If you’re looking for the best commuter bikes under 200 dollars, you’re in luck because we researched and reviewed 10 of the best budget commuter bikes on the market.
When shopping for a commuter bike, you often want something that offers great value for price, regardless of how much you spend.
The ideal commuter bike should have a solid build quality, ensure your comfort in the saddle, and ride well on paved city roads. You also want a bike that will serve you well for several years, right? Of course!
We put all these into consideration when combing through the sea of commuter bikes out there. It’s worth noting that not all bikes are created equal, and we bring you only the best after hours of research.
And lastly, keep in mind that any bike type can be used as a commuter bike including hybrid bike, gravel bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes, etc.
However, we were able to select a good number of bikes with commuter-specific features like storage space, relaxed geometry with comfy saddle and handlebars, chain guard, fenders, etc.
Enough said, let’s get right to it!
Top 11 Best Commuter Bikes under $200
- Kulana Lakona – See at Amazon
- Huffy Fairmount Cruiser – See at Amazon
- Kent Rockvale Cruiser – See at Amazon
- Kulana Hika Cruiser Bike – See at Amazon
- Royce Union Commuter – See at Amazon
- Dynacraft Silver Canyon – See at Amazon
- Mongoose Excursion – See at Amazon
- Dynacraft 26 Slick Rock Trails – See at Amazon
- Huffy Stone – See at Amazon
- Huffy Incline 26 – See at Amazon
- YUEBM Hybrid bike – See at Amazon
Kulana Lakona
Key Features
- Frame material: Steel
- Brake type: Rear Coaster Brake
- Bike weight: 37 lbs
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
- See more on Amazon
The Kulana Lakona is a great choice for those looking for an affordable cruiser bike. Featuring a solid steel frame and durable components, the Lakona is perfect for the beach, boardwalk, or just riding around the neighborhood.
It’s a bit too heavy, at around 37 lbs, but it’s easy to maneuver. The bike is well-built and sturdy, and it handles well on the trails. The brakes are responsive, and the single-speed drivetrain means you don’t have to worry about shifting gears. The frame is lightweight yet strong and durable. The bike is also very comfortable to ride, with its adjustable seat and handlebars.
The Lakona is an excellent bike for all riders, especially beginner riders and anyone looking for a solid cruiser bike at a great price. This is a great bike if you want a reliable and stylish bike.
Price at time of publication: $160
Huffy Fairmount Cruiser
Key Features
- Frame material: Steel
- Brake type: Coaster brake
- Bike weight: 49.5 lbs
- Warranty: Lifetime Limited Warranty
- See more on Amazon
Huffy Fairmount is a good commuter bike for anyone looking for an affordable ride. It is a decent choice for light trail riding that won’t break the bank. The best thing about this bike is that it’s beautiful and very cute.
The frame is made of steel, making it solid for its price. The design of this bike promotes an upright riding position with complete leg extension and swept-back handlebars to prevent pain and discomfort.
The Shimano components provide smooth shifting and reliable braking. The suspension fork helps to absorb bumps and shocks while riding, making the ride smoother and more comfortable.
The Fairmount Cruiser is fun and comfortable to ride, it will serve as an inexpensive entry-level bike for beginners, but it doesn’t have the best quality. If you intend to go with the bike, keep in mind that you may have to upgrade some of the components.
Price at time of publication: $199
Kent Rockvale Cruiser
Key Features
- Frame material: Steel
- Brake type: Coaster brake
- Bike weight: 37 lbs
- Warranty: Limited lifetime frame warranty
- See more on Amazon
The Kent Rockvale is a classic cruiser bike with a geometry that promotes an upright and comfortable riding position. It is a beautiful bike that’s impressively sturdy for its price and perfect for everyday use.
It’s a single-speed bike with a strong steel frame, a comfortable padded seat, and dependable components. The bike is perfect for commuting, leisure rides, or even riding on unpaved roads. The coaster brake is triggered by foot and ensures reliable braking.
