Best Bikes For Paved Trails

Paved trail riding is an excellent way to break free from the urban hustle but is less risky than mountain biking.

However, paved paths can throw up some unexpected obstacles and terrain changes, so your standard road bike isn't always the ideal ride. The best bikes for paved trails are hybrids and dual sports. These are made for paved surfaces but can handle surprises such as gravel.

The best bikes for paved trails are:

1. Co-op Cycles CTY 1.1
2. Cube Hyde Race
3. Giant Revolt 2
4. Schwinn GTX Comfort Hybrid
5. Aventon Soltera
6. Propella
7. RadCity
8. And more...

In the movies, all paved paths are perfectly manicured and smooth. The reality is much different. Sure, they're easier to navigate than your average mountain biker's trail, but you can find yourself navigating the unexpected. Also, unless you live in paradise, there is the weather to consider. You want tires with traction but without the heavy nubs of a MTB.

This is when hybrids and dual sports bikes come into their own. Of course, they're not going to win a road race or take you up a rugged mountain. However, they can smoothly glide along the pavement but won't lose their grip if the terrain or the weather tosses up an unexpected challenge.

10 Best Hybrids And Dual Sports Bikes For Paved Trails

Cruisers are tempting for paved trails, but they can barely climb a hill. Road bikes can climb and give you speed, but they can lose grip when the pavement vanishes. That's why I've dived into the hybrid and dual-sport market. Weight still matters as you need to climb. But you might still want the comfort of a cruiser or the geometry of a road bike.

1. Co-op Cycles CTY 1.1 Bike

The Co-op Cycles CTY is a hybrid that comes in a step-over and step-thru style. This sturdy build comes does well on pavement and can handle gravel. It is a popular choice for city commuters, but it also makes a great weekend bike for those who enjoy groomed trail riding.

It has plenty of gears to help you climb those hills, and the disc brakes provide reliable stopping power. It has a comfortable saddle, and the ergonomic handles keep the rider's hands, fingers, and wrists from going numb. The attachment points provide the option of adding a rear rack for those who want to haul extra gear.

Pros of Co-op Cycles CTY 1.1

• Comfortable
• Plenty of gears
• Stable design

Cons of Co-op Cycles CTY 1.1

• Sizing runs small

2. Cube Hyde Race Bike

The Cube Hyde Race Bike needs its speed put into perspective. The bike is fast for a hybrid, but this isn't a road racer. This comfortable design handles beautifully, even on paths with melted snow. It is low maintenance, not even needing its chain oiled as it uses a belt instead.

The geometry of the Hyde is comfortable, putting riders in an upright position. It's a fun ride that does beautifully on pavement but can handle it if the terrain becomes crumbly or turns to gravel here and there.

Pros of Cube Hyde Race

• Comfortable
• Can even handle mildly snowy conditions
• Fast for a hybrid

Cons of Cube Hyde Race

• Expensive

3. Diamondback Haanjo 1 Dual Sport Bike

The Diamondback Haanjo 1 Dual Sport easily crosses from city streets, onto paved trails, and over to groomed gravel and dirt. It isn't the fastest we're listing, even for a bike of similar gearing. It will climb those hills but takes its time.

However, it's a good bike for the price you're paying. The brakes are disc, it's on the lighter side for a hybrid, and it can handle a good variety of terrain, perfect for when the paved trail tosses you some surprises.

Pros of Diamondback Haanjo 1

• Affordable
• Lightweight
• Comfortable geometry

Cons of Diamondback Haanjo 1

• Limited gearing

4. Giant Revolt 2 Bike

The Giant Revolt 2 Bike is an agile gravel bike that smoothly rides along the pavement and can handle rougher terrain. It climbs nicely, is lightweight, and provides a cushioned ride despite the lack of suspension.

It is considered an entry-level for a gravel bike. But the additional features found when bumping up are unnecessary if you primarily stick to paved trails. It can handle a variety of weather conditions, providing a safe ride even in the wet and patches of slush. The geometry is positioned for speed but comfortable to see you through a longer ride.

Pros of Giant Revolt 2

• Lightweight
• Handles a variety of weather
• Tubeless tire system

Cons of Giant Revolt 2

• The cables around the handlebars are not fully integrated, so that they could snag on a rough trail

5. Marin Larkspur 2 Bike

The Marin Larkspur 2 is aimed at the "urban warrior." The rider who sticks to mostly pavement but might find themselves navigating rougher terrain from time to time. It has a cruise-bike feel to its geometry. Yet, it climbs hills beautifully, including a dropper post to help. Thus, it pumps up inclines easier than bikes in a similar style and price point.

You might not win the race downhill, however. But that's due to you sitting upright, which is hardly aerodynamic. However, you will enjoy the breeze rushing through your hair and have a comfortable back.

Pros of Marin Larkspur 2

• Climbs beautifully
• Dropper Post
• Comfortable "cruise" geometry

Cons of Marin Larkspur 2

• Heavy

6. Orbea Vector 15 Bike

The Orbea Vector 15 can easily transition from a commuter bike onto the groomed trails. It has all the accessories a commuter would desire: mudguards, a rear pannier rack, and lights in the front and rear. But it has the tires and brakes that can handle the challenges that crop up on the trail.

