How to Choose the Best Hybrid Bike for You in 2024

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Whether you are looking for a bike to get around town, explore the less beaten path or transition from an indoor bike to riding outside, there is a hybrid bike for you. Hybrid bikes, sometimes referred to as fitness bikes, are a combination of a road and mountain bike.

Hybrid bikes are a great option for people who plan to ride on the road, on a bit of gravel or even on light trails. With a more upright geometry, flat handlebars, wider tires and plenty of rack and accessory mounting options, hybrid bikes are highly sought after by commuters, recreational cyclists and adventure seekers.

To help make shopping for a hybrid bike easier, we've created a comprehensive guide with our picks for the best hybrid bike of 2024, including the most budget-friendly and the best on and off-road hybrid bikes.

Our Picks for the Best Hybrid Bike in 2024:

• Best Budget Hybrid Bike: Batch Bicycles 27.5 Lifestyle Bike
• Best Electric Hybrid Bike: Trek DualSport+ 2
• Best Hybrid Bike for Women: Electra Loft 7i Step-Thru
• Best Hybrid Bike for Men: Public D8i Alfine Disc
• Best Commuter Hybrid Bike: Diamondback Union 1 E-Bike
• Best Hybrid Road Bike: Orbea Drop Vector Commuter Bike
• Most Comfortable Hybrid Bike: iZip Alki1 Upright Comfort Bike
• Best Hybrid Bike Under $500: Batch Bicycles 700C Fitness Bike

Best Budget Hybrid Bike: Batch Bicycles 27.5 Lifestyle Bike

Key features:

• Price: $272.99
• Material: Alloy frame
• Wheel size: 27.5 x 1.95 inches
• Weight: 27 pounds
• Gears: Seven total; external gears
• Brakes: Alloy linear pull rim brakes
• Color options: Gloss pitch black

Hybrid bikes can get pricey, so if you are in the market for a budget-friendly option, look no further than Batch Bicycles Lifestyle Bike. At less than $300, with some name-brand components, it’s an excellent value. With frame sizes from extra small to large, the Lifestyle Bike can fit riders from four foot five inches to six foot three. Wider mountain bike-style tires provide grip and confidence even on light trails and broken roads.

Pros:

• Affordable price point
• Easy to maneuver and transport
• Wide tires for better grip and handling

Cons:

• No color variations

Best Electric Hybrid Bike: Trek Dual Sport+ 2

Key features:

• Price: $2,399.99
• Material: Aluminum
• Wheel size: 650 x 50c or 27.5 x 2.0 inches
• Weight: 38.39 pounds
• Gears: Nine total; external gears
• Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes
• Color options: Galactic grey and hex blue

Suppose you want to ride to work without being sweaty for your morning meeting, or you are in the early stages of building your fitness. In that case, there are numerous electric hybrid bicycle options on the market, but Trek Dual Sport+ 2 is one of the best. We love the lightweight aluminum frame and fork, smooth pedal assist and integrated 250Wh battery for a super clean look. The two-inch tire option provides a stable ride on pavement, sidewalks and packed rail trails.

Pros:

• Simple yet intuitive controls
• Nimble handling
• Assists up to 20 miles per hour

Cons:

• Limited range with hillier rides

Best Hybrid Bike for Women: Electra Loft 7i Step-Thru

Key features:

• Price: $749.99
• Material: Aluminum
• Wheel size: 700 x 35c
• Weight: 32.5 pounds
• Gears: Seven total; internal gears
• Brakes: Alloy dual pivot caliper
• Color options: Blizzard Blue, Green Tea, and Matte Hazel

The Electra Loft 7i Step-Thru is the best bicycle for fun, casual rides or commuting to and from work. The ergonomically designed step through bike frame makes it very easy to get on and off the bike. The Loft 7i is a great option for riders with limited range of motion when lifting their leg over a traditional bike frame. Once on the bike, the patented Flat Foot Technology allows you to place your feet directly on the ground without leaning to the side, which helps you to keep the bike upright when you come to a stop. The internal gearing hub provides smooth, low-maintenance shifting that allows you to keep your eyes on the road and improves your responsiveness. With substantial 35 millimeter tires, fenders and an alloy rear rack, this bike makes for a well-cushioned ride with splash protection and good cargo carrying capacity.

