10 best commuter bikes for 2025, tested and approved by a bike commuter
Whether you’re looking for an e-bike or a more traditional ride, we tested 15 options to find the top performers.
The science is clear: Getting and staying active is one of the best things you can do to maintain your health while staving off chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease and even some cancers. Unfortunately, statistics indicate that fewer than 50% of U.S. adults hit the suggested 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise each week (and even fewer — only about 24% — rack up the suggested levels of combined strength-building and aerobic activity). One major barrier to regular activity? The CDC says it's "lack of time." So if you're trying to get back in the saddle (so to speak) and prioritize physical activity, why not fit it in during your daily commute — something you have to make time for anyway? One 2025 large-scale study published in JAMA Network Open indicates that active travel, particularly riding a bike to get around, is linked to a 22% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease compared to taking a car, bus or train. But there are other reasons to saddle up and hit the cycle path: Biking to work could save you money on gas and car maintenance over the course of the year, and if traffic is intense in your area, biking may even get you to your destination faster. But to do so, you need to find the best commuter bike for your specific needs.
Before I hopped on and rode 15 commuter bikes for a minimum of 100 miles each, one thing became clear: The best commuter bike for one person won't necessarily be the best for another. The right bike should be matched with your commute as well as your specific needs. For instance, a bike designed to help you fly across smooth pavement won't necessarily be a good choice if you're hoping to take a shortcut through your local park on a series of rough trails. You also need to factor in things like how far you have to travel, whether you'll be navigating hills or hauling extra gear and how much energy you want to expend before you roll up to work (i.e., how sweaty you're willing to get on your ride).
Before you make a purchase, "you want to figure out what your [priorities are] first," says Brian Kellman, co-owner of Lewes Cycle Sports in Lewes, Del. And Kenneth Lounge, a bike mechanic at Good Karma Bikes in San Jose, Calif., emphasizes that above all, your bike needs to be reliable. "Using any item every day is a big ask. Transportation is an important part of getting to work and getting things done. You have to be able to rely on it," he says. So factors like brand reputation and expected ongoing maintenance should also play a role in your decision.
As a health journalist and product tester who lives in a busy beach town where biking is often the fastest way to get around, I used the professional expertise of four bike experts to help guide which bikes I put to the test. I tested 15 of the top options during my regular commutes, racking up at least 100 miles on each bike. And because everyone's commute is different, I tried a range of bikes, including hybrids, road bikes and e-bikes. Based on my experience, these are the best commuter bikes for a variety of needs.
Table of contents
Best overall commuter bike
Priority Bicycles
Type: Standard | Frame material: Aluminum | Gearing system and drivetrain: Belt drive | Tire width and wheel size: 2.5 inches, 27.5 inches | Weight: 33-35 lbs. | Weight capacity: 300 lbs. | Accessories included: Light, fenders | Motor and battery: NA | Additional features: Gear-powered lights
It's hard to find a commuter bike that could work for just about everyone, but the Priority 600 comes close. This hybrid bike is designed to work on any type of road, creating a smooth ride whether you’re commuting over trails or on pavement. It's also packed with smart features that make this an excellent, low-maintenance bike — exactly what you need when you're putting it to use on the daily.
The bike features a pinion 12-speed gearbox that was created by Porsche engineers to give you the same range you'd find in a 30-speed bike but with fewer gears. It also has a belt drive, which requires much less maintenance than a traditional chain drive (no regular lubrication needed, for starters). Belt drives can last up to five times longer than their chain counterparts, and because you don't have to oil them, you won't end up with grease stains on your work pants. While the gearbox adds a little weight to the bike, it's only about 35 pounds, making it light enough to lug upstairs if you need to take it to a second-floor office or a walk-up apartment.
I’m also impressed by the lighting system. The rear and front lights are powered by the bike's dynamo hub, so you never have to remember to charge them. They're also powerful: I had no trouble seeing what was in front of me during a night ride. This added visibility is also a handy feature if you're an early morning commuter or if you get stuck at work after dark.
