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Trek Verve Disc Series Review

Trek’s Verve range of hybrid bikes has received excellent reviews since its release. The majority of users say they offer excellent value for money, providing high-quality parts and materials at a low cost. For work commuters, weekend riders, or those looking to do short tours with light loads, you’ll struggle to find better-priced bikes of the same quality.

Who Is The Trek Verve For?

Trek’s new range of Verve hybrid bikes is aimed at urban commuters and recreational riders looking to do short trips around town. They have comfortable seating positions, straight handlebars, and frame mounts for fitting pannier racks and fenders. All bikes in the Verve range come in both standard and “low-step” models for cyclists who require easier mounting.

Best for: Urban commuting Top features : Bontrager components, Alpha Gold aluminum frame, DuoTrap S compatibility, Rack/fender ready, Mechanical/Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Trek Verve Disc Top Features

Verve 1 '2020 verve 2 '2020 verve 3 '2020 weight l - 13.73 kg / 30.26 lbs l - 13.20 kg / 29.1 lbs l - 13.73 kg / 30.26 lbs tires bontrager h5, wire bead, 30 tpi, 700x45c bontrager h5, wire bead, 30 tpi, 700x45c bontrager h5 hard-case ultimate, wire bead, 60 tpi, 700x45c stem bontrager quill, 25.4mm clamp, 25 degree bontrager alloy quill, 31.8mm clamp, adjustable rise, blendr compatible bontrager alloy quill, 31.8mm clamp, adjustable rise, blendr compatible, (s,m 85mm / l,xl 105mm length) shifters shimano altus ef500, 7 speed shimano altus m310, 8 speed shimano acera m3000, 9 speed / sl-m3010, 2 speed seatpost bontrager alloy, 27.2mm, 12mm offset alloy, adjustable suspension, 27.2mm alloy, adjustable suspension, 27.2mm, 300mm length saddle bontrager boulevard bontrager boulevard bontrager boulevard rims bontrager connection, alloy, double-wall, 32-hole, schrader valve bontrager connection, alloy, double-wall, 32-hole, schrader valve bontrager tubeless ready disc, 32-hole, presta valve rear hub formula dc31 alloy, 135x5mm qr formula dc22 alloy, 135x5mm qr formula dc-22, alloy, 6-bolt, shimano 8/9/10 freehub, 135x5mm qr rear derailleur shimano altus m310 shimano altus m310 shimano acera m3000, shadow design, long cage pedals wellgo nylon platform bontrager satellite city pedal bontrager satellite city pedal headset 1-1/8" threadless, semi-integrated, semi-cartridge bearings 1-1/8" threadless, semi-integrated, semi-cartridge bearings 1-1/8'' threadless, semi-integrated, semi-cartridge bearings handlebar trek urban alloy, comfort sweep, 25.4mm, 45mm rise bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, comfort sweep bontrager isozone alloy, 31.8mm, comfort sweep (s,m - 620mm l,xl - 665mm width) grips bontrager satellite bontrager satellite bontrager satellite isozone plus, lock-on, ergonomic front hub formula dc-20, alloy, 6-bolt, 5x100mm qr formula dc-20, alloy, 6-bolt, 5x100mm qr formula dc-20, alloy, 6-bolt, 5x100mm qr front derailleur shimano tourney ty510, 34.9mm clamp, top swing, dual pull shimano tourney ty710, 34.9mm clamp, top swing, dual pull shimano acera t3000, 34.9mm clamp, top swing, dual pull frame alpha gold aluminum, duotrap s compatible, disc brake, rack & fender mounts, 135x5mm qr alpha gold aluminum, duotrap s compatible, disc brake, rack & fender mounts, 135x5mm qr alpha gold aluminum, duotrap s compatible, disc brake, rack & fender mounts, 135x5mm qr fork steel, disc, rack mounts, 415mm axle-to-crown, thruskew 5mm qr alloy, disc, rack mounts, 415mm axle-to-crown, thruskew 5mm qr alloy, disc, rack mounts, 415mm axle-to-crown, thruskew 5mm qr crank forged alloy, 48/38/28, chainguard forged alloy, 48/38/28, chainguard shimano mt210, 46/30, chainguard (s,m 170mm / l /xl 175mm) chain kmc z51 kmc z7 kmc x9 cassette sunrace mfm300 freewheel, 14-34, 7 speed shimano hg31, 11-32, 8 speed shimano hg200, 11-36, 9 speed brakeset tektro md-m280 mechanical disc, 160mm rotor tektro hd-m275 hydraulic disc, 160mm rotor shimano mt200 hydraulic disc, shimano rt26, 160mm, 6-bolt bottom bracket vp bc55p, 68mm, threaded vp bc73, 68mm, threaded, shimano acera groupset.

The Verve 3’s benefits from the smooth and efficient gearing provided by Shimano’s Acera components. Both the front and back derailleurs are Acera as well as the shifters. Trek has downgraded the front crank to a 2-speed ring but put a 9-speed Shimano HG200 cassette on the rear, with 11-36 cogs. This gives the rider 18 gears overall with the added range provided by the extra-large 36t rear cog.

Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Trek has also decided to go with Shimano in the braking department this time around. Shimano’s MT200 hydraulic disc brakes are a firm favorite amongst hybrid and MTB riders alike. They provide great grip, instant reaction time, and no slippage even in wet weather.

Bontrager Hardcase Wheels

Bontrager’s Hardcase Ultimate tires are the real deal when it comes to tackling hazardous city streets. These things will carve through rubble or broken rocks without trouble and should even keep you safe against glass shards or small nails. The 700c x 45 wire-beaded tires also have reflective sidewalls for safer night riding.

Alpha Gold Aluminum Frame

The Alpha Gold aluminum frame is compatible with Trek’s DuoTrap S sensor system for tracking your progress. It also has a front and rear rack and fender mounts if you wish to convert the Verve 3 into a decent touring bicycle. With the strong frame and alloy fork, the Verve 3 can carry up to 300 lbs (136 kg) of overall weight (rider and luggage).

DuoTrap S Compatible

DuoTrap S is Trek’s unique frame-integrated wireless computer system that tracks your statistics while you cycle. It can be installed neatly into the frame on the inside of the rear wheel for a clean and aerodynamic finish. The DuoTrap S device (sold separately) tracks your cycling statistics and sends the information wirelessly to a Bluetooth or ANT+ enabled cycling computer or smartphone.

Trek Verve 1 Disc

MSRP $530 Best Features : Mechanical disc brakes, Bontrager Tires, DuoTrap S compatible (Not included)

Verve 1 is an excellent introductory hybrid bike at an attractive price . Its comfortable geometry is perfect for first-timers or casual recreational riders. It’s built from tough, reliable components that are simple to clean and repair, making maintenance an easy task for new riders. It doesn’t have the suspension required for heavy off-road riding but it does have extra-large tires to absorb the shock of small rocks and bumpy roads. This makes it a decent bike for riding on dirt tracks in parks or along country lanes.

• Men’s Trek Verve 1 Disc comes in two colors: Factory Orange  and Trek Black , and four sizes: S, M, L, XL. 
• Women’s Trek Verve 2 Disc comes in four sizes: XS, S, M, L and in two colors: Era White , and Dnister Black

Main Features

Aluminum frame and steel fork.

The strong Alpha Gold aluminum frame is built to carry weight and take abuse so it won’t break on you anytime soon. Attach a rack to the rear so you can carry groceries or go on short weekend camping trips in the countryside. This is complemented by a steel front fork with rack and fender mounts.

Mechanical disc brakes

Disc brakes provide much-improved stopping power in wet weather so you won’t have to worry about cycling in the rain. These Tektro MD-M280 mechanical disc brakes are highly rated and quality tested. 

Shimano Gearing

The Verve 1 has good value Shimano Altus and Tourney derailleurs making up its 21-speed drivetrain, with a SunRace 14-34t freewheel cassette. The combination offers a wide range of gears so you can tackle any hills without trouble.

Extra-large tires

Bontrager supplies the extra-large 700x45c tires on the Verve 1 so you can comfortably attack even the most cobbled streets. The thick wire-bead tires offer maximum puncture protection and have reflective sidewalls for safer night riding.

The Verve 1 is compatible with Trek’s proprietary DuoTrap S wireless computer system (sold separately). The system tracks your cycling statistics and sends the information wirelessly to a Bluetooth or ANT+ enabled cycling computer or smartphone.

Trek Verve 2 Disc

MSRP  $670 Best Features : Hydraulic Disc Brakes, Bontrager 700x45c wheels, Alpha Gold aluminum frame, Suspension seat post

The Verve 2 is an intermediate hybrid bike for casual riders with some nice components upgrades from Verve 1. Most notably, the Verve 2 is fitted with a higher-quality Shimano 8-speed cassette that offers a wider range of gears. It benefits from the same solid aluminum frame material but with a lighter alloy fork at the front.

• Men’s Trek Verve 2 Disc comes in four sizes (S, M, L, XL) and two colors: Rage Red and Lithium Grey. Coming in at about 29 lbs (13.2 kg), it’s a bit lighter than the Verve 1 but equally strong and reliable.
• Women’s Trek Verve 2 Disc comes also in four sizes (XS, S, M, L) and two colors: Teal and Quiksilver. Weighing 28.8lbs (13kg).

Shimano Groupset

The Verve 2 has a full Shimano drivetrain comprised of Altus and Tourney derailleurs and an 8-speed Shimano HG31 cassette. Combined with the triple cog on the crank gives you 24 gears in total, enough to tackle steep hills or hit the tarmac with speed.

Hydraulic disc brakes

The Verve 2 enjoys improved braking power with Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc brakes. Hydraulic brakes provide quicker and more reactive braking power with less pressure required, ensuring you always stop in time and avoid accidents.

Suspension Seatpost

While Verve 2 doesn’t have any suspension on the front or rear wheels it does get a nice touch with seat post suspension. The alloy adjustable seat post has a small added spring that gives up to 27.2mm of travel that will absorb any sudden bumps that creep up on you.

Aluminum Frame and Alloy Fork

The Verve 2 has the same Trek Alpha Gold aluminum frame as the Verve 1 with a lighter 415mm alloy fork. The comfortable frame geometry puts the rider in an upright position, with a 71.5-degree head angle and an average 70-degree seat tube angle.

Bontrager Wheels

The wheels on the Verve 2 are Bontrager Connection with size 700x45c Bontrager H5 wire-bead tires. The thick-treaded, reflective and puncture-protected tires are strong and resilient in all types of weather, ensuring you stay safe and visible even in low-light conditions. 

Trek Verve 3 Disc

MSRP  $820 Best Features : Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes, Bontrager Hardcase wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano Acera Groupset

The Verve 3 is Trek’s top-dog in this range of hybrid bikes and ensures you get all the best quality parts for an excellent price. The inclusion of a full Shimano Acera groupset really gives the Verve 3 an extra touch of class .

• Men’s Verve 3 Disc comes in four sizes (S, M, L, XL) and two colors: Metallic Gunmetal and Mulsanne Blue. It weighs on average 30.2 lbs (13.7 kg), making it slightly heavier than the Verve 2 and about equal to the Verve 1.
• Women’s Verve 3 Disc weighs about 13.54 kg / 29.85 lb, comes in two colors: Quicksilver, Purple Abyss. Four sizes: XS, S, M, L

What Can Be Better?

It’s hard to find any cons about those bikes, and we really couldn’t find anything major. If you are willing to sacrifice the speed and ease of riding, you might want to swap the rigid fork to a front suspension with at least 50mm travel.

Another not-so-good fact about these bikes is that they look really nice and glossy, which means you have to take good care of it by not getting the frame scratched. We also recommend investing in a solid bicycle lock too as this bike simply won’t get unnoticed!

Trek Verve Disc Sizing Chart

Conclusion: why is the verve so popular.

• Built by Trek
• Outworldly beautiful design
• Unbeatable value in terms of geometry and components
• Super comfortable and easy to ride
• Rack & fender ready for maximum versatility

Buy on TrekBikes.com

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About the Author

Sam Millers

3 thoughts on “ trek verve disc series review ”.

It is almost impossible to fit a front rack on the verve 3. There’s only a mid fork eyelet, and the fork is too wide for the little options there are for mid-fork mounting front racks.

A friend bought a Verve 1in black. It is labeled as a “1” yet it has much up-graded components. It’s more like a “3”. It was purchased and put to together by Trek employees. Is this possible?

Hi, could you recommend a specific brand of a front suspension fork that I could buy to replace the rigid front fork for the Trek Verve 3 disc lowstep with a medium frame?

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The 8 Best Hybrid Bikes of 2024, According to Experts

Tackle any urban terrain with the most versatile two-wheelers.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

Best Hybrid Bike for Beginners

Specialized sirrus 2.0 hybrid bike.

Best Premium Hybrid Bike

Trek fx sport 6.

Best Hybrid Bike for Commuters

Priority bicycles continuum onyx.

Best Folding Hybrid Bike

Tern verge d9 folding bike.

Most Versatile Hybrid Bike

Giant bicycles toughroad slr 2.

Best Hybrid eBike

Ribble hybrid al e electric bike.

Best Step-Through Hybrid Bike

Co-op cycles cty 2.1 step-through bike.

Best Value Hybrid Bike

Schwinn gtx 2.0 comfort hybrid bike.

For most fitness riders, hybrid bikes—also called “fitness bikes”—are the solution. They’re designed to offer the lightweight design of many road-racing bikes, but with a more comfortable, confident upright riding stance. Most come with wider tires, too, which makes cruising rough, potholed city streets a whole lot more bearable. Plus, the best models are built with premium components like hydraulic disc brakes, battery-free lights, and low- to zero-maintenance drivetrains. These definitely aren’t the kid-friendly Huffy bikes you grew up with.

All of which is to say that bikes, even hybrid bikes , are deceptively complex. Whether you’re just getting started in your cycling journey or are looking to upgrade your current two-wheeler, there’s a perfect model out there for you. But where to start? We’ve done the legwork for you to research and personally test many of the top-rated bikes on the market. Here are our picks for the best hybrid bikes worth riding in 2023

Best Bikes for Men | Best Folding Electric Bikes | Best Electric Bikes | Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes | Best Cycling Shorts

Versatile, comfortable, and affordable—everything that makes Specialized’s wildly popular Sirrus 2.0 a solid buy for just about anyone. The lightweight design couples an aluminum alloy frame with a steel fork that altogether weighs roughly 27 pounds. Its ProMax F1 hydraulic disc brakes provide serious and reliable stopping power on any terrain. The result? The perfect balance of durability with easy, comfortable handling for riders of any skill level. That includes everyone from first-time adult riders to daily commuters.

It’s not the most budget-friendly bike in Specalized’s lineup, nor the most premium. At around $800 (closer to $600 on sale), it’s an incredibly affordable model for anyone looking to step up from an entry-level hybrid but who isn’t quite ready to drop $2,000 or more on a high-end two-wheeler. Of course, when you’re ready to upgrade your upgrade, Specialized’s lineup runs all the way up to the Sirrus 6.0.

What do buyers say? “This is the first Specialized bike. I've had many before but from the other brands. Very impressed. Light enough, smooth gears and stiff. Very well-made bicycle,” said one Specialized.com reviewer.

The all-new FX Sport 6 is the flagship in Trek’s FX lineup with a fitness-focused geometry that’s light, fast, and easy to ride. "Tipping the scales" at just over 20 pounds, the carbon frame is remarkably lightweight. It offers all the same features of a premium road bike—a 400 Series OCLV Carbon frame, carbon wheels, and a Shimano drivetrain—but with a flat handlebar design. It all combines in a hybrid bike that’s damn near-perfect for riders of all stripes, including commuters, newbies, and advanced fitness cyclists. Plus, the slick, blacked-out design looks pretty handsome too.

We’ve been fans of Trek for years and the FX Sport 6 is a standout among the company’s stellar lineup. It’s no surprise, given the nearly $3,000 price tag, which makes it the most expensive in this year’s round-up. But with solid buyer reviews and premium components throughout, we think it’s worth it. Plus, Trek’s 30-day unconditional guarantee means you can return it for any reason (even if it’s just because you changed your mind) for a full refund.

What do buyers say? “My previous Trek 2.6 was all the rage until I purchased this. The FX6 ia so much faster, better handling even with the fatter tires and lower pressure. They are great for the road,” said one TrekBikes.com reviewer.

If you’re looking for an upgrade to your entry-level two-wheeler but aren’t ready or willing to splash out on $3,000 high-end model, we like Priority’s Continuum Onyx. The brand is well-known for some of the best commuter bikes, and this hybrid model is no exception. It features premium components throughout, including a rust-free Gates Carbon belt drive, dynamo-powered (read battery-free) lights, and beefy 700x32mm WTB tires that are extremely flat-resistant. Enviolo CTV shifters guarantee smooth, responsive shifting and high-end Tektro hydraulic disc brakes deliver plenty of stopping power in tight city conditions.

