Cycling Outdoor Cycling Cycling Guide Cycling Guide Overview Cycling Basics Benefits Getting Started Cycling Shoes 101 Adjusting Your Bike Nutrition and Hydration Indoor Cycling Indoor Cycling 101 Types of Indoor Bikes Muscles Used Workouts Online Classes What to Buy: Indoor Cycling Bikes Converting an Outdoor Bike Weight Management Tips Outoor Cycling Outdoor Cycling 101 Types of Outdoor Bikes What to Buy: Hybrid Bikes What to Buy: Mountain Bikes Workouts Training Tips Safety Pre-Ride Checklist Tips Repairs Stretches The Best Hybrid Bikes for Every Cyclist The Giordano Brava Hybrid Bike is good for beginners and advanced riders alike By Lindsey Lanquist Lindsey Lanquist LinkedIn Lindsey Lanquist is a writer and editor specializing in fashion, lifestyle, and health content. Her work has appeared in SELF, StyleCaster, SheKnows, MyDomaine, and more. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 20, 2022 Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall LinkedIn Marley Hall is a writer and fact checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Verywell / Chloe Jeong Hybrid bikes combine the speed and efficiency of a road bike with the rugged durability of a mountain bike, creating a ride that’s as smooth as it is versatile. You can gain speed on slick pavement without losing control, and you can take your bike off-road without giving it a second thought. With hybrid bikes, there are performance options that are fit for avid cyclists, straightforward picks that are great for beginners, and electric choices that are perfect for those who want to gain serious speed. When shopping for hybrid bikes, consider if you want it for performance or recreational use, and whether you want an electric bike or a more traditional bike. When reviewing hybrid bikes for our list, we considered their use, whether they're motorized, available sizes, durability, and cost. Here are the best hybrid bikes on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Giordano Brava Hybrid Bike at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Vilano Diverse 3.0 Hybrid Road Bike at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Beginners: Decathlon Riverside 500 Hybrid Bike at Walmart Jump to Review Best Electric: Ghost Hybride B1.8 AL Electric Bike at REI Jump to Review Best Beginner-Friendly Electric: Electra Townie Go! 8D EQ Step-Thru Electric Bike at Trekbicyclesuperstore.com Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall Giordano Brava Hybrid Bike 4.7 Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon The Giordano Brava Hybrid Bike is comfortable, versatile, and easy to ride—a best overall pick for beginners and avid riders alike. The hybrid bike boasts an aluminum frame, which is lightweight enough to let you ride nimbly and flexibly, but still durable enough to support you. The bike’s versatile comfort tires will keep your ride feeling smooth and stable, no matter where you’re biking. Its 24-speed drivetrain will ensure you always have a gear that matches your conditions, and its mechanical disc brakes will help you come to a smooth, powerful stop any time you need to. The Giordano Brava Hybrid Bike comes in sizes small and medium, making it suitable for riders between 4 feet, 10 inches and 5 feet, 8 inches tall. Price at time of publication: $445 in medium Best Budget Vilano Diverse 3.0 Hybrid Road Bike View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Overstock If you’re searching for a high-quality bike at a more accessible price point, the Vilano Diverse 3.0 may be just what you’re looking for. The bike’s lightweight aluminum frame balances strength and efficiency, giving you ample support without weighing you down. Its 24-speed drivetrain will give you the flexibility you need to tackle different kinds of terrain, and its mechanical disc brakes will help you come to smooth, powerful stops, even if it’s wet or slick out. Use this bike for commuting, exercising, cruising, or running errands. Because it’s so versatile, it’s a great go-to. This affordable bike is a great choice if you are also looking to purchase an indoor cycling bike or exercise bike for when weather conditions prevent riding outside. The Vilano Diverse 3.0 comes with a 19.3-, 20.8-, or 22.4-inch frame, which makes it suitable for riders between 5 and 6 feet tall. The bike’s weight capacity is 300 pounds. Price at time of publication: $449 Best for Beginners Decathlon Riverside 500 Hybrid Bike Courtesy of Walmart View On Walmart The Decathlon Riverside 500 Hybrid Bike is comfortable, versatile, and easy to ride—making it an excellent choice for beginners. The bike’s lightweight aluminum frame offers a nimble ride, making it easy to navigate twists and turns without slowing down. Its tires are equipped to handle slick streets and off-road trails, and its nine-speed drivetrain will ensure there’s always a setting to match your terrain. And no need to worry if things get bumpy—the bike’s suspension fork will smooth out the feel of rough terrain. The Decathlon Riverside 500 Hybrid Bike is available in sizes small through large, making it suitable for riders between 4 feet, 9 inches and 5 feet, 9 inches tall. Price at time of publication: $500 Best Electric Ghost Hybride B1.8 AL Electric Bike Courtesy of Rei View On REI The Ghost Hybride B1.8 AL Electric Bike is a motorized hybrid bike that doesn’t totally replace the need to pedal. The bike’s stiff alloy frame will support you as you tackle long routes, and its nine-speed drivetrain will give you the flexibility to tackle a range of terrain. If you want to pick up speed, you can activate one of the