Best Hybrid Bikes For The Money
What is a hybrid bike?
Commuter = City = Urban = Hybrid?
A hybrid bike is essentially a cross between a mountain bike and a road bike, with a focus on comfort rather than speed. They typically feature a combination of the best features from both on- and off-road styles and are designed to be comfortable riding on both tarmac and some gravel roads. In this sense, hybrid bikes are versatile but can’t perform on extremely rough terrain as well as mountain bikes, nor can they compete in a race with a road bike. Nowadays, they are the most common form of bicycle used for non-sport-related activities like:
Work commutes
Bike deliveries
Day trips
Recreational rides
Different Types of Hybrid Bikes
*Commuter bikes are designed to get around in urban areas. Great for everyday use.
*City bikes (a.k.a urban bikes) are basic bikes for grocery runs, or for school/work commutes. The most basic of the bunch
*Fitness bikes are fast and sporty, generally 700c wheel bikes with rigid forks.
Therefore, a Hybrid bicycle is a mixture of two (or more) different bikes. In most cases, a hybrid bike is considered a mixture of road and mountain bikes. The best of both worlds!
Best Electric Hybrid Bikes // Women’s Hybrid Bikes of 2021 // Best City Bikes // Best Commuter Bikes
Introducing the best dual-sport bikes of 2021
1. Co-op Cycles – CTY 1.1
Best-selling, great value hybrid bike with unisex frame
3×9 Drivetrain / Mechanical Disc brakes / 700x40c wheels
MSRP $599 REI
With 63mm of travel in the front and 700c x 40mm tires, the CTY 1.1 is both fast and comfortable. It is a great value commuter bike with an upright riding position. On and off the road, the CTY 1.1 is an entry-level bike for casual commuters.
The CTY-series bikes have gained really good feedback on REI, which is Co-op Cycles one and only retailer! Their bikes have gained fast success in a limited timeframe so whenever you’d need assurance of what to expect – go over and read more from the reviews!
- Groupset. The Co-op Cycles CTY 1.1 features a combination of Shimano Tourney, Alivio, and Acera parts to make up its group set. The 8-speed rear cassette is a Shimano HG-31 (11-32T) with plenty of variety for all sorts of terrains. Brakes are mechanical discs, which are very suitable for recreational cycling.
- Wheels and Tires. The CTY 1.1 comes with 700×40 Kenda K1024 tires that benefit from a protective shield to block thorns and a reflective sidewall for extra safety at night. Wheels are standard 700c Huafeng with Joytech 32h hubs on both front and back.
- Performance. With the large, comfortable tires the bike handles well both on- and off road.
Co-op Cycles CTY Series Overview >
CTY 1.1 – $599
CTY 1.2 – $999
CTY 2.1 – $799
CTY 2.2 – $1,099
2. Norco – Indie 3
MSRP $719 JensonUSA.com
The Indie by Norco bikes is a mixture of comfort- and a city bike. Whether you need to get from A to B daily, convert the bike for urban touring – there is a great mixture of different aspects that speak well for the bike. The Indie 3 is built on an aluminum frame & steel fork, 650b (27.5″) wheels. In a sense of a hybrid – it can be used on different types of roads due to its rigid, shock-absorbing steel fork. The hydraulic disc brakes are also a great addition to the bike at this price range.
As a downside, the 3×7 Shimano Tourney is not among the most durable drivetrains, instead, it is best suited for recreational cyclists.
- 3×7 speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain
- Tektro hydraulic brakes
- Shimano Altus shifters
- Norco Urban saddle
- 27.5×2.0″ tires
- Kickstand
Marin’s Muirwoods RC is a budget-friendly urban bike equipped to tackle city roads as a commuting companion or a swift fitness bike.
The Muirwoods RC has a high-quality Chromoly steel frame which is durable and comfortable to ride. This is paired with bouncy 650B x 47C tires which help to smooth out any rough surfaces including gravel.
This bike comes with premium Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, an internal hub drivetrain that boosts durability and reduces maintenance needs, and reflective graphics to improve your visibility at night.
Finally, this bike also comes fitted with full fenders and mounts for a pannier rack which would allow you to turn it into the perfect touring bike.
- Puncture-resistant tires
- Reflective graphics for urban use
- Steel frame for a smooth and stable ride
- Fenders with mud-flaps
- Shock-absorbing bar tape
4. Cannondale – CX 3
Best under $1,000 hybrid bike
Mountain inspired city hybrid with short travel on the front
700c wheels / 16-speed / Rack & fender mounts / Hydraulic disc brakes
MSRP $825 REI
The Cannondale CX 3 is part of Cannondale’s fitness city bikes, which includes bikes that lean more towards on-road riding. This bike has great value and a decent set of components to satisfy the needs of a recreational cyclist or an urban commuter. You can add racks or fenders to the bike to make it even more versatile, while it can be used as a fitness bike as well. What’s also great is that it’s got a front suspension with 63mm of travel which helps a ton when riding through city streets or light trails.
This frame type is more suitable for men, while you’ll find hybrid bikes from the same series made for female riders as well!
