Best Bikes 2022

REI’s CTY 1.1 Step Through is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an entry-level commuter bike. It’s made for riding around on pavement, with a 24-speed drivetrain, mechanical disc brakes for quick stopping (even in rainy conditions) and a low crossbar to make getting off and on easy. Its sturdy aluminum frame is lightweight, so it’s easy to maneuver and carry up stairs, should you need to.

Despite the reasonably affordable $649 price tag, it has some quality components, including Shimano shifters and derailleurs, as well as beefy 40mm-wide tires which make it versatile and able to handle a variety of road surfaces with ease. As an added bonus, REI offers free adjustments on all bikes for one year after purchase.

When you’re ready to move beyond casual rides and start training 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 be going for a PR to appreciate the lightweight carbon frame and aerodynamic design of the Caledonia Ultegra.

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 get a bike designed for long-distance comfort, without sacrificing speed.

If you’re looking for that Goldilocks mountain bike that can handle a variety of trails and conditions, this one is it. Lightweight, maneuverable and with the right amount of suspension, it can climb challenging terrain and glide over rocky paths easily. Despite being a short-travel bike (which is usually idea for smooth trails and headed uphill), Santa Cruz made this bike to mimic the engineering principles of their longest travel bikes. The result is a suspension that’s supremely stable and supportive, even on harrowing descents.

It’s also worth noting that Santa Cruz offers riders a variety of build options, with both aluminum and carbon frames, so you can mix and match until they get the bike that best fits their riding style and budget.

VanMoof has something of a following amongst gear heads, and it’s easy to see why. Sleek and stylish, this e-bike boasts four speeds, making hills nearly as easy as straightaways. A Class 3 ebike, it can go 20 miles per hour at top speed but has a fully integrated hydraulic braking system, so it’ll stop on a dime, even in poor weather conditions. There’s also a turbo boost button for a little extra oomph, but it’s whisper quiet.

Depending on how you ride it, VanMoof has an impressive range of 37 to 93 miles (a top-end number that beats much of the competition). There’s even a built-in security system that immobilizes the rear wheel and sets off an alarm through a mobile app, making it that much harder to steal—but has a tracking system in case someone does make off with your wheels.

Gravel bike sales skyrocketed in the last two years and it’s easy to see why: their hybrid nature makes them a great option for cyclists looking to maximize their time on both dirt and pavement. And the Ibis Hakka MX does not disappoint. It’s equally at home during mixed-terrain adventures, gravel races or long-haul bikepacking trips. This gravel grinder features 650b wheels, which “typically allow for even wider tires, moving the rider closer to mountain-bike style tires, explains McFarland. “This can increase traction and comfort and decrease the likelihood of flats on chunky terrain.”

But a gravel bike isn’t just a road bike with beefier tires. The Ibis Hakka MX was designed with a longer geometry and a slacker angle of the head tube (the tube that runs to the front wheel) than a road bike. These features “allow for a slightly more upright riding position, more responsive and stable handling on off-road surfaces and a more comfortable ride,” says McFarland.

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.” Liv Cycling is one of these brands. While they have dozens of models from road bikes to mountain bikes, the Alight 2 Disc bike 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 higher price point bikes) will instill confidence if you ever have to screech to a stop.

If you’re looking for a 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, Brompton’s highly compact designs can meet the demands. It’s ready to ride straight out of the box—well, after you unfold it and pump up the tires.

With high-quality brakes and puncture resistant tires, the C Line Explore is ideal for commuting and everyday riding. While some folding bikes feel unstable because of their small tires, the long wheel base of this model adds stability and finesse to your ride. It also comes with fenders and a front attachment point so you can add a bag to your bike.

Cruisers 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’re going mountain biking. 

And all of that is very true of this charming cruiser from Electra, so it’s 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 so you stay protected from chain grease during your ride. Plus, you can choose from six cheery colors, including Beach Bronze and Spring Green. 

While it may be tempting to pick up something from a big box store just in case your kid quickly outgrows the bike or doesn’t treat it with proper care, don’t do that. 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.

The aluminum frame of this REI Co-op bike is lightweight, making it easy for kids to maneuver but also durable enough to handle whatever they happen to throw at it. It also has both coaster and hand brakes, so your little ones can easily graduate to a big kid bike. And here’s a clever little twist: It comes with a sticker pack, so your kid can make it their own. All in all, it’s a good beginner bicycle, and like all bikes sold through REI, it comes with free adjustments for a year from purchase.