Expert consulted: “Hybrid” bikes straddle the line between mountain and road bikes. Traditionally, they bring together the flat, wide handle bars of a mountain bike with the skinnier tires you’d find on something made for pavement. This combo creates a quick bike that’s easy to handle and maneuver when in traffic or on a local multi-use trail. However, wide tires also feel great when bouncing over rough city roads. We love them for the softer ride and more versatility, even if they don't feel quite as zippy as their narrower counterparts. Included in this list are a few bikes with tires that are wider than what is traditionally found on this type of bike.
Hybrids are great for casual riders and commuters, since they’re fairly stable and designed with an upright riding position. Throw in some features like mounts for fenders and racks, and you have an easy-going bike that’s perfect for getting you places and running errands, then taking the long way home.
The Best Hybrid Bikes
- Best Overall: Cannondale Quick 3
- Best Value: Co-Op CTY
- Best All-Arounder: State 4130 All-Road Flat-Bar
- Best Step-Through: Liv Alight Disc
- Best Electric Hybrid on Sale Now: Trek Dual Sport+ Stagger
How We Selected The Best Hybrid Bikes
Bicycling’s recommendations come from the deep experience of our expert test team, including Deputy Editor Tara Seplavy, Senior Test Editor Matt Phillips, Test Editor Dan Chabanov, and Senior Reviews Editor Bobby Lea. Collectively, they bring over 60 years of ride-testing experience to every recommendation.
For this guide, many selections were based on the team’s extensive hands-on testing, as well as Tara Seplavy’s deep knowledge of hybrid bikes. In addition to riding many of these models herself, she also spoke with seasoned commuters and messengers at two of her favorite New York City bike shops—Bicycle Roots in Brooklyn and Specialized Long Island City in Queens—tapping into real-world insights from everyday riders.
Contributor Caitlin Giddings, who has tested bikes for Bicycling for over a decade and commuted by bike for more than 20 years, also brought valuable perspective. She’s ridden nearly 100 different models designed for fitness, commuting, and recreation.
We’ve been asked for hybrid bike recommendations more times than we can count—and for good reason. These bikes are versatile, approachable, and ideal for fitness, fun, and daily transportation. They’re also the kind of bikes our non-cyclist friends are most curious about.
To build this list, we drew on years of real-world testing—riding city streets, bike paths, and longer hauls—and factored in feedback from shop mechanics, messengers, and everyday riders. We evaluated each bike based on performance, component quality, value, and how well it suits its intended purpose (plus how it handles some not-so-intended ones). These are the best hybrid bikes you can buy right now.
Our Hybrid Bike Reviews
Pros
- In store bike assembly through REI
- One year of free adjustments included
- Beefy 40mm wide tires
Cons
- Heavier than other options
Key Specs
| Frame | 6061 aluminum |
|---|---|
| Fork | Aluminum |
| Weight | 30 lb, 4 oz |
| Components | Shimano Tourney (front), Altus (rear), Tektro mechanical disc brakes |
| Gearing | 3x8-speed, 12-32 |
| Other features | Gel grips, memory foam saddle; fender and rack mounts |
Keeping in line with REI’s inclusive ideology and the simple goal of getting more people outdoors and (in this case) on bikes, Co-op Cycle’s CTY bike is a capable and affordable hybrid bike that will suit a varied range of riders, especially beginners.
The CTY has wide, flat-resistant, wire-bead 40mm tires with reflective sidewalls so you can easily roll over potholes, dirt, gravel, random road debris and the occasional curb. Its Tektro mechanical disc brakes ensure that you can slow your roll when needed. The Shimano 3x8-speed drivetrain provides 24 gears, enough to get you most anywhere you want to go.
The CTY has an upright riding position (as opposed to the more competitive bent-over posture encouraged by road bikes.) A comfortable memory foam saddle and gel handlebar grips help you complete your commute and/or errands without introducing any soreness or aches into the equation.
Pros
- Smooth ride
- Clean, sporty aesthetic
- Hydraulic disc brakes and a carbon fork
Cons
- Cannot mount a front rack
Key Specs
| Frame | Alloy |
|---|---|
| Fork | Carbon |
| Weight | 25.4 lb. |
| Components | Shimano Acera (front derailleur), Altus (rear derailleur), Tektro hydro disc brakes |
| Gearing | 2x9-speed, 11-34, 48/32 |
| Other features | 700c x 35mm Schwalbe Spicer tires |
If you’re still holding onto the belief that hybrids are sluggish and heavy, the Cannondale Quick will disabuse you of that notion right away. This lightweight bike is a favorite for its fast feel and smooth ride, as well as a comfortable upright riding position that makes it an easy choice for recommending to new riders who may be a bit hesitant about incorporating regular cycling into their routine.
