Choosing The Best Commuter Bikes
Choosing the best commuter bike under 200 is important and definitely a great menu option. The bike you decide to purchase should be sturdy, sleek, functional, and something that you can easily customize. It will be protected from vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, vans, buses, and even trucks.
The Bike World
So you need to make sure that it is of superb quality. Before getting into how to choose the best commuter bikes, let’s consider the different kinds of bicycles that you may come across—mountain bikes, road bikes, and hybrid bikes. We also included e-bikes. We can look at their special features so that you’ll know what will fit you best.
Built with larger two wheels that grip better and more complex brake systems, mountain bikes are best for moving across rough terrain. Their brake levers use hydraulic disc brakes. They also have one of the best suspensions and some people find the riding and gearing position more comfortable. A mountain bike can be ridden just about anywhere. The mountain bike is basically the all-terrain option in the bunch. If you have different types of surfaces to ride over on your normal routes, a mountain bike might be your best option to fulfill your adventure goals. The wide handle bars (non-slip) of mountain bikes are an important feature to consider. It allows a more technical and aggressive riding style. Note that the biggest drawback is that all of those extras make mountain bikes heavier, resulting in a slower ride, especially if you won’t be using most of them during your day-to-day.
Road Commuter Bike
Road bikes, on the other hand, are extremely light and are best made for speed. That is the beauty of this type of bike. The fact is, they won’t do well on terrain other than paved roads (owners of commuter bikes might have noticed this already) and the riding position may be uncomfortable as it is closer to horizontal, especially if you need to transport items on your commute. A road bike is the one you see cyclists riding around town where they’re leaning all the way forward to lessen the wind resistance. They’re not the greatest option for riding on trails or anything other than a road, but they’re the ideal commuter bike for routes that are all paved roads. It is also worth noting that it is legally required to have a reflector to the rear of the cycle and pedal reflectors when traveling with low light to aid in visibility. It’s not advisable to place a bag or basket on this bike.
Hybrid Commuter Bike
A hybrid bike is essentially what it sounds like: a mix between a mountain bike and a road bike. It combines a mountain bike’s more comfortable riding position with the light bike frame and thinner wheels of a road bike. In general, many commuters opt for purchasing a hybrid bike for comfort and ease of carrying items on the commute, although some argue a hybrid bike might lose the benefits of other kinds of bikes without recuperating much in return. If you have a route that has some pavement and some light trails, then the best hybrid bikes are certainly worth looking at.
Electric Commuter Bikes
Yes, there are commuter electric bikes! Commuter electric bikes will definitely allow you to reach your target destination quicker with less effort. The bike has various levels of assistance that boost your cycling without you feeling exhausted. They often have features to power over terrains and inclines. Hence, this e-bike helps for providing fun during the ride without exerting much effort, even in water puddles. Just charge it like a smartphone. If you run out of power during your travel, just use the pedal like a normal bike – you’ll have to use your natural energy. However, e-bikes are more expensive than traditional ones, so you may earn a commission during a sale.
In this article, we included a list of the best commuter bikes from Amazon. To help you pick the bike that suits you best and will give you a comfortable ride, we also highlighted each commuter bike’s best feature. Once you get an idea of your options, you can continue reading the article so you can better understand what type of bicycles you need and which commuter bike best fits your lifestyle.
The Best Commuter Bikes
Hiland 26/27.5 Inch Mountain Bicycle For Women
This mountain bike is made of hiland alloy frame and has dual disc-brakes lock-out suspension fork specially designed for women. Its step-through frame design is very convenient for women. This is one of the urban bikes that will give you a smooth ride. It’s a 21-speed mountain commuter bike with a fairly low price that can be best used on trails, in parks, on the road, and in the city.
- The 26/27.5-inch mountain bike is made of aluminum alloy and comes in different feminine designs and color that is ideal for women
- It has a reliable brake system and 21-speed shifters which you can use to adjust the speed according to your best preference.
