Commuter Bikes

What is the Best Bike for Cycling to Work? [VISUAL GUIDE]

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Iโ€™d like to tell you that if you want to get the best bike for cycling to work, you should get the [INSERT PERFECT BICYCLE HERE]. Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all answer to this question.

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Like many questions asked in this shades-of-grey world, the real answer to โ€œwhat is the best bike for cycling to work?โ€ is a deeply unsatisfying: โ€œit dependsโ€.

So, what does it depend on?

Well, there are four key factors to consider when choosing a bike:

  • How long is your journey?
  • How flat/smooth is your commute?
  • Is speed or comfort more important to you?
  • Is cycling just part of your commute?


Whatโ€™s the Best Bike for Me? [MATRIX TABLE]

Below is a very simplistic table that should point you in the right direction based on the type of commute you have:



Best Bike for Short Commute

Essentially, for short smooth journeys, a city bike or a fixie (AKA โ€œfixed-gear bicycleโ€) will probably be all you need.

A city bike will get you there comfortably, with an upright seated position, while a fixie (very similar to a single speed bike) is a fast lightweight bike that will do a good job if your journey is smooth and flat and you want to get their as quickly as possible.

However, if your journey is rather bumpy, a hybrid bike (ideally with front suspension) will be the ideal companion.

Best City Bikes for Cycling to Work:

Best City Bike Overall

Crรจme Caferacer Man Uno Urban Bike
(ยฃ750)

Best City Bike under ยฃ500

Raleigh Strada
City Bike
(ยฃ400)

Best City Bike under ยฃ300

Elops 120 High Frame
City Bike
(ยฃ249)


Best Fixies for Cycling to Work

Best Fixie Bike Overall

Fuji Bikes Feather
Fixie Bike
(ยฃ525)

Best Fixie under ยฃ400

Quella Nero
Single Speed Bicycle
(ยฃ395)

Best Fixie under ยฃ300

Elops 500 Single Speed City Bike
(ยฃ250)

READ MORE: What Are Fixies?



Best Hybrid Bikes for Cycling to Work

Best Hybrid Bike Overall

Cube Hyde
Urban Bike
(ยฃ850)

Best Hybrid Bike under ยฃ400

Riverside 500
Hybrid Bike
(ยฃ330)

Best Hybrid Bike under ยฃ300

Riverside 100
Hybrid Bike
(ยฃ180)

READ MORE: What Are Hybrid Bikes?



Best Bike for Long Commute

  • For long smooth journeys, you should get aโ€ฆ Road Bike
  • For long bumpier journeys, you should get aโ€ฆ. Gravel Bike

For longer journeys though, a lighter more efficient bike will typically serve you best. A fixie is again an option there, but youโ€™ll probably need gears at some point, and so a road bike will usually be your best choice.

If your journey is also a bit bumpy or takes you over trails, a gravel bike will help you take on more challenging terrain with its thicker, more robust tyres.

Best Road Bike for Cycling to Work

Best Road Bike Overall

Vitus Zenium ZRS
Road Bike
(ยฃ2000)

Best Road Bike under ยฃ1000

Trek Domane AL 2 Disc Road Bike
(ยฃ895)

Best Road Bike under ยฃ300

Triban RC 100
Road Bike
(ยฃ300)


Best Gravel Bike for Cycling to Work

Best Gravel Bike Overall

Cannondale Topstone Gravel Bike
(ยฃ2000)

Best Gravel Bike under ยฃ1000

Vitus Substance V-2 Adventure Road Bike
(ยฃ900)

Best Gravel Bike under ยฃ500

Voodoo Limba Adventure Bike
(ยฃ450)

READ MORE: What Are Gravel Bikes?



Easiest Bikes to Take on Train (or Put in Car)

If your journey is multi-modal (i.e. part of your journey is by car or train and you then cycle the rest), youโ€™re probably best off getting a folding bike.

Folding bikes are extremely easy to make compact so that you can easily carry it on a train or put it in your car. However, folding bikes are only really suitable for short journeys.

If you still need to cycle over 5 miles after leaving the train or your car, you might want to consider an electric folding bike to help make your commute easy. But if you really want to create your own power, a lightweight bike such as a road bike or fixie is also an option.

Best Folding Bike for Cycling to Work

Best Folding Bike Overall

Brompton M6L Super Light Folding Bike
(ยฃ1995)

Best Folding Bike under ยฃ500

Raleigh Stowaway Folding Bike
(ยฃ475)

Best Folding Bike under ยฃ300

FabricBike
Folding Bike
(ยฃ219)

What is the Best Bike for Cycling to Work?

Finding the best bike for cycling to work is dependent on the distance and terrain that your journey consists of.

  • Short journey with flat terrain: city bike
  • Short journey with bumpy terrain: hybrid bike
  • Long journey with smooth terrain: road bike
  • Long journey with bumpy terrain: gravel bike

READ MORE: What Are the Lightest Folding Bikes?

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