Best Hybrid Bikes for Commuting

Specifications:

• Frame → Aluminum
• Number of Gears → 21 or 24
• Brakes → Disc brakes
• Wheel Size → 700c

Key Features:

• 21- or 24-speeds
• Disc brakes
• Multi-use tires
• Front fork suspension

Schwinn GTX Comfort Hybrid Bike Review

When you hear the name Schwinn, you know the bike has been created with rider comfort in mind.  The Schwinn GTX Comfort hybrid range is no different. There are a few models within this hybrid range including the GTX 1.0, 2.0 and Elite.  The only difference in the models is the sizes on offer.

GTX Versions And Frame Sizes

All GTX comfort hybrids come with an aluminum alloy frame making it light and responsive to any handling.  The aluminum frame makes the bike light and it weighs around 34lbs.  While the frame is light, there are 2 sizes that you can choose from.  The GTX 1.0 and 2.0 come in 16- and 18-inch versions while the Elite comes in 18-inch only.

The design of the frame is a step-through making the bike easier to mount.  The top tube is not low-entry and more reminiscent of a women’s mountain bike.  If you are looking for a cruiser entry, this is not the bike for you.

Looking past the frame, the GTX offers 21 or 24 speeds depending on the model and size.  The GTX 1.0 and 2.0 have 21 speeds while the Elite has 24 speeds.  Both of these options offer the gears you need to tackle any conditions and inclines you might face.

The drivetrain is made by Shimano and the bike has a Shimano rear derailleur.  The rear derailleur offers a crisp and clean gear change while you ride.

While the gears help you tackle the road, the disc brakes give you better control over the bike.  The disc brake is mechanical and not hydraulic, which is to be expected for this price range.  If you have never used disc brakes, they can take some getting used to and you need to allow time for this before heading out on a long ride.

Speeding Away On Different Terrain

The specs of this bike are impressive for the price range, but where you can go when riding?  This hybrid is a great all-purpose bike and can tackle roads and dirt trails.  Of course, you cannot handle heavy mountain biking with the GTX Comfort.

To achieve this multi-purpose design, the GTX Comfort has Schwinn multi-use tires.  These tires are 700c tires with a width of approximately 1.5”.  This makes them ideal for any conditions from paved roads to looser debris on dirt tracks.

The front fork also has suspension which softens any bumps that you come across.  The saddle you get with the bike is not the most comfortable and you might want to change it.  If you do change the seat, you should get one with springs for additional comfort.

The handlebars are straight and not the curved style of cruisers.  This makes the bike easier to use in different situations including off-roading and some people find it offers better handling.  To get the most comfortable position, the handlebars can be tilted and raised as needed.

If you are looking for the ultimate hybrid bike that you can use for any type of riding, the Schwinn GTX Comfort Hybrid is the bike for you.  This bike offers an aluminum frame with multi-use tires for road biking and off-roading. The drivetrain helps you achieve the speeds you need and the disc brake will effectively stop the bike in any conditions.

Specifications:

• Frame → Aluminum
• Number of Gears → 21
• Brakes → V-brakes
• Wheel Size → 700c

Key Features:

• 21 Shimano gears
• Upright riding position
• Comfort handlebars and seat
• Full road bike wheels

Raleigh Detour 2 Comfort Hybrid Bike Review

If you are looking for an affordable hybrid bike that is the perfect combination of cruiser and road bike, look no further.  The Raleigh Detour 2 comfort hybrid bike looks like a cruiser but offers a lot more. The bike brings the features of both types and combines it with the stability this famous brand is known for.

When you first look at this bike, you will think that it is a cruiser.  The design has all the trademarks of a cruiser from the curved handlebars to the placement of the seat.  You also get the comfort of a cruiser with a relaxed upright riding position.

Aluminum Frame For A Strong Bike

Looking past the design, you will see that this bike has a lot of substance to back up the style.  The frame and fork are both heat-treated aluminum making the bike light and strong.  The frame has been made to last and is easy to put together.

While the strength of the frame is important, the other components also offer amazing quality.  The Detour 2 comes with 21 gears distributed 3 to the front and 7 to the rear.  The crankset is a Shimano Tourney and the gear shifters are Shimano EZ Fire.

While the gears can help you tackle any road conditions, the Promax alloy v-brakes will give you better control.  While these brakes are not as good as disc brakes, they are powerful enough to slow any speeds you can reach on the Detour 2.  The good part of these brakes is the pads that are easy to replace.

The wheels on the Detour 2 are full road bike wheels.  This helps you gain speed, but you will notice that the tires are wider than the average road bike.  This is a common feature with hybrids and one of the reasons why they are more versatile. The wheel size is 700c by 42c.