It features reflective accents to boost your visibility, mounts for racks so you can carry stuff (except on the front, as the carbon fork precludes rack mounting), and fenders to keep road spray out of your eyes and off your backside during commutes in questionable weather.
The 2x9-speed drivetrain comes courtesy of Shimano, with a decent range for tackling the hills on your commute. Tektro hydraulic disc brakes give you confident stopping power, while the 35mm Schwalbe tires barrel over urban debris.
If you’re looking to spend a little less, we also like the Quick Disc 4, which features a steel fork, microSHIFT Advent groupset, and 1x9 gearing. It rides similarly well and costs a bit less, though we ultimately prefer the Quick Disc 3 for its carbon fork and higher gearing, which bring more speed on downhills and flats.
Pros
- 50mm tires are great for rough roads
- Very light, for an e-bike
- Hidden battery
- Optional range extender
Cons
- Doesn't come with fenders or racks
Key Specs
| Frame | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Fork | Aluminum |
| Weight | 38 lb. |
| Components | Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano Altus drivetrain |
| Gearing | 1 x 9-speed, 42t chainring, 11-13 cassette |
| Other features | 50mm tires |
Trek's excellent Dual Sport+ 2 Stagger is on sale now and is a steal at $1,500. Weighing a scant 38 pounds, it boasts a sleek integrated battery and an optional range extender—though with a range of up to 35 miles you're unlikely to need more. This lightweight city bike is a rare find at this price. While hub drive motors aren't as smooth or powerful as their mid-drive counterparts, the Dual Sport+ 2 Stagger excels in other areas: 650b wheels and 50c tires make for a comfortable ride over rough city roads and hydraulic disc brakes provide ample stopping power. Integrated lights are a convenient feature for any hybrid bike, and the bike has mounts for front and rear racks and fenders. However, you will have to buy racks and fenders separately, if you want them. You can purchase the bike online and have it shipped directly to your home, or opt to have it ship to your local Trek dealer for assembly.
If everything about this bike sounds great except the pedal-assist motor and subsequent high price, at $700 the Dual Sport 1 Gen 5 is right up your alley. It boasts the same frame and fork, and huge tires, and the non-electric version has a 2 x 8-speed drivetrain instead of the 1 x 9-speed drivetrain found on the Dual Sport+ 2 Stagger.
Pros
- An additional complete wheel set available for $389
- Durable steel frame
- Tubeless capable
Cons
- State branded drivetrain and brakes are competent but not quite as reliable as more high brands (Shimano, SRAM)
Key Specs
| Frame | Steel |
|---|---|
| Fork | Steel |
| Weight | 28 lb |
| Components | State Bicycles All-Road 1, rear derailleur Version 2.0, State Bicycles hydraulic disc brakes |
| Gearing | 1x11-speed, 11-42 |
| Other Features | Tubeless compatible wheels, option to order both 700c and 650b sets |
State Bicycle’s All-road flat-bar stands out for its versatility, strong steel frame, and plethora of customizable options that allows you to set it up exactly like you want. Steel bikes have their own dedicated following: Fans love their springy feel. They’re also durable and reliable, which is an important quality in a bike you use to get around every day.
We love how much room there is to tinker with this bike. State offers two extra wheel sets–a 700c with slick 38mm road tires and a 650b with knobby 2.1 inch (53mm) off road tires. These sets, which cost an additional $390 apiece, come with tires, tubes, brake rotors and cassettes for easy switching. You may also want to upgrade to a SRAM drivetrain for an additional $1,000, and hydraulic brakes for another $100 for added reliability, power and smoothness (especially when it comes to changing gears).
The State 4130 is a bike you’ll be able to ride for years. We might even go so far as to say for the foreseeable future. You’ll need to replace the components as the years go by–time comes for us all, even our bike parts–but that steel frame will persist.
