Hybrid bikes bridge the gap between mountain bikes for off-road excursions and livelier road bikes. That means you can use them for a variety of rides, as well as for commuting to work. We’ve rounded up the best affordable hybrid bikes for your budget and lifestyle, with options for every type of cyclist.
For bikes that can handle snow, mud, sand and other tricky conditions, check out our best fat tire bikes as well.
|
Amazon Customer Reviews
|
Price: $449.00 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
|
|
Price: $599.99 Shop now at Trek | Shop now Read our review |
|
|
Price: $450.24 Shop Now at Schwinn Bikes | Shop Now Read our review |
|
Amazon Customer Reviews
|
Price: $294.60 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
|
Amazon Customer Reviews
|
Price: $399.99 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
|
Amazon Customer Reviews
|
Price: $649.99 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
|
Amazon Customer Reviews
|
Price: $535.41 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
|
Amazon Customer Reviews
|
Price: $369.99 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
|
Amazon Customer Reviews
|
Price: $499.99 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
-
1. EDITOR’S CHOICE: Vilano Diverse 3.0 Performance Hybrid
Pros:- Triple crankset makes it easier to ride up hills
- Flat handlebars offer full control
- Sturdy hydroformed aluminum alloy frame
Cons:- Pedals can be tough to assemble
- Triple crankset adds extra weight
- Some find the stock seat uncomfortable
Want a sporty bike that you can use to commute to work and have fun on the weekends? Check out the Vilano Diverse 3.0 Performance Hybrid. It’s versatile and can be easily customized with your favorite parts and accessories. This hybrid is well-built and is a great investment for this price range, which is why it’s our top choice.
The 700c x 35 tires provide essential traction on paved surfaces and trails. No matter where you ride, the 6061 aluminum frame keeps you stable. An aluminum fork limits vibrations.
If you live in a hilly area, the triple 42/34/24T crankset offers a wide range of gears to cruise up steep inclines. The chainrings are replaceable to keep your bike in top shape.
Integrated shifters provide quick and reliable gear changes as the terrain changes. With 24 available speeds, this performance hybrid is equally fun to ride on flats, hills and trails.
This sporty hybrid features flat handlebars and an upright riding position for maximum control. You can adjust the seat post to ensure a comfortable ride. Its disc brakes help bring the bike to a fast and safe stop, even in inclement weather.
Unless you’re quite handy around bikes, Vilano recommends bringing it to a qualified mechanic before hopping on for your first ride. This bike ships factory direct and requires some specialized tools for assembly. It weighs 26.5 pounds and can be easily transported using a truck tailgate pad or bike rack.
-
2. RUNNER UP: Trek FX 1
Price: $599.99Pros:- Ideal for fitness, commuting and exploring
- Can accommodate fenders, racks, a kickstand and more
- Fits a wide range of riders
Cons:- Only comes in one color
- Doesn't have disc brakes
- Not for really intense trail riding
If you want an affordable bike that’s built to last, the Trek FX 1 could be for you. Its dependable yet lightweight frame won’t hold you back as you explore new terrain. Plus, it’s comfortable and sturdy. If you want a reliable ride for exploring trails near and far, you can’t go wrong with this Trek hybrid.
When it comes to specs, the FX 1 is well-equipped for varied terrain with a seven-speed Shimano Altus EF500 shifter, Shimano Altus M310 rear derailleur and a Shimano Tourney front derailleur. Whether you’re cruising along flats or tackling a climb, you won’t run out of gears.
A big advantage of the FX 1 is its lightweight construction. A medium frame weighs just over 27 pounds, which means the bike is nimble and agile on various surfaces. However, it can also support up to 300 pounds. This makes it reliable for larger riders.
Dependable 700 x 35c Bontrager H2 Comp tires keep you feeling confident without adding unnecessary weight. Sturdy double-walled wheels complement the bike’s hybrid tires and allow for virtually unlimited cruising on paved surfaces and trails.
Some hybrids cater more to commuters or fitness riders, but the FX 1 is a fair choice for every type of cyclist. There’s ample space to accommodate racks, lights, fenders, a kickstand and anything else you might need for your rides. Built-in mounts allow you to easily add racks and fenders as needed.
Whether you’re trying to improve your fitness or you’re simply curious about your numbers, you can purchase the Bontrager DuoTrap S digital speed and cadence sensor. Once it’s properly installed the sensor wirelessly transmits data to your phone or computer.
This bike comes in several sizes and should fit most riders between 5’1″ and 6’7.9″ with an inseam between 28.3 and 37.4 inches. The FX1 Stagger features a step-through frame to easily mount and dismount the bike. Otherwise, the hybrid bikes are the same.
