Investing in a commuter bike is a game-changer for your health and wallet. The health benefits of cycling to work are well-established, and escaping the costs and frustrations of car commuting is truly liberating. Rain or shine, a bike commute is a fantastic way to start the day energized and de-stress after work.
Choosing the right commuter bike involves several factors. Ultimately, the best commuter bike is one that excites you to ride, is comfortable for your daily journeys, and most importantly, is practical for your needs. You might even discover some surprising benefits of bike commuting you haven’t considered.
Commutes vary greatly – from smooth, dedicated bike paths to routes that combine cycling with public transportation. Some even use their commute for fitness training, in which case our Best Road Bikes guide might be relevant. Regardless of your terrain, transportation mix, or distance, this guide will help you find the best commuter bike for your needs.
Quick Guide to the Best Commuter Bikes by Style
Brompton C Line folding bikeBrompton C Line Folding Bike: Best Folding Commuter Bike
Pendleton Somerby vintage style bicycle in redPendleton Somerby Vintage Style Commuter Bike: Best Vintage Style Commuter Bike
Elops SS city bike 500 in blueElops 500 City Singlespeed Bike: Best Singlespeed Commuter Bike
Tern GSD S10 cargo bike in BlueTern GSD S10 Cargo Bike: Best Cargo Commuter Bike
Best Commuter Bikes by Style
Choosing the right style of commuter bike is the first step. Different bike styles are better suited to different types of commutes and rider preferences. Let’s explore the most popular categories.
Best Hybrid Bikes For Commuting
Cyclist commuting on a flat bar hybrid bike with disc brakes on a city street
Good For: Versatile riding in urban and suburban environments, including paved roads, bike paths, and occasional unpaved surfaces like canal paths or gravel roads.
Hybrid bikes combine features of mountain bikes and road bikes, offering a balance of durability, comfort, and efficiency. This versatility makes them excellent commuter bikes. They are designed to be user-friendly, comfortable for daily riding, and efficient enough for a reasonably quick commute.
Hybrid bikes come in a wide range of styles. Some are designed for speed, resembling road bikes with narrower tires and performance-oriented gearing. Others prioritize comfort and practicality, featuring suspension forks, wider gravel tires, and mounts for racks and fenders.
Most hybrid bikes are practical and adaptable, making them ideal for commuting. They typically accommodate pannier racks and mudguards or fenders. They also have ample space for accessories like lights, water bottle cages, bells, and phone mounts.
specialized sirrus X 2.0 hybrid bike in yellow
Specialized Sirrus X 2.0
Best Hybrid Commuting Bike
Expert Review Summary: The Specialized Sirrus X 2.0 is a great value hybrid bike that excels at the basics of commuting. It’s reliable, versatile, and comfortable for everyday riding.
Specifications:
- Frame: Alloy frame with steel fork
- Drivetrain: microSHIFT Acolyte, 8-speed
- Gear Range: 42t chainring, 12-42t cassette
- Wheels: 700c Alloy
- Tires: Pathfinder Sport, 700x42mm
- Brakes: Promax F1 hydraulic disc brakes
- Weight: 12.08kg (approx. 26.6 lbs)
Pros:
- Excellent value for a reliable, all-around commuter bike.
- Smooth and dependable shifting performance.
- Mounting points for fenders and pannier racks for added practicality.
Cons:
- May not be the most agile or sporty hybrid available.
- Upright riding position might not suit all riders.
The Specialized Sirrus hybrid is built with Specialized’s A1 Alloy butted aluminum frame, making it a durable and efficient commuter. It features 700c wheels with generous 42mm wide tires, offering a comfortable ride on varied road surfaces, from smooth pavement to rougher roads and even light trails. Rack and fender mounts enhance its practicality for daily commuting, and dual bottle cage mounts are useful for longer rides.
Testers have praised the Shimano drivetrain for its smooth and reliable gear changes. The wide gear range is beneficial for tackling hilly commutes. Practical touches like a front chainguard add to its commuter-friendly design.
