How To Choose a Commuter Bike Fall 2022

Biking your commute instead of driving saves money and improves your overall health. With more people choosing bikes, there are many great commuter options on the market. Use this guide to find the bike that will make your commute a breeze.

What To Look For in a Commuter Bike

For daily use, you'll want to be pickier than if you were buying a bike for weekend fitness rides. Here are the top factors to consider:

1. Make sure it's comfortable to ride in street clothes. Avoid spikes or attachments that can catch on clothing. If you don't always wear pants, choose a step-through bike so you can easily commute in a skirt or dress. 
2. Pay attention to how it handles. Like cars, some bikes are more responsive to steering commands than others. Choose a bike with smooth handling that feels like an extension of your body.
3. Prioritize build quality. Commuting requires reliability, so buy a well-built machine to ensure you make it where you're going day in, day out. Avoid sports or hobby bikes built for occasional rides.  

What Does Your Commute Look Like?

The right commuter bike for you will depend on where you'll ride it. If your route has a steep hill, choose an electric bike so you don't have to make a sweaty climb every day.

Bike lanes will make your commute much easier, but if you have to ride on sidewalks or along roads, pick a bike with a slimmer profile. Be sure to buy bike lights and reflective accessories if your commute will take place after sundown at any time of year.

How Many Speeds Should Your Commuter Bike Have?

More speeds give your commuter bike more utility. You don't want to lose time on your commute because your bike can't effectively handle the terrain.

A three-speed bike is adequate for most commutes to deal with minor climbs and headwinds. To tackle steep hills, up the number of speeds. Go for the maximum number of speeds you can if your commute requires tricky rolling hills or off-road sections.

Commuter Bikes for Those on a Budget

The good news is, fall is the perfect time to buy a bike because demand is lower than it is heading into warmer months. Here are two great budget choices:

• Sixthreezero Ride in the Park Consistent is a stable bike optimized for comfort. Its all-weather design and beginner-friendly features make it the perfect first bike for a short commute.
• Sixthreezero Explore your Range is less than $550 and can handle city streets, sidewalks and even light off-roading. 

Commuter Bikes for Busy City Traffic

If you're a confident bike rider whose commute is in a city and doesn't go off-road, the Sixthreezero Reach Your Destination has the features you need. At less than $600, this fast and high-performing bike is a favorite of city commuters for its seven speeds and light tires.

Best Commuter Bikes for Comfort

The right commuter bike for comfort will depend on your individual body type. Women's bikes have features such as wider seats and shorter frames that make a real difference in comfort. Pick a bike that has pedals you don't have to strain to push, or you may hurt your knees over time.

Best Electric Bikes for Commuting

Electric bikes are a great commuting option because they take the sting out of hills and speed up your ride.

Here are some of the best:

• Sixthreezero EVRYjourney 500w has a stylish build, a step-through frame and a powerful motor to jumpstart your commute. 
• Sixthreezero Maya 500w can double as an athletic bike, and its slim tires are great for city streets.

Choosing a bike for your commute may present challenges at first, but pick the right model, and your smart choice will pay off.