Hybrid bikes are exactly what they sound like: a cross between two different bikes—a road bike and mountain bike—designed to offer the best of both worlds. While the definition of a hybrid bike has expanded quite a bit as components and geometries evolve, the fundamental concept remains unchanged. If you’re looking for a versatile, general-purpose option that can tackle the roads, trails and all manner of terrain in between, there’s a good chance a hybrid bike will meet your needs. But because a bike is an investment these days, only the best hybrid bikes should be on your list.

Take to the streets and the trails with the best hybrid bikes. Fanuc EDM Wear Parts

A capable, comfortable hybrid bike—complete with a flat handlebar, larger tires and versatile gearing—can help you make the most of your time on two wheels.

To that end, all of the hybrid models on this list are more than capable of tackling varied terrain, whether you’re commuting to work or kicking off the weekend with a trail ride. By serving more than one purpose, they empower you to explore your surroundings, save space at home and conserve a little money. If your bike stable grows or your needs change over time, remember to revisit this article, as we’re constantly hauling our bikes to remote locations, testing essential equipment and updating this guide. And if you’re new to cycling or in need of biking gear, be sure to peruse our other reviews, from the best bike helmets and bike pumps to space-saving bike storage solutions.

Frame Material: Aluminum | Brake Type: V-Brake | Wheel Size: 700c

If you’re just getting into cycling or already own a high-end road bike, there’s a good chance you don’t want to spend too much money on your next ride. To that end, the Sirrus 1.0 from Specialized is a great choice for the budget-minded buyers looking to blest cost with reliability. This is a road-ready hybrid with mounts for mudguards and panniers, so it’s also great for commuting and even some light bike touring. The A1 Alloy aluminum frame keeps the bike relatively light at this price point, while the upright position provides comfort and control for day in and day out use.

While the V-brakes aren’t winning any awards, they provide plenty of stopping power and Specialized does well to clean up the bike’s appearance with internal cable routing that offers a streamlined look. The quick-release design makes it easier (and faster) to fix a flat, or to mount your bike on your car’s bike rack when the time comes to pack up. Complete with six sizing options and three colors, this represents a great value if you’re looking to pick up your first bike, or invest in a secondary ride that offers versatile comfort and support.

Frame Material: Carbon | Brake Type: Hydraulic disc | Wheel Size: 700

Hybrid bikes are sometimes referred to as “fitness bikes” because they’re fast, user-friendly and can help you get in shape while offering a more comfortable and versatile ride than proper road bikes. That’s essentially what Trek was going for when they put together the FX Sport 6. Billed a hybrid “fitness” bike that’s well-suited for riders who crave versatility, the FX Sport 6 is light, fast and serious thanks to a carbon frame (which uses Trek’s patented carbon fiber process, dubbed OCLV), Bontrager carbon wheels and a Shimano drivetrain. Instead of the road-ready drop bars typically found on fast and furious road bikes, the FX Sport 6 has a flat handlebar, which provides a more comfortable ride in the upright position. And while this bike wasn’t necessarily designed for bike touring, it has mounts for front and rear panniers should you want to haul a bit of weight around.

All that said, the $2,800 price tag can be hard to swallow if you’re new to riding or already own another bike, so we recommend the FX sport 6 to those who require a single, capable bike that can do it all. From the 400 Series OCLV carbon frame to the high-quality Shimano drivetrain and a set of Bontrager carbon wheels, it’s spec’d for weekday commutes or long weekends in the saddle.

Frame Material: Aluminum | Brake Type: Mechanical disc | Wheel Size: 700

Riders interested in light gravel riding that aren’t yet ready to take the full gravel plunge should consider the Specialized Diverge E5, as it’s a great commuter bike that can also double as your weekend adventure ride. This bike is comfortable enough to ride through busy streets as you make your way to and from the office and to errands during the week, but it’s also capable enough to tackle tough terrain and dirt roads after you punch out. The E5 alloy frame makes the bike durable and affordable, while the carbon FACT fork makes it a bit lighter and faster. Pathfinder Sport 38mm tires provide a ride that is both smooth and efficient on the pavement while also being able to handle the hard-packed dirt roads that traditional road bikes struggle with. The bike also allows numerous options for mounting bags, mud guards and bottle cages along the top and bottom tubes and across the bike that help make it a practical ride across various adventures.