Related Post: Best Bikes for Women

Pros:

• Low maintenance
• 300-pound total weight limit capacity
• Appealing color schemes allow you to stand out in a crowded hybrid field

Cons:

• Doesn’t come with hydraulic disc brakes
• Limited gearing options make climbing hills a challenge

Best Hybrid Bike for Men: Public D8i Alfine Disc

Key features:

• Price: $1,399.99
• Material: Chromoly steel
• Wheel size: 700 x 35c
• Weight: 33 pounds
• Gears: Eight total; internal gears
• Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes
• Color options: Polished titanium

The D8i Alfine Disc steel bike can handle anything that you want it to do. Ride it almost anywhere, the steel frame and wide tires will absorb vibrations from any surface, keeping you comfortable for miles to come. Whether commuting or riding in heavily trafficked areas, we appreciate the internally placed hub that enables riders to shift while at a complete stop. This allows for more efficient riding as traffic and terrain ebbs and flows. If the weather changes during a ride, you can count on the D8i Alfine hydraulic disc brakes to stop on a dime.

Pros:

• Low-maintenance internal hub gearing
• An eccentric bottom bracket is perfectly sized to adjust the chain tension
• Hydraulic disc brakes provide stopping power in any weather

Cons:

• Fender stays are not adjustable and can easily rub the tires
• No color variations

Best Commuter Hybrid Bike: Diamondback Union 1 E-Bike

Key features:

• Price: $3,500
• Material: Aluminum
• Wheel size: 27.5 x 2.4 inches
• Weight: 51 pounds
• Gears: 10 total; external gears
• Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes
• Color options: Onyx matte

E-bikes are an excellent choice for bike commuters. They speed up your ride, and help you get to your destination less sweaty than you might be on a standard bike. The Union 1 e-bike will get you to your destination with way less sweat and effort than a typical bike. With a pedal-assist motor that can reach 28 miles per hour, you can make it across town or to the office effortlessly. This mid-priced bike includes standard equipment that is optional on higher end bikes. A neatly positioned onboard computer provides up-to-the-minute status on battery life, mileage and speed. An integrated kickstand and cargo rack provide convenience while running errands and toting stuff, while ample fenders keep your clothes and legs clean and dry, even in wet weather.

Pros:

• Pedal assist up to 28 miles per hour
• Estimated range of 35-55 miles for fully loaded commuting

Cons:

• Very heavy. Urbanites who live on the second floor or higher without an elevator will face a challenge

Best Hybrid Road Bike: Orbea Drop Vector Commuter Bike

Key features:

• Price: $2,124.15
• Material: Aluminum
• Wheel size: 700 x 38c
• Weight: 18.63 pounds
• Gears: 20 total; external gears
• Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes
• Color options: Black, green, red and blue

If you have a need for speed, then the Orbea Drop Vector Commuter Bike is the bike for you. This road-focused hybrid stands out with drop handlebars to make you more aerodynamic, internally routed cables to further reduce drag, and a carbon fork that damps surface vibrations and reduces the bike’s total weight to less than 20 pounds. Disc brakes help to ensure that slowing or stopping, even in wet or muddy conditions, won't be a challenge. The wheels include axle security nuts to provide peace of mind that your bike will remain intact wherever you may ride. And in case you end up on a wanderlust adventure, the dynamo-powered front and rear lights will help you see and be seen no matter where your riding takes you.

Pros:

• Weighs less than 20 pounds
• Dynamo-powered front and rear lights, not standard on similarly priced bikes
• Carbon form with wide clearance

Cons:

• Shimano Tiagra drivetrain adds weight, higher quality components are standard on similarly priced bikes

Most Comfortable Hybrid Bike: iZip Alki1 Upright Comfort Bike

Key features:

• Price: $462.99
• Material: Aluminum
• Wheel size: 700 X 42c
• Weight: 42 pounds
• Gears: 21 total; external gears
• Brakes: V-brake
• Color options: Blue, black and yellow

If you are in the market for comfort, the iZip Alki1 Upright Comfort Bike is an excellent choice. As the name suggests, the bike prioritizes a more upright positioning for improved comfort. A wide seat with suspension offers cushioning for your tush, and the cassette includes a super easy gear to make climbs less tough. Hybrid bikes like the iZip Alki1 can help alleviate back pain as you ride to build your fitness.

Named after a beach in Seattle, the iZip Alki1 is ready for riding through the city or on the boardwalk.

Pros:

• Rack and fender mounts allow you to customize the bike to your liking
• Quick release hubs make changing a tire a breeze
• Equipped with a 28/38/48 crankset, riders can tackle even the steepest hill with relative ease

Cons:

• Heavier than comparable options

Best Hybrid Bike Under $500: Batch Bicycles 700c Fitness Bike

Key features:

• Price: $299.99
• Material: Alloy frame
• Wheel size: 700c x 35mm
• Weight: 29.25 pounds
• Gears: Shimano Tourney 21-speed shifting system
• Brakes: Alloy linear pull rim brakes
• Color options: Matte pitch black

Just because you are sticking to a tight budget doesn’t mean you have to miss out on a hybrid bike. The 700c Fitness Bike from Batch Bicycles includes more high-end features you’d find on pricier models, but for under $500. Its alloy frame weighs just under 30 pounds, and is outfitted with Shimano rear derailleur and 21-speed drivetrain for changing gears on a whim.