- This bike for women is 85% pre-assembled when it comes to your door and you can put it together easily since comes with a simple manual.
Schwinn Stites Fixie Adult Road Commuter Bike
The Schwinn Stites Fixie Adult Commuter Road Bike is one of the city bikes that keep things simple. This city commuter bike has a single speed, so there is nothing complicated about this best city bike. It is made from durable steel frame and because this is a fixed gear, single-speed bike, there’s not a lot of rights cables hanging from it so it looks very tidy. This Schwinn commuter road bike is also built with safety in mind, with front and rear pull brakes that make it easy to stop. This city commuter bike is one of the best options for its simplicity and functionality. Continue reading to learn more about this bicycle’s best features…
- The Stites Fixie is one of the best commuter bikes. It has a steel frame and suspension fork features. It is sturdy even on bumpy pavement.
- It has dual alloy caliper brakes and high-profile alloy rims which makes it durable and stable on the road.
- This city bike requires little maintenance since it utilizes no-frill styling.
- Unlike the Brooklyn bicycle that comes fully assembled, you’ll need to go through an assembly process for the Schwinn Stites Fixie bike. You can refer to assembly instructions and video tutorial links on your laptop, or check in at your local bike shop. Most instructions available for these are written clearly.
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Sixthreezero Around The Block Women’s Single Speed Cruiser Bike
These cruisers are another fixed-gear bike, single speed bicycle. It’s highly affordable and works best in the city or at the beach. This bike is also very comfortable with extra seat padding and foam grips. It is simple and clean, like that of a retro city spring bike. This is best for women who want to cruise comfortably. Find out below why these are the best commuter bikes for women.
- This is one of the best commuter bikes for beginners, it has a classic design, ideal for women with minimalist taste.
- It includes a comfortable seat. You will benefit from this bike’s upright position riding style since you won’t have to bend your back and shoulders, and you will likely have a comfortable commute.
- It comes with 26-inch 2.125 wide aluminum rims (wheels) best for easy rolling.
Schwinn Suburban Sport Hybrid Bike
Schwinn has been in the bike business for a very long time. The Suburban Sport Comfort is one of the best commuter bikes for many reasons. It has an easy-to-step-through lightweight steel frame. This commuter bike has an upright riding position for added comfort. It has 7 different speed selections and you’ll have a super smooth commute with the its large wheels. It is equipped with puncture resistant tires to help prevent flats. One of the best features of this bike is it has both front and rear linear-pull brakes that give you lots of easy stopping power.
- The Suburban hybrid offers the best-advanced features that allow a comfortable riding position.
- This bike has7-Speed micro shift twist for quick and easy gear changes.
- These commuter bikes of Schwinn are made of durable steel frames and have one of the best powerful break system for added safety.
Critical Cycles Harper Road Bicycle
The Critical Cycles Harper is a fixed gear, single-speed road commuter bike. This is meant for cruising around town at a comfortable pace. It has a simple design that most people will find attractive. The Critical Cycles Harper is comfortable, affordable, and allows the commuter to sit upright with wide handlebars much like those on a mountain bike. It is fitted with the best Promax brakes for safe stopping ability. This is one of the best options because Critical Cycles made it simple to use and with super affordable prices. Here are the bike’s best features…
- Fixed gear and single speed bike best for use on city roads
- Limited off road capabilities
- Critical Cycles Harper comes in 5 different sizes so commuters can get the bike best suited to their height
- Has a comfortable frame and rides
Critical Cycles Pursuit Fixed Gear Bicycle
You can take one look at the Critical Cycles Pursuit Fixed Gear Bike and see that it’s a hybrid bike. The tires and frame look much like a mountain bike, while the handlebars look like a road bike. This Critical Cycles bike, much like their other best commuter bikes under 200, is very affordable. It is ideal for people who have a commute that isn’t tough and can be cruised through on a fixie for at least a good bit of it. The Critical Cycles Pursuit Fixed Gear Bike has a very minimalist appeal to it. This commuter bike is ideally best suited to beginners or those who want a simple ride. Take a look at more of the best features of this commuter bike below:
- Inexpensive commuter bikes best suited to easy terrain commutes
- Fixed gear that’s best for cruising
- Single rear handbrake
- Lightweight, fast, durable tires
Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Franklin 3
This lightweight bike made from lightweight steel possesses attributes of a great city commuter bike. It is stylish, durable, and comfortable to ride. With its affordable price, it already comes fully assembled. Mounting this bike is effortless due to its step-through frame. The tires are puncture-resistant, an additional feature worth considering. The bike is ideal for smooth surfaces, however, its 3-speed internally geared hub allows the bike to travel varied terrains. Other interesting features of the Franklin 3 bike are:
- The saddle and grips of the bike are made up of Vegan leather.