At roughly $1,300, this certainly isn’t a cheap hybrid bike. But it’s built with premium parts from tip to tail, making that midrange price tag seem entirely reasonable. Everything that makes it a near-perfect commuter bike also ensures it’s a good fit for newbies and even more advanced riders.

What do buyers say? “It was very easy to assemble. I love the look and love the feel. Very quiet and solid,” said one PriorityBicycles.com reviewer.

Folding bikes used to be something of a novelty. They were rarely anything you’d actually want to ride (or be seen riding). Not so with Tern’s Verge D9. It’s our go-to pick for this year’s best folding hybrid bike. Proprietary T-Tuned geometry coupled with beefier 37mm tires makes this a more stable and comfortable model than most folders. Shimano hydraulic disc brakes provide solid stopping power on both wet and dry pavement. The saddle seat is also purpose-designed for shoulder-mounted carrying. Plus, we love that the entire bike folds or unfolds in just 10 seconds and is small enough to fit under a desk.

This is no doubt a specialty bike that’s designed with commuters and city dwellers in mind—hence the roughly $1,150 price tag. It’s at least 50% more than a comparably priced standard (non-folding) hybrid bike. But, if you’re looking for one of the most compact, street-friendly hybrid solutions on the market, you’ve found it. What’s more, Tern designed it with easy upgrading in mind.

What do buyers say? “Great choice. So versatile and easy to ride. Smooth ride for my 1.5 miles one way commute,” said one REI reviewer.

True to its name, Giant’s ToughRoad SLR 2 is a hybrid bike that’s built for less-than-ideal riding conditions. That includes smooth city streets, loose gravel bike paths, and everything in between. It’s made possible via a proprietary ALUXX SLR aluminum frame with a lightweight, durable carbon fork—both of which are ultra-durable yet absorb harsh front-end vibrations. Giant’s D-fuse seatpost and extra-grippy tires add an extra degree of comfort and confidence to your ride. Like other hybrid bikes in our roundup, this model features a standard flat-bar design with a more upright position that’s great for a wide variety of terrain and ride lengths.

Like most Giant two-wheelers, this hybrid bike is priced right at just over $1,000. That’s squarely at the midrange of our roundup, making it the perfect upgrade from most entry-level cycles. While it’s not a true mountain bike, it’s the closest hybrid model in our roundup that we’re comfortable taking on light off-road rides.

What do buyers say? “A higher ride position is enjoyable, shifting is smooth and quick, ride is very comfortable on rail bed trail locally,” said one Giant-Bicycles.com reviewer.

Of course, we can’t roundup the best hybrid bikes without throwing in a hybrid electric bike. Ribble’s Hybrid AL E Electric Bike is our favorite hybrid-style eBike of the year. The general framework is purpose-built with speed and efficiency in mind, making it one of the company’s best options for commuters and other city riders. But the geometry is incredibly versatile, allowing for complete customization of almost every component. If you want to add a rear storage rack, mudguards, and fatter tires, for example, all you have to do is ask. That also means you get the exact paint job you’re looking for, from blacked-out to cool blue to eye-popping red.

Under the “hood,” the Hybrid AL E is powered by a 250Wh battery which delivers roughly 60 miles on a single charge. It fast-charges in roughly three hours, too, so you can take it to work and top it up for your ride home. Ribble’s ebikemotion system weighs less than eight pounds and is so compact and perfectly built into the bike’s frame that it’s practically invisible. That only streamlines the look and the aerodynamics, but also makes it less of a target for thieves.

What do buyers say? “If you want to look stylish around town and arrive where you’re going sweat-free, it’s definitely one to consider,” said one RibbleCycles.co.uk reviewer.

For riders who like the convenience of a step-through model, Co-op Cycles’ CTY 2.1 is our favorite hybrid option. The low standover height allows for easy mounting and dismounting, while also ensuring it’s easy to stand with both feet square on the ground. The Shimano Altus 2x8 drivetrain serves up 16 available gear combinations. Coupled with Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, it’s a satisfying ride around town, even over hilly, potholed terrain. The 40-mm-wide tires and shock-absorbing fork also ensure a smooth, bump-free ride.

What we especially love, though, is the price. At roughly $800, it’s on the low-end of our favorite midrange models. Given its excellent reviews and better-than-average components, we think it’s worth the premium for anyone looking to step up from a more entry-level hybrid. Because REI Co-op Cycles are only available to members, be sure to account for the (totally reasonable) $30 lifetime membership fee if you don’t already have one.

What do buyers say? “Great commuter & path bike! Perfect bike for riding around the neighborhood to stay in shape. It handles the gravel and overgrown paths with ease and is just as great on the road/sidewalk,” said one REI.com reviewer.

If $500+ is too rich for your wallet, there are other options. Schwinn’s lineup of entry-level hybrid adult bikes includes the Schwinn GTX Comfort. While it lacks the better components of our favorite premium models, this is a solid alternative for budget-conscious bicyclists. The design relies on an aluminum dual-sport frame and suspension fork that tackles city streets and light trails with aplomb. Like the best hybrid bikes of this year, it features a flat-bar design and a more upright riding position that combine for a comfortable, confident ride.

Schwinn is most synonymous with entry-level bikes that “hardcore” riders might scoff at. But, if you’re looking for a durable, reliable two-wheeler that’s ready to tackle most urban and suburban terrain, this is a solid option. We especially love that it’s available starting at less than $300 (depending on the exact model), which feels like a steal.

What do buyers say? “Great bike for the money. So far this bike has been great, and makes the daily commute to work a lot more fun,” said one Amazon reviewer.

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Like most fitness gear, bikes are entirely personal. The best bike for your neighbor might not be right for you. It’s all a matter of aesthetics, price, weight, gearing, features, and how and where you most often ride. But there are a few key things to consider when shopping for the best hybrid bike for you. Here’s the low-down:

Drop Bar or Flat Bar

Hybrid bikes are similar to traditional road bikes in that they typically boast a lightweight frame that rolls on fast 700c wheels. What sets them apart, however, is that hybrid bikes are almost always built with a flat handlebar, while road bikes use a drop bar. The former uses a wider design for a wider hand stance that makes riding easier to control with better break access and an upright seating position. The result is a more comfortable ride that’s perfect for casual (read non-racing) cyclists and commuters, too. Hybrid bikes can feature a drop bar, too, but they’re specifically designed for a flat handlebar.

It’s All in the Gearing

In general, hybrid/fitness bikes feature two chainrings up front and usually 9-11 cogs at the rear. The latter helps to better dial in your shifts for a smoother, more predictable ride on everything from bike paths to hilly city streets. Budget hybrids sometimes include three front chainrings. It’s a setup that trades performance for price, however.

Modern disc brakes seriously changed the game for cyclists. They’re more expensive than traditional rim-style brakes, but better in every way, offering more precise control in both dry and wet conditions. Beginners and cyclists who love long rides love them, too, because they require less hand strength to operate. More budget-friendly hybrid bikes may be built with cable-actuated disc brakes. These offer similar performance but aren’t as powerful and require a bit more maintenance.

Hybrid bikes, like many of the best bikes, vary widely in price. Decent budget models start around $400, while mid-range models run north of $1,000. For the best hybrid bikes, however, expect to pay as much as a used car (upwards of $4,000 or more). Just know that you don’t have to spend a small fortune to land a decent two-wheeler.

How We Selected the Best Hybrid Bikes of 2023

Over the past year, our fitness-loving writers and editors here at Men’s Health researched and personally tested dozens of top-selling bikes. We compared every spec and feature, from brake technology and frame style to overall aesthetic and price. For this roundup, we’ve also included a few hybrid bikes with overwhelmingly positive reviews on the retailer sites we trust most. The final list above represents our honest picks for the best hybrid bikes worth buying in 2023.

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The Best Hybrid Bike

By Christine Ryan

Christine Ryan is an editor overseeing coverage of travel and outdoors gear, which has entailed testing down-filled vests in Iceland in June.

If you’re seeking a bike for your daily commute and your weekend exercise, a fitness hybrid—that is, a road bike with flat handlebars—may be the right choice.

Over the past six years, we’ve spent 60 hours sifting through nearly 75 options, test-ridden more than a dozen bikes, and concluded that the Marin Fairfax 1 is the best hybrid for most people. It provides a stable, comfortable ride on city streets, and it’s a better value now than when we first tested it.

Everything we recommend

Marin Fairfax 1

Our favorite hybrid bike.

This fun-to-ride and capable commuter bike is equally comfortable on longer weekend outings—and it offers far better value than its competitors.

Buying Options

Jamis Coda S2

Still the smooth one.

This steel-framed bike provides a vibration-dampening ride and some nice extras—brand-name tires and sturdy pedals. But the trade-off is less maneuverability and a steepish uptick in price.

Upgrade pick

Priority Continuum Onyx

For the neatnik diyer.

A belt-drive bike that has an easy-to-use internally geared rear hub means less maintenance and no grease on your work clothes. You have to assemble it yourself though (or pay someone else to).

These days, global supply chains have mostly recovered from their pandemic-related problems, and many bike companies are now facing inventory gluts rather than shortages. However, the list prices that rose during that time generally haven’t come down, at least not permanently. We are seeing discounts on bikes this summer, so it’s worth shopping around for a deal.

Or consider getting a used bike—we have advice on how to buy secondhand gear, including bikes, online without being scammed . Sites such as BicycleBlueBook and The Pro’s Closet sell used bikes; both require sellers to provide serial numbers for the bikes. (The Pro’s Closet specializes in higher-end bikes—that is, those costing at least $1,500 when new—and gives the bikes an inspection and a tune-up before selling them.)

One point that we’d like to underline: No matter where you end up buying a used bike, ask the seller for the bike’s serial number so that you can see if the bike has been reported stolen. ( Bike Index , a nationwide nonprofit registry, maintains a list of stolen bikes.) Don’t help bike thieves profit from their misdeeds.

Our top pick, the Marin Fairfax 1 , ticks most of the boxes on our hybrid-bike checklist: durable-enough components, a chrome-moly steel fork that’s forgiving on potholes and rough city streets (and of higher quality than the high-tensile steel forks used on many other, pricier bikes), rack and fender mounts, and hill-friendly gearing (including a rear cassette, rather than a cheaper and outdated freewheel cogset). When we first tested this bike, it earned extra credit for its well-designed aluminum frame, which provided more-agile handling and zippier acceleration than the competition. Marin has since revamped the frame to make the bike more stable and possibly less sprightly (we couldn’t detect a difference when we rode it). However, given the growing price difference between the Fairfax 1 (it’s $500, the same as it’s been for the past couple of years) and similarly equipped bikes from other companies, we believe it’s still the best option, despite any possible downsides to the redesign. (The Fairfax 1 is available in a step-through option at the same price.)

The Jamis Coda S2 is a very good option if you’re looking for the comfort of a steel frame (steel does a much better job than aluminum at dampening the vibrations caused by rough pavement) without the weight penalty that lower-priced steel frames often impose. (Such frames are often made with heavier high-tensile steel, rather than the chrome-moly that the Coda S2 has in both its frame and fork.) That means an easy time carrying this bike up stairs and lifting it onto bus- or car-mounted bike racks. The Coda S2 comes with well-rated Vittoria Randonneur tires—that is, tires from a “real” tire company that you can buy in a bike shop, and now in a wider and cushier size—and steel-wrapped resin pedals. (This bike is also available in a women's version , which essentially means smaller sizing and a women’s-specific saddle.) The main drawbacks with this model are maneuverability—it’s not quite as nimble as the other bikes we tested, which could be a function of its geometry (more on that in How we picked and tested )—and price. In 2018, the Coda Sport (as it used to be called) cost $530; now, the Coda S2, which has very similar components, costs $770.

For commuters, belt-drive systems make a lot of sense. The belts don’t wear out as quickly as chains, and they don’t need to be oiled, so there’s less bike grease in your life and on your clothes. And the internally geared rear hubs let you change gears when you’re standing still (like at a traffic light). The downside is the cost: Reliable internally geared hubs are expensive, and that makes bikes with belt drives pricier than our other picks. But the aluminum Priority Continuum Onyx is a bargain for this category, especially considering that it comes with hydraulic disc brakes, the well-respected Gates Carbon Drive belt, and an Enviolo continuous gearing rear hub, plus upgrades, such as internal gear cable routing and dynamo-charged front and rear lights. (This bike does not, however, come in a step-through version.)

The research

Who this is for, why you should trust me, how we picked and tested, our pick: marin fairfax 1, also great: jamis coda s2, upgrade pick: priority continuum onyx, the competition.

If you’d like to start regularly riding to work or school, and your ride will last half an hour or more, you’ll probably want what’s often called a fitness hybrid bike, or a performance hybrid. That term gets you what is basically a road bike with flat, mountain-bike-style handlebars. A bike like this will be agile enough to maneuver around the potholes you see, tough enough to weather the ones you don’t, and speedy enough that you can roll it out on the weekend to get some exercise with the family, or even join a charity ride. But it’s not as twitchy, in terms of handling, as an actual drop-bar road bike would be, and, given that you’ll be sitting up rather than hunched over, it’ll be a lot more comfortable to ride. And should you get to the point where you are snagging all the local KOMs or QOMs (translation: you’ve bought a fancy road bike) or shredding the singletrack gnar (translation: you’ve bought a fancy mountain bike), you can still use your trusty hybrid as your townie bike—the one you can load down with groceries (hurray, rack mounts!) or lock up outside without too much fear of theft (hurray, low price!).

If you start searching online for “hybrid bikes,” by the way, you’ll no doubt discover that the term covers a vast range of options. For super-short commutes—a couple of miles or so—you could get away with one of those cruiser-type “comfort hybrids,” where you sit up straight in a big squishy saddle. But for anything longer, that kind of seat will soon become a literal pain in the posterior. Your sit bones, as the yoga teachers call them, need a firm base to support the rest of you. And if you’re never going to use the bike for anything other than commuting, you could get an urban or utility hybrid, which comes outfitted with integrated racks and fenders and lights. But you’ll pay more for accessories that might not suit your particular needs—and you’ll have to get another bike for your fun rides.

For the original 2017 version of this review, I interviewed mechanics and proprietors at shops specializing in commuter bikes all over the country—from Boston and Washington, DC, to New Orleans and Chicago to Minneapolis and San Francisco—who see and repair bikes that are ridden in all kinds of conditions. I also talked to bike manufacturers and component suppliers, spent multiple days surveying every booth at various bike trade shows, and, of course, checked in with everyday riders, including members of San Francisco’s local bike coalition.

Over the years since, I’ve continued to test new iterations of our picks, to make sure they’ve retained the features we liked, and I’ve researched and considered new models from other manufacturers, testing those that seemed promising.

Years ago, I myself started riding an eight-speed hybrid from San Francisco’s Bernal Heights to my downtown office, and even after I’d switched to a road bike for a longer commute, I kept the sturdy little bike around as my city ride. I also used to work part-time at my local bike shop, where my duties included advising the shop’s commuter clientele on fenders, racks, and panniers—and installing them, too.

Performance hybrid bikes don’t attract the kind of enthusiasts who keep endless threads going on road-bike or mountain-bike forums, debating the merits and flaws of different brands and models. Magazines like Bicycling and Outside and Men’s Journal will occasionally cover hybrid bikes or recommend one in the context of a larger bike roundup. Still, we dug up what reviews we could find, looking for praise and dings.

The sweet spot for a starter bike like this used to be $500. Drop much lower, and you were stuck with outmoded or truly poorly made parts that might be hard to replace once they wear out; spend more, and you can get a nicer bike, with lighter components, but that defeats the purpose of a starter bike. However, many of the $500 bikes we looked at a few years back have gone up in price, some by as much as 35% as of the spring of 2023. We did still find some hybrids from reputable manufacturers that cost $500, but almost all of those had one or more deal-breaking problems. In fact, those dealbreakers are now appearing in bikes costing as much as $650.

After seeing what’s available now, consulting buying guides both online and in print (our library of more than a dozen bike-repair manuals), and interviewing commuters, bike-shop owners, and mechanics, we settled on what we’d like to see in the ideal basic hybrid-fitness bike.

Fitness-appropriate geometry: When bike people talk about “geometry,” they’re talking about the angles at which the tubes that make up the bike’s frame meet. Change the degrees of the angles, and you change the way the bike handles on corners and going up and down hills. The more vertical the head tube is—that’s the tube connecting the handlebars to the front fork and wheel—the more quickly the bike will turn. Which sounds good, but if the bike is too responsive, it could feel squirrelly and unstable. For efficiency’s sake, the design of your hybrid’s frame should be closer to that of a road bike than to that of a comfort bike, or a porteur -style retro bike (the ones with swept-back handlebars and, sometimes, a front rack like the ones Parisian newsboys once used). You don’t want to sit straight up, especially on a longer weekend ride. Why? You’ll have to fight the wind more if you’re sitting up, and, adds Kevin Womac of downtown Chicago’s Boulevard Bikes , “If you lean over, you can use more of your core muscles to pedal, so your legs aren’t getting as tired.”

Flat handlebars: These are more user-friendly than the drop bars you see on a road bike, and since you will be more upright, your field of vision will be broader—a plus in city traffic.

