When the road begins to rise, you can rely on a Shimano Alivio Revo 7-Speed Twist shifters and a Tourney derailleur to provide the right gear.
Best Comfort Bikes for Women, Men and Senior Riders
Image source: Cannondale
Comfort bikes are becoming more and more popular among casual riders of all ages.
The comfort in comfort bike is due to the relaxed, upright frame geometry, the comfortable saddle with extra padding, wide tires, and front fork or seat post suspension (although, this is not essential). It is also common for these bikes to have step-through top tubes to make mounting easier for less flexible users.
This type of bike is built for comfort over short to medium distances such as for a work commute, running errands around town, or a ride a light ride along a local bike path.
Because comfort bikes typically have a higher base weight, they are best for riding on flat terrain. They are also a great choice for anyone with lower back pain thanks to the upright riding positon.
Why Choose a Comfort Bike?
Many people can be put off of cycling by the aggressive positioning typically seen in road cycling, or the energy-sapping demands of mountain biking. The upright, ergonomic position of riding a comfort bicycle is, therefore, the most important factor in their appeal.
People with low flexibility, those who are prone to neck, shoulder, or back discomfort, or who simply want a relaxed ride, will undoubtedly enjoy the benefits of this style of bike. Elderly individuals may also prefer a comfort bike as the position puts less strain on the body.
A cruiser bike is the most comfortable bicycle out there, while the comfort bike is built around simple commuting in the city.
Table of Contents
Best Comfort Bikes in 2024
Schwinn – Suburban Deluxe
MSRP: Check on Amazon
Schwinn’s Suburban Deluxe is a low-step comfort bike optimized for women and perfect for city riding and light trails.
This hybrid cruiser has a few key characteristics that make it comfortable. Firstly, dual seat post and front fork suspension help to absorb all the bumps you encounter.
In addition, the Suburban Deluxe has a convenient step-through frame design, upright riding position, a soft and supportive saddle, and plush balloon tires.
This bike’s other notable features include the 21-speed Shimano REVOSHIFT groupset, low-maintenance rim brakes, and lightweight aluminum frame. Finally, Schwinn also used a fully adjustable stem so you can find the optimal riding position for you.
- Fits riders 5’3 – 5’7
- 16″ aluminum frame
- 3x7speed drivetrain
- V-brakes
One size frame fits riders 5’3″ to 5’7″
Electra – Cruiser 7D Step-Through
A comfort-cruiser bike
MSRP: $440
REI.com
The Townie Cruiser 7D step-through is a great all-around choice for comfort for your adventures by the beach or around the city.
Electra uses small 26″ wheels with plush 2.125″ tires to ensure comfort and control on bumpy roads. To add to that, you have an ergonomic spring suspension saddle, mustache handlebars, and Flat Foot Technology frame design.
- Frame material: Steel
- Bike weight: 38.5 lbs
- Electra comfort saddle with elastomer springs
- 7-speed Shimano Tourney
>>>Related: What is a Cruiser bike?
Gazelle – Medeo T9
Best women’s comfort bike
MSRP: $2,699
Mike’s Bikes
The stylish Medeo T9 low-step e-bike packs all of the quality expected with any Gazelle bike.
Its defining feature is the fully-equipped design. It is designed for unbeatable versatility as well as comfort when mounting and dismounting. The Medeo uses a powerful Bosch e-bike system with an Activeline Plus 50Nm motor and 400Wh rack-mounted battery. With this, you can expect 40-80 miles of range.
The frame is built with lightweight alloy with a 50mm telescoping fork. This makes the Medeo T9 pleasure to cycle even when the road is bumpy. The combination of Shimano Deore 9-speed gearing, wide 50mm Schwalbe Big Apple tires, and ultra-responsive Shimano hydraulic disc brakes give this bike a truly high-end feel.
- 9-speed Shimano Deore
- Frame: Aluminum alloy
- Tires: 28″ x 50mm
- Shimano Deore hydraulic disc brakes
- Fully-equipped
Schwinn – Discover 2 700c
Women’s comfort bike by Schwinn
MSRP: Check on Amazon
Schwinn’s Discover lady’s comfort bike is a great entry-level choice that doesn’t sacrifice rider experience.
