9 Best Hybrid Bikes Under $300 (2022) – Reviews

Are you looking for a bike with flexibility? You want something that’s fast on the road but still gives you the ability to explore some trails you find along the way. A hybrid bike is just the pick for you and we’ve got some great options that won’t break the bank.

We spent hours comparing specifications, reading real customer reviews and thinking about what would make you the happiest on your rides. Based on all that work, we put together this list of the top 10 hybrid bikes under $300.

Hands down, our top pick is the Hiland Hybrid Fitness Bike. Its aluminum frame, quality Shimano components and disc brakes made it easy to come to that conclusion. Check out the full review below, nine other great options and your detailed buying guide so you can easily make the best choice. You’ll be surprised at what great quality bikes you can get for a great price!


Top 3 Comparison Table

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS

Hiland Hybrid Fitness Bike
  • Features: Aluminum frame, Shimano components, disc brakes
  • Benefits: Lightweight yet sturdy construction, durable components and good stopping power
CHECK LATEST PRICE

Retrospec Barron Comfort Hybrid
  • Features: Lightweight aluminum frame, comfortable seat and front suspension
  • Benefits: Lightweight and comfortable whether on the road or off
CHECK LATEST PRICE

Outroad Single Speed Road Hybrid
  • Features: Long-lasting tensile steel frame, simple design and a flip flop hub
  • Benefits: Simple, fast and reliable for a low price point
CHECK LATEST PRICE

9 Best Hybrid Bikes Under $300

1. Hiland Hybrid Fitness Bike – Best Hybrid Bike Under $300

It’s easy to see why we chose the Hiland Hybrid Fitness Bike for our #1 pick. For under $300, it’s amazing to think that you can get such cool features. The Hiland Hybrid has a light and durable aluminum frame backed by a lifetime warranty. Shimano Tourney and Altus shifting components give you easy shifting for all 24 speeds. 

You also get front and rear mechanical disc brakes for maximum shifting power. The Hiland Hybrid has flat handlebars for a more aggressive riding style. Don’t worry about grip thanks to the Kenda high-performance 40mm wide tires. They’re a solid choice whether on dirt trails or the morning commute.

Features: Lightweight aluminum frame, mechanical disc brakes, Shimano Altus and Tourney derailleurs

Pros

  • Nice features for such a low price point
  • 40mm wide tires give you road speed and trail stability
  • Disc brakes

Cons

  • Some assembly is required (comes 85% assembled)


2. Retrospec Barron Comfort Hybrid – Best Comfort Hybrid

If you’re looking for hybrid comfort no matter where you’re riding, the Retrospec Barron Comfort Hybrid is for you. Like the Hiland Hybrid, you get an aluminum frame so you don’t have to worry about carrying around extra weight. 

The Retrospec also has quality Shimano components and 21 speeds, including a super-low gear which makes the extra steep hills a little easier. Front shock suspension helps smooth out the bumps and the Kenda Kwest Commuter multi-surface tires have a semi-smooth tread which makes them faster while still providing grip for wet roads and paths. The front shock, slight raise on the handlebars and extra comfortable seat keep you comfortable no matter where you’re riding.

Features: Lightweight aluminum frame, Shimano Tourney drivetrain, designed for maximum riding comfort

Pros

  • Comfortable design
  • Front shock suspension
  • Lightweight aluminum frame

Cons

  • Some would prefer the rubber hand grips to be a little larger 


3. Outroad Single Speed Road Hybrid – Budget Friendly

It’s hard to beat the simple, durable and wallet-friendly design for the Outroad Single Speed hybrid. This bike is specifically designed to be a daily commute bike on pothole-filled city streets. The 1.2” wide tires give you low resistance for speed but are still slightly wider than most road bike tires for extra stability on bumpy roads.

The flip flop rear hub is an interesting design feature. Install the rear wheel one way and you get a fixed rear gear like a track bike. Flip it the other way and you get a freewheel gear so you can coast when you want.

Features: Long-lasting tensile steel frame, simple design, flip flop hub, 1.2” wide tires

Pros

  • Durable, long-lasting steel frame.
  • Lightweight and fast
  • Simple durability won’t let you down
  • Low price point

Cons

  • Some reviewers say that the seat isn’t as comfortable as they would like.


4. Diamondback Trace ST Dual Sport 

If you’re looking for a bike that is rugged enough for some light mountain biking, the Diamondback Trace ST Dual Sport is a great choice. It’s designed to give you a similar riding position to a traditional mountain bike and has a 21 speed Shimano 3×7 drivetrain so even on the steepest of trails you can still find the right gear.

