Hybrid bicycles combine features from dedicated mountain bikes, road bikes and touring bikes.

A hybrid bike also sometimes called a comfort bike, is a highly versatile design built for many different riding conditions while still providing a comfortable ride.

Beginning cyclists will appreciate their stability and comfort, while more experienced riders will love the approach that one set of wheels can be used for a wide range of outside activities.

We’ve reviewed the best hybrid bikes for men and women and also put together a helpful guide so you can can pick a bike most suited for your needs.

Looking for a different type of bike? Read our comprehensive guide to every type of bicycle. 

Best Hybrid Bikes

	Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women's Hybrid Bike	Kent Springdale Men's Hybrid Bicycle	Schwinn Network Hybrid Bike
Size:	17.5"	18"	18"
Frame:	Steel	Aluminum	Aluminum
Tires:	700c	700c	700c
Gears:	7 speed	21 speed	21 speed
Brakes:	Linear rim	Linear pull	Linear rim

Looking for a different type of bike? Read our comprehensive guide to every type of bicycle.

For more top biking recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: Bike Helmets, Bike Locks, Bike Racks.

Quick Answer: The 11 Best Rated Hybrid Bikes For 2021

Best Women’s Hybrid Bikes

1. Sixthreezero Pave N’ Trail Women’s Hybrid Road Bike
2. Kent Springdale Women’s Hybrid Bicycle
3. Schwinn Wayfarer Hybrid Bicycle
4. Schwinn Discover Women’s Hybrid Bike
5. Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Steel Women’s Hybrid Bike
6. Sixthreezero Explore Your Range Women’s Hybrid Bike

Best Men’s Hybrid Bikes

1. Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Men’s Hybrid Bike
2. Schwinn Men’s Volare 1400 Hybrid Bike
3. Kent Springdale Men’s Hybrid Bike
4. Giordano G7 Men’s Hybrid Bike
5. Schwinn Wayfarer Men’s Hybrid Cruiser

Hybrid Bike Reviews

Now let’s take a look at some top rated Women’s hybrid bikes, then we’ll go over the Men’s. In our buyers guide we’ll explain the important features to help you pick the best comfort bike for you.

Best Hybrid Bikes For Women

#1 Sixthreezero Pave N’ Trail Women’s Hybrid Road Bike

Capable of handling both slick pavement and rocky trails with ease, the Sixthreezero Pave N’Trail is by far one of the best hybrid bikes for women on the market today.

Balancing comfort with performance, its frame and handlebar geometry are specially coordinated to alleviate pressure off the rider’s low back and shoulders.

Meanwhile, a Vibrazorb front suspension reduces vibrations from uneven terrain, and a slim cut saddle with dense compression foam works to limits tailbone pain.

You won’t have to sacrifice style with this bike either – its all-black components offer a simple yet sophisticated look which pairs well with any outfit.

The Pave n’ Trail excels on a variety of terrains thanks to its 1.7″ slick tires, which are designed to roll smoothly on pavement and allow speeds of up to 30 MPH!

Front and rear handbrakes also make stopping easy and precise.

This bicycle comes with the option of 2 different gear systems. Choose between a 7-speed or 21-speed Shimano system to find the model which best fits your purposes.

This is the best hybrid bike for those looking for comfort without compromising performance.

#2 Kent Springdale Women’s Hybrid Bicycle

The Kent Springdale Women’s Hybrid Bicycle is another great option for women seeking versatility and comfort.

It features a hand-crafted, lightweight 6061 aluminum frame and a 60mm travel front suspension fork for a comfortable ride on a variety of road surfaces.

Equipped with 21 speeds to suit any terrain, and linear pull brakes for confident stopping power, you’ll be able to get where you’re going seamlessly.

Additional details include 36 spoke double wall alloy rims, an alloy quick release seat clamp and a rear rack.

It also comes with and front and rear fenders to protect your body and bike from all the dirt and mud that can get kicked up from the ground.

The tires on this bike are all-weather, general purpose tires with a more narrow profile, ideal for roads and streets.

This is a reliable hybrid option for women, but it also comes in mens styles as well!

#3 Schwinn Wayfarer Hybrid Bicycle

The Schwinn Wayfarer hybrid bicycle is designed as a multi-purpose ride at a very affordable price of less than $300.

On the scale between mountain and road bike, it sits with the commuter, city or urban bikes, yet doesn’t feature fenders or racks.

The aluminum frame is step-through for easy starting and stopping with a comfort fit geometry. This gives you a light bike that handles well for cruising and fitness rides.