The Cruiser is available in various colors and sizes to fit riders between 5′ 5″ and 6′ 1″. The bike has multiple features, including a kickstand, fenders, and a rear rack. These features make the bike even more versatile.
Price at time of publication: $199
Kulana Hiku Cruiser Bike
Key Features
- Frame material: Steel
- Brake type: Rear Coaster Brake
- Bike weight: 36 lbs
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
- See more on Amazon
The Kulana Hiku Cruiser Bike is a classic steel step-thru frame bike with 24″ wheels that accommodate riders 4’8″ to 5’6″ tall. It is a single-speed bike with features such as an extra-large cruiser seat, coaster brakes, and a rear rack.
The swept-back handlebars and padded saddle ensures an upright and comfortable riding position, and the 24-inch wheels make it ideal for city streets and sidewalks. The bike is available in multiple colors and is designed for comfort and style.
The Kulana Hiku Cruiser Bike is a simple bike that’s easy to use and maintain, and a good commuter bike for riders of all skill levels. The simple coaster brakes provide precise stopping for safer rides. It comes well-packed and easy to assemble. For those looking for a reliable, affordable bike, the Kulana Hika Cruiser Bike is a great choice.
Price at time of publication: $179
Royce Union Commuter
Key Features
- Frame material: Aluminum
- Brake type: Linear pull brake
- Bike weight: 42 lbs
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
- See more on Amazon
The Royce Union RMY Commuter is designed for comfort and features a step-thru frame and geometry that promotes a comfortable and upright riding position with flat handlebars, which is the classic commuter bike design.
The sturdy, lightweight aluminum frame of the RMY Commuter is simple to handle and resistant to corrosion. It also has a complete Shimano drivetrain to allow smooth gear changes and a suspension fork to dampen trail noise.
The alloy wheels rims and 700c tires with reduced resistance quickly picks up speed, and lightweight alloy linear pull brakes bring it to a stop on a dime. It features a premium and well-cushioned saddle, ergonomically designed for real comfort. This bike is perfect for commuting, exercising, and getting around town.
Price at time of publication: $179
Dynacraft Silver Canyon
Key features
- Frame material: Steel
- Brake type: Linear pull
- Bike weight: 19 lbs
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
- See more on Amazon
The Dynacraft Silver Canyon 26-inch bike is an affordable, high quality mountain bike that provides premium features at a cheap rate. It may be designed as a mountain bike, but great for commuting and recreational rides on paved roads.
The Silver Canyon has a solid steel frame with a front shock that absorbs bumps taken head on by the 26-inch front wheel. The whole bike weighs 19 lbs, so it’s on the lighter side of mountain bikes, and very reliable on the trails.
Its lightweight also means it can easily reach speeds on the 18 speed index. And the well-padded seat with an adjustable seat clam offers optimum comfort for the cyclist during bumpy rides.
The Dynacraft Silver Canyon has a linear pull brake system, which is relatively low maintenance and perfect for controlling speed and coming to a quick stop, even on inclined terrain. This bike may be cheap, but it offers great value for the price.
Price at time of publication: $169 to $171
Mongoose Excursion
Key Features
- Frame material: Steel
- Brake type: Disc
- Bike weight: 40 lbs
- Warranty: 5-year limited warranty
- See more on Amazon
Despite its mountain bike design, the Mongoose Excursion MTB is a good commuter bike for riding through paved city roads. This bike is designed to provide a comfortable and efficient ride, regardless of the terrain.
The Mongoose Excursion MTB is equipped with a full-suspension frame and fork, allowing for a smooth and comfortable ride. The bike also features a 21-speed drivetrain, allowing you to adjust your speed to suit the terrain. The bike also has powerful disc brakes, allowing you to stop quickly and safely.
With its lightweight aluminum frame and robust components, this bike can tackle any beginner-friendly mountain trails. The bike also features a comfortable saddle and adjustable handlebars, allowing you to customize the fit to your body. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride or an intense excursion, the Mongoose Excursion MTB is a good choice.