If you prefer riding on rougher terrain or you’re curious about the next step up, the Trek Dual Sport 2 is a solid alternative. This bike is still within reach for budget shoppers yet includes a suspension fork, dependable all-terrain tires and disc brakes for dependable stopping power. Internal cable routing protects your cables and gives the bike a sleeker appearance.
-
3. Schwinn Network 1.5 Step-Thru
Price: $450.24Pros:- Upright handlebars reduce back strain
- Stable aluminum comfort frame
- Front and rear alloy linear pull brakes
Cons:- Assembly can be tricky
- Only comes in one size
- Not ideal for riders under 5'5" or over 5'9"
If comfort is a priority, the Schwinn Network 1.5 Step-Thru could be right for you. It’s easy to mount and dismount with a low-step frame. To prevent back strain, you’ll find swept-back handlebars and a high-rise stem. A hybrid spring seat dampens vibrations for a more pleasant ride.
With a 21-speed shifter, there are plenty of gears for hills, flat roads and everything in between. Just twist the shifter up or down to find the right combination of gears. Reliable Shimano shifters help you stay in control the entire time.
Schwinn recommends this bike for riders between 5’5″ and 5’9″. Unfortunately, it only comes in one size. If you don’t fall into that limited range, check out the Schwinn Super Sport hybrid bike. It comes in three sizes to accommodate cyclists from 5’3″ to 6’1″.
The 15-inch aluminum comfort frame is designed more for stability than off-road riding. This bike is most at home riding on paved surfaces and light trails. When you need to stop, you can count on the front and rear alloy linear pull brakes to bring the bike to a halt.
-
4. Giordano Brava Hybrid Comfort Bike
Pros:- Suspension fork dampens vibrations
- Saddle is a mix of comfort and hybrid
- Flat handlebars won't make you feel restricted as you ride
Cons:- Only comes in one color
- Assembly can be tedious
- Not ideal for heavier trail use
Whether you’re into adventures or casual riding, the Giordana Brava handles it all. With high-quality Shimano and Tektro components, it’s a solid value for an entry-level hybrid. If you need evidence that it can handle off-road terrain, look no further than the 29-inch tires.
A lightweight aluminum frame keeps the bike playful off road, while a more upright riding position promotes comfort on rides of any length. Flat handlebars help reduce strain on your shoulders and arms so you can cruise for longer.
Whether you’re conquering an incline or cruising on flatter surfaces, the 24-speed drivetrain provides all the necessary gears. An 80-millimeter suspension fork dampens vibrations for an all-around smoother ride. The saddle is a mix of comfort and hybrid for your favorite rides.
Find more Giordano Brava Hybrid Comfort Bike information and reviews here.
-
5. Schwinn Volare Hybrid Bike
Pros:- Comfortable sport saddle for longer rides
- 21-speed Shimano shifters
- Adjustable seat post
Cons:- Only comes in one size
- On the heavier side for a road bike
- Not the smoothest ride on rough surfaces
A lightweight bike that’s especially fun if you enjoy going fast, the Schwinn Volare is a highly versatile choice for men and women. It’s built for speed and is more like a road bike than a clunky cruiser. You can easily explore trails and pavement with the standard 28-inch wheels.
The fitness-inspired aluminum frame keeps you riding in a comfortable upright position without sacrificing performance. It’s also relatively light, with a total weight of just over 35 pounds for a medium frame. The fitness-inspired hybrid comes with a sport saddle with a sturdy alloy seat post to keep you comfortable on longer rides.
This bike is adaptable and versatile and works just as well for running errands as it does commuting to work and riding around town. With 21 gears and Shimano EZ-fire shifters under your fingertips, this Schwinn hybrid offers quick and easy gear changes to accommodate hills and flats.
Schwinn includes a limited lifetime warranty for peace of mind as long as you own the bike.
Find more Schwinn Volare Hybrid Bike information and reviews here.
-
6. Mongoose Elroy Adventure Bike
Pros:- Large front rack can store two panniers
- Integrated frame bag for storing essentials
- Space for up to give water bottle cage mounts
Cons:- Only comes in one size
- Seat isn't the most comfortable
- Some stock components are cheap
Are you looking for a bike that’s better suited for off-road adventures than your average hybrid? If so, consider the Mongoose Elroy. It’s an adventure bike, with versatile tires and an integrated frame bag to store essentials for longer trips. The Elroy is equipped with 2×7 drivetrain Shimano derailleurs, giving you a choice between 14 speeds, along with large 40c tires.
Mechanical disc brakes provide full stopping power when needed. The large front rack has plenty of space for your bike panniers and even has a built-in bottle opener. If you anticipate needing even more space, the rear rack mount is always an option.
Internal cable routing not only makes maintenance less of a hassle, it also lets you place up to five water bottle cage mounts for easy access to your beverages. This bike also comes with fender mounts.