With the adjustable swept-back handlebars, you ride upright and experience hardly any bumps thanks to a suspension fork and seat. This bike can deal with potholes, rougher paths or cutting across crass and irregular terrain.

The tires are more narrow than on a mountain bike, but feature a high profile for traction. With 21 gears in a 3 x 7 all Shimano drivetrain, you’re well equipped for hill climbing, going at higher speed or pedal slowly on scenic routes.

The Schwinn Capital bicycle is 16” and matches a rider’s height of approximately 5’4″ to 5’7″. It’s a very comfortable bike to ride – probably the best hybrid bike under $300.

#4 Schwinn Discover Women’s Hybrid Bike

For just $250, you get a great hybrid bike with the Schwinn Discover model. This bicycle has more of a classic look than most of the other models on our list and emphasizes usage in an urban environment.

Commuting or running errands are tasks at which the Schwinn Discover excels. You have a rear rack for transporting things, and the bike is already equipped with fenders.

The aluminum frame has a step-through cut, but not as low as other bikes. With a Swept-back handlebar, you can ride in a comfortable and upright position.

The saddle is well cushioned and offers seatpost suspension. Paired with a suspension fork, you’ll hardly feel the road condition.

The Kenda tires perform well in all weather conditions and offer sufficient traction. With 21 gears, you’re ready for what the route entails, climbing hills or going at a faster clip. Rim brakes allow you stop precisely.

The bike will look great anywhere, but the white color is a minor downside if you do take it onto rougher dirt paths: dust and mud will quickly show.

The bike is available in a large size only, fit for a rider’s height of approximately 5’2″ to 5’8″. The Schwinn Discover is easily the best hybrid bike for the money!

#5 Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Steel Women’s Hybrid Bike

Next on our list of best hybrid bicycles for women, we have the Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Steel Bike.

This model combines the features of a comfort bike and a commuter bike, making it a versatile and dependable option for most terrains.

It has a low, swooping 17.5″ steel frame with easy step-through to keep you upright and comfortable throughout your ride.

With a Shimano 7-speed external derailleur and front and rear handbrakes, this is an ideal option for those who need to make long-distance commutes, or simply just love leisure riding.

26-inch wheels and 2-inch semi-slick tires provide excellent roll and a cushioned, stable ride no matter what terrain you’re on.

Don’t worry about sacrificing style for quality here – the EVRYjourney comes with a sleek navy frame and a rustic brown saddle for a classic yet modern feel.

Best of all, it comes 85% assembled, so putting the finishing touches on it shouldn’t be too hard.

This model offers a smooth, low pressure ride designed specially for women.

#6 Sixthreezero Explore Your Range Women’s Hybrid Bicycle

The Sixthreezero Explore Your Range is a hybrid bicycle built for comfort and stability. Fitness rides, outdoor excursion, morning commutes and leisure cruises are all possible with ease with this model.

The aluminum frame comes with a low weight and step through design for getting on and off with no problems. You can carry this bike down some steps if need be or take it on the train with you.

The handlebars are adjustable in height and their riser design lets you ride fully upright. You’ll sit comfortably on a double density saddle with seatpost suspension.

The rear rack allows you to carry some cargo like groceries or a backpack.

The all-weather tires by Kenda Cross are thicker than on a road bike model and give you traction in any terrain. With a Shimano 3 x 7 drivetrain, shifting is smooth and you can choose among 21 gears to suit your needs.

The Explore Your Range comes with two speed options: A 3 speed for mostly flat terrain and a 7 speed that gives you versatility where you can ride it.

You can enjoy a wide range of activities with it and I would rate it as one of the best comfort bikes, especially considering it’s price.

Women’s Hybrid Bike Comparison Table

Best Hybrid Bikes For Men

#1 Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Men’s Hybrid Cruiser

With comfort, ease, and style at the forefront of their design, sixthreezero bikes are suited for a vast range of riders.

The men’s EVRYjourney is no exception – this sleek, matte black model is a versatile option which is sure to turn heads on any terrain.

This classic hybrid cruiser features 7-speed Shimano gearing, which allows it to perform well on flat streets and trails, as well as hills and bumpy paths.

With a black synthetic leather saddle and 2″ semi-slick tires for excellent roll and cushion, it is not only efficient but also aesthetically pleasing – the toned down colors pair well with any getup.

Better yet, this bike’s forward pedaling design will keep your back upright and your legs properly extended throughout the ride. This is especially important because bad posture can lead to injury over time.

The EVRY is a one-size-fits-all adult bike. It can accommodate riders from 5′ to 6’4″ tall, so riders of all statures can enjoy!

#2 Schwinn Men’s Volare Hybrid Bike

If speed is what you’re looking for, then the Schwinn Men’s Volare is the bike for you.

