If you’re living in London or any city with horrible traffic jams, one thing for sure is cycling is the best way to get around.
But I know that aside from urban commuting, some riders also want their bike to be versatile to ride on other terrains, like off-road, canal paths, bridal ways, and probably even a bit of adventure riding.
So here, I’ll walk you through 13 best commuter bikes which I’d carefully picked from the market, based on my experience and some experts. Take a peek!
Top 13 Best Commuter Bikes Reviews In 2021
sixthreezero 7-Speed Road Bicycle
The experts I spoke with recommended this sixthreezero as the best classic men’s city cruiser bike under 1000.
It is very lightweight, low-profile, and versatile for a wide range of activities, such as climb, coast, and cruise, all in the best comfort. That’s a big thank you to the handlebar geometry as it helps create an upright riding gesture to make your back, arms, and shoulders completely relaxed.
Whether you’re about to ride along the beachfront, zip off to the grocery store, or simply make your daily commute, this can stop with ease when necessary. Accordingly, it gives you more control and precision while riding.
This commuter bike is also convenient due to its various accessories, from matching fenders to a sturdy rear rack for your panniers.
Pros
- Comfortable and relax – feature a handlebar geometry & cushioned synthetic leather seat
- Versatile – Shimano 7-speed external derailleur
- Extra convenience – matching fenders & Rear rack
Cons
- The seat is probably a bit uncomfortable for big guys (6’ 2” 290lbs. or up)
Product Specs
Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Franklin 3
Need a bike to get to work, meet up with a friend, or head out on errands without working up a sweat? The Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Franklin 3 is a sparkling contender under $2000.
It’s a low-maintenance 3-speed commuter bicycle with the elimination of the moving parts of a traditional drive train, which means you’ll receive fewer turn-ups, smoother shifting, and more riding.
The step-through geometry would be a big bonus for female riders who usually wear a dress or skirts when they go out as it requires no awkward stretching to hop on and off your bicycle.
In other words, no wardrobe restrictions!
Pros
- Low-maintenance – feature 3-speed gear shifters with no moving parts like the traditional drive train
- Easy to hop on and off – step-through geometry
- Smooth travel on most terrains – lightweight design & puncture-resistant tires
Cons
- Costly
Product Specs
Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1 Bike
Skip the car and zip around the city quickly with this Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1 Bike.
It is specialized for urban outings, with an emphasis on a shock-absorbing fork, hydraulic disc brakes, and relaxed geometry.
The fork is my most favorite thing! It can efficiently decrease the impact of cracks and potholes in the street without eating up your energy so the riding experience is still very effortless and enjoyable. More significantly, if you prefer to keep the ride static, just use the lock-out.
Another big bonus is its 24 smooth-shifting gears which allow you to ride on many other terrains and grades. In addition to the reflective sidewalls on tires and the 360-degree reflective decals, riding at night won’t be a matter anymore.
Pros
- Ultra-versatile – have 24 smooth-shifting gears to ride on different terrains
- Safe to ride at night – reflective sidewalls on tires & 360-degree reflective decals
- Adapt multiple ride styles – shock-absorbing fork with lock-up function
Cons
- Little color options
Product Specs
Mongoose Men’s Elroy Adventure Bicycle
With the Mongoose Men’s Elroy Adventure Bike 700C Wheel Bicycle, there’s nothing you can’t do. The great combination of sleek alloy frame and steel fork, adventure bike geometry, and 21-speed gear Shimano Tourney derailleurs gives you a souped-up ride on any terrain.
Meanwhile, the mechanical disc brakes and integrated Micro shift shifters/brake lever combo helps smoothen shock and impact like a dream, giving you the most relaxing riding experience.
And if your willingness and imagination for the adventure are exactly what stops you from where to ride, this can change the whole thing.
It packs tons of add-ons, such as a convenient rear rack mount, a huge pannier-friendly front rack, and especially, a large integrated frame bag, to let you take everything you need for the next long bike tours.
You’ll also have 5 water bottle cage mounts: 3 on the frame and 2 on the fork to stay hydrated when riding.