- The bike weighs only 33 pounds.
- Available in 5 colors: ivory, matte coral, gloss black, sea glass, and cardinal red.
Co-op Cycles CTY 1.1 – Commuter Bike
This hybrid bike is ideal for urban and sub-urban outings. With its 6061 lightweight aluminum frame and fork, your ride will surely be smooth. The top tube of the bike is slanted, an advantageous feature for shorter drivers. The bike is unisex, however, one of ride cons is that some women find the seat uncomfortable. Interesting features of the bike include:
- Great mechanical breaks
- There are mounts for fenders
- Puncture protection feature
- Affordable bike
Choosing The Best Commuter Bike Under 200
There are many factors to consider when choosing a commuter bike. That said, when choosing the best commuter bikes, it’s a good idea to ask yourself the questions below.
Do You Need To Use Your Bicycle With Another Mode Of Transportation?
You should consider if you will need to combine biking with another mode of transportation. This is important if you ride your commuter bike to a train station, then use the train to get to your final destination or vice versa.
It’s important for two reasons: If you bring your commuter bike with you on the second mode of transportation and it is a typically crowded commute, then you might consider a folding bike.
On the other hand, if you leave your commuter bike somewhere onto the second mode of transportation, you may opt for a cheaper one, knowing that it is more likely to be stolen or exposed to the elements. You can also consider the option of considering a locking mechanism for your bike.
Where To Store Your Best Commuter Bike Under 200?
Once you arrive at your destination, you’ll similarly need to consider where you’ll store your bike while working. Similar to the abovementioned, you’ll have to decide how secure it from theft and weather conditions.
Again, folding commuter bikes can be the best option if you have the opportunity to store it indoors with limited space.
What Kind Of Terrain Will You Cross Using Your Commuter Bike?
This is where you may take into consideration the different kinds of bicycles available for different kinds of terrain. Most commuters opt for a hybrid bike, in order to combine the top comfort and to easily carry and transport necessary items with speed and weight.
In any case, a commuter bike should be a comfortable bike, especially if you’ll be riding far or with a significant number of items, such as in a full backpack. Most people prefer a lighter commuter bike that’s easy to commute to reduce the effort needed to arrive, especially when commuting long distances.
Best Commuter Bikes List
With those guidelines in place, here are a few of our best commuter bikes:
Folding Bicycles for Adults Men and Women
This is an ideal commuter bike because of its small size and easy storage in combination with the option to add a rear rack to facilitate easier transportation of necessary items for work.
Vertical Equator 26″ Dual Suspension Mountain Bicycle
Enjoy riding in fresh air with this mountain bike. Although not all commuters prefer to use a mountain bike, this is a relatively light and simple one that would be an excellent budget option for adults looking for a comfortable commuter bike.
Advantages of Best Commuter Bikes
Here are some of the advantages you can reap by riding a commuter bike:
Best Commuter Bike Under 200 Keeps You Active
Biking is a great way to get exercise. If you’re like most of the population, you’re probably slumped on your desk all day, having little to no time for physical activities. With a bike, you get your daily workout done without needing to carve out any hours from your day.