This is a speedy, light road bike that’s sure to satisfy your need for speed. With an aluminum road frame and steel road fork, this model offers a nimble and agile riding experience.

Thanks to the Shimano 21-speed shifter and derailleurs, you get a crisp and smooth braking capacity that can keep up with high-velocity rides,

Oversized Schwinn road tires keep things fast and smooth, while the alloy double wall rims preserve the bike’s longevity.

Another great feature of this bike is its portability – weighing in at a moderate 28 pounds, transporting this won’t be too much of a hassle – it’s not bulky or cumbersome like other competing models.

To sooth any qualms you may have about purchase, the Volare also comes with a limited lifetime warranty! What’s not to love?

#3 Kent Springdale Men’s Hybrid Bicycle

Next up, we have the Kent Springdale Men’s Hybrid Bike.

This model is designed specially for recreational use and around-town commuting, rather than for serious racing or competitions.

Featuring 700 c tires, a hand-crafted 6061 aluminum frame and a 60mm travel front suspension fork, it is sure to offer comfort and stability on a wide variety of terrains.

It has 21 speeds to suit surfaces from flat road to bumpy hills, and linear pull brakes for quick and clean stops.

The 36 spoke double wall alloy rims and quick-release seat clamp will protect your saddle from rotating or changing position mid-ride.

Also included are front and rear fenders, and a rear rack for storing gear in a safe and stable way which doesn’t compromise the bike’s frame.

Overall, this is a great hybrid bicycle for men seeking reliable stability during recreational rides.

#4 Schwinn Wayfarer Men’s Hybrid Cruiser

The Schwinn Wayfarer Men’s Hybrid Cruiser is the perfect option for leisurely rides around the neighborhood or bike path.

Equipped with a Schwinn steel retro city frame and fork, it offers a stylish experience while keeping you upright and in the proper riding posture.

This model features a Shimano 7 speed rear derailleur with SRAM twist shift shifters for speedy gear changes, and linear pull brakes for confident stops.

Better yet, it comes with a rear carrier for convenient storage during commutes or city riding. Its rear and front fenders also provide dirt and splash protection in the case of road debris. 

The Wayfarer has 700c wheels, and can accommodate riders from 5’4″ to 6’2″.

If you’re feeling unsure about your purchase, fear not – Schwinn bikes come with a limited lifetime warranty for as long as you own the product.

#5 Schwinn Network Hybrid Bike

Schwinn delivers an entry-level hybrid bike with the Network model. For under $300, you get a fine combination of mountain and road bike features to offer good versatility.

This bike offers good comfort with an aluminum frame, suspension fork and suspension seatpost. You won’t feel the road or the trail much and can ride upright thanks to riser handlebars with an adjustable stem.

At first glance, the tires are for road use, but Schwinn mounted a 700cc tire that is slightly thicker at 40cc, giving you improved stability and traction for off-road use.

With 21 gears, you can build up speed or shift down enough to climb hills and winding dirt paths. The rim brakes perform better on the street, so don’t race downhill too fast with this model.

The Schwinn Network bicycle is available in four sizes accessible to riders of a wide height range. The 18″ frame size is suitable for men from 5’4″ to 6’0″.

A minor drawback of this hybrid bike are the minimal assembly instructions, but for a very low price, you get one of the best men’s hybrid bikes for a very reasonable price!

Men’s Hybrid Bike Comparison Table

How to Choose the Best Hybrid Bike

• Type of Riding
• Size & Fit
• Frame
• Fork & Suspension
• Handlebars
• Wheels & Tires
• Gears
• Brakes
• Seat
• FAQs: About Hybrid Bikes

A hybrid bike is meant to perform as an all round model for various situations, but you should nonetheless let the type of riding you’ll do most guide your decision.

Where will you take your bike? What is your budget? The bike also needs to fit your body so you can ride it efficiently and comfortably.

Deciding on the Right Model Hybrid Bike

You can use a hybrid bike to roll around town, keep your fitness up, explore nature, cover short and longer distances or go on bike tours. Among these purposes, most models will prioritize one or two aspects, which in turn influences design and features.

Often the name is already an indicator whether the emphasis is on mountain or road biking, or comfort. In all cases, a bike needs to fit your body in size and components.

Narrow your selection by the type of riding you’ll be doing, then look at features such as wheels and tires, suspension, great and brakes as well as suitability for city riding.

Type of Riding

In general, a hybrid bike is a great choice if you’ll ride it in the city a lot, go on leisure outings with friends, occasionally ride on some dirt paths and prefer a bike to be lightweight and low on maintenance while also being affordable.

