Best Hybrid Bike

Building on the stellar design of the Beltway 8, winner of Bicycling Magazine’s 2013 award for Best Urban Bike, the 8+ delivers the works in a wonderfully versatile and downright fun rig. Most noticeable on all the bikes on the Belway roster is the belt-drive gear system, commonplace in Europe but not quite mainstream here in the U.S. The silky smooth Gates carbon belt drive system is feather light, virtually maintenance-free, and has a lifespan significantly longer than a traditional chain. The belt is quiet as a feather in the wind, too, and no worries about showing up to work with greasy pants.

The Beltway’s hydroformed aluminum frame is designed to keep riders comfortably upright but with just enough forward angle to confidently negotiate climbs. Reliable front and rear disc brakes make stopping when you need to a second thought, while Shimano Alfine RapidFire 8-speed shifters provide plenty of options for whatever your choice of terrain. The Alfine wheelset is paired with Schwalbe 700cx40 Marathon tires for an enduringly smooth ride and dependability in most any condition.

Front and back lights are powered by a dynamo in the front hub, so there’s no need to charge batteries and you won’t be caught out after dark with a slowly dying light. A large rear rack, kickstand, bell, and fenders also come standard on this playful commuter. Ready to go right out of the box, the Beltway 8+ wins our top slot for best pick.

Renowned for their laid back vibe and equally easy-going beach cruisers, Electra brings another gem to the game the Ticino 8D. Inspired by classic European touring bikes, the Ticino offers the same smooth ride for longer distances, with all the best extras to make commuting, errand running, and general messing around a real blast.

A butted 6061 lightweight aluminum frameset with chromoly, lugged crown fork offers a responsive and agile ride, with silky smooth 700c Electra Elite double-wall alloy rims that make the bike flow like liquid down the roadway. A drivetrain blend of Shimano and SRAM is commanded by easy action RapidFire Plus shifters, and unique reverse-hinged bar-end levers operate retro-style brakes. Even the chain ring is designed to keep the chain from snagging a pant leg. Riders sit upright and aware while piloting the Ticino with the wide, swept-back bars.

It’s the little things which truly make this bike shine like the earth tone saddle and matching handlebar grips and it’s packed with other gorgeous highlights, too, like hammered alloy fenders and a stunning alloy crankset. Double bottle mounts are standard fare, along with full compatibility for a rear rack. The Ticino has runway model good looks in elegant dress and sparkles with glimmering chrome accessories, so get used to turning heads on your way to there and back again.

The Alight is the perfect mix of plush comfort and workhorse durability. The ALUXX aluminum frame’s geometry is designed with both in mind, and riders enjoy a durable, stable ride with nimble DNA and the endurance for longer days out. A step-through design makes for easy transition at your destination, and complete with a handy rear rack, kickstand, fenders and even an integrated bell, the Alight is decked out for dedicated commuting and all around fun.

The bike’s double wall alloy rims matched with Giant’s puncture-resistant tires roll with smooth reliability on city streets or winding bike trails, and Shimano shifting ensures spot-on gear selection from the 3x8-speed drivetrain. A wide gear range in the SRAM cassette handles hilly terrain with ease, and the comfortable, flat-bar cockpit keeps riders more upright and relaxed on zippy rides to work and cruiser, bike path miles.

Count on Tektro linear-pull brakes for consistent stopping power in traffic or rain-slicked roads. Beware: The Alight can cause sudden bouts of wanderlust or regular avoidance of responsibilities. Female riders all across the land have been known to dream up places to go just another chance to ride this bike.

Say you have a mid-distance commute and that squiggly back road is just too tantalizing to resist. Go ahead, take the long way with the 7.2 FX, Trek’s superhero disguised as mild-mannered Joe. With an Alpha Aluminum frame and accompanying steel fork designed for comfort and agility, the FX draws rave reviews from its riders, praising the bike’s confidence-boosting feel and all around reliability. This bike boasts a superb component package featuring Shimano shifters and derailleurs, a 24-speed drivetrain to take the sting out of trying climbs, and Bontrager double-wall rims for smooth rolling speed. Puncture-resistant tires take on most any trail with aplomb, whether grizzled pavement, wishy-washy sand, or rocky obstacle course tread.

Comfy ergonomic grips matched to a Bontrager alloy handlebar make for relaxed handling, with rack and fender capability for daily cargo. The FX also comes in a women’s-specific setup, as well as a disc brake model. Tuned in to your fitness and fanatic about logging routes? This bike is compatible for the tech highlights of the DuoTrap S speed and cadence sensor. Commuting, running errands, lunch dates, or committed training. The FX is ready for all roads.