The hydraulic brakes on this bike are excellent too: I was able to quickly stop when a squirrel ran across my path with no issue. The grips are ergonomic and comfortable, even on long rides, and the roomy fenders do a good job keeping mud and dirt away from your clothes while you ride. While this bike doesn’t come with a rack, it has space to install one, if you wish.
My only major complaint is that the seat is narrow and somewhat hard — not the best feeling, especially on longer rides. Luckily, you can always add a seat pad or replace the seat with a comfier option. Overall, I was really wowed by the Priority 600. While it's not the cheapest bike you'll find, it's highly versatile and built to last. You can comfortably ride it to and from work, and even squeeze in after-hours workouts, all with the same bike.
- Highly versatile bike works across range of terrain
- Gear-powered lights never need charging
- Low-maintenance
- Expensive
- Seat is narrow and may be uncomfortable on longer rides
More commuter bikes we like for 2025
Trek Bikes
Type: Standard | Frame material: Aluminum | Gearing system and drivetrain: 3 speed | Tire width and wheel size: 1.4 inches, 27.5 inches | Weight: 30.5 lbs. | Weight capacity: 300 lbs. | Accessories included: Fenders | Motor and battery: NA | Additional features: Leatherette seat and handlebars
If you're in the market for a stylish bike that won't cost a bundle, consider the Electra Loft 7D. This chic bike is designed to help you cruise along city streets in comfort and style. Let's face it: The bike looks good whether you're pulling up to the office or your favorite brunch spot. While the Electra Loft 7D is technically a hybrid bike, the vintage design and limited gears don't make this the best choice if you plan to regularly ride over rockier terrain. Not to mention, it also clangs when you hit bumps.
That said, the Electra Loft 7D delivers a very smooth ride with gears that change seamlessly. I was surprised at how well it performed over hills given that it only has three gears. The seat is wide and was the most comfortable of all the bikes I tested. The bike has a more upright design, so you're not going to use it to try to get an intense workout in on the weekend, but it's the perfect choice if you're looking for an affordable commuter bike you can ride on mostly smooth roads, particularly if you don't have to go exceptionally far. At just $399, you can't beat the value.
- Affordable and good value for the money
- Stylish look
- Most comfortable seat of all the bikes tested
- Only 3 speeds
- Clangs when you hit bumps
Type: Electric | Frame material: Aluminum | Gearing system and drivetrain: 9 speed | Tire width and wheel size: 2.4 inches, 27.5 inches | Weight: 56.4 lbs. | Weight capacity: 300 lbs. | Accessories included: Light, rear rack | Motor and battery: Bosch mid-drive, 500Wh battery | Additional features: Coordinating app
The Trek Allant+ 7S Gen 2 is an electric bike with seamless controls and a smooth ride that delivers an easy operation that e-bike pros and newbies alike will appreciate. This is a class 3 e-bike, which means it provides pedal assist up to 28 miles per hour, making it one of the fastest categories of e-bikes you can get while still being classified as a "bike."
While some e-bikes can be a little jerky when you pick up speed, the Trek Allant+ 7S Gen 2 is as smooth as it gets. While you can ride this bike manually, with no assistance from the motor, when you want an extra assist, you simply click a button and continue pedaling — extra power is added seamlessly, making it easier to trek up a hill or add speed to make it to work on time. The built-in headlight is handy for early-morning and night commutes, while the included rear rack gives you plenty of space to stash your gear.
Trek provides a coordinating app that provides a ton of information on your ride, including how much battery you have left and how much farther you can go before needing to recharge. While this sleek bike is an excellent choice, particularly if you have a longer commute or you need to navigate hills, the seat isn't the most comfortable; you may want to consider investing in a seat pad. That said, the bike has a suspension fork to help absorb shock as you go over varied terrain, and it handles bumps and gravel smoothly. Recharging is a breeze too — you can either charge the battery directly on the bike or remove the battery using the key and charge it separately. This makes it easy to take the battery into your office for a daytime charge while leaving your bike locked up outside.
