There are few better ways to get in shape or maintain your fitness than by riding a bicycle. But you don’t need a high-end road-racing model to do it. Hybrid bikes (also known as fitness bikes) offer a balance of lightweight speed and a confidence-inspiring upright position that can make cycling more comfortable and fun. They’re also ideal as daily commuter bikes, due to their wide tires for smoothing out choppy pavement and gravel, simple and sometimes maintenance-free drivetrains, and disc brakes for more control, especially on slick surfaces.
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A hybrid bike starts with a traditional road bike platform: fast-rolling 700c wheels and a lightweight, efficient frame. But while a road bike typically comes outfitted with a drop bar, a hybrid bike’s signature feature is a flat handlebar. This provides a wide hand stance for better control, easy brake-lever access, and a more upright position that’s comfortable and conducive to looking over a shoulder in traffic. These are just a few of the reasons why new cyclists and commuters are often drawn to this type of bike.
But a proper fitness bike is more than just a road bike with a flat bar: It’s a bike that’s been specifically designed to be ridden with one. Chad Price, core research and development director at Specialized, says that a fitness bike typically has a longer reach than a road bike, resulting in better handling from a flat bar and shorter stem.
One of the best technologies to come to fitness bikes is disc brakes. Although they cost a little more than rim-style brakes, discs offer more control and precision, particularly in wet conditions. They also don’t require as much hand strength to operate, making them a reliable choice for rides with long, winding descents.
Some lower-cost bikes may come with cable-actuated disc brakes, a cheaper alternative that’s not quite as powerful or as low maintenance as a fully hydraulic disc-brake system but that delivers similar all-weather performance and reliability.
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Most fitness bikes come with two chainrings in the front and between nine and 11 cogs in the rear. Having more gears in the back allows you to fine-tune your shifting so you can keep a steady cadence, no matter the terrain. Bikes with three front chainrings typically cost less, but the third ring can make shifting less precise. A single-ring option simplifies shifting and cuts down on maintenance but may not have the range you need for climbing.
A belt drive (which takes the place of a chain) with an internally geared hub (where all the gearing is packaged inside the rear hub’s shell and sealed from the elements) requires less maintenance than a traditional chain-and-derailleur drivetrain. It’s incredibly reliable and very clean, says Andrew Lumpkin, CEO of Spot Bikes. A belt drive is also easy to use (one shifter controls everything) and, perhaps best of all, lets you change gears while sitting still at a stoplight. It’s a great, low-maintenance option if you can afford it, though it adds a small amount of weight.
As a former bike messenger, bike tour leader, and writer for bike publications, I’ve been asked to recommend a lot of bikes over the years. Anticipating these queries, I’ve made a big effort to test as many hybrids and city bikes as I can—not only because they’re great for commuting, fitness, and fun, but also because these are the kinds of bikes that my non-bike-geeky friends and family are most interested in buying. I used my own experiences to inform these selections, as well as the work of Bicycling’s team of expert bike testers, who spent weeks on many of these models—commuting on them, taking them out on long bike path cruises, and using them to join fun group rides—to suss out the best (and least desirable) qualities. Because some of our top picks are no longer in stock, we also included a few that we didn’t test but still recommend based on our experience with similar bikes in the same range.
We love all the bikes in Specialized’s fitness-oriented Sirrus lineup—from the entry-level 1.0 to the more performance-oriented, high-end 6.0—for their ability to combine a fun, fast-feeling ride with more utilitarian features. No matter which Sirrus you choose to test-ride or buy, it’s hard to go wrong. But the 2.0 is noteworthy in the lineup due to its comfort and accessibility for newer riders—all within a reasonable price range. The bike has a fairly lightweight-feeling alloy frame with MicroSHIFT components, including a 2×8 drivetrain, and ProMax F1 hydraulic disc brakes for powerful stopping. It’s a great little rig for zipping along multi-use paths for exercise and fun. But the bike is also ready for daily commuting, with plenty of potential to become the ultimate commuter bike thanks to enough mounts for fenders and a rack, as well as burly 700x32c tires (and clearance for up to 42s). Thanks to its comfortable but not sluggish frame geometry, people who haven’t ridden a bike in a while might be surprised at how fast the 2.0 can feel—but more dedicated cyclists who are looking for a racier bike with similar features should check out the Sirrus 4.0.
State Bicycle is best known for making stripped-down fixed gears at prices far below most bikes from other major manufacturers—a range of bikes known as its $400-$450 Core Line. The brand’s 4130 All-Road Flat-Bar costs about twice that amount but still continues State’s mission of affordability by being an ultra-capable and versatile gravel bike at the rare sub-$1,000 price point. A true two-in-one hybrid, the All-Road gives you the option of ordering the bike with tubeless-compatible 700c wheels with 38mm tires, 650b with 2.1-inch tires—or even both for an extra $399, if you want to easily swap between the two for commuting and longer gravel rides and bikepacking tours (the 650b will allow you to run wider tires at a lower pressure for more off-road comfort). You can also get the bike in a drop-bar version—both have a steel frame, State-branded 1×11 drivetrain for easy shifting, mechanical disc brakes, sturdy thru axle dropouts, and mounts galore for your commuting or touring racks, fenders, and accessories.