The Sirrus range has expanded over the years, now including models from Sirrus 1.0 to 4.0, with multiple versions of the Sirrus 2.0, including the more off-road oriented Sirrus X 2.0 and step-through frame options. A variety of colors are also available. The line continues to evolve, with new frame designs introduced in 2024 for models like the Sirrus 6.0 and the Sirrus X 5.0, which has been recently reviewed.
Ribble Hybrid AL e electric hybrid bike in blue
Ribble Hybrid AL e
Best Electric Hybrid Commuting Bike
Expert Review Summary: The Ribble Hybrid AL e is a stylish and capable electric hybrid bike with a discreet motor and battery, offering a comfortable and assisted commute.
Specifications:
- Frame: Aluminum frame and fork
- Drivetrain: SRAM NX Urban 11-speed
- Gear Range: 42t chainring, 11-42t cassette
- Wheels: Mavic Allroad EBM 700c
- Tires: Schwalbe Marathon 35mm
- Brakes: Rever Attack U hydraulic disc brakes
- Weight: Not specified (lightweight for an e-bike)
Pros:
- Stealthy and lightweight hidden motor and battery system.
- Customizable specifications available through Ribble’s online configurator.
- Attractive design and comfortable riding experience.
Cons:
- Sizing may run slightly small, consider sizing up if you are between sizes.
The Ribble Hybrid AL e is a sleek electric hybrid option for commuters seeking assistance on their rides. It features a hidden motor and internal battery, maintaining a clean aesthetic. Like all Ribble bikes, it offers customization options, including a “Fully Loaded” configuration with racks, lights, and mudguards, making it ready for commuting straight out of the box.
The motor and battery system is remarkably lightweight at only 3.5 kilograms (approx. 7.7 lbs), making the Hybrid AL e easier to handle and transport than many e-bikes. It provides a range of approximately 60 miles, and the assistance level can be adjusted via the Mahle ebikemotion app to optimize for range or power.
The component spec is well-chosen for commuting, featuring a SRAM NX 1×11 drivetrain with a wide-range cassette, durable Mavic wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, and a comfortable saddle.
Best Folding Bikes for Commuting
Man with a folding bike at a train station for commuting
Good For: Commuters who need to combine cycling with public transportation (trains, buses) or car travel, especially when storage space is limited at home or work.
Folding bikes are designed to collapse into a compact size, making them ideal for portability and storage. They typically have smaller wheels (16 or 20 inches) and folding mechanisms in the frame. Additional folding features like stems, pedals, or removable luggage options can further reduce their folded size.
While larger-wheeled folding bikes exist, they are less common because their folded size and weight can limit their portability advantage.
Folding bikes are perfect for “multi-modal” commutes, combining cycling with public transport to shorten overall travel time. They are also a great alternative to touring bikes for travelers who need to pack a bike for plane, train, or car journeys. They are also popular with RV and campervan owners due to their easy storage.
Brompton C-Line Explore folding bike in black color
Brompton C-Line
Best Folding Commuting Bike
Expert Review Summary: The Brompton C-Line remains the gold standard in folding bikes, offering a lightweight, incredibly compact fold, and surprisingly good ride quality.
Specifications:
- Frame: Steel frame and fork
- Drivetrain: 2 or 6-speed options
- Gear Range: Not specified (optimized for city riding)
- Wheels: Alloy, 16-inch
- Tires: Schwalbe Marathon
- Brakes: Rim brakes
- Weight: 11.3kg (approx. 24.9 lbs)
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and portable, especially for a folding bike.
- Fast and incredibly compact folding mechanism.
- Surprisingly comfortable and capable ride quality for a small-wheeled bike.
Cons:
- Small wheels can feel less stable at high speeds.
- Uses proprietary parts and standards, which can limit aftermarket options.
Brompton is the leader in the folding bike market, and their bikes consistently receive top marks in reviews. The Brompton bike range is highly customizable, allowing riders to choose handlebar type, gear options, and accessories to create their ideal folding commuter.
Bromptons excel due to their incredibly light weight, fast and compact fold, and small folded footprint.
The C-Line is available in various configurations, including electric versions and the lightweight P-Line with titanium components. The C-Line offers “Explore” (6-speed) and “Urban” (2-speed) builds, handlebar choices, and color options.