Saddle up the Haanjo Metro Plus and you’re ready to handle the most notorious of commuting adversaries. The 6061 aluminum frame and steel fork make this the perfect bombproof rig for obstacle course city streets. The Haanjo has a less aggressive stance with relaxed geometry, and the straight handlebar allows for a more upright seating position. This means more precise control for you when it counts.Riders can count on the Haanjo’s agility, too. Crater-like potholes and madcap traffic are no match for the bike’s great handling ability, which rolls free on 700c rims and grips like glue with tarmac-eating, 40mm wide tires.

At around 24 pounds depending on build option, you won’t score many uphill speed records, but you get long-life durability in return. The bike sports chain guards at the front and rear of the crankset to keep grime on the bike and away from your clothing. Fitted with Shimano components, including a 9-speed drivetrain for all around reliable performance, riders have plenty of gear choices to accommodate a wide variety of terrain, and reflective highlights on the frame keep you visible and safe after dark.

The frame builders at Jamis are loyal to steel and the Coda series is testament to that venerable material’s ability to make every single ride simply superb. Navigating pothole obstacle courses on the way to work? Fear not, the Coda can handle any urban challenge with finesse. Same said for lazy Sunday spins or serious fitness rides.

This bike is a joy to ride, with an already comfortable riding position bolstered by the bike’s ATS adjustable stem and a huge 24-speed Shimano drivetrain for all the gear choices you can ask for. The Coda boasts top shelf rubber, too, with Vittoria Randonneur 32c tires for stability and a smooth, reliable ride. Don’t forget the full array of rack and fender mounts for easy addition of extras to make your Coda the coolest bike on the block

Look no further than the front suspension fork and seat post shock to see why the Network 3.0 is one comfy rig. The dual suspension combination makes the already relaxed, upright seating position even more luxurious, which translates into a smooth and easy ride for anyone. Teeth-rattling bumps disappear, leaving you with more energy and a brighter disposition for a truly fun time on the road.

Riders pilot the Network with EZ-Fire shifters commanding the 21-speed Shimano Tourney gear cluster, covering whatever condition you and your chosen terrain might be in. Linear pull brakes stop the bike on a dime and the 38mm tires keep you rolling in confidence. Adjustable handlebar positions are a great benefit and add to the bike’s responsive steering. The Network is a durable and good-looking bike with perks that put the fun into every ride.

Versatility is the name of the game with the Diamondback Insight. The 6061 butted aluminum frame, with integrated head tube, keeps the bike’s weight down to better handle gains in elevation and offers an agile ride, while the high-tensile straight blade steel fork helps absorb bumps. A full Shimano package highlights the 21-speed drivetrain, with Easyfire shifters allowing for precise gear selections on your favorite routes and confidence when taking on new turf.

The flat handlebar and relaxed geometry give the Insight a very comfortable riding position and make the bike easy to maneuver through chaotic city streets and pothole obstacle courses. Count on the grabby, Kenda Kwick Trax 700x32c tires to handle dodgy terrain and smooth tarmac with equal grace while easy-pull brake levers leverage the responsive linear-pull brakes to give you reliable stopping power.

A no-nonsense performer and solid choice for all-around good times, the Absolute 2.1 is stacked with features for road or trail. The A2-SL custom butted alloy frame, with distinctive teardrop downtube, offers a strong and lightweight ride. A high-tensile steel fork makes for smooth riding and significantly improves handling. The 24-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain is controlled with EZ Fire shift levers for precision gear selection on any terrain. Tektro linear-pull brakes give you the stopping you need, when you need it.

The Absolute rolls efficiently on Vera Terra rims and the 70032c CityWide tires can handle everything crushed gravel and dirt paths to velvety-smooth pavement. Riders can enjoy every bit of their ride in a comfortably upright position, aided by the Oval Concepts alloy flat handlebar and Comfort grips. The super plush saddle is complemented by an adjustable seat post, and the Absolute comes standard with rack and fender mounts to dial in your perfect ride.

Specialized called on their wildly successful Body Geometry fit analysis to build the Vita with Women’s Fitness Geometry, offering the perfect blend of comfort in every contact point of the bike to make every ride the best one. The super light A1 Premium aluminum frame and steel fork includes an integrated headset and fender and rack mounts with easy mounting. The lighter frame weight is propelled by a Shimano 24-speed drivetrain with triple crankset for a wide gear range. This helps the bike conquer tough climbs and deliver speed on the flats, while staying durable enough to handle rough roads. Specialized’s 700x32 Nimbus tires provide smooth rolling and maintain a firm grip on dirt surfaces or sketchy sections of tarmac. Riders can also count on the Vita’s ergonomically designed saddles for all-day comfort and long lasting performance.

