It would have been impossible a few years back to find a high-quality bike under $500. Well, times have changed, and many bike companies have stepped up their game by creating bikes that are stylish, convenient, safe, and of course, affordable. We went ahead and put together a comprehensive review of one of the best men’s and women’s road bikes under $500; the Giordano Libero 1.6 road bike.
This classic Italian-inspired road bike has been carefully designed for pro and amateur riders alike who are looking for a perfect bicycle for working out, cruising around the neighborhood as well as commuting to and from work. So, let’s dive in deeper, shall we?
What to like about Giordano Libero 1.6
- It is very affordable under $500.
- Classic chic design and comes in a variety of colors.
- Durable and lightweight aluminum frame.
- Drop-bar handlebars that are durable and comfortable.
- It has two water stands.
- It features a 16-speed STI shifters gear system with integrated levers that enables the user to have full control of the bike.
- It features front and rear Shimano derailleurs that provide smooth and precise gear changes.
- It has dual pivot caliper brakes that offer crisp and secure stops.
Table of Contents
Features – Giordano Libero 1.6 Review
1. Frame
We all know too well that a bike frame is the most crucial component of a bicycle. Apart from being the centerpiece that binds all other components together, a bike frame also determines the quality of the entire vehicle. So, a high-quality bike frame means a high-quality bike and vice versa.
The manufacturers of the Giordano Libero Bike had all that in mind, that is why they built the bicycle’s frame using a durable 6061 aluminum material, which is considered to be the best of all other types of aluminum alloy materials.
Aluminum is best known for having a high strength to weight ratio, which means that it’s lightweight but still very strong. It’s also not prone to rust, so it requires very low maintenance. What’s more, it is very stiff, providing extra stability, control, and speed, especially when climbing up steep sections of the road. However, some Giordano Libero 1.6 reviews have pointed out that the stiffness of this material makes the bike uncomfortable since it does not completely absorb shock and vibrations caused by uneven sections of the road. It’s very tricky to repair and fatigues more rapidly than any other bike frame material.
2. Handlebars
Handlebars play a very crucial role in allowing you to control your bicycle as you cycle. That is why they need to be stable and robust enough. Like most Giordano bikes, the Giordano Libero 1.6 Road bike features a pair of durable alloy drop-bar handlebars for extra comfort and control. These handlebars offer a more aerodynamic advantage compared to flat handlebars. Drop bar handlebars allow you to bend down while cycling, which allows air to flow smoothly through to the front, minimizing the pressure that drags you back while cycling, enabling you to ride faster.
The handlebars also offer a variety of hand positions, which prevents you from having hand and wrist pains. They also have soft padding for extra comfort and have a better grip, which allows you to have complete control of your bicycle.
What’s more, the drop bar handlebars allow you to shift your body forward as you climb up the steep sections of the road, enabling you to ride faster. The icing on the cake? These handlebars fit perfectly through barrow spots in traffic, making it perfect for commuting to and from work. However, some Giordano Libero 1.6 reviews have pointed out that the handlebars do not offer a more comfortable riding position, which exposes cyclists to the risk of experiencing neck and back pains.
3. Speed and Brakes
The Giordano libero 1.6 road bike also features a 16-speed STI shifter gear system with an integrated brake lever, which, according to most Giordano libero 1.6 reviews, is quite advanced for a bike that costs less than $500. The integrated brake lever enables you to smoothly shift gears without necessarily having to take your hands off the brakes, which means that you are in complete control.
This Giordano road bike also comes with Shimano Claris derailleurs that provide smooth and precise gear changes. What’s more, it also features dual pivot caliper brakes that offer crisp and secure stops no matter how fast you’re riding. This brake system enables you to stop the bike without pulling it behind, which further prevents the tires from wearing and allows you to be in full control of your bicycle.
Although some Giordano Libero 1.6 reviews have mentioned that they are not as powerful as they are expected to be, these are powerful enough for a bike of this calibre, not forgetting how easy it is to maintain them. The bike also features a 50-34 compact crank. The crank enables you to easily climb up steep sections of the terrain, makes the drivetrain move smoothly and prevents the chainrings from coming off amid your cycling adventures.