The geometry is also a nice blend, with a nod to a racer, but upright enough that your back isn't going to ache after only 20 minutes and provides you with a bit more visibility.

Pros of Orbea Vector 15

• Good lightening
• Fun to ride downhill
• Direct Cable Routing

Cons of Orbea Vector 15

• Heavy

7. Schwinn GTX Comfort Hybrid Bike

The Schwinn GTX Comfort is a hybrid with a high step-thru frame. As a result, it is a comfortable ride, even when covering longer distances. It can also reach pretty high speeds once you get it going. But its excellent stability will keep you upright while having fun.

However, its weight is notable, and this hybrid does lean heavily towards the mountain bike territory. But at its price, it might be worth the slight drawbacks.

Pros of Schwinn CTX Comfort

• Affordable
• Gets good speed
• Climbs well

Cons of Schwinn GTX Comfort

• Heavy

8. Schwinn Network Hybrid

The Schwinn Network Hybrid is less mountain bike-like than its GTX cousin. In addition, it typically costs less and weighs less, too. However, you do lose the disc brakes and are stuck with linear-pull. Although, these brakes do perform well for what they are.

Despite not being given the comfort label, it is a cushioned ride, thanks to an extra-padded saddle and a suspension fork that performs a treat. Like the GTX, there are plenty of gears, and it can climb. However, it is also built to go the distance.

Pros of Schwinn Network Hybrid

• Plenty of gears
• Low price
• Suspension fork

Cons of Schwinn Network Hybrid

• No disk brakes

9. Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Hybrid

The Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Hybrid favors the cruiser and weighs like it. But it has 7-gears and is built for comfort. As a result, it's a lovely and stable ride on the trails so long as there are no monster hills to tackle.

The geometry is kind to your hips, knees, and back while allowing you to push. The peddles are positioned, so you still get a full extension despite being able to put both feet down flat when stopping. The saddle is cushioned, nice and thick. In addition, the handlebars swoop in for a relaxed positioning. So, this accessible bike will help you keep moving if you have aches and pains.

Pros of Sixthreezero EVRYjourney

• Flat foot technology
• Ergonomic design
• Built for stability

Cons of Sixthreezero EVRYjourney

• No disk brakes

10. Trek FX 3 Disc Bike

The Trek FX 3 Disc is a hybrid bike with a carbon fork that leans towards the fitness category. It can haul a decent load, up to 300lbs, rider and gear included. Trek's geometry puts riders in a more upright position than a road bike, but it can still gain some decent speed. It's also a durable build, which should be able to serve you for years and years.

The Trek FX 3 Disc neatly straddles the commuter and weekend trail rider. It can be modified with racks. Its brakes will safely stop you no matter the weather and various surfaces.

Pros of Trek FX 3 Disc

• Excellent brakes
• Easily modified for racks
• Durable

Cons of Trek FX 3 Disc

• This isn't the fastest choice

10 Best E-Bikes For Paved Trails

E-bikes are becoming a popular alternative to minivans. However, that's too bulky for most paved trails. Nor is driving a motorcycle-wanna-be appropriate. What cyclists need is an e-bike that still looks and acts like a bicycle but with some assistance. Thankfully, the e-bike world also has some excellent city and hybrid choices that are perfect for paved trails.

1. Ampler Curt E-Bike

The Ampler Curt is a sporty city bike with a practically hidden battery. It is built for pavement and is highly responsive. Its European speed limit can be annoying, but the bike happily exceeds this when your legs are doing the work. This is annoying in heavier e-bikes, but the Ampler is lighter than some non-electric hybrids, making it easily work as a regular bike.

However, the Ampler Curt isn't really a hybrid but a commuter with road racing tires. Thus, this is for people who are doing urban paved trails rather than the more rugged variety. But the Ampler is a fun choice for those it suits.

Pros of Ampler Curt

• Lightweight
• Sleek design
• Discreet battery

Cons of Ampler Curt

• Battery doesn't detach for charging

2. Aventon Soltera E-Bike

The Aventon Soltera comes in two styles: step-over and step-thru. Both come with the choice of single or 7-speed and are available in two sizes. It is a class 2, but its throttle can be removed if you require a class 1. But for tackling trails, it is best to get the 7-speed. The extra gears are helpful if the battery is drained and climbing hills.

Aventon Soltera is a city bike that can do trails rather than a hybrid. The advantage is the bike has a zip and snap that's nimble. But the tires are not overly slick, so that they can handle some light patches of gravel and unevenness. But you will need to put some effort into it when climbing due to its more lightweight motor.

Pros of Aventon Soltera

• Decent weight
• Well priced
• Moves and steers like a bike

Cons of Aventon Soltera

• Not for somebody looking for high powered

3. Canyon Precede: ON CF 9 ST E-Bike

The Canyon Precede ON CF 9 is a carbon-fiber city bike that loves a paved trail. It's built to make your ride smooth, efficient, and stylish. However, a well-groomed gravel trail is not beyond its capabilities. Its handles well, and its motor responds beautifully.