Safe, strong brakes: On a flat-bar bike like this, you’ll have a choice of traditional V brakes or disc brakes. Although mechanical (or cable-actuated) disc brakes have become common on low-priced hybrids, we don’t see them as a necessity as much as a nice thing to have if you live in a place with a lot of rain and snow and hills. As Loren Copsey , co-owner of The Daily Rider in Washington, DC, said, “On these bikes you’re going to get entry-level disc brakes, which are hard to set up and hard to keep adjusted, and lower-quality pads—and they’re not necessarily even more powerful than rim brakes. So you might get more value at that price point with the one that has the V brake and the nicer drivetrain.” Also, bikes with disc brakes are almost always heavier than comparable bikes with rim brakes, and a lighter bike is easier to ride uphill, and easier to lift onto a bike rack or carry up a flight of stairs. However, it’s unusual to find a hybrid now, in 2023, equipped with V brakes that doesn’t also come with serious flaws elsewhere on the bike.

Fender and rack mounts: Instead of using a backpack to carry your laptop or groceries, using panniers attached to a rear rack lowers your center of gravity, which is a good thing. Also, no sweaty back. Fenders will keep you (and your riding companions) at least a little drier when you’re riding in the rain—or on wet roads, after the rain has ended.

Puncture-resistant tires: Such tires are heavier and slower than the speedy slicks you’d use on a road bike, but any time that you might lose due to the extra weight is time you’ll probably gain back (and more!) by not having to stop to fix a flat. Unfortunately, fewer entry-level bikes come equipped with this kind of tire than when we first published this guide.

Gearing appropriate for your terrain: By this we mean, for the most part, that the bike should have gears and not be a single-speed. Not that single speeds don’t have their place. In parts of the country that are flat and have vicious winters—hello, Minnesota!—the fewer moving parts in a drivetrain, the better. But most of us have at least a few hills to climb or headwinds to battle, and gears will come in handy. Almost all geared fitness hybrids come with three chainrings in front and seven or eight gears in the back, for a total of 21 or 24 gears, which would give you enough options for pretty much anywhere you’ll be riding. Something we’ve seen more of lately are hybrids with just a single chainring up front and no front derailleur, and a bigger set of gears in the back. (This type of setup has been popular on mountain bikes for years now; a derailleur is, by the way, the mechanism that moves your bike’s chain from one gear to another when you trigger the shifter.) Having one fewer shifter to deal with is appealing, but to get the equivalent range of gears without two or three chainrings, you need big—and expensive and heavy—cassettes in the rear. So we eliminated such hybrids.

A sturdy yet reasonably lightweight frame: You do want to be able to carry your bike up steps or down into the subway, or be able to lift it onto a bus or a bike rack. But you also want something that can withstand being knocked around a little. So you’ll probably be looking at an aluminum frame. Aluminum’s a third of the weight of steel, and it doesn’t cost nearly as much as carbon (though the ride can be stiff and a bit jarring). Steel provides a cushier ride, but a good-quality, lightweight steel frame will not be cheap. Almost all of the bikes we looked at, though, do have steel-bladed forks; the slight increase in weight that they add is worth the vibration dampening they provide. (Of these forks, we preferred those made from chrome-moly , a type of steel that’s stronger than high-tensile steel , which you tend to see in very cheap bikes.)

Decent-quality components: Here, it’s a matter of finding the right balance of price, quality, and durability. Before 2020, most of the front and rear derailleurs on these bikes—and shifters and brake levers, too—were made by Shimano, and although they were not top (or even middle) of the line, they worked just fine and would last at least a few commuting seasons. During the pandemic-induced bike boom, manufacturers were scrambling for components and often having to use those from less well known companies such as ProWheel and microSHIFT. Now, the boom has waned, but inflation hasn’t quite, yet, so we’re still seeing these cheaper off-brand components on bikes. By all accounts, according to the many rider forums we’ve dug through, they’re functional enough. “If you’re not racing, a slightly heavier derailleur isn’t going to make a big difference. I don’t think somebody’s going to notice performance issues right off the bat, and when the derailleur needs to be replaced, the cost will be fairly minimal—$20 to $30,” said Womac. “Yes, cheaper derailleurs do look uglier, but that’s just aesthetics.” One thing we would avoid, though, are bikes that come with old-fashioned freewheel cogsets on the rear wheel, instead of the more modern cassettes. A common complaint on the few hybrid user threads we’d found was being stuck with a wheel whose hub was compatible only with freewheel cogs, which are becoming hard to find, especially high-level ones. What you really don’t want to buy is a bike with a freewheel and disc brakes—and we’re seeing more and more of them. If that rear wheel gets stolen or irreparably damaged, good luck replacing it, said Copsey: “You just can’t find those two things on an off-the-shelf wheel.”

Wide rims: The wider the rims on the wheels, the wider the tire you can use, and the lower the air pressure you need, which gives you a more comfortable ride. “A big fat tire is the poor man’s suspension,” said Michael Ferrand, owner of Bicycle Michael’s , in New Orleans. The norm for these bikes’ rims is 32 mm—you’ll want at least that. (One welcome trend is the increasing number of hybrids being sold with wider tires: Instead of the usual 35s, they’re coming with 38 mm tires and even 40 mm.) Speaking of suspension, none of our experts would recommend getting a $500 bike with front suspension, no matter how bad the roads are in your city. As Emily Thibodeau, owner of Hub Bicycle (now closed), in Cambridge, Massachusetts, put it, “At this price point, the shocks you’d get are really heavy and can’t be adjusted—it’s like having a glorified pogo stick on the front of your bike.”

When we first compiled this guide, in 2017, we started with a master list of 45 bikes and filtered it down to 16 using the above requirements. For our next update, in 2019, we started with those 16 bikes, checking to see which aspects and components had changed and which had remained the same. When necessary, we called in models that had undergone any substantial changes. In 2021 and 2023, we dove deep into the latest specs for all the bikes we’d ever looked at, as well as those of our picks, and of any new bikes on the scene.

Next came the test-riding stage. The highlight was what I like to call the Supermarket Slalom: riding up and down a steep little driveway leading to my local Safeway, while weaving in and out of the soft-hit poles that separate the cars from the pedestrians, to test the bikes’ handling. (I promise: No pedestrians were harmed, or startled, in the course of researching this story.) San Francisco even obliged with a few rainstorms, which made the abundant broken glass in the parking lot even more appealing to tires and made the pedestrian walkway’s plastic surface even more slippery—and allowed me to vet all of the bikes’ brakes for wet-weather performance.

Here are two things to remember when you’re shopping. First, you should try to test-ride any bike you’re considering buying—how a bike feels to you and how your body feels while riding it are intensely personal. And that raises the question of women-specific design (aka WSD). Though most companies do offer step-through or low-rise versions of each bike (we’ll point out when our picks do), more than a few are now offering parallel models (or even complete brands of bikes) designed for smaller riders with proportionally shorter arms, narrower shoulders, longer legs, and smaller hands. Usually, these riders are women, which means that these models and brands have tended to come in what the companies believe are female-friendly colors (and sometimes, sadly, with components that are not quite as good). Still, no matter what gender you identify as, if your body resembles the description above, you’d be smart to try WSD models too—you might just find a bike that fits you perfectly. Conversely, if you’re a tall person of any gender who has broad shoulders, WSD bikes might not be for you. The second thing to bear in mind is that bikes don’t often change that much—or at all—from one model year to the next. If the bike you like isn’t available anymore but the dealer says that next year’s model will be available soon, ask if it’s a “carry-forward” model. If it is, nothing will be changing.

After a redesign for 2022, the Marin Fairfax 1 remains at the top of our list for many reasons: the two most important being value for money and how it feels to ride. When I initially got on the bike, the first year we tested it, and pedaled off down the street, the bike felt quick—not in a nervous, edgy way, but in a sprightly way. Accelerating felt easy. When I measured the bike’s chainstays (the parts of the frame that connect the rear wheel to the bottom bracket), they were shorter, 432 mm, than those on any other bike we tested. As a rule, the shorter the chainstay, the quicker the bike accelerates and the easier it climbs—at least until the front wheel starts lifting off the ground. Also, the Fairfax chainstays are flattened (a design meant to increase stiffness; that is, more of your pedaling power makes it to the rear wheel), and the seat stays (the parts of the frame that connect the rear wheel to the seat tube) join the seat tube at a relatively low point, tightening the rear triangle, which also increases the bike’s responsiveness.

In the 2022 model we tested, the flat design of the chainstays hasn’t changed, nor has the low point at which the seat stays join the frame, but the chainstays are now longer at 445 mm. (We tested a step-through version, which is the bike shown in the photos above and below.) The Fairfax didn’t seem sluggish to us, and at a time when prices for similarly equipped hybrids from the big companies (Cannondale, Fuji, Giant, Specialized, Trek) hover around $650, the Fairfax still costs only $500. (The 2023 model uses the same frame and mostly the same components—the only difference being the disc brakes. They’re now being sourced from a British company, Clarks , known for supplying big bike companies with their house-brand brakes.)

In 2019, this bike started coming with mechanical disc brakes. As we said earlier, we believe that disc brakes (whether the cheaper, less effective, but easier-to-maintain cable-actuated mechanical versions, or the pricier, somewhat fussier hydraulic ones) are overkill on hybrids, unless you ride a lot in bad weather. They also tend to add weight and cost to a bike. In this case, the bike gained 3.79 pounds and Marin downgraded the quality of the rear derailleur a level in Shimano’s range from an Acera to the Tourney; downgraded the quality of the tires (more about that below); and went from eight cogs in the rear to seven (multiply them by the three chainrings up front, for a total of 21 gears in all).

Going from 24 gears to 21 is less of a problem than you might think, as long as the distance between the highest and lowest gears doesn’t decrease. The cassette on the old Fairfax had eight gears ranging from 11 to 32 teeth; the cassette on the newer one has seven gears ranging from 11 to 34 teeth, so the gearing range increased. That’d be a good thing—especially if you’re facing a steep hill and will be needing that extra-easy big gear in the back—except that the bigger jumps between fewer gears might make the shifting feel rough. (This isn’t something we noticed with the Fairfax, though.)

Having only seven gears in back is common among the other hybrids we saw in the Fairfax’s price range; what makes the Fairfax stand out is that Marin is using a true seven-speed cassette, not a freewheel cogset (see our criteria in the How we picked section). None of the other 21-speed bikes we considered came with a cassette at the time, and this remains the case in 2023. In fact, now we’re seeing bikes costing as much as $650—such as the Giant Escape 3 Disc —coming with a freewheel cogset. (The Fairfax’s front gearing is like that of all the bikes we tested, apart from the belt-drive ones: a Shimano Tourney triple set of chainrings with 48, 38, and 28 teeth.) Otherwise, this model has the same components as its predecessor, and the same sprightly aluminum frame and shock-dampening chrome-moly steel fork.

Apart from the changes in the Fairfax’s geometry, the most recent redesign did result in two definite improvements. First, the shifter cables are once again routed internally, and now the brake cables are as well—an unexpectedly high-end touch in an entry-level bike. Running the shifter or brake cables inside the frame tubes protects the cables from damage in much the same way that cable housing does, only better. (Grit can work its way in between the cable and the housing and make your bike’s shifting slow or ragged.) Second, the frame now has clearance for bigger tires, which means that if you so choose, you can replace the 35 mm tires that come stock on the bike with cushier 38s or even 40s (I checked and they’ll fit).

For those riders who prefer a step-through or low-rise frame, Marin now makes a version of the Fairfax 1 called the Fairfax 1 ST ; it’s identical to the Fairfax, apart from having a lower top tube.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

In 2019, Marin went with a private-label tire with no claim of flat protection for the Fairfax 1, instead of with the previous Schwalbe Road Cruisers, which came from one of the most respected tire makers in the business and did have a protective layer of Kevlar fiber. The 2023 Fairfax 1 still comes with the private-label tire.

In the years since we first tested the Jamis Coda S2 (formerly called the Coda Sport), the bike’s specs haven’t changed in any substantive way, though the price has steadily marched upward, from $520 in 2017 to $530 to $580 to $700 in 2021 to $770 this year. The 2023 version currently available is very similar to the 2017 that we tested; the only difference is the color, which is now either a deep blue or black. This model still has the same Shimano Tourney front derailleur and triple crankset (with 48, 38, and 28 teeth), Acera rear derailleur and eight-cog, 11-32-tooth cassette, and Tektro V brakes, as well as steel-wrapped resin pedals, and it once again comes with Vittoria Randonneur tires after a brief downgrade, two years ago, to Kenda Kwick tires. Now, however, the Randonneurs are 40mm instead of the old 32s, which should make the ride even smoother. The heart of the Coda S2 is still relatively lightweight (27 pounds for the 19-inch size) steel frame, which quiets the road chatter you might otherwise feel while riding on rough pavement. (Jamis does make a “women’s” version of the Coda S2 ; the only differences, though, are that it comes in one smaller size, different colors, and with a slightly wider saddle.)

Along with a silky ride feel, another advantage steel offers is that if it bends, it can be bent back. So if the hanger that attaches the rear derailleur to the frame gets bent—as can happen if the bike is in a crash or even, say, jostled roughly on a train—it can be straightened again without risk that it will snap. With aluminum, sometimes such an operation is successful and sometimes … not. This is why modern bikes with aluminum frames—like all of the aluminum hybrids we tested—use replaceable derailleur hangers, which can be swapped out if they get bent. These aren’t expensive parts to replace, but they come in a bewildering array of sizes and shapes. So it can be a minor pain, even for a professional mechanic, to identify the hanger that’s on your bike and then to find a new one.

In terms of acceleration, the Coda has relatively short chainstays—435 mm for the smaller three sizes, and 440 mm for the two larger—which makes this bike a bit sprightlier than the run-of-the-mill steel bike.

If you plan on commuting during foul weather or spend a lot of time riding on dirt roads, you might want to consider a bike with disc brakes, which maintain their stopping power in the rain (they also don’t get clogged up with mud or slush the way rim brakes can). But if your daily routine takes you on rough pavement or potholed city streets, the Coda S1 could be the bike for you.

Although the aluminum-framed Priority Continuum Onyx retails (as of this writing) at $1,300—a little over two and a half times the cost of the Marin Fairfax 1 —it’s actually inexpensive for a belt-drive hybrid. The Continuum comes with hydraulic disc brakes, an aluminum fork, a Gates Carbon Drive belt (Gates being the most well-made option from a high-quality manufacturer), and, most intriguingly, an Enviolo continuous internally geared rear hub drive (instead of the cassette-and-derailleur system on the regular fitness hybrids we researched). But this bike is also available only through the Priority website, which means diving into the sometimes-problematic world of online bike shopping.

One plus of using a carbon belt to turn your bike’s gears and wheels is that a belt is far cleaner than a chain, since a belt drive doesn’t need to be lubricated, so it doesn’t pick up dirt the way chain lube does. (No bike grease on your pant leg!) However, belt-drive hybrids tend to be quite a bit more expensive than traditional hybrids, because using a belt drive requires using an internally geared rear hub, which can cost anywhere from about $100 for a three-speed Sturmey-Archer to $1,500 for a Rohloff 14-speed. (Compare this with $45 for the Shimano eight-speed cassette and hubs that are on most of the bikes we looked at.)

More-affordable belt-drive bikes have definitely been a trend. What sets the Continuum Onyx apart is the type of internally geared rear hub it has, and how you buy the bike.

Rather than changing gears one by one, with an audible click, you twist the grip shifter of the Continuum Onyx smoothly in one direction to make the pedals easier to turn (and the bike easier to ride up hills), and in the other direction to make the pedals harder to turn (which will make the bike go faster on flat ground). The workings of ordinary internally geared hubs are difficult enough to grasp—picture something like the inside of an old, expensive watch —and when you add in the concept of continuous gearing, with no indexing, it seems like magic. However, the hub does have upper and lower limits in terms of ease and difficulty: According to Enviolo, the range of “gears” is broader than with a Shimano Nexus eight-speed hub, which is what Marin’s Presidio 3 belt-drive commuter bike (selling for $1,150) comes with—and the Priority does seem to climb just a little bit better.

The Continuum Onyx that we tested came with a front headlight that’s powered by the front wheel’s dynamo hub, so you don’t need to replace batteries or plug it in to recharge it, and a removable, rechargeable (by USB) rear light; all the Onyxes now shipping, however, are equipped with a rear light that’s permanently attached and wired to the front hub’s dynamo as well. The headlight on our test bike was strong enough for city use—I’d supplement it with our commuter headlight pick if I were taking it on dark suburban bike paths, say—but it had a strobe-y effect that I found distracting. Other than that, the Continuum Onyx was sturdy, comfortable, and fun to ride around town.