Pros:

• Available for under $500
• Light alloy frame
• 700c wheels designed for comfortable riding

Cons:

• Not designed for very bumpy trails

What Is a Hybrid Bike?

Hybrid bikes are practical, multi-purpose bikes that prioritize rider comfort while boosting confidence. They are generally designed to handle a variety of riding surfaces, from smooth paved roads, to broken city asphalt, gravel paths and even some light trails. Whether you plan to ride for fitness, fun or transportation, there is a hybrid bike for most riders.

Why Should I Buy a Hybrid Bike?

Hybrid bikes allow a rider to sit relatively upright. This position allows for a good line of sight without having to twist around or take your eyes off the road. It also reduces stress on your neck, shoulders and back.

The design of most hybrid bikes position gear shifters and brake levers comfortably within reach. This enables riders to shift gears easily depending on where they are riding and when needed, the ability to stop on a dime.

Hybrid bikes can also handle a wide variety of surfaces—including road, trails and gravel— making them very versatile and confidence-inspiring.

In general, bike riding has been shown to improve fitness by reducing stress and improving strength while reducing carbon emissions associated with traditional transportation options.

What Types of Hybrid Bikes Are There?

Hybrid bikes are designed to be good for a wide range of riding styles; however, different models will have attributes that make them better suited to different applications.

Some hybrid bikes are road-oriented. These models boast relatively light weight and skinnier tires. They often have curved drop handlebars with road-centric gear shifters and brakes. These features allow riders to keep pace with other cyclists and quickly respond to changes in the terrain. Unlike traditional road bikes, hybrid bike tires allow riders to venture onto gravel or other bumpy surfaces with less risk of puncturing a tire or losing control.

Some hybrid bikes are more mountain bike-oriented. These bikes look and feel similar to traditional mountain bikes, with wider tires, flat handlebars and disc brakes. However, they generally do not have suspension, which means less maintenance, lower cost and lower weight. These hybrid bikes can be used as a commuting alternative and as a light trail bike to explore the less beaten path.

Regardless of your goals, there is a hybrid bike to compliment your life, fitness and commuting needs.

What to Look for in a Hybrid Bike

Intended use

While most hybrid bikes are good for a wide variety of uses, think about what terrain you’ll be covering, and what you prefer.

If you plan on riding mostly on trails (or if the roads where you live are strewn with potholes and debris), you may appreciate the stability and grip of a mountain-focused hybrid. If you only ride on smooth roads, look for a road-focused hybrid that’s quick and efficient.

The more upright configuration of a hybrid bike improves rider comfort but it can sacrifice efficiency and power over longer rides. If you plan to ride for longer distances over varying terrain, look for a lighter bike that has a more aerodynamic forward-leaning position.

Electric assistance

If you plan to commute, especially over longer distances, you may want to opt for an electric bike to make the trip easier. These bikes feature a battery-powered motor that kicks in while you are pedaling to give you a power boost. They can help you ride farther with less effort, arrive at work more quickly and less sweaty, tackle big climbs and hang with faster riders. They’re also excellent for people who may have physical disabilities or limitations and still want to ride a bike.

However, they do have some drawbacks. They’re significantly more expensive than other bikes, other than costing multiple thousands of dollars. They’re also much heavier, thanks to the battery and motor. That battery also needs to be charged occasionally, which some people may forget to do—and the added weight can make them tough to pedal when the battery dies.

Frame shape, material and weight

The two main hybrid bike frame shapes are standard and step-through.

A standard frame, also called a “diamond” frame, more or less looks like two triangles attached together. The top tube runs straight across or slightly slanted down, from the front of the bike near the handlebars to where it attaches to the seat tube. On a step-through frame, the top tube slopes downward toward the pedals.

A step-through frame, also called an open frame, allows riders to mount and dismount the bike more easily. On a step-through frame, riders can also stand over the bike with both feet flat on the ground. They’re an excellent choice for beginner cyclists, or for riders transitioning from stationary indoor bikes who need a little more comfort and confidence. Step-through frames can also be helpful for people with "short term limitations or limited range of motion [like hip mobility]," says emergency room physician and competitive cyclist Lauren Cantwell, M.D.

Standard frames are more maneuverable and more stable at higher speeds.

Hybrid bikes are usually made from aluminum or steel. Less likely, but not uncommon, some hybrid bikes are made of carbon fiber.

