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8 best hybrid bikes for city commutes and keeping fit

Aaron Roe
·10-min read
Hybrids have straight handlebars for a more upright riding position, which many cyclists find far more comfortable (iStock/The Independent)
Hybrids have straight handlebars for a more upright riding position, which many cyclists find far more comfortable (iStock/The Independent)

These flat-barred road bikes with a nod to mountain biking can be used in town during the week or for exploring and keeping fit on the weekend. In short, hybrid bikes are cycling’s great all-rounders.

They have straight handlebars that allow for a more upright riding position, which many cyclists find a lot more comfortable than the hunched up position of a traditional racing bike. And the best designs will also take mudguards and luggage racks, making them even more practical.

A lot of hybrids also feature disc brakes which are usually more powerful than traditional rim ones and will work well in wet conditions, but if you crave a simpler set-up which you can tinker with at home, then you can easily find versions fitted with V-brakes. Some models use road bike-sized 700c wheels which let you accelerate rapidly, while others are shod with 650b or 29in wheels that have crossed over from mountain biking and can cope with rougher terrain.

When deciding which is for you, always look out for a decent frame and fork – usually alloy, although there are more expensive carbon fibre models around. You can upgrade parts such as pedals and the rear gear derailleur as the originals wear out.

You should also put some thought into the type of terrain you will be riding. And if you want extra comfort and good grip, look for wider tyres – again, they are something you can upgrade as the old ones wear out, maybe for a pair of super-fast slicks if you really want to zip around.

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How we tested

The post-pandemic cycling boom and supply shortages means decent hybrids can be hard to find right now. But we managed to put some of the best through their paces in town and country to find a selection we think you’ll have a lot of fun riding.

Don’t worry too much if your chosen model goes out of stock – keep checking retailers’ websites for updates on when they will be back on sale.

The best hybrid bikes for 2022 are:

Boardman HYB 8.6

Best: Overall

Rating: 10/10

  • Number of gears: 18

  • Brakes: Hydraulic disc

  • Weight: 11.2 kg

Boardman have been major players in the hybrid market for years, producing quality bikes for reasonable prices. A wide range of gears and relatively light overall weight mean this one won’t hold you back on the hills or on leisure rides at the weekend. While additions like mounts for mudguards and a rack, plus fast-rolling 35mm Schwalbe tyres make it a practical choice for commuters too. Braking performance is excellent thanks to the powerful Tektro hydraulic disc brakes. We think this is the best looking bike on test as well as being great value.

Buy now £550.00, Halfords.com

Orbea carpe 20

Best: For fun

Rating: 9/10

  • Number of gears: 9

  • Brakes: Hydraulic disc

  • Weight: 12kg (approximately)

Here’s a lovely-looking machine from a Spanish company famous for creating great road-racing bikes. You can see something of its sporting heritage in the minimalist lines. As well as being a great urban explorer it will suit anyone who wants a fast fitness machine but doesn’t want to go down the drop handlebar route. There are a number of models available, each with a different level of equipment. All have a great alloy frame and fork, disc brakes and full-sized 700c wheels. You can add mudguards and a luggage rack if you need them.

Buy now £579.00, Sigmasports.com

Ribble hybrid AL

Best: For hauling luggage

Rating: 9/10

  • Number of gears: 11

  • Brakes: Hydraulic disc

  • Weight: 11.4kg

Ribble are one of the main players in the UK bike industry and judging by the performance of this hybrid bike, we can see why. The simple single chainring SRAM setup is straightforward to use and will require minimal maintenance. A 11-42 cassette offers a good selection of gears to suit most gradients you’re likely to ride, and the wide 47mm tyres offer excellent grip and comfort. If you’re after a commuting hybrid we would look at the “fully loaded” edition which comes with lights, mudguards and a pannier rack. If you’re after a simpler set up at a lower price there’s a standard edition too.

Buy now £899.00, Ribblecycles.co.uk

Islabikes beinn

Best: For smaller riders

Rating: 9/10

  • Number of gears: 7

  • Brakes: Rim

  • Weight: 10.3kg

Islabikes are best known for their quality kids’ bikes – but did you know they also make some great adult models too? This one is a scaled-up version of their best-selling children’s hybrid. The designers have stuck to their brief of keeping things simple, so have opted for a seven-speed grip-shift transmission and easy-to-maintain V-brakes.

It’s not really one for very tall riders – the biggest model is only suitable for those up to 5ft 9in, and components such as the cranks and brake levers have been scaled down to match. There’s a range of accessories available including luggage racks and mudguards, so you can spec it to meet your needs. At just over 10kg it’s very light for the price and you’ll have a lot of fun on it, whether around town or on all-day adventures.

