$300 – $700

Mongoose Legion L20

BMX · 2026 · $$$$

An entry freestyle BMX for learning street and park tricks, with three-piece chromoly cranks and a 9T cassette rear hub where it counts. The hi-ten steel frame and fork make it about 12.6 kg, and there is only a rear U-brake. The loose-ball American bottom bracket is the first thing to check if the cranks start to creak or wobble.

Sizes: 20in: 4′8″–5′8″

• • Steel frame: Comfortable and repairable, but heavier than aluminum.

Where to buy: Maker's page

Mongoose Flatrock 26

Mountain hardtail · 2025 · $$$$

Fine for neighborhood rides and easy dirt paths. The single 32T ring and 7 speeds keep shifting simple, and the 2.3in tires add grip and comfort. The 60mm steel fork is basic, the V-brakes weaken in the wet, and the freewheel and riveted steel crank limit upgrades.

Sizes: One size (17 in): 5′0″–5′7″

• • Rim brakes: Cheap and easy to service, but weaker in the rain and they wear the rims.
• − Screw-on freewheel: Fewer gearing upgrades fit, and the rear axle is more likely to bend under heavy riders.
• + 1x gearing: One front ring: simple shifting and less to adjust.

Where to buy: Buy at Walmart · Buy at Amazon · Maker's page

Mongoose Status 26 (dual suspension, disc brakes)

Full-suspension mountain · 2026 · $$$$

A budget full-suspension 26er for bike paths, gravel and easy trails. The aluminum frame, trigger shifters and mechanical disc brakes are a step up from the older V-brake Status 2.2, but at about 18.2 kg with an unnamed fork and shock it is best kept to mellow riding. Mongoose does not publish the rotor sizes or the rear cogs, so check them on the bike before ordering parts.

Sizes: 17 in: 5′3″–5′11″

• + Disc brakes: Stop well in the wet. Mechanical ones need the pads dialed in now and then.
• − Screw-on freewheel: Fewer gearing upgrades fit, and the rear axle is more likely to bend under heavy riders.
• • 3 front rings: A wide range for hills, but more to adjust and a front derailleur to keep tuned.
• − Heavy (about 40 lb): Harder to carry up stairs and slower up hills.
• − Budget full suspension: Cheap rear shocks add weight and bounce; a hardtail at the same price usually rides better.
• • Steel frame: Comfortable and repairable, but heavier than aluminum.

Where to buy: Buy at Walmart

Retrospec Beaumont City Bike 7-Speed

Cruiser / comfort · 2025 · $$$$

A relaxed city bike for errands and short commutes that comes with full steel fenders and a rear rack. The 7-speed twist shifter on a 14-28 thread-on freewheel and the side-pull caliper brakes are simple, but caliper brakes are weak in the wet. The hi-ten steel frame puts it at about 13.6 kg, and the steel fenders and rack can rust if the bike lives outside.

Sizes: 50 cm (S): 5′2″–5′5″ · 54 cm (M): 5′6″–5′8″ · 58 cm (L): 5′9″–6′0″

• • Rim brakes: Cheap and easy to service, but weaker in the rain and they wear the rims.
• − Screw-on freewheel: Fewer gearing upgrades fit, and the rear axle is more likely to bend under heavy riders.
• + 1x gearing: One front ring: simple shifting and less to adjust.
• + Rack mounts: Carry a rack and bags for commuting, groceries or touring.
• − Older 1-inch headset: Fewer modern stems and forks fit.
• • Steel frame: Comfortable and repairable, but heavier than aluminum.

Where to buy: Maker's page

Ozark Trail M.3 Ranger 26 Fat Tire

Mountain hardtail · 2026 · $$$$

Good for sand, snow, loose gravel and casual rides where the 4 in. tires float over soft ground. It is heavy at about 20.2 kg with a rigid fork and basic mechanical discs, and several Walmart reviews mention bikes arriving with damaged or missing parts, so check everything when it arrives. Fat-bike tires, tubes and hub sizes are harder to find, and Ozark Trail does not publish the rear cogs or hub spacing, so check them on the bike first.

