Comfort Bikes: Reviews

It may not be the flashiest bike on the block, but the 23-pound Trek Soho S gets high marks for speedy performance and light weight. It's a single-speed bike, so it's a good option if you live in a flat area, but it… doesn't have gearing options for hills. Reviewers say the Trek Soho S is fun to ride, and they appreciate the lightweight frame and low-key ghosted graphics. Some owners say the pedals could use an upgrade, however. The Trek Soho S is less expensive than many comparable single-speed commuting bikes, but you will have to shell out for your own accessories. There are no fenders, racks or lights, but you will get a chain guard and puncture-resistant tires.

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For commuters who don't have a lot to spend, the Kona AfricaBike gives you a comfortable and affordable ride to work. Reviewers say it boasts an impressive array of accessories for the price. The accessories add weight,… however. This bike weighs about 41 pounds, compared to 23 pounds for the more stripped-down Trek Soho S. However, the Kona bike has far more commuter-friendly features, including a step-through steel frame, a basket, chain cover, lock, kickstand, fenders and a bell. Experts say the AfricaBike best suited for short commutes over flat terrain, and it only comes in one frame size. Still, you'll do something for charity at the same time -- for every two AfricaBikes sold, one is donated to the Bike Town project, which donates bicycles to healthcare workers in Africa.

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Commuter bikes with multiple speeds help you power up hills, but they are also heavier and more expensive than single-speed bikes. The 29-pound Felt Cafe Deluxe 8 weighs 6 pounds more than the single-speed Trek Soho S,… but it also has a lot more features and accessories. The Felt Cafe Deluxe 8 is available in designs for men and women, and includes a bell, cup holder, rear carrier, kickstand, fenders and a clip-on saddle bag. The Felt Cafe Deluxe 8 is more relaxed than many other commuter bikes, but reviewers say it offers precise steering and good braking power.

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The Jamis Commuter 1 is one of the most affordable commuter bikes available; it weighs about the same as the Felt Café Deluxe 8, but you'll have to add your own commuter-friendly accessories if you want fenders, a bell, a… cup holder, a rear rack or a kickstand. Reviewers say this bike, with its comfy saddle, suspension seatpost and swept-back handlebars, is great for new commuters. The Jamis Commuter 1 comes in a standard model and a design for women. Although this bike may not be fully loaded, reviews indicate that it's a good deal for the money.

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It's certainly not cheap, but the 29-pound Breezer Finesse is a top-of-the-line commuter bike. It is outfitted with high-quality Shimano Alfine components and a host of accessories, including hub-powered tail- and… headlights, fenders and a rear rack. Reviewers say this bike is also fast -- an advantage on long commutes. Eight-speed shifters give it multiple gears for hills. Bicycling and Women's Adventure magazines give the Breezer Finesse high marks, although there are a few who say the chain guard is "minimalist." Overall, the Breezer Finesse seems to be a good commuting option, if you can afford it.

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Cargo bikes are made for hauling gear. Most have a longtail design that accommodates a large rear rack or platform, to which you can attach storage baskets or panniers. Reviewers say the Kona Ute gives you a lot of bang… for your buck, saving you hundreds of dollars over other popular cargo bikes. The Kona Ute is an aluminum-framed longtail bike with a rear wooden platform, long pannier and center-mount kickstand. Reviewers say it's a solid and comfortable cargo bike. The Kona Ute can be a little slow to accelerate because of its large size and 44-pound weight, but testers say it cruises and handles well once it gets going, and it has multiple gears for hills. Although you'll save some money with the Kona Ute, reviewers say it's only designed for moderate cargo loads. If you haul serious cargo on a regular basis, the Surly Big Dummy may be a better choice.

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