Budget Comfort Bikes

Comfort and cruiser bikes on a budget

In general, comfort bicycles cost less than entry-level road bikes and mountain bikes. Even so, experts say you should be prepared to spend at least $400 for a quality budget comfort bike. The top-rated comfort bikes usually cost close to $1,000 or above, but you can still get a good bike for commuting without shelling out that kind of cash. You'll just have to make a few concessions. Budget commuter bikes typically have fewer accessories, like fenders and racks, than pricier bicycles. You can also find disc brakes on more expensive bikes, which are more powerful than the linear-pull brakes found on most budget bikes.

If you want a city bike with all the bells and whistles -- but don't want to spend upward of $1,000 -- reviews point to the Trek Belleville (MSRP: $690). It costs a little more than other budget comfort bikes, but the Belleville comes stocked with a chain guard, fenders, front and rear racks and dynamo-powered lights. The chromoly steel frame (available in five sizes) is outfitted with a Shimano Nexus three-speed rear hub, Bontrager H2 tires and Tektro caliper brakes. As with most Trek comfort bikes, the Belleville comes with a lifetime frame warranty.

Reviewers praise the comfortable upright riding position, and testers say the bike handles well even when the racks are fully loaded. "The robust frame and well-tuned geometry grant a stable, controlled ride even loaded down with rear panniers and cargo on the front rack," says Matt Phillips at Bicycling magazine. Although you can find cheaper comfort bikes, reviewers say the Trek Belleville's many features make it a good value. The large cargo racks are another plus, because they offer plenty of storage. "The racks are quite sturdy and can hold as much as I can pedal up a hill," says the CarFreePhilly.com blog. Experts also appreciate the eco-friendly touches, such as tires made from "sustainably harvested" rubber and a recyclable saddle.

Users do have a few complaints, however. The steel frame is heavy, and we saw several complaints at TrekBikes.com about the weak caliper brakes (which perform especially poorly in wet conditions) and uncomfortable saddle and grips. With three gears and a heavy frame, the Trek Belleville is no speed demon, but reviewers say it's a good choice for flat, leisurely commutes or riding around town. "The bike plays its role as an errand-runner and short-distance commuter perfectly," says Bicycling magazine.

The Globe Daily 1 (MSRP: $520) is another good choice for short, flat commutes or leisurely fitness rides. It comes in either a diamond or step-through aluminum frame with lots of commuting accessories, including a front basket, chain guard, fenders and mounts for water-bottle holders and a rear rack. The Globe Daily 1 has a flip-flop hub that can be ridden as a single-speed or fixed-gear bike. With a fixed, you can't coast -- the pedals turn whenever the wheels are turning. Experts like the simplicity of single-speed bikes because they require less maintenance and are usually lighter than multigear bikes, but they aren't a good choice for hilly areas or fast rides.

Reviewers say the Globe Daily 1 has a cruiser-inspired ride that is relaxed and comfortable. "The short top tube and moustache bars create a comfortable, upright riding position that made it easy for me to keep an eye on approaching motorists as I wove through Vegas traffic," says Josh Patterson at Bicycle Times. The bike handles well when the front basket is full, and experts say the upright positioning gives riders a good view in traffic. "Overall the Daily 1 is equally comfortable bumping over curbs, flying down rail-trails or flowing through traffic," says Mike Yozell at Bicycling magazine. Experts also appreciate the many commuting accessories, although you'll have to add your own kickstand. However, one reviewer has complaints about the 28c tires, saying a wider tire might make the ride feel smoother over potholes and rough roads.

Budget hybrid bikes for long or hilly commutes

Hybrid bikes are a good choice for serious commutes because they combine the speed and efficiency of a road bike with the comfortable ride and flat handlebars of a mountain bike. Most come with few -- if any -- commuting accessories, but hybrid bikes typically have mounts so you can add your own.

If more expensive hybrid bikes are out of your price range, the Specialized Sirrus (MSRP: $470) is worth a look. It's the cheapest hybrid bike that earns solid recommendations from experts, including a nod in a recent independent test. As with many budget hybrid bikes, the Specialized Sirrus has an aluminum frame, linear-pull brakes and multiple gearing options with a triple crankset and seven-speed SRAM cassette. Other components include a Shimano Altus rear derailleur, Specialized All Condition Sport tires and a chain guard. Riders can choose from five frame sizes, and women can opt for a step-through frame in the similar Specialized Vita (MSRP: $470).

Tess show that the Specialized Sirrus has excellent handling and admirable climbing performance, thanks to its wide gear range. Shifting performance lags behind the Fuji Absolute 3.0 (MSRP: $600), but both bikes perform similarly when it comes to shock absorption. Philadelphia Magazine also recommends the Specialized Sirrus for long commutes, saying it can cover long distances while maintaining a comfortable ride. "It puts you in a relaxed and secure riding position, as opposed to standard road bikes with drop handlebars, which make the rider hunch over in an aggressive and competitive position," says one owner.

The Novara Corsa (MSRP: $450) is another hybrid bike that won't break the bank. Sold exclusively at REI, this aluminum-framed bicycle has a triple crankset, eight-speed SRAM PG-830 cassette, Tektro linear-pull brakes and Kenda tires. Three frame sizes are available. The Novara Corsa doesn't include many accessories, but it does have mounts for fenders and a rear rack.

One independent organization gives the Novara Corsa a recommendation in a recent group test of hybrid and fitness bikes. Thanks to a wide range of 24 gears, the Novara Corsa is awarded a high score for its climbing performance, which is matched with a very good rating for handling. However, the bike's shifting performance isn't as clean or precise as the Fuji Absolute 3.0. One disadvantage to budget bikes is that they tend to be heavier than their pricier counterparts, and the Novara Corsa is no exception. Weighing slightly over 31 pounds, this bike isn't one you'll want to carry up to your third-floor apartment.

For even less, the Jamis Commuter 1 (MSRP: $390) includes full fenders, a chain guard and a bell. It comes in men's and women's versions, and the 2011 model is available in red, silver or white. The Jamis Commuter 1 has a seven-speed Shimano cassette, direct-pull brakes and an aluminum frame (with a steel fork) that comes with a lifetime frame warranty. Few professional reviewers have tested the 2011 model, but Philadelphia Magazine recommends it for budget shoppers who want a classy-looking bike. Besides the stylish design, editors say the bike is relatively lightweight and is comfortable to ride. "It also has an upright riding position that helps you see farther ahead and keeps you from hunching over," says Toby Balch, a Philly bike store employee quoted  in the review.

Cheap comfort bikes

If your budget won't allow for a $400 commuter bike, your options are mainly limited to used models or bikes from big-box stores. Retailers like Walmart and Target have started marketing bikes specifically for commuters. The Schwinn Solitaire (MSRP: $230) is one option, and it comes with 21 speeds, a suspension frame, linear-pull brakes, fenders and a rear rack.

On Walmart.com, more than 50 owners give the Schwinn Solitaire relatively high marks, and they comment frequently on the low price. However, owners say the Schwinn Solitaire is best for casual riding and may require some adjustments to the gears and components before it's ready to ride. Experts say you'll be better off in the long run if you buy a bike from a dedicated bike shop, where you can take advantage of expert assembly and precise adjustments. Another downside to bikes sold at Walmart or Target is that they typically only come in one frame size, while those sold through independent bike shops come in multiple sizes for a more precise and comfortable fit.