Best City Bikes to Commute, Shop for Groceries or Run Errands in 2024
City bikes are designed for recreational cyclists who want to do short trips on paved roads.
Visiting friends, doing grocery shopping, or commuting to work or school, there are not too many requirements a city bicycle should have.
Those bikes generally have lightweight aluminum or steel frames with geometry designed to put the rider in an upright position that is less aerodynamic, but more comfortable. They typically have rack and fender mounts that allow for attaching pannier racks and mudguards for easier and cleaner commuting. The average cost of a city hybrid varies from $500 to $1,000 and $1,500 for electric city bikes.
How did we choose?
We looked up the best bikes on Amazon and REI based on their feedback and ratings. Also, most of the bikes and brands are found from the most-searched terms for a City Bike in Google search!
Almost all bikes in this list are chosen because you could order the bike online which gives a huge advantage of convenience. You can do plenty of research before buying the bike as well, and it obviously gets delivered to your door (or the nearest REI store).
Best City Bikes of 2024
1. Schwinn Wayfarer
2. Electra Loft 7D
3. Aventon Soltera.2
4. Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1
5. Cannondale Quick CX 3
6. Specialized Sirrus 4.0
7. Priority Classic Plus
8. Public V7i
9. Co-op Cycles Generation e1.1
10. Tommaso Forza Disc
11. Cannondale Treadwell 2
12. Priority Turi
13. Electra Townie Go! 8D EQ
14. Giant Escape 1 Disc
15. Trek Verve 2 Disc
16. Cannondale Bad Boy 3
1. Schwinn Wayfarer
One of the best city bikes under 500 dollars due to their popularity, the Schwinn Wayfarer is a classic steel-framed city bike designed for short commutes. It comes equipped with fenders and a rear rack so you can carry luggage and stay clean and dry in bad weather conditions. The 7-speed drivetrain offers just enough gears for lightweight commuting or recreational cycling around towns and cities that have a few small hills.
You can choose from both a standard frame and a step-through frame for easy mounting, which is particularly useful for shorter cyclists. The swept-back handlebars provide a casual upright seating position and the soft, sprung saddle allows for all-day comfort. Schwinn bikes are an American icon, having provided cyclists with quality bicycles for over 100 years.
The 700c wheels and thick tires are perfect for quick cycling along the pavement or tarmac but also provide just enough grip and absorption for mild off-road terrain. For braking, you get standard alloy V-brakes which are sufficient for stopping in mild weather without heavy loads.
2. Electra Loft 7D
Lightweight & simple city bike!
MSRP: $600
- Aluminum frame & hi-tensile steel fork
- 700x38c tires
- 7-speed Shimano Acera
- Bike Weight: 31 lbs
Electra bikes, owned by Trek, focuses on making reliable bikes for casual commuters. Their 7-speed model Loft is an easy-going, lightweight city bike. Available in different designs for men and women, what keeps the same line are: upright riding position, chainguard, integrated fenders, comfortable cruiser bike type saddle, and pastel color schemes.
For stopping power you get a rim-brake. The Electra Loft 7D is the perfect bike for city commuters who just want to get going, each and every day.
3. Aventon Soltera.2
Multi-speed electric city bike
MSRP: $1,199
This Aventon city electric bike is a tough powerhouse built to handle the rigors of rough city streets. It’s packed with quality features like 700c wheels and 38 mm Kenda tires with puncture protection.
The 350W geared hub motor offers enough power ro ride up hills with ease and reach speeds of 20 mph (32km/h). It draws power from a 350 Wh Li-Ion battery that can take you 46 miles (72km) or more on a single charge.
The 6061 aluminum frame comes in three sizes (Small, Regular, and Large) that fit riders between 5’1″ and 6’2″ tall. The mechanical disc brakes provide decent stopping power in wet or dry weather but take note that this is only a 7-speed bike so you will need the motor for hill climbing.
4. Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1
Best value hybrid city bike
MSRP: $799
The CTY 2.1 is more of a city mountain bike than a commuter, with thick knobbly tires and front suspension to swallow up big bumps and drops. Not only that, it comes with a massive 3×8 drivetrain, offering a wide enough gearing range to tackle steep inclines on loose terrain.
The aluminum frame is equipped with mounts for a rear rack and fenders, so you’ll be able to carry extra luggage and brave wet weather days if needed. Add to that Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and you have one of the toughest, rough-and-ready city commuters on the market.
The CTY 2.1 is truly a city commuter for those who need to be ready for anything – from cycling through vacant lots and broken streets to battling snow and sleet, this bike will get you to work no matter what!
5. Cannondale Quick CX 3
MSRP: $825
- Aluminum
- 700x40mm
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- 63mm fork
- 2×8 speed
The CX is Cannondale’s city bike from their hybrid bike fleet. What sets this bike apart from other models is obviously the front suspension fork which works wonders in uneven paths. There’s just the right amount of gears to choose from for a recreational city dweller who needs a solid variation to gear up or down to, and the 2×8 drivetrain is ideal for that.
