Best hybrid bikes - Fast bikes for leisure and commuting

A cyclist riding a Specialized sirrus in a city
(Image credit: Future)

The best hybrid bikes are designed for a relaxed, upright riding position, that still maintains handling and lets you ride fast.

Sometimes called fitness bikes, hybrid bikes make some of the best commuter bikes. Their upright position helps you to see and be seen as you ride and makes it easy to stop as well as mount and dismount. 

The flat bars, brakes and trigger gear shifters on a hybrid bike are easy to use, while most models will allow you to fit mudguards for protection in wet weather riding and a rack to help carry luggage.

Often there are multiple frame shape options, so you can find a bike to suit your riding style and preferences. 

That makes the best hybrid bikes super-versatile, but if you plan to use public transport, the best folding bikes may be easier to use. We've also covered the best women's hybrid bikes as well as the best hybrid bikes under £500 if you're looking for more choices.

Here's our pick of the best hybrid bikes, while towards the bottom of this page is our buyer's guide to what to look for in a hybrid bike.

Best hybrid bikes available today

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A metallic green flat bar Cannondale Quick 3 bike leaning against a grey brick wall

(Image credit: Mildred Locke)
Best hybrid bike for the safety conscious

Specifications

Wheel size: 700c
Gearing: 1x9
Brakes: Hydraulic disc

Reasons to buy

+
Aluminium frame
+
Hydraulic disc brakes
+
1x drivetrain

Reasons to avoid

-
Heavy steel fork adds weight 

With a respectable lightweight aluminium frame, every decal and logo on the Cannondale Quick is reflective, so it lights up a Christmas tree to help you be seen in low-light conditions.

The frame itself has rack and fender mounts, and the rear end has flex tuned into the stays to keep you comfortable as you ride — Cannondale call this SAVE Micro-Suspension. Cannondale has specced a Shimano Altus / Acera 1x9-speed drivetrain, complete with a wide range 11-42T cassette and a 38T narrow-wide chainring on the Quick 4. Not only does this simplify shifting while still providing a wide gear range but it also helps make dropped chains a thing of the past. Other specs get a double chainring for a wider range of gears.

We rated the Quick's lively, comfortable ride and responsive handling, while the 35mm tyres provide some extra comfort on potholed roads and the hydraulic disc brakes provide confidence-inspiring stopping power.

Like the Cannondale Treadwell, which we've also reviewed, there's Cannondale's wheel-mounted sensor that lets you record ride data on the Cannondale app and you can mount your phone to the bars to use it as a cycling computer

There's a specific women's model as well as the unisex Quick, giving you lots of size range.

You can read more in our full review of the Cannondale Quick hybrid bike.

A pack shot of a bright yellow and orange bicycle with a step through frame

(Image credit: Mildred Locke)
Best hybrid bike for those who like to track their rides

Specifications

Wheel size: 650b
Gearing: 1x7
Brakes: Hydraulic disc

Reasons to buy

+
Integrated technology
+
Modern urban styling
+
Hydraulic disc brakes

Reasons to avoid

-
Slightly more limited gear range

Cannondale's Treadwell features a sloping top tube to create a low standover height and has what the brand classes as an 'easy geometry,' with either a kinked or dropped top tube making for quick on and off mounts and dismounts. 

With BMX-inspired flat bars and an aluminium frame, the bike features urban armour bumpers to protect the tubing from dings when you lean your bike against a pole or rack. As with the Quick, Cannondale also specs its speed and cadence sensor and an intellimount stem which will securely hold any SP connect compatible phone case, so you can track your rides through the Cannondale App. You're even reminded when the bike is due for a service. 

The Treadwell's big 47mm tyres and 13kg weight make it sluggish to get up to speed, but if you're after a bike for easy rides around town and short weekend excursions, it fits the bill without breaking the bank and its simple mechanical components should be low maintenance. 

You can read more in our full review of the Cannondale Treadwell 3.