Depending on model and manufacturer, a hybrid bike might lean towards a specific type of riding and be more of a city bike, mountain bike or road bike. For more speed and use on paved roads, thinner, lower-profile tires work well with high gears to choose from.

Suspension is best for off-road use, paired with tires with good traction. Commuters will appreciate a comfortable seat and handlebars, fenders and the ability to transport some things.

Size & Fit

For sizing, a hybrid bike is measured from the center of the bottom bracket (BB for short) to the top of the seat tube, although some manufacturers might specify different measurements.

Your height and inseam leg measurements help you determine the right size. Most brands also specify sizes like S, M, and L. If possible, consult the sizing chart for the specific bike you’re interested in.

Frame

As with any bike, the frame is the essential part that holds all the rest together. Manufacturers use a range of different materials for the frame:

• Aluminum offers a great ride thanks to some shock absorption qualities. It is light, strong, affordable, and resistant to rust and corrosion.
• Steel frames are heavier than aluminum, yet very strong. Their flex offers a smooth and comfortable ride. The downside is that rust and corrosion are the enemy of this material.
• Carbon fiber is expensive and mostly used for higher-end bikes. It’s both the lightest and strongest material and rides smoothly.

Fork & Suspension

Sometimes manufacturers use a different material for the fork in order to introduce more versatility. In hybrid bikes, this might be the case for models leaning more towards mountain bike riding to better absorb shocks.

In addition, a suspension fork will further counteract bumps so you’ll feel less impact on your arms. However, suspension on the fork adds weight and makes you lose some of your pedalling energy.

Unless mountain biking is your main activity for your hybrid bicycle, you need not consider a suspension fork.

Handlebars

Looking at racing and mountain bikes, you’ll see that the handlebars are typically below the seat, which require you to lean forward while riding. Hybrid bikes tend to have the seat lower than the bars, which makes for more comfortable experience.

As a result, your wind resistance increases and you transfer less power to the pedals.

There are four different types of handlebars:

• Drop bar: This is the classic racing bar on road and racing bikes and far less common for hybrids. They allow you to ride aerodynamically in a lowered position, or more upright with the hands closer to the center.
• Flat bar: They make for a more relaxed riding position and are common on mountain bikes as well as hybrid models. With flat bars, you can see the road or terrain better than with drop bars.
• Riser bar: These handlebars extend upward and back towards you, allowing you sit back further. Your hands will not be perpendicular but nearly parallel to the bike’s center bar. These are best for comfortable, relaxed rides and cruising.
• Moustache bar: Essentially a combination of a flat and drop bar, a moustache bar and be straighter or more curled to allow for different hand positions.

Wheels & Tires

The wheel size for your hybrid bike will correlate with the frame size: if you need a larger bike frame to fit your body, it might also come with larger wheels.

Hybrid bicycles commonly use either 700cc wheels or the 26” standard common with mountain bikes. 700cc tires are slightly thinner and more suited for road riding: they roll well on pavement and have no problem with small bumps and cracks.

You’ll get easier acceleration out of them. With a 26” wheel base, you’ll have a wider choice of different tire profiles better equipped for off-road riding.

Cruiser and comfort bikes might also employ these as they give you more stability, especially at slower speeds. Their higher air volume makes for a plush ride, while the higher air pressure of 700cc tires makes higher speeds and longer rides easier.

A larger wheel size will be more enjoyable for tall riders, and also changes the attack angle of the wheel, making it easier to roll over obstacles or curbs.

Gears

Gears on your bike allow for a varied approach to differences in terrain. Simply put, a lower gear makes it easier to pedal, which is suitable for climbing, while a higher gear introduces more resistance and is suitable for riding at higher speeds.

How many gears you need on a hybrid bike depends on the situations you’ll encounter. Road cyclists in flat terrain can do with very few gears, while rough trails and steep hills require many lower gears to give you versatility.

If you’re mainly commuting, an easy setup like a ten speed bike or only two chainrings in the front are probably sufficient, while mountain bikers will probably go for 27 or more gears. For just flat terrain, a single speed can also be all you need.

Brakes: Disc or Rim

Brakes are obviously the most important safety feature on a bike. The classic version is the rim brake, where rubber brake pads grip directly onto the wheel rims.

Disc brakes feature a brake rotor mounted to the wheel hub, both in the front and back. The brake pads grip onto the rotor. A disc brake can be hydraulic, with more progressive and stronger braking with less finger effort, or mechanical, where you need to pull stronger.

Disc brakes offer the advantage of more consistent braking power in all situations, including when wet. A spent rotor is cheaper to replace than a worn-out wheel.

