We also recommend the more entry-level Fairfax 1, but this model has a lighter aluminum fork and hydraulic disc brakes, among other upgrades.
Fender, rack, and kickstand mounts make it easy to customize the bike to your commuting needs. It handles well at paces above 16mph so you can keep up with the group ride, but it has everything you need to tackle an uneven urban commute, like a flat bar, burly 35mm tires, and a 3x8-speed Shimano Acera triple chainset ready to race to the top of San Francisco-sized hills-plus Tektro hydraulic disc brakes for stopping on a dime on the way down. Like all of our favorite hybrids, the Fairfax 2-the mid-level option-is also versatile as heck. Marin’s Fairfax line has long been an in-house favorite for its smooth-riding comfort and use of reliable parts at a cost far below similarly spec’d bikes. Third chainring can make shifting less precise.Ultimately, all those thoughtfully planned extras add up to a serious bargain for a bike that’s equally practical and a joy to ride.įrame: Aluminum | Fork: Aluminum | Weight: Not listed | Components: Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano/Microshift drivetrain | Gearing:48/38/28, Shimano Acera 3x8 speed drivetrain | Other Features: Fender and rack mounts, internal cable routing, kickstand mount
At $1,299, the Continuum Onyx isn’t the cheapest commuter rig out there, but it’s a high-quality machine for the price, largely due to the brand’s direct-to-consumer model. The Tektro hydraulic disc brakes make it easy to stop quickly in all weather conditions, and the Enviolo CVT twist shifters provide smooth, progressive shifting from one resistance level to the next. In keeping with that reputation, this sleek, efficient model has a Gates Carbon belt drive that won’t stretch or rust, flat-resistant 700x32mm WTB tires with reflective sidewalls, and front and rear dynamo-powered lights, so you never have to worry about charging yours before your early morning commute. Priority is known for making high-quality city bikes that are a cinch to maintain for year-round riding.
Some lower-cost bikes may come with cable-actuated disc brakes, a cheaper alternative that’s not quite as powerful or as low maintenance as a fully hydraulic disc-brake system but that delivers similar all-weather performance and reliability.