Best Bikes For Everything

As much as we would love to find a bike for a quick pick-up-and-go bargain, finding a new bike that excels at practically everything can be challenging.

In addition, keeping up with the sheer variety of bikes available may be difficult, let alone the mind-boggling range of terminology and technology. Nevertheless, when it comes to bikes that can do it all, mountain bikes and hybrids are famed for their overall adaptability.

The following are excellent examples of some of the best bikes for everything:

1. Co-op Cycles DRT 1.2 Mountain Bike
2. Kona Honzo Mountain Bike
3. Santa Cruz Highball Mountain Bike
4. RadRover 6 Plus Electric
5. Cube Hyde Pro Hybrid Bike
6. Marin Fairfax 1 ST
7. Commencal Meta Power TR
8. Timberjack SLX Mountain Bike
9. Polygon Siskiu T8 Mountain Bike
10. Trek Crocket Cyclocross Bike

The bike style, build, wheel size, fit, accessories, and budget are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing the best do-it-all bike. However, there's a jack-of-all-trades bike experience for everyone, whether you're just getting started or have been conquering roads and rugged terrain for years.

As a devoted off-road and on-road cyclist, I have tested various bikes on multiple terrains, visited several sites, including BikeRadar.com and Bycling.com, and scoured the internet for reviews to find the best result for this list and where to buy them.

‍Best Bikes For Everything

Mountain bikes are the most versatile type because of their wide handlebars, sturdy tires, multiple gears, and sturdy brakes (to mention the basics). Whether it's to school, work, or weekend trail rides with the family; these bikes are suitable for kids and adults.

In addition to having features of both mountain and road bikes, hybrid bikes have a more upright riding position, broad-range gears, and flat handlebars of a mountain bike, but they have fast-rolling, narrow tires with light tread. Additionally, some also have suspension forks.

Hybrids and mountain bikes are hands down the best bikes for everything, given they have the right build. That said, starting with the Co-op Cycles DRT 1.2 mount bike, here's what makes these do-it-all bikes the best in their field.

1. Co-op Cycles DRT 1.2 Mountain Bike

The Co-op Cycles DRT 1.2 design team at REI looked at everything from geometry and suspension to wheel and tire size when developing their own-brand range of mountain bikes.

REI asked its members what they were looking for in a do-it-all mountain bike since they don't just blindly follow the newest mountain bike trends. The first response? Fit.

To do this, the Co-op Cycles team not only created a broad range of sturdy yet lightweight aluminum frame sizes, ranging from X-Small up to X-Large but also modified the wheel size accordingly—the bigger frame sizes all received 29-inch wheels. In contrast, the X-Small to Medium frames received 27.5-inch wheels.

With a set of 2.4-inch WTB Trail Boss tires, you may have the most comfortable ride possible in every situation. The wheels and tires are already tubeless-ready; REI made sure it was simple for you to convert them by purchasing only a valve stem and some sealant.

In addition, to assist you in getting over the rough spots and back onto the smooth run, the front suspension fork has 120 millimeters of travel.

With 18 gears and hydraulic disc brakes that can be swiftly engaged with only one finger, the Shimano 2 x 9 drivetrain can help you handle a variety of terrain. All reviews concur that for the money, this mountain bike is excellent. One satisfied REI customer says, "If you are searching for an all-rounder hardtail that exceeds its price, then I recommend this one."

Pros

• Excellent value
• Solid components
• Highly reliable brakes
• Includes rack mounts for bikepacking adventures

Cons

• The bike may be a bit heavy for some
• Tubeless-ready but does not come with tubeless tires

2. Kona Honzo Mountain Bike

From cross-country biking, rugged terrain, and urban commuting, the Kona Honzo mountain bike has it all. Thanks to the large top tube and loose shape, it has the confidence to go effortlessly ride on any surface.

To adhere to the limited spending plan, The Kona has a one-by 11-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain, which has the lowest climbing gear ratio of any of the bikes I've tested, thanks to an 11-51T cassette and a 30T chainring. Additionally, user reviews state that shifting is fantastic overall.