It also has a display that does the math for you. Rather than just tell you how much battery it has left, it gives you the estimated distance, too (so helpful).

Pros of Canyon Precede

• Quality motor
• Can handle gravel if required
• Display gives you the estimated distance the battery has left

Cons of Canyon Precede

• Takes work to get on in the States

4. Priority Current E-Bike

The Priority Current is a slick-looking bike that disguises its battery.  It's an excellent commuter bike that beautifully climbs hills. Thus, it performs well on paved trails, and its sturdy tires will keep you upright should you hit patches of gravel or nail a pothole. It is also a quiet ride, thanks to the belt drive system rather than a chain. Thus, it blends in better with other cyclists on the trails.

One very nice perk of the Priority is its battery's fast charging time. Using its 4 amp Premium charger, it only takes 2-3 hours. This is fantastic while on vacation, allowing you to take a long morning ride and then get back on the trails in the late afternoon.

Pros of Priority Current

• Fast charging time
• Good climber
• Quiet belt drive system, rather than a chain

Cons of Priority Current

• Lacks suspension, and its tires and seat don't make up for this

5. Propella 7S E-Bike

The Propella 7S is a well-priced e-bike built for pavement and fun. It's also light enough that if the battery gives out before you're home, you can pedal on without giving yourself a heart attack. Thankfully, the Propella battery recharges quickly, making it an easy bike to use throughout the day.

The battery isn't hidden, but it looks like a thermos or water bottle, so you're not going to attract much negative attention on the trails. It is also a pretty quiet ride, too. This isn't a gravel bike, but if you end up having to go off pavement here and there, you'll be fine.

Pros of Propella 7S

• Fast charging
• Not too heavy
• Well priced

Cons of Propella 7S

• No integrated lights

6. RadCity 5 E-Bike

The RadCity 5 comes in high-step or step-thru. It's a well-priced commuter e-bike that can be taken out on a paved or groomed trail. It has racks and add-on kits to make hauling picnics and hiking gear easy. Both styles put riders in a more upright position, making them comfortable and accessible.

RadCity isn't a nibble, zippy bike. Instead, it is stable and trustworthy, giving anxious riders confidence. But its design is eye-catching and doesn't look like some cheap, clunky starter bike.

Pros of RadCity 5

• Well priced
• Comfortable
• Excellent gear carrying options

Cons of RadCity 5

• Its weight makes it a bummer when the battery dies

7. Ribble Hybrid AL E E-Bike

The Ribble Hybrid AL E is a lightweight option that doesn't look like it has a battery. It seems like a pleasant, comfortable, weekend-at-the-park ride, nothing more. It produces a quiet and smooth ride, and if you manage to deplete the battery, it has 11 gears to see you home.

This hybrid favors urban riders but can handle groomed trails that lack pavement. In addition, the tubeless tires provide a good grip.

Pros of Ribble Hybrid AL E

• Clean design, does not look like an e-bike
• Lightweight
• Tubeless tires

Cons of Ribble Hybrid AL E

• Not a high-powered choice

8. Sixthreezero Hybrid-EVRYjourney E-bike

The Sixthreezero EVRYjourney electric bicycle is practically a cruiser; it is so comfortable.  But this ergonomically designed hybrid's cushioned and stable tires can handle gravel if required. In addition, it comes with a foldable basket and rack space. It's an excellent choice for riders who still want to do paved trails but struggle with chronic issues, such as a painful back.

Pros of Sixthreezero EVRYjourney

• Smooth shifting and assist
• Ergonomic geometry
• Stable

Cons of Sixthreezero EVRYjourney

• Heavy

9. Schwinn Marshall Hybrid Electric Bike

The Schwinn Marshall Hybrid is an e-bike that can handle gravel and dirt. It isn't a mountain bike, but it is much more robust than most of the others on this list. It's an affordable option for riders who know they're mostly going to be doing paved trail riding but also find themselves confronted with slightly more challenging terrain during summer camping trips.

Pros of Schwinn Marshall

• Removable battery
• Integrated lights
• Can handle a variety of terrain

Cons of Schwinn Marshall

• Slightly heavy if the battery goes

10. Wilier Centro1 Hybrid E-Bike

The Wilier Centro1 Hybrid is a luxury e-bike designed to make riders feel like they're flying on a road bike, but with assistance. Thus, it might be more than some cyclists want for paved trails. But for those wanting the feel of a road bike, this is an excellent choice. It moves like a road bike and looks like one.

However, it does mean that this is a fair-weather ride. The tires are not built to handle rainy conditions, nor is this bike designed for superior stability. This is for people who want to be agile and fast but have extra power when confronted with hilly challenges.

Pros of Wilier Centro1

• It looks like a sleek road bike
• Excellent climbing
• Moves like a road bike

Cons of Wilier Centro1

• This is not a wet weather ride