The frame is built of lightweight aluminum, and designed for an upright riding position. Discover’s handlebar stem can also adjust easily so you can find the perfect height for your body.
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- 28-inch wheels
- 21-speed SRAM grip shifter
- Weight 35.5 lbs
The highlight of the bike is the shock-absorbing suspension integrated into the seat post and front fork. This combination ensures your ride is smooth, even on bumpy roads or cycle paths.
The Discover also comes with fenders and a rear rack to make your commute as convenient and clean as possible no matter the weather. Lastly, Schwinn includes a comfy yet durable saddle perfect for women.
One size frame fits riders 5’5″ to 5’9″
Public Bikes – C9
MSRP: $650
Jenson USA
The Public Bikes C9 Aluminum is a stylish comfort bike that can double as a commuter thanks to its frame mounts.
Swept-back handlebars, a low-step frame, and upright geometry make for smooth riding on any urban journey. However, the 35mm Kenda tires don’t absorb much of the road chatter.
Another great feature is the lightweight aluminum frame and the shock-absorbing Chromoly steel fork. You can easily install a rack and fenders to turn the C9 into the perfect comfort commuter.
- Aluminum frame
- Shimano Altus 9-Speed
- 700c x 35mm tires
- Dual-pivot caliper brakes
The Public C9 has an entry-level Shimano Altus drivetrain with 1×9-speed gearing, reducing maintenance needs. Stopping power comes from rim brakes, so be careful riding in the rain.
Overall, this is a comprehensive yet affordable bike with lots to offer aside from the comfortable ride quality.
Co-op Cycles – CTY 1.1
Urban comfort hybrid bike
MSRP: $649
REI.com
Co-op’s CTY 1.1 urban hybrid built for sustained comfort even on those long-distance city commutes.
This recreation bike uses a narrower tire than is standard for comfort bikes along with a light aluminum frame to maintain efficiency over distance. Additionally, the relaxed upright riding position paired with a Selle Royal Shadow+ saddle and riser handlebars create a pleasantly smooth riding experience.
- Frame Material: 6061 Aluminum
- Size: MD 5′ – 5’9″
- Brake Style: Mechanical Disc
- Rack and fender ready
The CTY 1.1 also uses a 3×8-speed Shimano groupset and Kenda 700 x 40mm puncture-resistant tires.
Cannondale – Treadwell 2
Perfectly balanced comfort bike with unbeatable functionality
MSRP: $950
REI.com
With the Treadwell 2, Cannondale delivers one of the most functional urban bikes available on the market, designed to be agile, comfy, and durable.
The Treadwell 2 uses unique, “easy-ride geometry” that balances comfort with performance. Additionally, a quilted saddle with ribbed grooves keeps your butt comfortable on even the roughest of road surfaces.
The standout thing among its long list of features is the wheel sensor which helps you track your activity through the Cannondale app. The sensor logs speed, distance, and calories, while also reminding you when you need a service, a truly revolutionary addition to this bicycle.
- Frame and Fork Material: Aluminum
- Wheel Size: 650b
- Weight: 29lbs
- microSHIFT 9-speed gearing
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Comfortable Cruise Control Handlebars
Two other unique features are the modern paint job with attractive turquoise pedals and grips, along with an integrated handlebar stem phone mount so you can navigate your way through the city streets, or rural roads with ease.
Finally, Cannondale’s Urban Armour bumpers protect the frame from everyday wear.
Frame Size Recommendations
S – 4’11” to 5’6″
L – 5’4″ to 6’0″
Sixthreezero – EVRYjourney
Cruiser comfort bike
The EVRYjourney men’s cruiser style comfort bike by Sixthreezero is both budget-friendly and modern bicycle with an elegant matt-black finish.
Sixthreezero has designed a uniquely comfortable bike with ergonomic geometry. On the EVRYjourney, the pedals are further forward and the bike is lower to the ground than normal, which allows riders to achieve a good pedaling stroke while being able to get a foot down with ease.