The downside to buying a Priority bike is that you’re buying a bike online. There are many, many reasons to be wary of doing so, not the least of which is that you can’t test-ride the bike ahead of time to make sure you like it and that it fits you. And once the bike arrives, you have to finish putting it together. This was the case when we tested this Continuum Onyx, as well as its predecessor, the first Continuum. (One advantage of an internally geared hub and a belt drive is that at least you don’t have to fiddle with derailleurs; you do, however, still need to make sure your brakes are set up correctly and your bike is bolted together properly.) Both bikes we tested—the original Continuum, which we tested six years ago, and the current Continuum Onyx—came from Priority in fine shape, and the hydraulic brakes didn’t need to be bled on either of them.

Since our testing, Priority has created a couple of workarounds. The first involves an outfit called Beeline Connect ; Priority ships your bike to the bike shop closest to you that works with Beeline, and the shop assembles it for a fee of $130. The second is to pick up the bike, fully assembled, at Priority’s showroom in lower Manhattan (for a fee, again, of $130). If neither of those options work for you, and you have the bike shipped directly to you (this costs $30), we recommend that you have a bike shop assemble your bike for you or at least check your work. You should expect to pay the shop its standard service rate and maybe even a “corkage” fee—a small fee for bringing in a bike you bought online instead of purchasing one at the shop. (If there is a fee, pay it, and don’t be a jerk about it.) As Michael Ferrard points out, bringing in a bike you’ve bought online for them to put together is like “driving your meat to McDonald’s and asking them to fry it up and put some porcini and portobello mushrooms on it.”

The Trek FX 2 Disc  and the Trek FX 2 Disc Stagger step-through , which both come with hydraulic brakes, now cost a cool $800 each, a $70 increase from 2021 and a $260 increase over 2019. The bikes do still feature Trek’s proprietary Blendr stem and DuoTrap S capability. The first lets you fasten Blendr-compatible mounts for lights or bike computers or cameras to the handlebar end of the stem, freeing up valuable real estate on your handlebars. The second means that you can install Bontrager’s DuoTrap S speed and cadence sensor into the chainstay—no zip ties! But if you’re that interested in performance metrics, odds are good you’ll soon be graduating from a hybrid to a road bike anyway. (Trek’s entry-level FX, the FX 1, is still available in rim-brake and mechanical-disc-brake versions , for $600 and $700, respectively. But both models use a freewheel cogset, not a cassette, which we regard as a dealbreaker.)

In the past, we’ve criticized the Giant Escape 2 for its aluminum fork, which we could feel transmitting the roughness in the pavement through the handlebars to a much greater extent than with the bikes we tested that had steel forks. After eliminating the rim-brake version of the Escape 2 entirely in 2020 and switching the disc-brake version from a triple chainring in front to a double (which helps the bike shed a little weight but also reduces the number of gearing options; the cassette remains 8-speed), Giant has kept the Escape 2 Disc (with hydraulic disc brakes) largely the same for the current model, apart from giving it wider, 38 mm tires. However, since 2020 the price has jumped $170, to $750. (The cheaper Escape 3 still comes in both rim-brake and mechanical-disc versions, but those use freewheel cogsets—a dealbreaker, as we said above .)

In a laudable commitment to women’s cycling, Giant has an entire women-specific brand, Liv. The Liv equivalent to the Escape line is called Alight; the Alight 2 comes only in a hydraulic-disc-brake version , and the Alight 3 comes in rim-brake and mechanical-disc models, also with freewheel cogsets. The same changes in the Escape bikes hold true for the Alight models: bigger tires and higher price tags.

The 2019 version of the Specialized Sirrus (the name was changed to the Sirrus 1.0 ), one of our also-great picks from four years ago, went up in price from $430 to $475, despite having suffered cuts in component quality. In 2020, the price remained the same, but the bike had a double chainring in front, in place of the old triple. This reduced the number of gearing options to 14 (as the rear cassette remains a seven-speed), and those gears spanned a narrower range (12 to 32) than the Marin Fairfax 1 covers (11 to 34). For 2021—and now 2023—not much changed except the price, which rose to $650.

As for Cannondale, it eliminated the entire lower end of its Quick range of fitness hybrids for 2020: no more Quick 8 or Quick 7. The line starts with the Quick 6, which has V brakes, triple chainrings, and a seven-speed cassette (instead of the nine-speed one it used to have). The price is $660 for the men’s and the women’s versions; they are identical apart from the range of sizes and colors available, and the fact that the women’s version has a step-through frame.

We dismissed Batch Bicycles’ Fitness Bicycle because it uses a freewheel cogset rather than a cassette. We had been planning to test the steel Roebling , from Brooklyn Bicycle Co., but it now comes with a single chainring up front instead of the original triple chainring, which is a dealbreaker. Jamis makes a cheaper version of the Coda S2 called the Coda S3 , but its handlebars are very upright and look more suited to a comfort bike—another dealbreaker.

M. Loren Copsey, co-owner of The Daily Rider, Washington, DC , phone interview , September 29, 2016

Kevin Womac, owner of Boulevard Bikes, Chicago , phone interview , September 29, 2016

Michael Ferrand, owner of Bicycle Michael’s, New Orleans , phone interview , September 29, 2016

Emily Thibodeau, former owner of Hub Bicycle, Cambridge, Massachusetts , phone interview , September 29, 2016

Gene Oberpriller, owner of One on One Bicycle Studio, Minneapolis , phone interview , September 29, 2016

S.B. Phillips, mechanic, The New Wheel, San Francisco , interview , October 1, 2016

Meet your guide

Christine Ryan

Christine Ryan is a senior editor at Wirecutter overseeing the teams that cover travel, outdoors gear, beds and linens, home decor, and more. (She also edits and writes about cycling equipment, which gives her an excuse to sneak away from her desk and go for a ride.) Previously, she was an editor at European Travel & Life, Gourmet, and Sunset.

Further reading

The Best Bike Helmet for Commuters

by Lindsay Warner

In our ninth year of testing bike helmets, we now recommend the Met Downtown Mips for most commuters. We also have other picks for other needs.

The Best Bike Storage Ideas

by Christine Ryan

After 30-plus hours of research and testing, we think the Delta Cycle Michelangelo Gravity Stand  is the best bike rack for storing bikes in limited-space homes.

The Best Kids Bike Seats

by Caitlin Giddings

A kids seat mounted to your bike is a good way to begin to nurture your child’s own love of riding for transportation—or just for fun.

The Best Bike Panniers

by Eve O'Neill

After spending four years testing dozens of panniers, we’ve chosen six that’ll be great for daily duty no matter what you’re toting or where you’re going.

Best hybrid bikes 2024 for leisure and commuting: top rated models

How to find the best hybrid bike that suits both your riding and your budget

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Best hybrid bikes: comparison table

Hybrid bike buyer's guide.

The best hybrid bikes are a versatile option that will serve for your commutes and cycling around town. Also called fitness bikes, as they'll help you to keep in shape, they're also good for weekend excursions and, with their wide tires and stable ride, can handle off-road trips on gravel tracks, bridleways and tow paths too.

A hybrid bike mixes the properties of a road bike and a mountain bike. While a road bike or a gravel bike has drop bars and a more aggressive ride position, a hybrid bike will allow you to sit more upright, which many riders find more comfortable.

Although some hybrid bikes include a suspension fork, many don't. This is a feature that may not be needed for less extreme riding, as the hybrid bike's wide tires will take care of bumpy surface conditions. A suspension fork can add substantial weight to the bike, while lower priced suspension forks may not add much comfort to the ride.

Some hybrid bikes may use less complex suspension systems, as with the Specialized Sirrus X below. Most will allow you to fit fenders for year-round use and also a rear rack , so that they can be used for shopping or commuting without needing to carry a backpack .

Hybrid bikes are also a popular option to which to add an electric motor, making them some of the best electric bikes . We've included some electric hybrid bikes in our round-up of the best hybrid bikes below. 

To put the bikes through their paces, our testers rode a variety of terrain across varying distances and weather conditions, detailing important considerations such as comfort, ease of use and durability - all vital components of the best hybrid bikes. 

Read on for our top picks or head lower down the page for advice on how to choose the best hybrid bike for your needs.

The best hybrid bikes

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

The Vitus Substance is a flat bar version of Vitus's gravel bike

1. Vitus Substance V-2 Flat Bar

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Technically a flat bar version of Vitus's Substance gravel bike, the rugged spec gives you great all-round capabilities for a hybrid. It's stable and easy to ride both on road and off, on fast off-road and picking through traffic.

There's a quality alloy frame with a carbon fork and the cables routed neatly through the down tube, which helps to protect them. There are plenty of mounting points for racks and fenders and you can even fit a third water bottle or a tool case underneath the down tube.

The component choice gives a wide gear range from its 46/30t Prowheel crankset and 11-34t 9-speed Shimano Sora cassette, while the Tektro mechanical disc brakes offer effective stopping power. Both have a very light touch, making them easy to use.

The Vitus rolls on quality WTB ST i23 rims and Vitus hubs. It's let down by its non-tubeless 40mm tires though, which have a recommended minimum 45psi/3.5 bar pressure, which is too much for comfort on tarmac, let alone off-road. Drop below this and they squirm. A swap to tubeless tires on the tubeless-ready rims upped the Vitus's game no end.

Read more: Vitus Substance V-2 Flat Bar full review

Ribble Hybrid AL e  demonstrates how subtle the electric power is on the bike 

2. Ribble Hybrid AL e

We test rode the electric version of the Ribble Hybrid AL - the Ribble Hybrid AL e - and loved it so much we gave it a Cycling Weekly Editor's Choice Award as it's one of the best hybrid electric bike's we've seen. 

Offering a smooth level of assistance from the Ebikemotion system, coupled with decent range and a fully loaded spec the Ribble Hybrid AL e can handle the daily commute as well as anything. But being both capable and rewarding, it's certainly not restricted to A to B rides and could take you on many adventures.

The aluminum frame features elegantly shaped tubing profiles including pencil-thin, dropped seatstays for added compliance and a distinctive dropped driveside chainstay design. There's a step-through frame option as well as a frame with a crossbar if you prefer a bike that's easier to mount and dismount.

Ribble has specced a full carbon fork on the Hybrid AL e to help keep weight down whilst still retaining a good level of steering stiffness and much needed vibration damping.

The Ribble Hybrid AL e is really quite a joy to ride in most respects. It has an engaging handling feel and a build quality that turn it into a bike you look forward to riding rather than a dead and dreary commuter.

At this price point you get a fully loaded electric bike with a superb frame, quality motor system and really decent parts the Ribble Hybrid AL e certainly offers almost unbeatable value when compared to its rivals. 

If you want a non-assisted bike, the Ribble Hybrid AL is available in a range of pre-built specs, many of which come with mudguards and a rear rack. Ribble provides advice via video link to its showroom if you want a walkthrough of the bike's features or more buying info.

Read more: Ribble Hybrid AL e full review

Tenways integrates the motor and battery neatly into the CGO600 electric bike

3. Tenways CGO600 Pro e-bike

The Tenways CGO600 Pro has an alloy frame and fork with a slender battery enclosed in the downtube. It's a low maintenance design with a lubricant-free Gates belt drive that Tenways says should go up to 19,000 miles without servicing. Tenways says that the bike is weatherproof, but should not be stored outdoors regularly.

Assistance comes from a 350W (in the US) rear hub motor, which gives a 53 mile claimed range and includes a torque sensor that helps ensure that the power output matches your pedalling input. The battery locks into place, but can be removed for easier charging. The on-bike LCD display gives plenty of data and allows you to switch between the four assist modes and there's an app which lets you log trip distance and other data.

The CGO600 Pro has Tektro hydraulic disc brakes. It's kitted out with grippy tires, mudguards and an integrated front light, although there are no water bottle cage mounting points.

Tenways sells its range of commuter bikes part-assembled, so there's a little work to get everything set up, with some tasks a little tricky. The bike is supplied with some useful extras like a mini pump . The handlebar grips were a little uncomfortable with bare hands, but they're easy to swap out and a pair of cycling mitts would solve this.

Read more: Tenways CGO600 Pro e-bike full review

The Priority Bicycles Continuum Onyx has a belt drive and variable ratio transmission

4. Priority Bicycles Continuum Onyx

The Priority Bicycles Continuum Onyx includes front and rear lights, fenders, and uses a Gates Carbon belt drive system with a continuously variable rear hub. It's unlike most anything on the market and offers the advantage of reduced maintenance and no chance of grease on your clothes.

If you want a bike that feels at home in the urban jungle the Priority Continuum Onyx might be the perfect solution.

Both the frame and the fork are made from aluminium - a material common at this price point. It's light but stiff and easy to work with.

But what's really unique is the continuously variable NuVinci N380 CVT drivetrain. What you get is roughly the same gear range as a common 7-speed chain driven bike but without distinct gears. Shifting happens with a grip shift and there is a smooth progression from easy to difficult. 

It has a carbon belt instead of a chain and all the shifting components live in the rear hub. The system is silent and requires no real maintenance, which is why it suits a  commuting bike  so well.

With the Priority Continuum Onyx there is no real point of comparison on the market. It's possible to get other hybrid bikes in the same price range with a focus on different features. It's also possible to find cheaper bikes but if you want something with this unique mix of features, this is it. There's simply nothing else out there that's quite the same.

Read more: Priority Continuum Onyx full review

Decathlon offers excellent value with the Triban RC500

5. Triban RC500

The Triban RC500 is a speedy hybrid bike that's more tarmac than off-road orientated and will suit those riding mostly on the road. The carbon fork supplies phenomenal value and adds an enormous amount of comfort to the ride.

The bike's head tube puts you in an upright position from the off. Out on the roads you're left feeling in control of the bike but also comfortable, with the aluminium frame absorbing a good amount of the road's lumps and bumps.

Just because it has a focus on comfort doesn't mean the RC500 is slow to respond. We were impressed by the bike's fast acceleration and how well it holds its speed. Newer riders will certainly be impressed by its turn of pace.

It's a great price for a great bike; the mechanical disc brakes are OK, but worth a hydraulic upgrade if you see a good deal. There's a compact 50/34 chainset boasting a rear cassette replete with a wide spread of gears that will see you up and over most hills, without sacrificing flat speed.

The tyres warrant a special mention, having proven their robustness over the course of commutes (and many more shards of glass). The tyres and the wheels (another Decathlon in-house product) form a fine partnership and can even be set up tubeless should you want the extra security.

If you are looking for the best hybrid bike at this sort of price point, and are after plenty of versatility and dependability then look no further than the Triban RC500 flat bar.

Read more: Triban RC500 flat bar full review

The Specialized Sirrus X has a unique design that adds a lot of comfort to its ride

6. Specialized Sirrus X 5.0

The eye-catching carbon frame design of the Sirrus X stands out and, along with the Future Shock 1.5 headset, adds plenty of comfort. You can fit tires up to 42mm wide too. Reflective paint ups your road presence when riding after dark.

The combination of a 38 tooth chainring with an 11-50 tooth 12-speed cassette gives a wide gear range, although we found the SRAM Eagle NX shifting a little unrefined and that it lacked the top-end ratios for higher speeds on tarmac. There's a more road-going spec available if you do want higher gearing and skinnier tires.

The Sirrus X 5.0 feels light, fast and very comfortable on road and in its element on bumpy off-road, when its built-in compliance features make it very smooth, even with tires at higher than ideal pressure, to avoid pinch flats. The wheels and tires are both tubeless-ready, allowing you to lower pressure and add even greater comfort and grip.

The price is high for a hybrid, but the Sirrus X isn't your normal hybrid and its clever design will up your riding enjoyment no end, even is the component spec is underwhelming for the price.

Read more: Specialized Sirrus X 5.0 full review

The Boardman HYB offers a women's-specific fit

7. Boardman HYB 8.8

The Boardman HYB 8.8 has a carbon fork paired with its alloy frame - the fork being a nice extra to improve comfort over an alloy or steel number. The bike's geometry is quite racy, so you're not sitting as upright as on many hybrids.

There's a smart-looking one piece bar and stem, which gives the Boardman Hyb 8.8 a stylish air, although it makes for fewer adjustment options than a more conventional separate bar and stem.

The bike comes with a single chainring 10-speed Shimano Deore groupset. That's a good combination, lowering complexity by eliminating the front derailleur. The wide range cassette still gives lots of gear range, although it does result in quite large jumps between ratios.

We reviewed the women's HYB 8.8, but there's a men's/unisex version too, which differs only in its size range and contact points: saddle and bar width. It's well specced for its price and comfortable and fast to ride, although we'd have liked wider tyres for more off-road adventures.

Have a look too at our review of the Boardman HYB 8.6 , a lower priced alternative to the HYB 8.8.

Read more: Boardman HYB 8.8 hybrid bike full review

A quality spec marks out the Giant Escape 1 Disc 

8. Giant Escape

The Giant Escape 1 has a butted aluminium frame (Giant calls it ALUXX) with tons of stand-over clearance - an ideal bonus if you're commuting in jeans - and a composite fork. The tyres are wide and this model can go off-road, but this is a bike designed mostly with tarmac in mind.

This would be a great hybrid bike for anyone looking to start leisure riding or wanting to get to work in comfort.

