Best Bikes For Urban Riding | PedalChef

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If you live in the city and are looking for an accessible, eco-friendly mode of transport, then you need a bike designed for urban riding!

In our fast-paced, modern society, getting around is easier than ever. With on-demand ride-hailing services at every corner, you don't need to search very hard to find transport. But with the emergence of eco-conscious culture, more and more commuters are looking for an environmentally friendly transport replacement. That's where bikes come in!

The best bikes for urban riding include:

  1. Trek Allant+ 7
  2. Electra Loft 7D Step-Over
  3. Schwinn Wayfarer 700c
  4. Avasta 700c Loop Fixed-Gear Bike
  5. GEN3 The Groove Folding Electric Bike
  6. Brooklyn Bicycle Co Bedford 8 Speed
  7. Retrospec Harper Fixie Bike
  8. Zizzo Campo Folding Bicycle
  9. Co-Op Cycles CTY 2.1

Our article on the best bike for urban riding will give you a glance into different types of bicycles designed to get you where you need to go. We've listed something for everyone from electronic to single-speed traditional bikes. So, if you're looking for a fantastic bike, we've got you covered!

Bikes are fantastic modes of transport. They are a pollution-free way to get from point A to point B, and they work wonders for your health, too! When you live in the big city, you also need a more reliable way to get around without increasing your ecological footprint. Bikes are reliable - and easy on your wallet - and can make the perfect transport companion for urban riders.

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1. Trek Allant+ 7

Trek Allant+ 7
Trek Allant+ 7

Urban riding is all about using your bike to get from one place to another. And while bikes are an easy, affordable, and efficient way to get around - e-bikes can be a handy way to get around after a long day in the city.

The Trek Allant+ 7 e-bike is the perfect companion for urban riders looking to commute to work, run errands, or just get around the city! This bike comes with all the perks of a commuter bike, with the bonus of having some electronic assistance to tackle hills and inclines easily.

The Allant+ 7 can assist riders up to 20 mph and has a 500 Wh battery that is entirely removable for charging your bike on the go. You'll be able to ride comfortably thanks to the addition of the suspension fork for exceptional shock absorption over roads and pavements.

Trek has a great size finder and guides on their site to help you find the bike that best suits you. The Allant+ 7 comes in M, L, and XL and ranges to accommodate riders between 5'5" and 6'5.6", depending on your bike size.

All bike sizes come equipped with 27.5-inch wheels and have a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds, including the weight of the aluminum bike frame.

The bike has hydraulic disc brakes and a 9-speed Shimano drivetrain to give you the best cycling experience. Additionally, it has a lighting system in the front and back of the bike to provide you with better visibility and safety while riding in the evenings.

Our favorite features include the Bosch Purion controller, which allows you to track your speed and distance during your cycle. It also has a battery indicator to tell you when your battery is running low.

You don't have to worry about your battery running flat, though! The Allant+ 7 is compatible with Range Boost, which means that you can further, and for twice as long! This is a fantastic addition to your bike, allowing you to get where you need to go with total peace of mind.

Pros:

  • E-bike for easier cycling
  • Suspension fork for smoother riding
  • Available in different sizes
  • It can accommodate larger and heavier riders
  • Compatible with Range Boost

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Range Boost not included

2. Electra Loft 7D Step-Over

Electra Loft 7D Step-Over
Electra Loft 7D Step-Over

If you want to get around town in the most stylish way possible, then the Electra Loft 7D Step-Over is for you! This gorgeous bike is designed for urban riding and is fantastic at tackling city streets.

This commuter bike has a lightweight aluminum frame that makes it ideal to take with you to work, on your trip to the grocery store, or to get some fresh air. The bike has an upright riding position to keep you comfortable, no matter how long your commute is! It has 700c or 28-inch tires, and the frame is perfect for ergonomic comfort while you ride.

With dual-pivot caliper brakes and Shimao 7-speed gearing to help you tackle hills and inclines, you'll have a hard time finding a bike that can hold its own next to the Loft 7D. And it's super affordable, too!

