Cycling has become very popular because it is a cheap, comfortable, and practical method of urban transportation. Cyclists can easily maneuver through different lanes or embark on fun adventures over the weekend. If you live in the city commuting using your bike is an affordable way of getting around allowing you to save on fuel and fare.Â
When office time is over, employees begin to gather on the road, causing a lot of traffic on the road. Hello, my name is Ann. I am a businesswoman and a mother. I do not enjoy getting caught up in the tremendous traffic. For many years, dealing with traffic was my reality after work. I made the choice to commute using my bike and this has always proven to be an effective solution.
Selecting a bike that is affordable, comfortable, and durable is not easy and over the years, I have bought a lot of bikes trying to find the best option. In this article, I have listed the most ideal commuter bikes that are available at under $200. I have also highlighted their main features and the advantages, giving you a chance to find out what is best for you.
Best Commuter Bikes Under $200 – Comparison Table
Product |
Frame |
Speed |
Buy Here |
The Harper Single – Speed Fixed Gear from Retrospec |
Made of Steel |
Single-speed |
|
The Black and White Mountain Bike from ZOYO |
Made of Aluminum Alloy |
21 speed |
|
The Wayfarer Hybrid Retro-Styled Cruiser from Schwinn |
Made of Steel |
7 speed |
|
The Cross Train from Columbia Bicycles |
Made of Alloy |
21 speed |
|
The Community 700c Hybrid Bike from Schwinn Bicycles |
Made of Aluminum |
21 speed |
|
The Springdale Hybrid Bicycle from Kent InternationalVilano |
Made of Aluminum |
21 speed |
Best Commuter Bikes Under $200 – Comparison Overview
The Road Commuter Bike from Vilano
[amazon box=”B0789449HL” template=”horizontal” ]For years the Vilano industry has been producing high-quality bikes that are affordable, durable with a very attractive look. The bike is designed with a 6061-aluminum frame making the bike light in weight, which is perfect in helping you gain a lot of speed. The bike also comes with a thumb shifter and machined sides that allow you to achieve 21 speeds within a very short amount of time.
To give the cyclist the chance to benefit from a premium feeling as they cycle there is the alloy caliper, the steel fork handlebar, seat post, and the brakes. The dual brake levers give you the chance to fully manage your speed. The bike is amazing and available at a very affordable price. The bike also comes with a strong 700c double-walled wheel that gives the cyclist a smooth cycling experience when maneuvering through country road surfaces.
The bike also comes with a 700c threadless fork that acts as an amazing shock absorber. The fork ensures that you have a smooth and comfortable ride even when cycling through very rough terrain.
Pros
- The components can be adjusted quite easily
- The drivetrain is quite smooth
- It is strong, fast and light in weight
- Free pedals are included in this package
- The bike is available in different colors and sizes
ConsÂ
- The bike seat is not too comfortable
The Harper Single-Speed Fixed Gear from Retrospec
[amazon box=”B078T5648Q” template=”horizontal” ]One of the first things you will notice about the harper single-speed bike is its amazing design. The bike comes in very colorful and attractive colors and it is available in many different sizes. One of the best features of this bike is the flip-flop hub. This hub gives the cyclist a chance to cycle around with a single-speed, a freewheel, or a fixed-gear. This bike is flexible giving the cyclist a chance to smoothly switch between the single speed gear and the fixed gear. The harper feature works well at giving you the chance to find out what feature works best for you.
This bike is perfect for newbies and mid-level cyclists. The bike is manufactured from a premium level of steel that is hand-built. This steel provides the bike with a very classy look and ensures that you are comfortable when cycling through urban roads. The wheels on the bike are 700 x 38 c with commuter tires of 23 inches. The wheels are double-walled giving you very smooth riding experience. The bike saddle is also synthetic leather and comes with pedals, commuter tires, and V rims.
ProsÂ
- It is light in weight
- Has a very sleek design
- This model is available in different sizes and different attractive colors
- The bike is delivered with a different number of tools necessary for the assembly process.
Cons
- The bike’s crankset is not the best
- The wheels are high.
The Black and White Mountain Bike from ZOYO
[amazon box=”B00TYB8LMU” template=”horizontal” ]The Black and White Mountain bike is one of the most ideal hybrid bikes in the market designed with a durable aluminum frame making it one of the sturdiest bikes in the industry. The bike is delivered with 85% of it assembled which is great especially for cyclists who do not enjoy assembling the bike. The bike is fitted with Shimano speed gears that make the cycling process a lot easier. Shifters from the Shimano industry are also included making the gear adjustment process a lot easier.