But compared to rim brake, it’s more difficult to inspect and service brake pads and rotors as well as the hydraulics.

Seat

The saddle or seat on a hybrid bike tends to be more comfortable than on a mountain or road bike, and can even feature suspension to counteract the shocks from rough terrain and pavement.

Among anatomical shapes, cutouts to relieve pressure, flexible frames, cushioning springs and gel padding, you’ll have to choose what you prefer. The more upright you ride, the wider and more padded as seat model you’ll want.

Comfort, commute and city bikes tend to come with more comfortable saddles.

Extras

Some hybrid bikes are equipped with a front or cargo rack, or both. These are designed for urban riding and your commute where you want to bring some things with you, such as groceries, a gym bag or other equipment.

Depending on the racks, you might need pannier bags or a elastic straps to hold down your bag. Racks might be firmly installed or removable.

Fenders are great for everyday riding as well where dirt and water are an issue. Your tires will pick up whatever grime or liquid is on the road or the terrain and splash it onto your clothes, unless your bike has fenders installed.

Should rain or dirt not be an issue for your riding, no fenders on your hybrid bicycle help you save weight.

FAQs About Hybrid Bikes

Q: How is a hybrid bike different from a mountain bike or road bike?

A: Hybrid bicycles combine the concept of a mountain bike and street bike to create a model that allows you to ride on paved roads as well as dirt roads. They’re sturdy, responsive and slightly rugged, yet more lightweight than a mountain bike.

They’re more comfortable and convenient than mountain and road bikes, and they generally come equipped for riding in the city as well.

They can easily be used for short distances and a daily commute, and typically allow you to transport your belongings. Their gears are versatile enough so you can climb hills and ride along at a comfortable speed on flat surfaces.

Q: What are the benefits of a hybrid bicycle?

A: Hybrid bikes allow you to ride in a comfortable, upright position with handlebars that don’t put any stress on your spine or neck from having to lean forward or grabbing drop bars.

Their tires give you sufficient stability without hindering speed, yet they allow you to ride over rough patches in the road or on a trail.

The great advantage of owning a hybrid bicycle is that you can do light road biking, mountain biking and touring while also using the bike for your daily commute or pedaling around the city.

Q: What type of riding is best with a hybrid bike?

A: Hybrid bicycles emphasize a more casual aspect of cycling. If you’re a competitive or highly ambitious rider, you probably should consider getting a racing, mountain or touring model instead.

A hybrid model will work well for short to medium distances. You can ride around town, commute to work, and go on easy cycling tours.

You can also do road or mountain biking and trails, but pick a route that is actually suited for your bike. Individual models might emphasize one aspect stronger.

Q: Are hybrids well-suited for road and mountain biking?

A: A dedicated road bike, touring bike or mountain bike will generally outperform a hybrid bike in their respective category. It’s simply not possible to have an all round model that excels at everything.

Keep in mind that a hybrid cannot share all the features with dedicated bikes: you cannot have slick tires for speed and great traction at the same time, many gears for climbing and the frictionless pedaling of a single speed.

If you know you’ll use your hybrid bike for various disciplines, try to figure out which aspects are most important to you and then select accordingly.

Q: Is a suspension or rigid fork better for a hybrid bike?

A: That depends entirely on your preference. A suspension fork allows you to ride smoother in rough terrain. A rigid fork offers more response, but will feel more bumpy when you ride over minor obstacles.

Final Thoughts

When you get your hybrid bike, make sure to follow the assembly instructions and fine-tune the fit afterwards to give the most efficient and comfortable riding experience.

Depending on whether you’re leaning more towards riding on paved roads or on trails, check out our Introduction To Road Biking or our tips on How To Mountain Bike to learn more about riding.

With a hybrid bike, you have made the choice to get a versatile bike you can ride in very different situations, allowing you to enjoy many outside hours of exercise or pleasure rides.

I hope this guide was helpful for finding the best hybrid bike to fit your needs. If you want to comment or recommend a bike I didn’t include, please use my contact form to get in touch.

How We Researched

To come up with the top hybrid bikes, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as Competitivecyclist, JensenUSA, REI, EVO along with our own personal experience.

We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could. To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot.com to make sure we only looked at genuine reviews.

With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options were for the price. The author, Richard Bailey has a wide background in mountain and road biking in a variety of countries, terrain types and bike packing for weeks on end.

The author has decades of experience and is eager to share his knowledge with readers.

To help narrow down the selection we used personal experiences along with recommendations from fellow MTB bikers, road cyclists, bloggers and bike shops.

After extensive research, we came up with our list to help you choose the right one for you.

Sources