Best commuter bikes 2026: expert-tested and approved utilitarian bikes for everyday use

Commuting doesn't have to be just for work. The term is broad and encompasses what, in reality, is just more utilitarian bikes. The best commuter bikes can be a simple singlespeed bike for college or school, a hybrid for running errands, or an electric cargo bike for deliveries. For many, riding one is largely about ditching the car or in combination with public transport.

There are well-documented health benefits to cycling to work, too, and if you’re training for an event, it’s a great way to get in some extra miles. Ditching the car can save you money and be a wholly liberating experience. After all, who wants to get stuck in traffic after a day’s work?

So, how do you go about finding the right bike for your commute? Fortunately, our team of experts here at Cycling Weekly has tested plenty of bikes that make ideal commuters. On the whole, this comes down to three factors: the Length and terrain you wish to tackle, how much gear you need to carry, and practical considerations, such as taking kids to school or being able to take it on a train.

With all that in mind, we’ve selected nine of our top-rated commuter bikes, including the Tern GSD S10 for its ability to serve as a proper car replacement and as one of the best electric cargo bikes, the Whyte RHeO 3 one of the best electric bikes for its versatility and engaging ride and the Brompton P-Line, arguably the only choice when it comes to the best folding bikes.

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Best bike for commuting; rated and reviewed by Cycling

Best hybrid for commuting

The Sirrus has been in production for five decades, making it something of an icon in the hybrid/commuter space. However, the X 5.0 is quite the departure from models of old, largely due to its radical frame design.

Using Specialized’s FACT 9r carbon, it features what’s called the Compliance Junction. Essentially this replaces the traditional seat tube with a design that creates a sizable hole between the rear seat stays (which actually start where the seat tube ends) and the bottom bracket. The idea? To add vertical compliance while retaining lateral rigidity, which in essence means more comfort and control.

The other headliner is the FutureShock 1.5 suspension that sits in the headtube, providing the Sirrus with 20mm of front end travel. Combined with the frame design and material it points to a bike that will soak up poor surfaces and reduce rider fatigue. The clearance for 42mm tyres won't harm this either.

In practice we found that it all worked as promised. The carbon frame helps to create a light and sprightly ride, with easy acceleration when required. But it was the bike’s comfort that shone through. We found there to be little chatter through the seat post or bars; the FutureShock proved a real success, delivering subtle but effective absorption that left us feeling fresh even after some off-road rides.

Sram’s 1x 12-speed drivechain also performed admirably. It’s admittedly a little clunky at times when it comes to shifting, but there were no missed shifts and the 11-50t cassette meant we were able to take on some pretty steep climbs while remaining in the saddle. That said, a three-piece crankset on a bike such as this is a little hard to swallow.

Indeed, much of the bike’s price tag is to be found in the frame, which means some of the components, such as the wheels and the above groupset are a little basic. That said it’s a frameset that’s worthy of plenty of upgrades over time. All told, it’s a well-designed and supremely comfortable high-end hybrid that lends itself to many applications, including a daily commute.

Read more: Specialized Sirrus x 5.0 full review

Best drop bar bike for commuting

The first thing many will spot about the Van Rysel AF 2 gravel bike is its very affordable price, which is impressive given its specification. What isn't relieved until you swing a leg over is just how much bike you are getting for that money.

Decathlon has really played a blinder with the GRVL, impressing me with its ride quality too. It is remarkably comfortable to ride on a range of terrains, which I believe is down to its smart use of frame materials and well-balanced geometry. Not forgetting that the carbon fork and large volume tyres play a big part in this by offering a confident and forgiving ride.

Microshift's Sword drivetrain delivers excellent ergonomics and a really reliable shift. Given this was my first time with the budget groupset, it was a pleasant suprise. One area for improvement is the braking; however, considering that mechanical disc brakes are not expected to be as powerful, with proper care and time to break them in, the Tektro Sypres is a decent option.

The GRVL is no racer; however, its endurance feel makes for a great bike to explore with, log long endurance miles or given it has all the mounts, it could make a great commuter.

Read our full Van Rysel GRVL AF 2 gravel bike review

Best electric bike for commuting

The lightweight Rheo 3 is powered by a 250Wh battery and a Kynamic hub motor that delivers 450W of peak power with 45Nm torque. The battery sits low on the bike’s down tube, designed to create a low centre of gravity and with it a sure and stable ride. And it works.