- Fast and stylish
- Very smooth ride
- Integrated lights
- Good for longer commutes or those over hilly terrain
- Comparatively heavy
- Expensive
Laura Williams
Type: Electric | Frame material: Aluminum | Gearing system and drivetrain: Shimano 5 gear system or Enviolo automatic stepless shifting; carbon drive belt | Tire width and wheel size: 55 mm, 27.5 inches | Weight: 55 or 56.5 lbs., depending on gearing system | Weight capacity: 280 lbs. | Accessories included: Light, fenders | Motor and battery: 500W, 720 Wh | Additional features: Back-lit display, puncture-resistant tires
While this bike isn't cheap, if you're looking for a solid, class 2 electric bike that's throttle-enabled to allow for pedal-assisted or unassisted riding, this two-wheeled wonder might be worth it.
First, we love that this e-bike has a very "regular bike" look — it's not excessively bulky or overwhelming. When making your purchase you can choose between a Shimano and an Enviolo rear hub — the Shimano provides you with a little more control over shifting between gears, while the Enviolo does the internal shifting itself, offering a very smooth ride. We ended up testing the Enviolo (which ups the price to $3,499 instead of $3,299) to make each ride a little easier (in terms of shifting), but if you prefer to have more control, the Shimano is likely the better choice.
I had the bike assembled at a local shop, and the owner was excited to show me some of the features, particularly the Gates Carbon Drive belt — it's a belt rather than a chain, so it holds up better to the elements and requires next to no maintenance (and, according to the bike shop owner, lasts a lot longer). Also, if you're heading into the office, you don't have to worry about a greasy chain leaving black stains on your work clothes.
The tires are also designed to resist punctures, and while they're not overly wide and don't have a "knobby" tread like a lot of mountain bike or all-terrain tires, they do well on rougher roads. The streets where we've been testing the bikes have been under construction for months — there are lots of gravelly and muddy areas and some uneven terrain to contend with, but this bike handled it all with panache. And when you do need to stop on a dime (or in wet and slippery conditions), the hydraulic disc brakes are designed to turn off the pedal-assist motor whenever the brakes are engaged, providing more security for coming to a quick stop if a car cuts you off or pulls out of a driveway during your morning commute.
As a class 2 bike, it ships with a max pedal-assist speed of 20 mph, but it can be increased to a class 3 bike with a max speed of 28 mph, depending on local laws. I got it up over 30 mph, but that was with me doing the work (and going down hills). I found the bike to be easy to ride and the computer display clear to access, read and understand, with all the details you'd expect — distance, speed and remaining battery power.
It also gets up to a maximum of 75 miles on a single charge (more than enough for most daily commutes), but the actual distance depends on which setting you use — if you're seeking top power out of the motor, you may get only about 20 miles on a charge. But if you're heading to the office and you need to juice up before heading home, the battery is removable, so you can lock up your bike outside and take the battery in to charge it at your desk.
If you're looking for accessories to haul more stuff, Priority offers a range of options, including rear racks and waterproof pannier bags. We didn't personally test them, but they're reasonably priced. Just note that the brand is currently low in stock on some sizes, but the company expects to have more available by the end of September 2025.
- Drive belt lasts longer with little to no maintenance (and won't leave grease marks on your clothes)
- Two rear hub options to choose between
- Automatic headlight and taillights
- Puncture-resistant tires
- Class 2 bike is throttle-enabled for a pedal-free ride, if desired
- Expensive
- Heavy compared to some options
State Bicycle Co.
Type: Standard | Frame material: Chromoly steel | Gearing system and drivetrain: 8-speed drivetrain | Tire width and wheel size: 1.25 inches, 27.5 inches | Weight: 22 lbs. | Weight capacity: 300 lbs. | Accessories included: Optional rechargeable light, handlebar bag | Motor and battery: NA | Additional features: Option to customize saddle, pedals and more
If you live (or work) in a walk-up and don't feel comfortable leaving your bike outside, you need something lightweight that you can toss over your shoulder. The State 4130 Road Bike is a mere 22 pounds, making it easier to lift. The lightweight frame also lends itself to a faster ride, so it's a good choice if you have a longer commute — it can help you get to your destination a bit quicker than if you were using a heavier bike. The frame is also slim and petite compared to the other models on our list. As a result, it makes for an excellent city bike that's also a good fit for weekend workouts.
