Fastest road bike?

Question

What is the fastest or best road bike for under $500?

Answer 1

Actually he asked for the fastest or best for under $500. I agree with the first answer.

Answer 2

For under  $500, you can't really get much brand new.  I see BikesDirect does have a road bike for $389,  but you should also add the cost of getting a bike shop to give it a "once over" just to be safe.  I've heard that getting a bike from BikesDirect,  there can be damage in shipping, but that they'll replace the damaged parts.  I've never bought from BikesDirect, but it is definitely  tempting because the components are definitely worth it.  It's just tough to deal  with mail-order on this type of item.

Otherwise, buying used is the best option.  But buyer beware with this option also.  Last summer I bought a racing bike used for under $200, and I'm still very happy with it 2000 miles later.  But, I really did a lot of research and watched craigslist and Ebay for months before I found the deal I wanted.  Granted, I already  had a couple 10 speed road bikes from '80's that I was riding, so my purchase wasn't super urgent.  But after my purchase, I had a bike modern enough to ride with the local road groups as well as enter my first road race on a machine that was at least entry level for road racing.

In conclusion, you're going to have to do  some legwork and research to get a good deal for under $500.  Buying used can be a crapshoot and buying new there just aren't many options for under $500.  As some others said above, if you can increase your budget to $1000, your options for a new bicycle increase dramatically.  But, I definitely understand what it's like to have a limited budget.  A good used bike can be had for a good price, but it may take some time for the right one to pop up on craigslist.

Answer 3

Not the right wording on the question cause I can take a 100 dollar wallyworld bike and be faster than all the other people I ride with.  Got 4 people who won't ride with me unless Im pulling my double bike trailer with my two kids in it.  So I think you should ask

"What is the best road bike I can buy for under 500 bucks."

Answer 4

my cannondale, but you can't have it.

Answer 5

any bike with me riding it. its not the bike bro.

Answer 6

i believe he asked for the best under 500, not a 'great' bike for under 500 you asshat

you might check out www.bikesdirect.com for some cheaper bikes or craigslist for a bike that might be a few years old but still in really good condition. ride for fun. ride for yourself and forget all the pretentious fckbag riders that seem to be around these days.

Answer 7

Fastest is more a function of the engine (YOU) than the bike.

Here's a nice road bike for $489. The KHS Flite 220.

Great looking, too!

It's also available with a triple crankset for only $10 more.

Answer 8

As far as being fast, that all depends on how light and strong the bike is, what gear ratios are used, and how strong the rider is.  As far a a great bike under $500, there really isn't one.  Trek may have a few models that fall in that price range, but a really good quality bike will cost at least twice that.