As well as frame design, each component is built to be as comfortable as possible. 26″ wheels and 2″ thick tires provide a smooth, controlled ride on any terrain. Additionally, the saddle has extra padding and is extra-wide to make sitting as comfy as possible, and the grips are made from soft and durable synthetic leather.
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Suitable rider height: 5′ – 6’4″
- Weight range: up to 300 lbs
- Shimano 7-speed gearing
- V-brakes
- Weight: 38.1 lbs
>>>Related: EveryJourney Review
Finally, the EVRYjourney is highly compatible with accessories to make it functional in any situation. It arrives with fenders and a rear pannier rack and has other snap-on attachment points for baskets or baby seats.
Electra Townie 7D Step-Over
High-spec cruiser bicycle
MSRP: $630
REI.com
The men’s Townie 7D step-over is a sleek comfort bike with quality specs and a stamp of quality from bicycle giant Trek.
Electra’s best-selling Townie is ready for anything. It comes with 26″ puncture-resistant tires that absorb any road vibrations and along with classic rim brakes, help you stay in control at all times. It features 7-speed gearing, plenty to give you the confidence to take on steeper roads.
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- 26″ x 2.0″ tires
- 7-speed Shimano gearing
- Ergonomic saddle with elastomer bumpers
- Bike weight: 34 lbs 8 oz
- Weight limit: 300 lbs
Even with its ruggedness, the Townie Path 7D is comfortable. This is achieved through the larger tires, an upright geometry with foot forward pedal position, ergonomic handlebar grips, and a spongy gel saddle.
Priority Bicycles – Priority Turi
Best comfort bike for seniors under $1000
MSRP: $949
Priority Bicycles
Priority’s Priority Turi is a sleek, cost-effective way to get back cycling, perfectly designed for older adults who want a bike for light usage, low maintenance, and pure comfort.
The ergonomic upright frame design, step-through top tube, and comfortable saddle help to prevent saddle sores and pain in areas commonly affected by cycling such as the back, and wrists. Additionally, the positioning of the pedals also optimizes balance and comfort.
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Tires: Puncture-Resistant Comfort
- Fenders
- enviolo City CVT Rear Hub (310% gear range)
- Gates Carbon belt drive
>>>Related: Best Electric Bikes for Seniors
Finally, this bike also has powerful hydraulic disc brakes to ensure effective stopping power in all conditions.
Best Electric Comfort Bikes
Aventon – Level.2 Step-Through
Best comfort e-bike for urban rides
Weight – 53 lbs | Battery – 672Wh | Range – 60 mi. | Motor – 500W
MSRP: $1,799
Aventon
The Aventon Level.2 is an affordable comfort electric bike with lots of features to make urban riding hassle-free.
A 500W motor and 672Wh battery combine to deliver max speeds of 28mph (20mph throttle) over a max range of 60 miles, one of the best at this price.
Reliable shifting and stopping are provided by a Shimano 8-speed drivetrain and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes. The new version of this bike knocked 9lbs off the weight, making it lighter than the average comfort eBike.
- Frame: Aluminum
- 8-speed Shimano Acera
- Tires: 27.5″x 2.1″
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- 65mm fork suspension
The bike also features an integrated rack, fenders, and a kickstand. Finally, the Level.2 has typical upright geometry, a convenient step-through frame, wide tires, and front fork suspension to create relaxed and smooth ride quality.
Priority Bicycles E-Coast
A comfortable cruiser-style electric bike
Battery – 576 Wh | Range – 60 miles | Motor – 500W hub motor
MSRP: $2,000
The Priority Bicycles E-Coast is a comfortable urban cruiser with premium electronics and a fully equipped spec.
Priroity chose a 500W rear hub motor with a high-capacity 576 Wh battery, that offers a 60-mile range per charge.
The drivetrain is powered by a drive belt and offers one speed, which is slightly limited for climbing hills. However, the hydraulic disc brakes are excellent for descending steep hills.
Overall, the Priority E-Coast is a pretty solid bike with nothing that needs to be added or removed to fit its price range.
