Bikes can be used for many activities like leisure, recreation, and sport. The question is, what is the best bike for fitness?
Finding the best bike for fitness can be tricky because some are better than others. You could spend hours trying to gather information and still be overwhelmed with information.
Here are the ten best bikes for fitness:
- Specialized Sirrus X 4.0
- Specialized Sirrus 1.0
- Giant Fastroad SL 1
- Batch Fitness Bike
- Merida Speeder 900
- Ridgeback Speed
- Trek Dual Sport 3
- Trek Dual Sport 1
- Schwinn GTX
- Vitus Dee City Bike
I get it; choosing from only one bike, I listed might not seem that appealing. So, in this article, I want to go over my favorite bikes that can be used not only for commuting around your town but also for staying fit. In this article, we will be looking at primarily hybrid bikes.
Fitness has played a massive role in my life. I have always, for the most part, tried to find ways to stay in shape and be healthy while not sacrificing how much fun I have. Riding bikes has helped me more than I can say. My goal today is to help you make your decision as easy as possible. Let's get into it.
10 Best Bikes For Fitness
From all the available options, I have narrowed my selection down to a top 10. Each bike offers something unique while delivering on one crucial factor, the ability to help you stay fit. Let's jump into the list:
1. Specialized Sirrus X 4.0 (Best Overall)
The Sirrus X 4.0 is an improved version of the Sirrus 3.0 and is a top-of-the-range bike compared with others in its price range. The frame is made from premium alloy, offering durability. One of my favorite things about the Specialized Sirrus X 4.0 is the future shock feature in the handlebars.
For such a premium bike, it is relatively simple in its design. While the bike looks incredible, it is built to serve a purpose: to keep you fit while taking you across multiple terrains. With that said, I like the design, and I personally think it is one of the best-looking bikes on the market.
2. Specialized Sirrus 1.0 (Best Overall Alternative)
The newer Sirrus model bikes have a redesigned frame, and even though the 1.0 is the entry-level model, you still get a premium frame built for fitness. If you feel that something like this Sirius X 4.0 is too much, then perhaps the 1.0 can give you everything you need at a much more affordable price.
The lightweight A1 alloy frame is perfectly designed to look good and deliver excellent performance. If you are starting out, the reflective graphics can help you stay safe, especially early in the morning when the roads aren't that clear.
3. Giant Fastroad SL 3 (Best Lightweight Bike)
Giant makes some of the best bikes around, and their fitness bikes are no different. The Fastroad SL 3 is one of the most versatile on this list. You can use the bike to ride around your city and commute to work, school, and the store. You can also use it for fitness, which is why I love this bike.
The frame is built from ALUXX SL aluminum, making it durable and lightweight. You can customize the bike as you please, depending on what you want to use for, commuting or fitness. Also, you can leave the bike as it is to have that versatile experience.
4. Batch Fitness Bike (Best Entry Level Bike)
Batch is one of the lesser-known brands when it comes to premium bicycles. However, this entry-level bike is one of the best in its category. It looks great and provides everything you need to have a great experience, especially if you are a beginner.
The Batch fitness bike is good at doing many things; however, its simplicity is its biggest strength. Because the bike is so simple, you can evaluate your own riding style and get accustomed to riding a fitness bike. You may decide to stick with it long-term, or you might learn what type of bike you need based on the riding style you develop.
5. Merida Speeder 900 (Best Unisex Bike)
Many companies make unisex bikes; it is nothing new. However, Merida gets it right. If you are a couple looking for a bike to get fit and kind of want the same thing, I recommend getting the speeder 900.
Apart from its incredible design, which makes the bike comfortable and easy to ride, the speeder 900 uses three technologies that make it stand out from everything else on this list. Most notable, the X-Taper headtube makes it easy to fit a tapered fork, offering you more control of the bike.
6. Ridgeback Speed (Best Multipurpose Bike)
When you look at the Ridgeback Speed, you might not instantly think about fitness because the bike doesn't exactly scream it. However, try not to let the added features throw you off. The Ridgeback Speed is an excellent multipurpose bike and has everything it needs to be one of the best fitness bikes on this list.
The Shimano drivetrain delivers one of the best riding experiences on the market. Coupling that with the flat bars and a simple frame design makes the overall experience outstanding. Oh, and did I mention that it is a multipurpose bike? It can go on most terrains, and the bike is also designed to help you carry groceries.
7. Trek Dual Sport 3 (Best Performance Bike)
Trek, as a brand, makes some of the best bikes in the industry, and their Dual Sport 33 is one of the best fitness bikes you can buy. The bike is made from Alpha Gold Aluminum, making it lightweight and durable. The SR Suntour NEX, coil spring, preload, hydraulic lockout, fork offers excellent stability and performance.
The drivetrain consists primarily of Shimano parts. Also, the Dual Sport 3 is one of the best-looking bikes on this list, but its performance is what sets it apart. Yes, most hybrid bikes can go on most terrains, but the Dual Sport 3 excels regardless of your riding surface.
8. Trek Dual Sport 1 (Best Mid-range bike)
If you are looking for something that is a little bit more entry-level while being premium, at the same time, the Dual Sport 1 might be the bike for you. While it doesn't have the entire feature set of its bigger brother, it still has excellent performance and handling.
To be clear, the Dual Sport 1 should not be seen as an entry-level bike. Instead, I like to place it in the mid-range. However, it is an excellent bike for beginners and even intermediate riders.
9. Schwinn GTX (Best Pick up and go bike)
The Schwinn GTX is an entry-level bike that relies on its design to deliver a comfortable ride while helping you stay fit. With this bike, you are not getting the absolute best of everything, but it does all the small things right while keeping everything simple.
Whether you want to go off-road or commute to work while keeping fit, the GTX will handle almost anything that you throw at it. I recommend getting this bike if you are a beginner and unsure of your riding style.
10. Vitus Dee City Bike (Best Fitness Commuter Bike)
The cheapest bike on this list is the Vitus Dee city bike, and I included it here for a good reason. The bike is primarily designed with commuting in mind. I won't exactly choose it if you are focused mainly on fitness.
However, if commuting is your primary focus and you want to keep your costs low while also staying fit, then the Vitus Dee bike should be your first choice. Because it has flat bars and can go on all terrains, you can use it as a fitness bike, but you might struggle in certain situations, like if you're doing HIIT cycling.
Which Bicycle Is Best For Weight Loss?
All types of cycling can help you lose weight. However, it is not only about the kind of bike you have. There is a lot that goes into it. While this is not a weight loss article, here are a few things to keep in mind if you want to use your bike to help you on your weight loss journey:
- You should have a good diet.
- Get enough sleep.
- Drink enough water.
- Please do not overdo it.
- Remain consistent
Once you have all that in place, your bike will help you lose weight, and hybrid fitness bikes are the best choice for the job. Hybrid fitness bikes are the perfect balance between performance and efficiency, which makes weight loss a little bit more achievable than, say, a standard road bike.
What Are The Best Type Of Bikes For Fitness?
Road bikes may seem like the ideal choice for fitness. However, not all road bikes are as good as hybrid road bikes when it comes to staying in good shape. Hybrid bikes are often called fitness bikes for a reason, and to add a bit of context, I want to give you a few reasons why they are so good.
- The geometry and handlebars allow you to adjust your posture on a hybrid bike easily.
- Hybrid bikes do not have the best aerodynamics, so you cannot always rely on momentum as you would with road bikes.
- You can use hybrid bikes on multiple kinds of terrain.
- Performance-wise, hybrid bikes are excellent, making them suitable for slopes, hills, and turns.
- Because hybrid bikes are comfortable, you can ride for longer. Remember, keeping your heart rate up and expanding your lungs, the fitter you get.
I can also talk about the little things, but I'm sure you're starting to get the picture that hybrid bikes give you everything you need while not giving you the best of certain aspects. If they were to provide you with the best of everything, you wouldn't have to work so hard, which means you won't get as fit.
What Do We Consider When Reviewing The Best Bikes For Fitness?