(Image credit: Benjamin Page)
Best hybrid bike for fitness and fun commuting on a budget

Specifications

Wheel size: 700c
Gearing: 2x9
Brakes: Hydraulic disc

Reasons to buy

+
Hydraulic disc brakes
+
'Equipped' model comes with a rack, mudguards, lights and more included

Reasons to avoid

-
Slightly under-par groupset

Coming out of the big red barn in Waterloo Wisconsin, the FX range makes up Trek's hybrid bikes. The FX 2 Disc is available in two options: Standard or Equipped, the latter of which comes equipped with a pannier rack, mudguards, lights and a kickstand as standard. The frame is made from Trek's Alpha Gold aluminium and features internal cable routing and mounts galore. 

The FX 2 Disc isn't a particularly flashy bike, nor is it particularly lightweight for its price point, but despite this, the ride is responsive and enjoyable, making us look for errands to run just so we could ride it again. 

Trek opted for hydraulic flat-mount disc brakes on the FX 2 Disc, so braking will always be confident, and with little to no maintenance required. For those seeking more of a fitness bike, the standard (non-equipped) FX 2 Disc is a good option, but it would possibly benefit from an upgrade from the Acera groupset. The next step up - the FX 3 Disc - comes with a 2x10 Shimano Deore, which is a big step up if you can stretch the budget. 

Cube Hyde Pro has clean, speedy lines

(Image credit: Cube)

4. Cube Hyde Pro

Best low-maintenance hybrid bike

Specifications

Wheel size: 700c
Gearing: 1x8
Brakes: Hydraulic disc

Reasons to buy

+
Gates belt drive for no-mess maintenance
+
Tubeless tyres
+
Hydraulic disc brakes 

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited gear range
-
Replacement Gates parts can be hard to source at times 

Cube's Hyde Pro is built around a lightweight, robust aluminium frame and fork. Unlike our other recommendations, it sees a Gates Belt drive so no need to worry about regular maintenance. The belt drive does away with a regular chain and sprockets and uses a belt and toothed cogs for a quiet, low-maintenance transmission. Flat-mount Shimano MT200 hydraulic brakes paired with 160mm rotors, mean the Hyde can stop on a dime and should stay that way with little additional attention. 

The Schwalbe Big Apple tyres are well armoured to prevent punctures - they are also tubeless. So, should you roll through a patch of broken glass, you won't be left stuck on the side of the road faffing with tyre levers. What's more, at 55mm wide, there's a huge amount of cushioning to keep you comfortable for your entire ride, so uneven roads and potholed surfaces needn't worry you.

(Image credit: Ribble)
Best hybrid bike for those who want a personalised touch

Specifications

Wheel size: Customisable
Gearing: Customisable
Brakes: Hydraulic Disc

Reasons to buy

+
Bike builder allows personalisation
+
Great paint job
+
Thru-axles
+
Hydraulic disc brakes 

Reasons to avoid

-
Lead times vary for customised options

Our favourite thing about Ribble Bikes is that its bike builder area of the website allows you to customise your ride to meet your exact specifications. Want 650b wheels and tyres instead of 700c? No problem. How about a parcel rack and mudguards? For sure. Do you think that the front derailleur should be put to bed once and for all? No worries, you can have a 1x drivetrain. 

The Hybrid all-rounder is designed for speed and efficiency but with the ability to customise the components, Ribble has used a versatile geometry that allows it to be adapted for your intended use. With rack and fender mounts, front and rear, the bike uses thru-axles and sees dropped seat stays for added levels of compliance. 

You don't have to customise it though, there are well-considered off-the-shelf packages available too. There's an electric version, the Ribble Hybrid AL e, that we rate among the best electric bikes for commuting.

Ridgeback Speed hybrid bike comes with a triple chainset for plenty of gear options

(Image credit: Ridgeback)

6. Ridgeback Speed

Best entry-level hybrid bike

Specifications

Wheel size: 700c
Gearing: 3x8
Brakes: V-brake

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable and relaxed geometry
+
Comes complete with mudguards and a rear rack
+
V brakes are easy to work on 

Reasons to avoid

-
V brakes lack the stopping power of hydraulic discs 

Ridgeback's hybrid bikes are an excellent and popular gateway into urban cycling for many. They're practical and comfortable, often come with a full set of mudguards and a rear rack already fitted, and can be an excellent choice for someone who just wants to get going the moment it's built.