For a more budget-friendly Brompton experience, the A-Line model offers a simpler single build with a 3-speed hub and limited customization.
Eovolt afternoon 16 origin electric folding bike in sand color
Eovolt Afternoon 16 Origin
Best Electric Folding Commuting Bike
Expert Review Summary: The Eovolt Afternoon 16 Origin is a compelling electric folding bike with disc brakes and a rear hub motor, offering a different approach to electric folding commuting compared to Brompton.
Specifications:
- Frame: 6061 heat-treated Aluminum
- Drivetrain: Shimano Tourney 7-Speed
- Wheels: Alloy, 16-inch
- Tires: Schwalbe Pick Up 16”
- Brakes: Shimano Hydraulic disc brakes
- Weight: 16.5kg (approx. 36.4 lbs)
Pros:
- Rear hub motor provides more natural and controlled e-bike handling.
- Chunky tires offer improved puncture protection, grip, and comfort.
- Hydraulic disc brakes provide superior braking power compared to rim brakes, especially on an e-bike.
Cons:
- Small wheels can feel less stable at high speeds.
- Slightly heavier than some competitors with a smaller battery capacity.
- May lack stability when folded and may be prone to tipping over.
While a full review of the Eovolt Afternoon 16 is pending, initial impressions are positive, especially when compared to the Brompton Electric. Key features that distinguish the Eovolt are its disc brakes and rear hub motor.
Disc brakes offer significantly better braking performance, especially in wet conditions and heavy traffic, and are particularly beneficial on e-bikes due to the added power and weight. Eovolt’s choice of a rear hub motor drive system is also noteworthy. Rear hub motors are often preferred for their natural handling characteristics compared to front hub motors, especially in terms of safety in wet or emergency braking situations. Leading e-bike motor manufacturers like Mahle and FSA also utilize rear hub systems.
The folded size of the Afternoon 16 is slightly larger than a Brompton (0.15m³ vs. 0.09m³), but still compact enough for car trunks or train luggage compartments. One noted drawback is the bike’s stability when folded, as the seatpost design doesn’t provide reliable support, potentially causing it to tip over when freestanding.
Best Vintage, Dutch & Classic Style Bikes for Commuting
Dutch style bicycle leaning against railings at night in a city
Good for: Short, flat urban and suburban commutes where style and comfort are prioritized.
Vintage, Dutch, and classic style bikes share many similarities with hybrid bikes in terms of practicality and versatility for city riding. These bikes are known for their upright riding position, often referred to as “sit up and beg,” which is a key part of their appeal, offering a relaxed and comfortable riding style ideal for leisurely commutes in flatter urban areas.
Steel is a traditional frame material for Dutch and classic bikes, but lighter aluminum frames have become more common in recent years to reduce overall bike weight, which can often exceed 15kg (approx. 33 lbs). Despite their weight, these bikes have been popular in Northern Europe for decades, praised for their comfort and reliability.
Pendleton Somerby hybrid bike for commuting in vintage style
Pendleton Somerby
Best Vintage, Dutch & Classic Style Commuting Bike
Expert Review Summary: The Pendleton Somerby offers classic vintage style with modern reliability and practicality, making it a great choice for stylish and comfortable commuting.
Specifications:
- Frame: Aluminum frame, steel fork
- Drivetrain: Shimano Tourney 7-Speed
- Wheels: Aluminum
- Tires: Kenda Smooth Roll, 38mm
- Brakes: V-brakes
- Weight: 14.6kg (approx. 32.2 lbs)
Pros:
- Classic vintage aesthetics.
- Comes equipped with a rear rack and mudguards for commuting practicality.
- Step-through frame option available for easy mounting and dismounting.
- Relatively lightweight for a vintage-style bike.
Cons:
- Plated steel finish on some components may be prone to pitting over time.
- Does not include a front basket as standard equipment.
The Pendleton Somerby has proven to be a reliable and durable bike for daily commuting. Despite its classic styling, it incorporates modern features and thoughtful design. Details like a metal chain guard, mudguards, and a welded rear rack contribute to a quiet and hassle-free ride.
