Budget Comfort Bikes

Best comfort bicycles under $500

There are a number of commuter bikes available that won't break the bank; in general, comfort bicycles cost less than entry-level road bikes and mountain bikes. For short commutes over flat routes, the Kona AfricaBike One (MSRP: $375) earns high marks. It's a single-speed comfort bike, and it is relatively low-maintenance, but it has no additional gears to make it easier to climb hills. The three-speed version, the Kona AfricaBike Three (MSRP: $450), costs about $75 more. The Kona AfricaBike One has a step-through steel frame, and the 2009 model comes with all the commuting necessities, including a basket, chain cover, fenders, lock, kickstand and bell. Although this comfort bike gets good reviews for short commutes, it really stands out in reviews for its charity program. The bike was originally designed for the Bike Town project, which distributes bicycles to healthcare workers in Africa to help them visit more HIV/AIDS patients in a single day. The AfricaBike became so popular that Kona started selling it to the general public, and now one AfricaBike is donated to the Bike Town project for every two bikes sold to consumers.

Reviewers say that the Kona AfricaBike will help you do something for charity, and you'll get a stylish and sturdy comfort bike in return. The British site Road.cc gives the Kona AfricaBike three-speed version high marks, calling it a "classic and a bargain." It's heavy, but Road.cc says the AfricaBike is also sturdy, with an upright seating position that provides a comfortable ride. Road Bike Action magazine says the Kona AfricaBike is "as simple as a bike can get." On ABC's "Good Morning America," Bicycling editor Loren Mooney says the Kona AfricaBike is the perfect pick for commutes of several miles. Dan Nelson from The Seattle Times agrees, recommending the Kona AfricaBike for short trips around the block or to the grocery store.

If your commuting is limited to short rides, the laid-back Nirve Starliner (MSRP: $320) is another option. The Starliner is a sport cruiser, so it's best suited for leisurely errands or short jaunts, rather than high-mileage commutes in city traffic. It sports 700c wheels, fenders, a seven-speed Shimano transmission and a kickstand -- but no rack or basket, and storage options are limited unless you add those accessories yourself. Men's Fitness picks the Nirve Starliner comfort bike as one of the best bikes of 2009, saying it's perfect for occasional commuting or cruising.

If you need an inexpensive commuting bike for longer rides with some hills, consider the Jamis Commuter 1 (MSRP: $365). It comes in men's and women's versions, and the 2009 model is updated with a leather-finish saddle and grips. The Jamis Commuter 1 has seven-speed twist shifters, direct-pull brakes and swept-back handlebars. You will have to add your own fenders and rack to the aluminum frame (mounts included), because these commuting accessories aren't included. Bicycling magazine calls the Jamis Commuter 1 comfort bike "great for beginners" and praises the smooth ride it provides -- thanks to a comfy saddle and suspension seatpost. Loren Mooney also highlights the Jamis comfort bicycle on an episode of

CBS' "The Early Show." Overall, this comfort bike may not give you all the accessories you'll need for your commute, but it's hard to beat the price for entry-level riders, and it costs about $100 less than the three-speed version of the Kona AfricaBike.

The Specialized Globe Vienna 1 (MSRP: $420) is the most affordable commuter bike in Specialized's well-reviewed Globe line. The aluminum-framed Globe Vienna 1 comes in men's and women's designs and boasts a triple chainring that gives you plenty of gearing options for tough climbs. Unlike the pricier Specialized Globe Vienna Deluxe 1 (MSRP: $660), the Globe Vienna 1 comfort bike doesn't include fenders, racks or other storage accessories, but you can add your own. The inexpensive Specialized Globe Vienna 1 doesn't receive as much coverage as Specialized's more advanced comfort bikes, but the user reviews we find are positive. Owners say the Specialized comfort bike is heavy, but multiple speeds help give it great versatility.

The seven-speed Giant Suede (MSRP: $460) also comes in specific designs for men and women, and its retro look gets high marks for style. The Giant Suede has a front suspension, which smoothes the ride over uneven pavement and potholes. The aluminum frame comes in black or light blue, and a matching women's model is available in light green or bright blue. This Giant comfort bike has few commuting accessories, but it does include a kickstand and an MP3 or cell phone holder. In owner-written reviews, the Giant Suede gets high marks, especially from people new to bicycling. Owners say this comfort bicycle is a good choice for light commuting or errands. Giant has other well-reviewed commuting options, including the Giant Transend DX (MSRP: $540), which is more expensive. For a little extra money, you'll get a sportier riding position and more accessories: fenders, a rear rack and a bell.

If your budget won't allow for a $350 commuter bike, your options are mainly limited to used models or bikes from big-box stores. Retailers like Wal-Mart and Target have started marketing bikes specifically for commuters. The Mongoose Paver Commuter Bike (MSRP: $135) is one option, and it comes complete with seven speeds, V-brakes, a rear rack and kickstand. The Mongoose Paver Commuter is sold by Wal-Mart and is listed under the toy category, which may say something about what this bike is designed for. On Walmart.com, owners give it relatively high marks and comment frequently on the low price. However, multiple reviewers question the durability of the Mongoose Paver Commuter, and many owners have problems with the wheels, tires, pedals and gears. Bike bloggers, like "David" at Bikes for the Rest of Us, say the Mongoose Paver is not necessarily poorly designed, but it can suffer from low-quality components and poor assembly. The Huffy Commuter Bike (MSRP: $150), sold at Amazon.com and some sporting goods stores, is another example of a bike in this price range. Experts say you will 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.