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The finest commuter bikes for any budget in 2022

 What is the most comfortable bike for commuting 

The finest commuter bikes for any budget in 2022


A commuter bike's principle is straightforward: It's a practical, comfy bicycle that can transport you to and from work, the shop, your neighbourhood, and wherever else. They should be able to withstand a variety of terrain and weather situations while still being something you love riding.

Commuter bikes, although being a sort of one-size-fits-all type of bike, come in a variety of forms. Perhaps you'd prefer an electric vehicle with integrated pedal assistance for easier commuting, or perhaps you're on a budget. Whatever your style, there's a commuter bike that will suit you well.

Biking is my preferred mode of transportation in Brooklyn, where I live and work as the fitness and outdoors editor for Insider Reviews. As a result, I've ridden more commuter bikes than I can remember - and I know how to pick the ones that are worth acquiring.

I've picked together five of my favourites from brands like REI Co-Op, Schwinn, and Brooklyn Bicycle Co. to help you decide which is best. I've also included answers to a few frequently asked questions about commuter bikes, as well as details on how I tested each of the bikes listed.

The best commuter bikes are as follows:

1 - Overall winner: Franklin 3 Brooklyn Bicycle Co.

2 - Beginner-friendly: CTY 2.1 Bike from REI Co-op Cycles

3 - Priority Current is the best electric.

4 - State Bicycle Core Line is the most customizable.

5 - Schwinn Wayfarer Hybrid Bike is the best bike under $300.

6 - State Bicycle Deluxe 3 Speed City Bike is the most feature-rich.

1 - Overall, the best commuter bike

Franklin 3 Speed - Brooklyn Bicycle Co.

580 $

The Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Franklin 3 is a clever choice that's built to last if you want a comfortable, beautiful commuter bike that arrives fully assembled.

Pros: Assembly is included in the price, the design is gorgeous, the construction is durable, and the ride is comfortable.

Cons: There are just three speeds.

Brooklyn Bicycle Co. focuses on creating bikes that are built to last and are comfortable to ride. The Franklin 3 exemplifies this concentration. The step-through frame makes mounting your bike easy no matter what you're wearing, and it's built of lightweight steel so you can simply take the 33-pound bike upstairs and downstairs.

Shimano, a well-known name in the industry, makes the rear hub and shifter. The bike is also equipped with puncture-resistant tyres. For ultimate comfort, the saddle and grips are made of vegan leather.

The Franklin 3 is a three-speed bike, but single-speed and seven-speed models are also available. The bike is available in two sizes: small/medium and giant. There are five hues to choose from: ivory, matte coral, gloss black, sea glass, and cardinal red. Check out the Bedford 3 if you like a top tube that is more parallel to the ground than the step-through frame.


2 - For novices, the best commuter bike is

Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1

The finest commuter bikes for any budget in 2022

799 $

The CTY 2.1 from Co-op Cycles has a smooth ride, superb manoeuvrability, and is light enough to keep in your walk-up flat.

Pros: Comfy seat, simple to operate for beginners, locking front suspension fork, good customer service

cons : Expensive

REI re-entered the bicycle market in 2017 with Co-op Cycles, with the purpose of giving enjoyment and independence on two wheels. The CTY 2.1 is built primarily for city use, as its name implies.

Several of the parts are also from well-known manufacturers. Shimano manufactures the crankset, shifters, derailleurs, rear cogs, hydraulic disc brakes, and brake levers. Joytech makes the hubs. The chain's name is KMC Z8.

This is my primary bike for workout and commuting around town. REI's customer care blew me away from the moment I picked it up to try it. To get to the nearest store, I had to drive approximately an hour, and they were adamant about making sure it fit me properly.

In addition, the CTY 2.1 is extremely responsive. The brakes responded swiftly on one journey, sparing me from colliding with a car that backed out of a drive without looking. I also have no trouble navigating my city's winding trails. The pedal reflectors fell off after 400 miles, which was the biggest drawback for me.


3 - Best electric bicycle for commuting

Priority Current

                           

3300 $

The Priority Current is a low-maintenance electric bike with a smooth, comfortable ride and a 50-mile range.

Pros: Can handle a wide range of terrain, has a 50-mile range when completely charged, travels smoothly and doesn't startle you when you initially pedal, and requires very little maintenance.

Cons: E-bikes are pricey, and if the fenders are moved out of place, they can rub on the tyres.

