The Best Commuter Bikes to Upgrade Your Ride to Work

The Best Commuter Bikes to Make Your Ride Extra Fun

Your trek to the office, grocery store, or any errand around town doesn't have to consist of traffic jams or crammed subway cars. Just imagine if you got to spend that time outside, moving at your own speed and getting some exercise as you go. Sounds pretty incredible, amiright? That's why so many people are swapping their typical daily ride for one on a two-wheeler.

To top off the benefits of a bike commute: science actually found a link between regular ride-to-work cyclists and a longer life, as well as lowered risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. And the government just might help you out with your pact to pedal more: In March, lawmakers introduced a bill that would give two-wheel commuters a pre-tax deduction to help cover the costs. If that's not enough to convince you to ditch your car or train, it's also National Bike Month and basically the perfect time of year to go for a roll—especially when you sit down on one of these rides that cash in at $1,100 or less. So, to start the spin cycle, saddle up to one of these six commuter bikes that make your ride more enjoyable and easier, too.

1. Best Commuter Bike for Tracking Your Stats: Cannondale Treadwell

Love spin class? Well, now you can turn your outdoor ride into a stat-driven competition. This brand-new fitness bike from Cannondale has a sensor on the wheel that tracks your speed, distance, calories burned—even how much you're reducing your carbon footprint with each ride. You can view your info as you go when you download the app and connect it right to the front post of your bike (all you need is the attachment on your phone, so your device stays securely in place). The tech also tells you when you're due for a service check. The bike itself is super comfy, too, with a wide, quilted seat, lightweight design, and an option for a standard or step-through frame.

2. Best Commuter Bike for Riding at All Hours: Priority Bikes Continuum Onyx

Priority has always been known for its low-maintenance construction, thanks to no-rust and no-grease chains. The Continuum Onyx is no different, except it packs even more of an easy-riding punch, particularly if you head to work before the sun comes up or leave after dark. With this sleek, all-black two-wheeler, you get reflective detailing on the tires and frame, and a built-in headlight and tail light—both powered by your ride. The latest upgrade for this bike also has more gears and smooth shifting, plus a USB plug on the front light so you can power up your phone as you spin out.

3. Best Commuter Bike for No-Fuss Riding: Brilliant Bicycle Co. L Train

This bike won't cost you more than three digits, but that doesn't mean it flops on quality. Tipping the scale at just 27 pounds, you can seamlessly carry it up multiple flights of stairs. You also get a rust- and grease-free chain, so you don't have to worry about clipping or staining your clothes. You also get seven gears to switch through. Besides the tech, it's also just a straight good-looking bike, so you'll want to show off its retro-chic vibes all around town.

4. Best Commuter Bike for Longer, Faster Rides: Specialized Women's Sirrus Step-Through

Smooth and speedy—exactly how you'll feel when you have a seat and start pedaling this two-wheeler. It has all the tech you want in a bike that'll last for years, including hydraulic disc breaks that offer safe stopping in any condition, flat handlebars that aren't too low or too high so you can sit at a comfortable position, and an aluminum frame to ditch some weight yet still stay stable. It also has a seat Specialized worked on for years in an effort to stop that (literal) pain in the butt you might experience on longer rides.

5. Best Commuter Bike for Everyday Tough Terrain: Raleigh Redux 2

With big tires, strong breaks, and nine speeds, you can pedal on rocky roads, over potholes, and up steep hills without feeling like you're working overtime. It's a two-wheeler that makes for a not-so-bumpy ride even when you hit rough patches. In addition to stopping you from bouncing all over the place, it also keeps you looking cool, courtesy of its pretty blue hue that complements both the city and the country.

6. Best Commuter Bike for Taking Off Road: Trek Dual Sport

This bike will certainly take you from point to point on city streets, but for those days you want to go a little farther out, you can take it on a loop around the trails too. The suspension fork helps absorb shock from bumps in the road or rocks on the trail, while the rugged tires and lightweight frame maintain your comfort level the whole way. You also get 21 speeds, a women's specific saddle, and you can easily add extras that make your commute even easier, like a rear rack and fenders. Want to make your spin a bit speedier? It also comes in an electric version to help you up intense inclines.