Updated November 11, 2022
What if you’re not into BMX, rigorous mountain biking, road racing, or any of the super-athletic forms of bicycling? Maybe you don’t relish the aches and pains like a sore back or shoulders, and would like to be able to commute comfortably or go for a more or less leisurely ride around town or the neighborhood but still have a bike with a few performance capabilities. What you are looking for might be what can be called a comfort bike, something somewhere in between a cruiser and a mountain bike.
How can you find such a bike? There are hundreds on the market if you can identify them. To help you find the one that suits your needs, some of the best comfort bikes for men and women have been selected as an introduction. There is a comparison table to start, followed by descriptions, key features, photos, videos, and some purchasing guidelines.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more information on other categories of bikes and accessories, please check out these reviews:
Children’s Mountain Bikes Women’s Mountain Bike Helmets Mountain Bike Helmets Affordable Electric Bikes Women’s Mountain Bikes BMX Bikes Mountain Bikes Under $1,000 Budget Mountain Bikes Fat Bikes Single Speed Bikes Beach Cruisers
Best Comfort Bike Reviews
- Schwinn Discover Hybrid Comfort Bike for Men and Women
- sixthreezero EVRYjourney Hybrid Women’s Comfort Bike
- Raleigh Detour 2 Hybrid Comfort Bike
- Schwinn Suburban Sport Comfort Hybrid Bike
- Diamondback Wildwood Classic Comfort Bike
- Raleigh Venture 2 Hybrid Comfort Bike
- Schwinn Network 3 Hybrid Comfort Bike
- sixthreezero Reach Your Destination Women’s Hybrid Comfort Bike
Best Comfort Bike Comparison Table
| Photo | Comfort Bikes | Wheel Size | Gears | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Schwinn Discover Hybrid Comfort Bike for Men and Women | 28" | 21 | $$$ |
  | sixthreezero EVRYjourney Hybrid Women's Comfort Bike | 26" | 1, 3, 7, or 21 | $$$ |
  | Raleigh Detour 2 Hybrid Comfort Bike | 700c | 24 | $$ |
  | Schwinn Suburban Sport Comfort Hybrid Bike | 26" | 7 | $$ |
  | Diamondback Wildwood Classic Comfort Bike | 26" | 21 | $ |
  | Raleigh Venture 2 Hybrid Comfort Bike | 27.5" | 21 | $$ |
  | Schwinn Network 3 Hybrid Comfort Bike | 700c | 21 | $$ |
 | sixthreezero Reach Your Destination Women's Hybrid Comfort Bike | 28" | 7 | $$ |
| Photo | Comfort Bikes | Wheel Size | Gears | Price |
Schwinn Discover Hybrid Comfort Bike for Men and Women
The Schwinn Discover Hybrid Comfort Bike has a lightweight durable aluminum frame with two different configurations for men and women, the women’s version a classic step-through design.
With a comfortable padded saddle and front suspension, riders get a comfortable ride over bumps.
The 21-speed Shimano drivetrain with easy-to-use and comfortable grip shifters provides a lot of versatility for efficient pedaling regardless of the angle of ascent or descent.
It comes with a competent set of Promax rim brakes, plastic fenders to keep off the spray or dirt, and a convenient rear cargo rack.
In addition, the adjustable stem and back-swept handlebar can be arranged for a customized fit.
The pricing is moderate and it comes in white for women and black for men.
Frame Size: 18-inch (men’s), 16-inch (women’s) (for riders from 5’0″ to 6’2″)- Weight: 35.5 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: aluminum
- Suspension: front
- Tires: 28-inch
- Rims: aluminum alloy
- Gears: 21-speed Shimano drivetrain with SRAM grip shifters
- Brakes: front and rear Promax linear-pull rim brakes, 4-finger brake levers
- Other Features: durable alloy cranks, plastic fenders, adjustable stem with a back-swept handlebar, padded seat, rear gear carrier
- Colors: black (men’s), white (women’s)
- Price: $$$
Frame Size: 18-inch (men’s), 16-inch (women’s) (for riders from 5’0″ to 6’2″)
sixthreezero EVRYjourney Hybrid Women’s Comfort Bike
The sixthreezero EVRYjourney Hybrid Women’s Comfort Bike is a durable and comfortable bike with a step-through women’s design and classic low center of gravity beach cruiser styling, and semi-slick whitewall tires.