At 14.5kg (approx. 32 lbs), the Somerby is lightweight for its style category. It is lighter than many similar vintage-style bikes, such as the Pashley Penny, which is significantly more expensive. This weight saving is partly due to the use of a simple and efficient Shimano 7-speed drivetrain.
The Somerby is highly recommended as an affordable, reliable, and well-built option for those seeking a stylish commuter bike for shorter distances. It offers a blend of classic looks and modern functionality, making it suitable for everyday use and stylish enough for leisure rides.
Electra Loft Go 7D EQ vintage style electric bike in green
Electra Loft Go! 7D EQ
Best Electric Vintage, Dutch & Classic Style Commuting Bike
Expert Review Summary: The Electra Loft Go! 7D EQ blends vintage style with the practicality of an e-bike, offering a comfortable and stylish assisted commute with Trek quality.
Specifications:
- Frame: Aluminum frame with steel fork
- Drivetrain: Shimano Tourney 7-Speed
- Wheels: Aluminum, 700c
- Tires: Kenda Piedmont 700×40 mm
- Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes, 160 mm rotor
- Weight: 21kg (approx. 46.3 lbs)
Pros:
- Trek-built quality and reliability at a more accessible price point.
- Optional range extender battery available for longer commutes.
- Aluminum frame with internal battery maintains a classic silhouette without excessive weight.
Cons:
- Mechanical disc brakes are less powerful than hydraulic disc brakes.
- Low-output integrated lights may not be sufficient for riding on unlit roads.
- Limited size options available (only 2 sizes).
The Electra Loft Go! 7D EQ, from Trek’s Electra brand, successfully integrates electric assist into a classic beach cruiser-style bike. Instead of simply adding a battery to an existing model, Trek redesigned the Loft Go! to house a 250Wh battery within the aluminum frame, preserving the traditional skinny tube styling and making it difficult to distinguish from a non-electric bike.
The Loft Go! offers a blend of style and substance. The moderately powered 40Nm Hyena rear hub motor and 250Wh battery keep the weight relatively low for an e-bike while providing sufficient assistance and range for most commuting needs.
One area for potential improvement is the mechanical disc brakes, which are less powerful than hydraulic options. Upgrading to hydraulic brakes would enhance the bike’s overall value. The integrated LED lights are also basic and may not be bright enough for nighttime riding in poorly lit areas.
The bike features a simple LED display for battery level and assist mode, supplemented by the Elektra + Central App for connected features, ride tracking, and range management.
Best Singlespeed and Fixed Gear Bikes for Commuting
Bicycle courier on a pink singlespeed bike in a city
Good For: Fast, flat commutes requiring minimal maintenance, popular for winter commuting due to their simplicity.
Simplicity is a major advantage of singlespeed or fixed gear bikes for commuting. Geared bikes require regular maintenance and replacement of drivetrain components. By eliminating gears, singlespeed bikes reduce drivetrain wear and maintenance.
A well-designed singlespeed drivetrain can be exceptionally smooth, durable, and offer direct power transfer, which is why they are still used on track bikes. Singlespeed bikes are typically sold with a freewheel for legal and practical reasons, but many feature a “flip-flop” hub, allowing riders to choose between freewheel and fixed gear modes.
Choosing the right gear ratio is crucial for a singlespeed bike. Experiment with different ratios to find what works best for your fitness level and commute route.
Decathlon Elops 500 city bike for singlespeed commuting
Elops 500 City Bike
Best Singlespeed Commuting Bike
Expert Review Summary: The Decathlon Elops 500 City Bike is a straightforward and affordable singlespeed commuter, offering durability and simplicity for flat urban commutes.
Specifications:
- Wheels: 700c alloy wheels with flip-flop hub
- Tires: Not specified
- Brakes: Dual-pivot caliper brakes
- Weight: 11.6kg (approx. 25.6 lbs)
Pros:
- Flip-flop hub allows switching between freewheel and fixed gear modes.
- Durable steel frame construction.
- Very affordable price point.
Cons:
- Not the lightest bike at over 11kg.
- Basic components reflect its budget-friendly price.