- Frame The SmartFrom C3 alloy frame is lightweight and features internal cable routing, a tapered head tube and rack, and fender mounts.
- Components The Cannondale CX 3 features a Shimano Tourney derailleur and shifters on that 16-speed drivetrain (46-34 tooth sprockets). The braking power is supported by Tektro HD-T275 hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm rotors.
- Wheels and tires The speed of the CX 3 is backed with Cannondale’s double-wall 32h Disc rims and Vittoria Terreno Dry 700c x 40mm tires with a reflective strip.
- Performance A great all-around bike for fitness/commuting purposes on the weekend and getting to work and back during the week.
5. Cannondale – Treadwell 2
Best fitness hybrid bike! 🏆
Comfort hybrid with comfortable saddle and handlebar, large tires, and a rigid fork.
9-speed / 650b wheels / microSHIFT derailleurs
MSRP $925 REI
First impression matters, right – Well what were your first thoughts when seeing this bike? The Treadwell 2 is Cannondale’s vision of a one-bike-to-rule-them-all that’s built on a unisex frame. Equipped with all the above-average components for long-lasting commutes, the runs on 650b wheels that are commonly used among bike touring, the braking power is supported by the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, the comfort is well-supported by Cannondale Treadwell saddle. This is a sturdy bike for anyone who is looking for the ultimate bike that can be used for commuting and fitness alike.
6. Rad Power Bikes – RadCity
Best electric hybrid bike under $1,500
Great value electric city hybrid in various colors and frame types – Score 4.8/5 out of 1,300+ ratings
MSRP $1,499 Rad Power Bikes
RadCity 4 is an electric hybrid bike at an excellent price point. It’s got all you need to get on the two electric wheels and with all the extras. The 800-charge cycle battery provides a pedal-assisted range from 25 to 45 miles, and it takes 5-6 hours to fully charge the battery. Sure, a seasoned cyclist may notice that it’s got a rear-wheel hub instead of a mid-drive engine, 26″ wheels instead of 650b, and the bike weighs 60lb, but it really comes at a great price point. Its got all the extras one would need from an everyday commuter such as – the fenders, lights, racks, mechanical disc brakes, and so on.
- Recommended for riders between 5’11” – 6’5″
7-Speed / 750W rear hub motor / 26×2.3″
7. Priority Bicycles – 600
Silent – Clean – Maintenance free
Urban hybrid bike with rigid fork, a sidestand, belt-drive and an internal gearbox.
MSRP $2,299 Priority Bicycles
A commuter hybrid should be the type of bike you simply use for any type of riding. You can wear a suit with the Priority 600 since there’s no lubricated chain, and you’ll be protected from the water spray by the long-reaching fenders!
The Priority Bicycles – 600 is a perfect example of what to expect in a decent hybrid bike. If you are looking for something that’s easy to ride, comfortable, durable, and pretty much maintenance-free – This is the one for you. Check out the rest of their range as their bikes start as low as $499 – Priority Cycles full review
- Fenders – Front and rear with mudflaps on the end
- 600% gear range
- Internal Gearbox – No need to lubricate the chain, or worry about the chain ‘lubricating’ your pants
- Belt-drive – Literally maintenance and oil-free
- WTB 650B Road Plus tires (27.5″)
- Tektro Hydraulic Disc brakes
- Carbon-fiber Seatpost
- Dynamo lights
- Large and comfortable, puncture-resistant tires.
Gates Belt-drive / 12-speed Pinion Gearbox / 650B wheels / Dynamo lights
8. Marin – Olema 650b
A gravel bike is an ideal hybrid commuter for fast and zippy routes, on and off the road
A do-it-all gravel bike for all sorts of commutes – on and off the road
MSRP $799 JensonUSA
Wait, why is there a road bike in a hybrid bike review?
A hybrid bike in essence is a mixture of two bike types, generally, a mixture between the road- and mountain bikes, and the gravel bike is a perfect middle-ground for that.
If you didn’t know before, mountain-bike specific brands have also at least one gravel bike on their listings. Matter of fact, gravel bikes are considered mountain bikes since the majority of the riding is expected to take place on gravel roads and light trails.
Long story short, if you are an experienced cyclist looking for a do-it-all bicycle, this is truly a hard deal to pass by. Drop-bar handlebar, 650b wheels, mechanical disc brakes and plenty of gears to choose any imaginable trail to conquer. Just make sure it is one of the cheapest gravel bikes, to get, which means it is best for recreational commuting, not for competing.
9. Tommaso – La Forma
Best value fitness hybrid!
Road bike inspired hybrid bike with a rigid fork, and fast 700c wheels
27-Speed Shimano Acera / Weight: 25lbs
MSRP $875 Giantnerd
Tommaso is a well-known bike brand for its good quality and affordable price tag. La Forma rocks a little old-school set in the game with V-brakes and triple front chainring, but hey, there are many of us who prefer the ‘old-school’ to new trends. V-brakes, in the long run, require less maintenance, and you can simply do the work by yourself. This is a fast bike with 32mm wide tires on it, and it only weighs 25lbs! The frame is made of 6061 aluminum alloy, and the whole bike actually comes 99% assembled and pre-tuned! Check out for more affordable or better-equipped bikes on the range to find you the best deal available!
