Best Bike Brands for Commuters [Top 12 Bicycle Manufacturers]

Commuting into a place of work or study is becoming more appealing, and also necessary. City officials recognise the needs of those of us who travel by bicycle more closely than ever, and promotion of the health benefits associated with riding are now seen and shared everywhere.

Traffic infrastructure is being specifically designed with urban riding and commuting in mind. The global pandemic forced a boom in cycling as a form of public transportation. There have been signs of this slowing, but the uptick in people getting on their bike for the first time is gaining momentum.

Safe passage and a secure feeling created by improved (and linked) riding networks for people commuting by bicycle has never been better, and the signs are that investment is steady.

Choosing a Bicycle for Commuting

First-time commuters should not aspire to be a lycra-clad speedster or armour-wearing mountain biker. The most important aspects of commuting should be comfort and practicality. An upright riding position should be a priority. It helps you to see, and be seen, and also places less strain on your muscles as they adapt to your new pursuit.

Practicality is a must. Your bicycle needs to be suitable to the terrain and environment you’re riding in. It needs to be reliable too. Buying a bicycle that is less susceptible to damage or breakdown is crucial. Selecting a commuting machine over a specialised bicycle made for racing, on or off-road, will be a safer choice.

You’ll be buying into research and development into what makes a good commuter bicycle. We give some wide-ranging advice here about how much you really need to spend on a bicycle, and examine the essentials of maintenance and wear and tear.

It’s easy to be tempted by one ‘do-it-all’ machine, but hopefully there’ll be scope for pushing new boundaries after you’ve got used to commuting. Choosing the right bicycle and manufacturer will help make your journey from A to B seem as easy as ABC.

Buying a new bicycle does not need to be a huge financial investment. We look at some of the best times of year to get more for your money here, and also some specific brands which hold their value here.

12 Tips When Buying a Commuter Bike

Below is a list of practical tips to help the first-time buyer of a commuting bicycle (some of these are one-offs, but worth the small investment up-front):

• Have a test ride in comfortable clothes – you should not need to commute in hi-tech lycra
• Check that the handling is reliable and smooth – specific commuting bicycles are suited to this. A road bicycle is designed for riding long distances at speed and can be harsher than a commuting bicycle
• Choose wheels with the best build quality you can afford and get them checked by a mechanic soon after you start commuting
• When buying new, look for the best warranty you can on the frame and forks – it gives peace of mind but also reassures you that the manufacturer places faith in the quality of their product
• Choose the best contact points with your body as fits your budget – handlebar grips that are comfortable, pedals to suit a variety of footwear, a saddle that you can trust
• ‘Step-through’ frames have a lower, angled crossbar and are a useful commuting choice for riders who stop and start more frequently – they are elegant and safe too, promoting the upright riding position
• Electric bicycles (e-bikes) have proven to be a boon for commuters – they offer electrical support via a motor, will definitely help you up hills and their battery range will support a daily commute. Pricing at this stage might be less supportive to new commuters. We talk a lot about e-bikes at Discerning Cyclist with example articles here and here
• You’ll be sure to come across folding bicycles in your commuting searches and there’s no doubt that they are practical options for those whose commute involves public transport. Of course they can be used as a ‘point-to-point’ single ride without needing to be folded and unfolded but might be better suited to those who have some experience of commuting and confidence in using them. We explore folding bikes in detail here
• Your handlebar stem controls its height – your comfort relies on this – make sure it is easily adjustable because your body will become more flexible over time
• Buy a bicycle which can adapt to changing conditions – either your own or the environment – can you fit mudguards / fenders? Are there luggage carrying options? Do you need to consider a chain guard?
• Remember that the essence and mechanics of cycling are unchanged for over 100 years – you don’t need the latest technologies in aerodynamics, suspension or weight-saving to commute
• Once you have chosen your ride, consider a bike-fit. It takes around 45 minutes for a trained professional to dial in your body shape and riding style to the geometry of your bicycle. Small adjustments to your saddle and handlebars are usually made to deliver comfort and take unwanted pressure off your muscles and bones. Most bike shops offer a service and there are also mobile or at home alternatives.