Combined with the chunky 45mm Maxxis Reaver Tan Wall tyres, we found that the Rheo 3 handled a variety of terrain with aplomb; tarmac, trails, flat roads and hills were all tackled with ease and comfort, despite the frameset having no suspension.

The combination of the nine-speed Shimano Cues drivetrain and the hub-based Kynamic motor worked a treat. We found that even over lumpy terrain level one or two of the three pedal assist options proved to be sufficient. We saved level three assist for the steepest climbs.

As a commuter we appreciated the Rheo’s integrated setup, which meant we didn’t have to concern ourselves with remembering to charge or attach lights, while the mudguards and rack ensure you're all set for poor weather and having plenty of carrying capacity if required; it also means two less aftermarket purchases.

While the small battery saves weight it does lessen the bike’s range to a degree. During hilly rides we found ourselves eating up the battery, using 75% of capacity within 20 miles. However, on flatter roads this isn’t the case, and we found that we could keep the battery at around 80% after a 10 mile commute.

Read more: Whyte Rheo 3 full review

Best cargo bike

This is not the first time we have awarded the Tern GSD S10 5 stars. A few years back, Tech Writer also loved living with the GSD, claiming it truly was the first cargo bike she had the pleasure of riding that could replace a car. Now, not only have I awarded the latest iteration the 3rd generation of the Tern GSD S10 5 stars, but I have also gone as far as buying it.

It is rare for me to buy a bike I have tested; in actual fact, in 15 years as a bicycle journalist, I couldn't think of one. Largely, as someone else is always keen to send you something, so I have never seen the point, I have always had access to the latest, greatest and fastest bikes when I need them. The Tern is different, though. 'We', thats my family and I have tested a number of cargo bikes over the last few years, but given how tricky they are to ship around for brands and the constant setting up kids sets, safety rails and each one having a slightly different set of bags and cargo capacity, I thought it was time to commit. The GSD has just got so many things right, I saw no reason not to.

What is probably an even greater accomplishment for the Tern is that it is so well-balanced and easy to live with; it even got my non-riding partner on it, cruising around with the kids.

While electric cargo bikes are never cheap, especially when you start adding up the cost of all the accessories like safety rails, bags, etc. Tern does have an extraordinary range of bolt-ons, which means you can truly customise it to your exacting needs. However, maybe because of the popularity of the GSD, the S10 does represent fairly decent value, and a very viable car replacement.

Read our full Tern GSD S10 Gen 3 electric cargo bike review

Best singlespeed for commuting

Decathlon's Elops City Bike 500 was previously branded under its B'Twin label. However, the bike remains the same, which, if you're after a straightforward single-speed bike for your daily commute, is a good thing.

For under $/£300, you get a durable steel frame and forks that use dual-pivot calliper brakes to bring it to a halt. The gearing is 44x18, which means a single 44t chainring paired with an 18t cog - and it's fitted to a flip-flop hub, which gives you the choice of riding either with a freewheel or a fixed gear.

Best suited to short, flat commutes, the Elops single speed features relatively narrow 520mm alloy bars, which should allow you to navigate gaps in the traffic while still remaining stable. Given its price point and its steel frame, it's not the lightest bike you'll come across.

We reviewed the Elops as part of your Best Singlespeed Bikes group test video

Best folding bike for commuting

Brompton’s range of folding bikes is extensive but we’ve selected its P Line as the best option for commuting because of its weight. While the regular C Line models weigh over 11kg, the P Line, with its titanium rear triangle reduces this to well under 10kg. Given that many commutes with a folder involve a trip on public transport, this isn’t an insignificant saving, especially if you commute year round. And even if you cycle to work without the additional need of a train or bus, it makes it far easier to carry up any stairs you might face.

This lightweight construction is aided by the P-Line’s rollable nature; with the saddle up you can wheel it around, say a train station, with ease thanks to the seat pin locking mechanism that keeps the folded bike in place.

As for the ride quality, we found that it was suitably ‘Brompton’. The handling was nimble as ever, with any big hits from potholes and the like soaked up to some degree by the rubber suspension block, and the exceedingly long seat post. We enjoyed the upright riding position, providing us with good visibility when navigating traffic and busy streets. The brakes worked superbly well, too.