Furthermore, the Honzo is an example of the new generation of extreme hardtails showing that you can ride the gnarliest lines without a rear suspension system. This is partly due to the superior geometry and strong fork, which work together to provide composure, control, assurance, and stability for any terrain.

The Honzo may not be the fastest or most lightweight hardtail, but it certainly has enough tricks to give the most capable hardtails I've ridden a good run for its money. One of the many aspects I like about Kona is its availability. On their website, they can help you find many stores located across the US.

Pros

• Excellent geometry
• Great fork suspension
• A very smooth ride on any terrain
• Superb climber

Cons

• Expensive for an aluminum build

3. Santa Cruz Highball 29D Mountain Bike

The Santa Cruz Highball 29D has developed to be easier to ride harder for longer on all terrains. It is more competent than a pure endurance bike and more composed than most XC racing rigs.

The Highball is a dark horse in XC versatility and Santa Cruz's signature carbon hardtail-race thoroughbred. Highball is available in a Carbon C-frame for a reasonable price and is tight through turns and powerful enough to climb mountains.

The 29D's competent SRAM components shift and brake quickly while being built to withstand punishment from a Rock Shox Recon fork. Santa Cruz also asserts that this bike is designed for lengthy rides, such as 24-hour races or ultra-endurance bikepacking on and off trails.

In addition, the brand-new Highball has a remarkably light frame and has been engineered to absorb trail chatter and vibration. Additionally, the bike includes ESI Chunky grips, which lessen hand shaking on unsteady terrain.

Additionally, the bike's geometry placed the rider above the pedals for better power transmission. Santa Cruz also has a store locator on their website easily find the closest store near you. Last but not least, this bike is an excellent choice for bigger riders since there is no weight restriction. Overall, it's challenging actually to find drawbacks on this bike!

Pros

• It is a stable, stiff, and forgiving ride
• Very lightweight
• Long wheelbase for rugged terrain
• Excellent tire traction
• Durable components

Cons

• The water ingress into the frame might be bothersome for some.
• It does not come with a dropper post

4. RadRover 6 Plus Electric

With the Radrover 6 Plus, Rad Power has created a versatile fat tire e-bike that is comfortable to ride on virtually any surface, from pothole-filled city streets to icy off-road trails.

The RadRover 6 Plus rides far smoother than its predecessor, thanks to an improved display and hydraulic disc brakes. The sleek, patented semi-integrated battery was designed in-house for an improved user experience, making battery removal simpler than before.

The bike's great weight might occasionally make it feel slow, which makes climbing any stairway difficult. Although it can travel up to 45+ miles on a single charge, the RadRover's 750w solid rear hub motor helps it overcome higher rolling resistance and the weight of the four-inch-wide tires.

The bike is offered in your choice of charcoal or white color with a standard or step-through frame type. The bike also includes pedal assist, front and rear lights, water-resistant connectors and wiring harnesses, and more.

Overall, the RadRover 6 is regarded as an all-purpose e-bike built for comfortable city commuting and off-road riding. Riders may customize it to their needs by taking advantage of the large tires and rugged construction. In addition, the bike may be converted into a cargo bike setup for city errands by purchasing front and back racks.

Pros

• Built to handle all terrain
• Powerful 750w rear hub motor
• Excellent value for a quality e-bike
• Thick tires ensure a smooth ride
• Excellent stopping power for all types of weather

Cons

• Very Heavy
• Racks are not included

5. Cube Hyde Pro Hybrid Bike

The Cube Hyde Pro is a rigid and stable urban speedster hybrid bike perfect for quick daily commuting and sleek, nimble inner-city errands. A strong, lightweight aluminum frame and fork are the foundation of Cube's Hyde Pro.

There is no need to worry about routine maintenance since the Gates Belt drive is weatherproof and ensures a smooth ride on any surface. In addition, the Hyde can stop quickly and should stay that way with no additional effort, thanks to its flat-mount MT200 Shimano hydraulic brakes and 160-millimeter rotors.

