Biking is one of the most comfortable and natural ways to get in shape. Unlike running, riding a bike is a low-impact activity that will protect your joints over time. But a bicycle doesn’t have to be all about exercise. When you are interested in biking as a relaxing leisure activity, you should consider a comfort bicycle. These are typically more relaxed in design, with wider tires and lower seats. A comfort bike is built to make you feel good while riding, so you can enjoy the sights and the fresh air without undue sweat and exertion.
To identify the best comfort bikes available to you in 2023, we rounded up contenders from some of the top brands and reviewed their latest offerings. We also sought input from professionals in the industry, consumer reviews, and personal experiences.
After hours of interviews, review analysis, and road testing, we have chosen the Schwinn Discover Hybrid as the best comfort bike for men and women. This is a comfort bike that can get you long distances if needed, all while staying at the low end of our price range. And even biking novices are familiar with the Schwinn brand because it has been providing exceptional products and service for over 100 years. Order a Schwinn Discover and you will not regret it.
Comfort Bike Sizing Chart
Rider Height | Inseam | Frame Size |
4’11” – 5’3” | 25” – 27” | 13” – 15” |
5’3” – 5’7” | 27” – 29” | 15” – 17” |
5’7” – 5’11” | 29” – 31” | 17” – 19” |
5’11” – 6’2” | 31” – 33” | 19” – 21” |
6’2” – 6’5” | 33” – 35” | 21” – 23” |
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
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TOP PICK
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TOP PICK
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Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike for Men and Women
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|
CHECK LATEST PRICE |
BEST PERFORMANCE
|
BEST PERFORMANCE
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Raleigh Detour 3 Hybrid Comfort Bike
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CHECK LATEST PRICE |
BEST CRUISER
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BEST CRUISER
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Kent Pomona Dual Suspension Women’s Comfort Bike
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CHECK LATEST PRICE |
7 Best Comfort Bikes – Reviews in 2023
1. Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike for Men and Women – Top Pick
This is a great example of a hybrid bike that can also serve as a comfort bike. Schwinn is a king among bicycle manufacturers and has been around since the 19th century. They certainly know what they’re doing by now!
The Schwinn Discover is appropriate for both men and women and delivers great comfort and balance with a lightweight frame and adjustable height. The 21-speed gear option will give you extra control and support on hills as well, making this a comfort bike that can really take you places. This is our choice for Top Pick Comfort Bike because it is a solid piece of equipment that will last you for years, provide A+ comfort, and comes at an incredibly affordable price.
Features: 21-speed SRAM, Shimano derailleur, padded seat, Promax alloy linear-pull brakes, alloy twist shifters, 4-finger brake levers, included wheel fenders and cargo rack, aluminum frame
Pros
- Classic design
- Easy gear-shifting
- Lightweight but supportive
- Adjustable handlebars
Cons
- Assembly seems to be tricky for beginners. If this is you, consider having a local shop help you with assembly to ensure your safety while riding.
2. Raleigh Detour 3 Hybrid Comfort Bike – Best Performance
Another example of a hybrid comfort bike, the Raleigh Detour 3 gives you more than the required comfort of a comfort bike, plus the high-performance power of a road bike. This stunning bike showcases style and speed, all while keeping you in an upright position with comfort grip handlebars and non-slip pedals.
This bike is perfect for riders who need a bike that can be a commuter on occasion and comfortable enough to make that early-morning exercise seem worthwhile. If you have been thinking about prioritizing your fitness in 2023, this bike will help you reach your goals without the agony.
Features: AL-6061 heat-treated aluminum optional step-thru frame, Shimano front and rear derailleurs, Shimano alloy four-finger brake levers, 27-gear shifting, Raleigh PP Urban traction tape pedals, Tektro 837 alloy v-brakes
Pros
- High-performance capabilities
- Upright comfortable positioning
- Comes with step-thru frame option
- Good front-suspension for shock absorption
- Tires built for comfort but capable of speed
Cons
- The only real downside to this bike is the price. It will definitely be out of budget for many readers, especially considering it does not come with accessories like a kickstand, cargo rack, or fenders.
- The price reflects its hybrid performance capabilities in addition to comfort, which may not be necessary for more leisurely riders.
3. Raleigh Bikes Venture 2 Step Thru Comfort Bike – Best for Women
The Raleigh Venture 2 is a true comfort bike. We chose this as the Best for Women because of the innovative step-thru design that allows for easy mounting and dismounting in any kind of clothing. This bike is extremely comfortable as well, with extra large 27.5” tires that create amazing traction and shock absorption on roads, no-slip grip pedals, and a padded seat. We can see you taking this bike to the beach with your friends or to grab coffee around the corner. A Raleigh is always a good investment, too, and you can expect this bike to last you for many years if well-maintained.
Features: Aluminum step thru frame design, SR Suntour suspension, Shimano RevoShift twist shifters, 21-gear selection option, handlebar grips, 27.5” tires
Pros
- Powerful braking
- Lightweight
- Great cruising style
- Comfort features
- Varied sizing
Cons
- While we like the size options that are presented, extra-tall riders (above 6 feet) may find themselves uncomfortable. The largest size offering (L) is only recommended up to 5’ 10”. If you are above 6’ you should try some of Raleigh’s other comfort or hybrid bike offerings though (such as the Detour we included above.)