Read more: Brompton P Line full review

Best compact commuter

When Cannondale launched the Compact Neo a few years back, it was hard to ignore its resemblance to the brand's Iconic mini-velo acoustic predecessor, the Hooligan! What the Hooligan was, was a lot of fun; it was sharp, fast, and a lot of fun. So, it was up to me to put it to the test, had Cannondale captured the essence of a classic or had it used the styling of a classic to tempt those who, let's face it, would remember but maybe now be in need of an ebike and less so a 'hooligan' to get around on.

It's worth remembering that the Compact Neo is not a folding bike. It has some neat features, like the folding pedals, a stem that can turn independently of the fork and an obvious compact frame. This is a bike for storing in a hallway, behind a sofa or down the side of a car in a small garage, not one that can be stowed away in a cupboard.

That really defines the Cannondale in many regards, it lacks the twitchy, agile nature of a Brompton and of course is not as easy to store. It also lacks a little bit of get-up-and-go that you can get out of Brompton with the right handlebar selection.

What it lacks in strength and speed, it totally makes up for in comfort and convenience. The big rubber and relaxed position, assuming you keep it within the speed limiter, makes for a very pleasant ride. Honestly, while Bromptons are amazing, a lot of folding bikes are a pain to fold and unfold. The Compact Neo's simple and convenient 'bolt-on' features do make it quite small, and it is actually narrower than a folded Brompton.

A manoeuvrable, relatively lightweight, comfortable and reasonably compact commuter for city dwellers.

Read our full Cannondale Compact Neo electric bike review

Best Dutch style bike for commuting

Seeing near daily use for 2 years my wife's Pendleton Somerby has been flawless even after a few spills, one of which did result in a helmet replacement. The bike it replaced had proven very unreliable, not to mention a good 5kgs heavier. The Somerby really shows what can be done when a little thought is put into affordable bicycles and not a laser focus on cost. Details like the metal chain guard, mudguards and welded rack, have resulted in a quiet ride that has required no fettling to stop mudguards rubbing tyres or chains rattling on the guard.

At 14.5kg, the Pendleton isn't light by commuter bike standards however, for this style it is on the lightweight end. A Pashley Penny, a bike twice the price of the Somerby is in the 17kg range. That is in part due to Halford's choice to keep it simple with the 7-speed drivetrain from industry experts Shimano. The simplicity and weight saving of this set-up over a Sturmey 3 Speed hub is noticeable.

As the one that has to work on this bike, when it goes wrong, and the little spanner time I have given it. I would highly recommend the Somerby to anyone looking for an affordable, reliable and well-built bike. It is fantastic for short distances, and it has enough style to look good outside your local coffee roaster.

Best electric folding bike for commuting

We haven't done a full review of the Eovolt yet, but I was excited to compare the Eovolt Afternoon 16 with the Brompton Electric. So, I took the opportunity to pop into my local dealer to do a quick test ride. What caught my eye about the Afternoon 16 is that Eovolt has made two conscious decisions that immediately set it apart from Brompton.

The first is disc brakes, which offer superior braking for all-weather riding and when cycling in heavy traffic. Additionally, the added torque from an e-bike motor makes disc brakes essential on any e-bike. The second is Eovolt’s choice to spec a rear hub motor drive system. Without getting too deep into the pros and cons of hub-driven electric bikes, in my opinion, placing the hub in the rear eliminates undesirable handling qualities generated when the power goes to the front wheel. More importantly, it can be safer when the roads are damp or in an emergency. It's why market leaders like the Mahle X35 and FSA use a similar system.

The folded size of the Afternoon 16 also impressed, being only marginally bigger than its competitor at just 0.15m3, compared to 0.09m3 for a Brompton. To give some context, both are small but should easily be stowed in a car boot or train luggage bay. One issue that immediately arose during my short time with the Eovolt was getting the bike to stand independently when folded. This was a struggle. The round plastic protection at the end of the seatpost just isn't designed to support the bike. I only see it becoming an issue if you need to set it down while waiting on a platform for your train, if there’s nowhere else to lean it.

How we test

Our team of reviewers have extensive experience testing a wide range of bikes, components, clothing and more. Whether it's a race bike or a helmet, a pair of bib shorts or a set of gravel wheels, we ensure that we test the product thoroughly so we can give you as complete an understanding of how it performs in the real world as possible.