The bike comes with a brake system that is quite safe and swift halting at any time of an emergency. The brake system also ensures that you maintain control as you cycle increasing your confidence as a biker. The bike is manufactured with a durable aluminum frame that ensures that the bike remains steady and strong. The aluminum frame also ensures that the bike is light in weight and it can handle individuals who weigh over 180lbs.
The bike is delivered with 85% of it assembled. All you will need to do is attach the handlebars, the saddles, the front wheel, and the pedals. In addition. Users are provided with assembly tools that g=come in handy as you set up your bike. The wheels are 27.5 inches ensuring that cyclists benefit from the proper amount of traction ensuring that you maintain a stable position even as you move at a very high speed. The tires of the bike ensure that you do not experience any kind of resistance when spinning making the cycling process comfortable and easy.
ProsÂ
- The bike is light in weight
- The disc brakes provide the cyclist with high stopping power
- The Shimano gears are perfect for maneuvering through hilly regions
- The assembling process is easy
Cons
- Its lightweight feature is not ideal for any competitive activities
- The bike cannot support cyclists who are too heavy
The Wayfarer Hybrid Retro-Styled Cruiser from Schwinn
[amazon box=”B00TYB8LMU” template=”horizontal” ]The Wayfarer hybrid bike is specially designed for ladies who are interested in a classy look that accentuates their femininity. The bike is designed with a retro city look and comes with a fork and a steel frame. The steel frame is quite strong perfect for handling heavy-weight cyclists. In addition, the bike frame is designed with fenders preventing the cyclist from mud splashes. The bike also comes with alloy front brakes and rear brakes that improve the control that the cyclist has on the bike. The stopping power of the brakes is quite swift protecting you from any kind of accident.
The bike is also designed with 7 Schwinn shifters that are perfect for any cyclists who would like to embark on an adventure in the hilly area. The bike also comes with a spring-loaded comfort seat perfect for providing you with an optimum level of comfort. Cyclists are assured that they will always be comfortable even as they cycle for long hours.
ProsÂ
- The bike comes with a cozy spring seat ensuring that you remain comfortable throughout your ride.
- The bike comes with fenders that ensure that the ride is quite smooth even when cycling on wet surfaces
- The bike has a steel frame, making it strong enough for maneuvering through rough roads
- The biker maintains an optimum level of control thanks to the alloy front brakes and the rear brakes,
ConsÂ
- The rear carriers make the bike heavier
The Cross Train from Columbia Bicycles
[amazon box=”B01BI9TNHW” template=”horizontal” ]This Cross-Train model is manufactured with 21 speeds that are perfect allowing you to maneuver through all types of terrain without experiencing any kind of problem. It is also designed with an aluminum frame that is light in weight. This feature does not compromise the great quality of the bike. The frame is quite strong allowing the cyclist to easily bike through a ton of crooked biking trails.
When cycling, you must maintain an upright position to protect your back from pain. The handlebars are straight ensuring that you do not strain and that you can enjoy your cycling experience.
The bike seat is also designed ergonomically ensuring that you can maintain your upright posture in a very comfortable and healthy manner. The cyclist can pedal without experiencing any kind of fatigue.
ProsÂ
- The bike comes with 21 speeds that give you the chance to cycle on different kinds of terrain while keeping you comfortable
- The bike is designed to ensure that you maintain an upright posture, perfect for your back
- The bike has an aluminum frame making it strong and light in weight
- The V-brakes provide you with a great safety option
ConsÂ
- The seat is not comfortable enough for long rides
- The bike is only limited to cyclists with standard height.
The Community 700c Hybrid Bike from Schwinn Bicycles
[amazon box=”B00AYCY096″ template=”horizontal” ]The Schwinn Bicycles manufacturing industries are one of the most renowned industries in the market manufacturing high – class bikes such as the Community 700c hybrid bike. This model is designed with suspension forks that absorb all kinds of shocks that you could experience from cycling on bumpy and rough roads.
The bike is designed with an aluminum frame making It strong and light in weight. Users are guaranteed that this bike will benefit them for a very long time. The rear rack on this bike comes in handy giving cyclists a chance to cycle around with essentials such as their phone, water, and any other lightweight items that you may need.