It features a 3x7 Shimano Tourney drivetrain, and Promax V-brakes which, while they're not disc brakes, are very easy to maintain at home, replacement pads are also cheap. It comes stock with cushy 42mm tyres that will soak up many of the bumps on the road and maintain grip when the weather takes a turn.

As a brand, Ridgeback offers a huge range of hybrid bikes, starting as low as £299 and increasing in price by £50 increments, with only one or two prominent changes to the build. This means that if the Speed isn't quite up to scratch for your needs, it's incredibly easy to find a Ridgeback hybrid bike that has what you need at a price point you're comfortable with.

Vitus Mach 3 VRS is a good value package with disc brakes

(Image credit: Vitus)

7. Vitus Mach 3 VRS

Best adventure ready hybrid bike

Specifications

Wheel size: 29in
Gearing: 2x9
Brakes: Hydraulic discs

Reasons to buy

+
Internal cable routing for low maintenance
+
29in wheels and tyres for smooth sailing over rough surfaces
+
Hydraulic brakes

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited gear range

Well specced for the price, the Vitus Mach 3 VRS is the mid-spec bike from a three-model line-up. It comes with 2x9-speed Shimano Sora shifting, although the combination of a 50/34T chainset and 11-28T cassette means that the available gear range is a bit less than many other hybrid bike options. This marks it out as a slightly more speed-orientated hybrid, and Sora is a road-gearing groupset. It's easily upgradable to a cassette with a 32-tooth largest sprocket though, if you do want more range for hillier rides.

The 38mm wide tyres are lightly treaded and give plenty of grip without sacrificing rolling speed, so the Mach 3 would serve for both faster city riding and a trip out onto tracks and trails. With rack and mudguard mounts, it's a bike that's easy to weatherproof too. 

At 10kg claimed weight for the size medium bike, the Vitus Mach 3 isn't too onerous to carry up stairs and over obstacles either, while the sloping geometry and one-piece bar and stem give the bike a modern, sporty look.

Marin Larkspur has a dropped top tube for easy on and off

(Image credit: Marin)

8. Marin Larkspur 2 2021

Best step-thru hybrid bike

Specifications

Wheel size: 650b
Gearing: 1x11
Brakes: Hydraulic disc

Reasons to buy

+
Chunky tyres for off-road segments or rough surfaces
+
Dropper post for traffic stop comfort
+
Swoopy handlebars for a comfortable upright position
+
Huge cassette for very low gearing

Reasons to avoid

-
No bottle cage on the smallest size

Whether you're looking for something that prioritises comfort and mobility, or you just want something a bit different, take a closer look at the Marin Larkspur. This unique-looking bike takes the step-through concept and turns it into some modernised goofy fun, adding in a dropper post for easy remounting in traffic, as well as chunky 650b x 2.35in tyres. 

The Larkspur is at home on paved roads and gravel paths alike, cushioning the blows from uneven surfaces and leaving you to float over potholes without care. The swooped handlebars put the rider in an upright position that makes it possible to see further ahead in traffic, the step-through frame makes mounting and dismounting a breeze, and extremely low gearing will make hill-climbing light work for most. It also makes the Larkspur a solid option for anyone with mobility or joint issues.

Best hybrid bikes: Tern Eclipse X22 folds for easy storage

(Image credit: Courtesty)

9. Tern Eclipse X22

Best folding hybrid bike

Specifications

Wheel size: 26in
Gearing: 2x11
Brakes: Hydraulic disc

Reasons to buy

+
Clever hinge placement makes the bike surprisingly compact 
+
Shimano Ultegra drivetrain

Reasons to avoid

-
Ride quality suffers compared to a non-folding hybrid
-
26inch tyre options may be scarcer in years to come 

Not everybody has room to store a stable of bikes, but that doesn't mean that two-wheeled transport is out of reach. Tern's Eclipse X22 finds the right balance between folding capability and riding efficiency. With 26in wheels and tyres, the bike is vastly more energy efficient over long distances than its smaller wheeled folding cousins but still compactly folds down to 38 x 90 x 81cm.

The geometry is also considerably more aggressive than many folders, and it boasts a 2x11 Ultegra drivetrain and Shimano SLX hydraulic disc brakes - quality components that help to justify the Tern's bigger price tag than the majority of hybrids here. 