4. Sixthreezero Ride in the Park – Best Style
Sixthreezero makes really excellent comfort and hybrid bikes, and the Ride in the Park is no exception. You can find this model with either 3 or 7-speed gears. Remember, the more gears you have, the easier pedaling will be when going uphill. If you know that you will keep this bike flat, then you don’t need to think much about the gears. We love that this bike has a cargo rack already included to make it easy to carry gear or groceries if needed. It also comes with the front and rear fenders to protect your legs when going through puddles. The leather handlebar grips are an especially nice style touch.
Features: 3 or 7-speed gear options, lightweight aluminum frame, Shimano internal hub with nexus shifter, rear rack and fenders included, 700x32c wheels
Pros
- Included accessories
- Stylish leather touches
- Sleek frame design
- Comes 85% assembled
- Lightweight
- Good for tall riders
Cons
- This is a seat that some riders said could definitely use extra padding. It looks like they focused more on design here to match the brown leather hand grips. You should be able to find a seat pad that goes with the overall look and feel of the bike though.
5. Schwinn Suburban Sport Comfort Hybrid Bike – Most Budget-Friendly
This is another offering from Schwinn that checks all the boxes. The handlebars keep you in a comfortable upright position with easy access to the front and rear hand brakes. The 7-speed gears are easy to shift and give you extra support for long-distance pedaling. Schwinn provided an extra padded seat, ergonomic grips, and included fenders.
Features: Schwinn steel comfort frame, 7-speed micro shift twister, Shimano rear derailleur, alloy linear-pull brakes, front and rear fenders
Pros
- Comfort seat and hand grips
- No-slip pedaling
- Wide tires for a smooth ride
- Really budget-friendly
Cons
- The low price-point for this bike means you are likely sacrificing something.
- In our tests, we found the suspension system to be a little weaker than on other models. This may be a result of the heavier steel frame.
6. Kent Pomona Dual Suspension Women’s Comfort Bike – Best Cruiser
We are listing this as the Best Cruiser because a cruiser is one of the most classic styles of comfort bike. The iconic upright curved handlebars, large wide tires, and a high-quality suspension system give the rider an incredibly comfortable and smooth biking experience. If we could give this bike a second superlative though, it would be “Best Suspension.” We found the shock-absorption on this bike to be superb, which is one of the most important features in a comfort bike.
This bike is reliable, nostalgia-inducing, and incredibly affordable. We recommend this bike to anyone who is maybe looking to get back into cruising after a long break or someone who can’t afford the higher-priced models. It comes in many different colors and styles, and some models will come with front and rear fenders or an integrated cup holder. It includes a chain guard and tail-light as well (something not found on most of the other bikes we reviewed).
Features: Steel frame, 7-speed drivetrain, twist shifters, Shimano rear derailleur, front and rear handbrakes, cruiser handlebars, included gear cover
Pros
- Classic cruiser style
- Includes chain guard
- Great suspension
- Included tail light
- Very affordable
Cons
- Poor quality wheel rims
- Fenders not always included
7. Sixthreezero Body Ease Women’s Comfort Bicycle – Most Adaptable
The Sixthreezero Body Ease Women’s Comfort Bicycle is a surprisingly powerful piece of equipment. Its soft and stylish design brings to mind a beach-cruiser on a sunny day, but its 21-gear drivetrain and hybrid suspension system means it can tackle even tough rides through rough terrain.
During our research, this bike was a favorite among women riders who used their bikes as a secondary mode of transportation for trips under 3 miles. It was most commonly used for work-commutes, light exercise, and local travel. The cruising configuration of the frame provides exceptional comfort for these trips, which was very important in user feedback. We are confident in recommending this bike for a really wide range of users and situations.
Features: 21-speed drivetrain, front and seat suspension, 2-inch wide tires, included rear cargo rack, aluminum frame
Pros
- Cool hybrid suspension model
- Wide stable tires
- Included rear rack
- Beautiful design
- 21 gear
Cons
- Some reviewers said they wished it came with fenders for protection from wet surfaces. We think Sixthreezero made the right choice to not include them though, because the added weight could be a detriment to riders wishing to make use of the performance ability of the bike.
Comfort Bike Buyer’s Guide
The Comfort Bike: Explained
A comfort bike is a great way to take yourself on leisurely rides to just enjoy the experience. Comfort bikes are for casual rides through the park, or for family rides with your young kids. A comfort bike should not steal your focus during the ride but rather let your mind wander and your body relaxes (within reason of course!) In fact a lot of college students pick comfort bikes. You can read more about that on this guide.
A comfort bike will have wide, sturdy tires that create a good grip on the road and help absorb shock. It should keep you upright at the expense of speed and make it easy to shift, brake, and pedal. Unlike gravel bikes (we created another guide on this page) Comfort bikes are not for intense performance but for enjoyable recreation.