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4. Wheels and Tires
Another feature that rounds up this impressive bicycle is the pair of 700c road style tires, equivalent to approximately 25 inches. Apart from being durable, these tires have less rolling resistance, more rollover capability, and excellent tire pressure that enables them to roll quickly and smoothly. What’s more, these tires absorb small bumps on roads for a smoother and faster ride. However, some Giordano libero 1.6 reviews have pointed out that the tires do not perform well on uneven surfaces.
The Giordano libero 1.6 Road Bike 700c also comes with a pair of alloy wheels with rims for extra stability and speed. These wheels are designed more aerodynamically, enabling you to ride faster.
5. Suspension Fork
Last but not least, the Giordano libero 1.6 Road Bike 700c features a carbon fiber suspension fork for extra stability and comfort. The Giordano Libero 1.6 women’s bike’s suspension fork is made of carbon fiber material while the men’s bike has a steel suspension fork. The suspension fork is robust and flexible, which means it can be easily repaired if it bends or gets dented during a crash.
Carbon fiber material also has very high shock-absorbing properties, enabling the suspension fork to absorb vibrations and shocks from bumps on the surface, for a smoother and faster ride.
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6. Performance
According to most Giordano Libero 1.6 reviews, this bike performs exceptionally well for a bike that costs under $500. The speed gear system is not what you expect on a bike of this caliber. Apart from making starting and stopping a breeze, the drivetrain also offers concise and smooth gear changes while you are riding. However, other reviews recommend that if you are a rider who is intoxicated with speed, you might want to upgrade to a better bike.
7. Weight and Quality
The Giordano Libero 1.6 women’s road bike weighs about 24 pounds, including the kickstand and reflectors, while the men’s bike weighs roughly between 26-27 pounds. Sure, it’s not the lightest bicycle, but it is very lightweight for a bicycle with all these features.
As for quality, like most Giordano road bikes, this has made its statement. The parts like the frame, suspension fork, wheels, to mention a few, are made of high-quality materials that are guaranteed to give you service for a long time. Although the handlebar tape is made of high-quality material, it does get dirty very quickly since it’s white. So, it would be better if you added extra tape to keep it clean.
8. Durability
The Giordano Libero 1.6 Road Bike 700c is very durable. The frame is very solid; however, it is quite tricky to repair. The handlebars are made of durable material and have extra padding for extra comfort while riding, although it’s original tape gets dirty very quickly. The drivetrain and brakes work perfectly, although some reviews are not satisfied with the brakes’ stopping power.
9. Assembly
Like all other Giordano bikes, this one comes pre-assembled, meaning there are some parts that you have to assemble yourself. While it is easy to do so, most experts recommend that you have a professional assemble it for you to ensure that the bike is safe and comfortable.
The Giordano Libero 1.6 Road Bike Specifications
- Item package measurements L×W×H: 53×27.7×8.1 inches
- Package weight: 14.86 kilograms
- Item measurements L×W×H: 36×17×65.5 inches
- Item weight: 24 pounds
- Frame material: 6061 Aluminum
- Handlebars style: Drop bar
- Drivetrain: 16-speed STI shifters with integrated levers
- Front derailleur: Shimano Claris
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano Claris.
- Brakes: Calliper
- Tire size: 700c
A few misgivings
- Some customers have pointed out that the saddle is uncomfortable.
- The drop-bar handlebars do not offer a more comfortable riding position.
- The brakes are not as powerful.
- The white handlebars tape gets dirty very quickly.
Final thoughts on Giordano Libero 1.6 Review
For many years, the Giordano company has committed itself to create enthusiast-level bicycles and accessories with an unrivaled value statement, and the Giordano Libero 1.6 Road Bike is no exception. The bike is equipped with basic and extra features that you would not expect to find in a bike that costs under $500. If you are looking for a road bike to take your cycling adventures to the next level, this should definitely be your go-to bicycle.