Buy now £599.99, Islabikes.co.uk

Raleigh strada city open frame

Best: For riding in a skirt

Rating: 8/10

  • Number of gears: 16

  • Brakes: Hydraulic disc

  • Weight: 12kg

Raleigh have been building bikes since the 19th century and all those years of expertise have gone into this model. Fitted with mudguards and hydraulic disc brakes, it’s perfect for commuters who need dependable performance in all weathers.

We were impressed by the relatively light 12kg weight too, it’s not going to hinder you on hills and the wide ranging 16 gears means you can tackle both flat and lumpy terrain. The wide, 47mm tyres have tan sidewalls, look really smart and offer lots of grip, while the open frame is much easier to mount than traditional crossbar style ones. There’s also a version with a traditional cross bar if you prefer it.

Buy now £575.00, Tweekscycles.com

Vitus dee VR city nexus

Best: For simplicity under £500

Rating: 7/10

  • Number of gears: 3

  • Brakes: Hydraulic disc

  • Weight: 13kg

With large, 29in wheels this robust ride is perfect for commuting over pothole-ridden roads. It’s got powerful hydraulic disc brakes which give extra confidence when riding in traffic, and there are mounts for a rack and mudguards to keep you dry and let you carry loads with ease. Add in low maintenance three-speed hub gears and wide, 47mm Schwalbe tyres and you have a hard-wearing hybrid for practical commuting.

Buy now £386.99, Wiggle.co.uk

Carrera parva

Best: Hybrid bike under £300

Rating: 7/10

  • Number of gears: 14

  • Brakes: Rim

  • Weight: 13.5kg

You won’t win any races on this one – it’s a bit on the beefy side – but it’s a solid bike that should serve you well for years. You get a decent drivetrain from further down the Shimano range and easy to maintain V-brakes rather than discs. When the stock brake blocks wear down, swap them out for some better quality ones and you should see a notable improvement in stopping power. At under £300, it’s great value and you won’t lose too much sleep worrying about leaving it in the shed or chained up at work.

Buy now £285.00, Halfords.com

Pinnacle lithium 2

Best: For comfort under £500

Rating: 8/10

  • Number of gears: 24

  • Brakes: Disc

  • Weight: 13kg (approximately)

Big fat 40mm tyres and disc brakes make this bike great fun to chuck around on the commute or on a weekend blast down the bridleways. It’s got a light alloy frame and fork to keep the weight down, while the good spread of gears means you should be able to tackle any hill.

We’d be tempted to spend a few pounds upgrading the pedals and saddle for sturdier and comfier alternatives, but it’s got a nice upright riding position that offers a great view of the road ahead, helping to keep you safe on city streets. There are loads of mounts, so you can fit a full spread of mudguards, luggage racks and bottle cages if you plan to head out into the country lanes on an adventure.

Buy now £450.00, Evanscycles.com

Hybrid bike FAQs

What is considered a hybrid bike?

A hybrid bike is a blend of a road bike and a mountain bike, resulting in a rugged and hardwearing model that works well on all terrains. A popular option for commuters since they’re deemed a great city bike, but they can also be a good for touring too.

Hybrid bike vs mountain bike

Both the hybrid and mountain bike feature flat handlebars, wide tyres and disc brakes, and some hybrid models, much like mountain bikes, also have front suspension. Visually, the frame of a hybrid bike is similar to a road bike and is slimmer and lighter than a mountain bike.

The second difference is that while some hybrids feature disc brakes, the majority use traditional rim brakes, which are lighter and cheaper. This is because hybrid bikes are designed for shorter and relatively flat rides. As for gears, when compared to a hybrid bike, a mountain bike will typically have a wider range of gears to help with different riding terrains.

Does the terrain matter?

For darting around town, you can usually get by with a simple set up with a single chainring at the front and a good spread of gears at the back. Another advantage of a single chainring is that it keeps the weight down slightly, as you’re not carrying around another handlebar gear shifter and front mech – there’s also less to go wrong. In hillier areas you might want to look at a model with two or three chainrings at the front to give a wider selection of gears.

How much should a hybrid bike cost?

Hybrid bikes vary in price quite considerably depending on the features. Disc brakes and suspension, for example, will undoubtedly increase the cost. If your budget is tight though, the cheapest in our review is the Vitus dee city bike (£314.99, Wiggle.co.uk).

Are hybrid bikes better for your back?

Owing to the fact hybrid bikes tend to have higher handlebars, they are said to be better for your back because you don’t need to lean over so far to grab your handles, reducing strain on the lower back.

The verdict: Hybrid bikes

You can see from the range of bikes in our round up, there is a huge variety of hybrid designs out there – and an equally baffling selection of equipment available.

Our best buy, the Boardman HYB 8.6, is well-specced, nippy and comfortable – it’s a bike you’ll look forward to riding, whatever the weather.

If you need a really practical design, take a look at the Raleigh, while the Islabike is ideal for smaller riders who want a super-lightweight ride.

More bike recommendations:

Still not sure where to start when looking for a bike? We have all the information on where to buy a bike in the UK while there are still shortages