Pros
- Ride on all terrains – the adventure bike geometry & 21-speed gear Shimano Tourney derailleurs
- Smooth and comfortable riding experience – the mechanical disc brakes and integrated Micro shift shifters/brake lever combo
- Huge storage space – a convenient rear rack mount, a huge pannier-friendly front rack, and a large integrated frame bag
- No worries about hydration – 5 water bottle cage mounts
Cons
- Setting up the bike brakes is trickier than other parts
Product Specs
Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike
If you want to give bicycle commuting a try without spending a fortune, the Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike is a great entry-level alternative under $300.
The bicycle looks comfier than it looks. The lightweight yet robust aluminum city frame, the padded saddle, and the swept-back upright handlebar do a great job in giving you a relaxing riding gesture with great support to the back, arms, and even shoulders.
Plus, it has 21-speed SPRAM grip shifters and Promax alloy linear-pull brakes to ride you through a wide range of terrains with full control and smoothness.
The front suspension fork gains another big bonus due to its phenomenal handling bumps and cracks in the road. And finally, with a removable cargo rack attached on the back wheel, bringing your luggage, groceries, and other stuff along won’t be a matter anymore.
Pros
- Maneuverable & controllable – 27.5-inch tires and wheels
- Tackle various terrains, including for hills – 21 speed SRAM grip shifters
- Help carry your stuff with you more easily – a removable cargo rack
Cons
- Wish the inner tubes were more durable
Product Specs
Schwinn Wayfarer Bike
While other lightweight commuter bikes are so expensive, this Schwinn Wayfarer is just the ticket for budget-minded people.
This low-profile single-speed bike is perfect to make trips to a nearby store or ride around the neighborhood. No more traffic jams or parking fees.
It’s lightweight and comfortable thanks to the wide swept-back cruiser handlebars, the meridian’s low stand-over aluminum frame, and the large springer cruiser seat. The recommended rider height for this bike is 5’4″-6’2″ and the max load is 300 pounds, including the rider’s body and his gear carried on the bike.
Don’t worry, you’ll get a large rear basket to organize them and when not in use, it can be folded flatly. One thing to note: this basket can handle 50 pounds of stuff as maximum.
Pros
- Lightweight yet strong – The meridian’s low stand-over aluminum frame
- Simple and easy to ride – feature a low-maintenance single-speed drivetrain
- Affordable – priced under $500
Cons
- The seat is not as comfy as other models
Product Specs
State Bicycle Deluxe 3 Speed City Bike
I highly recommend State Bicycle Deluxe 3 for anyone who is looking for a perfect commuter bike for weekend errands, daily commuting or riding around the campus.
It’s very easy and comfortable to ride thanks to the 3-speed gearing and the relaxed geometry. In addition, this Dutch-inspired bicycle has a coaster brake for easy stopping, which means you can stop it on a dime without squeezing the heck out of your levers.
Of course, safety is the top priority in bicycle riding.
This gives you full front and rear fenders standard, mustache handlebars, and a chain-guard. Choose the Deluxe version, you will get some bonus features, such as an adjustable pannier rack, a basket, and a bell.
Overall, this is a wonderful city bike for everyone, no matter of their types and riding levels.
Pros
- Easy to ride & comfortable – 3-speed gearing and the relaxed geometry
- Easy to stop – have a coaster brake
- Ultra-safe – full handbrakes, front and rear fenders standard, mustache handlebars, and a chain-guard
- Plenty of storage space – front and rear racks
Cons
- A bit costly for beginners
Product Specs
State Bicycle Co Bike
If a costly price tag is a thing that stops you from buying the State Bicycle Deluxe 3, here is a good alternative. It cuts off several accessories, such as the front and rear racks, to give you a better deal.
Regardless, the quality of the main components is unchanged: fenders, mustache handlebars, chain-guard, coaster brake, and Dutch-inspired styling.
Same with the size options which are 48cm, 53cm, and 58cm, fitting rider height within 5’6” to 6’4”.
In other words, the versatility of this Keansburg 3 city bike knows no bounds.
Pros
- More affordable than the Deluxe 3
- Lighter and neater than its siblings
- Easier to assemble
Cons
- No front and rear racks
Product Specs
Pure City Classic Step-Through Bicycle
No commuter bike in the market is perfect, but near perfection is the second name of Pure City Classic Step-Through Bicycle. It comes with everything you need to commute in all types of terrains with decent stability.
The bike is perfectly engineered with top-not structure and high-end components, including double-walled alloy rims, front and rear caliper brakes, and hi-tensile steel frame.
