How To Choose A Commuter Bike

“Commuter bike” is an umbrella term referring to any bike that’s suited to frequent riding to and from urban locations. Cities are different and individual commutes are unique, so there’s no one-size-fits-all commuter bike. Common terms you may also see in your search include urban, hybrid, or recreation bikes.

While any bike can be used to commute, the most common features are flat handlebars, comfortable geometry, compatibility with fenders and racks, and medium-width tires. This versatile setup means you’re ready for weekday commutes as well as weekend joyrides!

The first steps to choosing a commuter bike are reflecting on where you ride, how often, and what you’ll need the bike to do well on daily rides. As we've pointed out, any bike could be a commuter bike in theory, but there are certain factors that are especially helpful for getting around town. Narrow down your search with the initial considerations below.

1. How long is your commute?
2. How hilly is your commute?
3. Will you ride any rough roads or dirt?
4. Will you ride in all weather conditions?
5. How much gear do you need to carry?
6. Do you need your bike to fit on a train or in an apartment building?

Matching your daily driver to your needs and preferences is key to enjoying your commute. Consider priorities that are specific to your trip.

For example, riders in wet areas may need fenders to stay dry while other bag-carrying commuters require cargo racks. If you’re expecting to battle through pothole-riddled streets, wider tires and front suspension may be a good idea to increase comfort and reduce fatigue.

Odds are that other commuters deal with similar situations and that there’s a bike or product out there to help you!

The large variety of commuter bikes runs all the way down to their core, meaning there are many frame designs to pick from. Step-thru frames have a lower top tube so it’s easier to hop on and off the bike, especially if you make frequent stops in traffic. The step-thru design also better accommodates people wearing dresses or skirts while riding. Traditional diamond or “high-step” frames are typically stiffer and more performance-oriented.

Another commuter favorite is foldable bikes that can be collapsed down for easy transport and storage, whether it’s on the train or at the office. They are perfect for commuters who are tight on space.

Riders who desire the kitchen sink of commuting features can select utility bikes with elongated frames that fit sturdy racks and extra space for stuff. Load up your bike with as much cargo and accessories as you want and you’re good to go!

To make those early mornings more enjoyable, commuters demand comfortable bikes that are still efficient enough to get to destinations fast. 

Comfort looks different to each rider so you can pay attention to things like riding position, handlebar shape, and geometry. 

Flat handlebars with ergonomic grips are a common choice for a relaxed fit and hand position. If you’re seeking even more comfort, further upgrades include cushioned saddles, suspension seat posts, and front suspension forks.

Single-speed vs. geared:

Another important decision for commuters is gearing. While more gears might naturally sound better than one, there is a time and place for single speed commuter bikes. 

If your commute is relatively flat, then one gear could be all you need! Plus, the absence of derailleurs, shifters, and cables just means there's a lot less to maintain. Single speed bikes are pretty bomb proof if you're looking for a low maintenance option.

However, if you have hills on your commute, or you want to ride your bike outside the city from time to time, we recommend a geared by for a more versatile, enjoyable ride.

Internally geared hubs:

Another popular gearing option, especially with commuters who brave the weather all year round, is internally geared hubs. They contain a number of gears inside the rear hub and can help you avoid messy drivetrain maintenance. 

Commuter bikes with IGHs are not as common, but for the right person they make a lot of sense!

Electric commuter bikes provide a helpful boost to get you to your destination faster and sweat-free. Ebikes can be a great car replacement in the city and a more flexible method of transport compared to bus or subway schedules.

Ebikes are more expensive investments but if you commute on bike often, if your route is long or hilly, and if you need to carry a decent amount of gear, it makes a lot of sense to spend the extra money on a high performance electric model.

Here are some of our top model recommendations for readers who are ready to start browsing. If you want to keep learning, we have a whole list of advanced considerations to follow for those who want to dive deeper into the considerations.

Dive deeper into what makes up the perfect commuter bike for you with these more technical recommendations. Consider factors such as frame material, component reliability, suspension, and accessories to best equip your daily ride.

Aluminum and steel are by far the most popular options when it comes to the frame material of commuter bikes. Aluminum provides the right balance of low weight, strength, and affordability that fits the bill for daily commuting. Other riders and enthusiasts swear by the strength and durability of steel frames, especially that of lightweight chromoly steel. Ideal for commuting, steel provides a natural amount of comfortable flex and is easy to repair in case of frame damage.