There are a few important things to keep in mind, which can be pros or cons, depending on your personal needs. This is a racing bike, which means the tires are thin. As a result, you won't be able to take this comfortably on trails, rocky ground or anything other than a well-maintained road. The bike also uses down tube shifting, which means that the gears are located on the bike's tube, not the handlebars. This allows the bike to be lighter weight, but it requires some practice to get the hang of shifting.
State gives you the option to customize your ride, so you can tweak things like the saddle, pedals, and lights—although some of these features cost extra. Overall, if you want something lightweight, easy to store and simple to ride over well-maintained roads? This bike is a great fit.
- Very lightweight
- Sleek and fast
- 8 speeds
- Great for city riding on well-maintained roads
- Can be used for workouts and commutes
- Thin tires won't do well on rocky or uneven ground
- Downtube shifter takes practice
Rick Broida/Yahoo
Type: Electric | Frame material: Carbon fiber | Gearing system and drivetrain: Shimano 8-speed | Tire width and wheel size: 1.6 inches, 28 inches | Weight: 37 lbs. | Weight capacity: 240 lbs. | Accessories included: Bluetooth speaker | Motor and battery: 750 W, 352.8 Wh | Additional features: Fingerprint sensor, GPS tracking for theft prevention, support for voice commands
A lot of e-bikes are so heavy, you can't easily pedal them without using the motor — let alone hoist them up some stairs or into the back of a van. Urtopia's sleek, futuristic Carbon 1 Pro weighs only 37 pounds, making it one of the lighter models you can buy and one of the more pleasant to ride. In fact, I sometimes left pedal-assist (PAS) turned off, allowing for a more traditional (and exercise-friendly) cycling experience. While 37 pounds isn't nearly as lightweight as our top lightweight pick selected above, you do get the added benefit of having a reasonably lightweight option with the added pedal-assist power boost that can help propel you up to 25 mph.
With PAS on, the Carbon zips around beautifully, with three power levels and a torque sensor that engages the motor with butter-like smoothness. This is all on top of an 8-speed Shimano shift system — great for reliable and all-around low-maintenance shifting.
This is also one tech-savvy bike, with a fingerprint sensor that locks and unlocks the motor, a bright dot-matrix display, baked-in 4G for GPS tracking/theft prevention and even support for voice commands (speed settings, headlight on/off, etc.). There's a built-in Bluetooth speaker so you can listen to tunes while riding and a well-designed companion app for adjusting various settings.
Although Urtopia claims a maximum range of 80 miles, I ended up having to recharge the battery after about 55 miles of mostly flat pedaling. Your mileage will vary depending on a number of factors (speed, terrain, wind, etc.), but if you do a little online research on this topic, you'll see that others have noted the bike rarely fulfills its 80-mile promise.
Even so, there's so much to like about the Carbon 1 Pro — including the price, which falls below a lot of other models in this roundup — that we're willing to overlook the battery discrepancy. Although tall riders, take note: I found that the large model — one of three sizes available — was barely tall enough to accommodate my 6-foot frame, even with the seat at maximum height. This may not be the best choice if you're over 6 feet tall.
- Attractive, lightweight design
- Very smooth pedal-assist
- Easy and enjoyable to ride without the motor
- Impressive range
- Advanced security features, including motion alarm, GPS tracking
- Bright dot-matrix display
- Not well-suited to taller riders
- No throttle control for pedal-free riding
- Exaggerated range claims
- Some display modes are confusing
- Lower total weight capacity
Laura Williams
Type: Electric | Frame material: | Gearing system and drivetrain: Shimano, 10-speed | Tire width and wheel size: 2.35 inches, 20 inches | Weight: 79 lbs. | Weight capacity: 440 lbs. | Accessories included: Integrated headlight, center console storage, integrated rear rack | Motor and battery: 600W, 545 Wh | Additional features: Heavy duty kickstand, wheel covers, chain guard, running boards, fenders, a built-in lock, dual battery mounts
If your commute requires you to bring supplies with you to work, or if you need to drop kids off at school or daycare before you head to the office, not just any commuter bike will do. You need a cargo bike. These bikes (especially the electric versions) weigh a lot more than your standard bike, but they have the ability to haul a lot more weight too. I can't say enough great things about the Cannondale Cargowagen Neo. This heavy-duty hauler can handle up to 440 pounds (so it has no problem managing my kids, their school supplies and me), has a built-in space to carry water bottles, snacks and a phone, features a bright automatic headlight that turns on when you turn on the bike, and comes with a comfy, well-supportive seat. The built-in display makes it easy to track your distance, speed and battery power, and the controls are easy to adjust on the go.