The Decathlon Elops City Bike 500, previously sold under the B’Twin brand, remains a popular choice for a no-nonsense singlespeed commuter.
For a very affordable price, you get a durable steel frame and fork equipped with dual-pivot caliper brakes. The standard gearing is 44×18, with a 44t chainring and 18t cog. The flip-flop hub provides versatility for riders who want to experiment with fixed gear riding.
The Elops 500 City is best suited for short, flat commutes. Its relatively narrow 520mm alloy handlebars are designed for navigating city traffic while maintaining stability. While not the lightest bike due to its steel frame, it offers excellent value for a reliable singlespeed commuter.
Best Drop Bar Bikes for Commuting
Cyclists commuting in London with drop bar bikes
Good For: Longer, hillier, or commutes that involve varied terrain, and for riders who want to combine fitness training with their commute.
While budget gravel bikes or budget road bikes can be used for commuting, some are better suited to the task than others. The key is practicality. Commuter-oriented drop bar bikes often include or offer fittings for racks, mudguards, and lights. They typically feature more durable and lower-maintenance components and subtle styling to deter theft.
Unless you plan to incorporate serious fitness training into your commute, a high-end carbon fiber race bike is generally unnecessary. Instead, consider endurance road bikes or gravel bikes, which offer a good balance of speed, comfort, and versatility.
Cube Nuroad FE equipped gravel bike in dark blue
Cube Nuroad FE
Best Drop Bar Commuting Bike
Expert Review Summary: The Cube Nuroad FE is a ready-to-commute drop bar bike that comes fully equipped with mudguards, a rack, and dynamo lighting, offering excellent value and practicality.
Specifications:
- Frame: Aluminum frame, carbon fork
- Drivetrain: Shimano Claris
- Wheels: Cube Alloy rims with Shimano Dynamo Hub
- Tires: Schwalbe G-One Allround, 40c
- Brakes: Tektro MD-C510 mechanical disc brakes
- Weight: 12.5kg (approx. 27.6 lbs)
Pros:
- Commute-ready right out of the box with mudguards, rack, and dynamo-powered lights.
- Dynamo lighting system eliminates the need to charge lights.
- Smart component choices offer excellent value considering the included accessories.
Cons:
- Mechanical disc brakes are less powerful than hydraulic disc brakes.
- Cable routing at the headtube can be somewhat cluttered.
- Tires could benefit from more robust puncture protection.
The Nuroad FE is the “equipped” version of Cube’s popular Nuroad gravel bike, sharing the same frame geometry, aluminum frame, and carbon fork. “Equipped” signifies that it comes with commuter-friendly accessories like mudguards, a rack, and lights. The dynamo lighting system is a standout feature, making it an ideal commuter bike.
The Nuroad FE’s mudguards are neatly integrated with a low-profile rear rack, providing stability and keeping the center of gravity low for sporty handling.
The dynamo lighting system, powered by a Shimano dynamo hub in the front wheel, is a practical and reliable feature for commuters. Modern dynamo hubs are efficient and generate ample power for lights with minimal resistance, ensuring you’re always visible without needing to charge batteries.
While hydraulic disc brakes would be a welcome upgrade, the Nuroad FE offers excellent value, especially considering the included dynamo lighting, rack, and mudguards, which would cost significantly more if purchased separately.
Canyon Grizl:On Daily electric gravel bike for commuting
Canyon Grizl:ON CF Daily
Best Electric Drop Bar Commuting Bike
Expert Review Summary: The Canyon Grizl:ON CF Daily is a premium electric gravel bike optimized for commuting, offering a high-performance Bosch motor, integrated features, and versatile mixed-terrain capability.
Specifications:
- Frame: Carbon fiber
- Drivetrain: Shimano GRX RX822 12-Speed
- Wheels: DT Swiss HG1800 Spine 28
- Tires: Schwalbe Overland 45
- Brakes: Shimano GRX RX820 hydraulic disc brakes
- Weight: 17.7kg (approx. 39 lbs)
Pros:
- High-performance e-bike with top-tier components and features.
- Bosch SX lightweight motor system provides powerful and efficient assistance.