Pros
- Great value
- Magura hydraulic disc brakes
- Adjustable stem
Cons
- Charging port can be tough to access
Key Specs
| Frame | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Fork | 80mm suspension |
| Weight | 67.5 lb. |
| Components | Magura hydraulic dics brakes, Shimano Altus drivetrain |
| Gearing | 1 x 8-speed, 48t chainring, 12-32 cassette |
| Other features | GPS tracking and geofencing via companion app |
Until now, the Aventon Level 2 was Bicycling’s Best Overall e-bike. It reigned for two-and-a-half years, and judging by the number of Levels we see on the roads, bike paths, and rail trails, many riders are fans of Aventon’s highly functional and sharply priced commuter e-bike, too.
However, a new bike now claims the Best Overall Electric Bike title—Aventon’s Level 3.
Aventon’s updates to the Level focus largely on comfort, aesthetics, and usability. Some changes are quite visible while others, like the electronic wheel lock, are almost entirely hidden. The third-gen Level receives two notable rider comfort updates compared to the Level 2. One is a suspension seatpost to smooth the ride and add some cush’ for the tush. The other is an adjustable-rise stem with up to 90 degrees of angle adjustment. Aventon’s most significant update is one that many riders may gloss over when shopping for an e-bike but some users might find it quite useful. Introduced last year on the brand’s Abound SR cargo bike, the Level 3’s new ACU (Aventon Control Unit) adds several smart features to the already well-equipped platform. The wheel lock and motion sensor alarm are passive theft deterrents when you stop for a mid-ride coffee or run into the post office. A 4G chip in the ACU provides GPS tracking from Aventon’s mobile app so you can find your bike if you forget where you locked it. 4G connectivity also allows you to set geofence restrictions on your Level 3 for teens or housemates.
Even without the connectivity features, the Level 3’s frame, comfort upgrades, and improved brakes make it surpass the Level 2 with ease as our Best Overall E-bike. The tracking, custom power settings, lock, geofencing, and alarm add to the bike’s usability in daily life without added cost.
None of this, however, diminishes the quality of the Level 2. If you don’t need the connectivity features and are looking for a great deal on a solid e-bike, the Level 2 is now on sale for $300 less than the Level 3.
READ FULL AVENTON LEVEL 3 REVIEW LEVEL 3 STEP-OVER READ AVENTON LEVEL 2 REVIEW
Pros
- Step through design makes hopping on and off easy
- Equipped with fenders, rack and kickstand
- Lots of reflective details to make sure you’re seen
Cons
- Not a ‘fast’ bike
Key Specs
| Frame | ALUXX-grade aluminum |
|---|---|
| Fork | Steel/alloy |
| Weight | 25 lb |
| Components | Shimano Tourney (front), Altus (back), Tektro mechanical disc brakes |
| Gearing | 3x7-speed, 28/38/48, 14-34 |
| Other features | Liv Sport Comfort saddle, Giant puncture protect tires |
Whenever Vanessa leaves her regular bike overnight at her local shop, her mechanic gives her this bike as a loaner. The flat handlebars and upright riding position make it a comfortable and stable bike without compromising speed. It isn’t a ‘fast’ bike by any means, but it’s far more nimble than what you’d expect by just looking at it.
Throw in the included fenders, rear rack, and kickstand, and the Alight emerges as a rather perfect errand bike. The fenders keep road muck from your person, the rack provides a place to hook on a set of panniers, and the kickstand saves you from scouring for a leaning spot when you stop for a much-needed (and deserved) pick-me-up coffee.
Pros
- Dynamo hub to power included lights
- Internal gear rear hub means low maintenance
- Kickstand, rack and fenders included
Cons
- Handlebars and weight make cycling up hills challenging
Key Specs
| Frame | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Fork | Aluminum |
| Weight | 32.59 lb |
| Components | Shimano 3.0 watt dynamo hub (front), Alfine internal hub (rear), Shimano hydraulic disc brakes |
| Gearing | 1x8-speed internal geared hub, 22t |
| Other features | Kickstand, fenders, taillight and headlight |
The Trek District 4 Equipped Stagger is built for any kind of weather. It features a front dynamo hub that provides power to your rear and front lights, and an internally geared rear hub with a Gates CDX belt, rather than a chain. The dynamo hub powers your lights, so you’ll never have to worry about remembering to charge them. The geared hub and belt cuts down on chain and derailleur maintenance, so you don’t need to make adjustments after riding through bad weather.
Belts tend to be quieter than chains, so while this adds a level of stealth, make sure to add a bell and alert others when you pass them, which you’ll need to use often as the Stagger doesn’t cramp your speed. Or style.