This is a class 3 e-bike, which means that it's a pedal-assist bike up to 28 mph. As it's a heavier bike (a whopping 79 pounds) that's capable of hauling heavier loads, I've found this to be a nice benefit — I get a decent workout in wherever I go without having to use all my strength to haul several hundred pounds around (70 pounds of kids alone is a lot). And while it can hit those higher speeds, the added weight tends to keep it on the lower end of the speed spectrum. I typically range between 15 and 20 mph riding around town, although going down hills I've topped 30.
One thing to keep in mind is that the kid- (and stuff-) hauling accessories are sold separately and add to the cost of the bike. In my case, the surround rail ($235), seat pad ($30 each — I have two but currently use only one) and front rack ($115) add up to around $400, so they're not cheap, but they've been a game changer for our family. Because my kids' day care is close to the house and I work from home, having the Cargowagen Neo made it possible for our family to forgo buying a second car when my husband's work schedule changed. Also, while I feel comfortable with my son holding on and staying put in the bike's surround rail, I don't have as much faith in my daughter. For added peace of mind, I purchased a separate kid's bike seat that keeps her a little more protected. It was easy to install, and she loves having her own special seat to keep her safe.
Most of my trips have been fairly close to home — within about a 5- to 6-mile radius — so I haven't paid too much attention to how far I get on each battery charge, although it would be easy to track using the Cannondale app. But I do know that I typically go more than a week between charges. Just keep in mind, this isn't a quick-to-charge bike. I found I needed at least four hours to get it juiced up. If you need your bike for longer commutes, the frame is actually equipped to hold two batteries. You can buy a second battery and double your ride time.
- One-size-fits-all sizing
- Very comfortable seat
- Easy to adjust and read controls
- Dual battery mounts mean you can add a second battery and extend your ride time
- Cargo accessories must be purchased separately
- Takes at least 4 hours to charge
Lectric Bikes
Type: Electric | Frame material: Aluminum | Gearing system and drivetrain: 8-speed drivetrain | Tire width and wheel size: 3 inches, 20 inches | Weight: 71 lbs. | Weight capacity: 330 lbs. | Accessories included: Detachable rack expander, phone mount, light | Motor and battery: 750-watt motor with 17.5 Ah battery | Additional features: Included bike lock
E-bikes don't come cheap, with some models (including our favorite cargo bike above) stretching to nearly $4,000. The Lectric XP4 750 is a long-range cargo bike that's packed with features, making it feel like it should cost significantly more than it does. The XP4 has a full-color display that's crisp and easy to read, so it's simple to see your speed and other metrics. It also comes with elements that often cost extra, like a detachable rear rack, phone mount and headlight.
This bike is designed for travel and folds up to save space. (Just a heads up: The folding mechanism takes some practice and still doesn't make this bike tiny.) The XP4 750 also has a 17.5 Ah battery to deliver up to 85 miles of range before needing a recharge, although like all electric bikes, this will depend on how much weight you're hauling, how much pedal assistance you're using and the type of terrain you're traveling on. This bike is fun to drive, the seat is very comfortable and the motor is near-silent, although the bike occasionally jerks when you're picking up speed. Speaking of speed … the XP4 750 can reach up to 28 mph, although if you're hauling extra weight, you're unlikely to get up that high. The XP4 750 is also heavy — it's 71 pounds with the battery intact — so it's not a bike you'll want to haul up and down stairs. Still, if you don't feel like spending a fortune on a cargo e-bike but also don't want to feel like you're riding around on a "budget" bike, this is a great choice.
