If you’re looking to buy a new bike for under £500 there are plenty of bargains to be had. It’s also the time of year when brands such as Specialized and Cannondale start to reduce this year’s models as they release details of their new ranges for 2018. Specialized for instance are offering up to 33% off selected models, some of which feature here.
What you should expect from a £500 bike
If you’re looking for the best bike you can buy for £500 there are a couple of things you should consider spec wise. Firstly for that kind of money you should expect it to have a good quality, durable aluminium or frame. The Specialized Rockhopper Sport for example has an A1 Premium Aluminium frame. This means is going to be fairly light and able to handle a few knocks and bumps.
At the £500 mark, you should also be expecting disc brakes as opposed to conventional V-Brakes. V-brakes still feature on cheaper bikes around the £250 mark so aren’t completely extinct. Disc Brakes however perform so much better, especially in poor weather conditions when it’s rainy and muddy. They also stop you faster and give you more control over your braking so it’s no surprise manufacturers are using these more and more.
Most mountain bikes these days come with suspension forks at the front of the bike to provide a bit of cushioning on bumpier sections of road or trail. It’s important to remember that not all suspension forks are equal. They range from basic to high performance. At the £500 mark, you would expect a functional suspension fork with around 75 – 100mm of travel and if you’re lucky a lock-out mode. Travel refers to how much the forks move up and down to absorb the shock of the bumps in the road. A lock-out feature gives the rider the ability to turn the suspension off. Turning off the suspension is particularly useful on steep climbs and flat sections of a smooth road.
Specialized Sirrus
Looking to get into shape this summer? Then look no further than the Specialized Sirrus. This hybrid bike is the perfect option for people who want to get out and explore, and keep fit at the same time. The no nonsense approach to design means this bike will give you everything you need, but nothing that you don’t!
With reliable components, and a premium, lightweight A1 frame, you’ll be riding for years to come. And don’t worry about long days in the saddle; with comfortable body geometry components that take the sting out of riding, you’ll be able to push yourself to the limit every time.
Specialized Rockhopper Sport
Dirt curious and looking to find your legs on the trails? Then the Specialized Rockhopper Sport is the bike to live out your mountain biking fantasies. This entry level mountain bike places focus on the long haul performance, and is built to last; with components selected for their strength and durability, and corrosion resistant hardware, you’ll be able to tackle whatever the trails throw in your direction.
With a lightweight, A1 Premium frame and geometry that’s guaranteed to make you feel planted, confident and efficient out on the dirt, you’ll be climbing the trails and making light work of the descents every time.
Specialized Alibi Sport
Who has the time to be pumping this, and fixing that? No one! That’s why you need the Specialized Alibi Sport in your life. Ready to roll whenever you are, this hybrid bike removes any need for dirty maintenance, thanks to it’s anti rust chain and puncture proof, airless tires that will never go flat, and never need pumping!
With it’s premium A1 frame and body geometry grips and saddle designed specifically for women, not only does the Alibi provide a comfy ride, but also offers a wide range of gears, to help you conquer any hill that stands in your path.
Cannondale Trail 5
Ready to fall in love with mountain biking? Then the Cannondale Trail 5 is here to take you on your new journey. After 30 year’s worth of designing bikes for the world’s top racers, Cannondale have learnt a thing or two, and have packed this bike with technology and features that offer fast, confident fun for every ride.
Specialized Pitch 650B
One of this year’s best sellers, the Specialized Pitch is the bike you need if you want to get off the road, and onto some trails. Equally part-performance driven, the Pitch was created with a light, aluminum frame and quality components; hand selected for their long term strength and capability.
Cannondale Quick Althea 2
Ready to explore? The Cannondale Quick Althea 2 is waiting to bring out your adventurous side. Whether you’re looking for a bike to get you from A to B for your daily commute, or you’re looking for something to take on some dirt-road exploration, this hybrid bike is your perfect match in all things adventure.
Scott Aspect 750
Designed to be light, efficient and not too harsh on you wallet, the Scott Aspect 750 is a firm favourite for a reason. Featuring a nifty fork lockout mechanism, disc brakes and Syncros components, mountain bikes perfect for novice riders don’t get much better than this.
Specialized Vita
The Specialized Vita is your perfect partner in all things fitness. With this hybrid bike, you don’t have to worry about emptying every last pound in your pocket to get out, have a great ride, and stay in shape; the Vita offers a fantastic value bike that will enable you to ride with maximum efficiency, whilst making sure you stay comfortable in the saddle.