I strongly advise you to consider an e-bike if you frequently commute long distances or live near a bunch of hills. The pedal-assistance included into e-bikes makes riding to work, the store, or just around town a lot more enjoyable (besides, who doesn't like not being sweaty when they arrive at their destination?).

Priority's Current is my favourite e-commuter, and it's also Insider Reviews' top pick for all e-bikes in general. The Current has a range of 50 miles on a fully charged battery, can handle a variety of terrain, and is simply a delight to ride. It's even more appealing because it requires almost no routine upkeep.

The bike itself is a Bosch-heavy system, with a Bosch motor, battery, and head unit — and the bike's dependence on one brand for these components is a big reason for its ease of maintenance. It has five distinct pedal-assist modes, so I can always simply choose how much power I want it to deliver, and it has a top aided speed of 28 mph, which always seemed like plenty.

The Current's pricing is maybe its worst flaw — albeit e-bikes are rarely in the "cheap" category. However, it can be more than just a simple commuter and might be something you can rely on for a long time.


4 - The most adaptable commuter bike

State Bicycle Core Line


300 $

The Core series of commuters from State Bicycle Co. is a customising dream, since the website allows you to customise the pedals, handlebars, saddle, and other components to build a bike that is completely unique to you.

Pros: Online customization options abound; it has a sturdy steel frame and is available in a variety of colours; and it costs less than $400 even with add-ons.

Cons: Not all add-ons are always accessible, and the tyres aren't designed for much off-road riding.

State Bicycle Co.'s Core series of bikes is the embodiment of what a commuter bike should be: durable, easy to ride, and fully adjustable. When ordering a Core, the State Bicycle Co. website allows you to select from a range of options, like the sort of pedals you want, the saddle it comes with, and whether or not you want to add lights or a lock (among others). These possibilities allowed me to create a commuter bike that was completely unique to me.

Riding the Core is just as much fun as putting it together virtually. Though I wouldn't recommend riding it on anything rougher than a flat dirt road, it can easily navigate uneven streets or sidewalks (besides, who among us is an off-roader?).

The Core has been my go-to for relaxed neighbourhood biking. It weighs less than 30 pounds, making it easy to carry into my flat, but despite its tiny weight, the steel frame seems sturdy. I've nicked it on railings and metal fences a few times and it's never been damaged, and it doesn't appear that striking it harder would harm much either.

The price of the Core was one aspect I couldn't overlook right away after learning about it. Most constructions are under $400, and the base model with no add-ons is only $300. That's a lot of money for a commuter as good as this one is — and it's something with a great return on investment.

I can't suggest the Core line from State Bicycle Co. highly enough if you appreciate the notion of building your own commuter bike and want something that's both durable and exciting to ride.


5 - The best commuter bike in the classic design


If you want to try bicycle commuting without spending a lot of money, the Schwinn Wayfarer Hybrid Bike is an excellent entry-level option.

Pros: Reasonably priced, very simple to assemble, beautiful, includes fenders and a rear rack, and comes with a lifetime limited warranty

Cons: A number of the parts are from unknown manufacturers.

With the Schwinn Wayfarer Hybrid Bike, you get a lot for just $300. The bike is partially constructed, and completing the work is simple enough for a novice to complete, so you may not need to pay for professional assistance.

Both the back and front fenders are there to shield you from the dirt that the tyres may kick up. You can also use the supplied rear rack to transport your work equipment. Steel is used for the frame, which has a stylish retro urban look. The spring seat gives a stable and comfortable ride. This bike comes with a lifetime guaranteed warranty from Schwinn.


6 - The best commuting bike with all the bells and whistles

580 $
You won't have to worry about getting extras a la carte because the State Bicycle Deluxe 3 Speed City Bike comes with everything you need to commute in all types of weather.

Pros: Attractive design, includes everything you need to get started commuting to work, and can handle a variety of road conditions.

Cons: Difficult to build, with reports of shoddy parts.

A rear rack, a front basket with drink container, fenders, and a chainguard are included with the State Bicycle Deluxe 3 Speed City Bike. All of these elements work together to get you and your work gear from point A to point B while keeping you safe from dirt and water kicked up by your tyres. This is a Dutch-style bike, like our top selection, the Franklin 3, which means you ride in a more upright position for better comfort and visibility.

The City Bike comes in three different styles: Keansburg, Elliston, and Rylee. The Rylee's frame has a step-through geometry, whereas The Elliston and The Keansburg's top tubes are more parallel to the ground.

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