Best Hybrid Bikes for the Money

What is a hybrid bike?

Is Commuter = City = Urban = Hybrid?

Hybrid bikes 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

Best Hybrid Bikes

Introducing the best dual-sport hybrid bikes of 2022

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1. Cannondale – Quick CX 2
Wide variety of sizes. Strong brand & components.

2. Co-op Cycles – CTY 1.1
Unbeatable feedback, awesome value.

3. Marin – Muirwoods RC 2022
Mixture of a commuter and a touring bike. Internal gearing.

4. Norco – Indie 2
Strong brand, great value & good brakes at a cheap price. Four bikes in the series.

5. Batch – The Fitness
Super cheap selection at a great MTB store. 

6. Cannondale – Treadwell 2 Remixte
Comfort commuter hybrid.

7. Rad Power Bikes – RadCity 4
One of the top-rated electric hybrid bikes.

8. Priority Bicycles – Continuum Onyx
Silent, clean, maintenance free drivetrain.

9. Cannondale – Bad Boy
A sporty and unusual hybrid.

 

BRAND	MODEL	MSRP	FRAME	TIRES	FORK	BRAKES	DRIVETRAIN
Cannondale	Quick CX 2	1,150	Aluminum	700x40c	63mm travel	Hydraulic	2×9-speed Shimano Alivio/Acera
Co-op Cycles	CTY 1.1	599	Aluminum	700x40c	x	Mechanical	3×9 Shimano
Marin	Muirwoods	1,159	Steel	650b x 47mm	x	Hydraulic	8-speed Internal
Norco	Indie 2	999	Aluminum	27.5 x 2.0″	x	Hydraulic	2×8 Shimano Altus
Batch	The Fitness	375	Aluminum	700x35c	x	V-brakes	3×7-speed Shimano Tourney
Cannondale	Treadwell 2 Remixte	950	Aluminum	650b x 47mm	x	Hydraulic	9-speed microSHIFT Advent
Rad Power Bikes	RadCity 4	1,599	Aluminum	26×2.3″	100mm	Mechanical	7-speed Shimano Altus
Priority Bicycles	Continuum Onyx	1,299	Aluminum	700c x 32mm	x	Hydraulic	Internal Geared Hub
Cannondale	Bad Boy	from $1,250	Aluminum	650b	x	Hydraulic	Chain & Belt

1. Cannondale – Quick CX 2

Price: $1,150
REI.com

The Cannondale Quick CX 2 is part of Cannondale’s fitness city bikes, which include 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, newbie mountain biker, or 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 easily.

• Frame – SmartFrom C3 alloy, tapered head tube.
• Fork – SR Suntour NEX-E25
  63mm travel.
• Drivetrain – 2×9 Shimano
• Tires – 700x40c Vittoria.
• Brakes – Hydraulic disc
  160mm rotors

All in all, the Quick CX 2 hardtail hybrid bike is definitely a bike that should be at the top of this list. At 31lbs, there’s nothing to add or remove to make it more complete.

Sizes from S – XL
Accommodates riders from 5’2″ to 6’5″

Buy on REI.com

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2. Co-op Cycles – CTY 1.1

Best-selling. Great value hybrid bike unisex & step-through frame

MSRP: $599
REI.com

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!

• 3×9 drivetrain. The Co-op Cycles CTY 1.1 features a combination of Shimano Tourney, Alivio, and Acera parts to make up its groupset. 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.
• 700x40c 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.
• Mechanical Disc brake

>>> Related: eCTY Electric Hybrid Bikes >

XS – XL frame sizes.
Fits riders from 5’3″ to 6’3″

Buy on REI.com

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Marin 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
• 1x front cog & internal gearing
• Reflective graphics for urban use
• Steel frame for a smooth and stable ride
• Fenders with mud-flaps
• Shock-absorbing bar tape
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• Internal gearing

Frame sizes from S to XL
Rider height – 5’2″ to 6’4″

Buy on JensonUSA.com

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4. Norco – Indie 2

Price: $999
Jenson USA

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 2 is built on an aluminum frame and fork and 27.5″ wheels.

In a sense of a hybrid – it can be used on different types of roads due to its wide tires. The hydraulic disc brakes are also a great addition to the bike at this price range.

• 2×8 speed Shimano Altus drivetrain
• Tektro hydraulic brakes
• Shimano Altus shifters
• Norco Urban saddle
• 27.5×2.0″ tires
• Kickstand

As a downside, the 2×8 Shimano Altus is not among the most durable drivetrains, instead, it is best suited for recreational cyclists.