Regarding our testing of the best commuter bikes, the focus is on evaluating their ability to handle the rigours of a daily commute and assessing their overall ride quality. Commuting via bicycle can be tough on components, and wear is generally a lot higher than that used for leisure. There are several reasons for this, but generally speaking, it comes down to a less frequent maintenance cycle and greater exposure to the elements. Which means there is only one way to really test a commuter bike's full potential, and that is to put in heavy mileage.

With many of us here at Cycling Weekly remote and lacking a commute to an office, we instead get in our miles just like any other bike. This includes lunchtime rides, trips to the shops, dropping off the kids at school and nursery, and using the bike to get to the gym or a spin class instead of the car.

The expectation for every test is that each reviewer will have completed a dozen or more rides, using several configurations and over a number of terrains and in combination with a car or public transport.

All bikes will, of course, be assessed for their ride quality, versatility and overall value. More importantly, how easy they are to live with, how well do they actually work as a commuter bike. This will include any accessories that are provided or that are needed and can be fitted to the bike and how well they function.

You can read more on how the Cycling Weekly team go about our reviews on our dedicated How We Test page.

Meet our testers

Simon Richardson

Before COVID changed all our working patterns, Simon was the guy who would ride every day, rain or shine. Habits die hard; he still refuses to get in the car unless he absolutely has to, choosing public transport and a folding bike for the office, or his newly purchased cargo bike for school runs.

Hannah Bussey

Hannah may once have been a professional bike racer and could still have most of us on the climbs, but it's very much family first these days. Being a cyclist, she would much rather be riding a bike and not sat in a car. So, at every opportunity, she chooses a bike to run errands, get around and ride with her daughter to school.

Anne-Marije Rook

While Rook, like so many of us, works remotely, not just from an office but from the entire CW team on a different continent, barely a day goes by that she isn't turning some pedals. Variety is the spice in Rook's life. After acquiring a cargo bike in 2025, Rook now owns almost every style of bike. Given the accessibility of cycling in the PNW, it's no wonder she regularly chooses the bike over the car.

Matt Ischt-Barnard

Matt was a commuter for many years before becoming a cyclist in his late teens. Paper rounds, terrible cars and a lack of funds to keep fixing them consistently left him turning to the bike for a reliable mode of transport. Fast-forward to being a dad with a house and, until very recently, a one-car household: the bicycle has always been there and remains the go-to when he needs to get from A to B.

How to choose the best commuter bike for you

As I mentioned in the introduction to the guide, choosing the best commuter bike for you will very much depend on three factors:

1. Length of your commute, and if this is in combination with a car or public transport
2. The terrain which you will need to cover.
3. Its versatility, does it need to carry children? Or will you use a backpack?

The ideal combination would be for a bike to do whatever you need it to. Although we're closer to that than ever before, one bike unfortunately doesn't rule them all.

Selecting the most likely combinations of what you need from the bike is the preferred ideal, and for those times you need something else, you have to make do. However, for each combination there are options.

For instance, if you have a long commute, a drop bar bike, such as a road or gravel bike, might be the best option. However, loading them up with laptops and other essentials isn't always easy. So, could you combine your commute with public transport or your car? In such cases, a more versatile folding bike might be a better option, as it is generally more equipped to carry bags and large lunches.

While some people tackle off-road in their commute, they are likely to be using one of the best gravel bikes or, potentially, one of the best electric bikes. Most of us will take on the commute on paved or hard-packed surfaces, mainly as arriving at work covered in mud and dust isn't ideal, but for many of us, we want to get to work or get away and to the next part of our day and seek out the fastest or quickest routes.

Where choosing a commuting bike can become a headache, though, is if the need to carry kids or other people becomes a priority. While the best electric cargo bikes make for excellent car replacements, not everyone will have space for those rather sizeable at times bicycles.

This is where using one of the best hybrid bikes in combination with the best kids seats or bikes like the Tern Quick Haul or GSD S10 makes for interesting propositions.

Needless to say, everyone has a slightly different approach to bike commutes, and if you break down the top priorities of your commute into distance, terrain, and what you need to carry, it can be much easier to find the right combination and ultimately the right bike.

FAQs about commuting by bike