The Shimano Altus gearing is excellent. As with most Shimano products, it has proven itself bombproof, and its shifting didn't miss a beat. It's a triple setup, which means you'll have the use of three rings at the front (in a 26/36/48 guise paired with a nine speed cassette on the back) which makes winching yourself up any hills relatively painless.

Giant has gone for integrated cables, a smart move as it reduces the risk of contamination or damage over time and thus maintenance. The brakes offer super speedy stopping and there's a huge choice of gears.

Features such as a riser stem allow for an upright and comfortable position.

There are a handful of Giant Escape Disc Sport Hybrids to choose from with the Escape 1 the range topper, although it can be a little harder to track down than the lower priced Escape 2 and 3.

Read more: Giant Escape 1 Disc full review

Carrera's Subway is low priced and easy to live with

9. Carrera Subway 1

This bike from Carrera represents good value for money, and with mudguard and a pannier rack it's a versatile option too. If you're planning on cruising around town, riding to parks, to beaches or to other recreation spots, you can't really go wrong with this.

There are three Carrera Subway bikes in the range: a men's and women's-specific Subway 1 and a male/unisex Subway 2.

All three share the same lightweight aluminium frame, with the women's frame getting a subtle frame geometry tweak with a dropped top tube. 

We reviewed the women's Subway 1 and rode it on a mix of road and trail-like terrain.

Admittedly, it's not quite as comfortable as some other options out there, but a slight decrease of tyre pressure helped soften the buzz enough to take the Carrera Subway 1 off road, and it coped pretty well.

It's nimble enough to navigate tight slow corners, while being predictable to give a rider handling confidence, especially when descending at a reasonable speed or when riding slowly in traffic.

The mechanical disc brakes were top notch and we actually struggled to tell the difference performance-wise compared to hydraulic ones.

The Carrera Subway 1 is a good bike that will get you out rolling and enjoying the world on two wheels. With its mudguard and pannier rack mounts, it also offers a good deal of opportunity to be reasonably versatile.

Read more: Carrera Subway full review

What is a hybrid bike?

A hybrid bike is a cross between a road bike and a mountain bike, incorporating the best bits of both to create a machine that is comfortable over multiple terrains and surfaces.

While the best comfort bikes are ideal for gentler-paced leisure riding and best fitness bikes are designed more for workout goals, the best hybrid bikes give you a lot of versatility, either for commuting or weekend leisure rides.

What makes the best hybrid bike?

Each of the best hybrid bikes will have its own unique design. The road and off road capability is blended differently depending on model, with some having a stronger speedy road/urban bias, while others will have a greater preference for gravelly lanes and uneven off-road terrain. If you're unsure what bike is best for your riding then read our article explaining the difference between mountain bikes and hybrid bikes .

What are the features you can expect in the best hybrid bikes?

• Hybrid bikes generally have tyres that are wider than those of a pure road bike, but narrower than mountain bike tyres. Somewhere around 28-32mm is the norm but the more rugged will go up to 50mm
• Hybrid bikes will have flat handlebars and a more upright position that allows the rider to sit with a straighter back than on a road bike
• You'll often find disc brakes on a hybrid: these provide more powerful stopping and are more reliable in wet weather than rim brakes
• If you plan to use your hybrid bike for commuting, look for eyelets for mounting a pannier rack and mudguards - most hybrid bikes will have these and they may have a rack and mudguards already fitted

Do I need a women's-specific model to get the best hybrid bike for me?

Yes and no! The most important thing about getting the best hybrid bike for you is fit. Many brands will offer women's hybrid bikes which will come in smaller sizes, including narrower handlebars and women's-specific saddles. Check out the full range of the best women's hybrid bikes on our dedicated page to help you decide.

Are there different types of hybrid?

How do I get the best style of hybrid bike?

The best hybrid bike for someone else might not be the best hybrid bike for you. Think about the sort of riding you're going to be doing. Would you be better suited buying a hybrid bike that is more similar to a road bike, or one that is more similar to a mountain bike?

If you are thinking of riding your bike to work check out our top tips for commuting to work by bike page for all you need to know. In the UK consider the Cycle to Work Scheme to reduce the net cost of your purchase.

If you're doing most of your riding on roads and cycle paths, then the best option is to go for a more road-orientated hybrid. Quite often, these will feature the same frame and fork as found on the manufacturer's sportive road bike, but with a flat bar handlebar for a more upright position. The tyres will also be slick, and not super wide, allowing you to ride fast and keep up with traffic.

This type of hybrid bike will normally also come with gearing that reflects its road origins, mainly designed for relatively fast riding over flat roads. At its bottom end, the gearing should also be easy enough to tackle some pretty fierce hills. But, if you're carrying extra pounds in your panniers (or around your middle), then you may struggle a little.

However, if you are going to be riding on rough cycle paths and bridleways, then it's better to go for one that will be able to cope with the terrain.

The main difference with this type of hybrid is that it will come with a suspension fork, which will improve comfort when riding over rough, rutted surfaces. These bikes will also come with slightly wider tyres, usually with a bit of tread on too to give a little more grip.

With regard to gearing, they will generally have slightly easier gearing than their more road-orientated brethren.

Although you won't be able to hit quite the same top speeds, having a big sprocket at the back and a tiny ring at the front should help you get better at climbing hills. Our video on how to ride faster up short, steep hills could help here,  especially at the end of your commute, even on a Friday evening at the end of a long, tiring week.

Compared to road bikes, all hybrids will come with wider tyres. The width will vary, but it will generally be something between 28c and 42c. Not only will this help to improve comfort, ironing out any rough surfaces, but will also add to the level of grip when the roads are wet.

The more varied the terrain you plan to ride on, the wider you'll want your tyres. If you're sticking mainly to the road, opt for the lower volume end.

What's the best hybrid bike geometry?

The best hybrid bike frame will generally have a fairly relaxed geometry. This means a short top tube and tall head tube to give a relaxed and upright riding position that should be nice and comfortable and help you avoid cycling neck pain.

Many of the best hybrid bikes also feature a top tube that is sloped downwards from the front of the bike towards the back, which will increase standover clearance and should make it a little bit easier to get on and off whatever you are wearing. Step-through frames without a top tube are also available for many hybrid bikes if you want even easier mounting and dismounting.

Hybrid bikes promote a comfortable ride position

Does it matter what material a hybrid bike is made from?

The majority of hybrid bikes - like most bikes - use one of three materials: steel, aluminium, or carbon.

The least used of the three is steel, which although it is able to give a comfortable ride, generally makes a heavy bike. Think: tough to haul over the hills. Often, though, steel finds itself on the more stylish bikes. It can be a good choice if you're looking for a bike to pootle down to the shops on summer days.

If you're wondering should your next bike be carbon, aluminium, steel or titanium it's worth knowing that either steel or aluminium is the material used on the majority of the best hybrid bikes. 

From budget options right up to more serious machines costing four figures, most will feature either a steel or aluminium frame. The better of the two generally will be aluminium, providing a light and comfortable ride, while standing up to plenty of abuse through years of use.

The third material, carbon, is more common on road bikes and higher-end mountain bikes, but it's starting to turn up on the best hybrid bikes. It's an incredibly versatile material, so a good choice if you're wanting to drop the overall bike weight, add compliance, or even stiffen it up.

There are also quite a few hybrids on the market that combine an aluminium frame with a carbon fork. This helps to keep the cost down through the use of aluminium for the frame, while the carbon fork will do a better job of soaking up judder from rough roads.

What components should I expect on the best hybrid bike?

It might be a bit of a cliché, but you will generally get what you pay for when it comes to gearing. Pay more and the best hybrid bikes will come with higher quality groupsets. You'll gain more gear ratios, better quality shifting and less effort needed to shift between gears.

Our Buyer's Guide to road bike groupsets will explain the hierarchies in more detail for you.

Depending on use, gearing range might be more important than shift quality. If you live in a hilly area, then it's worth looking for a bike with a 32-tooth sprocket at the back. A big sprocket paired with a small front chainring will let you winch your way up steep gradients.

There are lots of hybrid bikes that offer a triple chainset. This is good if you want some seriously easy gears but it's not always the best answer. The gear range is often not that much more than with only two rings at the front. Moreover, it can be harder to find the perfect gear if you want to get into a rhythm on a long flat road or steady climb.

Most of the best hybrid bikes - and that increasingly includes the more value-orientated ones - use disc brakes. Rim brakes use two pads to grip the rim of the wheel, while disc brakes grip a rotor attached to the hub of the wheel.

Mechanical disc brakes use a cable to link the brake levers to the brake callipers, while hydraulic disc brakes have a closed system with hydraulic fluid. Hydraulic brakes generally give you more stopping power, better modulation and they're less prone to contamination than cable-operated disc brakes, but they're more expensive and harder to work on.

Disc brakes are an advantage for all-weather commuting 

Although disc brakes have been used on mountain bikes for years, they're a more recent addition to road bikes, although they are pretty commonplace now and a perfect match for the best hybrid bikes.

Although discs supply more predictable braking in the wet, the stopping power of mechanical discs is not always greater than rim brakes in the dry. 

Additionally, the rim brake system is lighter than the mechanical disc system. 

Expect the superior hydraulic options to come with a bigger price tag.

Another advantage of disc brakes is longevity of your wheels. The rim-braking surface wears down over time, particularly if the bike is ridden in wet or dirty conditions. Moving it to a disposable rotor saves having to replace more expensive wheels.

Another thing to consider is the saddle that comes with the bike. Check that it suits the sort of riding that you're going to be doing. Also consider the clothing that you're going to be doing it in.

If you're riding more than a couple of miles then we highly recommend you invest in the best cycling shorts as getting a pair of padded cycling shorts will vastly improve your comfort in the saddle.

As is the case with most bikes, you may find even the best hybrid bike is sold either without pedals or in some cases, you might find plasticky black flat pedals included. If it's the latter, the first thing you should do to your new hybrid bike is take these off and throw them in the bin. Seriously. Invest in a more suitable pair. Check out our guide to clipless pedal systems and the best models reviewed .

The best options for commuting and urban riding are off-road pedals such as Shimano's SPD system. These are easy, even for beginners, to get in and out of. The recessed cleat makes walking easy and since it's an off-road design it's less susceptible to mud.

What are the best tires for a hybrid bike?

The best tire choice for a hybrid bike will depend on where you're riding. If you only expect to ride on tarmac, narrower tires with less grip will roll faster  with less effort. Although you could fit 25mm wide tires, even the best road bikes are now routinely fitted with 28mm tires. 

The best hybrid bikes will usually allow you to fit tires that are much wider though. You can choose a wide city tire, but if you plan to take your fitness bike off-road, the best gravel bike tires can add extra grip and versatility, without necessarily affecting your on-road riding experience.

For any riding, whether on road or off, the risk of punctures can be reduced by fitting the best puncture proof tires .

What other features that I should look for on the best hybrid bike?

If you're having to carry large or heavy items to work, then it can be uncomfortable to carry a backpack . A better option is to invest in a pair of panniers. Panniers will move the weight from you to the bike. Have a look at our guide to panniers and pannier racks to help you decide.

All of the best hybrid bikes should come with eyelets in the frame for a pannier rack. It is possible to buy adaptor clips that will let you use a pannier rack without having the eyelets. The problem is these won't hold the rack quite as securely as if the frame is specifically designed for the purpose.

If you are pondering the question regarding whether you really need mudguards? The answer is yes!

Look for a hybrid bike that has plenty of clearance between the frame and the tyre. The clearance will be important for fitting mudguards. Even better will be a frame with eyelets so you can fit ones with better coverage, rather than flimsy clip-on ones.

It might seem a shame to spoil the look of your new bike in such a way, but you'll certainly appreciate it when cycling on wet roads.

Where's the best place to buy a hybrid bike?

The vast majority of major bike manufacturers create hybrid bikes. Specialized bikes , Trek bikes , Giant bikes and Boardman bikes are all examples of brands who offer flat-bar multi terrain hybrid bikes within their collections.

The best value is often on line if you know what features you want

You can buy a bike online, but it might not be the best choice. As a result of being new to the cycling world you might be unfamiliar with the right bike fit for you. A good shop will make sure you leave the shop with the perfect fitting hybrid bike.

Look for a retailer that will fit the bike for you and allow test rides. Some also offer money back guarantees after 30 days in case you change your mind.

How we test

We have a dedicated team of testers here at  Cycling Weekly , whose job is to review a whole range of cycling products and to write objective reviews of their experience of using them day in day out in a whole range of conditions.

With huge experience, they're really well placed to compare products, identify their strengths and weaknesses and bring you an honest, unbiased assessment of how they perform.

To test  hybrid bikes we undertake rides of varying lengths and conditions. Typically these will include town and city commutes as well as longer leisure rides. Our testers assess the performance each bike across a number of factors, including comfort and handling and the bike's suitability for commuting (for example, how well it is equipped to carry panniers and other luggage) as well as the quality of the build, the durability of the components and the bike's overall value for money.

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After winning the 2019 National Single-Speed Cross-Country Mountain Biking Championships and claiming the plushie unicorn (true story), Stefan swapped the flat-bars for drop-bars and has never looked back. 

Since then, he’s earnt his 2ⁿᵈ cat racing licence in his first season racing as a third , completed the South Downs Double in under 20 hours and Everested in under 12 .

But his favourite rides are multiday bikepacking trips, with all the huge amount of cycling tech and long days spent exploring new roads and trails - as well as histories and cultures. Most recently, he’s spent two weeks riding from Budapest into the mountains of Slovakia . 

Height: 177cm

Weight: 67–69kg

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The 7 Best Hybrid Bikes of 2024, According to Cycling Experts

If you already love cycling to a weekend farmers' market or cruising your local bike path, a hybrid bike may be the perfect way for you to take your workouts outdoors .

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As the name suggests, hybrids are all about versatility. For most everyday cyclists, they are the best wheels to buy.

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What Is a Hybrid Bike?

A hybrid bike, sometimes called a fitness bike, is a jack-of-all-trades set of wheels you can ride in all sorts of situations (unlike mountain , road and gravel bikes , which are meant for specific terrains and types of rides). These all-purpose bikes are great for commuting, running errands, cycling workouts , keeping up with your kids and other non-competitive uses.

Features you'll typically see on hybrid bikes include:

• Disc brakes, which are more reliable in wet weather and offer more control
• Flat handlebars and a more upright position, so you can sit with a straight back
• Tires in the range of 28 to 32 millimeters — wider than a road bike but narrower than a mountain bike

"It's a sidewalk bike that can be used for family, fun and fitness," Yvette Sanborn, a Trek ambassador and the owner of David's World Cycle in Florida, says. "Whether you want to roll around town or get in a quick workout, a fitness hybrid does the trick. To reduce your reliance on cars, put a storage basket or bag on the frame . If you want to go farther, faster, try an e-bike hybrid.

Fitness bikes are typically marketed as either unisex or for a specific gender. But the model's fit — determined largely by your height — is more important than its gender label.

Best Hybrid Bikes

• ‌ Best Electric: ‌ Trek Allant+ 7 ($3,499.99, Trek Bikes)
• ‌ Best for Off-Roading: ‌ Trek FX Sport Carbon 4 ($1,799.99, Trek Bikes)
• ‌ Best Value: ‌ Cannondale Quick 5 ($570, REI)
• ‌ Best for Easy Maintenance: ‌ Tommaso La Forma ($674.99, Amazon)
• ‌ Best for Limited Mobility: ‌ Fuji Absolute 1.9 ST ($699.99, Fuji Bikes)
• ‌ Best Cruiser: ‌ Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Dutch Willow 3 Speed ($749, Brooklyn Bicycle Co.)
• ‌ Best Basic Pick: ‌Schwinn GTX 3 ($449.99, men's and women's , Dick's Sporting Goods)

How We Chose

We chatted with cyclists and industry experts about their seven favorite hybrid bikes — and how to choose the best one for you, based on the following criteria:

• Versatility
• Bike frame and size

1. Trek Allant+ 7

Trek Allant+ 7

An e-bike can seriously change how you tackle your errands, commute and more. This hybrid e-bike from Trek is powerful and lightweight.

• ‌ Electric motor ‌
• ‌ Battery requires charging ‌
• ‌ Unisex ‌
• ‌ $$$ ‌

For task-focused rides, consider the Allant+ 7 from Trek. This unisex electric bike is both powerful and lightweight, so it makes a solid commuter. With a road-smoothing suspension fork, Bosch drive system and a comfy saddle with plenty of airflow, this pick can help you tackle everything on your to-do list.

"The Allant is a great way to go further, faster — never letting anyone see you sweat if you don't want," Sanborn says.

E-bikes are pricey, but often replace commutes done by cars. It's worth considering if you'll get gas-saving use out of an e-bike and figure that into the overall cost.

2. Trek FX Sport Carbon 4

Trek FX Sport 4

This hybrid fitness bike is fast, nimble and comfortable on both pavement and gravel.

• ‌ Versatile ‌
• ‌ Lightweight ‌
• ‌ $$ ‌

The best hybrid bikes come equipped with all the bells and whistles you need to get in a good workout while still being efficient. Enter the FX Sport 4, a unisex carbon-fiber Trek fitness bike that's great for group rides and solo workouts, says Garret Seacat, CSCS , a cyclist, coach and certified strength and conditioning specialist.