Price at time of publication: $148 – $249
Dynacraft 26 Slick Rock Trails
Key Features
- Frame material: Steel
- Brake type: Front and rear V-brakes
- Bike weight: 38.28 lbs
- Warranty: 1-Year limited Warranty
- See more on Amazon
The Dynacraft 26 Slick Rock Trails MTB is the budget-friendly bike for beginner bikers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for exciting rides and comfortable commutes. This bike is designed to handle dirt roads and is ideal for those who want to explore the great outdoors.
With its sturdy steel frame and 26-inch wheels, this bike is perfect for long rides on trails, dirt roads, but might not handle rocky terrain well.
The Dynacraft 26 Slick Rock Trails is equipped with 21-speed index derailleur with Shimano shifters, allowing you to switch gears while riding quickly and gracefully tackle inclines.
The bike features a padded saddle for extra comfort on the trails, quick-release seat post for easily adjusting your saddle height, alloy V-brakes for good braking power, and knobby tires for maximum traction on the trails.
Price at time of publication: $169
Huffy Stone
Key Features
- Frame material: Steel
- Brake type: V-Brake caliper brakes
- Bike weight: 28 lbs
- Warranty: limited lifetime warranty
- See more on Amazon
Huffy Stone MTB is a popular mountain bike designed for adventurous riders, but also handles well as a commuter bike. This bike is an excellent choice for both beginner and intermediate cyclists looking for a reliable and durable trail bike. It features a lightweight steel frame, 21-speed Shimano EZ-Fire shifters, and a suspension fork that provides a smooth and comfortable ride.
The Huffy Stone MTB also has various features that make it an excellent choice for the avid mountain biker. The bike is equipped with 26-inch alloy wheels, which provide a stable and comfortable ride.
The Shimano EZ-Fire shifters make shifting gears a breeze, and the suspension fork helps to absorb bumps and shocks on the trail. The bike also comes with a padded saddle and adjustable handlebars for a comfortable ride.
Price at time of publication: $219
Huffy Incline 26
Key Features
- Frame material: Steel
- Brake type: Linear pull brakes
- Bike weight: 36.5 lbs
- Warranty: Limited lifetime frame warranty
- See more on Amazon
The Huffy Incline 26 is a mountain bike with a 26-inch hardtail frame, 18-speed twist shifting, front suspension, and Krayton grips. It has a Kolo 1200 suspension fork for stable and smooth riding on terrain.
The twist shifters allow for quick and reliable gear changes with seamless performance. The hardtail mountain bike also boasts 26-inch knobby tires and a stitched, padded saddle for a comfortable ride.
The Huffy Incline 26 is a good choice for beginner and experienced riders. Its durable steel frame and 18-speed drivetrain make it easy to travel on rough trails. The Huffy Incline 26″ Mountain Bike is equipped with steel linear pull brakes, which provide solid control and improved friction when braking.
Price at time of publication: $145
YUEBM Hybrid bike
Key Features
- Frame material: Carbon Steel
- Brake type: Dual disc brakes
- Bike weight: 29.76 lbs
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty
- See more on Amazon
The YUEBM Hybrid bike is an impressive combination of a mountain bike and a road bike, and makes for a good commuter bike. It has a lightweight carbon steel frame and a suspension fork, making it perfect for riding on both paved roads and dirt trails.
It comes with a 21-speed drivetrain and powerful disc brakes, giving you the ability to quickly and smoothly change gear, control your speed and tackle any terrain with ease.
The bike also comes with comfortable saddles, adjustable stems, and ergonomic handlebars that can be easily adjusted and customized to fit your body. With its combination of features, the YUEBM Hybrid bike is an excellent choice for a versatile and comfortable ride.
Price at time of publication: $209
How to Find the Best Commuter Bike under $200
If you’re a beginner looking for your first commuter bike, you may find yourself at sea because of the tons of options you have to choose from. But finding the best commuter bike for your budget range shouldn’t be so daunting if you know exactly what you’re looking for.
So, here we outlined the most important features to look for in the best commuter bikes under $200.
First you will have to think of how far you will travel every day and the terrain you often ride through, then choose a bike that can handle both the distance and the terrain without falling apart.
