Lets Find The Best Commuter Bike For You

I made this guide to save you time because I spent hours looking for the best commuter bike that fit my specific needs. Read this page over and you’ll save time and you’ll find the right bike for you.

I’m trying to answer all the top questions below. I have you covered with the names of the best and most popular bikes complete with customer reviews backing them. Below is a conclusive buying guide that will help you end up with the right  bike for you.

Which bikes are the best for commuting?

Well, that depends on where you’re commuting to and from as well as some other factors! But you knew that…so let me tell you the two best all around types of  bikes.

But…everyone is different, so keep your peepers on this page and you’ll be able to figure out which bike is best for your needs. I have a few questions for you to help you filter down the best bike for you.

Whoa there Gabe, “I don’t have $$$$ to blow on some electric bike”. Calm down, first off ebikes start around $$$ give or take…and they’re basically just a hybrid bike with an electric motor and battery on it. You can use the motor when you want and need it. If you’re wanting a nice way to bike to work without becoming a big sweaty mess and you’re biking on decent roads you’ll probably want an electric bike…assuming you can spend close to $$$.

Here is the list of types available

Road bikes
Fixed gear bikes
Mountain bikes
Hybrid bikes
Folding bikes
Electric bikes

What should you ask yourself before you decide to buy?

Before you decide to buy a bike for commuting, it is important to ask yourself a number of questions to ensure you make a the right decision.

Just as there are numerous car models, there are also very many different  brands/types to choose from. In case you get confused narrowing down your choice, there are many reviews online that can assist you find suitable bikes to choose from.

How much money do you have to spend on a bike?

This is pretty important, but you’d be surprised that it doesn’t take a ton of cash to get a nice bike. So, set your limit and stick to it. Also, how often to you plan to ride it?

If you plan on riding 3-5 times per week then you could make a case for spending more money on a bike…just think about how much it will cost you to ride each time…3 times per week multiplied by 4 weeks in a month multiplied by let say 8 months out of the year = around 100 rides per year.

So in one year if you spent $$$ on a bike it will cost you about $ for each ride for that year. However, split that over 3 years and it’s $ per ride. This doesn’t include any other time you’ll use your bike or the added exercise and health benefits. Bump the price up to $$$ and it’s only $ per ride over 3 years at 3 rides per week.

We’ll have a list of the best bikes for the money very soon.

What terrain do I plan on riding on?

This is another important question you must ask yourself in order to make a wise decision when buying. You should be more interested about the type of terrain you expect to tackle during your commute i.e. will you be riding your bicycle on a flat route, uphill, downhill e.t.c. You should also ask yourself whether you will be riding on a smooth path, a paved road or a rough gravel road. If you have problems answering these questions, you will need to familiarize yourself with the routes you intend to use.

Do you plan on riding this bike for one purpose?

Are you just looking for a nice bike that is mainly for the road? Or do you want to have the option to take it off road and go on any type of terrain?
You can get a mountain bike that can do everything (on road/off road), however they’re a bit more expensive and require better bike components (more $$$) because they need to be able to take a beating off road. They also require more effort to pedal because they’re heavier and have much wider tires.

How far do I intend to typically ride?

You also need to find out the time it might take you to commute daily via your bicycle. Although the commuter time can vary depending on weather, traffic, route among other factors, you need to approximate the amount of time you expect to commute because it may influence the type of bicycle you should choose. In case you intend to commute for short time periods i.e. 10 minutes, you are better off with a heavy bike fitted with commuter friendly accessories. Light bikes are ideal for longer commuter time because they are faster and specially designed for the road.
What is your current physical condition?

Can I show up to work and take a shower? How far can I ride in my current physical shape?

Have you ridden in a few years? I’m guessing you don’t want to show up to work in a sweaty mess. Your current physical condition will also play a crucial role when selecting the best bike for you. It is important to note that some bicycles are easier to manage than others. Experienced cyclists already know their limits and the kind of bikes that work best for them. As a beginner, you’ll probably want a hybrid bike because it’s a great general purpose bike and has several gears making it easier to ride across a variety of terrain.

Since we’re talking about commuting bikes, realistically an electric bike is going to be the best solution with the only downside of cost starting at over $$$.

Do I need to carry anything with me on my ride?

Cyclists must think ahead about luggage. Obviously bicycles have limited space to transport your gear and bags. The best way to solve this problem is carrying a messenger bag or backpack…the only downside is they can make you hot and hurt your shoulder if you need to ride very far. You can also opt for specialized bags that attach directly to your bike via the frame. You can get a rail for the back or even the front to help carry your gear. Try biking a few miles with a bag on your back and you’ll probably be back on your computer pretty quick hunting down a bike bag that attaches to your bike.

Bicycle Parking

Even if you’re biking to work and your cool boss lets you bring your bike in side by your desk or office you’ll still want to at least get a bike lock of some kind. Why? Because someday you’ll want to stop down at the market or get some ice cream with a friend and you’ll be kicking yourself if you don’t have a basic bike lock and your $$$ bike gets stolen by a couple of twerking bike thieves.

Yes, even if you get one of the fancy tiny folding bikes you’ll want a bike lock at some point….the bikes fold up nice and is a tad awkward to carry around the market while you’re trying to  look cool for the ladies.

Bike Components

Why should you consider commuting with a bike?

The pros of commuting by bicycle outweigh the cons by a very big margin. For starters, you save money…lots of money. Unlike vehicles which require gasoline to run and frequent servicing, bicycles are free to run. They are also easy and extremely cheap to maintain. Cost and maintenance factors aside, cycling is among the best cardiovascular exercises. You are therefore bound to reap huge health benefits when you start commuting with a bike. Cycling also helps you avoid inhaling toxic exhaust fumes in traffic. You also get better opportunities to know your city or town. Moreover, most workplaces offer their staff incentives for being environmental friendly. These are just a few of the many benefits you stand to gain commuting with a bike.

Bike Commuting

In the recent past, there has been an increase in the number of people trading in the carbon footprint and high costs of their vehicles in exchange for environmental friendly and cost effective commuter bicycles. In order to make this transition, you will need the best commuter bike you can get your hands on. You also need safety gear. Fortunately, I have gathered valuable information from numerous reviews online to assist you get the best option for you.