If you’re just getting into cycling and hoping to gain some fitness, you may not want to break the bank. We’ve rounded up our favorite flat bar, hybrid fitness bikes that the average person will find easy and comfortable to ride around for exercise, or to hit the neighborhood or even commute to work with. A majority of these are men’s models, but they may also have women’s frames available for easier mounting and stepover.
What are fitness bikes?
A fitness bike is generally a bicycle designed to ride on the road, but with flat (straight) handlebars like a mountain bike. These are very easy to ride and handle and popular for people who are just looking to increase their basic fitness and health by riding around the neighborhood.
Most people don’t want to send a ton of money when they are just starting out, so we’ve concentrated on bikes that are in a lower price range. We’ve selected fitness bikes that go as high as $1,000 and as low as the $400 range so you can get back in shape and burn some calories without burning through your entire savings.
Canyon Roadlight 7.0
If you’re looking for the most bike for the money, consider this bike from Canyon. The Roadlight 7.0 offers higher level 2×11 Shimano 105 shifting, an aluminum frame, top quality hydraulic disc brakes, and all at a $1,000 price point. If you want top quality shifting for a fitness bike and low weight at a reasonable price, this is it. Many bikes equipped with Shimano 105 cost as much as $2,000, to give you an idea of why it’s such a good deal for the money.
https://www.canyon.com/en-us/fitness-bikes/onroad-bikes/roadlite/roadlite-7.0/2523.html
Cannondale Treadwell 3
The Treadwell 3 from Cannondale features a SmartForm C3 Alloy frame, 7-speed, and simple shifting with Shimano Tourney shifters. Ringing up at around $635, you can also count on wide tires for comfort and security on the road, with sturdy 650b wheels. This is a bike you can count on to get back into exercising.
Trek FX 1 Disc
At $549, Trek’s FX 1 Disc bike features a high visibility color option for added safety and disc brakes to keep you in control of your fitness journey. It also has Shimano Altus EF500 shifters, 7-speed, and 700c wheels.
Giant Fastroad SL
Giant’s Fastroad SL bike will get you cruising for $780. It’s made of aluminum and has 700c wheels and Shimano Claris 7-speed shifters. The 700×32 tires will provide plenty of rubber on the road to feel secure and protect you from flats with its puncture protect so you don’t deflate out while pursuing your fitness goals.
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/bikes-fastroad-sl-2020
Fuji Absolute 1.7
With a triple chainring, 9 gears in back for lots of gear choices, and Shimano shifters for hills, Fuji’s Absolute 1.7 will get you where you need to go on your fitness journey with no limitations. It also features Kenda Journey, 700 x 32c, w/ K-shield flat protection tires!
http://www.fujibikes.com/usa/bikes/city/fitness/absolute/absolute-1-7
Jamis Allegro Sport
With an aluminum frame and Shimano shifting, Jamis’s Allegro Sport bike will get you on the road. It features disc brakes, Kenda Kwick Tendril 700x32c tires with anti-puncture protection and reflective sidewalls. You’ll also be able to take advantage of the triple chainring and Shimano Acera RD-M360 rear and Shimano FD-TY710 front. Not too shabby for $529.
https://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/allegrosport.html
Specialized Sirrus
Take a peek at this Sirrus bike from Specialized. It’s got Shimano shifting, tripe chainring, and reflective tires with puncture protection. And don’t forget to enjoy those hydraulic disc brakes that take it up a notch from the mechanical disc brakes compared to many of the others on this list! Valued at $625.
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/mens-sirrus/p/154507?color=240199-154507
Specialized Roll Sport – Low Entry
If it’s been a hot minute since you last went cycling, don’t worry. Specialized makes it less intimidating with this Roll Sport bike with low entry design to more easily mount and dismount the seat. This one also comes in at $625.
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/roll-sport–low-entry/p/171159?color=264567-171159
Reid Urban XO
If you want plenty of shifting options, check this out. Reid’s Urban XO bike has an aluminum frame and 21-speed Shimano Tourney shifting for $479. How’s that for fast fitness?
https://www.reidbikes.com/product/urban-x0/
Surley CrossCheck
With a mix of 10 speed Shimano Tiagra and Diore shifters and 700c x 41mm tires, Surley’s steel framed CrossCheck bike will get you exercising in no time for $925. Lots of clearance for wider tires if you want to ride gravel or bike paths.
https://surlybikes.com/bikes/cross_check
Raleigh Cadent 1
For $450, you can take to the road with Raleigh’s Cadent 1 bike. With 700c wheels and a mix of Tourney and Accera 21-speed Shimano shifters, you’ll be in for a comfortable and secure ride. Comfortably wide 35c tires for plenty of cushion and control on the road.
https://www.raleighusa.com/cadent1-r143
Schwinn Vantage
For $550, Shwinn’s Vantage bike has a 24-speed Acera/Altus drivetrain to get you moving in the right direction and take your fitness to a new level.
https://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-Vantage-Small-Frame-Matte/dp/B077QQT3NV
Kona Dew Plus
Last but not least, you should consider this Dew Plus bike from Kona. It has 650b wheels for a sturdy ride. It also features an aluminum frame, kickstand, disc brakes, and Shimano Altus/Acera 9-speed shifters. It’s valued at $699.
https://www.konaworld.com/dew_plus.cfm
Don’t let a price point keep you from your fitness goals. With these bikes, you can get on the road to fitness in no time.
Can you tell me about the Terrific K bikes. I seen them at a local bike shop and the owner said they were go bikes.