Because some of our top picks are no longer in stock, we also included a few that we didn’t test but still recommend based on our experience with similar bikes in the same range.įrame: 6061 Aluminum | Fork: Steel | Weight: Not listed | Components: Shimano | Gearing: Shimano 14-28, 3x7-speed | Other Features: Rack and fender mounts, 700x35mm tires I used my own experiences to inform these selections, as well as the work of Bicycling’s team of expert bike testers, who spent weeks on many of these models-commuting on them, taking them out on long bike path cruises, and using them to join fun group rides-to suss out the best (and least desirable) qualities. Anticipating these queries, I’ve made a big effort to test as many hybrids and city bikes as I can-not only because they’re great for commuting, fitness, and fun, but also because these are the kinds of bikes that my non-bike-geeky friends and family are most interested in buying. These are just a few of the reasons why new cyclists and commuters are often drawn to this type of bike.Īs a former bike messenger, bike tour leader, and writer for bike publications, I’ve been asked to recommend a lot of bikes over the years. This provides a wide hand stance for better control, easy brake-lever access, and a more upright position that’s comfortable and conducive to looking over a shoulder in traffic. But while a road bike typically comes outfitted with a drop bar, a hybrid bike’s signature feature is a flat handlebar. Drop BarĪ hybrid bike starts with a traditional road bike platform: fast-rolling 700c wheels and a lightweight, efficient frame. They’re also ideal as daily commuter bikes, due to their wide tires for smoothing out choppy pavement and gravel, simple and sometimes maintenance-free drivetrains, and disc brakes for more control, especially on slick surfaces. Fitness bikes (also known as hybrid bikes) offer a balance of lightweight speed and a confidence-inspiring upright position that can make cycling more comfortable and fun. But you don’t need a high-end road-racing model to do it. There are few better ways to get in shape or maintain your fitness than by riding a bicycle. Just note that these are the types of bikes in the highest demand now, so in some cases we’ve substituted different-but also great-models of the same bike for those no longer in stock. All together they have more than 60 years of experience in the bike industry and lots of insight into what makes a great commuter or hybrid bike. To choose these bikes, I relied on my own test experience, and also the expertise of Bicycling’s gear team, which includes Deputy Editor Tara Seplavy, Senior Test Editor Matt Phillips, and Test Editor Dan Chabonov. These are also the kinds of bikes I’m most often asked to recommend to friends and family new to cycling-and I’ll admit I take this role as a bike-buying advisor far too seriously. The Expert: In my 10 years as a bike tester for Bicycling-and more than two decades as an everyday commuter cyclist-I’ve had the chance to ride nearly a hundred different bikes designed for fitness, recreation, and commuting on varied terrain. Low-Maintenance Dream: Priority Continuum Onyx.Excellent Customer Service: Brooklyn Lorimer.Floats Over Potholes: Diamondback Division 1.Clean-Looking Commuter: Cannondale Quick 3.For All Adventures: State Bicycle 4130 All Road.Best Value Step-Through: Co-op Cycles CTY 1.1 Step-Through.Best Versatile Beginner's: Specialized Sirrus 2.0.Join Bicycling All Access for more gear-buying advice The Best Hybrid and Fitness Bikes
0 kommentar(er)