One big difference from our top cargo pick above: The weight capacity for the Cannondale bike is a full 110 pounds more than this Lectric version. If you need to haul kids and extra gear, definitely consider which weight capacity is needed.
- Inexpensive for a cargo e-bike
- Multiple features for easy commute
- Foldable
- Comes with integrated rear rack , although you may need additional cargo accessories
- Heavy
- Doesn't perform well on rocky ground
- Total cargo capacity is good at 330 pounds, but significantly lower than our top cargo pick
Cannondale
Type: Standard | Frame material: Aluminum | Gearing system and drivetrain: Shimano 2x8-speed drivetrain | Tire width and wheel size: 1.57 inches, 27.5 inches | Weight: 29 lbs. | Weight capacity: 300 lbs. | Accessories included: Intellimount stem for phone mount | Motor and battery: NA | Additional features: Coordinating app
Hybrids are the jack of all trades of bikes, allowing you to tackle roadways and trails alike. The Cannondale Quick CX 3 is a speedy and relatively lightweight hybrid that can do it all, including get you to work fast. This bike delivers a smooth ride, no matter the surface, thanks to a Suntour 50 millimeter shock-absorbing fork in front and extra-grippy tires. You can also seamlessly flip between eight speeds and stop on a dime thanks to the hydraulic brakes.
Keep in mind that a hybrid bike isn't for every commuter. This is better suited for someone who regularly has to work their way over trails or uneven terrain. (I regularly go across trails to get between towns, making it a perfect fit for my commute.) While it still delivers a smooth ride on pavement, it's definitely slower than, say, a road bike, if pavement is your primary surface. The Quick CX 3 also doesn't really come with any added features, aside from an Intellimount stem (you need a compatible phone case to use it). But the bike is lightweight enough for most people to carry around as needed, and it's also a great bike to get a cycling workout on the weekends. Durable, lightweight and fast for a hybrid, this versatile bike will last you for a long time.
- Hybrid bike is up for any commute
- Excellent bike for after-hours workouts too
- Great shock absorption
- Minimal accessories
- May not be ideal for all-pavement commuters
Rad Power Bikes
Type: Electric | Frame material: Aluminum | Gearing system and drivetrain: 8-speed | Tire width and wheel size: 2.2 inches, 29 inches | Weight: 75 lbs. | Weight capacity: 320 lbs. | Accessories included: Just-in-case emergency repair kit, back cargo rack, integrated blinker signals | Motor and battery: 750 watt motor, 15 Ah battery | Additional features: Key fob
A step-through bike features a low frame that makes it easy to mount and dismount without having to lift your leg too high. This style of bike is ideal for individuals with mobility limitations or anyone who wants to wear a dress or skirt to the office. The peppy Rad Power Bikes Radster Road has a simple step-through design that checks all the boxes.
This bike has a clear display and is easy to switch between power modes, allowing you to seamlessly transition between speeds. It's also designed for city commuters, with a key fob for locking and unlocking your bike that allows you to get onto your bike and go without having to fiddle with a standard key-in-lock situation. The Radster Road has a roomy rack in back, along with blinkers to help signal to other people on the road where you're headed next. Just a heads up: Those blinkers don't self-cancel, so you need to turn them on and off after you make your move. The chain guard and large fenders help protect your equipment and your outfit, no matter what you're biking over.
If you're planning to haul your bike up stairs, this probably isn't the choice for you. At 75 pounds, it's one of the heaviest options on our list. But if you're planning to park it in a garage or on the street and want something you can quickly hop on and off, the Radster Road is definitely worth a look.
- Easy to get on and off
- Unlocked by fob or key code
- Adaptable class 1, 2 and 3 settings
- Heavy
- Blinkers don't self-cancel
Types of commuter bikes
Traditional city bikes: A traditional city bike is usually an upright bike with a wide saddle and wide-ish tires. It's designed for comfort and is ideal for trekking around a city, as it can take on a range of street surfaces and terrains, says Shane Hall, senior buyer at Bicycles NYC.
