The 8 Best Hybrid Bikes of 2023, According to Experts

Versatile, comfortable, and affordable—everything that makes Specialized’s wildly popular Sirrus 2.0 a solid buy for just about anyone. The lightweight design couples an aluminum alloy frame with a steel fork that altogether weighs roughly 27 pounds. Its ProMax F1 hydraulic disc brakes provide serious and reliable stopping power on any terrain. The result? The perfect balance of durability with easy, comfortable handling for riders of any skill level. That includes everyone from first-time adult riders to daily commuters.

It’s not the most budget-friendly bike in Specalized’s lineup, nor the most premium. At around $800 (closer to $600 on sale), it’s an incredibly affordable model for anyone looking to step up from an entry-level hybrid but who isn’t quite ready to drop $2,000 or more on a high-end two-wheeler. Of course, when you’re ready to upgrade your upgrade, Specialized’s lineup runs all the way up to the Sirrus 6.0.

What do buyers say? “This is the first Specialized bike. I’ve had many before but from the other brands. Very impressed. Light enough, smooth gears and stiff. Very well-made bicycle,” said one Specialized.com reviewer.

Pros

• Extremely durable, lightweight design
• All the features of a high-end road bike
• Easy, predictable handling
• Comfortable ride
• Premium components throughout
• 30-day unconditional guarantee

The all-new FX Sport 6 is the flagship in Trek’s FX lineup with a fitness-focused geometry that’s light, fast, and easy to ride. “Tipping the scales” at just over 20 pounds, the carbon frame is remarkably lightweight. It offers all the same features of a premium road bike—a 400 Series OCLV Carbon frame, carbon wheels, and a Shimano drivetrain—but with a flat handlebar design. It all combines in a hybrid bike that’s damn near-perfect for riders of all stripes, including commuters, newbies, and advanced fitness cyclists. Plus, the slick, blacked-out design looks pretty handsome too.

We’ve been fans of Trek for years and the FX Sport 6 is a standout among the company’s stellar lineup. It’s no surprise, given the nearly $3,000 price tag, which makes it the most expensive in this year’s round-up. But with solid buyer reviews and premium components throughout, we think it’s worth it. Plus, Trek’s 30-day unconditional guarantee means you can return it for any reason (even if it’s just because you changed your mind) for a full refund.

What do buyers say? “My previous Trek 2.6 was all the rage until I purchased this. The FX6 ia so much faster, better handling even with the fatter tires and lower pressure. They are great for the road,” said one TrekBikes.com reviewer.

Pros

• Premium Gates Carbon belt drive
• Low-maintenance construction
• Powered lights
• High-end components throughout
• Easy, 20-minute assembly

If you’re looking for an upgrade to your entry-level two-wheeler but aren’t ready or willing to splash out on $3,000 high-end model, we like Priority’s Continuum Onyx. The brand is well-known for some of the best commuter bikes, and this hybrid model is no exception. It features premium components throughout, including a rust-free Gates Carbon belt drive, dynamo-powered (read battery-free) lights, and beefy 700x32mm WTB tires that are extremely flat-resistant. Enviolo CTV shifters guarantee smooth, responsive shifting and high-end Tektro hydraulic disc brakes deliver plenty of stopping power in tight city conditions.

At roughly $1,300, this certainly isn’t a cheap hybrid bike. But it’s built with premium parts from tip to tail, making that midrange price tag seem entirely reasonable. Everything that makes it a near-perfect commuter bike also ensures it’s a good fit for newbies and even more advanced riders.

What do buyers say? “It was very easy to assemble. I love the look and love the feel. Very quiet and solid,” said one PriorityBicycles.com reviewer.

Pros

• Steady, comfortable ride
• Shimano disc brakes
• Folds in just 10 seconds
• Fits under a desk
• Upgradeable

Folding bikes used to be something of a novelty. They were rarely anything you’d actually want to ride (or be seen riding). Not so with Tern’s Verge D9. It’s our go-to pick for this year’s best folding hybrid bike. Proprietary T-Tuned geometry coupled with beefier 37mm tires makes this a more stable and comfortable model than most folders. Shimano hydraulic disc brakes provide solid stopping power on both wet and dry pavement. The saddle seat is also purpose-designed for shoulder-mounted carrying. Plus, we love that the entire bike folds or unfolds in just 10 seconds and is small enough to fit under a desk.

This is no doubt a specialty bike that’s designed with commuters and city dwellers in mind—hence the roughly $1,150 price tag. It’s at least 50% more than a comparably priced standard (non-folding) hybrid bike. But, if you’re looking for one of the most compact, street-friendly hybrid solutions on the market, you’ve found it. What’s more, Tern designed it with easy upgrading in mind.

What do buyers say? “Great choice. So versatile and easy to ride. Smooth ride for my 1.5 miles one way commute,” said one REI reviewer.

True to its name, Giant’s ToughRoad SLR 2 is a hybrid bike that’s built for less-than-ideal riding conditions. That includes smooth city streets, loose gravel bike paths, and everything in between. It’s made possible via a proprietary ALUXX SLR aluminum frame with a lightweight, durable carbon fork—both of which are ultra-durable yet absorb harsh front-end vibrations. Giant’s D-fuse seatpost and extra-grippy tires add an extra degree of comfort and confidence to your ride. Like other hybrid bikes in our roundup, this model features a standard flat-bar design with a more upright position that’s great for a wide variety of terrain and ride lengths.