Best Commuter Bike Under 200 Saves Money
Whether you’re used to driving a car or taking public transportation, commuting takes money. But with a bike, you no longer have to pay for gas and train and bus tickets! You may even cancel that gym membership you don’t get much use out of since you’re already getting your exercise from biking.
Not only that, bikes cost a lot less money than cars. So, you’ll be saving more on upfront costs and long-term expenses when you choose to buy the best commuter bike under $200.
Best Commuter Bike Under 200 Saves Time
One of the biggest downsides to living in a city is traffic. How many hours of your life have you spent stuck in a traffic jam? Probably way too many to count. With a bike, you can maneuver your way around these pesky jams and get to your destination much faster.
Easier Bike Parking For Best Commuter Bike
Another annoying thing about driving a car is having to find parking, especially in cramped cities. That’s one of the best things about having a commuter bike. You can park almost literally anywhere since this vehicle takes up a drastically lower amount of space than cars.
Plus, if you suck at parking, you’ll love having bikes. There’s almost no chance of you scratching another person’s car, and you can always get down your bike if you have to maneuver a tricky path.
More Commuter Bikes, Less Traffic
The biggest contributor to traffic is the number of cars on the road. Compared to public transportation and bikes, cars carry way fewer people and take up way more space. If we’re to solve the problem of traffic, we have to encourage people to ride more bikes and take buses and trains way more often.
Best Commuter Bikes Allow You To Discover New Places
With a commuter bike, a rider can explore alternate routes and not just the usual paved roads. It gives you the freedom to discover new places that cars can’t reach. Without paved roads, you would likely have to alight your car and then walk the rest of the way. But with most bikes, you can go explore as much as you want. But with safety precautions in place, of course. Plus, other bikes are easily customizable. Thus, you can express yourself and have fun commuting.
Commuter Bikes Are Very Eco-Friendly
Probably the best benefit of commuter bikes is they dramatically lessen our carbon footprint. It doesn’t burn any gas, so it doesn’t add to the carbon emissions that keep piling up in our atmosphere day in and day out. They also don’t emit any smoke, making the air we breathe much fresher and less toxic. In that way, bikes also contribute greatly to not just our own health, but the health of our communities as well.
We’re excited for you to experience these benefits of commuter bikes firsthand! We’re sure you’re going to enjoy this activity and the newfound discoveries that come with it. Let us know how it goes in the comments section!
Best Commuter Bike Under $200
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Hybrid Bikes The Best Commuter Bikes?
Hybrid bikes that are both comfortable and lightweight are best for most commuters. Some commuters opt for more expensive commuter bikes since they know they’ll be using their bike almost every single day, while others choose a cheaper commuter bike, knowing it may be more prone to theft or wear from the weather.
Lastly, other commuters may choose foldable commuter bikes to make for easier storage on secondary forms of transportation or at their destination. Choosing the right commuter bike for you depends on both your needs and budget.
How Much Should You Spend On The Best Commuter Bikes?
How much is appropriate to spend on a commuter bike depends on each person’s budget and preference, but most people tend toward one of two commuter bike options…
An inexpensive (under $200) commuter bike, knowing the bike may be exposed to more situations in which it may be stolen or exposed to weather phenomena.
A more expensive (greater than $400) commuter bike, knowing they will use the bike every day.
In either case, you have many different kinds of best commuter bikes, including both hybrid and folding bikes, the two most common types of commuter bikes.
Is The Best Commuter Bike Under 200 A Good Investment?
Having the best commuter bike is definitely a good investment! Aside from the money you save from buying a car and transportation fares, you also save a lot of your time than sitting in traffic. You can then spend your saved time on things that matter most such as spending time with family and working on your business.
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Last Updated on September 14, 2022 by Jean Annerie Hernandez
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