The 6 Best Cheap Hybrid Bikes on the Market
Great Hybrid Bikes for Your Budget
Cycling is arguably the best way to integrate a physical activity into your life rhythm which does not take up an already occupied time slot in your daily routine. For those who want to live a more active, more exciting, and richer life, biking offers many benefits, as opposed to that of fossil fuel transportation. Biking is the fastest, cheapest, and most reliable non-fossil fuel powered transportation method and there are hundreds and thousands of options on the market to choose from. There are mountain bikes, electric bikes, tour bikes, folding bikes, comfort bikes, road bikes, and hybrid bikes to name but a few. Then there are the innumerable features such as disc brakes, carbon forks, suspension forks... the list is endless and a trip to the local bike shop may be in order. However, many would-be bikers can't find a bike of quality at the right price that fits their needs. Not to worry, you’re not the only one and that is why we have put together a review of the 6 best and cheap hybrid bikes on the market.
Hybrid bikes are a great type of cycling transportation for commuters, cross country bikers, and adventure bikers that are beginners and expert bikers alike. Hybrid bikes offer some of the best features from road bikes, touring bikes, and cruisers in a design that is easy to ride and comfortable to ride for extended periods of time. Unlike road bikes, the best cheap hybrid bikes on the market are designed with a wide, cushioned saddle and feature a handlebar design which encourages an upright riding posture. Unlike cruiser bikes, hybrids feature a 700c wheel, as opposed to the much thicker, 26-inch wheels. Thicker wheels result in more effort expended to propel the bike. Hybrid bikes offer the easy riding of a road bike and the comfort of a cruiser bike with the carrying capabilities of a touring bike, making them perfectly useful for every facet of life.
Hybrid Bike Types
Hybrid bikes are a combination of numerous bike types, which has spurred the creation of subcategory hybrids of a more intricate specification. Hybrid bikes can be categorized as being either a cross bike, a commuter bike, a city bike or a comfort bike. Some are meant for productivity, over comfort and visa versa. Likewise, some are built for extended riding and others are built for speed.
Cross Hybrid Bike
Designed with a road bike frame and meant for fitness and speed, cross hybrid bikes feature flat handlebars, as opposed to the common drop-down bars that are a feature on racing bikes. Cross bikes are designed with 700c wheels, as are racing bikes; however, the tread is slightly thicker, which gives the bike the ability to cross over into rougher terrain and handle surfaces with greater stability. The features and benefits of a cross hybrid bike make it perfect for seamlessly crossing over from road biking to off-road biking.
Commuter Hybrid Bike
The closest type of hybrid to a touring road bike, the commuter hybrid bike features all the necessities for a daily bike commuter. Designed with 700c wheels and 28 mm tires, the commuter bike can get up to speed and stay there with minimal effort. It often features derailleur gearing and a closed chain guard, as well as a range of frame mounting options made possible by the mounting rack. A distinguishing feature of commuter bikes is the front and rear light, essential for commuting through busy streets and staying safe in nighttime traffic.
City Hybrid Bike
For commuters in a big city, a standard commuter hybrid might not be strong enough to handle the potholes, glass shards, and sharp metal pieces that come with an urban landscape. For this reason, City hybrid bikes are designed to accommodate wheels and tires that closely resemble that of a mountain bike. The added tread thickness and wheel diameter make it possible to roll over sharp debris, without popping the tire or tube. A city hybrid bike often is designed for middle to upright seating positions and features full fenders to enable users to ride in all sorts of weather conditions.
Comfort Hybrid Bike
On the opposite categorical end of the spectrum from road bike hybrids, comes the comfort hybrid. This type of hybrid closely resembles the classic cruiser and features a modified mountain bike frame. The tall head tube is designed for an upright riding posture and often has very cushy saddles and road-style handlebars. The comfort hybrids can be great for relaxation and recreation but are not optimal for anyone looking for an efficient tool. These are the best for people who plan to use their bikes only a couple days out of the week.
6 Best Cheap Hybrid Bikes
1. Vilano C1 Comfort
As one of the cheapest best hybrid bikes on the market, the Vilano C1 Comfort comes in around $165. This is a comfort hybrid, designed for an upright riding position and comfortable sitting position. The C1 Comfort features 21-speed gear shifters and a kickstand, which arrives in the box mostly having been assembled. The Vilano C1 Comfort is the best hybrid bike for recreational, light use.
2. Vilano Diverse 2.0 Performance Hybrid
For just a little more, buyers can get the Vilano Diverse 2.0 Performance Hybrid priced around $220. The 2.0 Performance Hybrid is a commuter bike, which is close to resembling a racing road bike. The bike features Shimano components and 700c wheels, similar to many racing road bikes, as well as a lightweight, 6061 aluminum frame. This is the best cheap hybrid bike for commuters and daily cyclists.
3. Diamondback 2016 Insight 1
For those who are looking for a commuter bike of a higher caliber, the Diamondback 2016 Insight 1 comes in around $450, making it perfect for commuters who plan on a high bike usage rate. The bike arrives in the box, needing to be assembled by the user. This is a possible drawback; however, users will have a tough time finding a bike of quality which arrives fully assembled. The Diamondback 2016 Insight 1 is a great bike for the riders who need more customization ability and plan on constant riding.
4. Diamondback 2016 Trace
The Diamondback 2016 Trace Hybrid features an Aluminum dual-sport frame and SR Suntour NVX forks, which makes this bike perfect for users who plan to take it off the beaten path every once and in a while. The 2016 Trace is offered from around $500 to $600 and is the best city hybrid bike on the market for around $500. The bike features a 24-speed Shimano Acera Drivetrain and Tektro Aries disk brakes, perfect for secure braking in wet conditions. The Diamondback 2016 Trace will be perfect for city commuters and back-country commuters alike.
5. Northwoods Ladies Hybrid Bicycle
Coming in under $200, the Northwoods Ladies Hybrid Bicycle is the best cheap touring hybrid bike for ladies on the market. It comes complete with a rear rack and fenders, making it perfect for carrying purses, packages, groceries and more. The lightweight aluminum frame is designed to accommodate 700c wheels, for maximum speed and pedaling ease, as well as incorporating a 21-speed Shimano gear set. The Northwoods Ladies Hybrid is optimal for recreation, and steady commuting.
6. Schwinn Men’s Network 3.0 hybrid bicycle
Available under $350, the best cheap hybrid bike on the market overall has to be the Schwinn Men’s Network 3.0 hybrid bicycle. Schwinn designs and builds some of the industry’s best bicycles and they have not deviated from that tradition with the Network 3.0. This versatile bike is perfect for speeding down a smooth road, traversing a minefield of sharp pebbles and puddle jumping through the woods. Built with the speed of a road bike, the durability of a mountain bike and the comfort of a cruiser, the Schwinn Men’s Network 3.0 Hybrid Bicycle can be classified as the best cross hybrid bike for the price on the market.