Best Bicycle Brands for Commuters [Top 12]

RANK	BRAND	BASED
1	Trek
2	Pashley
3	Boardman
4	Gazelle
5	Cannondale
6	Specialized
7	Giant
8	Canyon
9	Pinnacle
10	Raleigh
11	Kona
12	Elops + BTWIN Riverside

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1. Trek

Trek has been active in the cycling marketplace since 1976. They remain a family-owned, US-based business which began life producing bicycles from a small red barn in Wisconsin. That barn is still standing, a short ride from their headquarters.

We’ve written a brand insight into Trek here – they are one of the most popular brands in the world of cycling. This is largely down to the reliability of their machines and a strong presence on the high street through their own stores and affiliations with local bike shops.

The company invests in high quality materials, modern design cues and methods. Their faith in the reliability comes in the form of a lifetime warranty on newer frame sets (the frame and rigid fork to which the wheels attach).

Rather than specialising in niche areas, Trek offers machines for all abilities of riders over all terrains. Trust in their output is universally positive, with negative views tending to be toward decisions unrelated to manufacture or design. They offer gender-specific models.

Trek Bikes Pricing

Entry-level Trek commuting bicycles in the City Bikes section of their website are available from £475 (~$ 580) and, at the time of writing, have 49 models in this section below £1,500 (~$ 1,834). Their premium models, which can come with lightweight frames, electric motors and in-built accessories like mudguards / fenders can cost up to £5,800 (~$ 7,091). The average price for a Trek commuting bicycle is around £2,138 (~$ 2,613).

Trek Bikes Available

• City Bikes
• Electric Bikes
• Road Bikes
• Mountain Bikes

Best Trek Bikes

• FX 1 Disc
• Dual Sport 3 Equipped Stagger
• Verve 3 Equipped Lowstep

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2. Pashley

Pashley is a UK brand just four years shy of its centenary. The design and heritage cues of their 21st century bicycles are a wonderful reminder of the former prominence of cycling in between the world wars as a form of transportation before the motor vehicle became dominant.

Pashleys would be used to travel from town to country and back as working people sought freedoms and solace from a long working week and legislation changed to give people time off at weekends. The social aspects of a day-long outing with friends and family ensured that their classic upright riding position remained as the company diversified into other niche areas like tandems and tricycles.

They manufacture their machines in the UK and are supplied by similar companies for parts. Each bicycle is hand-built to last. The classic style, chain guards and carrying options, along with well made contact points, are a sure winner. Hand-crafted leather grips will be supple and long-lasting.

Commuting does not need to be fast and furious and on a Pashley, comfort is paramount. You should be able to command a certain air of deference on the roads to and from the city. They offer gender-specific models.

Pashley Bikes Pricing

Entry-level Pashley commuting bicycles are available from £745 ($ 912). Their premium models, which come with lighter frames, a beautiful Brooks leather saddle, plus more gears to help with hills, can cost up to £1,675 ($ 2,051). The average price for a Pashley commuting bicycle is around £1,034 ($ 1,266).

Pashley Bikes Available

• Upright commuting bikes designed for comfort and relaxed speeds
• Slightly more dynamic versions with a swept back but still upright riding position

Best Pashley Bikes

• Roadster Classic
• Princess Classic
• Parabike

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3. Boardman

Chris Boardman is synonymous with the pursuit of cycling in the UK. The Olympian had a strong eye for the detail in his own gold-medal winning bicycles and carried that over into the launch of his eponymous range of bicycles in 2007. A Boardman bike was used by GB riders in subsequent olympic games and world championships.

Their range of commuting bikes are sold online or in the UK via the Halfords chain of retail outlets, who acquired the company some time around 2015. Sold alongside the wide range of carbon-framed road bikes and mountain bikes, part of their popularity is in their accessibility and the support offered via Halfords, as well as other retailers who stock the machines.