- Canyon’s flexy seatpost enhances rider comfort.
- Clean design with high levels of integration, including lights, mudguards, and rack.
Cons:
- Suspension fork may be unnecessary for primarily road-based commutes.
- Bosch SX motor system is bulkier than some competitors in the “lightweight” e-bike category.
- Not compatible with kickstands.
- Premium price point.
The Canyon Grizl:ON CF Daily is a high-end, fully-equipped electric gravel bike designed for daily commuting and mixed-terrain adventures. It’s based on Canyon’s popular Grizl gravel bike platform and enhanced with the Bosch SX lightweight motor system.
The Bosch SX motor provides efficient and powerful assistance, suitable for varied commuting conditions, including hills. It offers a balance of light weight and strong performance, ideal for commuters who want extra power without excessive bulk.
Canyon’s signature integration is evident in the Grizl:ON CF Daily, with integrated lights, mudguards, and a rack designed for seamless functionality. A notable feature is the integrated Fidlock frame bag mount for Canyon’s LOAD frame bag, providing convenient storage for essentials.
While the suspension fork adds off-road capability, it may be overkill for commuters who primarily ride on paved roads. However, the Grizl:ON CF Daily excels as a versatile and high-performance electric commuter bike, especially for those with varied terrain or longer distances.
Best Cargo Bikes for Commuting
Tern cargo bike for family commuting
Good For: Replacing a car for commuters who need to transport children, groceries, or other cargo while commuting.
Cargo bikes are designed to carry significant loads, making them a viable car replacement for many families and commuters. They are ideal for balancing family needs with daily commuting. Modern cargo bikes can handle passengers and bulky items that would be impractical on a standard bicycle.
Cargo bikes come in various configurations, but most fall into three main categories:
- Longtails: Extended rear frame for cargo capacity, versatile for carrying passengers and cargo.
- Front-loaders (Box Bikes): Cargo box positioned in front of the rider, best for heavier loads and multiple passengers. Can be less maneuverable than longtails.
- Compact Cargo Bikes: Offer increased cargo capacity compared to standard bikes but are more compact and easier to store than longtails or front-loaders. Often feature folding components and smaller wheels for maneuverability and storage.
Tern GSD S10 electric cargo bike in gray
Tern GSD S10
Best Cargo Bike for Commuting
Expert Review Summary: The Tern GSD S10 is a versatile and high-performance electric cargo bike that can truly replace a car for many commuters, offering exceptional cargo capacity and a comfortable ride.
Specifications:
- Max Haul Weight: 200kg (440lb) including rider
- Battery & Motor: Bosch Cargo Line, Dual battery option
- Power Settings: Four (excluding off)
- Range: 60 miles (claimed)
- Drivetrain: Shimano Deore 1×10 speed
- Brakes: Magura MT5 eSTOP hydraulic disc brakes
- Integration: Lights, lock, rack
Pros:
- Excellent ride quality, even when fully loaded.
- Highly customizable cargo configurations, including options for two child seats.
- Powerful Bosch Cargo Line motor for tackling hills and heavy loads.
- E-bike specific Magura brakes provide reliable stopping power.
- Adjustable fit accommodates a wide range of riders.
Cons:
- High cost may be a barrier if not fully replacing a car.
- Basic Bosch Purion display lacks some features like a clock.
The Tern GSD S10 is a top-tier electric cargo bike designed to function as a true car replacement. Its versatility allows for carrying both children and cargo simultaneously, unlike many cargo bikes that are optimized for one or the other.
The Bosch Cargo Line motor is ideal for hilly terrain and heavy loads, providing ample power for challenging commutes. The GSD S10 tested came with a 400Wh battery, with an option to upgrade to a 500Wh battery for extended range.
While the Bosch Purion display is functional, it is basic for a bike in this price range and lacks features like a clock. However, this is a minor drawback in an otherwise exceptional cargo bike that can significantly alter family transportation habits.
Raleigh Stride 2 Cargo Bike for family transport
Raleigh Stride 2 Cargo Bike
Best Car Replacement Cargo Bike
Expert Review Summary: The Raleigh Stride 2 Cargo Bike is an excellent car replacement cargo bike, particularly well-suited for transporting young children, with a large front cargo box and a powerful Bosch motor.
