Dealing with crazy traffic isn’t something you want to deal with every day on your way to work. A good bike can help make your commute easier.
Biking is an excellent way to spend time outside or get some workouts done. We explore some of the best bikes for the city based on durability, practicality, comfort, quality of tires, maintenance, budget, and style.
The best bikes for the city are:
- Cannondale Treadwell 2 Bike
- Co-Op Cycles CTY 2.1
- State Bicycle Co Wulf
- Brooklyn Bicycle Co Bedford 8 Speed
- Specialized Sirrus 2.0
- Schwinn Wayfarer Adult Cruiser Bike
- Priority 600
With different commuter bike options in stores and online, it can be confusing to know which one is right for you. This guide details what features to consider when comparing the different bike options available. You’re guaranteed to find a bike, whether going on a long ride, traversing hilly pavements, or exploring dirt bikes.
All the bikes listed have been thoroughly researched and confirmed to meet certain criteria for them to qualify and be recommended as some of the best bikes for the city.
Top 7 Best Bikes For the City
City bikes come in different shapes and sizes. Finding the best bike will depend on your cycling needs and budget. For example, a bike meant for an uphill ride will have more features than a bike designed for a short, flat commute. Our list of best bikes for the city has been evaluated based on handling, value, reliability, performance, and price.
These are some of the top 10 city bikes based on their unique features and capabilities.
1. Cannondale Treadwell 2 Bike
Features
- Frame: Aluminum
- Drivetrain: (3x 8)
- Number of Gears: 24
- Wheel Size 700c
- TIres: Maxxis DTR-1 650B X47mm
- Tire Width: 40mm
- Brakes: Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- Weight: 30 Pounds, 15 oz
The Cannondale Treadwell 2 Bike is a practical, responsible, and light city bike for running errands, commuting to work, or simple meetups. Neighborhood riders, fitness enthusiasts, and millennials will find this responsive bike convenient for cruising the city.
The bike features a durable and light aluminum frame and fork, allowing you to enjoy a high-speed experience and smooth gear control. It has easy-to-reach bars and a comfortable seat position. The 650b wheelset delivers a smooth ride, and the quilted seat with a grip allows you to cycle the bike without discomfort.
Find an intelligent stem with a mount that will hold your smartphone to create a dashboard display for mileage, speed, and other features. Track your activity like calories burned and distance with the integrated wheel sensor.
Cannondale further goes ahead to add UrbanArmor bumpers to protect the frame from dents and dings during daily activities of locking and leaning. Having tested the Cannondale 2 on the city roads, we enjoyed the bike's sturdiness and how smooth it was to ride around the city.
Pros
- Fitted with a lightweight frame with armor bumpers to protect the bike from dents and dings
- It has a smooth paddle and a comfortable saddle.
- Allows you to experience high speed with the nine-gear system
- Features an intellimount stem that displays your speed, mileage, and other bike features
- Extra exposure with the huge wheel size
Cons
- The rear derailleur lacks a clutch system.
2. Co-Op Cycles CTY 2.1
Features
- Frame: Aluminum
- Drivetrain: (3 x8)
- Number of Gears: 24
- Wheel Size: 700c
- Tire Width: 40mm
- Brakes: Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- Weight: 30 pounds, 15 ounces
REI is a popular brand known for its quality bikes, and the Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1 redefines its commitment to quality and affordability.
The CTY 2.1 is a perfect city bike that features Shimano M315 hydraulic disc brakes for excellent stopping power and a Shimano Acera 24-speed derailleur system that is simple to use. When cruising the city, you need a bike that easily picks up speed, and the Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1 bike provides you with that. It has a lightweight aluminum frame that keeps the bike’s weight low and allows you to enjoy high speed.
Available in four different sizes, the CTY 2.1 can accommodate a 6’3 to a 5’3 and has a maximum weight capacity of 250 pounds. The CTY’s frame geometry, including the shape and slope of the top tube and the suspension, is similar to that of a mountain bike.
Riding the bike is a breeze thanks to the comfortable grips that reduce wrist strain and a bar designed to put your hands in a relaxed and natural position. Additionally, despite being small, the Selle Royal Shadow Plus Seat has gel padding to ensure you’re comfortable.
Its Shimano brakes are responsive and dependable, and its gear setup allows the bike to shift smoothly on city roads. Another impressive feature is the bike’s wide gear range that allows riders to traverse through hilly terrain, something you won’t find in most city bikes. Its Shimano M315 hydraulic disc brakes are responsive and allow you to halt effortlessly.
