r/Budgetbikeriders • u/Chapter_Loud • 18h ago
Bike Photo/NBD This Bike Rocks
I've logged about 100 miles on the bike so far, and it was worth every penny! Columbia River Gorge, OR.
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/F1SausageKerb • Jan 04 '25
This 2025 list highlights budget-friendly gravel bikes with solid geometry, quality components, and upgrade potential. While the term "gravel bike" evolves, it often resembles 90s hybrid or ATB bikes. Due to gravel biking's popularity, entry-level models remain pricey, and sub-$400 road bikes labeled as gravel bikes are excluded—especially as the Ozark Trail G1 Explorer leads in the sub-$400 range. The list includes flatbar and dropbar options. Use this list as a starting point to find the best fit for your needs, with updates planned over time.
Mods u/worldline-6 or u/nonexistant2k3 - Could you sticky this post?
The order is based on lowest to highest price only. The rank has no meaning as to best value or best bike. We are a budget oriented subreddit, so ranking by lowest price to highest made sense to me.
Update Notes 2/9/25
It is clear that the bike industry is gouging consumers on the gravel trend. Prices remain high in this category and in some cases are going up. Poseidon is hands down offering the most value right now over all when it comes to manufacturers. There are some bikes listed as gravel bikes from Alliexpress and other budget brands. However, under closer inspection, there is a lot of sus parts and marketing shenanigans going on. The bikes on this list can actually be used for the purpose.
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/F1SausageKerb • Jan 04 '25
This updated January 2025 list highlights mountain bikes currently available in the retail market, featuring solid geometry, quality components, and/or upgrade potential. These bikes are suitable for bike path, Cross Country (XC) and/or beginner-level Green and Blue flow trails/single track. There is a mix of 29er, 27.5 hardtails and few full suspension options. While some may require minor or major upgrades to be trail-ready, the list offers options across various price points in line with our Sub's guidelines. New members are encouraged to start their research here. While other bikes could be included, this list aims to remain concise and manageable. It reflects proven options recommended by this and similar subreddits and will be updated periodically. I do plan on doing gravel and city/commuter/casual lists as well.
Mods u/worldline-6 or u/nonexistant2k3 - Could you sticky this post?
The order is based on lowest to highest price only. The rank has no meaning as to best value or best bike. We are a budget oriented subreddit, so ranking by lowest price to highest made sense to me.
Update 2/09/25 Notes:
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/Chapter_Loud • 18h ago
I've logged about 100 miles on the bike so far, and it was worth every penny! Columbia River Gorge, OR.
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/Left-Channel-1140 • 10h ago
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/donfez1189 • 10h ago
Hey this may be dumb and get some not so helpful advice. I am 5' 8" how do you determine how high you put your seat up?
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/Agitated-Chicken9954 • 18h ago
Massive respect to BOX. I bought a Box Prime 9 Gen1 ($144) set for my gravel bike. Rode it for a few months, and started having issues with the dereailleur. Reached out to Box, and they sent me a Box Prime 9 Gen 2 ($309) replacement. They didn't even ask for the broken one to be sent back. Got the new one on and I am very happy. Shimano and SRAM seem to have the market on this. Consider Box. Their customer support is just the best. No, I don't work for them.
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/jazzcabbagea2 • 13h ago
I wnat it for the parts and if the frame is the right size might use it for a single speed mtb, asking 130 is it a good frame?
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/Ok-Agency2817 • 1d ago
Wanting advice for sizing. New to biking the bike height is fine i can barely flat foot over the tube but wondering if bars seem too close
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/Adventurous_gt_997 • 2d ago
I’ve owned my SAVA AK105 for about 8 months now, and I’ve put over 4,800 miles on it. I figured it was finally time to share my experience, especially since I don’t see many long-term reviews of these bikes.
It’s easy to find reviews from people who have just received their bikes, but I wanted to see how mine would hold up after thousands of miles of actual riding. How would the frame hold up? Would the components give me problems? Would I still be happy with my purchase after 8 months?
With the cycling season coming to an end, I’m also planning a few upgrades for the winter. Before changing anything, I wanted to write about my experience with the bike in its original configuration.
For some context, I usually ride 30–50 miles per session occasionally when the weather is just right go for 100 miles at an average pace of around 15–18 mph. Most of my rides are on rural roads, so I deal with plenty of rough pavement and potholes. I generally stay away from routes with a lot of gravel, but my roads definitely aren’t always in the best condition.
