What is the best bike under £500 in the UK?

Under £500 used, an urban hybrid is the safest pick: Shimano Altus or Acera gears, mechanical disc or V-brakes, and a reliable alloy frame. Gravel and road bikes at this price tend to have weak components; MTBs will be heavy with poor suspension. The Bike Advisor flags when your budget is in the wrong category.

Is a £500 bike any good?

A used £500 bike from a reputable seller (3-5 years old, originally £900-£1,200 new) is good value, you're buying mid-tier components at a big discount. New at £500 is entry-level everything; used at £500 can mean meaningful upgrades on gears, brakes and frame.

Should I buy new or used at this budget?

Used, almost always. At £500 new you get entry-level components. At £500 used you can get a 3-year-old £1,000 bike with much better gears, brakes and frame. Every listing on Cyclesite is stolen-checked.

What bikes should I avoid at £500?

Avoid no-name supermarket bikes, full-suspension mountain bikes (at this price they're heavy and the suspension is fake), and unbranded e-bikes (batteries die early). Stick to known brands with Shimano or SRAM components.

Can I get an electric bike for under £500?

Used, occasionally, but expect compromised range and an unbranded motor. Credible used e-bikes start around £900. Below that, you're typically buying a battery that's nearly out of cycles. The Electric advisor preset goes deeper.

Cheap bikes UK, under £500

7 used bikes under £500 on Cyclesite. Every listing is checked against UK stolen-bike databases before going live. Honest guidance on what your budget actually buys, no hype, no upsells.

Listings under £500: 7
From: £198
Every listing: Stolen-checked

Bikes under £500

1/7

£213

Triban RC 120

Selling my Triban RC 120 Disc UK Bike Owned for around 3 years and kept in great condition. Smooth ride, lightweight aluminium frame, comfortable, and ideal for commuting, fitness rides, or longer weekend rides. The bike has been well looked after and rides perfectly with no issues. Gears shift smoothly, brakes work well, and tyres are in good condition. Comes with accessories (helmet, bike lock, tire pump) • Size L • Aluminium frame • Shimano drivetrain • Disc brakes (remove if rim brake version) • Ready to ride A few small cosmetic marks from normal use, but overall in excellent condition. Selling as I am moving back to Australia so no longer need. Pickup in London.

Low PriceAluminium

City Of Westminster

1/12

£400

2015 Cube Axial

A Cube Axial road bike finished in a striking white, blue and red colourway. The bike is equipped with a Shimano groupset, Alex Rims wheelset with Schwalbe tyres, and a Selle Italia saddle. The frame shows some minor marks and the saddle shows visible wear and discolouration, but overall the bike presents in good used condition and appears mechanically sound.

Low Price201555Aluminium

Frome

1/4

£247

2018 Carrera Vengeance

A Carrera Vengeance hardtail mountain bike in good overall condition, featuring an aluminium frame with a SR Suntour XCT suspension fork and mechanical disc brakes front and rear. The bike presents well with neon yellow accent detailing on the grips and frame graphics. Some minor signs of use are visible but no significant damage or structural issues are apparent.

Low Price2018Hardtail

Chester

£198

Isla Bikes Beinn 20L

A well-maintained Islabikes Beinn children's mountain bike in red, presented in excellent condition with minimal visible wear. The lightweight aluminium frame is complemented by Kenda tyres, Islabikes branded wheelset, and a clean drivetrain. This is a highly regarded children's bike known for its quality build and appropriate geometry for young riders. Per size chart Approx min age 6+, Min inside leg 52cm; Max inside leg 62cm; Approx min height 120cm https://www.islabikes.co.uk/how-to-guides/islabikes-size-chart

Low PriceLAluminium

Twickenham

£325

2025 Aairsk SU7

SU7 Electric Bike for Adults – 24” Ebike – 36V 13Ah Lithium Battery – Excellent Condition (Used once only) - Fully assembled and ready to ride. SU7 Electric Bike for Adults: a stylish 24” e-bike designed for commuting, leisure rides, and everyday use. Key Features: * 250W high-speed brushless motor * Maximum speed up to 25KM/H * 36V 13Ah removable lithium battery * Range approximately 45–75KM depending on riding mode and terrain * 3 riding modes: Full Electric / Pedal Assist / Manual * 7-speed gear system for smooth riding * Front suspension fork for added comfort * Front and rear disc brakes * LCD display showing speed, battery level, and riding mode * Bright LED front light and rear reflector * Anti-slip tyres for better grip and stability Perfect for: * Daily commuting * City riding * Weekend cycling * Students or work travel * Comfortable long-distance riding

Low Price2025Aluminium

Walthamstow

Pinnacle Laterite 3, Size Medium (suitable for 5 7 - 5 10), as good as new

1/9

£290

2024 Pinnacle Laterite 3

First and only owner - proof of purchase on request. Includes fitted mudguards. Retails at £600 (down from £900) Around 1 year old, lightly used - works as good as new.

Low Price2024Medium (suitable for 5 7 - 5 10)

Bristol

2013 Ribble Gran Fondo, carbon frame, Ultegra 10-speed

1/12

£499

2013 Ribble Gran Fondo

The 2013 model Gran Fondo uses a full carbon frame for a light, responsive ride on club runs, sportives, and long-distance training. Suited to riders seeking an endurance geometry for all-day comfort. It runs a Shimano Ultegra 10-speed groupset, with matching shifters and derailleurs for reliable shifting. The wheels are carbon XL50 Superleggera 700c, set up for clincher tyres. Brakes are dual-pivot rim type, as typical for road bikes of this era. The bike is in good condition. This Ribble Gran Fondo is a practical choice for anyone looking for a carbon road bike for regular use.

Great Price2013MediumCarbon

Skipton

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Frequently asked

What is the best bike under £500 in the UK?: Under £500 used, an urban hybrid is the safest pick: Shimano Altus or Acera gears, mechanical disc or V-brakes, and a reliable alloy frame. Gravel and road bikes at this price tend to have weak components; MTBs will be heavy with poor suspension. The Bike Advisor flags when your budget is in the wrong category.
Is a £500 bike any good?: A used £500 bike from a reputable seller (3-5 years old, originally £900-£1,200 new) is good value, you're buying mid-tier components at a big discount. New at £500 is entry-level everything; used at £500 can mean meaningful upgrades on gears, brakes and frame.
Should I buy new or used at this budget?: Used, almost always. At £500 new you get entry-level components. At £500 used you can get a 3-year-old £1,000 bike with much better gears, brakes and frame. Every listing on Cyclesite is stolen-checked.
What bikes should I avoid at £500?: Avoid no-name supermarket bikes, full-suspension mountain bikes (at this price they're heavy and the suspension is fake), and unbranded e-bikes (batteries die early). Stick to known brands with Shimano or SRAM components.
Can I get an electric bike for under £500?: Used, occasionally, but expect compromised range and an unbranded motor. Credible used e-bikes start around £900. Below that, you're typically buying a battery that's nearly out of cycles. The Electric advisor preset goes deeper.