Furthermore, REI fits the bike with Kenda Kick-Back tires that give the rider traction over roads and trails. Their reflective sidewalls also help with visibility.
You’ll love how easy it is to assemble this bike as Co-op Cycles also has tutorials on the process. The bike is also durable and well-constructed with its SR Suntour Nex HLO fork that offers riders 63mm of travel to cushion bumps as you ride through the city.
Pros
- Lightweight and durable construction
- A wide gear range to traverse hilly terrain
- Responsive and dependable Shimano breaks
- Fitted with Kenda Kick Back tires to provide traction over roads and trails
Cons
- Some users reported that the bottom bracket creaked
- It has a small seat
- Expensive for those on a budget
3. State Bicycle Co Wulf
Features
- Frame: Steel
- Drivetrain:
- Number of Gears: Fixed or siNGLE sPEED
- Wheel Size: 700cc
- Tire Width: 25 mm
- Brakes: Front and Rear Caliper Brakes
- Weight: 24 pounds
If you’re looking for a versatile, practical, affordable bike, you should check out the State Bicycle Co Wulf city bike. Its matte and grey combination is the first thing you’ll notice about this bike.
Unlike most bikes in our review that are fitted with hydraulic disc brakes, the State Bicycle has adjustable dual-pivot caliper brakes that make aligning the calipers easier. However, you may need extra power to activate the brakes, but with practice, you’ll get used to them.
The handlebar is a riser bar, which means you can use it in a high or low position. Additionally, the grips made by Vans are firm and sturdy. The only thing you may find disappointing is the plastic pedals.
When cycling, you can easily change between fixed or single gear. The chain tensioner can be used to get the right tension.
Another thing you’ll love about the State Bicycle is that it comes partially assembled, making your work easier. You’ll only need to assemble the seat, front wheels, handlebar, and pedals. Although the brakes come preset, they may need some adjustment.
The bike is also available in three sizes-small, medium, and large.
Pros
- Features a durable steel frame
- It comes in four frame sizes to fit riders between 5’0-6’2
- Requires little maintenance
- You can customize frame options and add accessories when ordering on their site.
Cons
- The single-speed option may not work for hilly city areas.
4. Brooklyn Bicycle Co Bedford 8 Speed
Features
- Frame: Steel
- Drivetrain: ( 1x8)
- Number of Gears: Shimano
- Wheel Size: 700
- Tire Width: 32mm
- Brakes: Side-Pull Caliper
- Weight: 26-31 Pounds
The Brooklyn Bicycle C Bedford 8 Speed is one of the few city bikes fitted with a Shimano 8 Speed drivetrain with Megarange freewheel for seamless climbing in hilly areas and gaining speed when moving downhill.
At first glance, you’ll be met with a sporty look that combines styling and performance. You can use this bike to commute to work or cruise around town doing your errands. Another outstanding feature is the diamond frame combined with vegan leather grips and saddles that give this bike a retro city feel.
You’ll love the durable steel frame and puncture-resistant tires that work for all-terrain, making this one of the most versatile city bikes. The Brooklyn Bicycle is available in three sizes-small, medium, and large.
Pros
- Lightweight despite its steel frame
- Sporty and classic look
- Perfect for city commuting in hilly areas
- Wide gear range to gain speed when pedaling uphill and moving downhill
- Durable frame construction
- Puncture-resistant tires
Cons
- It May is not suitable for off-road biking
- Caliper breaks don’t work for rainy places
5. Specialized Sirrus 2.0
Features
- Frame: Alloy With Steel Fork
- Drivetrain: Shimano Acera 8-Speed
- Number of Gears:
- Wheel Size: 700c
- Tire Width: 42mm
- Brakes: Promax F1 Hydraulic Disc
- Weight:
The Specialized Sirrus 2.0 Hybrid bike is a perfect city bike if you're looking for a durable commuting bike that does the job. Featuring 42mm wide tires and 700c wheels allows you to traverse dirt paths and rough roads without feeling the bumps.
The dropped seat has a rack and fender on the dropped seat and two bottle cages for your drinking water to help you cruise around the city or commute to work.
A wide range of gears deliver superb shifting and allow you to go uphill effortlessly. A front chainguard prevents greasy dripped chains.