There are many bikes to choose from; even if you are not looking at a hybrid bike, you can still become overwhelmed with how many choices you have, and understanding what makes a bike so good, especially for fitness, is tedious.
I guess you could say that the most important thing to look out for is a bike that has a good balance between many aspects. Here are a few factors that I consider:
- Performance: The bike should be able to deliver across multiple terrains and conditions.
- Price: Yes, price is subjective, but I like to compare bikes across different price ranges.
- Comfort: Most of the bikes on this list are straight bar. A straight bar allows you to find the most comfortable position.
- Durability and reliability: Finally, you want something that will not let you down, which often comes down to the brand of the bike.
Should You Get A Fitness Bike?
Whether you are trying to keep fit or get into shape, cycling is one of the most efficient ways to burn calories. It is also essential to consider what you want to use the bike for other than fitness.
If fitness is your primary goal or at least one of your priorities, I highly recommend getting one of the hybrid bikes mentioned in this list. Not only will you have a new activity to keep yourself busy, but you will also be getting one of the better bikes on the market.
Remember, if your goal is to get a bike for fitness but you only plan to ride on trails then perhaps getting a mountain bike is your better option.
That said, if you plan on commuting to work, I still recommend getting a hybrid bike because it gives you that option to go offroad when you want, whereas a race bike or a pure commuter kind of limits you in that regard.
Hybrid Fitness Bike Vs. Exercise Bike: Which Is Best?
Because you have been looking at bikes to stay fit, I won't be surprised if you have had a tough time choosing whether or not you should get a hybrid fitness bike or an exercise bike. Both options are great, but which one is best?
Unfortunately, the best option is subjective. It mainly depends on you and how you use either bike. If you have an exercise bike and put in less effort than on your fitness bike, the fitness bike will obviously come out on top and vice versa.
I prefer to use hybrid fitness bikes as it allows me to be outside while staying fit. However, an exercise bike is a better choice for many people, especially those with hectic schedules. You spend less time preparing and more time on the bike.
An exercise bike allows you to train in a controlled environment which can be great. However, I prefer facing obstacles that can only be encountered when out on the road, such as hills, slopes, turns, and having to stop and go.
How Often Should You Cycle To Stay Fit?
The answer to this question depends on your riding level. Experienced riders can cycle five to six times per week and still feel fresh at the end of every day. However, beginner riders should be more careful not to overdo it.
The first thing you should always consider is your comfort level. If you feel that cycling three or four times per week is too taxing on your body, then don't feel like you have to train that often. Instead, try starting two or three times weekly, and don't overdo it on every ride.
Start by doing 5 miles per day. If you feel like you aren't getting an intense workout, increase that gradually by a mile or two per day.
I do not recommend cycling more than six times per week. Your body needs to take at least one day off. This is true whether you are cycling, doing CrossFit, or even lifting weights in the gym; always give your body a rest.
Trails Vs. Road: Which Is Best For Fitness?
A good balance between going off-road and staying on the road is the best way to keep fit. If you only want to use one, I would say stick to the roads. By sticking to the road, you have fewer excuses not to go for a cycle. See, most of the time we have to drive to a trail whereas the road should be right outside your house.
Hybrid bikes can typically be used on both types of terrain. Now, they are not mountain bikes, so I wouldn't suggest seeking out the most extensive trails and trying to tackle them on a hybrid bike. However, relatively flat trails are perfect.
Is Cycling Better Than Running?
Riding a hybrid fitness bike is a lot less taxing on your body than running. See, running is a high-impact activity that puts strain on your joints. Experienced runners develop techniques to minimize stress.
Cycling, however, puts more of a strain on your muscles than on your joints. So, I'm not saying you can't pick up an injury while riding a fitness bike, but you have to work much harder to cause that injury. Instead, you might feel that your thighs are a bit stiff, especially when you are starting out
That said, both activities increase your heart rate while raising your body temperature. They both force you to expand your lungs, and therefore both will help you stay fit. In my experience, neither is better than the other in that regard; it all comes down to what is more comfortable for you.
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