The wheels have a smoother tread than your average mountain bike so you’ll have less resistance while riding around the neighborhood on paved roads, but they are still wide enough for some light trail riding.

Features: Aluminum frame and steel front fork, large 29” wheels to roll fast and smooth

Pros

  • Shimano 3×7 drivetrain
  • Comes in various sizes to fit even taller riders
  • Light but strong aluminum alloy frame

Cons

  • Some have reported the chain popping off. (The rear wheel and derailleur probably weren’t adjusted correctly.)  


5. Schwinn Siro Comfort Hybrid

Our second choice for a comfort hybrid, the Schwinn Siro has a nice combination of agile road bike qualities while still being ready for some dirt trails. It has a lightweight yet durable aluminum frame and alloy quick release rims. 

The slightly swept-back handlebars combined with the extra padded seat and suspension seat post make the Schwinn Siro more comfortable to ride even if you hit a bump or two.

Features: Shimano EZ fire shifters, extra padded seat, front fork suspension

Pros

  • Aluminum frame
  • Slightly raised handlebars for a more upright riding position
  • Front fork suspension

Cons

  • Some report it is difficult to assemble. (Instructions are included.)


6. Vilano Diverse 2.0

The Vilano Diverse 2.0 is another great example of a versatile bike that can be ridden just about anywhere. The aluminum alloy frame won’t weigh you down and its 24 gears mean you can always find the right one even for the steepest of climbs.

The quality Shimano derailleurs and Shimano EF shifters make changing gears a breeze. The 29” diameter wheels make for fast and smooth rides and the 35mm wide tires mean you have grip and stability for bumpy roads while still being low resistance for speed.

Features: Hydroformed aluminum alloy frame, Shimano Tourney XT derailleurs, 24 gears

Pros

  • Lightweight and durable aluminum frame
  • Quick-release wheels
  • Flat handlebar for a mountain bike like ride

Cons

  • Some tools required for the assembly (Some companies send the tools with the bike.)


7. Raleigh Detour Hybrid 

If you need an efficient and reliable bike for long commutes, you’ll want to check out the Raleigh Detour Hybrid. You get proven Raleigh reliability and a sturdy steel frame designed to provide a comfortable and natural riding position.

The Detour has a simplified gear system which makes it easier to shift and more reliable. It only has a rear derailleur with seven gears which is more than enough for most people. The 40mm wide tires come with puncture protection so you don’t have to worry about getting to work late because of a flat. 

Features: Lightweight aluminum frame, Shimano Tiagra shifters, designed for maximum riding comfort

Pros

  • Natural riding position
  • Multiple options for any size rider
  • Simplified gear shifting

Cons

  • Some say the sizes run big (Maybe choose a slightly smaller size than what you think you need.)


8. 6KU Canvas Hybrid Bike

The 6KU Canvas Hybrid is designed as a daily commuter bike and it fills the role well. You get a lightweight and sturdy aluminum frame combined with Shimano Altus and Tourney derailleurs. The aggressive design and flat handlebars might not be as comfortable as some of the “comfort” hybrids but is still perfect for commuting or getting some exercise in.

The 32mm wide hybrid tires and sturdy design make this a good option on bumpy roads or even the light trail.

Features: Lightweight aluminum frame, Shimano Altus and Tourney 24 speed drivetrain and 32mm wide hybrid tires

Pros

  • Quality Shimano Altus and Tourney drivetrain
  • Lightweight and sturdy aluminum frame
  • Hybrid tires for roads or light trails

Cons

  • You may need to finetune the brakes for them to work as you want.


9. Schwinn Suburban Sport Comfort Hybrid

The Schwinn Suburban Sport makes your morning commute or rides around the neighborhood a lot easier. The low-rise frame means you can get on and off easily even in stop and go traffic. The extra padded seat and upright riding position mean you’ll be comfortable even on longer rides.

Similar to the Raleigh Detour, the Schwinn Suburban only has a rear derailleur with 7 speeds. This is more than sufficient for most riders, makes shifting smoother and cuts down on long term maintenance. Check out our recent guide on the best comfort bike reviews here.

Features: Low-rise comfort steel frame, simplified shifting, front fork suspension

Pros

  • Durable steel frame
  • Front fork suspension shock
  • Raised handlebar keeps you in an upright riding position

Cons

  • One of our heavier options


10. Giordano RS700 Hybrid

It’s hard to beat the cheap price and Italian inspired design of the Giordano RS700 hybrid bike. You get a handcrafted lightweight aluminum frame with sturdy steel front shocks and 21-speed Shimano shifters. This bike is most commonly purchased bike for people on a budget. In fact, a lot of seniors & college students like this bike, which we created two recent guide on the best bike for seniors and the best bikes for college students.

