Best Bicycle Under $200 [Know to do these two quick repairs BEFORE purchasing for perfect ride]

There are plenty of options for the best bicycle under $200. When you are looking for your very first budget bicycle, there are many things that you should think about. The main thing that you need to know is that you absolutely should not get a bicycle with a derailleur. The derailleur system will fall apart after 6 months to a year, and the purchasing, removal and replacement of a new derailleur at your local bike shop will cost the same as if not 2 times the amount of the bicycle itself.

If you want more value, check out our guide for the best bike under $300!

A derailleur is the piece of the bicycle that moves the chain from one gear to another to make it easier to go up and down hills.

I got this bicycle in the mail that is less than $200 and I highly recommend the build. Because it is a fixed-gear (no derailleur) the overall cost for the supplier to create the bicycle is halved.

Our pick for the Best Bicycle Under $200

Hiland Road Bike, Single Speed Fixed Gear Bike

The Hiland Road Bike is a versatile commuter and road bike that rides as if it is a hybrid. This is your best option for an entry bicycle that will get you from point A to point B with no frills. If you live in an area that is flat, are a commuter or just want to build your legs stronger, fixie bicycles are great because the build of the bicycle is so simple to ride. The feeling of being truly attached to the bike as opposed to a free gear makes the ride feel fun, enjoyable and in control. When you get used to the ride, you almost forget that you truly do need the hand brakes. 

Features:

• Steel Frame: Steel frame for increased strength for a great beginner series
• Smooth Single Speed Ride: Single speed allows for a large amount of control with pedaling and quick acceleration
• Road Bike Feel: Smooth feel on the road with fast response and connection to pedals
• Lightweight: Thin design of frame mixes strength and weight for easy pickup
• 85% Preassembled: 1-2 hours of assembly with YouTube videos for instruction

Why we like it

If you are looking to get someone a gift for a simple bike to ride around the neighborhood, or to and from somewhere that is reasonably close, this is the bicycle for you. It takes about an hour for me to set it up. For me the instructions were pretty easy, though I have built bicycles before. If you’re new it may take about twice the amount of time. 

Why We Don’t like it

For a bicycle under $200, you need to purchase about $45 extra dollars’ worth of items to make it perfectly rideable. Of course, after you buy these items, it is a great ride, though this is a consideration over purchasing a higher value bicycle.

Ride

The ride is smooth and what you would expect from a completely entry level budget bicycle under $200. I like it because of how easy it was to get the bike from my box and riding.  The breaks are smooth and I have heard of some people having trouble with their brakes rubbing their wheels after set up.

If your brakes rub against your wheels after set up, take your bicycle to your local bike shop. Ask your mechanic to “True your wheel.” “Truing a wheel” means that the bike mechanic will tighten the spokes of the wheel so that it becomes straight. This repair takes about $20 and 20 minutes. Although I would like to have a bicycle wheel come trued when I purchase it, I do understand that this is the best bicycle under $200 that I can get, so I am not very concerned about this issue.

Everything you need to know if you purchase this bike:

Tires

The tires hold well to the ground when riding which is included in rain. I ride in the city very often and we have thorns, glasses, nails and broken bottles. Flats happen often on my other bike that has a higher price, so I knew that lining these tires would be important. To keep from dealing with the problem on these tires, when I was building the bicycle from the box I made sure to put on tire liners to keep the tubes safe (What are tire liners and why?). They have been working for me for several years and my auntie’s for 2 decades, so I have been happy with them. The linked tire liners are the exact size for the Hiland bike tube. 

Tubes

I wasn’t too hot on the quality of the tubes included with the bike. If you happen to have an extra $20, I would recommend adding tire liners to the bicycle, or to get 2 extra tubes (The linked tubes are also the exact size (700cx25) for the Hiland road bike).

Bike Valves

Now that you are looking at getting into the road bike and fixie tubes, it is important that your pump is a Presta valve and not a Shrader valve. Most standard pumps are Shrader valves and you will need a converter. If your pump is a Shrader valve, then purchase a converter for your pump. Converters are also sold at your local bike shop for about $1-$2 apiece. 

Runner Up: 6KU Fixed Gear Single Speed Urban Bike

The 6KU Fixed Gear bicycle is well worth the extra 30 dollars in value. The main reason why it is not the winner is that it costs marginally more than $200. The challenges with the wheels do not exist, the wheels arrived sound for me and the ride is noticeably smoother. If this is within your budget, this would be my choice.  

What is a decent price for a bike?

A bicycle pricing can range from $50 to multiples of thousands and as much as a premium vehicle. For a bicycle if you are looking as a beginner, anywhere from 100-500 will get you started in the right direction. A bicycle at $200 will have some items that can be improved upon.

A bicycle that is $500 is a great starter bicycle for someone who is looking to continuously ride their bicycle and possibly put wear on it. At this price point, many repair shops are very happy to work on the bicycle because they are considered to be reliable for years if not decades. Used bicycles at this price are great if you have a friend who understands bicycles and you know what you are looking for.

Which bicycle is best for daily use?

The best beginner bicycle for daily use is a single gear bicycle. They are great to learn the overall functions of a bicycle.

Not only that, but without the need for a derailleur, you are decreasing the amount of things that can go wrong with a bicycle drastically.

Derailleurs are great for getting up hills but if your rides are around the neighborhood for daily use and going to class – they can cause some trouble unless you own a premium geared bicycle.

Fixed gear bicycles are also great because they teach you the mechanics of the bicycle and you feel the bicycle in motion as you pedal.

You are not only riding with one chain, but you also have the knowledge to know that you are riding a very simple machine that it would take a lot for the bicycle to fail or break a chain.

Conclusion

We enjoy this as a get-around bicycle. It is fantastic, it rolls well and it has a smooth ride. There are some challenges with it that are past cosmetic, though if you simply need a new bike for under $200 to get you from one place to another, with a small amount of love, this is the best bicycle under $200 by far.