Road bikes: According to Diego Costales, owner at GoGo Gone NYC bike shop in New York, road bikes are designed to be fast and efficient. These are usually lightweight and have thinner tires. These are ideal if you have a longer commute over reasonably smooth roads — they can get you to work and back faster than a heavier bike.
Step-through and low-standover bikes: Step-through bikes are designed for an easy mount and dismount, making them a great choice for people who have mobility issues or who are wearing skirts or dresses.
E-bikes with pedal-assist motors: E-bikes with pedal-assist motors give you added power with each pedal. "With pedal assist, you are moving your legs, but you don't exert as much energy," Kellman says. These may be particularly nice if you have to navigate hills or you need to carry extra cargo with you — carrying extra weight on a traditional bike can make your ride much more challenging. A pedal-assist motor enables you to get some exercise but doesn't leave you sweating buckets by the end of your commute.
E-bikes with throttle capabilities: If you want to be able to go pedal-free for a while, e-bikes with a throttle enable you to engage the motor to power the bike while you coast along for the ride. While they reduce the amount of exercise you get while riding your bike, if your commute is particularly long or you have to navigate challenging hills, having the option to take a break without extending your commute time may be a worthwhile choice.
Gravel/hybrid crossovers for mixed-surface commutes: These bikes typically have wider tires and better shock absorption, allowing you to commute over a range of terrain, Kellman says. So if it's faster for you to cut through a park to get to your office, rather than staying on the roads, a hybrid bike makes it safer for you to hit the paths.
Factors to consider when purchasing a commuter bike
You need to put some thought into your selection when buying a commuter bike, as what works well for one person may not work for another. A bike that's a good fit for someone exclusively navigating city roads is very different from the ideal bike for someone who has to tackle mixed-surface commutes. Experts recommend keeping these factors in mind as you shop:
Distance: If you're planning to go over longer distances with plenty of hills, it's worth considering an e-bike, Hall says. "You can go farther with less energy. These take your pedaling power and amplify it," he points out. But if you're traveling a shorter distance or want more exercise, a standard bike may be more your speed.
Commute terrain: If you're traveling over smooth and predictable pavement, a road bike may be a good option. These are lightweight and fast, making them easier to power. But if you'll be traveling across gravel, on trails or any kind of uneven terrain, a hybrid bike or bike with wider tires is likely a better fit, Kellman says.
Need for speed, comfort or cargo capacity: If you prefer to store your work supplies or change of clothes somewhere other than in a backpack, you'll want to look for features like a rear bike rack or pannier bags, or the ability to add a basket to the front of your bike. For comfort, consider the seat design and placement — wider seats that allow you to sit upright tend to be more comfortable than the narrower seats common to road bikes. If speed is important to you, a road bike will move faster on pavement than a hybrid bike.
Low-maintenance drivetrains: Lounge points out that low-maintenance drivetrains are the way to go. "Riding your bike every day is a pretty tough life for a bike," he says. "You'll need to service your bike often." However, elements like a belt drive and internal gear hubs can help stretch the time between service appointments. Plus, a belt drive (rather than a chain) can also save your work clothes from grease marks or stains.
Portability and storage: If you live in a city and have limited storage, a portable, lightweight bike is often the best choice, Costales says. "We often ask people, 'Do you have storage space at home?' We recommend having really good quality locks because a lot of people live in a walk-up and don't want to be carrying it [up and down stairs]." Even if you have the storage space and don't mind carrying your bike inside, you may want to consider how much the bike weighs or whether it can fold for easier transport.
Budget: When figuring out your budget, it's important to consider things like required maintenance and storage space. You may be able to spend a little more on a low-maintenance bike because its ongoing maintenance costs and bike shop appointments will be less frequent.
Available infrastructure: Many e-bikes have removable batteries that you can simply slide out and charge in an outlet at home or at the office. But others require you to plug them directly into an outlet. If yours falls into the latter camp, make sure you have the space and the outlets available to keep your bike powered.