When selecting a frame or commuter model, consider the frame mounts available for installing fenders, bottle cages, bags, and racks. These built-in mounts can make the difference between a secure connection and a pesky, rattling accessory.

700c is the most common wheel size for commuter bikes. That’s the same diameter as road bike wheels, but commuter bikes usually opt for wider tires for extra comfort and traction. There are also models that use slightly smaller 650b wheels with even wider tires for added traction and comfort. 

When looking for the right commuter tire, there are a few important factors to consider:

Tire width: Commuter tires usually range between 28-45mm wide for a good balance of comfort, grip, durability, and speed. Wider tires also have a larger air volume which can be run at lower pressures, adding cushioning properties over less-than-perfect road surfaces.

Tread pattern: Commuter tires come with a variety of tread designs. If your commute is rainy or wet, pick tires with deep grooves to help channel away water. For dry areas and smooth roads, slick tires will do the trick. Winter warriors can brave the snow and ice with studded tires.

Disc brakes have become the preferred system for lots of top brands’ commuter bikes, providing more efficient braking and reliable stopping in adverse weather conditions. 

Rim brakes are still a reliable and popular option that will absolutely get the job done, and they are typically found on more affordable models.

Brakes can be mechanical (operated by a cable) or hydraulic, and while mechanical brakes are easier to maintain without professional assistance, we find that for the average commuter hydraulic brakes require less maintenance overall.

If your commute is bumpy, shock absorption can add comfort to your daily ride, preventing body fatigue and uncomfortable jolts.

If you ride through dirt roads or pothole-infested streets, it can be a good idea to buy a commuter bike with a front suspension fork and wider tires.

For more subtle cushioning, riders can choose a suspension seat post or stem that helps take the sting out of bumpy roads.

Here are some other things to keep in mind while you're shopping for you new commuter bike.

Commuter accessories extend far beyond bike bells— daily riders love to let their creativity run wild and customize their bike. Accessorize your bike with items that will make a difference to you. For example, invest in a pair of bright bike lights if you frequently ride at dawn or during nighttime.

Fenders help shield you and your bike from water spray, a must-have on rainy commutes. If you don’t want to wear a bag on your back while cycling, you can install a rack or panniers to easily transport cargo. Additional honorable mentions include a small toolkit, a helmet, and a heavy-duty lock.

You can only enjoy your commuter bike if it stays in your possession! Keeping your bike secure in the city means having a heavy-duty lock and other parts to deter potential bike theft. Quick-release wheels and seat post clamps can be a thief’s best friend and a commuter’s worst enemy. Consider additional items such as lockable axles, security bolts, and parking your bike in the most secure location possible.

This helpful guide is a great start when choosing your next commuter bike, but remember that your local shop offers hands-on experience and additional staff expertise! We recommend swinging by your hometown bike shop and browsing their products.

Visiting your local shop is especially helpful to ensure compatibility between your commuter bike and desired accessories. Racks, bags, mounts, and fenders aren’t universal, so you’ll want to confirm that they’ll work before you buy.

How many speeds should a commuter bike have?

The recommended number of gears depends on how hilly your commute is. A single-speed bike is a great idea to keep maintenance simple on flat terrain. For hillier areas, 7-speed gearing or more can provide a wide enough gear range for comfortable pedaling.

Is a single-speed bike good for commuting?

Yes, single-speed bikes make for great commuters! The basic system is less prone to mechanical issues and is easy to maintain— many riders enjoy the simplicity of single speeds in cities that are sufficiently flat enough to ride with only one gear.

Is a hybrid bike a commuter bike?

A hybrid bike is one type of popular commuter bike style. The flat handlebars, relaxed geometry, 700c wheels, and versatile tires are well suited to daily commuting. However, there are commuter bikes that don’t fall into the hybrid category.

What is the difference between a cheap and expensive commuter bike?

More expensive commuter bikes are made from better-quality frames and components that are lighter and stronger. Higher-priced commuter bikes have premium parts such as gears, derailleurs, brakes, and wheels.

How much does a commuter bike cost?

An entry-level commuter bike can cost around $500 with fully-loaded premium models priced at a few thousand dollars. The wide variety of commuter bikes means there’s a model to match your budget— and make sure to save some cash for functional accessories, too!