Steel is incredibly strong and provides a smooth ride, but weighs more than aluminum. Steel bikes may eventually rust if neglected through repeated exposure to water, condensation or other elements. In the event of a crash, depending on the severity, a steel bike frame can usually withstand more pressure before failing. Steel bikes are sought after because of their smooth ride, and because the frame can sometimes be repaired in the event of a crash or other mishap.

Aluminum bikes are approximately 30 percent lighter than steel versions. However, they may have a harsher ride than steel bikes.

Carbon fiber bikes are even lighter than aluminum. The entire frame or only the fork—the front portion of the bike that holds the front wheel—may be carbon. Carbon fiber bikes are more expensive; however, the material is sought after by cyclists for its ability to absorb vibration. Carbon fiber is very stiff. When used for bikes, the stiffness allows riders to push more power with each pedal stroke. This allows riders to efficiently ride faster.

Brakes

Hybrid bikes are equipped with either rim brakes or disc brakes. As the name suggests, rim brakes consist of braking pads that grip the wheel rim to slow the bike. Disc brakes grab onto a metal disc-shaped brake rotor, which is mounted to the center of the wheel. When the rotor is engaged, the bike slows and eventually stops.

Rim brakes have been used for decades; they are relatively inexpensive, effective and easy to replace. However, they are less effective in wet conditions.

Disc brakes work well in any weather conditions. However, since the brake pads are harder to access, it is more challenging to determine wear and replacement is also slightly more difficult.

Wheel size and tires

Most hybrid bikes come equipped with 700c wheels. Occasionally, hybrid bikes are fitted with 27.5-inch, 650b or 26-inch wheels. These are all smaller than 700c wheels. Regardless of the size of the wheel, the tires you choose to ride determine the smoothness of your ride.

Where you plan to ride will determine the type of tire most suitable for your ride. If riding through the city, tires with a smoother tread will give less resistance, allowing you to ride more efficiently while providing good traction and prioritizing speed. For riders who may commute in wetter conditions, tires with a tread that helps to move water out of the way may be more appropriate. If you plan to venture out of the city onto light trails, tires with external tread provide more traction to grip uneven paths and surfaces.

Gears

Hybrid bikes come with a wide variety of gears—some have only one, while others can have as many as 30 or more. If you live somewhere where there are lots of hills, you’ll need more gearing options than someone who rides where it’s completely flat.

In addition to the number of gears you may need, you will need to determine if you prefer a bike with internal or external gears. Hybrid bikes with internally geared drivetrains tend to require less maintenance. However, they tend to be heavier and have fewer gearing options than a bike with an external drive train.

Features and accessories

Depending on the manufacturer, some hybrid bikes feature bike cargo racks, mounts and fenders.

A cargo rack is essential if you use your bike to carry groceries, a laptop or other gear. Cargo racks can be mounted over the rear or front wheel. In the absence of a cargo rack, the bike may be equipped with mounts that allow you to install a pannier rack. Bags attach to the pannier rack to allow riders to carry significantly more luggage.

Related Post: The Best Bike Racks for Every Type of Car, SUV and Truck

Fenders are helpful, especially in wet and muddy conditions, to keep your clothes clean and dry. Fenders may be standard on some bikes, but in many cases, fenders are considered an accessory and a separate cost.

Cost

Hybrid bikes are available at many price points. Some hybrids cost a few hundred while others cost several thousand dollars. The bike's price depends on the material and quality of the frame and components, such as brakes, gears, shifters and other parts. Like a car, costs can increase quickly when standard items are traded for higher quality options.

FAQs

Which is better, a road bike or hybrid bike?

The better bike is the bike that best suits your needs. A road bike may be faster and lighter, but if you need to carry groceries and a laptop, a road bike will not have the necessary features to allow you to ride comfortably.

What size hybrid bike do I need for my height?

Each hybrid bike manufacturer provides sizing guides. These guidelines are often based on a rider's height and inseam. If you need additional guidance, you can visit a local bike shop.

Can a hybrid bike be as fast as a road bike?

The speed of the bike depends more on the rider and less on the bike. A fitter rider can ride fast, even on a heavier bike.

Is a hybrid bike good for weight loss?

Many variables contribute to weight loss. Riding a hybrid bike is a low-impact form of exercise that can help to improve fitness and contribute to weight loss.

Is a hybrid bike good for beginners?

Definitely. Hybrid bikes are beginner-friendly because they allow riders to sit more upright and see where they are going. The flat handlebars and wider tires help to provide stability and boost rider confidence.

How many gears is best for a hybrid bike?

The best gears for a hybrid bike depend on where you plan to ride the bike. If you plan to ride off-road and on hillier terrain, you will need a bike with more gears. If you routinely ride on flatter terrain, you may be able to opt for a lighter, possibly lower cost bike, with fewer gears.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.