The CX series offers great value and an even better selection of bikes, and the CX 3 falls into the comfort-hybrid series which is light-trail ready while being a perfect choice for urban areas.
6. Specialized Sirrus 4.0
MSRP: $1,600
The Specialized Sirrus 4.0 is a beautiful city bike with a classic look and comfortable features.
The Deep Blue color scheme combined with reflective sidewall tires make for a stylish, head-turning appearance. It’s a traditional aluminum frame bike with some classy features like sleek tires, a modern drivetrain, and a sporty geometry.
The microShift drivetrain offers a lightweight 1×10-speed gear range with an 11-28t cassette, more than enough for comfortable hill climbing. The Sirrus 4.0 comes with hydraulic disc brakes which means it is ideal for wet weather cycling. Additionally, the 700c x 32mm tires provide plenty of traction.
Don’t miss out on this stylish commuter bike by Specialized Bikes if you want versatility, comfort, and performance.
7. Priority Bicycles Classic Plus
MSRP: $599
The Priority Classic Plus is a modern commuter bike with new technology but old-style characteristics. The black aluminum frame gives it a timeless and sophisticated look with a solid, confident feel.
The Classic Plus comes with a 3-speed Shimano Nexus internally geared hub, so if you hate maintenance, this is the bike for you. The Nexus runs with a Gates Carbon belt which is durable, smooth, and efficient.
The bike has lightweight rim brakes which are perfect for regular urban cycling. You also get grippy, puncture-resistant tires to balance speed and traction on the city streets, a bottle cage, and a kickstand.
8. Public Bikes V7i
MSRP: $900
The Public Bikes V7i is a unisex urban city commuter bike and an excellent example of what to expect in a simple bicycle.
It’s got all the features for a recreational cyclist – There’s low-maintenance 7-speed internal gearing, fenders back and front, a side stand, and rear rack mounts. The bike resembles a classic bike while its steel frame, which also makes it more suitable for longer rides.
Other notable features include caliper rim brakes, Kenda Kwest 700x35c tires, and the swept-back handlebars for additional comfort.
9. Co-op Cycles Generation e1.1
MSRP: $1,499
- 20″ wheels
- 417Wh Bafang battery
- 360W/80Nm hub motor
- 7-Speed Shimano Altus
- Max load: 300lbs
- 30-40 km range
The Co-op Cycles Generation e1.1 electric utility bike is the perfect city commuter for office workers who may need to carry lots of cargo. It uses a 417Wh lockable and removable battery to power you along at 20mph and includes a 50mm travel suspension fork for added comfort.
The small 20″ wheels make this bike ideal for maneuvering tight city streets and the 2.4″ tires provide plenty of traction in wet weather. On the rear, you get a large rack to carry pannier bags, a backpack, or a briefcase.
With Tektro hydraulic disc brakes for instant stopping and seven gears for easy hill climbing, you’ll have no trouble scooting around any city, whether flat or hilly. The frame is made from tough, lightweight aluminum and includes LED lights and a kickstand.
10. Tommaso Forza Disc
MSRP: $849
- 700x32x tires
- Mechanic disc brakes
- 3×7 speed Shimano Tourney
Tommaso bikes are known for their great value and decent set-ups for their price. You can find Tommaso bikes being sold on Amazon and Tommaso Cycling. We’d recommend buying from Tommaso Cycling directly as you’ll get an already 95% assembled bike which has also been tuned so you’ll be skipping the first maintenance that’s needed to be done after 10-20miles on the bike.
11. Cannondale Treadwell 2
MSRP: $800
- Aluminum frame and fork
- MicroSHIFT 9-speed gearing
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- 47mm tires
- 650b wheels
The Cannondale Treadwell 2 is a modern hybrid bike with a sporty look and feel. It’s packed full of impressive technology and components like Cannondale’s SAVE micro-suspension and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes.
But the quality doesn’t stop there – you also get a MicroSHIFT Advent 9-speed drivetrain, Maxxis DTR-1, 650b x 47mm tires, and a Cannondale Comfort saddle. The lightweight SmartForm C3 aluminum frame also has mounts for a rack, fenders, and accessories.
12. Priority Bicycles Turi
MSRP: $949
- Aluminum frame
- Enviolo City CVT rear hub
- Hydraulic disc brakes
The Turi is a low-maintenance city commuter with a convenient Enviolo internal hub that provides a 310% gear range, perfect for city riding. With the puncture-resistant balloon tires, upright geometry, and plush saddle you can be sure of a comfortable ride wherever you go.
The Priority Turi has everything you need for commuting to work and back: mounts for a rear rack, pre-installed fenders, a kickstand, and a bottle cage. In addition, the hydraulic disc brakes ensure you remain safe when cycling in bad weather.