Available frame sizes: L and XL
Up to 6’4″

Buy on JensonUSA.com

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5. Batch – The Fitness

Price: $375
Jenson USA

A simple bike for simple commutes, the fast 700c-wheel Batch bike sold at Jenson USA is a nice deal during this time of shortage.

For $375 you’ll get quite a bulletproof budget bike. Although it comes in three sizes and two colors, there’s more than enough of a commuter bike for the price. We’re glad that they’ve gone for the triple front chainring which provides lots of gears options for hills, but not as happy to still see V-brakes on a modern bicycle in 2022. After all, it is built to get you from A-B with the least amount of hustle.

• 6061 alloy frame,
• 700cx 38mm tires
• Shimano 3×7-speed Shimano Tourney
• Steel fork
• V-brakes

Buy on JensonUSA.com

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6. Cannondale – Treadwell 2 Remixte

Best hybrid bike for women 🏆

 

Price: $950
REI.com

First impressions matter, right – Well what were your first thoughts when seeing this bike?

The Treadwell 2 Remixte is Cannondale’s vision of a one-bike-to-rule-them-all that’s built on a unisex frame that pertains more to female riders. Equipped with above-average components for long-lasting commutes, it runs on 650b wheels that are commonly used for comfort in commuting and bike touring.

The braking power is provided by Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, whereas the comfort is improved by a Cannondale Treadwell saddle. This is a sturdy bike for anyone who is looking for the ultimate hybrid that can be used for commuting and fitness alike.

In addition to all of this, Treadwell 2 Remixte also has a 9-speed microSHIFT Advent rear derailleur, female-friendly frame, geometry, and paint job, as well as comfy riser bars. 

All in all, it’s a phenomenal bike to travel to work, enjoy a fun afternoon spin with friends, or do daily grocery hauls!

Buy on REI.com

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7. Rad Power Bikes – RadCity 5 Plus

Best all-purpose electric hybrid bike

Price: $1,999
Rad Power Bikes

RadCity 5 Plus 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 of up to 50+ miles, and it takes 5-6 hours to fully charge the battery.

This e-bike does come with a rear-wheel hub motor instead of a mid-drive motor but it rolls on versatile 27.5″ wheels and tires and is a hell of a hybrid for city commutes. The bike weighs 65lb, but it really comes at a great price point.

It’s got all the extras one would need from an everyday commuter such as – fenders, lights, racks, hydraulic disc brakes, and so on.

• 7-Speed
• 750W rear hub motor
• 27.5 x 2.0″ tires
• Weight: 65lbs

Step-thru (mid-step frame fits riders – 4’8″ – 6’2″
Step-over frame fits riders 5’4″ – 6’5″

Buy from RadPowerBikes.com

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8. Priority Bicycles – Continuum Onyx

Silent – Clean – Maintenance free

Price: $1,299
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 Continuum Onyx since there’s no lubricated chain, and you’ll be protected from the water spray by the long-reaching fenders!

The Priority Bicycles – Continuum Onyx 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.

• 380% gear range
• Pinion Internal Gearbox – No need to lubricate the chain, or worry about the chain ‘lubricating’ your pants
• Gates Carbon Belt-drive – Literally maintenance and oil-free
• WTB 700c x 32mm puncture-resistant tires
• Tektro Hydraulic Disc brakes
• Carbon-fiber seat post
• Front and rear fenders with mud flaps
• Dynamo lights

S,M, L frame size
Recommended inseam 27″ – 35″

Buy from PriorityBicycles.com

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9. Cannondale – Bad Boy

Most unique hybrid bicycle to rule the streets

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 $1,400 REI
Bad Boy 3 – MSRP $1,250 REI – Cannondale Bad Boy 3 Review (Incl. a comparison vs Bad Boy 2)

Lefty-Rigid fork / Agile geometry for fast riding / 650b wheels

Frame Sizes – S to XL
Accommodates riders 5’2″ to 6’4″

Buy on REI.com

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Other Types of Urban Bikes to Consider

• Commuter bikes
  Great & comfortable for everyday use. Designed to get around in urban areas.
• City bikes
  Basic bikes for grocery runs, or for school/work commutes.
• Fitness bikes
  Fast and sporty, generally 700c wheel bikes with a rigid fork.

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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 on-road 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

Hybrid bike tire sizes

• 26″ –  An old-school choice, often found on city bikes
• 27.5″ = 650b – Common among hybrid bikes
• 700c – Road bike-inspired wheel size, very common among hybrid bikes.
• 29″ –  Often found on mountain bikes, while some hybrid bikes can be equipped with 29er wheels.

Conclusion: 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.