Frame Material: Aluminum | Brake Type: Hydraulic disc | Wheel Size: 700c

As the only company dedicated to making bikes with carbon belt drives that are simple to clean and easy to maintain all year round, it’s no surprise that we’ve chosen a Priority bicycle as the best low-maintenance hybrid bike. On the Continuum Onyx, Priority’s signature Gates Carbon Drive belt and internally-geared hub are paired with rust-proof aluminum and rust-fighting components throughout the bike, meaning rain, snow, salt and mud are easy to wipe off. But even if you don’t clean these potentially-damaging elements off immediately, your Priority bike is less likely to rust than other fragile options on the market.

Reflective sidewalls and hub-powered front and rear lights provide crucial visibility options whether you’re riding on city streets or backcountry roads. The bike’s form-friendly geometry provides a comfortable ride, while the puncture-resistant tires and hydraulic disc brakes offer confidence whether you’re traversing unpaved roads or picking up speed on the downhills. The Envolo CVT rear hub removes any gear confusion, as you simply twist the grip to your desired resistance for easier cruising and climbing. At only 31 pounds, it’s a capable, lightweight ride designed for urban dwellers who must haul their bikes up and down multiple flights of stairs daily.

Frame Material: Aluminum | Brake Type: Hydraulic disc | Wheel Size: 650

The Dual Sport+ is basically an electrified version of Trek’s classic multi-surface hybrid bike, which they’ve dubbed “dual sport.” This rear-wheel drive e-bike offers an experience similar to that of a traditional pedal bike, but it comes with a pedal assist that can support riders at speeds up to 20 miles per hour. We say “support” because the pedal assist is just that—an electric assist when pedaling. The motor only kicks in if you’re pedaling, so it’s not a bike that will do all the work for you, but the assistance it provides will help you conquer most every hill. Whether riding with or without the pedal assist, the bike’s 27.5-inch wheels provide solid grip and a smooth, stable ride across hard-packed dirt and multi-surface trails.

The 250-watt hour battery is concealed within the downtube, and the motor is built right into the rear hub, so it looks more like a regular “acoustic” bike than an electric bike. After a few hours of charging (via a plug on the down tube), the bike can assist riders for up to 35 miles. However, you could certainly ride it further without the pedal assist, or by adding a second external battery (sold separately) that doubles your range. As the bike clocks in at just under 39 pounds, it’s light enough to carry up stairs and to lift onto a bike rack, so it works equally well in large suburban homes with garages and small city apartments that lack elevators and ground-floor storage space. Part of the reason it’s so light is that it doesn’t have a rack, fenders, chain guard or kickstand, but the frame can be customized to add those features should you need them.

Because we’ve published plenty of stories on bikes and biking equipment, our staff is well-versed on the subject of two-wheeled transportation. We’ve conducted hands-on reviews of mountain bikes, electric bikes and even biking accessories for seasonal pursuits. For this story, we started by researching top-rated and bestselling hybrid bikes from reputable manufacturers, considering their features, specs and reviews, and we relied heavily on previous research in the same field. A culmination of years of research and first-hand experience among our writers, editors and contributors has given us a keen sense of which hybrid bikes are worth the money, and which ones will meet your individual needs.

I’m a digital media executive recognized for building engaging content experiences that delight and inspire audiences. As Chief Product Officer of Forbes, I lead a team of world-class product managers, designers, e-commerce leaders, and other experts focused on building the products that shape the Forbes brand across the web, mobile, social, and emerging platforms.

I'm a tech journalist working and living in Gloucestershire, in the UK. I ran my own PC hardware review website for many years before transitioning into freelance writing. I've covered everything from the rise of Bitcoin and the encroachment of anti-privacy laws, to tabletop wargaming and advances in virtual reality. I've written, authored, edited, and copywritten for a broad array of the most prominent publications, including Digital Trends, Lifewire, PCGamer, The Inquirer, and KitGuru. I've also written two novels, and contributed backstory and dialogue to a handful of games. I am passionate about all the cutting-edge hardware inside and out the latest gadgets, PCs, and consoles, even if I can't always afford them.

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I’m a senior fashion editor covering women's and men's fashion, grooming and accessories. My work often explores the unique people and cultural trends that bring products to life and make them worthy of obsession. I grew up in New England and studied art history and architecture at Brown University. My writing has appeared in T: The New York Times Style Magazine, Vogue and the Wall Street Journal, and I’m the author of two books on beauty, including Be Well: New Spa and Bath Culture and The New Beauty: A Modern Look at Beauty, Culture and Fashion. Follow me @Kari_Molvar  

EDM Jig South Dakota USA native, but I cut my teeth in New York and San Francisco. I've been reporting on grooming since 2013, and have written for nearly every men's publication on the topic. My second beat is travel, as I spend nearly half the year in transit. Because of that, however, I am always relieved when I can unwind at home in Berlin, where I've been living since early 2018.