The Comfort Riding Features

Knowing the specs of the bike is important, but how will you feel riding it?  The comfort aspect of this bike is not in name only as there are a few features that make the bike easy to ride.  The first is comfort handlebars.

The cruiser style handlebars come with comfort grips so you never have to use padded riding gloves. Your riding position is more upright on this bike which takes some strain off the back.  The comfortable riding position is enhanced by the comfort seat.

The saddle that comes with the bike is a Raleigh comfort seat.  This is spring-loaded which cushions the body as you ride over rougher terrain.  The frame of the bike adds to the comfort as it has mounts for a rack and fenders.

The Raleigh Detour 2 comfort hybrid bike is one of the best on the market and ideal for anyone on a budget.  While you cannot do serious off-roading, you can use this bike for commuting or pleasure riding. The bike comes fully loaded with Shimano gears, v-brakes, and an easy cruiser design.

Specifications:

• Frame → Aluminum
• Number of Gears → 7 or 21
• Brakes → Linear-pull brakes
• Wheel Size → 26”

Key Features:

• Choice of gears
• Upright riding position
• Comfort features
• Rear rack

SixThreeZero Pave N’ Trail Hybrid Bike Review

Anyone looking for a hybrid bike that does a bit of everything should look at the SixThreeZero Pave N’ Trail hybrid bike.  This bike is not only able to handle different terrain, but it is able to do this in style. One of the more stylish hybrids on the market, it is also one of the more affordable.

A Different Women’s Style

When you first look at this bike, you will notice the style of the frame.  It does not have the usual swooped low entry that is typical of women’s bikes but offers a more solid geometrical design.  The design still offers easy entry with a lower top bar while clearly showing that this bike can handle more than paved roads.

The step-through frame is made from aluminum making it strong and lightweight.  The frame has a weight limit of 300lbs, according to the manufacturer.  The frame size of 17” making the bike suitable for anyone between 5’4” and 6’2”.

Gearing Up For A Comfortable Ride

To tackle different terrains, the Pave N’ Trail offers 2 gear options.  You can either get a 7-speed or a 21-speed, depending on what you want to do.  The more gears you have, the more you can use the bike.

Regardless of the choice you make, the drivetrain is a Shimano Tourney.  There is an exterior rear derailleur linked to the Shimano EZ Fire Plus shifter.  The shifter is easy to use and you can check the gear position you have chosen.

While the frame and gears make this bike easy to ride, you need to consider the comfort of your ride.  There are a few design features and components that make this hybrid one of the most comfortable. The first is the handlebar position.

The position places you in an ergonomic upright riding position that takes the pressure off your joints.  To make this position even more comfortable, the bike comes with a slim-cut saddle.  The saddle has compression foam which pads the tailbone and rests on a suspension seat post.  The suspension will absorb the bumps in the road and help you avoid numbness.

This is not the only suspension on offer to make the ride comfortable.  The front fork features Vibrazorb suspension that reduces vibrations and numbness in the hands.  You can select the lockout suspension feature is you want more speed.

While the suspension plays a large role in the smooth ride, the tires should not be overlooked.  The bike comes with 1.75-inch slick tires that are ideal for road use.  The rugged tread on the tires can handle the scattered debris of trails.  One downside is the tires being unsuitable for serious off-roading. You will need to stick to the hard-packed trails on this bike.

Like the Schwinn Discover, this bike also comes with a rear rack.  This increases the versatility of the bike.  According to the manufacturer, the bike rack has a weight limit of 45lbs.

The SixThreeZero Pave N’ Trail hybrid bike is a great bike for anyone who uses their bike for commuting and light off-roading.  You will not be able to use the bike on very rough terrain, but the 21-speed option can take on everything else. The solid frame and suspension make it a joy to ride and you will always be comfortable.

Specifications:

• Frame → Aluminum
• Number of Gears → 21
• Brakes → Linear-pull brakes
• Wheel Size → 700c

Key Features:

• 21 Shimano gears
• Upright riding position
• Comfort features
• Rear rack

Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike Review

If you are in the market for a men’s hybrid bike from a good brand, the Schwinn Discover hybrid bike is the one for you.  This comfort city bike is another great combination of cruiser and road bike.

It is ideal for commuters, people wanting to ditch their car and those who have some hills they need to tackle. But if you’re specifically looking for the best commuter bike out there, check out our guide on that.

At first glance, this bike does not look that impressive.  The frame is a traditional design and it does not look that comfortable.  However, this bike is more comfortable and sturdy that it initially looks.

Sturdy Frame Design

The frame of the bike is made from lightweight aluminum.  There are 2 frame sizes that you can choose from of 16-inch and 18-inch.  The 16-inch frame has a step-through design while the 18-inch has a step over design.  According to the manufacturer, the frame can carry a weight of up to 250lbs.