(Image credit: Giant)

10. Giant ToughRoad SLR 2

Best hybrid for mountain bikers

Specifications

Wheel size: 700c
Gearing: 2x9
Brakes: Hydraulic disc

Reasons to buy

+
Integrated downtube fender
+
Carbon fork
+
Room for 50mm tyres

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the fastest-rolling tyres 

The ToughRoad, as the name suggests, is designed to keep you going regardless of whether you're riding on glass-smooth tarmac, rough gravel or bone-rattling cobblestones. Made from the brand's ALUXX SLR aluminium, the ToughRoad also has a carbon fork to reduce weight and absorb some of the vibrations coming through the front end. To keep your rear end sitting pretty, Giant has opted to use its D-fuse seatpost for improved compliance, 50mm Giant Sycamore tyres for grip, and plenty of damping too.

The flat-bar geometry keeps the rider in a comfortable position that finds the right balance between comfort and pedalling efficiency, and the frame sees heaps of mounts, as well as an integrated fender on the down tube. With a mix of Shimano Acera, Alivio and Altus components, the bike has a 9-speed, 11-36T cassette and 44/28T chainrings. 

(Image credit: Specialized)

11. Specialized Sirrus 2.0

Best hybrid bike for comfort on potholed roads

Specifications

Wheel size: 700c
Gearing: 2x8
Brakes: Hydraulic disc

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable geometry 
+
Dropped seat stays
+
Hydraulic disc brakes

Reasons to avoid

-
Heavy steel fork adds weight 

Made from Specialized's A1 alloy, the Sirrus 2.0 features internal cable routing and plug-and-play fender and rack mounts front and rear. The dropped chainstays at the rear promote a bit of flex at the seat cluster to take the edge off of square hits which combined with the 32C tyres provide for a smooth rider — there is room for 42C rubber should you want a higher volume tyre.

Hydraulic disc brakes provide heaps of power and modulation regardless of the weather and should stay that way for years to come with maintenance. The 2x8 Shimano Acera/Tourney drivetrain with an 11-32 cassette and 46/30T chainrings allow for plenty of range to get you through that hilly commute, without sweating through your shirt. 

Orbea Vector 15 comes ready fitted with a rack and mudguards

(Image credit: Orbea)

12. Orbea Vector 15

Best hybrid that's ready to roll off the shelf

Specifications

Wheel size: 700c
Gearing: 2x9
Brakes: Hydraulic disc

Reasons to buy

+
Hydraulic disc brakes
+
Comes fitted with mudguards, a rear rack and dynamo lighting

Reasons to avoid

-
Internal cable routing makes maintenance tricky for the home mechanic 

If you need a workhorse that can do pretty much everything you want, from commuting to work to carrying the shopping home, but you can't be bothered to figure out all the additional accessories you need to go with it, then you're in luck. The Orbea Vector 15 is ready to roll, complete with front and rear mudguards, a rear pannier rack and front and rear dynamo lights. All you need to do is don your helmet, grab your best bike lock and start riding to the office.

What's more, the Vector is built around Orbea's Body Sport Geometry, which prioritises comfort, placing the rider in a relaxed and more upright position so that you can see clearly in traffic and ride for as long as you need to without feeling discomfort.

What to look for in a hybrid bike

Chances are, if you're on the lookout for a hybrid, you may be about to buy your first bike as an adult. If that's the case, there's a lot of choice out there and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by all the options. To make life easier for you, we've listed some of the key considerations for choosing the right hybrid bike for your needs.

What is a hybrid bike?

A hybrid bike, as per the definition of the word hybrid; is "a thing made by combining two different elements" and is a combination of road and mountain bikes. 

For example, flat handlebars are usually seen as a defining feature of a mountain bike or fitness bike. This is not only because the wider width makes for manageable steering and an upright riding position, but also because hybrids typically have a geometry with a longer reach than a traditional road bike.

The wheels are typically 700c in size - the same as road bikes - with slick or semi-slick tyres that are somewhere between the two when it comes to the width. The handlebars are more akin to a mountain bike style, being flat in shape, as opposed to the drop bar shape found on a road bike. The geometry sits in the middle of the two, putting you in a fast position, but still one that's upright enough to remain comfortable and safe in traffic. 