The CTY 2.1 Step-Through has a low standover, making it easy to mount and dismount as well as stand over the bike with both feet flat on the ground. The Shimano Altus 2×8-speed drivetrain offers riders 16 gear combos from which to choose—a considerable upgrade from the clunky and imprecise 3x setup on the CTY 1.1. Most riders will find the CTY suitable for climbing hills around town, and a set of hydraulic disc brakes means stress-free trips back down. The flat bar and high stack puts riders in a comfortable and upright riding position, and the 63-millimeter SR Suntour fork and 40-millimeter-wide Kenda Kickback tires should do a great job of smoothing out potholes and bumps on rough urban streets. Plus, just because the word CTY appears in the name doesn’t mean this bike isn’t also well-suited to trips on cinder bike paths and rail trails. One thing to note: REI’s Co-op bikes are member-exclusives, meaning you have to shell out $30 for a lifetime membership, which is admittedly a small price to pay for all the bonuses it has to offer—not to mention in-stock bikes at a time when they’re hard to find.
Priority is known for making high-quality city bikes that are a cinch to maintain for year-round riding. In keeping with that reputation, this sleek, efficient model has a Gates Carbon belt drive that won’t stretch or rust, flat-resistant 700x32mm WTB tires with reflective sidewalls, and front and rear dynamo-powered lights, so you never have to worry about charging yours before your early morning commute. The Tektro hydraulic disc brakes make it easy to stop quickly in all weather conditions, and the Enviolo CVT twist shifters provide smooth, progressive shifting from one resistance level to the next. At $1,299, the Continuum Onyx isn’t the cheapest commuter rig out there, but it’s a high-quality machine for the price, largely due to the brand’s direct-to-consumer model. Ultimately, all those thoughtfully planned extras add up to a serious bargain for a bike that’s equally practical and a joy to ride.
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Batch Bicycles first wowed us in 2018 with its sub-$500 commuter bike—an effort to bridge the gap between cheap big-box store rigs and the considerably higher asking prices at local bike shops. This Batch has even fewer bells and whistles but everything you need to ride to work or get in a good workout on two wheels. The Fitness is a very basic bike: It has a 6061 aluminum frame and steel fork, a Shimano Tourney 3×7-speed drivetrain, a flat bar, rim brakes, and grippy but smooth-rolling 700 x 35mm tires—plus rack and fender mounts for convenient commuting. But the bike is revolutionary in filling a market need: It provides a safe, reliable, and fun fitness option, with recognizably branded parts, for those who want to spend no more than $500.
Aventon updated its outstanding Level e-bike to have a smoother ride and added visibility. A new torque sensor delivers power to the rear hub motor more evenly than the previous generation bike. The Level.2 has a more natural and intuitive feel when riding. The addition of integrated lights and a smaller, easier-to-use display help make one of our favorite commuter e-bikes even better. In our testing, the Level.2 performed better than expected in every situation. The Aventon Level.2 remains the best commuter e-bike you can purchase for less than $2,000 and one of the best commuter bikes you can buy overall. The updates to the platform make an already great bike even better. This e-bike has everything you need for commuting or getting around town. Plus, the Level.2 rides great and is priced right. Now’s the time to level up!
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Brooklyn touts the Lorimer as a “versatile commuter bike that’s just as ideal for running errands as it is for working up a sweat on city streets.” It has a Shimano 9-speed drivetrain, puncture-resistant 700x35mm tires, and a springy, double-butted chromoly steel frame and steel fork. Comfort features include a wide, squishy saddle that fits more rear-end real estate; easy-to-use, easy-to-use Quick-fire shifters, and Brooklyn Bicycle Co.-branded parts like a flat bar, flat alloy pedals, and comfy ergo grips. You won’t find fenders, racks, or a kickstand on this bike—then again, you won’t find these features on most bikes at this price—but all the eyelets exist should you choose to add stuff later. It’s a cool, reliable fitness bike that’s happiest on pavement, hard-packed gravel paths, and park loops.
If you’re still holding onto the belief that hybrids are by definition sluggish and heavy, the Quick will disabuse you of that idea quickly. The bike is a favorite for its light weight, fast feel, and smooth ride, plus a comfortable upright riding position that makes it an easy choice for recommending to new riders. The 2×9-speed drivetrain comes courtesy of Shimano, with a decent range for tackling the hills on your commute. Tektro hydraulic disc brakes give you confident stopping power, while the 35mm Schwalbe tires barrel over urban debris. The Quick Disc 4, with a steel fork, microSHIFT Advent groupset, and 1×9 gearing (as opposed to the 3’s carbon fork, Shimano Altus and Acera group, and 2×9) rides similarly well and costs a bit less, but the Quick Disc 3 is my first choice among the line.
Marin’s Fairfax line has long been an in-house favorite for its smooth-riding comfort and use of reliable parts at a cost that’s often below similarly spec’d bikes. The top of the line, the 3, is a machine that can do it all well—get you to and from the office, tackle a long climb, drop in on a group ride, and shred some off-road paths. The bike’s lightweight aluminum frame and carbon fork sport a slightly more performance-oriented geometry than many hybrids, which gives the bike more of a flat-bar roadie vibe than that of a laidback commuter. The Shimano Sora and MicroSHIFT drivetrain provide plenty of gearing options for all terrain, while the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes guarantee reliable stopping power. It’s an easy-to-ride bike that will kickstart your plans to start commuting or riding for fun everyday—with fender, kickstand, and rack mounts that make it easier to customize the bike to your needs.
Yes, commuter bikes are supposed to be sensible and practical, but sometimes they’re also just a blast to ride—letting us rip around corners and race over pothole landmines like the city is a flow trail. Such is the case with the Division 1, Diamondback’s relatively new commuter bike, which is designed to be lightweight and easy to schlep into an apartment but brawny enough to float over all manner of gnarly terrain and obstacles. For the price, the Division 1 has a great blend of parts—a 1×8 Shimano Acera drivetrain, Tektro mechanical disc brakes, and tubeless 27.5-inch x 47mm tires that feel smooth and capable on pavement or light trails. All this adds up to a ride experience that’s lively, responsive, and much zippier than you’d expect from your standard hybrid.
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