Charge – Comfort 2
Best e-bike for comfortable commuting
Weight – 55 lbs | Battery – 418Wh | Range – 50mi | Motor – 250W | Torque – 45Nm
MSRP: $1,899
Charge Bikes
The Comfort 2 electric bicycle by Charge is packed full of features, an excellent comfort e-bike for new and experienced e-bikers.
The Comfort 2 is suitable for riding on pavement and light gravel trails thanks to its plush 2.6″ puncture-resistant Schwalbe tires. It is supremely comfortable and upright for relaxed riding in busy urban environments.
The motor packs a punchy 250W that can power you up to 20mph on pedal assist or throttle. The battery is modest, and it can return up to 50 miles on Eco mode in favorable conditions.
- Frame Material: Lightweight 6061 alloy
- 7-speed Shimano Altus
- Rack and fenders
- Tires: 27.5″x 2.6″ puncture-resistant
- Mechanical disc brakes
The bike also features folding pedals and handlebars and tire pressure indicators. All of these features combine to create an all-around fantastic ride experience.
Gazelle – Ultimate T10
Premium city e-bike
Weight – 50.7 lbs | Battery – 500Wh | Range – up to 80mi | Motor – Bosch Performance Line 3.0 | Torque – 65Nm
MSRP: $3,999
Competitive Cyclist
Any riders out there looking for a top-of-the-range comfort e-bike need to look no further than Gazelle’s Ultimate T10.
This bike is equipped best for rides such as a daily commute, running errands around town, or riding along your favorite bike path. It’s full-equipped enough to carry whatever is necessary and ride in all conditions.
Key features include an integrated 500Wh Bosch downtube battery, Schwalbe Energizer Plus 2.0″ tires, a rear rack and fenders, and a powerful mid-drive 65Nm motor.
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- 40mm travel fork
- Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes
- Mounted rear rack
- Shimano Deore Drivetrain
- Schwable Energizer Plus tires
Additionally, the Ultimate T10 comes with a 40mm suspension fork which is lightweight. This, combined with comfort geometry on a convenient step-through frame and a convenient handlebar display make this bike a joy to ride.
Ride1UP – 700 Series
Premium quality comfort electric bike
Weight – 62 lbs | Battery – 672Wh | Range – 30-50mi | Motor – 750W | Torque – 60Nm
MSRP: $1,695
Ride1UP
With their 700 series, Ride1UP delivers a premium quality comfort electric bike for a fraction of the price.
The 700 series incorporates hydraulic fork suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, Schwalbe Supermoto tires, and a fully integrated motor and battery system in a lightweight aluminum frame. These components paired with comfort geometry combine to make this bike comfy, powerful, and easy to control in almost any situation.
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- 3D double-wall rim, 33mm width
- 27.5″x2.4″ Schwalbe Super Moto tires
- Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- 11-30T Shimano Cassette, Shimano Acera Derailleur
This bike’s battery boasts a huge 30-50 miles range at speeds of up to 28mph pedal assistance and 20mph using the throttle. The motor and battery are conveniently locked and can be accessed with one of two keys included. In addition, the 700 series includes an integrated kickstand and LED lights on the front and rear to make it safe and convenient to ride.
Momentum – Vida
One of the best electric comfort bikes for seniors in its price range
MSRP: $760
Mike’s Bikes
The Momentum Vida is a comfort bike for anyone on a budget who wants a smooth and stylish ride.
The upright geometry, comfort sweep handlebars, plush saddle, and shock-absorbent 2.4″ tires provide a that smooth and relaxed ride experience.
Momentum also squeezes in mechanical disc brakes, which inspire confidence in all weather conditions, and a simple 8-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain for reliable shifting. The Vida also has mounts for a rack and fenders for commuters.
- Frame Material: ALUXX Aluminum
- 8-speed Shimano Altus
- 27.5×2.4″ puncture-resistant tires
How to Choose: What to Look Out for When Purchasing a Comfort Bicycle?
Below are the main features to look for when you are searching for a comfort-style bike.