How we chose
To choose the best commuter bikes, we consulted with four experts: Brian Kellman, co-owner of Lewes Cycle Sports; Kenneth Lounge, bike mechanic at Good Karma Bikes; Shane Hall, senior buyer at Bicycles NYC; and Diego Costales, owner at GoGo Gone NYC bike shop. Each was asked about the most important features to look for in a commuter bike, as well as which elements you should weigh when picking the right bike for you.
Using the guidance from the experts, we considered a wide range of commuter bikes, each with varying benefits and features, and selected 15 high-quality bikes from reputable brands to put to the test. We rode each bike for 100 miles or more over various commutes, paying close attention to comfort, ease of use, features, weight and size of the bikes. While this experience confirmed that there's not one bike that will be a universal fit for every commuter's needs, we were able to narrow our selections and determine the best possible fit for a range of scenarios.
Other products we tested
There were other products we tested that didn't make the cut for various reasons:
Lectric XP Trike 2.0: This tricycle bike is fun to ride and packed with features to make commuting as easy as possible, including a huge rear basket and blinkers. But the trike design is a little bulky for anything other than riding around town, and its large size makes it hard to store. If you're an older adult with balance issues, or just want a trike design in a bike, this is worth considering.
Liv Rove 4: This hybrid is inexpensive and easy to ride, especially over uneven ground. But it requires more power on your part than many of the other standard bikes we tested. The lack of fenders also means your work clothes could get dirty when biking over muddy or dusty terrain.
Blix Sol X Comfort E-Bike: This inexpensive e-bike has a battery that's easy to detach, a wide seat and a rack in the back. But it didn't ride as smoothly as others that made our list.
Giant Escape 3: The hybrid bike moves well across a range of terrain and is even a little speedy. But it feels heavier and doesn't come with fenders.
JetCurrent Pro: When testing electric bikes, this was one of our original favorites, and it makes a good commuter pick because it folds up and can be stored safely in an office during the day. Unfortunately, the bike is currently unavailable, and it's unclear when it will be back in stock.
FAQs
What’s the difference between a road bike and a commuter bike?
"A road bike can be a commuter bike, but a lot of road bikes are built for speed — not for carrying cargo,” Kellman says. That doesn't mean a road bike isn't a good choice for commutes. These tend to be fast, making commutes quicker. Plus, their lightweight design makes them easier to store if you want to carry your bike into the office with you. Just be aware that you'll likely have to carry your office supplies with you in a backpack, rather than strapped to a bike-mounted rack if you opt for a road bike.
Are electric commuter bikes worth it?
It really depends on your needs. An e-bike is almost always going to be more expensive than a standard bike, but an e-bike can be helpful if you're traveling over long distances or hilly terrain and don't want to break a sweat. They also come in handy if you need to drop kids off at school or you need to carry extra cargo — the added weight can make a bike commute much more challenging. Kellman just points out that e-bike laws vary in different areas, with some locales requiring bikes to adhere to specific speed limits. "If you're interested in an e-bike, check out your local laws and understand the different [classes] of e-bikes," Kellman says.
How much should I spend on a commuter bike?
You can find a commuter bike for nearly any budget. While you'll likely enjoy more features with a pricier bike, our top value pick, the Electra Loft 7D, is $400.
Can I use a commuter bike for fitness riding?
Yes, you can use a commuter bike for fitness riding (in fact, I do). If you plan to do double-duty with your bike, you'll still want to consider the type of terrain you plan to ride it over. If it's mostly pavement, a road bike may be a good choice. If you're interested in mixed terrain, a hybrid is likely a better bet.
What accessories do I need for a daily commuter bike?
That's ultimately up to you. If you'll be riding at dawn, dusk or into the night, headlights and taillights are a smart choice for safety. Some people also like having a rear rack or front basket to hold their office supplies, while others are fine carrying a backpack. And, of course, Hall points out that a helmet is a safety must-have.
Meet our experts
Brian Kellman, co-owner of Lewes Cycle Sports in Lewes, Del.
Kenneth Lounge, bike mechanic at Good Karma Bikes in San Jose, Calif.
Shane Hall, senior buyer at Bicycles NYC in New York.
Diego Costales, owner at GoGo Gone NYC bike shop in New York.
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.