Adding to the appeal of this bicycle is a colored-matching rear rack, kickstand, reflectors, silver bell, and fenders. Also, a water bottle cage is included to ensure your hydration during the tour.
The thing that I really appreciate is, Pure City allows its customers to choose between different gears. So, you can customize to your desired setup, from a normal ride on smooth pathways to act both like a mountain bike and a road bike.
Pros
- High-quality – made of high-end components
- Bang for bucks – features many add-ons: rear rack, kickstand, reflectors, silver bell, and fenders
- Customizable and optimal – allow customers to choose between different gears
Cons
- Shifting gears probably result in some performance issues
Product Specs
Tommaso La Forma Hybrid Bike
Tommaso La Forma is my top choice for the best affordable hybrid bicycle, and for good reasons.
It is crafted from a 606 super-lightweight aluminum frame with Hydrofoam tubing on top to really give the bike great shape. And, the compact design to the frame is going to give you a more upright position, which is a lot more comfortable than your traditional drop-bar road bikes.
Tommaso designed this bike’s handlebar to be flat and you’ve also got ergonomically designed grips with gel padding for maximum comfort.
Another great thing about handlebars is on the Acera shifters, there is a heads-up display to show you exactly where you’re at in your shifting to maximize the overall riding performance.
All-in-all, if you’re seeking a perfect city riding bike or commuter, this is your ultimate ride.
Pros
- Easy to track and adjust – feature a heads-up display
- Comfier than the traditional drop-bar bikes – compact design, 606 super-lightweight aluminum frame with Hydrofoam tubing
- Maximum comfort – ergonomically designed grips with gel padding
Cons
- Require professional assembly -> you need to spend extra for expert help
Product Specs
Fortified Commuter Bike
One of the reasons why we can’t invest in good bikes is theft. But even if paying on a cheap one, you’re still afraid to leave it outside overnight, right?
The good news is with Fortified Theft-Resistant 8 Speed Bike, that ends now!
It is invincible with 8-speed gearing design, puncture-resistant tires, and an aluminum frame that will never rust and are incredibly light. Each of them also comes equipped with an anti-rust chain, ergonomic water-repellent seat, and safety retro-reflective decals.
But the most expected feature is its custom security bolts. They lock down everything in the bike and also feature with a best-in-class fortified U-lock.
More significantly, if somehow a thief manages to steal your bike or any of its components, Fortified will ship you a new one in 24 hours. Yeah, you didn’t hear it wrong!
Pros
- Durable & reliable – puncture-resistant tires, rust-free aluminum frame, and an anti-rust chain
- Safe to ride – safety retro-reflective decals
- Anti-thief – custom security bolts
Cons
- Rim tape is plastic
Product Specs
Raleigh Bikes Carlton 8 City Bike
Designed for commuting, quick errands, or casual urban riding trips with weather and hills, this 8-speed classic Raleigh-styled bicycle is a great choice whether you’re about to zip it down to work, exercising, or riding up to the corner stores for something.
It has color-matched fenders so on those days when you wear business clothes, your pants are well-protected against mud or splash of water.
The bike also features a one-piece integrated handlebar and stem for a clean, unique look, dual top tubes, and a platform rack for your groceries.
The bike bell lets other riders and peds know that you are coming, and the reflective decaling on the downtube gives souped-up visibility for riding during early morning hours or at night.
Pros
- Attractive & safe – feature appealing matte color options & reflective decaling on the downtube
- Easy to assemble – partly pre-assembled with tools provided
- Customizable – give you two choices between fixed-gear and single-speed riding, due to the flip-flop hub on the rear wheel
Cons
- Costlier than similar cruisers
Product Specs
RALEIGH Cadent 1 Urban Fitness Bike
Cadent 1 is a superior bike for the price under $200.
It can work as a commuter bicycle or easily fulfill fitness duties, just like the Trek FX, but in this one, you’ll find more benefits.
For example, Cadent 1 weighs just 26 pounds – around 3 pounds lighter than its competitor. It additionally features larger comfort grips, higher-grade Weinmann alloy wheels, and more secure Presta valves.
The biggest selling point is its threadless headset where the Trek FX has a quilt stem.
In a nutshell, whether you’re looking to do fun rides down the local greenway, exercise, or navigate the city on your way to work, this is a perfect companion.