Specifications:
- Max Haul Weight: 180kg (396lbs) including rider
- Battery & Motor: Bosch CX Cargo Line, Dual battery option
- Power Settings: Four (excluding off)
- Range: 40 miles (claimed)
- Drivetrain: Enviolo – NuVinci continuously variable transmission
- Brakes: Magura CT hydraulic disc brakes
- Integration: Lights, lock, rack, mudguards
Pros:
- Maxi-Cosi car seat compatibility makes it ideal for transporting children of all ages.
- Large front cargo box is convenient for carrying groceries and other items.
- Powerful Bosch CX motor provides strong assist for cargo hauling.
- Enviolo NuVinci continuously variable transmission allows shifting gears while stationary.
Cons:
- Limited front wheel visibility due to the cargo box can take getting used to.
- Wider than standard bikes, which can make navigating traffic and bike paths challenging.
- Sizing may be an issue for riders under 5’6″ (170cm) tall.
The Raleigh Stride 2 is a highly capable car replacement cargo bike, particularly notable for its ability to transport children. Its front-loading box design and Maxi-Cosi car seat compatibility make it unique in the cargo bike market for family use.
The large front cargo tub is also excellent for carrying groceries and other cargo. A key feature is the Enviolo NuVinci gear system, a continuously variable transmission that allows for smooth, step-less shifting and shifting while stationary, which is particularly useful on a loaded cargo bike.
One aspect to be aware of is the limited visibility of the front wheel due to the cargo box, which requires some adjustment for riders. The bike’s width can also make it less maneuverable in tight spaces. Sizing may be a concern for shorter riders, as the bike can be tall even with the saddle lowered.
Essential Commuter Bike Accessories
As Alexander Graham Bell said, “Preparation is the key to success,” and a successful commute means prioritizing safety and comfort. At a minimum, consider investing in a good commuter helmet and bike lights. Weather protection is also essential; a quality waterproof jacket and trousers, along with mudguards or fenders will keep you dry and comfortable.
Think about bike storage at your workplace. A reliable bike lock is essential, even with secure storage. You might also need to carry a change of clothes, a laptop, and lunch. A good cycling backpack or pannier bags will make carrying your gear much easier.
FAQs About Commuting By Bike
What type of bike is best for cycling to work?
The ideal bike depends on your commute. For relaxed, flat rides, a hybrid bike is a great choice. For longer, faster commutes, consider a road bike. If you want versatility for varied terrain, a gravel bike is an excellent option.
Refer to our guide on what to look for in a commuter bike for more detailed advice.
Is cycling a good way to commute?
Cycling to work offers numerous benefits. Beyond the physical health benefits of cycling, the mental health benefits are significant. Plus, you’ll save money compared to driving or public transport. For many, bike commuting is the most enjoyable part of their day, regardless of the weather.
Is a 30-minute bike commute too long?
A 30-minute bike commute is often ideal. Cycling coach James Spragg suggests “a commute under 30 minutes at a low intensity as the perfect addition to any training program”. Commute time depends on distance, terrain, and your fitness level. For longer commutes, consider a folding bike to combine cycling with driving or public transport. Bike commutes can often be faster than driving due to more direct routes and less traffic.
Are cyclists the happiest commuters?
Yes! A University of Auckland study confirms that cyclists are the happiest commuters. Many cyclists find bike commuting more enjoyable and less stressful than driving or taking public transport.
Are road bikes good for commuting?
Road bikes are excellent for commuting, particularly for faster journeys on paved roads. Budget road bikes with mudguards are a traditional choice for efficient commuting. However, for more versatility and comfort on varied surfaces, budget gravel bikes are increasingly popular, offering efficient road riding and the ability to handle unpaved paths.
Can mountain bikes be used for commuting?
Yes, any bike can be used for commuting, including mountain bikes. The best bike choice depends on your route. If you want to incorporate off-road sections into your commute, a gravel bike can be the ideal all-rounder, combining off-road capability with efficient road riding.
