Best commuter bikes 2025: for practical cycling on a daily basis

Commuting to work can be a rewarding experience. The health benefits of cycling to work are well documented, and if you’re training for an event it’s a great way to get in some extra miles. But ditching the car also saves you money and can 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? Length of the journey and the terrain it covers will largely dictate your choices, as will the need to carry plenty of gear. You might even need to drop the kids off to school before you continue on.

Fortunately at Cycling Weekly we’ve tested plenty of bikes that make ideal commuters, from folding bikes to electric hybrids to cargo bikes. We’ve selected our favourites here across a number of categories with the aim of helping you to narrow down your choices and make an informed decision.

To make your commute even more enjoyable, you’ll also need to consider a few accessories as well as making sure you have the right clothing for the job. At a bare minimum you should consider a good commuter helmet and bike lights.

Protection against the elements will likely be required, so why not check our guide to the best waterproof cycling jackets and trousers, as well as the best mudguards or fenders in case your best commuter bike doesn’t come fitted with them as standard

Finally, think about the facilities available for cyclists once you arrive at your workplace. Where are you going to store your bike? You will likely need a bike lock, even if you are lucky to have secure storage. You may want to carry a change of clothes, need to carry a laptop or if you are like me pack a sizable lunch. A good cycling backpack or pannier bags makes all that a lot easier.

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Best commuter bikes

Best hybrid bike

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 electric hybrid bike

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 folding bike

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 electric folding bike

We are yet to do a full review on the Eovolt but I was very excited to see how the Eovolt Afternoon 16 stalked up against 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 are 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 so 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.

Best Dutch style bike

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 Dutch style bike

It's been 10 years since Trek acquired Electra Bikes but only recently we have seen them influence its range of classic beach cruiser-styled bikes. Avoiding the easy route, of just bolting a battery to an existing model, Trek has been smart with the Loft Go! 7D EQ. A complete redesign of the bike from the ground up, sees Trek housing a small 250wh battery within the aluminium frame, upholding the traditional skinny steel tube styling. You would be hard-pressed to know that this was an e-bike at all. The Loft Go! Is a bike with a lot of style and thankfully one with a lot of substance too. The moderately powered 40nm Hyena rear hub motor, and small 250wh battery, keep weight down while providing enough oomph and range for most applications.

It is hard to see why the Loft Go! isn't equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, this is a bit of a shoot-and-miss from Elektra, given the excellent value of the rest of the bike. I believe Elektra should forgo the low-powered lights for better brakes, given that you would likely need more powerful lights to ride at night anyway.

The simple LED display, which depicts battery life and support level, is a cheap, no-frills on-bike feature. However, it is supplemented by the Elektra + Central App, for those who like to be connected, share rides or keep on top of their range anxiety.

Best singlespeed bike

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 uses dual-pivot caliper brakes to bring it to a halt. The gearing is 44x18, which means a single 44t chainring paired with a 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 it's price point and it's steel frame, it's not the lightest bike you'll come across .

Best drop bar bike

The Nuroad FE is an ‘equipped’ version of Cube's popular Nuroad Gravel bike, sharing the same geometry, aluminium frame and carbon fork. What does ‘equipped’ mean? This is when brands ‘equip’ certain models in their range with additional accessories such as mudguards/fenders, racks and lights. That is where the Nuroad FE differs slightly. With these additional accessories and its dynamo light set-up, which I'll get to in a minute, this bike stands out from the pack, it’s an ideal commuter bike.

Tyre-hugging mudguards/fenders are welcome on any commuter bike and those on the Nuroad FE are neatly integrated with the low riding rack, which doubles up as the support. This helps to keep the mudguard and any cargo stable. Keeping weight low also reduces the centre of gravity, which maintains the bike's sporty handling.

In recent years we have seen a big resurgence in the use of dynamo lights, especially among athletes competing in long-distance, ultra-endurance races like the Trans Continental Race or Tour Divide Route. Modern dynamo hubs are incredibly efficient at generating voltage compared to their predecessors and limit resistance to a minimum. This makes them perfect for commuters as they are always available on your bike and they never need charging.