Pros
- Very lightweight – weigh 26 pounds
- Better grips – feature larger comfort grips than the Trek FX
Cons
- Provide no color options
Product Specs
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Commuter Bikes In 2021
There are a few questions you should ask yourself before choosing the best commuter bikes for you:
- Comfort: Would you be willing to give up some speed for a comfier ride? How comfortable do you want to be when riding a bike?
- Terrain: What kind of road/path/ground do you plan to ride on?
- Distance: How far are you going to ride every day?
- Rack compatibility: Do you intend to carry things with you, like groceries, bags, or another person?
- Gearing: How many types of terrains do you plan to ride through – just city bumpy roads or hilly area, or both?
Distance & riding gesture
Generally, for long-distance rides, with sustained exertion and effort, track, triathlon, and road bikes are an ideal choice as they provide a more forward leaning riding gesture.
On the contrary, urban, classic, and hybrid bikes are better for short-distance rides because you don’t need as much exertion as that for long-distance rides. These bike types also give you more relaxed and upright riding gesture.
If the distance you’re about to ride is moderate with some physical exertion and sustained effort, look for a bike that gives you a midway riding gesture between a fully forward and a fully upright position. Commuter-specific and urban bikes are my recommendations.
Bike fit & sizing
The fitting of a bike will make or break your joy to ride.
To find the right size with ease, keep in mind these 3 major measurements:
Reach
It’s the distance between the handlebars and saddles. Make sure you don’t feel too stretched out or cramped when riding it.
To save you time, potential injury, soreness, and frustration enlist the help of your local bike stores.
Saddle height
Look for adjustable saddle height so you can customize it to your comfort.
To find the right saddle height for yours, sit on a bike with feet on the pedals. When pushing one foot down on the pedal, your knee should be bent a little bit at the bottom of the downstroke.
Minimum stand-over height
Unlike saddle height, this is not adjustable and it depends on the bike frame’s size. There should be 1 to 2 inches of gap between your groin and the bike’s top tube when you straddle it with your feet placed flatly on the ground.
When considering this feature, make sure to pick the right frame size for your body.
Safety features
Wheels & tires
Look to the bike wheels and tires when it comes to terrain to make sure you will ride safely.
Most urban bikes’ tires are within 700×28 to 700×42. Therein, 700 is the diameter of the tire and 28 (or 42) is the tire’s width in millimeters. This feature depends on the comfort you need and the terrain you ride.
In general, the wider the tires, the more shock absorption, and traction.
The smaller the tires, the easier maneuverability, lower weight, and greater strength, which is better for mountain riding.
- Bonus: For city riding, prioritize lightly treaded or smooth tires with extra width and puncture resistance features.
Brakes
For commuter bikes, find a model with a reliable and responsive braking system is essential as you need to be able to stop on a dime when riding through the city amongst the traffic.
- Disc brake: Known for its incredible brake control and stopping power so this type is reliable in most weather conditions. Not to say that it requires little maintenance than the caliper brakes.
- Rim/Caliper brake: The most common brake type because of its lower price point and higher adaptability to any bike styles. Although it requires extra maintenance and can’t be used in some harsh weather conditions, caliper brake is very responsive, easy to maintain, and reliable.
FAQs
How much should I spend on a commuter bike?
Commuter bikes come in a wide range of price points, from low to high-end, and it’s influenced by some factors: components quality, brand names, warranties, and included accessories.
You can go for an affordable bike but don’t focus too much on the price. The ideal price range I would recommend is $300 – $1000.
What is the best bike for riding in the city?
Based on the decent performance and quality, I would recommend these three models:
- sixthreezero Ride in The Park Men’s Touring City Road Bicycle with Rear Rack
- Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1 Bike
- Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike for Men and Women, 21-Speed, 28-inch Wheels
Are road bikes good for commuting?
Yes, they are.
Compared to other types of bike, this is amongst the fastest to ride on the road while offering the rider lots of joy.
What is a reasonable commute?
15-25 minutes in the US.
Conclusion
And that’s all I think about what is the best commuter bike for specific needs.
Of course, the provided reviewing list is not completed yet as there are still numerous models out there but I’ll keep updating. So, if you haven’t found a good one for you yet, don’t worry, just keep following this post or consult other articles of mine on this website.
If I missed anything from the guide above, don’t hesitate to let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading!