The 10 Best Bikes That Cater To Riders Of Every Ability In 2023 (2024)

Cannondale Synapse AL 2

Frame Material: Aluminum |Brake Type: Mechanical Disc |Wheel Size:700c

Delivering versatile performance that effortlessly caters to a wide range of cycling needs, the Cannondale Synapse AL 2 will suit the average rider well. Fitted with a Shimano Tiagra 10-speed drivetrain, it delivers smooth and precise shifting, allowing riders to seamlessly navigate uphills, downhills and all manner of obstacles in between. The DT Swiss rims paired with Vittoria Zaffiro Pro 700c x 30 millimeter tires provide a winning combination of durability, control and traction, which makes it an ideal choice for both city commutes and mild off-road adventures.

Crafted for comfort without compromising on performance, the Synapse AL 2 features lightweight alloy handlebars and a Fizik saddle. These thoughtful touches not only enhance maneuverability but also ensure a comfortable and enjoyable ride over longer distances, whether you’re riding across town or across the state. As a bike designed to handle diverse challenges, it embodies the perfect blend of reliability, agility and style whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider.

Pros:

• Good value
• 30mm tires can handle a variety of road conditions
• Mounting points let you customize your ride

Cons:

• 2 x 10 drivetrain requires a bit of maintenance

Frame Material: Aluminum |Brake Type: Hydraulic disc |Wheel Size: 700c

The Priority Continuum Onyx is the quintessential commuter bike, meticulously designed to elevate your rides thanks to a blend of innovation and practicality. At the heart of its commuter-friendly features is the carbon drive belt, a game-changer that eliminates traditional chains, ensuring a grease-free and low-maintenance ride from A to B. This not only guarantees a cleaner commuting experience but also contributes to the bike's long-term durability, and it offers a strangely silent ride experience.

Thanks to the Continuum Onyx's dynamo-powered lights, it’s easy to see and be seen from early morning to late evening. The inclusion of puncture-resistant tires and composite fenders underscores the bike's commitment to hassle-free commuting, shielding you from unexpected flats or inclement weather. And the bike’s comfortable geometry is tailored for long rides, making each commute a pleasure rather than a chore.

Along with the powered lights, the thoughtful incorporation of reflective accents enhances safety by increasing visibility in low-light conditions, while the bike’s durability ensures it can withstand the rigors of daily commuting without leaving you stranded on the side of the road.

Pros:

• Commuter-friendly features like powered lights, fenders and puncture-resistant tires
• Hydraulic disc breaks deliver confident stopping power
• Wide range of gears for hills

Cons:

• Internal gear hub might be more difficult to service

Frame Material: Carbon |Brake Type: Hydraulic Disc |Wheel Size:700c

When you’re ready to move beyond casual rides and start training for distance and speed on pavement, a road bike will be the best fit. Cervelo is known for designing high-quality, modern racing bikes, but you don’t need to shoot for a PR to appreciate the lightweight carbon frame and aerodynamic design of the Caledonia Ultegra. McFarland recommends Cervelo because he looks for “a reputable brand with a history of producing bikes for elite teams and pro athletes.” Although this may seem like overkill for a recreational user, he explains that “they have generations of research & development that have culminated in a finely tuned bike that is lightweight, responsive and can take a beating.”

With so many road bike options out there, it can be confusing to know what type of bike to get because each is designed with a specific goal in mind. “You will see words associated with the bike’s geometry like performance, race or endurance,” says cycling coach Garret Seacat of Absolute Endurance. “On race and performance bikes, you’ll be more bent over to get into an aerodynamic position compared to an endurance bike, where you’ll be slightly more upright with the bars a little closer.” The Caledonia Ultegra is an endurance racing bike, so you’re working with a bike designed for long-distance comfort, without sacrificing speed.

Pros:

• Lightweight carbon frame
• Fast yet comfortable geometry
• Different models allow you to find the best features for your budget

Cons:

• Some road cyclists may prefer a more classic performance frame
• Stock tires leave something to be desired

Frame Material: Alloy|Brake Type: Hydraulic Disc |Wheel Size:29 inches

If you're looking for that Goldilocks mountain bike that can handle a variety of trails and conditions, look no further than the Specialized Stumpjumper line. Lightweight, maneuverable and complete with just the right amount of suspension, it can climb challenging terrain and glide over rock gardens with ease.

Its robust alloy chassis, paired with an asymmetrical design, not only delivers durability but also enhances handling and control. The 29 Trail Geometry offers a balanced and stable ride, and it’s complemented by the horst pivot BB adjustment, threaded BB and 12x148mm dropouts for optimal power transfer and responsiveness. With 130mm of travel and an X-Fusion 02 Pro RL rear shock, it offers a plush and controlled suspension.

The co*ckpit of the Stumpjumper features an alloy trail stem, wide handlebars and comfortable trail grips. The TranzX dropper seatpost adds versatility to the ride, allowing for seamless transitions between climbing and descending, and the powerful Tektro Gemini Comp hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable stopping power,while the SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain ensures smooth and precise shifting. To learn more about the Stumpjumper line, check out our full review.

Pros:

• Versatile, fun to ride cross-country and downhill
• Comfortable geometry for long days of riding
• Full suspension

Cons:

• Expensive
• Limited color options

Range: 70 miles |Brake Type: Hydraulic Disc |Wheel Size:27 inches

The Velotric T1 emerges as the epitome of electric bike excellence, standing out as the top choice for riders seeking an outstanding combination of performance, convenience and affordability. In fact, our rigorous testing process crowned the Velotric T1 as the best electric bike overall among the nine bikes we tested, and for good reason. This Class 1 e-bike boasts a lightweight 36-pound alloy frame, making it remarkably portable and easy to maneuver, while its sleek two-tone color scheme adds a touch of class.

What sets the Velotric T1 apart is its innovative features, including a fingerprint reader on the top tube for seamless activation, eliminating the need for traditional keys. This reader also serves as a battery indicator and pedal assist level control, contributing to the bike's clean and streamlined design. With a torque sensor for a smooth pedaling experience, the 350-watt hub motor effortlessly propels the bike to a top speed of 25 miles per hour, providing an enjoyable ride on various terrains. Notably, the T1 incorporates GPS tracking for added security, sending theft alerts to your phone and allowing you to locate the bike with the tap of an app button.

Velotric's commitment to user-friendly design is further evident in the integration of an eight-speed Shimano shifter, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes and a walking mode that facilitates easy dismounting and walking alongside the bike. The built-in downtube battery, though non-removable, contributes to the bike's streamlined appearance and offers a respectable maximum range of approximately 70 miles, making it an ideal choice for daily commuting and weekend adventures alike. Read our full review to learn more about the ins and outs of this fantastic ebike.

Pros:

• Easy portability
• Standout security features
• Superb ride quality

Cons:

• Lacks a throttle and digital display
• Not well-suited for carrying cargo

Frame Material: Carbon |Brake Type: Hydraulic Disc |Wheel Size:700 x 42

The Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon isn't just a gravel bike; it's a gravel adventure waiting to happen. Packed with features that make it a winner where the sidewalk ends, it seamlessly combines innovation, performance and comfort for a memorable ride. The FACT 8r carbon frame, equipped with Future Shock suspension, sets the stage for a smooth and responsive ride on unpredictable terrain, while the threaded bottom bracket and internal routing not only contribute to the bike's sleek appearance but also ensure durability and hassle-free maintenance.

Rolling on DT Swiss G540 rims, the Diverge Sport Carbon boasts a tubeless-ready setup, enhancing reliability and reducing the risk of flats. The Pathfinder Pro 2BR tires with a 700x42 size and tan sidewalls provide the perfect balance of grip and speed, and the SRAM Apex 1x drivetrain offers precise and efficient shifting. Hydraulic disc brakes, with 160mm G2 CenterLine rotors, deliver consistent and reliable stopping power to instill confidence as you navigate challenging descents.

Comfort meets performance in the co*ckpit, which features a Body Geometry Power Sport saddle and specialized Adventure Gear Hover handlebars with a 12-degree flare for enhanced control. And the Future Stem and carbon seatpost contribute to the bike's overall lightweight and responsive feel.

Pros:

• Lightweight carbon frame weighs in at just under 22 pounds
• Various mounting points for bags and accessories
• Relaxed geometry for first timers

Cons:

• A bit pricey, might consider opting for an alloy model to save some cash

Frame Material: Aluminum |Brake Type: Hydraulic Disc |Wheel Size:700c (29 inches)

Although women don’t need to invest in a women’s-specific bike,there are some benefits to buying one. “Women have different proportions than men and, sometimes, women have a hard time finding a bike geometry that fits them well” explains Mayer. “So look for brands that offer women’s specific bikes” like Liv Cycling. While they have dozens of models available, from road bikes to mountain bikes, the Alight 2 Disc is a mid-range hybrid option that’s perfect for daily cruising and commuting because of its sleek design and upright riding position.

It comes equipped with reliable Shimano components and accessory mounts so you can add fenders, racks or a kickstand depending on whether you use your bike for grocery runs or commuting during the rainy season. The aluminum frame is lightweight, and the hydraulic disc brakes (which are usually reserved for pricier bikes) will instill confidence if you ever have to screech to a stop.

Pros:

• Hydraulic disc brakes are a steal at this price point
• 2 x 8 drivetrain lets you climb uphill with ease and speed downhill
• Geometry designed with women’s proportions in mind

Cons:

• Budget components will require more frequent tuning
• Hybrid models are versatile but don’t really excel in any one discipline

Frame Material: Chromoly steel |Brake Type: Mechanical or Disc |Wheel Size:20 inches

If you’re looking for an folding bike, chances are you’re trying to save on space. Whether you need to fit your bike into your tiny home, load it into the trunk of your car, or bring it with you when you board the subway, Bike Friday’s surprisingly compact designs can meet the minimalist demands. The company hand makes all of their bikes in Eugene, Oregon, including the world’s first “suitcase travel bike” (which fold up to fit inside a suitcase), in addition to building tandem bikes, cargo bikes and everything in between.

Bike Friday’s New World Tourist is a highly versatile bike that can be used for short, quick trips around town but also for long-distance bike tours where you need to haul heavy loads of supplies. Because the bike can handle being loaded with both front and back touring bags, it’s also a great option for city riders, particularly car-free cyclists that rely entirely on their bicycles to run errands. The bike works well for riders who may use it to carry paperwork and laptops (and perhaps a spare change of clothing) to the office, to haul groceries or farmers market finds home, to ferry picnic supplies to the park or to pick up items from their local hardware or department store.

Because these bikes are handmade and built to order, you can customize them any which way you want. When ordering your bike from Bike Friday, you can add on an electric assist battery, a soft travel case or hard travel suitcase, a trailer attachment and accessories like kickstands, fenders, and front and back touring racks. You can also choose between 9- and 18-speed gearing systems, flat or H-bar handlebars and between V brakes (easier to pack) and disc brakes (better for wet conditions and hauling heavy loads).

If all of that sounds like a lot, one huge perk of ordering a Bike Friday bike is that you can arrange a free consultation with one of their bike experts to determine the exact setup that would work best for the type of bike you want and the style of riding you’ll be doing.

Pros:

• Easily foldable
• Highly customizable
• Can handle long-distance rides

Cons:

• This model takes longer to fold down away
• Pricier than more basic folding bike models

Frame Material: Steel |Brake Type: Coaster |Wheel Size:26 inches

Cruiser bicycles are built to be comfortable to ride and easy to maintain. They often have a wide handlebar, knobby tires and a cushy seat. You’ll frequently see them on boardwalks and in beach towns because they’re engineered for a fun, relaxing ride, in which you get to sit up straight, rather than hunched over like you would on a performance bike.

And all of that is very true of this charming cruiser from Electra, which makes it perfect for your leisurely pedaling. Although you won’t win any speed records, the single-speed drivetrain keeps maintenance to a minimum, and the rear coaster brake is intuitive to use even if you haven’t been on a bike since childhood. This bike also features a full-length chainguard to prevent chain grease from spoiling your ride. Plus, you can choose from six cheery colors, including Beach Bronze and Spring Green.

Pros:

• Relaxed riding position allows for full leg extension
• Step-through design makes it easy to get on and off
• Low maintenance

Cons:

• Cruisers have very narrow range of uses
• Steel frame is heavier than aluminum alternatives (but more durable)

Woom Original 4

Frame Material: Aluminum |Brake Type: Rim |Wheel Size:20 inches

While it may be tempting to pick up a ride from a big box store just in case your kid quickly outgrows their bike or doesn’t treat it with proper care, you’d be wise to consider a specialty option. Superstore bikes are often heavy and aren’t built to withstand child play (or wipeouts)—you’re better off getting something of a higher quality.

Woom is known for their lightweight bikes for kids because they make their frames out of a high-quality aluminum and rely on lightweight components. Their bikes are easy for kids to maneuver but also durable enough to handle whatever they happen to encounter, from rolling hills to dirt piles. This specific model is made for kids age six to eight, so it has slightly advanced features like 8-speed gearing. Woom keeps it beginner-friendly by using twist shifters so your kids can learn without taking their grip off the handlebars. But, if you’re looking for something a bit simpler for your little ones, you could opt for the Woom 3 instead.

Pros:

• Lightweight frame makes it easy for kids to maneuver
• Beginner-friendly features designed for kids eager to learn on a “real” bike
• Comes in five bright colors

Cons:

• Pricey if your kid will outgrow the bike quickly
• Handlebars are a bit wide