If you have difficulty adjusting to gears, you won't have to worry! This bike changes gears quickly and easily with a simple twist of your wrist, making it easier than ever to learn how to master gears as beginner riders.

The Loft 7D is available in two frame shapes: the Step-Over or Step-Thru, so you can decide which is more comfortable for you. The Step-Thru comes in Small and Medium sizes and can accommodate riders between 5' and 6'3" tall. The Step-Over is available in Medium and Large and is made for riders between 5'4" and 6'3" tall.

Both the Step-Over and Step-Thru have a weight limit of 300 pounds, including the frame's weight. No matter your choice, these fantastic bikes are made for everyone!

Pro:

  • Ergonomically designed
  • Two frame designs to choose from
  • Suitable for taller riders
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • It may be uncomfortable for riders who prefer angled seating positions

3. Schwinn Wayfarer 700c

Schwinn Wayfarer 700c
Schwinn Wayfarer 700c

If you're looking for an all-in-one bike made for urban riding and for enjoying a leisurely bike ride, you're in luck. The Schwinn Wayfarer 700c hybrid bike is perfect for getting you where you need to go and for a relaxed bike ride around the neighborhood on weekends.

You can kiss rider's fatigue goodbye with this fantastic, lightweight bike. Unlike heavier bikes, the Wayfarer will glide up hills and easily hug corners. Like the Electra Loft 7D, this bike has an ergonomic design and upright riding position for a more comfortable ride. Its sturdy and durable frame will keep you going for years.

The Wayfarer has 700c tires that grip perfectly to urban terrain for a smoother riding experience. It also has 7-speed twist gears to allow riders to change gears seamlessly without interrupting their cycling experience.

The front and rear linear-pull brakes make the Wayfarer easy to control under any weather conditions. Thanks to the built-in fenders, you won't have to worry about keeping your clothes clean and dry when you're going to work or meeting up with friends.

This bike is designed to suit riders between 5'5" and 6' tall, making it a fantastic choice for most adults. It is also affordable, which works well for students or commuters on a tighter budget.

Pros:

  • Hybrid bike
  • Affordable
  • Ergonomic design
  • Twist gears for easier gear changes

Cons:

  • It may not be suitable for shorter or taller riders

4. Avasta 700c Loop Fixed-Gear Bike

Avasta 700c Loop Fixed-Gear Bike
Avasta 700c Loop Fixed-Gear Bike

If you're not a cycling fanatic, you may not be interested in over-the-top bike features. In that case, the Avasta 700c Loop Fixed-Gear Bike may be precisely what you're looking for. This bike has one speed - which means no fussy gear changes so that you can focus on what matters: Riding your incredible new bike!

The Avasta is another great budget-friendly choice for riders looking for a simple bike that will get them where they need to go. It also has a rigid suspension so that you can ride comfortably around the city.

We love that this bike has a 1020 Hi-Tensile body for better durability without the extra weight! The bike weighs around 25 pounds, making it easy to transport when it's not in use.

The lightweight frame, coupled with the versatility of changing between fixed-gear and freewheel riding styles, allows you to adapt to the changing terrain of an urban landscape in the blink of an eye.

The Avasta 700c comes in various sizes, including 50, 54, and 58 cm size options. It can accommodate riders between 5'1" and 6'3" tall, depending on your size, so there is something for everyone.

It also has a maximum capacity of 300 pounds, so you don't have to worry about being in shape before getting on your bike. It's the perfect choice for beginners, thanks to its simplicity!

Pros:

  • This single-speed, fixed-gear bike is excellent for beginners
  • It comes in a variety of size options
  • Budget-friendly
  • Durable and reliable

Cons:

  • It is only suitable for flat-road cycling

5. GEN3 The Groove Folding Electric Bike

Electric bikes have become incredibly trendy for modern urban riders. And for a good reason! Not only are these bikes easy to ride, but they are also battery-powered, which means that they are eco-friendly and make commuting a lot less taxing!

But what if you could combine the convenience of an e-bike with the practicality of a folding bike? Well, with the GEN3 The Groove Folding Electric Bike, now you can!

This incredible bike handles the hills and inclines of an urban landscape with ease, thanks to the built-in electric motor. The Groove has a 660 Wh battery that will last for up to 45 miles, so you can take it with you, no matter where you're going! The battery also takes around 8 hours to fully charge, which you can do on the go.

At the end of a busy day, there's nothing worse than having to exert yourself on the way home. Luckily, the GEN3 has five levels of pedal assist in making your journey a whole lot easier! If you're particularly tired, you can also use the thumb throttle for pure electric power - no pedaling required!

Additionally, you can keep tabs on your trips with the onboard display. The display includes your battery life, an odometer, and a speedometer. You can also ensure perfect safety thanks to the mechanical disc brakes, which have ideal stopping power. The suspension fork will also keep you cushioned and comfortable on longer rides!

After your commute to work or home, you can fold your bike up in a few seconds for easy transportation and storage. That means that you don't have to leave your bike chained up outside! It's also easy to carry and has a built-in carry handle.

The bike's dimensions are 28-inches high, 38-inches long, and 24-inches wide when folded, so you can easily take it inside with you.

But if you need to leave your bike outside, you don't have to worry! The onboard display is password protected to protect against theft and eliminates the possibility of someone else taking your bike for a ride.

The Groove has an adjustable seat and handlebars to suit adults between 4'10" and 6'2", and it has a 275-pound weight limit.

Pros:

  • Suitable for adults of all sizes
  • Electronic bike for easier riding
  • Foldable bike for easy transportation and storage
  • Anti-theft protection

Cons:

  • Expensive

6. Brooklyn Bicycle Co Bedford 8 Speed

Brooklyn Bicycle Co Bedford 8 Speed
Brooklyn Bicycle Co Bedford 8 Speed

Suppose you want a sleek bicycle that can handle unpredictable urban streets. In that case, the Brooklyn Bicycle Co Bedford 8 Speed is the perfect pick for you. Although this bike looks elegant and expensive, it is budget-friendly and won't hurt your wallet (even if you splurge on the optional attachments!).

Urban riding has its downfalls, one of which is the unpredictable terrain. Luckily, the Bedford has eight speeds and is designed for longer rides. It also tackles hills seamlessly, accelerates well, and maintains its speeds - even over trickier terrain. With the Bedford, you won't have to worry about your tires or dinging up the body of your bike, either.

The Bedford has puncture-resistant tires that are slightly thicker than other commuter bikes, so you can say goodbye to avoiding certain streets! Now you can ride over them confidently, and thanks to your Bedford, you won't feel a thing!

Similarly, the puncture-proof tires are low maintenance, which is a fantastic feature for anyone who just wants to hop on their bike and get going.

The bike is made up of a lightweight steel frame and components and weighs between 26 and 31 pounds, depending on the size of the bike. Brooklyn Bicycle Co offers the Bedford in three different sizes: Small, Medium, and Large.

The Smaller bike is best suited to riders between 5'6" and 5'9" tall, while the largest is suited to riders up to 6'4". You won't have to worry about your height impeding your riding experience, either! The Bedford has streamlined, upright handlebars for a more ergonomic ride, which will save your aching back after a long day in the city!

Pros:

  • Puncture-resistant tires for little to no maintenance
  • Upright handlebars for an ergonomic design
  • Affordable
  • Durable frame and quality finishes

Cons:

  • Handlebars tend to sit lower than expected but can be altered with an extension piece

7. Retrospec Harper Fixie Bike

Retrospec Harper Fixie Bike
Retrospec Harper Fixie Bike

Another one of our favorite single-speed bikes is the Retrospec Harper Fixie. Built to move around the city, this bike has a Hi-Tensile frame. That means that the bike is lightweight for easier riding while still being durable enough to be your go-to mode of transportation.

The Harper Fixie is outstanding at tackling urban terrain and pavements and has ultra-precise steering to help you dodge and weave your way through traffic or make tighter turns around tricky corners. You can also choose to ride freewheel for a casual ride around your neighborhood or kick it up a notch by flipping the wheel and utilizing the fixed-gear capability.

One of the drawbacks of riding a bike is that the weather can be totally unpredictable. But thanks to the dual-pivot side pull caliper brakes for smoother stops and the grooved tires, the Harper Fixie is designed to navigate you on your daily route through sunshine and rain. The bike is also water and dirt-resistant, so you don't have to worry about splashing through pesky puddles!

The Harper is available in a wide range of sizing options and can accommodate riders as small as 4'9". The largest bike size is also suitable for riders over 6'0", making it a dream for both big and small riders. It also has a 250-pound weight limit.

If you're looking for a bike that can navigate city streets like a dream, then the Harper Fixie is for you. It's important to note, however, that fixed-gear bikes aren't ideal for routes with inclines! Instead, this gorgeous bike is better for flatter terrain.

Pros:

  • Single-speed for simplistic riding
  • 700c all-season tires
  • Precise steering
  • Dirt and water-resistant

Cons:

  • Not ideal for hilly terrain
  1. Zizzo Campo Folding Bicycle

Urban riding is excellent as an alternative to commuting via car, train, or bus. But no matter where you go, there is always a constant fear of having your bike stolen and losing your ticket home! On the other hand, keeping your bike indoors can be tricky. They take up a lot of space and aren't always welcome around the office or inside the grocery store.

If you want a bike that takes up minimal space and is a delight to ride, then we've got the perfect recommendation for you. The Zizzo Campo Folding Bicycle is one of the lightest and smallest folding bikes on the market!

Folding bikes are becoming a huge trend for people who live in apartments. With so little storage space, there's no wonder that they opt out of buying a traditional bike. Luckily, the Zizzo Campo folds down in seconds and only weighs 28 pounds so that you can carry it around with ease.

When you want to put your bike away, it is also stable enough to stand on its own when folded. The Zizzo Campo only measures 27 inches high, 31 inches long, and 14 inches wide when it is folded down, making it easy to store and keep out the way when it's not being used. It also has a magnetic catch to keep the bike securely folded.

Having a bike isn't all about storage, though! If you're looking for a great bike for urban riding, the Zizzo is an excellent pick for that, too! The Zizzo Campo has a wide saddle designed for comfort on long commutes and has seven speeds to help you tackle your terrain. The bike is complete with powerful V-style brakes as well for precise stopping power.

The aluminum frame is lightweight yet ultra-durable, and the bike has 20-inch wheels. It can accommodate riders between 4'8" and 6'3" tall and up to 240 pounds of weight so that it can suit riders of any size!

Pros:

  • Terrific for easy transport and storage
  • Lightweight and easy to carry
  • Suitable for riders of all sizes
  • Wide seat for additional comfort

Cons:

  • Best on smooth terrain and doesn’t handle bumps well

8. Co-Op Cycles CTY 2.1

The Co-Op Cycles CTY 2.1 is specifically designed for city riders. This incredible bike can tackle anything from smooth pavements to unexpected potholes with grace and poise, thanks to its incredible suspension fork for better shock absorption.

If you want a comfortable ride, the CTY 2.1 is as good as it gets! This bike has a lower frame, making it easier to get on and off your bike. It also has a raised handlebar for a more ergonomic riding experience. This is particularly ideal for riders that struggle with mobility.

Unlike other urban riders, this bike has 16 gears that handle different terrains like a dream. The hydraulic disk brakes also ensure that you can stop quickly and smoothly to keep you safe on the city streets.

The CTY 2.1 is suitable for riders between 5'0" and 5'9" tall and has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds, including the weight of the bicycle's frame. If you're looking for a low-maintenance bike built to navigate city streets, you don't have to look any further!

Pros:

  • 16 gears for smoother riding
  • Hydraulic disk brakes for powerful stopping
  • Ergonomic design
  • Robust suspension fork for a comfortable cycling experience

Cons:

  • It may not be suitable for taller riders