Other unique features are the Microshift Advent 1x9 drivetrain and the rear derailleur with a clutch to hold the chain taut, making it easy to cycle on bumpy road surfaces.
Pros
- Has reliable shifting
- Excellent value for riders
- Features a quality aluminum frame
- Fitted with hydraulic disc brakes that allow you to come to a stop effortlessly
Cons
- Some users felt that the seat has an overly-upright position
- Gear shifting may be clunky
6. Schwinn Wayfarer Adult Cruiser Bike
Features
- Frame: Steel
- Drivetrain:
- Number of Gears: 7
- Wheel Size: 700c
- Tire Width:
- Brakes: Linear Pull Brakes
- Weight: 40 pounds
The Schwinn Wayfarer Adult Cruiser Bike is your everyday bike that handles well on the road. The Wayfarer delivers an upright, comfortable ride with a rigid suspension and retro city-style steel frame.
The manufacturer also fits the bike with front and rear alloy linear-pull brakes that provide efficient stopping. Its seven-speed twist shifters with rear derailleur provide smooth gear changes, and the handlebars are easy to reach.
Pros
- Delivers a comfortable ride on different road surfaces
- Impressive cushioning and comfort from the grips and saddle
- Simple to assemble
Cons
- It May be heavy for everyday commuting.
- Some users found the gears unreliable for hilly rides
- Difficult to adjust brakes
- Unappealing plastic parts
7. Priority 600
- Frame: Aluminum
- Drivetrain:
- Number of Gears: 30-Speed Gear Range
- Wheel Size: 650b
- Tire Width: 47mm
- Brakes: Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- Weight: 31 pounds
If you’re looking to splurge on a city bike that requires little to no maintenance, you should check out the Priority 600.
The bike is fitted with a streamlined aluminum frame and feels sturdy and durable on the road. Its matched fork, stylish geometry, and rider position are ideal for both beginner and experienced cyclists.
Unlike most city bikes with external gears and chains, the Priority 600 has a Pinion gearbox and Gates belt drive. The advanced shifting technology is clutter-free, and the gearbox delivers a 600% gear range, equal to a traditional 30-speed gear range. The manufacturer fits the transmission around the bottom bracket, making pedaling easier and eliminating the need for frequent adjustments or maintenance.
You’ll also love the 47mm tires that transition well from on-road to off-road adventures. As a regular cyclist, you don’t have to worry about punctures as the tires are paired with tubeless wheels.
Handling rough surfaces and going downhill requires quality brakes, and the Priority 600 ensures this with the hydraulic disc brakes that deliver excellent stopping power.
A bike with commute-ready accessories is always an advantage. Priority 600 comes with a kickstand, composite fenders, dynamo, and lights on the front and rear. The dynamo produces electricity as you cycle, which powers the lights and allows you to keep your devices charged on the go.
You can find Priority 600 in three different frame sizes. Small, medium and large are the available options depending on your height.
Pros
- It has a sturdy, aluminum frame.
- Fitted with a wide gear range across 12 speeds
- It comes with a powerful Pinion gearbox that requires little maintenance
- Its dynamo hub powers the front and rear lights
Cons
- There were complaints about the headlight being loose
- Expensive for those on a budget
Common FAQs About the Best Bikes For the City
What Features Should I Look For in a City Bike?
The features you need to look for will depend on where you plan on riding. If you prefer commuting daily on flat roads, a simple bike will complete the work. However, if you plan on going for occasional trips that involve traversing through hilly city terrain. In that case, you’ll need a well-equipped bike with the right gear combination, cushioning, and comfortable saddle and grip.
City bikes with disc brakes provide better braking control and make cycling n muddy areas.
You also need a lightweight bike that picks up speed fast for a fast commute. That means you need a bike made from an aluminum frame or a combination of aluminum and carbon. Bikes with wider tires are comfortable as they give you more contact with the ground and added stability.
A city bike with suspension seatposts also helps smoothen rough terrain and absorb any vibration.
Your budget will also determine what features to look for in a city bike. High-end bikes may have extra features like racks and fenders that allow you to have mount points for accessories if you plan on carrying items on your bike frame. Others are also weatherproof and sealed.
Are There Hybrid City Bikes?
There are various electric city bikes, including the Specialized Sirrus 2.0 included above. These bikes are suitable for hilly rides and cyclists looking to gain speed fast when commuting to and from work.
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