Who makes the best entry level road bike?

Question

I am thinking up too 500 dollars. And if it is upgradeable that would be even better. Thanks.

Answer 1

As for new road bikes, your choices will be extremely limited if you won't go over $500.  There is actually quite a bit that goes into a bike, and it doesn't seem that the well known mfrs can go below $800 to $1000 on a basic, geared road bike.

You can check around for something used and of decent quality in your price range.

Answer 2

In this price range the better question is who sells and services, not who makes. Bicycle manufacturing is now almost completely outsourced to Taiwan and China and the country of origin listed on the bike is the one that adds the majority of "value."  The way this works is if a carbon fiber frame is made in Taiwan for, say, $200 and then shipped to Italy and the stickers applied and is then resold for $1,200, it bears the label "Made in Italy."

A $500 bicycle ends, rather than starts, with the brand name.  That is, there are factories which produce the same bicycle under different brand labels.  For an analogy, think of an Izusu Rodeo and a Honda Passport -- same car off the same assembly line but many people will, with a straight face, insist the Honda was better, and worth the higher price.

There are some notable exceptions to this rule, but they are all out of your price range.

While I often refer buyers to online sellers for the best deals (link below), I suggest as a beginner you buy from a local bicycle shop. You'll need their help, and the additional cost will be worth it.

Stay away from the big box stores.  They now carry some well-known "brands" like Schwinn and DiamondBack but their bikes are junk.

Essentially, all bikes are "upgradeable" as they consist of a frame with components installed.  Bicycles in your price range come with so-so wheels.  While many beginners first upgrade with a higher bling name rear derailleur or the like, your first upgrade money should go into better, lighter weight wheels.  A top quality wheel set sells for substantially more than you plan to spend on the whole bike.  The good thing about wheel upgrades is that you can swap them to a new bike, and you can keep your original wheels for training and rougher riding.

Good luck, and happy riding.