Its IsoSpeed seat tube smooths out the bumps when riding on dirt and grass. It also has a simple shifting system to give you "the best of the mountain and road bike, all in one," he says.

3. Cannondale Quick 5

Cannondale Quick 5

Ready for a do-it-all bike? For the build of this bike and its components, you can't go wrong at this price.

• ‌ $ (on sale) ‌

This ride is one of the best deals on a hybrid bike. With its bump-absorbing SAVE micro-suspension, and a riding position that's upright for comfort, yet forward enough for some speed, it's designed for riding anywhere you feel like taking it.

"Right now as model years change out in the cycling world, you can find incredible deals on a variety of bikes," Seacat says. "One of the best for a hybrid has to be the Cannondale Quick 5. You are getting a ton of value for a bike with a 2x Shimano drivetrain, ergonomic grips and saddle and a frame that has reflective tape built in already."

4. Tommaso La Forma

Tommaso La Forma

This bike comes ready to ride with a superlight frame and Shimano components that are easy to maintain.

• ‌ Upright riding ‌

This speedy unisex fitness bike from Tommaso can tackle any terrain you want to ride, thanks to its lightweight aluminum frame, grippy tires, gel handlebars and a vibration-dampening design. You'll have no trouble at all transitioning from the road (or a paved path) to the trails, says certified personal trainer John Fawkes, CPT .

"Aluminum alloy makes up its über-light frame — the bike weighs 25 pounds," he says. "What's more, it's fast — and an excellent option for both urban areas and trails."

5. Fuji Absolute 1.9 ST

Fuji Absolute 1.9 ST

If getting on and off a typical bike is difficult, try a step-through model like this lightweight Fuji bike.

• ‌ Easy to mount and dismount ‌
• ‌ $ ‌

Never heard of step-through bikes before? Their design lets you more easily step over the frame to mount and dismount, while keeping you in the most upright riding position possible.

"This bike from Fuji is easy to ride up and down hills and puts less stress on the body," says Jessica Mazzucco, CPT , a certified fitness trainer based in New York City.

A unisex model, it's both speedy and durable and works on and off of pavement. It has a lightweight aluminum frame, stable design and handy rack mounts for anything you need to bring with you.

6. Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Dutch Willow 3 Speed

Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Willow 3 Speed

This stylish cruiser comes with a basket on the back on one of the most comfortable saddles available on a hybrid bike.

• ‌ Vintage-style cruiser ‌

This bike features a step-through alloy frame, 3 speeds and a springy leather seat for commuting or cruising around town. Plus, its unique design puts riders in an upright, heads-up position that makes it easy to stop and start as you ride.

Brooklyn Bicycle Co. is known for its customer service. "Its whole range of Dutch bikes are uprights and are super cool," KJ Kroetch, CPT, USAT-certified coach , says. Shipping and professional assembly are covered by the company, so you can feel comfortable you're getting a safe ride.

Want more stopping power? Upgrade to the Willow 7i Disc . "Disc brakes can give you more stopping power compared to rim brakes," Kroetch says.

7. Schwinn GTX 3

Schwinn GTX 3

With everything you need and nothing you don't, the GTX3 from Schwinn is one of our editor's "best bike ever."

• ‌ Smooth ride ‌
• ‌ Editor's pick ‌

This zippy bike from Schwinn is ideal for training rides, commuting and cruising.

"It's the best bike I've ever purchased," Bojana Galic , LIVESTRONG.com's Associate Fitness Editor, says. "It has an aluminum frame and thin tires that are so incredibly light. I can zip to beach volleyball and carry my bike in the sand, no problem." ( Read her entire review of the Schwinn GTX 3 here .)

The GTX 3 is built for comfort ‌ and ‌ performance and features easy-to-use breaks, an upright handlebar with an adjustable stem and 21-speed grip shifters.

What to Consider When Shopping for Your New Bike

The most important factor to consider when buying a bike is comfort. If you don't feel happy and relaxed, you just won't ride, plain and simple.

"Must-haves for a hybrid are definitely a comfortable saddle and handgrips," Sanborn says.

When buying online, make sure the company's return policy lets you get in some test rides.

Fit makes a big difference in keeping things comfy and reducing your risk of cycling injuries, Sanborn says. When you start shopping for bikes, you'll notice they typically come in standard sizes like extra-small, small, medium, large and extra-large.

Your height is what determines your bike size. Check out the brand's size chart to find your best fit.

3. Extras and Add-Ons

The best hybrid bikes for the money are those that can help you save cash you'd typically spend on gas or public transit fares. So pay attention to user-friendly features.

Because you might be riding around town for pleasure or to run errands, look for fenders that will help keep you clean and dry, even during rainy weather. Also look for gear racks , which make it easy to attach bags and baskets, Sanborn says.

Comfort Bikes vs. Hybrid Bikes: Which Is Right for You?

The 5 Best Affordable Gravel Bikes, According to a Bike Mechanic

The 5 Best Affordable Road Bikes, According to a Bike Mechanic

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Best budget hybrid bikes 2024 – Get out and ride for less

Our pick of the best budget hybrid bikes for commuting and leisure riding

Best budget hybrid bikes: quick view

• All-terrain bike
• Most versatile

Low-maintenance urban cruiser

• Fast flat-bar bike

Stylish yet reliable

Responsive ride, comfortable option.

Best budget hybrid bikes: quick view 1. All-terrain adventurer 2. Most versatile 3. Low maintenance 4. Fast flat-bar bike 5. Stylish yet reliable 6. Responsive ride 7. Comfortable option How to choose the best budget hybrid bike

The best budget hybrid bikes are an affordable option for the commuter and leisure rider, offering versatility without a big price tag. They offer many of the features of the best commuter bikes , often being part of the same family as pricier models of the best hybrid bikes , just with a spec that's chosen to hit a lower price.

While the best road bikes and the best gravel bikes are designed for specific types of riding and include drop bars, which some riders may not feel comfortable with, the best budget hybrid bikes are usually all-rounders. 

You can expect wide tyre clearance, so you can head off-road or just fit sturdy tyres for city riding, as well as mudguards/fenders and usually a rear rack for all-weather riding. You may also want to look at the best bike lights , the best flat road bike pedals or the best road bike tyres to complete your set-up. 

When choosing the best budget hybrid bikes, we set a budget of around £800 / $1000 and tested bikes that offer a range of different characteristics to suit those looking for a commuter ride, a fitness bike, an urban cruiser or perhaps something with scope to explore off the beaten track. 

We took them out for rides on varied routes in varied conditions, comparing them to each other and other bikes we have ridden to see how they performed in terms of comfort, stability, handling and responsiveness as well as comparing their technical specifications such as weight, gearing and frame build. 

In case you want a little more help deciding what suits your needs, we have answered a few common questions on how to choose the best budget hybrid bike for your needs at the end of the article.

All-terrain adventurer

With a suspension fork and wide tyres, the Ribble Hybrid AL Trail can head off-road as well as serving commuting duties.

Read more below

Versatile budget hybrid bike

Lights, fenders, a kickstand and a robust rack set the Trek FX 2 up for everything from rides in town to overnight trips.

Low maintenance

A belt drive and 8-speed hub gear reduce the need for maintenance and offer oil-free quiet running.

Fast flat bar ride

The Speeder is lightweight for an affordable bike and has quality features such as internal cable routing.

With the feel of an urban mountain bike, the Scott Sub Cross can take to the streets or take on a variety of terrain.

The Cannondale Quick has a built in sensor for speed and distance and you can fit your phone to log your rides.

The best budget hybrid bikes available today

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

1. Ribble Hybrid AL Trail

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Ribble Hybrid Trail AL is a bike that's not afraid to get stuck in when the going gets rough. Perfectly suitable as a commuter bike that rolls smoothly over the tarmac and has a nippy enough acceleration about town, but what marks it out from some of its competitors is how comfortable it is veering off the beaten track.

Ribble offers three different versions of the Hybrid Trail AL – plus the ability to customise your own – all pairing a reasonably lightweight (1680g) 6061 aluminium frame with a suspension fork to give it more versatility.  

The middle-tier version that fell perfectly into our budget was the Enthusiast 2.0, which comes with a 1x11 SRAM NX drivetrain and 50mm-travel Suntour NEX-E25 fork, and we were immediately impressed with the smoothness of the ride. It's not quite as fast as others on this list, but it by no means has the sluggish feel of a mountain bike on the road. With the addition of Level ergonomic handlebar grips – a small detail that can make a huge difference to the comfort on a hybrid – the relaxed riding position made for supreme comfort, even on a three-hour ride. 

As we ventured further into the countryside, we had no problem riding straight over small potholes or drain covers. Emboldened, we took it on a gravelly climb that we wouldn't dream of taking a road bike on and would even consider a little risqué for our usual rigid-frame hybrid. The Hybrid Trail AL did not disappoint, even when the going got steep. Thanks to the massive 11-42T cassette and 32T chainring, we felt we were more likely to run out of grip before we ran out of gears – something that would be easily fixed with a chunkier set of tyres than the 40mm Schwalbe G-One Speed tyres it is fitted with (clearance allows for 45mm).

On the way down, the Hybrid Trail AL was equally as impressive. Descending these routes on our road bike, we would always have to be extra-vigilant to pick the right line between the ruts and bursts of gravel, but the Ribble allowed us to be more relaxed, letting go a little more while the Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc brakes performed with great reliability when required.

Read about how I got on when I tackled my local mountain bike climb on the Ribble Hybrid AL Trail .

Most versatile budget hybrid bike

2. Trek FX 2 Disc Equipped

The Trek FX 2 Disc Equipped really does its best to answer all the questions asked of it in an effort to be the bike that does it all. Built around Trek's excellent Alpha Gold Aluminium frame, as the 'Equipped' name suggests, it comes fully equipped with lights, fenders, a very solid pannier rack and even a kickstand.  

Despite all these trimmings, we found the frame to be responsive when needed, but also extremely compliant in the right places, resulting in a smooth ride on bumpy road surfaces without the need to avoid small potholes and drain covers. It performed equally as well on bike paths and light gravel, all with just 32-inch tyres, and was certainly one of the more versatile frames we came across in our efforts to find the best budget hybrid bikes. 

The handling felt really reliable and the bike had a great balance to it, even when loaded up with a small bag on the pannier rack, making it comfortable for long rides. It is also very solid. The pannier rack is well built and Trek claims the bike can take weights of up to 136kg (for bike, rider and cargo combined), which fares well compared to others in this guide – for example, the max weight for the Merida Speeder is 120kg, and the more workmanlike Scott Sub Cross is 128kg.

It certainly ticks many boxes for bikepacking, commuting, long-distance rides, riding at night and – although we didn't get the chance to test in anything but the dry this summer – more inclement weather. It does come with ergonomic handlebar grips but we found them to be less comfortable than our favourites on the Ribble Hybrid AL Trail.  

While not immediately set up as a fitness bike, the FX range is in fact Trek's answer to the fitness hybrid bike. Stripped down without the rack, lights, fenders and kickstand, the FX 2 Disc weighs in at a more reasonable 11.73kg and, while that still makes it much heavier than the likes of the Boardman URB 8.9 or Merida Speeder 200, it is on a par with the Cannondale Quick 3, which is probably a much better direct comparison.

Like the Quick, its drivetrain is a mix of Shimano Acera/Altus components in a 2x9 set-up, and both bikes have integrated mounting systems in the stem to make it easier to attach computers or mobile phones – in Trek's case, the Blendr system, which requires additional mounts to be purchased. The Trek FX 2 Disc Equipped is also compatible with a DuoTrap S, which is a sensor that integrates into the chainstay and wirelessly transmits to a smartphone or computer to track cadence and other metrics. This is similar to the Cannondale Quick 3's integrated Garmin wheel sensor, which also requires an additional purchase. 

Personally, we felt the shifting on the Trek FX 2 Disc Equipped to be restrictive in terms of the performance we would like to see on a fitness bike, so if that is high on the list of priorities, it might be worth paying a little more for the superior Shimano Deore drivetrain on the FX 3 Disc , which also comes with a carbon fork – and upgraded ergonomic grips. 

Unspectacular but effective, that's how I described the Trek FX 2 Disc Equipped after I spent a summer riding it. 

3. Boardman URB 8.9

There are now a few different manufacturers making belt-driven bikes but they tend to be on the more expensive side. An affordable alternative, the Boardman URB 8.9 will appeal to those who prioritise practicality and want to spend more time pedalling, and less time tinkering. 

It is fitted with a Gates Carbon Belt Drive instead of a chain and an eight-speed Shimano Nexus internal gear hub, which Boardman claims makes the bike "almost maintenance free". Unlike a chain, the belt requires no lubrication, can be cleaned solely with water, and won't rust. The system as a whole is lighter than a traditional drivetrain, which helps to keep the Boardman URB 8.9 to a claimed weight of 10.7kg, making it the second-lightest bike in this round-up after the Merida Speeder 200 featured below (10.46kg). 

Testing the bike, it was noticeable how quiet the drivetrain is – and the shifting of the internal gear hub, with Shimano Alfine Rapidfire shifters, was pretty seamless. We were worried we were going to run out of gears but were pleasantly surprised that we had enough for medium-difficulty climbs (up to about 8% gradient). It was in fact going downhill that we could have used an extra lower gear, but that is certainly preferable to being one short on the way up. It's obviously not a bike for serious climbers but I did feel it had more to offer than just being a glorified town bike. 

It doesn't quite reach the status of 'flat-bar road bike' like the Merida but when we strapped on some SPD pedals and took it up one climb that had sections over 12%, its stiff, light frame allowed us to power to the top. That certainly felt like it was pushing its limits, but we wouldn't rule the URB 8.9 out as an option for a fitness bike for largely flat or slightly lumpy terrain. 

The Shimano MT-201 hydraulic disc brakes are a step up from the mainly Tektro offerings among the other bikes in this guide, especially in terms of modulated braking, and the wheelset is surprisingly aero, with 35mm-deep rims. In fact, the URB 8.9, which has a tapered carbon fork, is perhaps the raciest-looking among the best budget hybrid bikes we came across, even more so than the Merida Speeder. 

It backs that up with its performance too. In terms of acceleration and responsiveness, it was the outright leader and even reminded us of BMC's Alpenchallenge range, which are considered some of the fastest aluminium-framed hybrids available and retail at a much higher price (the eight-speed, belt-driven Alpenchallenge 01 One with alloy frame and carbon fork costs close to twice as much). 

The downside was that the stiff frame did lack comfort at times – and this is where you see – or feel – a marked difference from the likes of the Alpenchallenge. It was fine when taken on very light gravel but we felt the vibrations from any cobbles, potholes or generally uneven road surface far more than we would have liked to. It came with 700x32mm tyres and there was room to go bigger to reduce the effect of this, but it did not seem like a bike that would ever be comfortable in the rough stuff. It does have the fixings for a pannier rack, however, boosting the URB 8.9's commuting credentials.

Want to know more? Head over to our Boardman URB 8.9 review for an even more in-depth analysis. 

Fast flat-bar road bike

4. Merida Speeder 200

The Merida Speeder 200 is clearly designed with speed in mind but, for us, it is the weight that is its defining feature and why it is worthy of consideration among the best budget hybrid bikes. 

At our chosen price point, it will be hard to find a lighter bike. The frame for the Speeder 200 uses the same 6066 aluminium that the Taiwanese-German company uses in their top-end aluminium road bikes and, paired with a carbon fork, is quoted by Merida as 10.46kg (for a size S-M without pedals). 

The Speeder 200 also has internal cable routing which – combined with hydraulic disc brakes and FSA Tempo chainset – gives it a far-from-budget look.

Unsurprisingly given its weight, we found the Speeder to be most effective when climbing. It was certainly the best of the bikes in this guide on tarmac, although we found it a little rattly on anything rough and much preferred the Ribble Hybrid AL Trail for off-road climbs. The Speeder also held its own when descending, with the tapered carbon fork giving reliable, responsive handling. 

Merida redesigned the Speeder to give it a more sporty, fitness outlook a couple of years ago and we'd certainly place it in the 'flat-bar road bike' category, so this would be a great choice for someone who likes the idea of a road bike but doesn't like the idea of drop bars. 

It can fit tyres up to 37mm – a little less with fenders – so would make a decent commuter bike as well but, while it cruised along once it got up to speed, we found it lacking in responsiveness at lower speeds compared to the Boardman URB 8.9 and even the much heavier Scott Sub Cross 50, so is not necessarily any better for a fun, zippy, urban town bike alternative. For a bike at the top end of our budget, we'd also like to see it come with ergonomic handlebar grips, like the Ribble Hybrid Trail AL, a small detail that can make a big difference on longer rides in particular.

While the Sora 2x9 gearing is a decent spec for a bike at this price point, we'd be tempted to pay a little extra for the Speeder 300 that comes with Tiagra 2x10 drivetrain, which would certainly give it a more sporty feel to match its looks.