The powerful hydraulic disc brakes provide great stopping power, and the 700x40mm Bontrager wire bead tires with reflective strips keep you moving no matter what obstacles get thrown in your way. The Stagger includes a kickstand, fenders and rack for a quick and easy commute, or getting a workout in while you get things done.
Pros
- Cool Light Pipe Lefty fork provides exceptional handling
- Integrated head and tail lights
- Internal geared hub means less maintenance
Cons
- Stylish design might attract the wrong kind of attention (bike thieves!)
Key Specs
| Frame | Alloy |
|---|---|
| Fork | Lefty LightPipe rigid with LED light strip |
| Weight | 26 lb, 12.8 oz |
| Components | Shimano Alfine internal gear hub (rear), Shimano MT400 hydraulic disc brakes |
| Gearing | 1x8-speed internal gear, 22t |
| Other features | Gates belt drive, integrated tail light |
The Cannondale Bad Boy represents some of the latest innovations in bike design, making it a very capable way to get around, no matter where you decide to take it. It’s also just plain fun to ride, dodging and cornering more sharply than other bikes allow when a wayward obstacle ends up in your path.
This is because of perhaps the most significant flourish of its design and legendary urban style; the LightPipe Lefty fork. Unlike most every other fork on the market, the Lefty features a single pipe on–you guessed it–the left side that connects to the front wheel hub. The entire suspension is squeezed into a package that’s effectively half the size (and half the weight) of the standard component. The Lefty (also referred to as an “upside-down fork”) is thicker and stiffer at the headtube where you need the leverage, so it performs exceptionally well when braking and cornering.
The Bad Boy 1 also has a bevy of cool quality-of-life features, including an integrated LED light strip on the fork, an integrated tail light on the seat post, internal geared hub and belt drive for minimal maintenance, and top tube bumpers that protect your frame from scratches and nicks when leaning and locking.
Pros
- Internal wiring
- Lightweight for an e-bike
- Doesn’t look like an e-bike
Cons
- Integrated battery means you can’t bring it on an airplane
Key Specs
| Frame | Aluminum alloy |
|---|---|
| Fork | Aluminum alloy |
| Weight | 36 lb |
| Components | Shimano M315-8 (front), Shimano M310-8 (rear), Tektro hydraulic disc brakes |
| Gearing | 1x8-speed, 11-32 |
| Other features | 350-watt (600 peak watt) motor, 39-volt, 70-mile range, integrated tail and headlights |
Powered by Velotric’s new, smart drive system motor, stealthy internal wiring and an integrated battery, the T1 is an electric bike that doesn’t look or feel like an electric bike. Weighing just 36 pounds, you can easily hoist it onto your shoulders and carry it up or down stairs when needed, which is not something you can do with most other e-bikes.
A Class 1 e-bike, the T1 features 5 levels of pedal-assist power. On pedal-assist bikes, the power only kicks in when you’re pedaling. This also means you can take your T1 out on most trails and multi-use paths where Class 2 e-bikes are prohibited.
“With its mix of styling, power, and passive security features, Velotric’s T1 is great for city and around town use, notes Bicycling Test Editor Tara Seplavy. “It has a fingerprint lock to keep someone from turning on the bike when you’re not around and a ‘Find My Bike’ feature in the Velotric app in case you forget where you locked it up. A torque sensor helps provide a smooth ride feel and the motor has plenty of zip, especially in the higher power settings.”
Speaking of power, Velotric designed some of the smallest and lightest electronic components we’ve encountered on an e-bike and housed them all inside the frame, which is part of what gives the T1 its stylish, sleek look. And, the integrated headlight comes on when the sun goes down - just like the street lights do, so you never have to worry if you remembered to charge your lights or not.
As required by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and local laws in some cities, the Discover 1 is UL certified for safety within the Standards for Electrical Systems, so it has been tested and engineered to eliminate accidental battery fires.
Q+A With Our Experts
As Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy leads Bicycling’s product test team; after having previously led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run World Championship winning mountain bike teams, wrenched at renowned bicycle shops in Brooklyn, raced everything from criteriums to downhill, and ridden bikes on six different continents (landing herself in hospital emergency rooms in four countries and counting). Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, Tara spends tons of time on the road and trail testing products. A familiar face at cyclocross races, crits, and bike parks in the Mid Atlantic and New England, on weekends she can often be found racing for the New York City-based CRCA/KruisCX team. When not riding a bike, or talking about them, Tara listens to a lot of ska, punk, and emo music, and consumes too much social media.