Find more Mongoose Elroy Adventure Bike information and reviews here.
-
7. Schwinn Discover
Pros:- Aluminum frame designed for city use
- Shimano twist shifters and derailleur
- Includes a rear gear carrier
Cons:- Only comes in one size
- May be too big for shorter riders
- Cruiser-oriented style makes it a slower choice for a hybrid bike
The Schwinn Discover is a comfort-oriented hybrid bike for female riders. Features such as an aluminum city frame, upright handlebars and a padded saddle with suspension make the bike a practical choice for urban riding and commuters.
However, it also has 21-speed SRAM shifters and a Shimano rear derailleur to conquer varied terrain. A rear gear carrier provides extra storage space for weekend outings or a day at work. Alloy linear-pull brakes provide precise stopping power when necessary.
Want to bring the little ones along? Browse our best bike seats for kids to find the carrier that works best for your family.
-
8. Hiland Hybrid Bike
Pros:- Frame is covered by a five-year warranty
- Fits most riders between 5'5" to 6'5"
- Suitable for hills with a 24-speed Shimano drivetrain
Cons:- Handlebars aren't adjustable
- Not ideal for heavier trail use
- Seat isn't very comfortable
If you need a commuting bike, this capable ride could be for you. It’s decked out with all the accessories you need to get to and from work, such as racks, fenders, lights, a kickstand and other accessories.
A 24-speed Shimano drivetrain provides a more confident riding experience, while Kenda 700C wheels get you from your home to the office or anywhere else you need to go, even in inclement weather. Aluminum rims deliver a more stable ride, while mechanical disc brakes provide dependable stopping power when you need it.
This bike comes in sizes ranging from small to large and fits most riders from 5’5″ to 6’5″. It weighs 28 pounds and is covered by a five-year frame warranty.
-
9. sixthreezero EVRYjourney
Pros:- DIfferent models for commuting and urban riding
- Bike will work with baskets, panniers and fenders
- Fits riders from 5' to 6'4"
Cons:- Finish can scratch easily
- Quite heavy
- Assembly can be tricky
Depending on where and how you ride, you’ll find the sixthreezero EVRYjourney in three, seven and 21-speed variations. There’s also a single-speed cruiser for rides around town. The model with the most gears is ideal for varied terrain, while the seven-speed bike is useful for city rides and back roads. If you’re planning on using the bike more for commuting or urban riding, consider the three-speed or single-speed models.
The EVRYjourney has a versatile step-through frame that makes it easier to get on and off the bike. Standard size 26-inch tires are built for varied terrain. A dual-spring saddle keeps you comfortable on rides, while front and rear brakes provide dependable stopping power. While these accessories aren’t included, you can add bike baskets, panniers and fenders if you’d like. This hybrid bike fits most riders from 5′ to 6’4″.
Find more sixthreezero EVRYjourney information and reviews here.
Which Are the Best Hybrid Bikes for Women?
There's good and bad news when it comes to hybrid bikes for women. Many are actually unisex bikes that fit both genders. However, there are some great female-specific women's hybrid bikes.
One of our top choices for female riders is the Trek FX 1. It's available in small to extra-large and fits most cyclists between 5'1" and 6'5". Whether you're running errands or exploring the trails, your rides are more comfortable with a slim-cut saddle and comfortable upright frame geometry.
Keeping comfort and your budget in mind, the best women's bike is the one that feels right for you. And any bike that gets you excited about riding is a great investment!
As one survey found, women are increasingly eager to hit the roads and trails, and up to 45 percent of women ride at least once a week during summer.
Fortunately, the best hybrid bikes for women don't always come with a premium price tag, and you can find several affordable, cheap hybrid bikes for the money.
Which Are the Lightest Hybrid Bikes?
Hybrids fall between your average road and mountain bike in terms of weight. The average hybrid bike weighs between 25 and 30 pounds, which isn't very light. But that extra weight provides stability for rides around town and light trail use.
One of the lightest bikes on our list is the Hiland Hybrid Bike, which weighs 28 pounds. You can easily attach a dog basket carrier or a bike seat for your kid.
Looking for something faster and lighter? An electric folding bike could be right for you.
What Is a Hybrid Comfort Bike?
Hybrid bikes tend to be sporty or comfort-oriented. They can definitely fulfill both purposes, but a comfort hybrid often has an upright riding position and a super plush saddle.
If you prefer a pleasant ride over racing your buddies, a plush hybrid is a good option. And if you want a cloud-like experience, a beach e-cruiser delivers the whole package.
There's also a good chance you'll ride more on a comfortable bike. And the more you pedal, the healthier you'll become. For example, cycling can reduce your blood pressure and improve your cognitive function, among numerous other benefits.