Available in single-speed and three multi-speed drivetrains to meet your preference, it is equipped with easy-grip front and rear linear-pull rim brakes (except the single-speed model which also uses a rear coaster brake).
The comfortable padded double-spring saddle smoothes the ride and a luggage rack in the back gives you a place for a few supplies and luggage.
It comes in 9 attractive soft color combinations contrasting features with the frame and matching fenders.
Pricing is reasonable with variation based on which drivetrain you select.
- Frame Size: 17.5-inch (for riders from 5’0″ to 6’2″)
- Weight: 35.7 to 40 pounds (from the single to 21-speed models)
- Frame/Fork Material: aluminum
- Suspension: rigid
- Tires: 26 x 1.95-inch semi-slick
- Rims: aluminum alloy
- Gears: 1, 3, 7, or 21-speed (Shimano drivetrain and shifters for multi-speed models)
- Brakes: rear coaster brake and a front rim brake for single-speed models, or front and rear rim brakes for multi-speed models
- Other Features: padded double-spring synthetic leather saddle, kickstand, rubber block pedals, matching fenders, rear luggage rack
- Colors: 9 combinations
- Price: $$$
Raleigh Detour 2 Hybrid Comfort Bike
The Raleigh Detour 2 Hybrid Comfort Bike is constructed from sturdy lightweight aluminum with an adjustable stem that puts the rider in a customizable upright riding position.
Available in 4 frame sizes to suit riders from 5’4” to 6’4”, it has a comfortable spring-loaded saddle, no-slip pedals, and comfort grips.
There are also rack and fender mounts if you want to take it a step further and add those accessories.
It comes with a 24-speed drivetrain and convenient Shimano Rapidfire Plus shifters to ease the effort for hill climbs, and reliable linear-pull V-brakes for stopping power.
Raleigh provides a lifetime warranty on the frame and there is also a step-through women’s version of the Detour 2.
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL (for riders from 5‘4” to 6’4” )
- Weight: 28 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: aluminum
- Suspension: rigid
- Tires: 700 x 40c Arisun Metro Cruiser tires with puncture protection
- Rims: aluminum alloy
- Gears: 24-speed Shimano drivetrain with Shimano Rapidfire Plus shifters
- Brakes: Promax alloy V-brakes (linear-pull rim brakes)
- Other Features: Raleigh comfort seat, Shimano Altus cranks, adjustable stem, no-slip pedals, rack and fender mounts
- Color: black
- Warranty: lifetime on the frame
- Price: $$
Schwinn Suburban Sport Comfort Hybrid Bike
The Suburban Sport Comfort Hybrid Bike is another fine bike by Schwinn for casual riders to comfortably cruise around town.
This time there’s a durable steel frame and fork with front suspension to go with a comfortable padded seat and swept-back handlebar for a smooth ride even when it gets bumpy, and fenders to spare you some of the spray from dirt or water you might encounter.
It has comfortable ergonomic grips to go with the relatively simple 7-speed Shimano drivetrain with a Micro shift twist shifter to make the gear changes smooth as you negotiate the hills and valleys.
Available in black, it’s backed up by a limited lifetime warranty.
- Frame Size: 18-inch Medium frame
- Weight: 37.8 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: steel
- Suspension: front
- Tires: 26-inch oversized
- Rims: aluminum alloy
- Gears: 7-speed Shimano drivetrain with Micro shift twist shifter
- Brakes: front and rear linear-pull rim brakes
- Other Features: Schwinn comfort saddle, swept-back handlebar, ergonomic grips, front and rear fenders
- Color: black
- Warranty: limited lifetime
- Price: $$
Diamondback Wildwood Classic Comfort Bike
The Diamondback Wildwood Classic Comfort Bike is user-friendly with mountain wheels and an adjustable stem that enables an upright position for comfortable riding around town and on bike paths.
With a lightweight durable aluminum frame, it not only has a suspension front fork to smooth out the bumps, but also a suspension seat post and a dual-density comfort saddle.
The 21-speed Shimano drivetrain and shifters give you plenty of easy-shifting gears to allow easy pedaling up any inclines you encounter and internal cable routing keeps the exterior uncluttered and clean.
Offered in 4 sizes for riders from 5’4” to 6’4”, the pricing is the lowest of the models reviewed here.
- Frame Size: SM/15”, MD/17”, LG/19”, XL/21” (for riders from 5’4” to 6’4”)
- Weight: 33.44 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: aluminum
- Suspension: HL Zoom suspension front fork
- Tires: 26-inch
- Rims: aluminum alloy
- Gears: 21-speed Shimano drivetrain and shifters
- Brakes: front and rear linear-pull V-brakes
- Other Features: KindShock suspension seat post, adjustable stem, Avenir dual-density comfort saddle, internal cable routing
- Color: black
- Warranty: ask the seller for details
- Price: $
Raleigh Venture 2 Hybrid Comfort Bike
The Raleigh Venture 2 Hybrid Comfort Bike is another great bike for cruising similar to the Raleigh Detour 2 reviewed above, with a few notable differences.
The Venture 2 has a lightweight, durable aluminum frame with SR Suntour front suspension and an easy-adjust suspension seat post along with a soft comfort plush seat for a nice cushioned ride over the bumps.
The Shimano 21-speed drivetrain and Revo Shift shifters let you ably take on the hills and reliable Tektro alloy V-brakes provide the stopping power.
The Venture 2 also comes in 4 sizes for a range of rider sizes and is available in a step-through women’s model.
Raleigh backs it with a lifetime warranty on the frame.
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL (for riders from 5‘4” to 6’4” )
- Weight: 32.7 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: aluminum
- Suspension: SR Suntour XCT suspension front fork with 80mm travel
- Tires: 27.5 x 1.95-inch
- Rims: double-wall alloy
- Gears: 21-speed Shimano drivetrain with Shimano Revo Shift shifters
- Brakes: Tektro alloy V-brakes (linear-pull rim brakes)
- Other Features: Raleigh comfort plush seat, adjustable suspension seat post, Prowheel cranks, rack and fender mounts, no-slip pedals
- Color: silver
- Warranty: lifetime on the frame
- Price: $$
Schwinn Network 3 Hybrid Comfort Bike
The Schwinn Network 3 Hybrid Comfort Bike has a sturdy aluminum alloy frame with front suspension and a suspension seat post to take on the bumps of paved roads as well as smoother off-road paths and trails.
It has a 21-speed Shimano drivetrain with EZ-Fire shifters that beginners find easy to use for precise gear changes to negotiate the hills and valleys.
The backswept handlebar with an adjustable stem puts you in a comfortable customizable upright position with comfort further aided by the padded spring-saddle, and ergonomic grips.
Suitable for riders from 5’4” to 6’0” there are 2 other models in the Network line configured slightly differently to choose from.
The Network 3 is covered by a limited lifetime warranty on the frame.
- Frame Size: 18-inch (for riders from 5’4” to 6’0” tall)
- Weight: 38.6 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: aluminum
- Suspension: front
- Tires: 700c x 48c
- Rims: aluminum alloy
- Gears: 21-speed Shimano drivetrain with easy-to-use EZ-Fire shifters
- Brakes: front and rear linear-pull V-brakes
- Other Features: suspension seat post, padded hybrid saddle with springs, ergonomic grips, backswept handlebar with an adjustable stem
- Colors: white
- Warranty: limited lifetime on the frame
- Price: $$
sixthreezero Reach Your Destination Women’s Hybrid Comfort Bike
The sixthreezero Reach Your Destination Women’s Hybrid Comfort Bike is a sturdy, lightweight aluminum-framed model with a rigid steel fork, and a classic step-through women’s design.
Suitable for commuting, urban riding, and only very smooth off-road trails, the padded seat and handlebar geometry give you a comfortable upright position.
