The 10 Best Commuter Bikes, According to Experts and Consumers
Getting around just got so much easier.
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Whether you’ve ever needed to squeeze in a workout or circumvent a public transit interruption, a commuter bike is your best bet for getting around. Luckily, there are numerous compelling reasons for trading your metro card or daily lift for a commuter bike.
First and foremost, riding a bike enhances your health. Research suggests that that commuter cycling reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all-cause mortality more than any other mode of transportation like walking. Second, they’re budget friendly. Your basic car will cost you upwards of $10,000 in gas and repairs per year, unlike a bike, which is an average one-time fee of $350. Last but not least, riding bikes benefits the planet. Switching from car to bike transportation saves 150 grams of carbon dioxide emissions per kilometer, which can help limit the impacts of climate change, according to research from the United Nations.
With so many commuter bike options available online and in stores, you may be wondering which one is right for you. Not to worry: Dr. Jacob Wilson, skeletal muscle physiologist and expert to The Vitamin Shoppe, says that a comfortable ride starts with a comfortable seat, as well as a frame in a sturdy material like aluminum. The key is to fit it properly to your height and build. Then, think about the circumstances under which you’ll use your commuter bike most. Also worth mentioning: Your bike won’t do you any favors if you feel unsafe on it. Before you take it to the mean streets of rush hour, make sure you are “confident operating it, braking and shifting, turning, and getting on and off,” says Jim Langley, technical editor for RoadBikeRider.com and commuter bike expert.
How to find the best commuter bike for you
• For a short, flat commute, Langley says a simple one-speed beach cruiser is a perfect option thanks to its fat tires, wide seat, and wide handlebars. He says this variety will also make carrying your work clothes, laptop, and lunch in a backpack a breeze.
• For an uphill ride, Langley suggests a commuter bike with a varied selection of gears to facilitate hills, as well as a reliable set of brakes for speed control down said hills (while they might cost you a bit more, Dr. Wilson recommends going for hydraulic disc brakes — they last longer than chain brakes and provide a more precise stop). “Since a backpack can make you sweaty [while riding uphill], you might put a rack on the bike that holds saddlebags for your gear,” says Langley.
• For decreased visibility, Langley says to add lights for nighttime (or foggy) rides, as well as fenders to keep rain out of your way in wet conditions. Upright handlebars — as opposed to dropped bars common in bike racing — are also a great way to see better in traffic.
Don't feel too confined by the commuter bike category: “I recommend most people look for a nice hybrid because it offers some of the road bike speed, but also the stability and comfort of a normal upright bike,” says Dr. Wilson. “They offer some of the speed of a road bike, along with the sturdiness and comfort of a simpler upright bike.” He also says that while road bikes are built for speed, they could be your best bet if you tend to run late for work or need to rush over to an event after your shift. “It really comes down to your preference,” he says. “Do you want a mix of speed and comfort? Choose a hybrid. Do you want to just get home as fast as possible? Opt for a road bike.”
According to our experts, buying a bike doesn’t need to be too expensive. Dr. Wilson says the average commuter bike will run about $350 to $750. Langley shares that as long as there’s no structural damage to the bike, you can also get yourself a used bike from a garage sale, flea market, Goodwill, or a friend who’s no longer using theirs. Because most commutes aren’t particularly long or arduous, he says any bike will do. That means if you also want to take your bike for a spin on the trails over the weekend, for example, there’s no need to invest in two separate bikes.
Here’s an insider secret: No matter which brand you choose, you can’t go wrong. “There are hundreds of bicycle brands and every one will offer bikes perfect for commuting — the entire bike industry knows how important it is to get more people riding to work,” says Langley.
sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women's 7-Speed Step-Through Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle, 26" Wheels With 17.5" Frame, Cream With Brown Seat and Grips
Featuring an ergonomic design conducive to lower back and joint support, a Shimano 7-speed external derailleur, and a pillowy synthetic leather seat, this best-selling bike on Amazon is a total ride in the park.
