10 Best Bikes To Buy For Under $500

You're on a budget but need some exercise; check out the ten best bikes to buy for under $500. The kind of bike you buy depends on what you want to do with it. Do you plan to commute to work and around town or do you want a mountain bike to hit the trails on? Maybe you want a hybrid, or a racer. We've done our research and compiled a list of the ten best overall bikes you can legally get for under $500 brand new.

1. Bianchi Milano Parco. MSRP - $499 - This is one of the best bikes you can buy for under $500. Bianchi makes serious bikes, and the Miano Parco is awesome in its hip, yet casual appearance. This is the perfect bike if you're not climbing steep hills or don't need anything above three gears. 
2. Sun Kruizer. MSRP - $400 - For a simple, gearless commuter bike, this is the way to go. Its pedal brake makes it easy to use, and the bright colors make it stand out in the crowd.
3. Fuji Crosstown 3.0. MSRP - $389 - Clocking in at under $400, the Fuji Crosstown is an awesome upright commuter hybrid. With seven gears, this'll get you where you need to go quickly and in style.
4. Fuji Classic Track. - MSRP - $469 - Most bicycle aficionados know that if you're going to buy a fixie you either get a Bianchi or a Fuji. The Fuji is a pure fixie, not a cheater. If you're practicing for a race or just want to learn how to ride more smoothly, this one fits nicely into your $500 budget.
5. Schwinn Classic Cruiser 2010 3-Speed. MSRP - $429 - The design hearkens back to simpler times when people used their bikes every day. This commuter has a lightweight frame with heavy duty rims, which is perfect for urban riding. 
6. Gary Fisher Gritty. MSRP - $419 - Gary Fisher bikes are pure great. The Gritty urban utility bike is a good all-around bike. The frame is steel CroMoly, so you know it'll take the hard bumps when you're zipping around town.
7. Gary Fisher Tarpon. MSRP - $439 - So you want to risk your life on a mountain trail but can't spend too much? The Tarpon G2 Hardtail's high quality aluminum frame holds together well under stress.
8. Specialized Hard Rock. MSRP $420 - Specialized makes some damn good mountain bikes, and the Hardrock is one of the best entry-level ones you can buy for under $500. Tear up the paths on its high quality aluminum frame and see for yourself.
9. Specialized Sirrus. MSRP - $460 - If you want a good bike for exercising and commuting, get a Specialized Sirrus. The only complaint about this one is the handlebar grips turn to gum after a while. If you can handle that, then the lightweight  aluminum double butted alloy frame will last you for years.
10. Specialized P.20 Amateur. MSRP - $400 - If you want a good bike to do some serious shredding with, get this bike. It's got a High Ten frame and the P. series tapered fork is strong enough to handle some serious abuse.

If you want a good bike for under $500, don't go to a department or discount store. To get a bike that fits your needs, go to a bike shop where you'll find experts. There, they'll measure you, ask you questions that you never even thought about, and have inside knowledge that some kid at the local chain store won't. A bike that's the right measurement and fit means the difference between an enjoyable ride and a miserable one.