When you are starting out in the world of commuting, it’s important to know that you can rely on a mechanic for advice or work where necessary. Halfords also takes part in cycle to work schemes, which we discuss here, which offers new UK commuters a flexible pricing entry into their new found form of exercise.

This British-based company punches above its weight and does a great job a delivering good value for money and keeps the founder’s passion for cycling as an enjoyable pursuit close to its heart. They offer gender-specific models.

Boardman Bikes Pricing

Entry-level Boardman commuting bicycles are available from £575 ($ 702). Their premium models, which can come with lightweight frames and electrical assistance can cost up to £2,299 ($ 2,810). The average price for a Boardman commuting bicycle is around £983 ($ 1,201).

Boardman Bikes Available

• Hybrid Bikes
• Electric Hybrid Bikes
• Adventure Bikes
• Electric Adventure Bikes
• Road Bikes
• Mountain Bikes

Best Boardman Bikes

• URB 8.6
• URB 8.9
• HYB 8.9

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4. Gazelle

Royal Dutch Gazelle, to give them their full name, are over 130 years old and their machines have been made in the Netherlands and are at the top of the marketplace in that Mecca of cycling.

In a country with more bicycles than people living there, the competition is fierce and this company innovates and adapts to changing demands. Customers are going to be demanding and confident of what they want. We know that the Netherlands has a fairly flat landscape, but sales of electric bicycles there show that more people want to explore the options for using a bicycle as a means of transport.

The upright, comfortable riding style makes Gazelle bicycles popular and they are keen to present this as a positive attitude towards getting on your ride with a smile for any purpose. Gazelle wants you to avoid complex decisions and just ride – in street clothes, or making or receiving a delivery.

Royal patronage was earned in 1992 and acts as a comfort blanket for quality and reassurance. They offer gender-specific models but many of their models have a ‘step-through’ frame.

Gazelle Bikes Pricing

Gazelle machines are available in a range of 20 different model names with different designs, with some emphasis on in the city riding. Entry-level Gazelle commuting bicycles without the lower ‘step-through’ frame are available from £629 ($ 770). Their premium models, which come with electric battery assistance, built in mudguards / fenders and luggage racks, can cost up to £3,599 ($ 4,407). The average price for a Gazelle commuting bicycle is around £1,034 ($ 1,266).

Gazelle Bikes Available

• City bikes
• e-bikes
• All-rounders for cycle holidays
• Upright bikes
• Cargo bikes

Best Gazelle Bikes

• Espirit
• Orange C7+
• Chamonix T30

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5. Cannondale

Cannondale are a bicycle manufacturer from the United States of America. They have making them since 1971, at a time when enthusiastic weekend riders were designing new shapes and using new materials to get the most out of the surroundings they were riding in, beyond the confines of the road.

It would be easy to dismiss them as radicals but some of their designs are pioneering, like a single fork on a mountain bike – the Lefty – and the smoothness in their road frames and use of technology were game changing. We take a longer look at Cannondale here.

They manufacture a wide range of bicycles and have embraced e-bike credentials. Some may see Cannondale as a race-bred brand but there is enough adaptability in their Active & Hybrid sections to compensate for daily door-to-door travelling. Crucially, the comfort in their frames will serve commuters well.

They offer fitness and urban bikes in the range that would easily fit the mould of a commuter without compromising the comfort levels they look for. They have a great reputation for comfort and smoothness of their ride, which comes as a result of in-depth research into the ergonomics of riding. They offer gender-specific models.

Cannondale Bikes Pricing

Cannondale sell so many different types of bicycle. We’ll be looking only at the 73 bicycles in the Active & Hybrid section of their website, which should suit commuters. Entry-level Cannondale commuting bicycles are available from £525 ($ 641) and, at the time of writing, have 40 models below £1,500 ($ 1,837). Their premium commuting models can cost up to £5,000 ($ 6,123). The average price for a Cannondale bicycle in this section is around £1,914 ($ 2,344).

