Best Comfort Bikes

Best commuter bikes for short, flat commutes

Single-speed commuter bikes are becoming increasingly popular, largely because they are less expensive and easier to maintain than multispeed bikes. However, experts say these commuter bikes are typically limited to flat terrain, unless you enjoy a challenge going uphill. More expensive comfort bikes typically include more accessories for commuting, such as racks or baskets, and typically have higher-quality components. They can also be lighter in weight than budget bikes, important if you need to carry the bike up stairs or lift it onto a garage storage rack.

Among single-speed commuter bikes, the Trek Soho S (MSRP: $600) gets good reviews from a number of sources. The Trek Soho S comes in four sizes and has an aluminum frame with low-key ghosted graphics. It has a chain guard and puncture-resistant tires, but you'll have to add your own fenders, racks and lights. The Trek Soho S comfort bike scores a mention in Bicycling's annual buyer's guide, where Christine Mattheis calls it "fast and fun to ride." In addition, Carl Winfield at MainStreet.com calls the Trek Soho S one of the "best bikes for your budget." It earns above-average ratings in owner reviews compiled by Buzzillions.com, although the majority of reviews come from the Trek website. Most owners say this is a great commuting bike, and they appreciate the stylish design and lightweight frame. However, some say the Trek bike's pedals could use an upgrade, and they question the quality of some of the components.

Bike bloggers also praise the Trek Soho S, although they agree that the pedals are not the best. RL Policar at BikeCommuters.com says the Trek Soho S is speedy and comfortable, and Karen at EcoVelo.com says the Trek Soho S is her go-to commuter because of its light weight.

Many single-speed comfort bicycles have drop handlebars for a road-bike feel, including the Raleigh One Way (MSRP: $770). The steel-framed Raleigh One Way boasts convenient commuting accessories like full fenders, reflectors, a bell and a water bottle mount. The Raleigh One Way is highlighted in Bicycling's buyer's guide, where it's deemed a "comfortable commuter" in addition to being "pretty and practical." The Raleigh One Way comfort bike has been around for a few years, and most reviews are of the 2007 or 2008 versions of this comfort bicycle. CommutebyBike.com calls the Raleigh One Way the "perfect all-weather commuter bike," although they're not big fans of the plastic pedals.

The aluminum-framed Specialized Langster (MSRP: $830) is also built for speed, with drop handlebars and minimal accessories (so it's lighter in weight). The Specialized comfort bike gets great reviews for speedy acceleration and precise handling on city streets, and it may be a good choice for riders who are comfortable with road bikes. But is it a good commuter for the average rider? Storage space is limited, and it lacks commuting accessories like fenders or a kickstand. BikeRadar.com says that the Specialized Langster will make your commute a lot more fun, but "it's too sexy and will attract thieves like flies to dung." Specialized also offers five city-specific designs MSRP: $880, including Las Vegas and Seattle, which are slightly more expensive but get high marks for style. The single-speed Specialized Globe San Francisco 1 (MSRP: $550) is another alternative for commuters. Bicycling magazine likes this inexpensive option, praising the stable handling and disc brakes for better braking in wet weather.

Best multispeed commuter bikes for hilly commutes

Although single-speed commuter bikes have their place, experts say that multigear commuter bikes can be a better choice for long or hilly commutes. You'll appreciate the multiple gearing options on tough climbs, but your comfort bike may require more adjustments and maintenance over the years.

Not only does the Felt Cafe Deluxe 8 (MSRP: $650) have multiple speeds for hills, it is also significantly cheaper than other well-reviewed commuter bikes in this category. The standard model has three frame sizes in black walnut or forest green, and the women's step-through design is available in two sizes in forest green or a bright, snazzy tangerine. The aluminum frame of this comfort bike is outfitted with puncture-resistant tires and a host of accessories, including a bell, handlebar cup-holder, rear carrier, clip-on saddle bag, kickstand and fenders. Bicycling magazine calls this comfort bicycle the "love child of a beach cruiser and road bike," saying it offers a comfortable ride with precise steering and good braking power. Justin Thomas, the editor of MetaEfficient.com, calls it one of the best commuter bikes of 2009. In addition, Women's Health magazine says the Felt Cafe Deluxe 8 has "firepower" and recommends it for around-town commuters.