When you look past the frame, the Discover comes with a 21-speed drivetrain.  The gears are Shimano gears and the bike has a Shimano REVOSHIFT shifter.  This is a good feature because it makes shifting gears easier for the average rider.

To make this even easier, the shifter has a dual-dimension construction.  This construction makes it easier for people of any size to shift gears. Never having to take your hands off the handles also makes the bike easier to ride.

While the 21-speeds help you speed along the terrain, the linear-pull brakes will help you stop.  These brakes do not need a lot of maintenance and offer good stopping power.  However, there are some people who find them a little flimsy and choose to upgrade to Shimano brakes instead.

The wheels on this bike are 700c hybrid tires.  The front wheel has a quick-release mechanism making it easy to remove without any tools.  The tires themselves are best suited for paved and hard-packed terrain. They are unlikely to hold up well if you hit any serious off-road terrain.

Comfort Over Any Terrain

All the specs of this bike are fairly impressive, but how comfortable is it?  When looking at the bike, it looks uncomfortable, but that is not the truth. The front fork has built-in suspension to soften the ride on bumpy terrain.  This suspension is not the same as that found on mountain bikes and will not handle off-road adventures well.

The saddle is padded and has shock-absorbing springs.  When you combine this with the swept-back handlebars, you get a comfortable riding position.

One feature that you get with this hybrid bike that you generally have to add on yourself is the rear rack.  The built-in rack will hold groceries, a child seat or saddlebags.  If you do not want the rack, it can easily be removed.

The Schwinn Discover hybrid bike is the best option for city commuters and cruisers.  While the bike cannot handle off-roading, the 21-speed gears will let you tackle any inclines you might face.  The bike as a lot of comfort features that make it a dream to ride.

Specifications:

• Frame → Aluminum
• Number of Gears → 24
• Brakes → Disc brakes
• Wheel Size → 700c

Key Features:

• 24-speeds
• Disc brakes
• Touring frame
• 3 sizes

Vilano Diverse 3.0 Performance Hybrid Road Bike Review

If you are looking for a hybrid that can easily handle touring and a leisurely ride through the city, the Vilano Diverse 3.0 Performance hybrid is the one for you.  This bike has been designed with town bikers in mind, but can easily take on the open road. The Diverse 3.0 also has features you generally do not find in this price range.

Strong Frame Construction

When first looking at this bike, the design stands out compared to other hybrids.  The geometry of the frame leans toward a touring bike more than a cruiser. This is an important design feature as it makes the bike sturdy and able to handle long-distance riding.

The frame itself is made from 6160 aluminum making it light.  Unlike a traditional touring bike, the front fork is also aluminum instead of steel or carbon.  At first glance, the bike might appear too large for some people, but there are different sizes on offer.  There are 3 different sizes that are in line with your inseam.

While the frame is lightweight and sturdy, the gears offer the speeds you want on the open road or hard-packed trails.  The Diverse 3.0 has a Shimano Tourney TX drivetrain that offers 24 speeds.  This is more than enough gears to reach the speeds you want and tackle any inclines you might face.

To make the use of these gears easier, the bike offers a Shimano EF 51 3/8 Speed shifter.  While these gears are durable and easy to use, they may need additional rustproofing.  Of course, this will depend on the weather and when you are going to ride this bike.

Disc Brakes For Controlled Stops

Getting to the speed you want is important, but you also need to be able to stop effectively.  This is where the disc brake comes into play.  The disc brake is also one of the features this bike offers that is generally not seen within the price range.

The disc brake offers superior stopping power in inclement weather.  You also get better control with a disc brake compared to v-brakes. If this is your first experience with disc brakes, they do take some getting used to and you should allow for a learning curve.  You may also need to adjust them when you assemble the bike, or you could have this done for you.

The gears and disc brake are combined with Kendra 700c x 35c tires.  These tires are fairly narrow and more suited for road biking than off-roading.  If you continue to use these tires, you cannot go on dirt trails, but your ride on paved roads will be quiet and responsive.

Knowing that you have complete control over the bike is important, but if you want to travel long-distance, you need to be comfortable.

The Diverse 3.0 has straight handlebars similar to a mountain bike without the drop options of a road or touring bike.  The only issue with the handles is their inability to rise. You will need to get a riser bar or extender if the original placement is uncomfortable.

If you are looking for a hybrid bike that can really handle distance riding, the Vilano Diverse 3.0 Performance hybrid bike is the best choice. This bike will not break your bank account while offing disc brakes and 24 speeds. The bike can handle any paved roads and hard-packed trails while giving you the speeds that you want.