Comfort Bikes vs. Hybrid Bikes
If you’ve already started looking for comfort bikes online, you might be confused by how many “hybrid” bikes you see included among the lists. You’re probably wondering, “Are comfort and hybrid bikes the same? What is a hybrid a mix of anyway?”
A hybrid bike contains elements of a mountain bike and a road bike. It is a great choice for commuters, casual riders, and entry-level riders. You can see our full guide on that here. And to simplify things, a comfort bike is more or less a type of hybrid bike.
The main difference between a traditional hybrid bike and a comfort bike is that a non-comfort hybrid bike would be suited to more intense biking than a comfort bike. Comfort bikes prioritize leisure and ease, with wide sturdy tires and upright-only handlebars. You can find these features in a hybrid bike, but you can also find features more suitable for speed and performance if you wish.
But how do you go about buying a comfort bike? How do you know which one is right for you? A comfort bike is actually one of the easiest kinds of bikes to purchase. Unlike bikes made for racing or extreme performance, finding a comfort bike is all about…..comfort! This means you only need to look for a few key components to maximize your enjoyment.
We put together this guide to walk you through the different parts of a bike and what you should consider when shopping for a comfort bike.
1. Frame
The foundation of every bike is its frame. The frame can be made out of all kinds of materials, but there are 3 you are most likely to find: steel, aluminum, or carbon-fiber.
Aluminum bikes are the most common. They are very lightweight and rust-resistant. Steel bikes are very strong, affordable, and durable but will be much heavier than aluminum bikes. Carbon-fiber bikes cost a great deal more than the other kinds. They are very light and strong and a popular choice for very serious cyclists.
2. Handlebars
While there are many different types of handlebars out there, you will not see them all represented among comfort bikes. For a comfort bike, you want to be in an upright position at all times; do not buy a bike with a drop bar that makes you lean far over the front of the bike.
On a comfort bike, you should look for either a Cruiser/Upright handlebar or a Flat handlebar. These allow you to sit upright and exert minimal pressure on your back muscles in order to steer. They don’t offer great aerodynamics or speed, but those are not priorities for comfort biking anyway.
3. Suspension
Another important element for comfort biking is a strong suspension system. You want a bike that will absorb bumps and shocks for you instead of passing it along through the seat. Some hybrid bikes do not come with suspension systems, which is something you should watch out for. Look for a bike with either full or front-suspension included. It does add weight to the bike but will make the ride smooth and steady. You may also like our guide on the best road bikes under 300 dollars click here to see it.
4. Tires
Tires are one of the defining features of comfort bikes. Typically, the wider the tires, the more comfortable the ride. A comfort bike should have 26-inch wheels and high-volume tires. They will help you maintain balance and traction.
5. Seating
A comfort bike should have a very padded seat. It should be made of foam, large springs, and come with gel-padding. We might even recommend you buy an extra seat pad just to make things even more comfortable. If you’re looking for comfort, why not go all out? You may also like our recent guide on the best tricycle 500 lb capacity.
6. Gears
Gears are not particularly important for comfort-riding. Keep in mind that the more gears there are, the easier the climbs will be. Bikes with only a few gears (0-3) are for people who can handle tough uphill climbs with little help from the bicycle. A bike with around 21 gears can cut you a little slack.
7. Brakes
The specifics of braking components can get very detailed very fast. For purposes of comfort biking, pay the most attention to the actual braking process. Do you twist the handlebar? Do you grip a level on the handlebar? Do you back-pedal? Think about which style you prefer and make sure the bike you purchase matches your vision.
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8. Sizing
Having the correct size is an important part of being comfortable on your bike. If you are super tall, then see this page. A bike that is too small will leave you hunched over and achy, while a bike that is too big will make it hard for you to balance. Most bike measuring is done using your height and inseam measurements. We have a guide about that on our best hybrid bikes under 300 dollars page.
What is the top-rated Comfort Bike in 2023? – Final Thoughts
In the world of outdoor and athletic gear, a lot of attention is paid to high-performance and rugged intensity. But creating products that appeal to casual users is just as important although sometimes overlooked. A comfort bicycle is a great way to get someone excited about biking for the first time or if their exercise goals are modest. Making sure you are comfortable and supported while exercising, commuting, or cruising is just as important as anything else.
The Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike will give you everything you need to have a good time while getting where you need to be. It will last you for many years or even a lifetime if properly maintained. Schwinn takes a great deal of pride in its build and design and you can be sure you are getting a quality product from them each and every time. Buy this bike and discover how good biking is supposed to feel!
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
TOP PICK
|
TOP PICK
|
Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike for Men and Women
|
|
CHECK LATEST PRICE |
BEST PERFORMANCE
|
BEST PERFORMANCE
|
Raleigh Detour 3 Hybrid Comfort Bike
|
|
CHECK LATEST PRICE |
BEST CRUISER
|
BEST CRUISER
|
Kent Pomona Dual Suspension Women’s Comfort Bike
|
|
CHECK LATEST PRICE |
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