Effective V-brakes, a Shimano 7-speed drivetrain, and Index Revo Shifter round it out for all you need to handle the rigors of urban terrain.
It comes in several soft colors with matching fenders, a rear cargo rack, and click-through attachment points for other accessories.
- Frame Size: 18-inch (for riders from 5’0″ to 6’2″)
- Weight: 33 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: aluminum frame with a steel fork
- Suspension: rigid
- Tires: 700c x 35c semi-slick road style
- Rims: double-walled aluminum alloy
- Gears: 7-speed Shimano drivetrain with Index Revo shifter
- Brakes: front and rear linear-pull V-rakes
- Other Features: padded synthetic leather medium-firm seat, matching fenders, rear luggage rack, click-on attachment points
- Colors: navy, cream, or teal
- Price: $$
Comfort Bike Buying Guide
What is a Comfort Bike?
Comfort bikes are derived from hybrid bikes whose design is a mixture of mountain bikes and road bikes. Hybrid bikes have more upright handlebars and a padded seat to make the bike more comfortable for use on bike paths, roads, and some smoother unpaved paths. They are heavier and don’t have the performance or efficiency of mountain bikes.
A comfort bike takes a further step away from mountain bikes with frames that are often stretched with the pedals further forward so that the seat can be lower. The seats are still padded and the handlebars upright and there is even more emphasis on comfort for more casual riding around town and on paved roads with only limited off-road effectiveness.
Frame
Steel and aluminum are the most common frame materials on comfort bikes. Both are durable with steel the heavier and more prone to corrosion and rust. Aluminum is a little more expensive and more rigid than steel but completely rust and corrosion-free. Carbon fiber is lightweight and extra sturdy but unlikely to be found on comfort bikes due to the high cost.
Suspension
Many comfort bikes do not use suspension (which is referred to as rigid). When riding on smooth surfaces the advantage of suspension isn’t great. Front suspension is used on a number of models and it does make for a smoother ride over bumps. The added expense isn’t substantial and maintenance is not a major concern.
Gears
Comfort bike drivetrains come with a full range of gearing options from single speed up. It is a matter of preference for you. If you are planning to ride on roads that are hilly, the versatility of a large number of gears may be worth it to make the ride easier. For shorter excursions around a flatter area opting for fewer gears may make sense. Most of the manufacturers use Shimano gears which are of good quality. There is some variation in the shifting mechanisms employed which you can examine but they are all pretty straightforward and easy to use.
Seats
The emphasis on seating for comfort bikes is not on weight and streamlining but on comfort. With that in mind, they use designs that are wider than on mountain bikes using various types of padding, like gel or foam, and in some cases springs. Some models also use suspension seat posts for shock absorption.
Brakes
If you happen to choose a single-speed model, it may use a rear coaster brake activated by pedaling backward. Otherwise, for multi-speed bikes, the options are usually rim brakes and disc brakes as coaster brakes may interfere with the gearing mechanism. Rim brakes, aka linear-pull brakes, are cheaper than disc brakes and are almost always the type used on comfort bikes, employed in pairs, one for each wheel. Disc brakes have a more efficient braking power but comfort bike riders usually feel rim brakes are effective enough.
Tires
Comfort bikes use tires that are relatively wide that provide a level of cushioning naturally when compared to narrow road bike tires. The tread is finer and softer materials are used that are more suited for traction on paved surfaces than knobby-style mountain bike tires.
Fenders and Cargo Racks
You can find comfort bikes that have these two convenient features. On a commute or picnic excursion, a place to put a little luggage means you don’t necessarily have to carry it in a backpack or otherwise. Fenders can help prevent spray from reaching your legs, torso, and face whether it be water after a rain, or dirt or gravel from off-road paths. The small amount of weight added is not significant in the scheme of comfort biking.
For more information on other categories of bikes and accessories, please check out these reviews:
Children’s Mountain Bikes Women’s Mountain Bike Helmets Mountain Bike Helmets Affordable Electric Bikes Women’s Mountain Bikes BMX Bikes Mountain Bikes Under $1,000 Budget Mountain Bikes Fat Bikes Single Speed Bikes Beach Cruisers
Feedback and Comments
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