The Fuji Crosstown 2.1 turns people’s heads when it’s just standing still. With its teardrop downtube and internally routed cables, the bike carries a streamlined and confident look. Complementing its appearance, the Crosstown comes standard with an A2-SL aluminum frame designed to put riders in an upright and relaxed position, perfect for meandering bike path rides or office commutes.

The Shimano Tourney drivetrain supplies plenty of precision gear selections to handle the ups and downs of your ride, with a smooth-rolling 700c wheelset and 35c tires for taking on easier trails and city streets. Count on the front suspension fork to soak up bumps, while you ride in cloud-like comfort on the Selle Royale gel saddle and micro-adjust suspension seatpost. The Crosstown is dialed in for zippy trips around town or extended affairs on the open road.

The Crossroads Sport was built specifically to keep you comfortable as a dedicated part of your commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Specialized employs its A1 Premium Aluminum and custom geometry for the best possible rider fit and to allow for maximum handling performance on roads and pathways. A Shimano drivetrain delivers silky smooth shifting with EZ Fire Plus levers, and the Crossroads rolls like a dream on its alloy wheels paired with reliably tough, puncture-resistant Borough tires.

Body Geometry grips help keep fatigue at bay, while your upright riding position makes for precise handling on most any terrain. Confidently embark on long rides on the super plush saddle perched atop a bump-absorbing suspension seatpost. The Crossroads includes an integrated kickstand mount, too, along with rack and fender mounts to turn the bike into your own Sherpa.

Giant’s Cypress DX is a great-looking and fun-to-ride bike with everything you need to get the most from every mile. The sturdy ALUXX aluminum frameset keeps the bike’s weight manageable, and its geometry sits riders in a comfortable position. All this is aided by the flat handlebar with High Rise adjustable stem and Comfort Groove saddle.

Giant’s alloy rims with stainless steel spokes deliver a smooth roll on roads, paths, and smooth trails, and the 3x8 speed trigger-shift drivetrain, with triple crankset, makes it a breeze to find that perfect gear. Bumps and craggy pavement all but disappear with this bike’s Suntour front suspension fork and alloy suspension seatpost. The Cypress loves to head out for a spin, and its rider-friendly personality will keep rolling in style.

No matter what your choice of two-wheeled getaway, the Trek Verve 3 is the perfect partner. The light and durable Alpha Gold Aluminum frame offers a responsive ride and a relaxed, low-fatigue position with a wide, adjustable handlebar cockpit and adjustable stem. The Shimano Altus/Acera drivetrain delivers 24-speed versatility to handle undulating topography with finesse.

Be it a worn out city street, gravelly trail, or smooth bike path, the Bontrager AT-750 rims roll smooth as a flowing stream, and the Hard-Case tires won’t let flats deflate your ride. Jarring bumps and yawning sidewalk cracks are no match for the combination of the Suntour NEX fork and adjustable suspension seatpost. A cushy Bontrager Boulevard saddle completes the luxury feel and there’s also rack and fender mounts included as well so you can customize the look of the bike suited to your whims.

Looking every bit the lean and stylish bike, one ride on the Searcher 3 is all it takes to be hooked on its uncanny ability function with recliner-like comfortable while harboring dragster speed with just a few extra pedal strokes. The Searcher checks all the boxes, starting with a lightweight aluminum frame engineered with upright geometry to keep you comfy at the controls.

A reliable Shimano Altus/Acera drivetrain offers 24 speeds to handle flats and roller coaster terrain without missing a beat, while 700x40c alloy wheel and puncture-resistant tires give the bike a smooth-as-butter roll. Up front, the Suntour NEX fork with hydraulic lockout takes the sting out of bumps, and you can fly at speed worry-free, knowing the Promax disc brakes will be there with powerful stopping capacity. The Searcher is fun and fast, with an adventuresome spirit to match your own.

Are you looking for one hybrid that does it all? The Specialized Sirrus Elite Disc performs with an athletic poise as a workhorse commuter, speedy fitness bike, or easy-ride cruiser. Built around the brand’s E5 aluminum frame and rider-friendly Fitness Geometry, the Sirrus is a dream on two wheels. A tall head tube ensures an upright and comfy riding position is further enhanced by flat handlebars and bump-absorbing carbon fork.

The Sirrus delivers a smooth and responsive ride over almost most any terrain, rolling smoothly on an Axis Classic wheelset with grippy, 30mm tires reinforced by additional puncture resistance. Powerful disc brakes give riders speed-controlling confidence and the Shimano Sora nine speed drivetrain means precision and all-gear reliability. This hybrid bike also boasts a confident, attractive look with its head-turning paint scheme and internal cable routing. Rack and fender mounts come standard to allow customization options, and all-bike comfort perks from Body Geometry design make this bike one sweet rig.