Sizes: One size (18.25 in): 5′5″–5′10″

• + Disc brakes: Stop well in the wet. Mechanical ones need the pads dialed in now and then.
• + 1x gearing: One front ring: simple shifting and less to adjust.
• − Heavy (about 44 lb): Harder to carry up stairs and slower up hills.
• + Rack mounts: Carry a rack and bags for commuting, groceries or touring.

Where to buy: Buy at Walmart

Kink Curb 20"

BMX · 2027 · $$$$

An entry freestyle BMX for smaller or newer riders learning street and park, with 3-piece chromoly cranks, a 9T cassette rear hub and wide 2.4-inch tires. The frame and fork are hi-ten steel, and the unsealed American bottom bracket and front hub need more care than sealed parts. It weighs about 12.3 kg, and the 20-inch top tube suits shorter riders.

Sizes: 20in: 4′10″–5′6″

• • Steel frame: Comfortable and repairable, but heavier than aluminum.

Where to buy: Maker's page

sixthreezero EVRYjourney Men's 26" 7-Speed Hybrid Cruiser

Cruiser / comfort · 2024 · $$$$

A comfortable upright cruiser for neighborhood rides and beach paths, with a sprung memory-foam saddle, rear rack and full fenders. The 7-speed thread-on freewheel and V-brakes are simple and cheap to service. It is heavy at about 17.3 kg, and the 1in quill stem limits handlebar and stem swaps.

Sizes: 19": 5′0″–6′4″

• • Rim brakes: Cheap and easy to service, but weaker in the rain and they wear the rims.
• − Screw-on freewheel: Fewer gearing upgrades fit, and the rear axle is more likely to bend under heavy riders.
• + 1x gearing: One front ring: simple shifting and less to adjust.
• − Heavy (about 38 lb): Harder to carry up stairs and slower up hills.
• + Rack mounts: Carry a rack and bags for commuting, groceries or touring.
• − Older 1-inch headset: Fewer modern stems and forks fit.

Where to buy: Buy at Walmart · Maker's page

Schwinn Wayfarer Step-Thru 700c

Cruiser / comfort · 2026 · $$$$

A retro steel step-through for easy flat rides around town, with 7 speeds, swept-back bars, full fenders and a rear rack included. It is heavy at about 15.8 kg, the thread-on 7-speed freewheel limits gearing upgrades, and the single-wall rims with V-brakes are basic. It comes in one size for riders about 165 to 175 cm.

Sizes: One Size: 5′5″–5′9″

• • Rim brakes: Cheap and easy to service, but weaker in the rain and they wear the rims.
• − Screw-on freewheel: Fewer gearing upgrades fit, and the rear axle is more likely to bend under heavy riders.
• + 1x gearing: One front ring: simple shifting and less to adjust.
• + Rack mounts: Carry a rack and bags for commuting, groceries or touring.
• − Older 1-inch headset: Fewer modern stems and forks fit.
• • Steel frame: Comfortable and repairable, but heavier than aluminum.

Where to buy: Buy at Walmart · Buy at Amazon · Maker's page

Electra Cruiser 1 Step-Over

Cruiser / comfort · 2025 · $$$$

Made for flat beach paths and short relaxed rides. The Flat Foot frame lets you put your feet down at stops, the wide balloon tires are comfy, and the coaster brake means no cables or levers to maintain. With one speed and only a pedal-back brake, it struggles on hills and stops slower than hand brakes.

Sizes: 26": 5′3″–5′11″

• − Coaster brake only: Pedal-back braking: no hand brake, and a dropped chain means no brake.
• + Rack mounts: Carry a rack and bags for commuting, groceries or touring.
• − Older 1-inch headset: Fewer modern stems and forks fit.

