City, Fitness, & Hybrid Bike Buyer's Guide

Looking for an easy and affordable way to enjoy get outside for fitness - and fresh air? Wishing you could find a stress-free and more manageable approach to running errands? Want a new outlet for commuting, or recreation, that is less aggressive than a traditional road bike but still lightweight and sporty and fun to ride?

These are the reasons many people choose a City or Fitness/Hybrid bicycle. But this isn't your mom or dad's old bike.

There is some variation within the models, to accommodate your preferences. Cruiser or comfort bikes will be slower, but have a vintage appeal and their step-through features, suspension systems, and cushier saddles are friendlier for people less flexible or comfortable with their feet too far from the ground.

If you're looking to commute, city and commuter bikes offer features such as racks, fenders, lights, bells and kickstands - all you need to be equipped for the streets, and tow your belongings.

If you plan to ride longer distances, climb hills and work a bit to get in better shape, you still want to be comfortable, but you're interested in lightness, nimble handling and even easy climbing, hybrid bikes are a perfect fit. A versatile jack-of-all-trades, hybrids are lighter and roll and pedal more easily than comfort bike. Some hybrids are designed for occasional off-road (trail) use, too.

Rolling Comfort

No sore butts here! With both a suspension fork and seatpost for an extra plush ride, the comfort hybrid makes a weekend ride to the nature center safe and enjoyable. Wide tires with ample tread offer stability on gravel paths, and an adjustable stem lets you put the handlebars within easy reach. A foot-forward pedaling position allows greater visibility while riding and makes it easy to put a food down in stop-and-go situations.

Accessories

Fitness hybrids borrow heavily from road bikes to put you in a riding position that helps maintain speed. They also benefit from higher-level, more performance-oriented components and slimmer tires that reduce rolling friction. These are great bikes for joining group rides, completing your first 100-miler, or riding in a charity event. But don’t rule them out for getting around town—most models include commuter-friendly features so you can bike to work with ease.

Dual Sport

Fitness hybrids borrow heavily from road bikes to put you in a riding position that helps maintain speed. They also benefit from higher-level, more performance-oriented components and slimmer tires that reduce rolling friction. These are great bikes for joining group rides, completing your first 100-miler, or riding in a charity event. But don’t rule them out for getting around town—most models include commuter-friendly features so you can bike to work with ease.