Like most Giant two-wheelers, this hybrid bike is priced right at just over $1,000. That’s squarely at the midrange of our roundup, making it the perfect upgrade from most entry-level cycles. While it’s not a true mountain bike, it’s the closest hybrid model in our roundup that we’re comfortable taking on light off-road rides.

What do buyers say? “A higher ride position is enjoyable, shifting is smooth and quick, ride is very comfortable on rail bed trail locally,” said one Giant-Bicycles.com reviewer.

Of course, we can’t roundup the best hybrid bikes without throwing in a hybrid electric bike. Ribble’s Hybrid AL E Electric Bike is our favorite hybrid-style eBike of the year. The general framework is purpose-built with speed and efficiency in mind, making it one of the company’s best options for commuters and other city riders. But the geometry is incredibly versatile, allowing for complete customization of almost every component. If you want to add a rear storage rack, mudguards, and fatter tires, for example, all you have to do is ask. That also means you get the exact paint job you’re looking for, from blacked-out to cool blue to eye-popping red.

Under the “hood,” the Hybrid AL E is powered by a 250Wh battery which delivers roughly 60 miles on a single charge. It fast-charges in roughly three hours, too, so you can take it to work and top it up for your ride home. Ribble’s ebikemotion system weighs less than eight pounds and is so compact and perfectly built into the bike’s frame that it’s practically invisible. That only streamlines the look and the aerodynamics, but also makes it less of a target for thieves.

What do buyers say? “If you want to look stylish around town and arrive where you’re going sweat-free, it’s definitely one to consider,” said one RibbleCycles.co.uk reviewer.

For riders who like the convenience of a step-through model, Co-op Cycles’ CTY 2.1 is our favorite hybrid option. The low standover height allows for easy mounting and dismounting, while also ensuring it’s easy to stand with both feet square on the ground. The Shimano Altus 2×8 drivetrain serves up 16 available gear combinations. Coupled with Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, it’s a satisfying ride around town, even over hilly, potholed terrain. The 40-mm-wide tires and shock-absorbing fork also ensure a smooth, bump-free ride.

What we especially love, though, is the price. At roughly $800, it’s on the low-end of our favorite midrange models. Given its excellent reviews and better-than-average components, we think it’s worth the premium for anyone looking to step up from a more entry-level hybrid. Because REI Co-op Cycles are only available to members, be sure to account for the (totally reasonable) $30 lifetime membership fee if you don’t already have one.

What do buyers say? “Great commuter & path bike! Perfect bike for riding around the neighborhood to stay in shape. It handles the gravel and overgrown paths with ease and is just as great on the road/sidewalk,” said one REI.com reviewer.

If $500+ is too rich for your wallet, there are other options. Schwinn’s lineup of entry-level hybrid adult bikes includes the Schwinn GTX Comfort. While it lacks the better components of our favorite premium models, this is a solid alternative for budget-conscious bicyclists. The design relies on an aluminum dual-sport frame and suspension fork that tackles city streets and light trails with aplomb. Like the best hybrid bikes of this year, it features a flat-bar design and a more upright riding position that combine for a comfortable, confident ride.

Schwinn is most synonymous with entry-level bikes that “hardcore” riders might scoff at. But, if you’re looking for a durable, reliable two-wheeler that’s ready to tackle most urban and suburban terrain, this is a solid option. We especially love that it’s available starting at less than $300 (depending on the exact model), which feels like a steal.

What do buyers say? “Great bike for the money. So far this bike has been great, and makes the daily commute to work a lot more fun,” said one Amazon reviewer.

Like most fitness gear, bikes are entirely personal. The best bike for your neighbor might not be right for you. It’s all a matter of aesthetics, price, weight, gearing, features, and how and where you most often ride. But there are a few key things to consider when shopping for the best hybrid bike for you. Here’s the low-down:

Drop Bar or Flat Bar

Hybrid bikes are similar to traditional road bikes in that they typically boast a lightweight frame that rolls on fast 700c wheels. What sets them apart, however, is that hybrid bikes are almost always built with a flat handlebar, while road bikes use a drop bar. The former uses a wider design for a wider hand stance that makes riding easier to control with better break access and an upright seating position. The result is a more comfortable ride that’s perfect for casual (read non-racing) cyclists and commuters, too. Hybrid bikes can feature a drop bar, too, but they’re specifically designed for a flat handlebar.

It’s All in the Gearing

In general, hybrid/fitness bikes feature two chainrings up front and usually 9-11 cogs at the rear. The latter helps to better dial in your shifts for a smoother, more predictable ride on everything from bike paths to hilly city streets. Budget hybrids sometimes include three front chainrings. It’s a setup that trades performance for price, however.

Brake Tech

Modern disc brakes seriously changed the game for cyclists. They’re more expensive than traditional rim-style brakes, but better in every way, offering more precise control in both dry and wet conditions. Beginners and cyclists who love long rides love them, too, because they require less hand strength to operate. More budget-friendly hybrid bikes may be built with cable-actuated disc brakes. These offer similar performance but aren’t as powerful and require a bit more maintenance.

Price

Hybrid bikes, like many of the best bikes, vary widely in price. Decent budget models start around $400, while mid-range models run north of $1,000. For the best hybrid bikes, however, expect to pay as much as a used car (upwards of $4,000 or more). Just know that you don’t have to spend a small fortune to land a decent two-wheeler.