Where to buy: Maker's page

Polygon Cascade 2

Mountain hardtail · 2026 · $$$$

An entry 27.5-inch hardtail for bike paths, parks and easy dirt trails, with a 100 mm coil fork and Tektro mechanical discs on 160 mm rotors. The Shimano Tourney 3x7 runs a 14-28 thread-on freewheel, which limits low gears and upgrades. At about 15.4 kg it is heavy on climbs.

Sizes: S: 5′1″–5′5″ · M: 5′5″–5′9″

• + Disc brakes: Stop well in the wet. Mechanical ones need the pads dialed in now and then.
• − Screw-on freewheel: Fewer gearing upgrades fit, and the rear axle is more likely to bend under heavy riders.
• • 3 front rings: A wide range for hills, but more to adjust and a front derailleur to keep tuned.

Where to buy: Maker's page

Haro Downtown 20

BMX · 2025 · $$$$

A solid first BMX for the street and skatepark. The steel frame and fork are tough, and the sealed mid bottom bracket and 170mm three-piece cranks are a good base. The hi-tension steel makes it on the heavy side, so riders who get serious tend to upgrade parts over time.

Sizes: 20.5in: 5′2″–6′1″

• • Steel frame: Comfortable and repairable, but heavier than aluminum.

Where to buy: Maker's page

Schwinn High Timber ALX 29

Mountain hardtail · 2025 · $$$$

A budget aluminum 29er for paths, gravel roads and easy trails. Mechanical discs are a step up from V-brakes, but the 3x7 drivetrain runs on a thread-on freewheel that limits upgrades, and Schwinn does not even list the fork travel, so treat it as a comfort fork. One 18-inch frame covers a very wide height range, so riders near either end should check standover and reach before buying.

Sizes: 18 in: 5′4″–6′2″

• + Disc brakes: Stop well in the wet. Mechanical ones need the pads dialed in now and then.
• − Screw-on freewheel: Fewer gearing upgrades fit, and the rear axle is more likely to bend under heavy riders.
• • 3 front rings: A wide range for hills, but more to adjust and a front derailleur to keep tuned.

Where to buy: Buy at Amazon

Mongoose Impasse 2.0 Dual 29

Full-suspension mountain · 2025 · $$$$

A budget full-suspension 29er for rough neighborhood trails and easy dirt. The 1x8 drivetrain with an 11-40 cassette is simple, and the 180 mm front rotor helps the mechanical discs, but at about 16.4 kg with quick-release axles, a basic 100 mm fork and an unnamed rear shock it is best kept to mellow riding. It comes in one size, so make sure you fall inside the published height range.

Sizes: One size (17 in): 5′5″–6′0″

• + Disc brakes: Stop well in the wet. Mechanical ones need the pads dialed in now and then.
• + Cassette gearing: Easy to swap for a wider range or a new drivetrain later.
• + 1x gearing: One front ring: simple shifting and less to adjust.
• − Budget full suspension: Cheap rear shocks add weight and bounce; a hardtail at the same price usually rides better.

Where to buy: Buy at Walmart · Maker's page

Schwinn Volare 1300 700c Drop Bar

Road · 2024 · $$$$

An inexpensive drop-bar bike for paved fitness rides and a first taste of road riding. Shifting is 2x7 through separate Tourney A050 thumb shifters rather than brake-lever shifters, and the 7-speed freewheel limits gearing upgrades. At about 13.5 kg it is heavy for a road bike, and the alloy caliper brakes need regular pad and cable checks.

Sizes: Medium (19 in): 5′4″–6′2″

• • Rim brakes: Cheap and easy to service, but weaker in the rain and they wear the rims.
• − Screw-on freewheel: Fewer gearing upgrades fit, and the rear axle is more likely to bend under heavy riders.