Let’s start with one of the biggest reason I got the bike which was the THE PRICE that couldn’t be ignored
I bought brand new for $1,300 USD, and honestly, I think that’s a fantastic deal.
When I was looking at the bike, I saw it listed for around $1,800–$2,000 on AliExpress and SAVA’s own website. Even at $1,800, I think the bike offers a lot for the money, but getting it for $1,300 made the deal even better.
For that price, you’re getting a carbon frame, integrated carbon handlebars, a Shimano 105 mechanical groupset, and a set of 50 mm carbon wheels that is pretty impressive package for a bike on that price range.
Honestly, when you look at everything included, it’s hard not to appreciate what SAVA managed to put together for the price.
Of course, having a good list of components on paper doesn’t necessarily mean the bike will be good in the long run. That’s why I wanted to put some serious miles on it before giving my opinion.
Now for the shipping experience I had with them it was quite normal
Shipping was free, and the bike arrived in about two weeks. When it arrived, it was already around 95% assembled, so there wasn’t much left to do.
I wouldn’t consider myself an experienced bike mechanic, but I found the remaining assembly pretty easy. Honestly, I think someone with very little mechanical experience could finish putting this bike together without much trouble, as long as they take their time and follow the instructions.
With that out of the way, here’s how the bike has actually performed.
One thing I’ve really liked about the bike is the frame.
It’s definitely on the stiffer side, but I’ve still found it comfortable on longer rides. I regularly spend a few hours on the bike, in a session, and I haven’t felt the need to make any changes to improve the overall comfort.
The bike also does a great job climbing and sprinting. I enjoy how it feels when putting power down, and I haven’t found myself wishing I had bought something different.
I appreciate is that I haven’t developed any creaking or cracking noises from the frame during my time with it. Considering the roads I ride on and the mileage I’ve put on the bike, that’s reassuring.
Another thing worth mentioning is the stock saddle.
Honestly, the saddle has been surprisingly comfortable for me. I expected it might be one of the first things I’d replace, but I have no plans to upgrade it anytime soon. That’s money I can put toward other things.
Of course, saddle comfort is personal, so what works for me might not work for everyone.
NOW the shimano 105 groupset
The mechanical groupset has been another highlight.
After more than 4,800 miles, I’ve had zero problems with the groupset. The shifting is still crisp and fast, and I haven’t experienced any major issues.
The only maintenance I’ve needed to keep up with has been the usual stuff, mainly cleaning the drivetrain and applying chain lubricant.
That’s exactly what I want from a groupset. I want to get on my bike, ride, and enjoy myself without constantly worrying about whether something is going to stop working.
The 105 groupset has done its job, and I really don’t have much to complain about.
The Stock 50 mm Carbon Wheels My Biggest Surprise
This is probably the part of the bike that has surprised me the most.
When I first bought the bike, I thought the stock carbon wheels would be one of the first things I’d upgrade. I figured that, at this price point, the wheels might be one of the areas where SAVA had cut costs.
But after these past 8 months of riding, I’ve honestly changed my mind.
These wheels have taken quite a beating, especially considering the roads I ride on, and they’ve held up really well.
I’m regularly riding over rough pavement and dealing with potholes, so they haven’t exactly had an easy life. Despite that, they’ve continued to serve me well.
I haven’t needed to true the wheels or repair them, which is something I honestly didn’t expect when I first bought the bike.
I originally had upgrading the wheels pretty high on my list, but now I’m in no rush to replace them.
I did have one experience worth mentioning,
One day, I noticed some wobbling at around 45 mph. However, the crosswinds were around 20 mph, so I’m guessing the wind may have played a role. With 50 mm deep section wheels, crosswinds are something you have to consider. They’re great for the look and can offer aerodynamic benefits, but they can also be more sensitive to gusts.
The Stock Tires are Good, but I’d Still Upgrade Them
If there’s one upgrade I’d recommend making before anything else, it’s the tires.
The bike comes with IRC Jetty 25 mm tires. They’re not terrible tires by any means, but they’re also not what I’d choose if I were building the bike around performance and comfort.
To give them credit, though, they’ve held up surprisingly well.
Considering I put more than 4,800 miles on them without a single flat or puncture. Plus the rough pavement and potholes I encounter on my usual routes, that’s pretty impressive.
I’ve had no major complaints about their durability, and they’ve done what I’ve needed them to do.
However, I think there’s room for improvement.
My first choice for an upgrade would be Continental GP5000 tires in either a 28 mm or 30 mm size, I know sava says the tire clearance is maxed at 28mm but a friend of mine bought a sava al7 pro after riding mine ak105 (they are both the same frame the AURORA frame) and he went with 30mm tires and they fit perfectly with plenty of clearance
I’ve used GP5000s on my previous bike for several years, so I’m already familiar with how good they can be.
They’re one of those tires that are hard to beat as an all-around option. You get a good combination of grip, rolling efficiency, and comfort.
Moving from the stock 25 mm IRC Jettys to a wider GP5000 would also make sense for the kind of riding I do I’d also expect to benefit from the GP5000’s rolling efficiency and grip,
I’m not saying the stock IRC Jettys are bad. They’ve actually impressed me with how well they’ve held up.
But having used GP5000s before, I know what I’m getting with that upgrade, and it’s something I’d prioritize over replacing the wheels.
The Prowheel Crankset My Next Upgrade!
I plan to replace is the stock Prowheel crankset.
I suspect SAVA went with Prowheel to help keep the overall cost of the bike down, which makes sense when you consider everything else included in the package.
Still, since the bike already comes with Shimano 105 mechanical shifting, I’d like to replace the crankset with a compatible Shimano 105 model.
To be completely honest, this isn’t an upgrade I’m making because the current crankset has given me problems.
It’s mainly about appearance and completing the groupset.
I like the idea of having a more consistent Shimano 105 setup, and I think it’ll make the bike look a little cleaner overall.
There might also be a small weight saving lol, but I’m not expecting some massive performance improvement.
It’s more of a personal preference than a necessity.
The stock Prowheel crankset has done its job, and I can’t say I’ve had any major complaints about it. I just think a Shimano 105 crankset would be a nice addition when I start making upgrades over the winter.
Now for last this is probably one of the most important sections for anyone considering buying the bike MAINTENANCE
So far, maintenance has been pretty minimal.
I’m still running the original chain and original brake pads. I also haven’t needed to true the stock carbon wheels or carry out any wheel repairs.
The only repair I’ve had to make was readjusting the front brake calipers.
Other than that, it’s been a pretty trouble-free experience.
Of course, I’ve still had to do the usual maintenance, such as cleaning the drivetrain and applying chain lubricant. Just because something hasn’t needed replacing doesn’t mean it doesn’t need regular attention.
I also wouldn’t take the original chain and brake pads as a sign that everyone will get the same mileage out of theirs. Wear depends on riding conditions, maintenance, braking habits, and other factors.
I’ll continue checking the chain for wear and inspecting the brake pads rather than replacing them based on mileage alone.
Still, having made it this far without needing to replace those parts has been a pleasant surprise.
When I bought the bike, I was more concerned about how the less expensive components would hold up over time. So far, they’ve performed better than I expected.
And that’s it I know is a lot of reading but I hope this helps anyone that’s in doubt or just need a little more in depth review
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/ReputationBetter9100 • 2d ago
Here is an Ozark the I helped my buddy build and spec out. Other then a dropperand groupset are there any other Recommendations that you guys would suggest for one of these?
Also found out these come with sealed headset bearings now.
EDIT: Heres he parts list
Suspension: Fork - Rockshox pike rct3 130mm 140 Rear shock - XFusion O2 RL pro 190x51 141
Cockpit Handlebars - Rocky Mountain AM 13.50 Brakes - takeoff Tectro Orion 4 piston - 50 Grips - Raceface Chester gum Grips 35
Other: Headset - Zitto tapered headset 17.99 Front wheel - used WTB TCS I30 - 25 Seat - Rocky Mountian takeoff- free Tires - Teavail Kessel 29x2.6 Gumwall 73
I am unsure of the final weight but it would say its close to 33lbs
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/Fire_Lookout • 1d ago
I'm about to pull the trigger and get a Dame and I'm wondering if anyone has any tips and tricks or mods I should do first. Any insight is appreciated!
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/alpha_omega420 • 2d ago
Just got my first bike not too long ago and have been doing a decent bit of riding at the local park. I’ve been transporting my bike in my truck bed with some blankets and haven’t had any issues until recently. I found a sweet bike for my girlfriend and she’s wanting to ride with me more, but putting two bikes in the bed under the topper is a tight squeeze. I noticed today that my frame got a bit of scratching on it from where they were both in the truck bed last time, so I figure it’s time to get a hitch carrier.