5. Scott Sub Cross 50

Scott is a brand that exudes a bit of style and class and is certainly not associated with lower-end bikes, but the Sub Cross 50 is one of the cheapest in this round-up of the best budget hybrids and shows that you don't have to break the bank to find a decent bike.

Part of Scott's touring range, it weighs in at 13kg and comes with a steel fork and Shimano's Tourney drivetrain. None of this screams sexy on paper but when we took it out for a spin, we found it to be a really fun ride. It has a kind of urban mountain bike vibe and the frame was more responsive compared to the much lighter Merida Speeder 200 for zooming around town, through the park, up curbs (safely, of course), over drains and patches of grass or whatever else came our way.

Taking it onto unpaved roads and gravel, its long chainstay and Kenda Booster 45mm tyres gave it a great amount of comfort and stability and this is where the steel fork, although adding to its weight, offered more compliance than an aluminium alternative would. 

It has the fixings for a pannier rack and felt very solid and reliable – with hydraulic disc brakes even at such a low price point – so would make a great option for a commuter bike as long as your route into work wasn't too hilly.

6. Cannondale Quick 3

We have tested the women's version of the Cannondale Quick 3 but the unisex model is not significantly different and the Quick range has a whole heap of different options to suit most requirements, including a 'Remixte' step-through frame. 

It is very much a fitness-oriented bike and one of the highlights of the Cannondale range of hybrids is their fitness-related perks. The Quick 3 comes with a built-in wheel sensor that allows you to connect to the Cannondale app and track your ride data, and an Intellimount stem that can hold any SP-Connect compatible phone cases and allow you to create a dashboard. It's a really great option for someone whose main motivation for riding is fitness and who wants to track metrics such as speed and mileage. 

We found the aluminium frame, paired with a carbon fork, to be stiff but comfortable allowing for easy acceleration when needed, while the handling was extremely responsive. Whether we were pootling around town or taking on longer, more testing rides, we found the Cannondale Quick 3 to be fun and functional, which is arguably what most people will be looking for in the best budget hybrid bikes. The combined Shimano Acera and Altus groupset did a good enough job and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes offered powerful and well modulated stopping.

While not as light as the Merida Speeder, the Quick is still a decent weight for this price range and its more responsive frame will likely make it a better option for urban riding. Unlike the Speeder, it can be fitted with a rear rack, so offers a bit more versatility as well. The metallic emerald green paintwork with reflective accents is also quite striking, giving it a point of difference from many of its rivals. 

Check out our Cannondale Quick 3 review for a deep dive into why it's on this list. 

7. Specialized Sirrus 2.0

The Specialized Sirrus is one of the most popular fitness hybrids out there and comes in a range of different options including a full-carbon version, step-through frames, and a seven-speed offering with V-brakes for less than £500. We've looked at the Sirrus 2.0 for this guide, which is still well within our budget but comes with hydraulic disc brakes and an eight-speed Shimano drivetrain. 

Without really wowing in any particular area stats-wise, it has been put together with comfort in mind – which will be high on many people's priorities for the best budget hybrid bikes, and that's not necessarily to the detriment of performance. While not the fastest or lightest ride in this list, it doesn't fall down hugely on any of those metrics. We've found the Sirrus to be a responsive, smooth-rolling ride that will climb when it needs to, within reason. That it arguably performs beyond the level its stats suggest is largely to do with that comfort focus. 

As well as the upright frame geometry, Specialized puts great stock in its 'body-geometry-tested touchpoints' which in this case largely come down to a focus on the interaction with the rider and saddle, but also extends to fitting the bike with contoured grips that reduce hand numbness and fatigue. We found these grips to be among the best and the higher-end models also include integrated bar-ends to assist with climbing. Grips are a reasonably cheap retrofit but it's nice to have them considered alongside the design of the bike and, with fewer hand positions available to the rider on a flat-barred hybrid compared with a road bike, are an important element often overlooked.

A steel fork adds to the overall weight of the Sirrus 2.0 but also adds to the comfort and the dropped chainstays at the rear promote a bit of flex at the seat cluster to take the edge off of square hits, while there is room to fit tyres up to 42mm to absorb even more shock.

The drivetrain options on the Sirrus 2.0 aren't the most impressive. The version we looked at has a mixture of Shimano Acera, Altus and Tourney, while there is also a Microshift option. If that is a turn-off, it might be worth looking at the Sirrus X 3.0 , a more gravel-focused hybrid that comes with the impressive 10-speed Shimano Deore groupset in a single-chainring setup.

How to choose the best budget hybrid bike for you

There are a few other things to think about when choosing the best budget hybrid bike for your needs, not just the price. Here, we'll run through some considerations when choosing.

What hybrid bike is best for me?

Hybrids, by their nature, tend to be quite versatile but you can still think about the type of riding you will be doing and use that as a basis for the bikes you take a look at. 

If you know you will be riding exclusively on roads, you should look at rigid-frame hybrids (which don't have suspension) that take 700c wheels. If you think you are going to be riding up hills, you should look at hybrids that are lighter in weight, perhaps with a carbon fork. However, if you are planning to carry heavy loads on your bike, want to fit panniers for carrying luggage, or have a bike seat for a child, then you might want to prioritise a sturdier frame (which is likely to mean a heavier bike). 

If you want to explore away from the tarmac, on less well-maintained roads, gravel or rutted farm tracks, there are hybrid bikes that come with suitable gearing, bigger tyres or front suspension that will make these types of journeys more enjoyable. However, if your main goal is to be riding off-road, you may also want to look at bikes that are designed specifically for this purpose, such as the best entry-level gravel bikes or mountain bikes.

Is a hybrid bike good for exercise?

Many people choose a hybrid bike for exercise, and for many different reasons. While, say, a road bike is likely to give better performance for purely road cycling, a hybrid might offer a more comfortable riding position or more versatility in terms of the conditions it can be ridden in. 

Many of the big bike manufacturers have a specific range of hybrid bikes that are dedicated to fitness and have features to support this, such as sensors for tracking metrics or mounts for cycling computers or phones. 

Fitness hybrids tend to come with 700c wheels, thinner tyres and lighter frames with rigid forks. Just like a road bike, as your riding develops, you will be able to customise your hybrid to improve its performance by upgrading to the best road bike wheels or the best road bike pedals and best cycling shoes . 

Is a hybrid bike good for long distance?

While a road bike will provide a more efficient platform for long distance riding with a more aerodynamic position and better power transfer, a hybrid bike can still be a great option for covering long distances, especially if comfort is more of a priority than speed. 

Hybrids are usually designed with a more upright riding position that, while typically slower, is also less physically taxing when in the saddle for a long time. It also allows you to look around you more easily, which can be particularly helpful for commuting.

Hybrid designs also take into account riding in a range of different conditions and will often have fittings for fenders to protect you from the rain, and better fixing points for lights and reflectors for when riding in low light. 

Many hybrids come with - or can be fitted with - pannier racks to allow for bags to be attached to the bike, which is ideal for bringing food, layers and waterproof clothing for longer journeys or when the weather looks dubious.

Can I ride a hybrid bike on trails?

Many hybrid bikes will be suitable for some trail riding but it depends on the particular focus of the bike. Some hybrids are very road-oriented, with stiff frames and thin tyres, and are better described as 'flat-bar road bikes', and will be no more suited to trails than a regular road bike. 

But the majority will be designed to take wider tyres and have more compliant frames to help to soak up the bumps and vibrations that come with straying off the road. Some, such as the Ribble Hybrid Trail AL in this guide, come with front suspension and a gearing range that makes them ideally suited to trails. There's a balance to strike though; the more suited a bike is for trails, the less well it will perform on the road. 

Also, if you are looking to regularly ride more aggressive, technical trails, you would be much better off looking at a bike specific to the discipline, such as the best entry-level gravel bikes or best budget mountain bikes .

Is a hybrid bike good for beginners?

Hybrid bikes are a great option for beginners who are making their first foray into cycling. If you want to cycle mainly on the road, the dropped bars of a road bike might seem a bit intimidating – especially if you grew up riding bikes with flat bars. 

Hybrids also tend to offer a more relaxed, upright riding position, so while you might not get as much performance out of a road-orientated hybrid, it can be safer and would be a more gradual introduction to the discipline of road cycling. 

The versatility of hybrids also means that you could buy a bike that gives you the opportunity to venture off-road, while still being more suitable for the tarmac than, say, a mountain bike. If you are not sure what type of cycling discipline you are going to end up enjoying more, it gives you an opportunity to experiment without having to buy a specialist bike straight away.  

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Ben has been a sports journalist for 16 years, covering everything from park football to the Olympic Games. As well as cycling, his passions include podcasts, tennis and speaking enough Italian to get by on his snowboarding trips to the Dolomites. A DIY rider who is almost as happy in the toolbox as he is in the saddle, he is still trying to emulate the feelings he experienced as a nine-year-old on his first Peugeot racer – he couldn’t fathom the down-tube friction shifters then and he’s still wrestling with groupsets now. When he isn’t making a beeline for the nearest Chiltern hill, he is probably tinkering or teaching his kids how to clean a bike properly. He rides a heavily modified 1980 Peugeot PVN10 Super Competition (steel is real) when the road is smooth and dry, and a BMC Alpenchallenge when it’s not.

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The 7 Best Hybrid Bikes For Exercise, Commuting and Casual Fun

Hybrid or ‘exercise’ bikes make for a great introduction to cycling.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.

They’re also great for casual riders and commuters, since they’re fairly stable and designed with an upright riding position. Throw in some feature mounts for fenders and racks, and you have an easy-going bike that’s perfect for getting you places and running errands, then taking the long way home.

The Best Hybrid Bikes

• Best Overall: Cannondale Quick 3
• Best Value: Co-Op CTY
• Best All-Arounder: State 4130 All-Road Flat-Bar
• Best Step-Through: Liv Alight Disc
• Best Commuter: Trek District 4 Equipped Stagger
• Most-Stylish: Cannondale Bad Boy 1
• Best Hybrid Electric: Velotric T1

What to Consider in a Hybrid Bike

Why trust us, how we selected the best hybrid bikes, our hybrid bike reviews, q+a with our experts, flat bar vs. drop bar.

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 your 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.

Disc Brakes

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.

The Right Gearing

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.

Belt Drives and Internally Geared Hubs

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 reliable and 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.

Bicycling recommends bikes based on the extensive work of its test team, which currently includes Deputy Editor Tara Seplavy, Senior Test Editor Matt Phillips, Test Editor Dan Chabonov, and Maintenance Editor Gabe Ortiz. Together, they have more than 60 years of ride-testing experience and bring that insight to every recommendation they touch.

For our guide to hybrid bikes, Tara Seplavy recommended many of these selections based on the team’s collective testing experience, as well as her extensive knowledge of the category.

Vanessa Nirode has been writing about bikes, adventure travel, and cycling gear for 15 years for a variety of outlets including Bicycling , Time , Adventure Cycling , Fodors , BBC Travel , Next Avenue , and many others. With 20 years of riding experience, she’s owned and pedaled everything from a heavy commuter bike to a carbon racing road bike on her daily commutes and errands.

In addition to ride-testing many of our selections, she surveyed bike commuters and messengers at two of her favorite New York bike shops– Bicycle Roots in Brooklyn and Specialized Long Island City in Queens: They’re great places for cyclists to hang out and hear from riders about their favorite bikes, and learn what works (or doesn’t) work.

Caitlin Giddings tested bikes for Bicycling for over a decade, and has ridden bikes for more than two decades as an everyday commuter cyclist. She’s had the chance to ride nearly a hundred different bikes designed for fitness, recreation, and commuting on varied terrain.

We’ve been asked to recommend a lot of bikes over the years. Anticipating these queries, we’ve made a big effort to test as many hybrids and city bikes as we can—not only because they’re great for commuting, fitness, and fun, but also because they’re the bikes our friends who aren’t bike nerds are most interested in buying.

Our selections were recommended by the Bicycling test team, which has extensive experience testing all kinds of bikes, including hybrids. We’ve performed extensive ride-testing of many hybrid bikes on bike tours, city commutes, long bike path cruises, and bike shop test rides. Lastly, we considered a diverse range of external notes from bike messengers and commuters, as well as customer reviews.

Cannondale Quick 3

If you’re still holding onto the belief that hybrids are sluggish and heavy, the Cannondale Quick will disabuse you of that notion right away. This lightweight bike is a favorite for its fast feel and smooth ride, as well as a comfortable upright riding position that makes it an easy choice for recommending to new riders who may be a bit hesitant about incorporating regular cycling into their routine.

It features reflective accents to boost your visibility, mounts for racks so you can carry stuff (except on the front, as the carbon fork precludes rack mounting), and fenders to keep road spray out of your eyes and off your backside during commutes in questionable weather.

The 2x9-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.

If you’re looking to spend a little less, we also like the Quick Disc 4 , which features a steel fork, microSHIFT Advent groupset, and 1x9 gearing. It rides similarly well and costs a bit less, though we ultimately prefer the Quick Disc 3 for its carbon fork and higher gearing, which bring more speed on downhills and flats.

Co-op Cycles CTY 1.1

Keeping in line with REI’s inclusive ideology and the simple goal of getting more people outdoors and (in this case) on bikes, Co-op Cycle’s CTY bike is a capable and affordable hybrid bike that will suit a varied range of riders, especially beginners.

The CTY has wide, flat-resistant, wire-bead 40mm tires with reflective sidewalls so you can easily roll over potholes, dirt, gravel, random road debris and the occasional curb. Its Tektro mechanical disc brakes ensure that you can slow your roll when needed. The Shimano 3x8-speed drivetrain provides 24 gears, enough to get you most anywhere you want to go.

The CTY has an upright riding position (as opposed to the more competitive bent-over posture encouraged by road bikes.) A comfortable memory foam saddle and gel handlebar grips help you complete your commute and/or errands without introducing any soreness or aches into the equation.

State Bicycle 4130 All-Road Flat-Bar

State Bicycle’s All-road flat-bar stands out for its versatility, strong steel frame, and plethora of customizable options that allows you to set it up exactly like you want. Steel bikes have their own dedicated following : Fans love their springy feel. They’re also durable and reliable, which is an important quality in a bike you use to get around every day.

We love how much room there is to tinker with this bike. State offers two extra wheel sets–a 700c with slick 38mm road tires and a 650b with knobby 2.1 inch (53mm) off road tires. These sets, which cost an additional $390 apiece, come with tires, tubes, brake rotors and cassettes for easy switching. You may also want to upgrade to a SRAM drivetrain for an additional $1,000, and hydraulic brakes for another $100 for added reliability, power and smoothness (especially when it comes to changing gears).

The State 4130 is a bike you’ll be able to ride for years. We might even go so far as to say for the foreseeable future. You’ll need to replace the components as the years go by–time comes for us all, even our bike parts–but that steel frame will persist.

Liv Alight Disc 3

Whenever Vanessa leaves her regular bike overnight at her local shop, her mechanic gives her this bike as a loaner. The flat handlebars and upright riding position make it a comfortable and stable bike without compromising speed. It isn’t a ‘fast’ bike by any means, but it’s far more nimble than what you’d expect by just looking at it.

Throw in the included fenders, rear rack, and kickstand, and the Alight emerges as a rather perfect errand bike. The fenders keep road muck from your person, the rack provides a place to hook on a set of panniers, and the kickstand saves you from scouring for a leaning spot when you stop for a much-needed (and deserved) pick-me-up coffee.

Trek District 4 Equipped Stagger

The Trek District 4 Equipped Stagger is built for any kind of weather. It features a front dynamo hub that provides power to your rear and front lights, and an internally geared rear hub with a Gates CDX belt, rather than a chain. The dynamo hub powers your lights, so you’ll never have to worry about remembering to charge them. The geared hub and belt cuts down on chain and derailleur maintenance, so you don’t need to make adjustments after riding through bad weather.

Belts tend to be quieter than chains, so while this adds a level of stealth, make sure to add a bell and alert others when you pass them, which you’ll need to use often as the Stagger doesn’t cramp your speed. Or style.

The powerful hydraulic disc brakes provide great stopping power, and the 700x40mm Bontrager wire bead tires with reflective strips keep you moving no matter what obstacles get thrown in your way. The Stagger includes a kickstand, fenders and rack for a quick and easy commute, or getting a workout in while you get things done.

Cannondale Bad Boy 1

The Cannondale Bad Boy represents some of the latest innovations in bike design, making it a very capable way to get around, no matter where you decide to take it. It’s also just plain fun to ride, dodging and cornering more sharply than other bikes allow when a wayward obstacle ends up in your path.

This is because of perhaps the most significant flourish of its design and legendary urban style; the LightPipe Lefty fork. Unlike most every other fork on the market, the Lefty features a single pipe on–you guessed it–the left side that connects to the front wheel hub. The entire suspension is squeezed into a package that’s effectively half the size (and half the weight) of the standard component. The Lefty (also referred to as an “upside-down fork”) is thicker and stiffer at the headtube where you need the leverage, so it performs exceptionally well when braking and cornering.