Cannondale Bikes Available

• Active Bikes
• E-Bikes
• Road Bikes
• Gravel Bikes
• Mountain Bikes

Best Cannondale Bikes

• Quick 6
• Adventure EQ
• Treadwell EQ DLX Remixte

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6. Specialized

Specialized are a US company involved in bicycle manufacture since 1974. They introduced the world to the first mass-produced mountain bike – the Stumpjumper, 40 years ago.

Their model range has diversified greatly to encompass road cycles too and it’s fair to say they keep one eye on the racing side of cycling at all times. Some of the best and most expensive bicycles are made by their factory S-Works label. Take a look here for a more in-depth view of Specialized.

They are a very well-respected company internationally and their rides are sold via a worldwide distribution network. Though not the first name you think of when commuting, their build-quality, warranty options and reliability make them a firm favourite.

Specialized make diverse and focused machines within the main cycling disciplines. Within their road range you can opt for endurance or aerodynamic models. Whichever way you need to get up or down a mountain is also catered for in the MTB range and electric options abound across all disciplines.

Like other US brands, they use the term Active when considering bicycles best suited for commuting. This is where the most comfortable and practical machines for commuters tend to feature. They offer gender-specific models.

Specialized Bikes Pricing

Specialized produce a multitude of bicycles for the marketplace. We’ll be looking only at the 64 different bicycles in the Active section of their website, which should suit commuters. Entry-level commuting models are available from £499 ($ 612) and, at the time of writing, have 21 models below £1,500 ($ 1,837). Their premium commuting models which come with electric motor support for speeds of up to 28mph, automatic gear shifting and an in-built lock and radar technology can cost up to £5,250 ($ 6,123). The average price for a Specialized bicycle in this section is around £2,745 ($ 3,366).

Specialized Bikes Available

• Active Bikes
• Electric Bikes
• Road BIkes
• Mountain Bikes
• Gravel Bikes

Best Specialized Bikes

• Sirrus X 2.0
• Sirrus 2.0 Step-Through EQ
• Sirrus 3.0 EQ

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7. Giant

Giant is a company founded in Taiwan, who started out life producing frames for the world’s leading cycling brands in the early 1970s. By the next decade the company branched out into branding and selling its own machines. Today, they are world’s biggest bike manufacturer by volume.

As the global demand for carbon-fibre frames grew, Giant were at the head of production and enjoy a working relationship with the likes of Trek to this day, despite competing in the same space.

Today, they manufacture hundreds of different models of their own bikes as well as pressing frames and components for other manufacturers. They are well known and liked for their reliability and consistency. The in-built trust and quality control imposed by other manufacturers in allowing Giant to make parts in the other brand’s name is proof of just how good their work is.

Giant make all models of bicycle as you might expect. They have a specific mountain bike section, cyclocross and gravel bikes are included and within the road bike section is a specific city and hybrid section designed to suit commuters. They offer gender-specific models.

Giant Bikes Pricing

Giant produce a bedazzling array of bicycles. New commuters looking for a comfortable and stable ride should direct themselves to the City & Hybrid section of the website. Here, there are 13 different bicycles which should suit commuters. Entry-level commuting models are available from £419 ($ 514) and, at the time of writing, all models in this section are below £949 ($ 1,164).

Their premium models, in the Fitness range come with the same flat handlebars to suit commuters but with a more sporty set up which will mean leaning over the bars more than usual and can cost up to £1,849 ($ 2,267). The average price for a Giant bicycle in the City & Hybrid section is around £677 ($ 830).

Giant Bikes Available

• City & Hybrid Bikes
• Fitness Bikes
• Electric Road Bikes
• Mountain Bikes
• Gravel Bikes
• Adventure Bikes

Best Giant Bikes

• Escape City Disc 2
• Flourish 1 (by Liv – women’s brand by Giant)
• Escape 0 Disc

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8. Canyon

Canyon are a German brand and relative newcomer to the bicycle manufacturing market. Their distinctive logo and direct to consumer selling model mark them out amongst the competition. Direct sales should mean a great price for you – the consumer.