Of the EVRYjourney, one customer said: “I LOVE this bike!!! For someone like me with multiple injuries and wants to reclaim their health while feeling like you're 12 again, here is your daily zen.” With its ocean-inspired color palette options, you’ll be as excited to show off the bike as you will be to ride it.
Schwinn Women's Wayfarer 700c Bicycle, Cream
Switch gears this year with a lightweight, durable bike that’ll withstand the ups and downs of daily riding in an urban environment.
Complete with protective fenders, both you and your bike will stay dry when the weather outside isn’t exactly cooperating. Alloy rear and front breaks allow for precise, immediate stops so you can feel safe and secure during your commute.
Schwinn Loop Adult Folding Bike, 20-Inch Wheels, Rear Carry Rack, Black
For those of us with limited storage, investing in a folding bike is an economical and space-saving option that has an additional surprising benefit.
“In any city, bike theft is a huge problem,” says Langley.” If you bike to work, the best way to not lose your bike to thieves is to bring it inside your place of work.” Its included bag makes it easy to conceal, protect, and carry so you can maintain peace of mind. But make no mistake: suitable for riders up to six feet tall, it’s just as robust as its full-size counterparts.
Pure Cycles Pure Fix Original Fixed Gear Single Speed Bicycle, India Matte Black/Babylon Gold, 47cm/X-Small
This no-fuss city bike will get you from point A to point B in one piece. Especially primed for first-time urban riders, its single fixed gear allows you to focus on the road without getting distracted by several speed options.
Thanks to its rear flip flop hub, you also have the option of riding freewheel to give you that extra momentum you need to reach your destination with minimal effort.
KENT 26" Women's, La Jolla Cruiser Bike, White
Functional and fashionable? Yes, please. This commute-friendly cruiser straight out of a storybook is the ultimate way to save your back thanks to its upright position and front basket big enough for your lunch bag.
One reviewer noted the bike makes for a particularly good workout, since you only have one gear to work with.
Firmstrong Urban Lady Single Speed - Women's 26" Beach Cruiser Bike (Baby Blue)
We can all benefit from a little vacay inspo when we’re racing against the clock to get to work.
Turn your commute into a complete oasis with an extra wide seat and handle bar for maximum comfort. Extra thick, cushioned tires absorb shock for a smooth ride of up to 15 miles per hour.
Huffy Womens Commuter Bike, Hyde Park 27.5 Inch 3-Speed, Lightweight
Contributing to the comfiest ride of your life are ergonomic grip pads, a sense of greater stability thanks to a lower center of gravity, and a generously padded seat. A wide, adjustable rack and lightweight aluminum frame make it a perfect option for navigating around campus with heavy belongings.
The general consensus is that assembly shouldn't take more than an hour. According to one verified customer, "This bike is extremely comfortable to ride & also takes less effort than any bike I have owned. I was impressed."
Lightweight alloy wheels and a thin aluminum frame all work together to promote a fast-paced aerodynamic riding experience. With its handsome, retro design, why walk when you could bike?
Retrospec Beaumont-7 Seven Speed Lady's Urban City Commuter Bike
Don’t let its dainty display fool you — this seven-gear commuter bike will allow you tackle everything from steep San Francisco hills to narrow alleyways laden with potholes.
Thanks to its RevoShift gear-shifting technology, you’ll never have to relinquish control of your bike. Pop your belongings onto the steel rack while you navigate the city with its back-friendly upright position.
ECOTRIC Fat Tire Electric Bike Beach Snow Bicycle 26" 4.0 Inch Tire Aluminum Ebike Powerful 500W Motor Electric Mountain Bicycle 36V/12AH Lithium Battery (Black)
Every pedal revs the battery-powered motor a little more, making this newer option on the market an incredibly efficient way to travel.
“These are heavier and faster than regular bicycles so you must practice and master them before attempting to ride with motorized traffic. But, once you've got it down, they are one of the easiest ways to bike to work because they make hills and even long distance commutes a breeze,” says Langley.