Remember that you want something that provides good value for money and will serve you well for a good number of years. With that said, let’s look at some of the most important features you need in a commuter bike.
What to look for in an affordable Commuter Bike
Before you decide on what bike to purchase, there are a few things you have to know to help with your decision-making:
Build quality
- A bike has to be sturdy with quality components for it to be worth your time and money.
Riding comfort
- Think of how comfortable you want to be in the saddle. One of the most important features of commuter bikes is that they provide an upright and relaxed riding position for comfortable riding.
Bike size and fit
- It’s very important that your bike fits you properly, riding a bike that fits well is more fun and enjoyable.
Wheels and tires
- Wheel and tires come in different sizes, but the most common size found in commuter bikes are 700c or 28-inch wheels.
Brakes
- Reliable brakes are very important in commuter bikes because you have to be able to stop instantly when riding in a city with traffic.
Gearing
- You may want a commuter bike with at least 3 gears for daily commute, as this will give you the ability to shift up and down. But a single-speed bike is good if you’ll be riding only on flat ground with no inclines.
Rack, basket & fenders
- The ideal commuter bike should have a couple of commuter-specific features like a rear rack, a front basket and fenders. These may be optional features for some riders, but they are always good to have.
Style and appearance
- While the main point of getting a commuter bike is for its functionality, you shouldn’t be afraid to find something that fits your style.
Suspension is optional
- Ideally, a bike with suspension will provide a smoother, more comfortable ride.
FAQs
How many gears do you need on a commuter bike?
A single-speed may be all you need if you only travel on flat roads with no incline. But if you often have to ride on sloped roads, then you should be looking for a commuter bike with at least 3 speeds. You can also find some commuter bikes with up to 7-speeds or more.
Is a road bike a good commuter bike?
Road bikes aren’t made for commuting, but if your commute is generally straight and over level terrain, they may be excellent commuter bikes. A mountain or hybrid bike may be more appropriate for riding to work on paved or uneven roads.
Is a cruiser bike good for commuting?
Yes, you can use most cruiser bikes as commuter bikes. Cruiser bikes are similar to commuter bikes in design, but they may not be able to gracefully handle long-distance rides. However, you can always go for a sturdy cruiser bike for running errands and short-distance commute.
Are hybrid bikes the best commuter bikes?
Yes, hybrid bikes make good commuter bikes because they are often designed to be lightweight and comfortable on the road. Hybrid bikes are very versatile and are ideal for city riding, commuting and recreational rides.
What makes a bike a commuter bike?
Any bike can actually be called a commuter because what really defines a commuter bike is usage. If you ride your bike (be it a road, mountain, hybrid, electric or folding bike) every day and use it as a primary means of transport, then you can consider it as a “commuter bike.”
However, there are certain features that qualify a bike as a commuter bike. Features like racks and baskets for storage space, fenders to keep mud off your body in bad weather, relaxed geometry that provides an upright riding position, and a chain guard to protect your clothes from grease.
Wrapping up
So there you have it, our list of the best hybrid bikes under $200. Our top recommendation is the Kulana Lakona because it’s pretty solid for the price.
It’s a single-speed bike with a 7-speed variant. This bike is very beautiful with a sturdy frame and high build-quality.
The wheels and tires are durable enough to roll smoothly on pavement, can handle a good amount of street debris, and have enough traction to be functional on some gravel or loose soil. It’s very good for riding on paved city roads.
Both the single-speed and 7-speed models come with a rear rack, fenders and a chain guard. Plus, swept-back handlebars and a well-cushioned saddle for riding comfort. The seat and handlebars are also very comfortable and easily adjustable.
Overall, the Kulana Lakona Cruiser Bike is very durable and fun to ride. It has 4.1 stars from over 1000 customers on Amazon. Most customers stated that it’s great for cruising around, it’s worth every penny, and they are happy with their purchase.
Buy a Kulana Lakona Cruiser Bike on Amazon.
If you can up your budget a little, we also have a selection of the best commuter bikes under $300.