Say you have a mid-distance commute and that squiggly back road is just too tantalizing to resist. Go ahead, take the long way with the 7.2 FX, Trek’s superhero disguised as mild-mannered Joe. With an Alpha Aluminum frame and accompanying steel fork designed for comfort and agility, the FX draws rave reviews from its riders, praising the bike’s confidence-boosting feel and all around reliability. This bike boasts a superb component package featuring Shimano shifters and derailleurs, a 24-speed drivetrain to take the sting out of trying climbs, and Bontrager double-wall rims for smooth rolling speed. Puncture-resistant tires take on most any trail with aplomb, whether grizzled pavement, wishy-washy sand, or rocky obstacle course tread.

Comfy ergonomic grips matched to a Bontrager alloy handlebar make for relaxed handling, with rack and fender capability for daily cargo. The FX also comes in a women’s-specific setup, as well as a disc brake model. Tuned in to your fitness and fanatic about logging routes? This bike is compatible for the tech highlights of the DuoTrap S speed and cadence sensor. Commuting, running errands, lunch dates, or committed training. The FX is ready for all roads.

You love to ride whether it’s to work, to the coffee shop, or the local farmer’s market. Fitness is part of your game too whether jamming on bike trails or ratcheting up the speed on open roads. Regardless of your riding style or destination, the Scott Sub Speed 20 answers the call on all fronts. Built with a 6061 aluminum main frame and fork, the Sub delivers a smooth ride with on-demand responsiveness.

A flat handlebar and relaxed geometry keep riders upright enough to be comfy, with just the right amount of sprinter-like lean to conjure speed when the mood strikes. The Shimano groupset offers a huge, 27 speed gear range and precise shifting to every one of them, every time. A triple front crankset means you can sail up and down hills all day long without missing a beat, and never fear when a car makes a sudden move or you need to corral your Indy car speed.

Super powerful hydraulic disc brakes control the Sub with easy-pull levers to keep you rolling worry-free. Count on the Syncros seatpost and Sport Solution saddle combination for sublime comfort and control, and the 700x37c Maxxis tires provide the ideal blend of glue-like grip and silky smooth roll. Perfectly fitted Scott fenders round off the package to keep you out there in all seasons.

Bianchi is the world’s oldest bicycle manufacturing company in existence which started in a humble little shop in Milan (as seems the prelude to many a great bike story). Edoardo Bianchi tinkered and innovated endlessly, making a habit of crafting superbly crafted bicycles, including building one especially for the Queen and later, none other than Fausto Coppi. The same passion for quality and performance carries through today, and the Bianchi tradition continues to win best-of awards and legions of new fans. Today, the C-Sport 1 stands as a testament to this proud history.

Building on the design model of their high end road models, the C-Sport blends the DNA of a purebred race bike with do-it-all handling of a utility bike. The result is an all-around performer for your two-wheeled pursuits. The lightweight, hydro-formed aluminum frame delivers springy acceleration and catlike agility on city streets and country roads with those long sections of coiled curves we love so much. The flat-bar cockpit puts riders in a comfortably efficient position to appreciate every mile.

A Shimano Altus eight speed drivetrain with triple crankset offers all the gear selections you need to meet tame and challenging terrain alike. Beautifully constructed Tec Sport wheels and Kenda 700x32c tires flow along the road like a summer breeze and powerful Promax disc brakes mean you can count on dialed speed control. Naturally, the C-Sport struts cool Italian style proudly continuing the noble Bianchi lineage high; that and it’s just all kinds of fun to ride.

Cannondale’s Bad Boy 4 looks tough with a sleeper paint job and clean lines which conjure a James Bond vibe and it performs with equal zeal. The Bad Boy’s 6061 aluminum frame is crafted with innovative tube shapes which keep the bike light and responsive, along with options for rigid or suspension forks giving you precise handling and a smooth ride. True to its name, the Bad Boy’s geometry tilts toward the aggressive side for optimum performance on all kinds of roads while maintaining a comfortably upright position so you can see what lays ahead. Speaking of good vision, several Bad Boy models are built with a one-piece bar and stem with a handy integrated light for after-hours miles.

Shimano hosts the eight speed drivetrain for all the gears you’ll need to meet the demands of ever changing terrain while powerful disc brakes deliver vise-like grip for superb speed control. WTB ThickSlick tires are on the narrow side for a hybrid of this caliber and slicks only provide so much traction when it gets wet; however, you can easily swap the tires out to keep pace with changing road conditions.  Double wall, 32-hole rims provide long-life strength and give the bike that extra edge to handle rough pavement, gravel, and even mildly rugged dirt trails.