13. Electra Townie Go! 8D EQ
City cruiser bike with a pedal-assist motor
MSRP: $2,200
For riders who like a bit of extra push, the Electra Townie Go! is the perfect city cruiser bike. Simply start pedaling and the 250W Bosch Active Line motor kicks in, helping you along with a cool 40Nm of torque. Reach speeds of up to 20mph (32km/h), powered by a 400Wh removable battery that recharges in only 6.5 hours. Depending on how much pedal assistance you require, the battery will take you up to 70 miles (112km) on a single charge.
For city commuters who want to get to work without sweat and strain, the Electra Townie Go! is the perfect vehicle. Not only that, it’s comfortable and looks stylish with its laid-back seating position and extra-fat 2.35-inch balloon tires. Tektro mechanical disc brakes ensure you stop instantly when required and the 8-speed SRAM drivetrain means you have several options for how much effort you want to put in.
- Pedal-assist range: 20-70 miles
- 26 x 2.35″
14. Giant Escape 1 Disc
MSPR: $930
- 700x38c tires
- Aluminum frame and carbon fork
- Tektro hydraulic disc brakes
- Shimano 2×9-speed drivetrain
The Giant Escape 1 Disc is a laid-back city hybrid bike with versatile tires ideal for rolling along boardwalks or through parks in sunny weather.
The aluminum frame also has fender and rack mounts if you want to build this bike up to handle more long-distance commutes in bad weather.
Shimano provides an 18-speed drivetrain paired with Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, offering a wide range of gearing options and excellent stopping power.
The 700c double-wall rims are fitted with 38 mm tires that swallow up bumps and vibrations while keeping you safe from punctures.
The Giant Escape 1 is ideal for long commutes and recreational cycling in busy cities.
15. Trek Verve 2 Disc
Best city commuter bike
MSRP: $800
- Aluminum frame and fork
- 700x45mm tires
- Shimano 3×8-speed drivetrain
- Tektro hydraulic disc brakes
Trek is one of the largest bike manufacturers in North America and you’ll see people riding on their bikes on city streets and bike paths everywhere.
With the Verve 2, they apply their expertise in city machines to this entry-level commuter bike.
It uses a comfortable and durable aluminum frame, wide mixed-terrain capable tires, hydraulic disc brakes, and a 3×8 wide-range drivetrain.
The geometry of the bike allows for riding recreationally and using it as a fitness bike.
16. Cannondale Bad Boy 3
MSRP: $1,275
- SmartForm Alloy C2 frame
- Lefty fork
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Shimano 2×8-speed drivetrain
- WTB Byway, 650b x 40 mm tires
Cannondale is a huge bike brand that has various nice-looking and well-performing bikes on the market.
Here you are looking at their mid-range city bike that’s ideal for an active rider who needs wants a bike for fitness rides and running errands around town.
The hydraulic disc brakes and a 2×8 speed drivetrain are a treat for anyone who hasn’t ridden a ‘new bike’ in a while, as the level of components is simply that great even compared to the setups five years ago.
FAQ
What is a city bike?
A city bike is any bike designed for use in built-up cities and towns. They usually don’t have the features for off-road riding or fast cycling but are rather aimed at comfort and convenience.
City bike vs road bike
While road bikes are usually lighter and faster than city bikes, they don’t offer the same level of comfort and often don’t have mounts to attach a pannier rack and fenders. City bikes tend to have stronger frames for carrying the weight and thicker tires for a more comfortable ride with less chance of punctures.
As city bikes aren’t intended for high speed and hill-climbing, they tend to have fewer gears and weaker brakes. This also makes them more affordable and accessible for amateur or casual cyclists.
City bike vs hybrid bike
Those two are quite similar, although the city bikes are more simple in a way, and built with cheaper components. Hybrid bikes are originally built to withstand both on- and offroad terrains, generally a mixture between a road and city, or a mountain and city bike.
City bikes are mostly equipped with either a basket in the front and/or a rack in the rear.
How much are city bikes worth?
A city bike can be one of the most affordable bikes but since the introduction of high-quality electric bikes, they range in price drastically. The cheapest basic city bike could cost as little as $200, whereas the top-of-the-range electric bikes go up to $5,000 or more. On average, you can get a decent non-electric city bike for around $500.
Different city bike frame materials
Steel – Aluminum – Carbon
Most city bikes are built on steel or aluminum frames. Steel is one of the cheapest selections and is known for its vibration-reducing qualities, while aluminum frames are lightweight and affordable, too. From mid-range bikes that cost around a thousand dollars also come with a carbon fork which is known to be super durable which won’t fatigue over time, and absorbs the bumps really well, too.
There aren’t many carbon city bikes around just yet because carbon frames are generally intended for advanced cyclists, and a city bike, in general, is best suited for recreational commutes.
Best place to find city bikes for sale?
REI – Cannondale, Co-op and Pure Cycles. Standard & Electric. Earn -10% member dividend.
Amazon.com – Most cheap city bikes represented.
Original manufacturers – Giant, Bianchi, etc.
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