The Bad Boy 1 also has a bevy of cool quality-of-life features, including an integrated LED light strip on the fork, an integrated tail light on the seat post, internal geared hub and belt drive for minimal maintenance, and top tube bumpers that protect your frame from scratches and nicks when leaning and locking.

Velotric T1

Powered by Velotric’s new, smart drive system motor, stealthy internal wiring and an integrated battery, the T1 is an electric bike that doesn’t look or feel like an electric bike. Weighing just 36 pounds, you can easily hoist it onto your shoulders and carry it up or down stairs when needed, which is not something you can do with most other e-bikes.

A Class 1 e-bike, the T1 features 5 levels of pedal-assist power. On pedal-assist bikes, the power only kicks in when you’re pedaling. This also means you can take your T1 out on most trails and multi-use paths where Class 2 e-bikes are prohibited.

“With its mix of styling, power, and passive security features, Velotric’s T1 is great for city and around town use, notes Bicycling Test Editor Tara Seplavy. “It has a fingerprint lock to keep someone from turning on the bike when you’re not around and a ‘Find My Bike’ feature in the Velotric app in case you forget where you locked it up. A torque sensor helps provide a smooth ride feel and the motor has plenty of zip, especially in the higher power settings.”

Speaking of power, Velotric designed some of the smallest and lightest electronic components we’ve encountered on an e-bike and housed them all inside the frame, which is part of what gives the T1 its stylish, sleek look. And, the integrated headlight comes on when the sun goes down - just like the street lights do, so you never have to worry if you remembered to charge your lights or not.

As required by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and local laws in some cities , the Discover 1 is UL certified for safety within the Standards for Electrical Systems, so it has been tested and engineered to eliminate accidental battery fires.

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Hybrid bikes are great for riding long distances and casual rides where speed isn’t a top priority. The flat, wide bars provide a better vantage point when you need to quickly look behind you and side-to-side. 

They also offer a more upright riding position that many people find more comfortable when navigating city streets compared with the experience you get with a road bike and their drop handlebars.

A hybrid bike can be a great fit for commuters, running errands, and a solid all-arounder for anyone who likes to get out on their bike and ride for awhile.

What are the benefits of a hybrid bike?

Hybrid bikes are, above all, comfortable and casual. Sitting upright is often a more comfortable riding position, and makes it easy to keep track of your surroundings. They often feature mounts for racks,  fenders  and  lights , so you can add some  accessories  that you may need if you plan to work it into your day-to-day life. Last but not least, hybrid bikes often cost less than a road bike or full-featured mountain bike.

Are there any disadvantages to riding a hybrid bike?

As you’d expect, hybrid bikes occupy a middle ground that’s useful for new and casual riders, but may hold more advanced cyclists back as they take on tougher routes or pursue more competitive challenges. 

They aren’t as capable as mountain bikes in rough off-road conditions. Conversely, most hybrids aren’t as aerodynamic as a great road bike, and will move slower when you pedal at top speed.

Vanessa Nirode is a freelance writer who covers wellness, culture, outdoor adventure and travel for Hearst , HuffPost , PopSci , BBC Travel , and Threads , among others. She’s also a pattern maker and tailor for film and television but most of the time, she’d rather just be riding her bicycle.

As Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy leads Bicycling’s product test team; after having previously led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run World Championship winning mountain bike teams, wrenched at renowned bicycle shops in Brooklyn, raced everything from criteriums to downhill, and ridden bikes on six different continents (landing herself in hospital emergency rooms in four countries and counting). Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, Tara spends tons of time on the road and trail testing products. A familiar face at cyclocross races, crits, and bike parks in the Mid Atlantic and New England, on weekends she can often be found racing for the New York City-based CRCA/KruisCX team. When not riding a bike, or talking about them, Tara listens to a lot of ska, punk, and emo music, and consumes too much social media.  

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Trek 7300 Hybrid Bike

Frame Material: aluminum Frame Angles: 71.5 head, 73.5 seat Sizes: 15", 17.5", 20", 22.5", 25", womens 15", womens 17.5", womens 20" Colors: Dark Blue/Ball-Burnished, Green/Silver Fork: InSync Odesa 168, 45mm travel Rear Shock: Not applicable Brake Levers: aluminum linear-pull Handlebar: Bontrager Bar-Keeper Stem: adjustable rise Headset: 1 1/8" threadless aluminum Front Der: Shimano Nexave T301 Crankset: Shimano FC-T303, 28/38/48 teeth Rear Der: SRAM X.7 Pedals: resin Tires: 700 x 35c Bontrager Invert HC

• USER REVIEWS

Bought a 7300 in 2000 to train for and ride on an Arthritis run in Oct. 2001 from San Francisco to San Diego. Training put 2500 miles on it with no problem. I still own it and after some R&R am giving it to my son.

I made it to just north of Malibu, cruising about 15 mph when the bolt holding the seat to the mounting sheared off and I went down like a ton of bricks. Luckily I bailed to the right into gravel rather than into traffic. We had an emergency vehicle for adjustments and hauling and they got my machine working again (with only 8 gears) enough to finish what was mostly flat road. I dont know if the bolt was defective or not proper grade, but it was original. I do remember at end of the first days ride, my knee was hurting so bad I was wondering if I could finish this. I spoke to someone about it and advised me to see about a seat adjustment, which I did and my problems were solved. After so long I just realized this could have been the cause....overtightened??

Never encountered trouble for 3 years of using this. I love the high-pressure thinner wheels the coasting ability is insane. Masonry Contractor

Nothing to complain about.

Very durable bike on trails with comfort along city streets. I've had the bike since 2004 and very pleased.

Heavy bike due to the aluminum frame and the twist shifters need replacing over the years. The front shock absorbers have limited distance vs. mountain bikes but do the job on bike trails.

Durability, comfort, ease of maintenance. I have this bike since 1998, ride it to work on weekdays (about 25 miles/day) and some easy road rides on weekends all year. Also sometimes i use it to pull a trailer (when travelling). Though through the years I had changed many parts, some original ones are still on (front derailer, brake levers, SRAM twist shifter and of course the lifetime warranty bikeframe). The endurance is pleasing.

Not as good as specialized bikes for their respective roles, and a bit on the heavy side.

This bike is like a Timex watch I have hanging on my handlebar, It takes a licking and keeps on ticking. I’ve had a couple specialized good bikes of course but this one just has something special. I used it as my commuter bike in Fort Lauderdale for two years in the city and recreational riding in the evening because I hate driving in heavy traffic in cars. They just don’t quit I have beaten this bike to death and I can get on it and ride 20 miles without blinking. I’m sure there are other bikes out there that are better quality and may handle better blah blah blah but for commuting and traveling and using it as your main source of transportation I couldn’t imagine a better bike. And I love the high-pressure thinner wheels the coasting ability is insane.

It’s hard to give this point that I’m going to speak of as a weakness because it’s kind of like asking for your cake and eating it too. But my last wonderful point was the fender high pressure tires and that’s the only thing that has a drawback in certain areas because when I hit construction zones or have to jump off the sidewalk or jump off the highway and run through some dirt or hit rough terrain I do have an issue and hop off and walk it across sometimes, BUT If I did have the larger knobby tires then of course I couldn’t write the raving review in reference to the coasting and speed!

I’ve had this bike for years. I needed a bike that could do it all and this is it. I put a basket on it to cruise to the beach on the boardwalk and strip it down for 30 mile road runs. I can’t say enough about it’s versatility. I love the height and upright seating it affords Stem, bars etc have great adjustment potential. Suspension is not bad. I beat this thing up and it comes back season after season.

Maybe a little heavy but maybe not for all it can do.

An excellent commuter bike. Suitable as a hybrid, I’ve taken it on bike trails here in Austin, and it’s held up well. It has a rather unique (in my experience) shock absorbing set of forks, where the top piece of the forks has a pneumatic shock absorber. I’m overweight, 5’8” & 195 lbs., so it fully compresses when I mount it.

I am not sure but I don’t think the shock-absorbing forks are adjustable.

Handles uneven road surfaces well. Comfortable to ride. Corners well at high speed. Three front sprockets gives you plenty of peddling space.

Can't compete with performance of a true road bike.

I had this bike since 1997. The cables and front derailleur did rust out but I attributed that to wear and tear. If you can work the gears effectively and it's an easy ride on rolling hills. I am keeping this bike but I want to upgrade to an Emonda for more precision performance on the road given the peddling effort.

Similar Products Used:

Trek mountain bike

Light weight. Durable. Shimano derailleur, good quality.

Narrow tires not good for transit streetcar tracks. Not good for heavy duty off road mountain biking.

Decent light weight, good quality. But only reasonably good for town and off road. Wary of street car tracks. And not equipped for back trails. Needs wider and heavy treads.

Durable bike, very comfortable to ride.

Original twist shifters

I have owned two of these 7300s. Four if you count the wife's bikes too. No real trouble out of any of them (the original two were donated to our daughter and son in law). All 4 are still in use today. I replaced the original twist shifters with SRAM paddle shifters and have never looked back. I am a road bike rider and I use this for training. I do this simply because, the bike is a bit heavier than a road bike and the ride position provides a bit for wind resistance than the posture on a road bike. That means, you have to push a bit harder. That said, the bike performs very well for the price paid and I could not be happier. It fits my needs better than anticipated. Overall, I think this is a great product at a great price.

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Posted 2024-05-06 12:04

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looking for a men's hybrid/mountain bicycle (preferably Trek) - $80 (Central NJ)

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Green Deals

Save $729 on hiboy’s step-thru e-bike at $850, greenworks and worx 1-day electric tool sales, and more.

Today’s Green Deals feature more limited-time discounts than ever before, headlined by Hiboy’s latest sale that is taking up to $729 off EVs and bundles, led by the EX6 Step-Thru Fat-Tire e-bike at $850 . It is joined by three tool-specific 1-day Best Buy deals, with the biggest of them being the Greenworks 80V 18-inch Cordless Electric Chainsaw dropping to a new $250 low , as well as the return of the NIU BQi-C3 Pro e-bike to its $1,300 low . Plus all of the other days’ Green Deals that are still going.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course,  Electrek ’s best EV buying  and  leasing deals . Also, check out the new  Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories .

Hiboy EX6 Step-Thru Fat-Tire e-bike falls to $850

Hiboy has taken  up to $729 off  a selection of its EV models  for the foreseeable future, with a few bundle options available as well. The biggest of these deals is on the  EX6 Step-thru Fat-Tire e-bike for  $849.99 shipped . Down from a $1,579 price tag, this bike saw few discounts during 2023 outside of holiday sales like Black Friday where it first fell to the former $900 all-time low. In the new year we’ve already seen it drop further to the new $800 low back in March, with today’s deal coming in as a slightly lesser 46% markdown that gives you $729 in savings and lands at the second-lowest price we have tracked. The  Hiboy EX6 Step-Thru e-bike  comes equipped with a 500W Brushless Geared Motor alongside a removable 48V waterproof battery to reach top speeds of 25 MPH for up to 75 miles on a single six to seven-hour charge. Sporting an ergonomic riding design, it features 20-inch all-terrain fat-tires in conjunction with a hydraulic suspension fork for a smooth ride wherever you go. It also has an integrated rear cargo rack, fenders over both wheels, dual disc brakes, an LCD display, a bright headlight, a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain, and three riding modes. Hiboy is also offering two EX6 e-bikes at a discounted rate of $1,660 , down from $3,160.

Greenworks 80V 18-inch electric chainsaw hits $250 low

For today only, Best Buy is offering the  Greenworks 80V 18-Inch Cordless Electric Chainsaw with 4.0Ah battery for  $249.99 shipped . Down from a $400 price tag, this particular combo of tool and battery saw very few discounts over 2023, as opposed to its tool-only counterpart. Since the new year began we’ve already seen two previous one-day discounts, the first of which brought costs down to $297 and the second took things further to $280. Today’s deal continues the trend as a greater 38% markdown that beats our previous mention by $30, giving you a solid $150 in savings and landing as a new all-time low. Equipped with a 18-inch bar and chain, as well as a 4.0Ah battery and rapid-charger,  this chainsaw  allows up to 270 cuts on 4×4 lumber on a single charge. The brushless motor also has “twice the torque of its brushed counterparts,” and its automatic oiler will ensure an evenly lubricated chain and increased productivity. There is no need to struggle with starter ropes as its been replaced with a simple and easy push button start. Also includes charger and scabbard.

Best Buy has a few more tool-related deals of the day, offering a  Greenworks 18-inch replacement bar and chain  for the above chainsaw at  $9.99 shipped , down from $40. This is a massive 75% markdown that is the lowest price we could find, giving you a great chance to snag these backup parts for next to nothing. Best Buy has also listed the  WORX 4V 3-Speed Screwdriver for  $24 , down from $50. Weighing only 1.5 pounds, this device applies 300 RPM of no-load speed for a max hard torque of 44 inch-pounds and a max soft torque of 22 inch-pounds – all at the press of a button, making it useful in tighter spaces.

NIU BQi-C3 Pro e-bike returns to $1,300 low for today only

Today only, Best Buy is once again offering the  NIU BQi-C3 Pro e-bike for  $1,299.99 shipped . Down from its usual $2,200 price tag, in the new year we’ve seen three previous 1-day sales like this; one back on Valentine’s Day, where it fell to $1,500 and twice in April, where it returned to $1,300 for the first time since Labor Day sales. Today’s deal comes in as another repeat 41% markdown off the going rate and lands as a return to the all-time low. You can learn more about this e-bike by heading below the fold or by reading through our  hands-on review .

The  NIU BQI-C3 Pro  comes equipped with a 750W peak-rated rear hub motor alongside dual 48V 10.0Ah batteries that propel the bike up to 28 MPH for up to 90 miles on a single charge. It fully recharges from empty in just five hours, and settings can be monitored and controlled via the companion app thanks to NIU’s smart control technology that has been carried over to this model from its popular lines of electric scooters. It also comes with plenty of extra features that enhance the riding experience like a kickstand, the integrated rear cargo rack, fenders for both wheels, an LED headlight and taillight, puncture-resistant tires, internally routed wiring, IP65 waterproof rating for the motor, IP67 waterproof rating for the battery, and a 3.5-inch TFT color display that gives you real-time readouts of both individual battery levels, distance, travel times, speed, and more.

Spring e-bike deals!

• GoTrax Everest Electric Dirt Bike: $5,999 (Reg. $6,500)
• Super73 RX Electric Motorbike: $2,999 (Reg. $3,695)
• Juiced JetCurrent Pro Foldable e-bike (pre-order): $2,499 (Reg. $2,799)
• Juiced’s HyperScrambler 2: $1,999 (Reg. $3,499)
• Vanpowers UrbanGlide Ultra e-bike: $1,899 (Reg. $2,499)
• Aventon Aventure.2 All-Terrain e-bike with free extra battery: $1,799 ($2,499 value)
• Aventon Abound Cargo e-bike with $372 in free accessories: $1,799 (Reg. $2,199)
• Blix Packa Genie Cargo e-bike with $465 in free accessories: $1,499 (Reg. $2,099)
• Blix Ultra Fat-Tire All-Terrain e-bike with $328 in free accessories: $1,399 (2,099)
• Electric Bike Co. Model J e-bike: $1,299 (Reg. $1,499)
• Lectric XPress 750 High-Step e-bike with extra battery (pre-order): $1,299 (Reg. $1,799)
• Lectric XPress 750 Step-Thru e-bike with extra battery (pre-order): $1,299 (Reg. $1,799)
• Vanpowers UrbanGlide Pro e-bike: $1,299 (Reg. $1,899)
• Velotric Nomad 1 e-bike: $1,299 (Reg. $1,799)
• Velotric Discover 1 e-bike: $1,099 (Reg. $1,599)
• Vanpowers UrbanGlide Standard e-bike: $999 (Reg. $1,299)
• Schwinn Ridgewood Electric Mountain Bike: $800 (Reg. $1,500)
• Schwinn Ingersoll Electric Hybrid Bike: $700 (Reg. $1,500)

Other new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

• Jackery’s 518Wh capacity power station with 7 ports returns to $349 low, more from $120
• MAREY Power Pak 12kW electric tankless water heater covers small homes for new $121 low
• Snapcycle’s 2024 R1 Pro all-terrain e-bike sees first discount to $1,799 (Save $200)
• AeroGarden Bounty Basic 9-plant indoor garden falls to $144 (Reg. $180), seed kits from $13
• Anker’s SOLIX C800 Plus portable power station with 100W solar panel returns to $698 low
• Cruise along in throwback style on Razor’s Rambler 16 electric minibike for $528 (Reg. $659)
• Get up to $1,065 in savings on Blix e-bikes with free accessory bundles starting from $1,399
• Bosch Tronic 4000 6.5kW electric tankless under-sink water heater falls to $158 (Save $92)
• Anker’s 60,000mAh PowerCore Reserve power station covers everyday charging for $110
• Hover-1 Instinct electric bike falls to new $432 low (Reg. $1,000), more EVs starting from $280

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