The bike comes with a 21-speed gear system that ensures that the cyclist can enjoy their biking experience even when maneuvering through different kinds of terrain. The speed system ensures that the cyclist uses a minimal amount of effort when cycling. The suspension forks are great at ensuring that the cyclist is not affected by the dented trails experienced on different surfaces.
Pros
- The full fenders on this bike are perfect in ensuring that the cyclist enjoys a comfortable ride even when cycling during wet weather conditions
- The aluminum frameworks well in ensuring that the bike remains strong and reliable
- The bike comes with rear racks perfect for carrying around all your essentials
- The 21-gear system gives the cyclist a chance to bike around different types of terrain without any kind of trouble.
ConsÂ
- The brakes of this bike tend to loosen up
- The bike shifts should be tuned frequently.
The Springdale Hybrid Bicycle from Kent International
[amazon box=”B003PJPBA2″ template=”horizontal” ]The Springdale hybrid bike is designed with an improved gear speed system that ensures that you enjoy your biking adventures. The bike comes with linear-pull brakes that have improved stopping power. The lever of this brake can also be easily accessed. With these functions, you will have a lot of control over your bike.
The bike comes with a 21-gear speed system that ensures that the cyclist can easily cycle through a different kind of terrain without having to exert a lot of pressure or effort. This system is perfect for cycling through hilly areas. The bike has 700C tires that allow the rider to maneuver through harsh terrain without compromising on your comfort or stability. The fenders are also ideal for bikers who will be riding through wet road surfaces as they ensure that you enjoy a smooth ride even when the road is covered in mud.
The bike is designed with an aluminum frame. This does not only makes the bike light in weight but also makes the bike more responsive. The aluminum frame is quite durable making the bike long-lasting.
ProsÂ
- The fenders keep the cyclist safe from the mud when maneuvering through wet and muddy surfaces
- The gear speeds are ideal for cycling through rough roads
- The aluminum frame makes the bike strong
- The linear-pull system ensures that you bring the bike to a halt quickly and safely
ConsÂ
- Many cyclists have complained that the brakes of the bike are squeaky
Factor to Consider When Purchasing the Best Commuter Bikes Under $200
The Size of the Wheel
The most ideal bikes are designed with 700c wheels. These wheels ensure that you are provided with an effortless level of spinning even when cycling on very steep surfaces. It is important that you also confirm the width size of your wheels. The width must be selected according to your cycling needs. If you often cycle on bumpy road surfaces selecting a bike with a wide wheel width will protect you from the rough and bumpy effects of certain roads.
Your Bike FrameÂ
The frame of your bike is the primary support and the frame plays a major role in determining how long the bike will last and the weight of the bike. Most of the bikes in the market are made of either carbon fiber, aluminum, or steel. Others are made with a blend of either of these materials. All of these materials have their advantages and disadvantages. While browsing through different options you must select the material of your bike frame according to your cycling needs.
The Bike GearsÂ
Bikes are designed with a variety of gears ranging from one to twenty-seven. The bike gear that you choose depends on the type of road surface that you will frequent. If you often cycle in a hilly area, you should select a bike that has a large number of gears. If you are cycling on flat road surfaces there is no need to choose a bike that comes with a ton of gears.
The BrakesÂ
Disc brakes function a lot better than rim brakes. The disc brakes are a lot more consistent and the performance level is even better. When cycling on wet road surfaces, the disc brakes provide you with better and safer braking. Rim brakes also have their advantages. These brakes are more affordable and it is easier to maintain these brakes because it is easier for the cyclist to observe the brake wear pads.
ConclusionÂ
Some people consider biking as a hobby, while for other individuals biking is the most convenient way for them to get to work or school. This review has a list of the most efficient commuter bikes that are available at a very affordable price. I hope that this review will serve as a perfect guide to identifying the best bike for you giving you the chance to enjoy all your cycling experiences
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Â
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Is it possible to replace my bike seat?
Yes. It is possible to replace the seat on your bike. Many cyclists have successfully replaced their bike seats in the comfort of their own home. You can also visit your nearest mechanic or bike shop and have the professionals do it for you.
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How can I determine the best bike for me?
It is important to start by identifying exactly why you need this bike. What kind of biking activities so you plan to embark on? You should also think about the kind of area that you are often cycling in. Perhaps you are cycling around a very hilly area and a bike that is designed with many gears is best for such areas. The length of your cycling activity should also be considered.
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Can I purchase a hybrid bike that is designed with a carbon frame?
Yes, you can get a bike that has a carbon frame, however, it will be a lot more expensive than a bike that is designed with an aluminum frame.