should not have any trouble when it comes to selecting the right gear. Alloy cantilever brakes have been added to the front and the read-end of the bike, giving you some great stopping power. The manufacturer also claims that the bike has been hand-built for more uniqueness.
Price should not be an issue if you love commuter bikes. This bike is really affordable and the specific models are designed for female adventurers. If you need something to help you get around town without paying for gas, this is the ideal option. We recommend it as one of the best commuter bikes for adults and students.
Best Road Bike: Vilano R2 Aluminum Road Bike
Road bikes are often associated with some of the best riders. Riders that generally compete in the Tour de France often endorse the high-end models. However, the Vilano R2 Aluminum Road Bike is a cheaper alternative and it has been constructed from durable aluminum. This will not only keep the weight down but also improve the overall durability.
Once again, the bike features a versatile 21-speed derailleur, making it possible to easily navigate different terrains. It also comes with 700c Kenda tires that should get you through most terrains. Since it is also available in multiple different sizes, you can definitely find the right fit for your needs. However, keep in mind that only cantilever brakes are equipped.
While this bike won’t compete with the elite carbon bikes, it does make a perfect entry-level bike for beginners. We love the stylish design of the bike as well and this asserts it from the rest of the competition. If you like road bikes and you need some more speed, we would highly recommend this bike for the quality and value it offers.
Best Bike for Kids: New Diamondback Cobra 24 Complete Youth Bike
Why not spoil your kid with a great bike as well? They tend to be cheaper than the adult versions as well. The New Diamondback Cobra 24 Complete Youth Bike is perfect for the growing body in your home and it meets safety regulations. Made with a steel frame, the bike is durable and ideal for smaller kids who like falling.
To help your kid understand the fundamentals of using the derailleurs, it comes with a 3 x 7-speed drivetrain. This should teach them how to pedal correctly in all different situations. With a hardtail design, the bike also navigates uphill terrains with ease, helping your kid save energy when they are going out with you.
It is one of the cheapest models on this list, but we don’t believe children should pay too much for a bike until they are serious. With all these Diamondback features, you can be sure that your child will have some fun as well. We would highly recommend it to all youth riders looking to get outside and into the mountains.
Key Features To Consider When Choosing the Best Bikes Under 300
Once you understand some of the vital features of mountain biking, you should not need to worry about buying the wrong bike. Whilst this might not be the full guide, you can use some of these features to your advantage. Here are the most important features we generally look for in most bikes when we choose and test them:
Frame
The frame itself might not be as important as the materials used for the construction. When you are looking for cheaper models, steel and aluminum will be what you get. Aluminum might be slightly more expensive, but it still has a decent durability. It can also keep the weight of the bike to a minimum, which reduces the uphill drag.
Drivetrain
Emphasis is always placed on the drivetrain and having a good drivetrain makes the bike easier to use. If you have a hill to climb, you can change into a different gear, this makes it easier to ride up with more comfort. Serious riders will always recommend that you have a decent drivetrain and it makes a lot of difference in a competition.
Type
The type of bike you choose will greatly depend on the reason you will be using it. If you are going off-road, the mountain bike and hybrid bike will be your best option. However, speed is generally associated with the best road bikes. Lastly, the top commuter bikes make it easier to navigate the city without too much effort. Occasionally, they also have a storage rack attached.
Wrap Up – Best Bikes Under 300
Whichever type of bike you need, it is important that you go for the quality. Even if your budget is low, there are still excellent bikes that are affordable. The bikes we have chosen are all worth their weight in gold and we would stand by them. They have also been thoroughly tested, ensuring the best value for your hard-earned money.
We would like to thank you for reading this article and encourage you to share some of your thoughts on these bikes. Let us know in the comment section if you have ever used any of them. We would also appreciate any comments that are related to other great bikes we might have missed.