The Bianchi Valle (MSRP: $1,050) also gets good reviews in this category, although it's pricey considering it doesn't include a rack, chain guard or kickstand. Still, it has a wide range of gearing options that reviewers say make the Bianchi Valle a good choice for hills. The steel frame is decked out with fenders and a headlight, and it comes in six sizes with a light gray finish for 2009. Ethan Gilsdorf at The Boston Globe recommends the Bianchi comfort bike for longer rides, and Bicycling calls it a "classic in the making."

If you want a comfort bicycle with all the bells and whistles, the Breezer Uptown 8 (MSRP: $1,160) fits the bill. This commuter bike has a lightweight aluminum frame with an eight-speed internal gear hub, and it's decked out with hub-powered headlights and tail lights, fenders, a chain guard, a rear rack and a bell. There are two frame designs -- a diamond frame that comes in four sizes and a step-through frame in three sizes. The Breezer Uptown 8 receives the 2009 Editor's Choice award in the commuting category from Bicycling magazine. They say the Breezer Uptown 8 is well worth the cost, thanks to its comfortable, suspension-smoothed ride. The Breezer Uptown 8 doesn't attract too many owner-written reviews, but the ones available are almost uniformly enthusiastic. In a few reviews compiled by Buzzillions, owners rave that the Breezer Uptown 8 is the "best bike I have owned" and "you will not be disappointed."

For a commuter bike loaded with features, reviews also point to the Raleigh Detour Deluxe (MSRP: $770). This lighter aluminum comfort bike has eight-speed Shimano trigger shifters and mechanical disc brakes -- plus all the fun accessories like tail lights and headlights, a rear rack, full fenders, reflectors and water bottle mounts. Women's Adventure magazine calls the Raleigh Detour Deluxe an "excellent commuter bike," but they think the lack of a kickstand is kind of a bummer on an otherwise loaded comfort bike. BikeRadar.com reviews the 2008 model and calls it a "well-designed commuter," but they are also puzzled by the absence of a kickstand; their tester also has numerous problems with flat tires. Overall, they say it's a solid option, and the disc brakes and shifters get especially high marks. MetaEfficient.com also picks the Raleigh Detour Deluxe as one of the best commuter bikes of 2009.

The Novara Fusion (MSRP: $900), part of the REI brand of bikes, was a runner-up for Bicycling's Editor's Choice award in the commuter category. Bicycling says the Novara Fusion comfort bike is a great value, and their testers call it stylish and solid. Like many other commuter bikes, the Novara Fusion also comes in a women's step-through design. Both models come fully loaded with headlights and tail lights, a rear rack, bell, kickstand and fenders.

If price is no issue, reviewers say the Breezer Finesse (MSRP: $2,000) is the top of the line. The aluminum frame is matched with Shimano Alfine disc brakes and eight-speed shifters, plus accessories like a 14-inch rear rack, headlights and tail lights, fenders, kickstand and a bell. Overall, reviewers are mightily impressed with the Breezer Finesse comfort bicycle, though they acknowledge that it's not cheap. Women's Adventure magazine labels it a "got it all" commuter bike, and Bicycling gives it a Hot Tech designation in their annual buyer's guide. Both reviewers say the Breezer Finesse is lightweight and fast, and can tackle nearly any road conditions you may encounter on your daily commute. There's also a consensus that the headlight is seriously bright, and Women's Adventure says that it can stay lit while stopped for approximately three minutes. Alan at EcoVelo.info also tests the bike and praises the precise Alfine shifting and top-notch lighting systems. Although reviews are generally positive about the Breezer Finesse, there are a few downsides to note. Bicycling describes the chain guard as "minimalist," and EcoVelo notes that the rear rack doesn't accommodate standard panniers. Still, reviewers say the Breezer Finesse is a great commuter bike, especially for long hauls.