The Schwalbe Big Apple tires are tubeless and have good armoring to prevent punctures. Therefore, you won't be left stranded on the side of the road fiddling with tire levers should your vehicle roll through a patch of shattered glass.

Additionally, with a width of 55mm, there is a ton of cushioning to keep you comfy during the entire ride, so you don't need to be concerned about uneven or potholed conditions.

Overall, this bike is a well-built, dependable travel companion that fits in well on city streets and countryside adventures. It is a very durable Gates GDX toothed belt, and long-lasting 8-speed hub gear is in charge of providing consistently dependable and clean gear shifts with little to no maintenance required.

Pros

• Low maintenance
• Tubless-tire ready
• Complimentary bike tools are included
• Decent components

Cons

• It has a limited gear range
• Slightly pricey for an aluminum frame

6. Marin Fairfax 1 ST Hybrid Bike

When looking for a bike that is best suited for everything, the Marin Fairfax 1 check off most of the boxes: strong enough components (mostly Shimano), a chrome-moly steel fork that is forgiving on potholes, rugged terrain, and rough city streets.

Additionally, it's better than the high-tensile steel forks seen on comparable bikes at this cost. Fender, rack, and kickstand attachments that make it simple to adapt the bike for your commuting requirements are also included, as well as hill-friendly gearing, including a rear cassette as opposed to a more affordable and out-of-date freewheel cogwheel.

Due to its level-riding ease and dependable parts at a price much below comparably specced bikes, Marin's Fairfax brand has long been a favorite among do-it-all fans.

The Fairfax 1 is incredibly adaptable, much like many other top-notch hybrid bicycles. With a flat and smooth bar, chunky 35mm tires, a three by 7 Shimano Tourney chainring, and mechanical disc brakes to slow down rapidly on the decline, this step-through has everything you need to handle an uneven urban commute.

There is also a step-over version available, although there may need to be a queue due to low supplies. Overall, Marin Bikes is a reputable and high-quality brand. They are well-built, sturdy, and reasonably priced.

Pros

• It has mounts for a kickstand, fenders, and racks
• Reputable brand
• Budget-friendly
• Quality components that are built to last

Cons

• Some users find the triple chainring shifting less precise

7. Commencal Meta Power TR Electric

I discovered that the Commencal Meta Power TR Electric mountain bike merited a spot on our list in my continuous search for the best electric bikes for every use. Simply said, the Meta Power TR is Commencal's interpretation of what the Trail actually means: up, down, leap, play, and repeat as needed, everywhere the path leads.

Even if it's not a tiny amount, compared to well-known brands, especially with growing pricing, it is relatively inexpensive. It is designed for people who think having a fun bike is more important than anything, regardless of the terrain, with 150-millimeter of front and 140-millimeter of rear travel.

It feels competent and poised on challenging terrain and really comes alive at speed, but it's still enjoyable to slash about on more accessible trails. The rider is supported comfortably by a high seat tube, and the pedal assistance and length let you accelerate up slopes.

On the least costly design in the line, the new Shimano EP8 motor performs admirably and is a great addition. Although it has a lesser battery than the RadRover 6, the Meta Power TR's 630Wh battery is still a great touch and has a reasonably good range.

The construction is undoubtedly frugal, but when the rubber meets the ground, everything works out very nicely. Even though it weighs around 53.5lbs, less than most of its rivals, it could still feel heavy at slower speeds. The Meta power TR is a do-it-all that is not to be laughed at, though, if you're trying to add a versatile electric MTB to your collection.

Pros

• Reasonably priced for an e-MTB
• Excellent for any terrain
• Great at climbing and descents
• Gains a great distance on battery

Cons

• Mediocre suspension build
• Some users claim it to be a slight handful in tight spots

8. Timberjack SLX 29 Mountain Bike

The Salsa Timberjack XT 29 is an all-purpose play and adventure bike that can be used for backyard outings or high-alpine bikepacking excursions. Despite not being especially light, it is a rather lively bike at speed, attaining quicker speeds on downhill sprints than other MTBs in its range.