It would be nice to see Cube speccing the more puncture-resistant Schwalbe G-One Allround, with its DD double defence casing, but it's a small cost to upgrade as and when needed. Considering the dynamo setup, rack and mudguards/fenders come in at just £100 RRP over the standard Nuroad, the FE version represents good value

Best electric drop bar bike

Canyon rarely shies away from making the bikes it truly believes people need and the Grizl:On CF Daily is a shining example of this. Like the Cube Nuroad FE, the Canyon is a very ‘well-equipped’ version of its highly-rated Grizl gravel bike and, as the name suggests, is optimised for ‘daily’ use. The Grizl:On turns it up to 11 with the addition of the superb Bosch Sx lightweight motor system.

The Sx System is designed to offer light assistance most of the time yet pack the same big punch as ‘full fat’ systems like Bosch’s CX motor, which should suit commuters down to a tee. I rarely ride hard, most of the time I am cruising and just want a bit of an extra kick on the climbs or away from the lights, assuming I am running on time of course.

Canyon's high levels of integration make a lot of sense for the busy commuter, you really can just jump on the bike and ride. Equipped as standard with lights that are more than adequate for dark lanes, mudguards that clear large tyres and a rack that will handle 15kg of cargo, the Grizl:On CF Daily is a versatile bike. One neat feature that caught my eye was the integrated Fidlock frame bag mounts for Canyon’s own LOAD frame bag. This would be a great place to keep tools, a pump or keys/door passes easily accessible.

The Grizl’s gravel background lends superbly to a mixed-terrain commute, and that Bosch motor will mean you can attack some very technical terrain along the way. However, having spent two years with a little-used suspension fork fitted to my own e-gravel bike, it is hard to see it being a big need for everyone. For those who won’t be venturing too far from the road, it’s a little excessive.

Best cargo bike

If you're looking for a bike that can truly replace a car then the Tern GSD S10 is the closest I have found. It's so versatile. With most cargo bikes I have tested you have to choose between carrying kids or shopping, but the Tern has room for both.

The superior Bosch Cargo system is perfect for the hilly topography of my local roads, especially when we are loaded up. The GSD I have been testing is equipped with a 400wh battery but if you can stretch to the LX model it’s increased to 500wh. This would be welcome upgrade, as my eight mile commuting loop consumes about a third of the battery. This is not a big issue, it just means I have to charge it everyday, rather than every other.

If I'm picky, the Bosch Purion display is a little low rent bearing in mind the cost of the bike. Particularly as it doesn't even feature a clock, which means I have to mount a phone holder, or remember to wear my smartwatch. It is a very minor detail in the grand scheme of things, on a bike that has truly changed our habits as a family.

Best cargo bike for the school run

Finding a genuine car replacement has never been so easy, there's really a lot to love about the Stride 2. Its potential to ditch the car and get the whole family out and about (well an adult and up to two or three little ones) is pretty unique, even in the cargo bike market.

If you are not hauling people, the large out-front loading tub is great for chucking anything and everything in. Not specific to the Raleigh, but worth noting, is that most buckets designed for cargo bikes limit your front wheel visibility, which can take a while to get used to. You do need to be confident in your riding ability. You need to be a pretty tall rider too., At 5’6" (170cm), I found it hard to touch the floor when sitting on the saddle, even with it positioned all the way down.

The Stride 2’s party trick is the Enviolo NuVinci gear shift, which is an infinitely adjustable system and a real revelation on a cargo bike. Being able to shift gear whilst stationary, and being able to keep the focus on handling a fully loaded as you come to a stop was something I'll miss on other bikes. Additionally, step-less shifting means shifting under load on a hill is also smooth and quiet.

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 a understanding of how it performs in the real world as possible.

When it comes to commuter bikes that means evaluating just how well-equipped they are to handle the rigours of a daily commute as well as assessing how well they ride in general. We ensure we ride them across a range of conditions as well as test their individual features; electric bikes are assessed for battery life, cargo bikes checked to see how well they carry their load, etc.

You can read more on the review procedure on our How We Testpage.

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