- Shimano Acera 9×3
- Aluminum frame
- 700x32c
Tommaso La Forma – MSRP $875
Tommaso Forza Disc – MSRP $750
Tommaso Sorrento – MSRP $700
Giantnerd
10. Cannondale – Bad Boy
Most unique hybrid bicycle to rule the streets
Good luck finding more sportier and unique-looking hybrid
Lefty-Rigid fork / Agile geometry for fast riding / 650b wheels
Those bikes don’t need too much introduction as the Bad Boy series is one of the toughest and unique hybrid bikes on the market! Check out our overviews of those bikes to find the best suitable one for you.
Bad Boy 1 – MSRP $2,100 REI – Cannondale Bad Boy 1 Review
Bad Boy 2 – MSRP $1,350 REI
Bad Boy 3 – MSRP $950 REI – Cannondale Bad Boy 3 Review (Incl. a comparison vs Bad Boy 2)
11. Pure Cycles – Urban Commuter
One of the best hybrid bikes under $500
A relaxed & casual 1x drivetrain comfort commuter hybrid
8-speed / Steel Frame / 700x32c tires / Mechanical Disc Brakes
MSRP $499 REI
Pure Cycles’ bikes range offers a nice variety of unique-looking bicycles, and the Urban Commuter is one of those. Although the bikes have nice designs, the low price is designed for the recreational cyclists who are looking for the best bang for their buck. Take a look at the features it’s got:
- Rack & fender ready with two water-bottle mounts – For the best-optimized versatility
- Steel frame and 700c wheels – Pick up and hold speed more than you could imagine!
- 8-speed derailleur by SRAM and mechanical disc brakes – For a convenient commuting
Should you be concerned about the quality of Pure Cycles? Probably not as they are specialized on the lower price production and have been successful in that field! REI.com is one of the best places to order a bike online, therefore they are careful when choosing the brands to put on sale
Related: Trek Verve Disc 2021 Overview
The Different Types of Hybrid Bicycles
There are different types of hybrids we are covering now
- Mountain bike influenced – These bikes usually have front suspension, thick treaded tires, and a mountain bike style frame design for better off-road handling. While they typically have slightly better on-road performance than most dedicated mountain bikes, they are at their best when dealing with rough surfaces like dirt and gravel.
Examples include the Trek FX 1 and Ghost Square Cross.
- Road bike influenced – These are bikes with racing-style frames but straight handlebars for a more comfortable, upright position. They are usually lighter than most hybrids but also least suited to rough terrain or long-distance touring. These are great bikes for zipping around town are getting to work and back.
Examples include the Giant Escape 3 and Vilano Diverse 3.0
- Cruiser & lifestyle influenced – Cruiser style bikes like the Sixthreezero EVRYjourney are aimed at short trips around town or into the countryside. They are usually very comfortable and feature racks or baskets for carrying small goods. While cruiser bikes can handle a bit of rough terrain they are ideally aimed at smoother road surfaces.
Examples include the Sixthreezero EVRYjourney
- Utility hybrids – Utility hybrid bikes often make good touring bikes if you intend to stick mostly to tarmac surfaces. They are generally designed to be tough and carry heavier loads than most but are slower and a bit heavier than other hybrids. They don’t usually have suspension but with thicker tires, they can hold their own on dirt or gravel.
Examples include the Raleigh Route 3 or Marin Muirwoods
- CX influenced – CX-style bikes are intended to provide a perfect balance between off- and onroad surfaces, making for decent dirt track and tarmac riding. The mix means CX-style bikes are ideally suited to any specific surface but are great if you want a long-distance touring bike that is ready for any conditions.
Examples include the Cannondale Quick CX
Which one to choose?
Always take into account what you’ll be using the bicycle for. There is no point in getting a mountain-bike style hybrid bike with suspension travel if you are only going to be commuting to work on flat paved roads.
– For work commutes, you might want a lightweight, easy-riding bike so you don’t break too much of a sweat.
– If you intend to do some weekend tours with camping – look into a utility bike that can handle more weight.
– If you want to hit the gravel tracks on the weekend then you’ll want a CX or mountain bike style hybrid.
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Why there is no mentioning of the Trek verve and the Dual Sport?
The link to Verve-series review can be found after the last model.
Hola! I’ve been reading your blog for a long time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Dallas Tx!
Just wanted to mention keep up the good job!
Who are these reviews for? REI? Surely not the public. So I’m guessing you are an affiliate with these companies.
Hi Jeff
We are indeed partnered up with REI and many other stores. This is also clearly stated at the top menu. The reason why we have chosen so many bikes from REI is that they have a great selection of bikes on offer, and a trustworthy feedback & rating platform as well.
Feel free to add a bike store in the comments which has a better selection of great value hybrid bikes that can also be ordered online :).
WHAT ARE YOUR COMMENTS ON COMFORTABLE SADDLES
We might release an article about saddles soon.