You even get aluminum rims which reduce the bike’s weight even more but may not be the most durable for rough mountain trails. The 29” wheels and 35mm wide tires mean you get a smooth and fast ride on a variety of terrains.

Features: Aluminum frame with a steel fork, 21 speed Shimano drivetrain, lightweight aluminum rims

Pros

  • Lightweight and sturdy aluminum frame and steel fork
  • Lightweight aluminum rims
  • 35mm wide tires for hybrid versatility

Cons

  • Some reported a few issues with the quality of its assembly (This is one of our cheapest options.)


How to Choose a Hybrid Bike Under $300 – Buyer’s Guide

You want to squeeze everything you can out of your hybrid bike, whether you’re on a dirt trail or commuting to work on city streets. Here are the top considerations you should keep in mind when deciding which hybrid bike to buy.

  • Your Riding Style
  • Tire Size
  • Suspension
  • Handlebar Shape

Your Riding Style

If you are frequently riding on gravel, then we recommended you check out the best gravel bikes under 1000, but of course, you want a hybrid bike for riding on a variety of surfaces. Even amongst hybrid bikes, some tend to work better on roads and others are more obviously designed for light trail riding.

So think about where you plan to use it. Do you ride 90% of the time on city streets, but once in a while you’ll go on a smooth dirt trail? In that case, it’s better for you to get a hybrid that more resembles a road bike, but with slightly wider tires. Know more about the best road bikes for beginners here.

Are you a weekend rider who likes some rough trails, but also a leisurely ride around the neighborhood? Look for something with slightly more aggressive tires and maybe some front suspension. You may also like the best hybrid bikes under 500 dollars.

Tire Size

Bike tire widths are measured either in millimeters or inches. Road bike tires usually are 28mm (1 ⅛”) or thinner. Mountain bikes usually have tires that are 52mm (2 ¼”) or wider. When choosing a hybrid bike, look for something in between. Go for a thinner tire if you ride more on the road or choose something a little wider if you spend more time on the trails or simply want a little more stability. 

Suspension

Road bikes generally don’t have any shocks. Roads are smoother and a stiffer frame means a faster bike that feels more connected to the road. Most mountain bikes have suspension so they can handle a trail’s bumps and ruts. 

Hybrid bikes vary, often based on the main riding purpose. If it’s a hybrid designed mostly for the road or smooth dirt trails, it probably won’t have any suspension. If it’s designed for maximum comfort no matter where you are then don’t be surprised to find suspension on the front forks.

Handlebar Shape

The handlebar shape can also tell you a lot about what the hybrid bike was primarily designed for. Some hybrid bikes have a drop bar, like the kind usually found on road bikes. This allows for a more aggressive and aerodynamic position for maximum speed on the streets.

Others have a flat bar just like normal mountain bikes. This gives you a nice combination of speed and control. 

Hybrid bikes designed for maximum comfort usually have a type called riser bars. These are similar to the flat bar, but they extend upwards and sometimes back towards the rider. This allows you to maintain a more upright position while riding. Just make sure to get a more comfortable seat since more of your weight will be on your bum and less on your hands and shoulders. If you are tall, you may want to check out our recommended bikes for tall people.


What is the top-rated Hybrid Bike Under $300? – Final Thoughts

When choosing one of these great options, don’t forget to consider things like where you plan to ride, the proper tire size, whether you need suspension or not and even the shape of the handlebar. 

So which will be your new hybrid bike? We know you’ll love the Hiland Hybrid Fitness Bike. It’s got an unbeatable combination of a lightweight aluminum frame, Shimano components and even disc brakes. And wow, what a great price!

What are you waiting for? Don’t let your bike tell you where you can and cannot go. Order your new hybrid bike today and get the flexibility to ride anywhere!

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS

Hiland Hybrid Fitness Bike
  • Features: Aluminum frame, Shimano components, disc brakes
  • Benefits: Lightweight yet sturdy construction, durable components and good stopping power
CHECK LATEST PRICE

Retrospec Barron Comfort Hybrid
  • Features: Lightweight aluminum frame, comfortable seat and front suspension
  • Benefits: Lightweight and comfortable whether on the road or off
CHECK LATEST PRICE

Outroad Single Speed Road Hybrid
  • Features: Long-lasting tensile steel frame, simple design and a flip flop hub
  • Benefits: Simple, fast and reliable for a low price point
CHECK LATEST PRICE


You may also like: How to Tighten a Bike Chain

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Austin Mills

Austin Mills in an outdoor enthusiast. He's been featured on some of the top outdoor & fitness blogs sharing his expertise in order to help others. In his free time, he likes spending time with his dogs enjoying the outdoors.