bike’s three pedal-assist modes. These will flip on the bike’s powerful Bosch motor, allowing you to reach speeds of up to 19.9 miles per hour. But these pedal-assist modes only work on routes up to 30 miles long, meaning you’ll still have plenty of opportunities to ride this bike like a traditional hybrid. The Ghost Hybride B1.8 AL Electric Bike comes in sizes medium through extra-large, which makes it suitable for riders up to 6 feet, 5 inches tall. The bike’s weight capacity is 250 pounds. The Best Mountain Bikes for Rugged Terrain Best Beginner-Friendly Electric Electra Townie Go! 8D EQ Step-Thru Electric Bike Courtesy of Rei View On Trekbicyclesuperstore.com The Electra Townie Go! 8D EQ Step-Over is designed to be comfortable, fun, and easy to control—making it a great pick for first-time electric bike riders. The bike’s eight-speed drivetrain will help you nimbly navigate any route, while its balloon tires will keep your rides feeling smooth and comfortable. If you want a quicker ride, you can activate one of the bike’s four pedal-assist modes, which will help you reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour. These modes boast a 70-mile range, meaning you could take this bike to work, out running errands, or on a quick jaunt around the block. The Electra Townie Go! 8D EQ Step-Over is suitable for riders up to 6 feet tall. The bike’s weight capacity is 300 pounds. The 8 Best Bikes Under $500 of 2023 Final Verdict The Giordano Brava Hybrid Bike is a versatile bike, fit for a range of different riders. Whether you’re a first-timer looking for a reliable ride or a more advanced cyclist who craves the versatility of a hybrid, the Giordano Brava Hybrid Bike is sure to be a solid choice. If you’re looking for a more accessible price point, the Vilano Diverse 3.0 is an excellent option. Versatile and reliable, it’s a great go-to for anyone looking to do a little more riding. What to Look for in a Hybrid Bike Use Hybrid bikes tend to be pretty consistent across the board. Most are lightweight, durable, and versatile, and all of them boast a range of different gears. So when shopping for a hybrid, you’ll want to consider how you intend to use the bike. Are you a first-time or recreational rider, or an avid cyclist looking for a performance option? As you work your way up to higher price points, you’ll find higher-quality and more durable parts. So if you’re looking for a performance option, you may want to splurge. But if you’re looking for something more recreational, you’d likely be fine at a budget-friendlier price point. Motor When shopping for a hybrid bike, you can decide whether you’d like a more classic option or a motorized one. Electric hybrid bikes often come with pedal-assist modes that help you reach faster speeds. These bikes tend to be much more expensive than traditional hybrids, so you should only invest if you know you want one. Frequently Asked Questions What size hybrid bike do I need? The size of the hybrid bike you choose should be based on your height. When standing over the frame of your bike, make sure there's at least a 2-centimeter gap between you and the top tube. Find your height below to determine what size male/unisex frame you need:4'10" to 5'2" - choose an extra small bike with a 13"-14" frame5'2" to 5'6" - choose a small bike with a 15"-16" frame5'6" to 5'10" - choose a medium bike with a 17"-18" frame5'10" to 6'1" - choose a large bike with a 19"-20" frame6'1" to 6'4" - choose an extra large bike with a 21"-22" frame6'4" to 6'6" - choose an extra extra large bike with a 23"-24" frameWomen's hybrid bikes tend to be shorter in length with narrower handlebars and smaller frame sizes. In some cases women's hybrid bikes have a step through frame where the top tube drops down much lower. Find your height below to determine what size women's frame you need:4'10" to 5'2" - choose an extra small bike with a 13"-14" frame5'2" to 5'6" - choose a small bike with a 15"-16" frame5'6" to 5'10" - choose a medium bike with a 17"-18" frame5'10" to 6'1" - choose a large bike with a 19"+ frame Can you ride a hybrid bike on trails? Hybrid bikes are extremely versatile. The occasional relatively flat trail will be fine if your hybrid bike frame looks like a mountain bike. But if you're planning a more extreme off-roading experience, you'll want to invest in a mountain bike because the rigid frame of a hybrid bike may provide an uncomfortable ride.While hybrid bike tires will do just fine on a dirt road or gravel, you'll need to upgrade to mountain bike tires for bumpier, more uneven terrain. Can I change the handlebars on my hybrid bike? Yes, you can change the handlebars on your hybrid bike. However, it is expensive, may require many new components, and may negatively affect the fit of the bike. Should I get a hybrid bike or a road bike? It depends on how you intend to use the bike. Road bikes are designed for top speed but not great on comfort. They are ideal for people who plan to use their bike predominantly for frequent workouts, races, or long rides. Hybrid bikes combine the comfort of a mountain bike with the speed of a road bike. Hybrid bikes are great for those who plan to use their bike for commuting, touring, or the occasional workout. Can a hybrid bike be used for mountain biking? Hybrid bikes should not be used for biking on extreme terrains or downhill riding because they lack the rear suspension, thicker tread, and strong frame required for mountain biking. Hybrid bikes can be taken off-road, ideally gravel or dirt roads. Why Trust Verywell Fit As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit