Cheap bikes - are they worth it? Can you buy a good, cheap bike?

Cheap bikes - a difficult topic

How can you avoid overspending and still be satisfied with your purchase? How much can you save? Is it possible to go cheaper? These are everyday and common dilemmas. And that doesn't diminish their importance! Affordable bikes are no exception, and that's what today's discussion will be about. How many times have friends asked me for help when buying a bike, and almost always the question was: "Why so expensive?" Of course, my mechanic's bias plays a role here – I see bikes differently than most people, and above all, I have higher standards. This isn't always for rational reasons. However, even setting aside my whims, decent bikes are more expensive than most laypeople assume. Buying a bike under 2000 PLN without serious issues is quite a challenge. Below 1500 PLN, you won't avoid severe compromises. And yet, many people are looking for bikes with triple-digit prices. Is that even possible? Our bikes are priced differently, but we realize we can't please everyone. That's why we wrote this article.

How do you define cheap bikes?

This is, of course, a highly subjective matter. For one person, it might be 200 PLN, for another, 4000 PLN. For sporty bikes, this limit will certainly be higher. Cheap electric bikes are a completely different order of magnitude. However, let's be reasonable. Based on my experience as a mechanic and salesperson, I'd say that a reasonable amount the average customer is willing to spend on a bike for recreational riding and commuting in a typical shop near Warsaw is 1500-2500 PLN. For those looking for a bike for "land" or very occasional use, this is still too much. Therefore, I'll set 1000 PLN as the absolute limit for the concept of "cheap bikes," although I'll also include some prices at the lower end of the "average" price range.

Reasonable cheap bikes

Bike prices are rising season by season – it's a fact. Without delving into the origins of this phenomenon, it's worth noting that it's increasingly difficult to find the cheapest bikes from popular manufacturers. Unibike, which, in my opinion, has a phenomenal price-to-quality ratio, starts its cyclocross bike lineup (and these are the most popular all-purpose bikes today) with the Prime model for 1679 PLN. In my opinion, it's undoubtedly a cheap and good bike, although the model above it – the Flash for 1999 PLN – is unbeatable in this segment. Giant – a long-time favorite among Poles – doesn't go below 2399 PLN for its Roam cyclocross model. Merida is similar. Romet, a manufacturer with a controversial reputation, comes in lower. While it's certainly trying very hard to change that, it can't be denied that its core business is primarily budget bikes. 1449 PLN for the Orkan is certainly not a lot, but just a few years ago, it offered several much cheaper models. And on top of that, the Unibike is significantly better for not much more.

Interestingly, the Kross Evado 1.0 is cheaper than Romet, and also better configured for 1349 PLN. I'm not a fan of this brand, but I have to admit, it'll be hard to find anything better at this price. Below that, there's Romet's sub-brand, Arkus. For years, it was synonymous with cheapness, but I dare say its offerings now positively surprise. Certainly, considering the price range. The Touring M1 model, priced at 1099 PLN, may be based on cheap components, but these aren't brandless. The quality-to-price ratio is definitely better than Romet's. Can you get it cheaper?

The cheapest supermarket bikes

Decathlon is, of course, the leader here. BTwin bikes can be purchased for as little as 699 PLN. Unfortunately, the quality of this brand's products, even those two or three times more expensive, is abysmal. It's common knowledge that price reflects the performance of the components. However, it's difficult to come to terms with brakes that don't stop properly and wheels that warp over the first bump. Furthermore, some bikes are equipped with unusual solutions or standard parts used only by this brand, which translates into service difficulties. When I worked in a service center, I was once refused to adjust BTwin derailleurs. And I don't mean snobbery—it simply wasn't possible. It's even worse with bikes from supermarkets, which are usually poorly assembled and unadjusted. Loose handlebars and forks rotated 180 degrees are common.

If you're looking for a quick bike and know you'll use it four times a year, this makes sense. If you're looking for a decent ride without struggling with the machine, it's time to consider that budget bikes are those priced between 1200 and 1700 PLN. Pseudo-mountain bikes are usually a bit cheaper than cyclocross bikes, but recreational riding on them is usually unsatisfactory due to their sporty geometry. And one more thing: never, ever buy a road bike under 2000 PLN. That defeats the purpose.

Cheap bikes from Aliexpress and Allegro

You can also find incredibly cheap offers online. For a few hundred złoty, you can easily buy a new, inexpensive bike from X. The standard here are incredibly bright colors, tons of lettering, and rather enigmatic descriptions. From a technical perspective, it's usually a very crude steel frame, heavy wheels (often in "cool" shapes), and the cheapest derailleurs. Plus, they often have full suspension with a lot of play, which mainly drains energy while pedaling. Not to mention the quality of the assembly and adjustments. So the "pay as much as the cheapest bike in the store and I'll get a better bike" approach doesn't work here. You can buy or assemble a good Chinese bike, but not within that budget. A better option are bikes from supermarkets, which you can at least inspect and test before buying. Until now, I've mostly complained and criticized cheap bikes. It's time for something positive and some real options that don't equate to sadness and torment.

Used

Another way to find cheap bikes is to buy a used one. This often saves up to half the list price. I recommend focusing primarily on bikes that cost 1600-2500 PLN when new. Ideally, they're no more than 3-4 years old. This is the time when the value drops dramatically, but with typical use, a bike has a low chance of being worn out. With a little patience, you can snag a bargain, although you almost always need at least a basic inspection after purchase. This can really make a difference in the quality of your ride! You might hear that turn-of-the-century bikes were much more durable than those produced in recent years. This is partly true. It stems from the simple fact that many parts were made more crudely back then. The second reason is prosaic – bikes were definitely less popular back then. Still, it's not worth it – they're usually pseudo-MTBs with 26-inch wheels, heavy and uncomfortable. I also advise against bikes that are several decades old. They look elegant, airy, and lightweight, but they can cause problems. Unless you're a DIY enthusiast or want to learn how to service your own bike, this will be a good lesson, but you won't avoid frustration. An old road bike will also be lighter and more dynamic than cheap cross-country bikes or mountain bikes.

Is it possible to buy a cheap and good bike?

Yes, although it's not easy. It certainly can't be done lightly. You need to be aware of how price affects the quality of the bike, meaning in practice, how you feel while riding and the effort you put into pedaling. You'll likely end up spending more than you originally planned. With enough patience, however, you can find basic equipment that's suitable for occasional, or even regular, use. I highly recommend basic bikes from well-known brands around 1500 PLN – their quality is significantly better than those even 300 PLN cheaper. However, I understand that some people can't afford such an expense. In such cases, it's definitely better to be patient and hunt for a good, used bike. It will be significantly better quality than a new one for several hundred złoty, which usually comes with problems and cheap parts. It's a good idea to ask someone who knows their stuff for help. You can also visit local bike shops – some sometimes accept used bikes on consignment and vouch for their condition. And finally, beware of deals that seem too good to be true. They certainly aren't. Cheap bikes are one thing, dirt-cheap bikes are another. It's bad for your health.

Main photo by: bikesharedude