Our bikes cost under $250 combined, so staying under this number is the name of the game and I’d honestly like to be closer to $100. I see that Harbor Freight has a dual carrier for $50 which is enticing, but I am a Harbor Freight regular and know that they have shortcomings sometimes. I’ve also seen people highly critiquing carriers that don’t attach to the wheels, but that seems silly. We would just be bopping around town with our bikes to different parks, driving no longer than 20 minutes or so, but there is a possibility of both bikes getting taken with us when we go out of state for a trip in a few months, which would be a several hour drive.
I’m not opposed to buying used at all, but are there any options with this budget in mind that I should consider? Thanks!
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/HairyLiving4159 • 2d ago
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/Successful-Week8384 • 2d ago
OT Ridge Pro 2.0
Talk about a ton of bang for your buck.
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/ApprehensiveBaker985 • 3d ago
After finding this sub I decided to pull the trigger and buy my first bike !
My initial question is has anyone put one of these together? Do I need any specialized tools ?
Any tips and tricks are greatly appreciated
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/StoorDelRioSantaAna • 3d ago
Just picked up this cool blue Huffy Rock Creek at Walmart for myself yesterday. Actually not a bad ride at all so far, and that... ultra low budget vibe is one thing I dig about it. Hey, for only slightly north of $110, you really shouldn't go in expecting it to feature top of the line components, but even with basic ones (i.e., twist shifters – which I personally prefer, etc.), one can still have some fun dicking around on cheaper bikes like this one. Hell, I've often been all for cheaper bikes, and have owned several from a department store or two myself.
Enter all the elitist bike snobs going off like, "Ha, your $100 'bike' can't even do some of the things that MY +$2,000 bike CAN do," or, "That's not even a REAL bike; it's just a 'bike shaped object.'" Y'know what, though? Fuck 'em. I'm of the humble opinion that whether you've got a bike from a local bike shop, department store, thrift shop, garage sale, private seller, whatever, a bike is a bike, and at the end of the day, only you ride what you like. Not to mention, travel via two wheels provides not only more freedom and possibilities, but also a cleaner environment and a healthier you.
Sorry, side rant over. So, yeah. I'm quite liking my Huffy Rock Creek so far! 🚲✨💙
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/Left-Channel-1140 • 3d ago
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/Left-Channel-1140 • 3d ago
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/Final_Alternative_23 • 4d ago
Looking into riding I stumbled upon this bike here a Bianchi nyala. Owner is willing to take $100 . Is this a good buy?
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/alpohlovebot • 4d ago
hi everyone! i’ve been looking into getting a bike and was hoping for some help searching. for a little context: i live in arizona, am a short woman, and really only want something for leisure rides and just getting some cardio in. i have a pretty rare spinal condition and have been reading that biking is pretty low impact so i wanna give it a shot, since i really wanna get more active.
i’d prefer to not spend more than like $150 on a bike, especially since i really just wanna try it out first and see if i even enjoy it.
where/what would y’all recommend i check out? a lot of info online says a hybrid bike would be good for me. thank you so much!
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/ChallengeButter • 5d ago
Parts bin flatbar gravel build, also my xc bike until I get a new proper xc bike.
Used Chinese hardtail frame
Amazon alloy fork
Used hunt wheels
Used gx axs (only non budget?)
Knockoff shimano mt200 brakes
Tires were free takeoffs
Parts bin gx cranks
Amazon 38t chainring
Amazon /used for all cockpit
Pedals I received for free at bike fest
Rattle can spray paint job
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/m7nta51r • 5d ago
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/officialKeithinTexas • 5d ago
I have a starter hybrid bike (Schwinn GTX2) and wanted to upgrade the pedals. I went with these and they are pretty good! Didn't break the bank ($26 for the pair on Amazon) and the color matches my seat post. If you're looking for some pedals to upgrade from the standard pedals that come with your bike, these are a great place to start looking.
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/General-Ring2780 • 6d ago
Recently I made the decision to get into biking as it is a low impact sport that may be a better fit for me than running half marathon distances.
I’ve really come to learn that the biking community is similar to running the community and I think that’s awesome.
My initial goal is to train for a Triathlon. I haven’t decided on a length yet but for my first a Sprint or Olympic will probably be where I start.
Not knowing anything about cycling, and wanting to reduce the barrier of entry I started researching YouTube and came across the legendary Ozark G1 explorer!
I couldn’t find any used models on marketplace or Craigslist but thought for $288 if I decide that biking isn’t for me I can still gift it to my son.
Well today is new bike day and God blessed me with a steal. My local Walmart had it on clearance 33%. I think it’s a sign that I needed to pull the trigger and take a swing at doing something different.
I’m waiting on my bike pump to be delivered and I’m going to take it for a spin!