Geometry, Step-through frame & Handlebars
As we mention above, relaxed and upright geometry is the distinct feature of these bikes. You should be able to sit, reach the handlebars, and pedal with little to no bending at the waist. This means your back should be mostly upright, limiting any pressure from gravity on your muscles and joints. This is done by slight adjustments to the positioning of the head tube in relation to the pedals and the seat tube.
The Saddle
Comfort bike saddles generally have a large surface area.
Next up is the seat. This is the most important point of contact on a bicycle when it comes to comfort, and it will make or break the experience. The benefit of a saddle is you can easily replace it.
Comfort bike saddles generally have a large surface area for your bum to rest on. They are built with thick padding which helps to cushion your sensitive undercarriage during short rides, and they frequently come with a spring underneath the saddle to absorb vibrations from the road.
It’s important to note, this type of saddle becomes uncomfortable on longer rides, as the cushion will flatten out and begin to put excess pressure on sensitive areas.
Suspension & Tire Width
Front fork or seat post suspension combined with wider tires contribute greatly to a smooth ride. Comfort bikes with these features transfer fewer vibrations from the road to the user.
The suspension also dampens any changes in the road that you may ride over and allows you to comfortably ride over curbs and speed bumps. While wider tire width is almost universal, suspension features are more common in high-end models. One tradeoff with wider tires is they create more friction (resistance) on the road making it more difficult to ride at higher speeds.
Gears
The final consideration of a comfort bike is the gears. To be able to ride comfortably, it’s important to have a wide range of gears, such as on a 21-speed drivetrain. This gives you more options for different terrain. However, good cycling techniques are still important for the efficient use of gears.
What is a comfort bike good for?
A comfort bike is good for those who are prone to the neck, shoulder, or back discomfort when riding other types of bikes. They are also perfect for somebody who relaxed ride that is functional for everyday usage. Senior sometimes prefer a comfort bike because the ergonomic upright body position causes fewer problems.
What’s the difference between men’s and women’s Comfort bikes?
A common question people ask is “what is the difference between men’s and women’s bikes?”.
For modern bikes, the main difference is the availability of sizes. Women are smaller than men on average so they need smaller models of the same bikes. To do this, manufacturers offer a wider frame size range to choose from.
With a frame size to match their height, a woman will make many of the same adjustments a man would so she can fit the bike to her body such as stem length, handlebar height, etc.
There are, however, a couple of considerations more common for women:
- Handlebar width – Women generally have narrower shoulders than men, so narrower handlebars may help
- Saddle – A saddle with women-specific features can be more comfortable than a unisex saddle, learn how to choose the perfect saddle
- Brake levers – For those with smaller hands, adjustments to the brake levers to reduce the reach, or smaller brake levers may be necessary
Finally, women’s bikes traditionally had step-through top tubes because they were designed for women wearing dresses/skirts. This feature persists in many models today. However, it isn’t limited to women’s bikes and is a common feature seen in the comfort and urban-style bikes.
What is the difference between a comfort bike and a mountain bike?
Comfort bikes share some of the same features as mountain bikes such as wider tires, an upright position, and sometimes suspension. Comfort bikes are optimized for more casual riding, using larger padded saddles, ergonomic upright geometry, handlebars that point to toward the rider, and step-through top tubes too.
Are comfort bikes fast?
In general, comfort bikes are built to be functional, super comfortable, and smooth while riding. This means larger tires, suspension, and more additional components. All of this means they are slower on the road than a normal hybrid, mountain bike, or road bike.
How much does a comfort bike cost?
The comfort bikes in this article range roughly from $400 to $5000. The average price is around $1100.
How to make your bike more comfortable
The name “comfort” may lead you to believe that other bikes are not comfortable. This is untrue, and any correctly fitting bicycle can be comfortable for the right person. In fact, for medium to long-distance rides, a road or mountain bike would certainly be much more comfortable than a comfort bike, as comfort bikes are not designed to be ridden these distances.
To make your bike as comfortable as possible, you need to make sure that it fits your body. This means the frame has to be the right size, you must choose a saddle that fits your sit bones, and you must make the appropriate adjustments so your positioning is right.
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