What this means in a practical sense is not that you will pick up a cheap discounted ride at low prices. You are more likely to ride away with a machine which offers great value for money. The equipment which adorns your bicycle is highly likely to be of a slightly better quality than other machines at the same price.

Without an importer / distributor or bike shop between you and the company, you save money but there are a couple of aspects to watch out for. Firstly, you have to do the final parts of assembly. Canyons are shipped in a sturdy cardboard box but to save space the handlebars and pedals, via the simple tools provided, to secure them to the bicycle. A simple ‘how to’ video is available online.

Local bike shops and dealers will of course work on your Canyon and offer servicing options – they come with the same essential equipment and components as all of the other commuting bicycles we’re looking at here. They offer gender-specific models.

Canyon Bikes Pricing

Canyon produce 255 bicycles on their website. Filtering down via the Ride Style section using the City and Commuting tabs, new commuters looking for a comfortable and stable ride find 33 models. Entry-level commuting models are available from £899 ($ 1,048). Their premium models, coming with a Bosch electric motor, automatic gearing, mudguards / fenders and a kick stand can cost up to £4,599 ($ 5,361). The average price for a Canyon bicycle in this section is around £2,553 ($ 2,976).

Canyon Bikes Available

• Commuter Bikes
• City Bikes
• Hybrid Bikes
• E Bikes
• Road Bikes
• Gravel Bikes
• Mountain Bikes

Best Canyon Bikes

• Roadlite 5 WMN
• Commuter 5
• Commuter 8

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9. Pinnacle

Pinnacle is the in-house brand of GB bicycle retailer Evans Cycles. The brand has been running since 2006 and offers a wide-range of urban, hybrid, road and cyclocross bicycles.

Evans has stores around the country and offer test rides. You will also be able to buy a Pinnacle bicycle from sports stores and they have a worldwide delivery option.

Evans have in-store mechanics and Discerning Cyclist has often popped into its local branch to pump up tyres and get advice – without an appointment. The store set up is very friendly and should be welcoming to a new commuter.

The machines are manufactured in the UK. The flat handlebar models are on the sportier side of commuting, with suspension forks on some models but they offer a couple of classic upright riding models.

The popularity of their machines comes with the great pricing that a huge retailer can offer, added to the post-sale service and adjustment options. Replacing worn out parts should be easy and their UK network of stores are found in most major cities and some towns. Accessing Evans stores will be relatively straightforward. They offer gender-specific models.

Pinnacle Bikes Pricing

Pinnacle produce a wide array of bicycles via the Evans’ website. Filtering down via the Discipline section, new commuters looking for a comfortable and stable ride find nine models. Entry-level commuting models are available from £500 ($ 583) to £1,200 ($ 1,399). The average price for a Pinnacle bicycle in the commuting / hybrid section is around £616 ($ 718).

Pinnacle Bikes Available

• Commuting Bikes
• Hybrid Bikes
• Recreational Bikes
• Road Bikes
• Mountain Bikes

Best Pinnacle Bikes

• Californium
• Neon 1
• Neon 2

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10. Raleigh

Raleigh is a trusted and best-known UK bicycle brand. They have risen and fallen with the popularity of riding and most over 40s will have been introduced to cycling through their model range. They are now under the umbrella of the Accell group which owns other two-wheeled brands across Europe.

They are still centred in Nottingham in the heart of England and mixing their in-built passion for cycling innovation and marketing with the other brands in the Accell stable will keep them innovative and sharp.

They’ve made road bikes that have won the Tour de France, mountain bikes, BMXs, commuters and eclectic models such as the Chopper.

It’s safe to say that Raleigh are an institution in the UK cycling scene to this day and report that many of their mechanics have been in the industry for years. They’ve always been proud of their quality control and all bikes have a test ride in the in house quality assurance area. They offer gender-specific models.

