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- High-quality commuter bikes are comfortable to ride, react quickly to obstacles in your path, and handle a broad array of weather and road conditions.
- The Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Franklin 3 is our top pick because it has an attractive upright design good for visibility and comfort, features high-quality parts, and is available in several styles.
Working from home, I miss having the opportunity to commute to a job. Depending on the weather, I would either roller skate or bike the 13-mile commute each day. Sure, it might take a little longer than driving, but I started the day on a positive, energetic note and was in the best shape of my life.
More cities are now encouraging their residents to commute by bike, creating bike-only lanes in urban areas. Therefore, now is the best time to use a bike to get to and from work, school, or just about anywhere.
The most important consideration when buying a commuter bike is comfort. If riding a bicycle isn't enjoyable, then you're never going to keep at it. Fortunately, when you purchase a bike online, the retailer will often work with your local bike shop to assemble the bike and provide the necessary final tweaks to ensure the fit is right for your body.
When purchasing online, you may have the option of assembling the bike on your own. In my experience, it's worth the extra money to have a professional do it. The experts have the right tools, plenty of experience, and will likely finish the job in a fraction of the time it would take you.
We chose to focus on affordable entry-level bicycles so all of the options in this guide are non-electric and cost under $700. If you are looking to spend more, we recommend considering an electric bicycle, or e-bike. With e-bikes, you can get as much or as little help as you want on your commute. This is especially helpful when you have killer hills on your route and you just want to get home after an exhausting day. Don't be confused: An e-bike provides powered assistance, but you still need to peddle.
While researching the best commuter bikes, we examined dozens of reviews and ratings of countless brands from experts and buyers. Our guide features bikes that have a track record of durability, comfort, and minimal maintenance demands.
Here are the best commuter bikes you can buy:
- Best commuter bike overall: Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Franklin 3
- Best high-end commuter bike: Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1 Bike
- Best bike for longer commutes: Mongoose Men's Elroy Adventure Bike 700C Wheel Bicycle
- Best commuter bike under $200: Schwinn Wayfarer Hybrid Bike
- Best full-featured commuter bike: State Bicycle Deluxe 3 Speed City Bike
Read on in the slides below to check out our top picks.
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