Comfort Bikes: Reviews

If you want a comfort bike with all the bells and whistles, reviews point to the new Breezer Uptown Infinity. The aluminum-framed Uptown Infinity comes decked out with all the essential commuting accessories, including a… expandheadlight and taillight, rear rack, fenders, a bell, a ring lock and a full chain guard. Reviewers rave about the simplicity and versatility of the NuVinci N360 internal hub, which offers a nearly infinite number of gears. It's an unusual feature that you can't find on many comfort bikes. The Breezer Uptown Infinity is relaxed and comfortable, and testers say the bike is perfect for leisurely commutes or riding around town. However, the 35-pound bike is no speed demon, so reviewers say that a hybrid bike may be a better choice for those with long commutes. Although the hefty price tag is often cited as a downside, reviewers agree that the Breezer Uptown Infinity is worth the investment. collapse

Reviewers say the Trek Belleville is a good value, providing a host of features for less than competing comfort bikes. The three-speed steel frame is outfitted with a chain guard, fenders, front and rear racks, and… expanddynamo-powered lights. As with most comfort bikes, the Trek Belleville has a comfortable upright riding position, and testers say the bike handles well -- even when the front and rear racks are fully loaded. The racks themselves are sturdy and capable of hauling a good amount of cargo. Overall, reviewers recommend the Belleville for errands or short commutes. Because the Belleville only has three gears, it is not the best choice for hilly areas. In addition, the steel frame is heavy, and the caliper brakes perform poorly in wet conditions. collapse

Single-speed comfort bikes are lighter and easier to maintain than multispeed bikes, although they are usually limited to short, flat commutes. Even so, reviewers say the Globe Daily 1 cruiser bike is perfect for rides… expandaround town or running errands. The upright geometry gives riders a good view in traffic, and experts say they appreciate the many commuting accessories, including fenders, a front basket and chain guard. The aluminum frame is relatively lightweight compared to steel-framed comfort bikes. The single gear is fine for flat roads, but those who live in hilly areas may want to consider a comfort bike with multiple gears. We also saw one report that the bike could benefit from wider tires to better absorb bumps and road vibration. collapse

Hybrid bikes are a compromise between the thinner tires and speed of a road bike and the comfort and flat handlebars of a mountain bike. In this category, reviewers say the Fuji Absolute 3.0 strikes the perfect balance… expandbetween value and performance. In addition to a sleek and expensive-looking design, experts say the Fuji hybrid bike has a sporty seating position that lends itself to fast rides. A range of 24 gears provides ample coverage for hilly commutes, and testers say the bike shifts smoothly and quietly. Like most hybrid bikes, the Fuji Absolute 3.0 doesn't include commuting accessories like fenders or cargo racks, but the frame includes mounts so you can add your own. Reviewers have few complaints, although one expert says the bike can feel slightly jittery on rough roads. collapse

The Specialized Sirrus doesn't perform quite as well as the Fuji Absolute 3.0 in recent tests, but reviewers say it is a solid pick for those on a budget. Experts recommend it for lengthy commutes, as the bike is fast… expandenough to cover long distances but is able to maintain more of a relaxed positioning than some of its competitors. The Specialized Sirrus handles very well, and the bike has admirable climbing performance thanks to a triple crankset. Shifting isn't quite as smooth as the Fuji comfort bike, and like most hybrid bikes, the Specialized Sirrus doesn't come with many commuting accessories, so you'll have to add your own. collapse