Raleigh Bikes Pricing

Raleigh produce a wide model range. Anyone new to commuting on the lookout for a stable and comfortable journey can find a bicycle in the Commuting section of the website. There are 22 models in this range to suit commuters. Entry-level commuting models are available from £399 ($ 465). Their premium models, with a ‘step-through’ frame, electric motors, luggage racks and mudguards / fenders to suit commuters can cost up to £2,799 ($ 3,263). The average price for a Raleigh bicycle in the Commuting section is around £1,644 ($ 1,916).

Raleigh Bikes Available

• Commuter Bikes
• Folding Bikes
• Hybrid Bikes
• Mountain Bikes
• Single Speed Bikes

Best Raleigh Bikes

• Pioneer Low Step
• Strada Crossbar
• Strada City Open Frame

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11. Kona

Kona is a legacy mountain bike company with over 30 years of experience. They are still run by the founding owners. They have moved a lot of the long-lasting materials to make a good mountain bike ride over to their commuting and city range.

Their frames are lightweight and popular for the ride quality they deliver. Riding mountain bikes relies on good handling to provide confidence and stability. The slightly stiffer ride than a road bike helps with balance and manoeuvrability.

Their commuting bicycles have been popular since 2002 and their model range has adapted and grown since then.

Their origins are in the US but they have an online presence in the UK via a direct to consumer website and distribution network via third parties and local shops.

Discerning Cyclist can vouch for the comfort of a Kona, having used one for riding the Ring of Kerry, a 106 mile ride around the charming and quiet south west coast of Ireland, whilst laden with three days worth of clothing and a wash-bag.

Kona commuting bikes run to a slightly smaller wheel and tyre size than the other brands we’ve highlighted. You’ll hear more about 650b tyres as opposed to the mainstay of a 700c tyre. Everything else is the same. Smaller usually means lighter although the larger wheel is thought to be able to maintain speed for longer.

Kona Bikes Pricing

Kona produce a wide model range with an emphasis around their trusted mountain bike discipline. New commuters seeking a relaxed and comfortable ride can look at the Kona City Bikes section of the website. There are nine models in this range to suit commuters. Entry-level commuting models are available from £649 ($ 757). Their premium model, with a ‘step-through’ frame an electric motor and mudguards / fenders to suit commuters costs up to £2,699 ($ 3,146). The average price for a Kona bicycle in the City section is around £1,043 ($ 1,216).

Kona Bikes Available

• City Bikes
• Road Bikes
• E-Bikes
• Mountain Bikes

Best Kona Bikes

• Dew Grey 2022
• Dew Deluxe 2022
• Dr. Dew

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Best Budget Bike Brand for Commuters:

12. ELOPS and Riverside (Decathlon Brands)

Decathlon is a sporting goods emporium and they certainly have a place in the world of cycling. People at the entry level of commuting like them for the great value for money they offer along with durability. You’ll be hard pushed to pick up a new bicycle for the same quality at a lower price.

We have explored the Decathlon range in greater detail here. This French sporting goods brand began in 1976 and a decade later were designing their own products in-house. They have hundreds of stores around the world and are an instantly recognisable brand. Decathlon own their own bike brands – ELOPS and Riverside.

ELOPS is the city bike style aimed at the upright position which is dominant for riding in the urban environment on the mainland of Europe and making a resurgence in the UK. Riverside is more of the flat bar hybrid style but is adept at commuting too.

ELOPS and Riverside – Decathlon Brand Bikes Pricing

Decathlon sell hundreds of bicycles via their websites across the globe, sites which all look and feel much the same. Filtering down via the urban and hybrid sections, new commuters looking for a great value ride find 30 models to choose from. Entry-level commuting models are available from £180 ($ 221) to £2,200 ($ 2,702) for a standout electric hybrid bicycle. The average price for either an ELOPS or Riverside bicycle in the urban and hybrid section is around £591($ 726).

Decathlon Brand Bikes Available

• Road Bikes
• Gravel Bikes
• E-Bikes
• Mountain Bikes
• Hybrid Bikes

Best Decathlon Bikes

• City Bike ELOPS 100 Low Frame
• City Bike ELOPS 900 Step-Through
• Hybrid Bike Riverside 120

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