To find the best pedal bike without breaking the bank, we looked at options under $300 last time. This time, to broaden our options, we’re increasing our budget to $750.
With this budget, we hope to cover a slightly wider range of non-electric bikes that do the job just as well as their electric counterparts. From a fat-tired mountain bike to a modular, foldable sleek bike, we hope to answer one question: with more cash in hand, can a pedal bike do as much as an e-bike?
To answer this question, we set out to find pedal bikes in all shapes, sizes, and uses, all priced under $750.
The Generic Cargo Trike
We don’t normally advocate for, or even feature, unbranded items that are almost certainly white-label, dropshipped items on sites like Amazon. However, if you really need to, then consider this generic $250 cargo trike from Amazon. We stress the phrase “need to” because we are also huge advocates for buying electric cargo bikes.
In a previous article, we examined whether pedal bikes could replace all e-bikes, and we found that motor assistance really came in handy in one setting: the cargo bike. That said, this bike features a7-speed drivetrain, with adjustable seats and handlebars. It also has shock-absorbing seats and non-slip handlebars. Plus, the full carbon steel frame can support a 450 lb load.
The Huffy Maunga
Priced at $399, the Huffy Maunga is a relatively affordable fat-tired mountain bike. It features a 7-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain, which helps you climb up slopes effortlessly. The padded seatpost also helps keep you comfortable on any terrain. The dual disc-brake set-up handles stopping duties efficiently. Plus, the durable steel frame easily supports a 220 lb load.
The Trek Verve
Priced at $599, the Trek Verve is available in either a low-step or a crossover frame build. It features an 8-speed Shimano EF500 gear system, which is paired with two Shimano derailleurs. Tektro mechanical brakes handle stopping duties, and the entire set-up weighs a mere 32 lbs. The bike’s Alpha Gold Aluminum frame supports up to 300 lbs. The bike comes fitted with the Bontrager Boulevard seat saddle for increased comfort. The front fork can travel 460 mm, making any terrain easy to conquer.
The Priority Bikes Folder
The $650 Priority Folder is the most compact and versatile pedal bike in this price range. You can choose between a 3- or an 8-speed internally geared hub. The bike’s signature feature is the Gates Belt Drive, a grease-free, carbon-reinforced alternative to the chain that makes maintenance easy and leaves grease in the past. In 3 steps, you can fold the bike down from a 60-inch width to 30 inches. It weighs either 27 or 30 lbs and can handle about 230 lbs.
The Giant Talon 4
The $750 Giant Talon 4 is available in 5 different sizes and 2 colors. The wheels are either 27.5 or 29 inches in diameter. The bikes all feature an ALUXX aluminum frame and an 80 mm front suspension fork. The bike also has an 8-speed microSHIFT gear system and a microSHIFT rear derailleur. Dual Tektro mechanical brakes handle stopping duties and work efficiently to stop the Maxxis tires. The GiantSport seatpost boosts comfort, especially when paired with the 7-degree adjustable stem.
Where Does That Leave You?
As we said, pedal bikes can do pretty much what e-bikes do, at a fraction of the price. They work just fine for every utility except cargo. Under no circumstances will a pedal-first cargo bike be nearly as effective as an electric version. However, for most other uses, if you really need to save pennies or avoid e-bikes at all costs, a pedal bike can do the trick.