Last year, the geometry of the Timberjack SLX was improved to provide additional stability in tricky terrain without sacrificing the cherished pedaling and climbing characteristics of hardtails.

The best aspect is that it achieves a more self-assured proficiency without compromising low-speed riding qualities, climbing capabilities, or how it feels on the mixed surface, multi-day rides that occasionally involve gravel or concrete.

Salsa could take the already excellent Timberjack platform and improve it on the descents while preserving its bikepacking capability and general pedal-friendliness. As a result, I think it's a perfect touch-down for an all-arounder.

Last but not least, the 29 x 2.6" wheel and tire combination excels in the grip and rollover categories. At the same time, Shimano's SLX transmission offers the performance you can rely on in any circumstance.

Pros

• Exceptional value for a hardtail
• Excellent tuned geometry for all purposes
• Plenty of mounting points
• A surprisingly adaptable bike
• A bike that is made for a perfect fit

Cons

• Slightly heavier than its competitors
• Not everyone would prefer the 35-millimeter handlebar and stem.

9. Polygon Siskiu T8 Mountain Bike

One of the best all-around mountain bikes I've tried for around $3,000 is the Polygon Siskiu T8. With 135-millimeter of rear-wheel travel and a 140-millimeter fork, this reasonably priced mid-range trail bike runs on 29-inch wheels.

Siskiu's geometry checks every current need, resulting in a performance that is both well-rounded and adaptable. It is a ride adaptable for people of all skill levels and generally easy-going and easy to get along with.

Beginners and experienced riders may get on this bike and have a blast. Although solid at high speeds and encouraging confidence on descents, it is agile with quick handling. In addition, the Siskiu is a capable climber that is comfortable and efficient for any length of ride.

The Siskiu has a fantastic construction, which is arguably its most remarkable feature. In addition, this bike performs better on climbs and descents since it is very well equipped for the price.

My criticisms about the Siskiu T8 are limited, especially given the affordable asking price. However, the saddle, grips, and touchpoints on this bike are what I consider may be a few drawbacks for some users. The grips are skinny and stiff, and I'd probably swap them out right away for something a little cozier.

The saddle is also oddly shaped, with a pointed tail that may catch on your shorts or prick you in the pelvis on a steep downhill. But, apart from that, this incredibly versatile and reasonably priced mid-travel trail bike does not offer any displeasure.

Pros

• An excellent, well-rounded performer
• Agile and adaptable
• Superb build and components
• Bikepacking mount friendly
• Decent value

Cons

• The saddle and firm grips may not be for everybody

10. Trek Crocket 5 Disc Cyclocross Bike

A list of the best all-purpose bikes would be incomplete without a cyclocross bike added into the mix. Enter the Trek Crocket 5 Disc cyclocross bike, which is an on- and off-road bike with an aluminum pricetag without the aluminum look.

Trek upgraded their Crocket aluminum cross bike back in 2020, and unlike many brands, Trek invested a lot of engineering into the Crocket rather than treating alloy bikes as a low-cost option.

The ideal high-quality cyclocross partner is the Crockett 5 Disc. It is made with cyclocross-specific features, such as a 1x11 gear and a lightweight frame that is simple to carry over obstacles, but it is so much more than a cyclocross bike.

The cutting-edge alloy frame has the appearance and handling characteristics of carbon, and it is equally at home on dirt roads, your morning commute, and the cross course.

Various innovative tube shape techniques are available to assist boost mud clearance, reducing frame weight, and making the bike simpler to shoulder. The clunky metal welds are gone, owing to Trek's "Invisible Weld Technology."

The geometry is conventional cyclocross with a 68-millimeter bottom bracket drop, a 72-degree head tube angle, and a 1020mm wheelbase. Shifting is handled by a solid SRAM Rival 1x groupset.

Overall, this is the bike for you if you're looking for a superb all-around drop-bar bike that's ideal for anything from commutes and rail trails to cyclocross competitions and gravel roads.

Pros

• A lively performer both on and off-road
• Generous tire clearance
• Excellent shape tubing
• Lightweight
• Competitive pricing

Cons

• Limited road gearing