If you're more interested in riding off-road and gaining a bit of speed, check out our Gravel bike vs hybrid bike feature.

Are disc brakes worth it on a hybrid bike?

There is no question that disc brakes provide better performance than rim brakes. They offer superior power and modulation, and performance is much less affected by wet weather. Depending on the price, hybrid bikes will either come with hydraulic or cable-actuated discs. While they cost a bit more, hydraulic discs require less maintenance and less force at the lever to achieve more braking power, because more leverage can be engineered into the system. In general, try to look for hydraulic disc brakes if you are shopping for a new hybrid bike. 

What gearing do I need?

When we talk about gearing, what we're really referring to is the bike's drivetrain.

The main drivetrain choices for hybrid bikes are belt-driven drivetrains and or internally geared ones. 1x (one-by), 2x (two-by) or a triple chainset which uses regular chains and sprockets. Belt drive systems replace a metal chain for a belt and internally geared drivetrains package all of the gears inside the rear hub, meaning they require very little maintenance. And all the shifting is done with a single lever. The downside is they are anything but light and the total gear range is usually less broad than a derailleur-geared system. 

1x, 2x and triple systems are the traditional chain and derailleur-operated drivetrains, with the difference being the number of chainrings at the front. 

A 1x drivetrain can offer the same, or even a wider gear range than a 2x system, and will feature a clutched rear derailleur to handle chain slack and a narrow-wide chainring which will prevent your chain from falling off the chainring. Shifting is operated with a single lever. The downside is they are a bit more expensive, and sometimes the jumps between the gears can be pretty big.

A 2x drivetrain is usually more budget-friendly, and will generally offer the widest spread of gears, but with extra components comes extra maintenance, which can also complicate shifting for beginners. 

Some bikes even offer a 3x system, but these are few and far between nowadays as the need for the smallest inner chainring was replaced by larger cassettes (the sprocket at the back) offering the same low gears. 

What other features should I look for in a hybrid bike?

Hybrid bikes are often used in all weather conditions and most frames will have mounting points for mudguards, even if the bike is not fitted with them.

A rear rack can be useful for carrying stuff. Again, look out for the mounting points at the rear, both on the dropouts where the wheel's hub fits into the frame and higher up on the seat stays.

Lights are also a useful addition for safety and essential if riding at night. Again, some hybrids will have these fitted, while you may need to budget for them as an extra if not.

Many hybrid bikes will come fitted with a bell, which can be useful when riding in town. This may be a basic number though. For something altogether more flashy, check out our guide to the best bike bells.

A kickstand is another option which may or may not be present, but can be useful, particularly for urban riders.

Do I need a suspension fork?

Lots of hybrid bikes come with suspension forks, but we believe that these should largely be avoided. Not only are they heavier and more expensive than a rigid fork, but those fitted to hybrid bikes are often very cheap and don't provide much in the way of efficient shock absorption. Low-end forks like this usually ride like a bouncy mess, and over time are likely to seize anyway. If you are worried about riding comfort, prioritise a bike with lots of tyre clearance, wide tyres and possibly 650b wheels, which allow even wider tyres. 

Mildred Locke

Mildred joined as Reviews Writer for Cyclingnews and BikePerfect in December 2020. She loves all forms of cycling from long-distance audax to daily errand-running by bike, and does almost everything on two wheels, including moving house, and started out her cycling career working in a bike shop. For the past five years she's volunteered at The Bristol Bike Project as a mechanic and session coordinator, and now sits on its board of directors.

Since then she's gone on to write for a multitude of cycling publications, including Bikeradar, Cycling Plus, Singletrack, Red Bull, Cycling UK and Total Women's Cycling. She's dedicated to providing more coverage of women's specific cycling tech, elevating under-represented voices in the sport, and making cycling more accessible overall. 

Height: 156cm (5'2")

Weight: 75kg

Rides: Stayer Groadinger UG, Triban RC520 Women's Disc, Genesis Flyer, Marin Larkspur, Cotic BFe 26, Clandestine custom bike