Where to buy: Buy at Amazon

Schwinn Bonafide 29

Mountain hardtail · 2023 · $$$$

A reasonable boxed 29er for beginner trail rides, gravel paths and rough roads, with mechanical disc brakes and 2.25in tires. The 3x8 trigger shifting covers a wide range, but the coil fork is basic and the bike is heavy at about 17.7 kg. It ships for home assembly, so have the brakes and derailleurs adjusted and the disc calipers centered before riding.

Sizes: 17 in: 5′4″–6′2″

• + Disc brakes: Stop well in the wet. Mechanical ones need the pads dialed in now and then.
• − Screw-on freewheel: Fewer gearing upgrades fit, and the rear axle is more likely to bend under heavy riders.
• • 3 front rings: A wide range for hills, but more to adjust and a front derailleur to keep tuned.
• − Heavy (about 39 lb): Harder to carry up stairs and slower up hills.

Where to buy: Buy at Amazon

Mongoose Malus 26 Fat Tire

Mountain hardtail · 2025 · $$$$

Good if you want to ride sand, snow and loose gravel. The 4.0in tires float over soft ground, the mechanical discs with 160mm rotors stop fine, and it has rack and fender mounts. It is a heavy rigid steel bike, and fat-bike tires, tubes and hub sizes can be harder to find.

Sizes: One size (17 in): 5′7″–6′2″

• + Disc brakes: Stop well in the wet. Mechanical ones need the pads dialed in now and then.
• − Screw-on freewheel: Fewer gearing upgrades fit, and the rear axle is more likely to bend under heavy riders.
• + 1x gearing: One front ring: simple shifting and less to adjust.
• − Heavy (about 49 lb): Harder to carry up stairs and slower up hills.
• + Rack mounts: Carry a rack and bags for commuting, groceries or touring.
• • Steel frame: Comfortable and repairable, but heavier than aluminum.

Where to buy: Buy at Walmart · Buy at Amazon · Maker's page

Sunday Primer 20

BMX · 2027 · $$$$

A well-built entry freestyle BMX for street and park riding, with a sealed mid bottom bracket, three-piece chromoly cranks and a sealed 9-tooth cassette hub. At about 11.7 kg it is reasonably light for an entry bike, and the choice of top-tube lengths lets you match the bike to your height. The front hub is loose-ball, so check it for play and keep it adjusted.

Sizes: 20in: 4′10″–5′8″ · 20.75in: 5′5″–6′1″ · 21in: 5′11″–6′6″

Where to buy: Maker's page

Haro BLVD

BMX · 2025 · $$$$

A good first real BMX for the skatepark, street and pump track, with chromoly top and down tubes, three-piece 170mm chromoly cranks and a sealed mid bottom bracket. It has only a rear U-brake, which is normal for park riding but limits stopping on the street. At about 14.4 kg it is not light, and the single-wall rims are the first part to go out of true.

Sizes: 20.5in: 4′11″–5′11″

Where to buy: Maker's page

Retrospec Amok 8

Hybrid / flat-bar · 2026 · $$$$

A flat-bar gravel and commuter bike with rack mounts, 700 x 40 tires and Shimano Altus 1x8 on an 11-32 cassette. The Zoom mechanical discs need regular adjustment, and the high-tensile steel fork adds weight to a bike that is about 13.6 kg. Check sizing carefully, since the M only covers riders about 168 to 173 cm.

Sizes: XS (45cm): 5′0″–5′3″ · S (49cm): 5′2″–5′5″ · M (53cm): 5′6″–5′8″ · L (57cm): 5′9″–5′11″ · XL (61cm): 6′0″–6′6″

• + Disc brakes: Stop well in the wet. Mechanical ones need the pads dialed in now and then.
• + Cassette gearing: Easy to swap for a wider range or a new drivetrain later.
• + 1x gearing: One front ring: simple shifting and less to adjust.
• + Rack mounts: Carry a rack and bags for commuting, groceries or touring.
• • Steel frame: Comfortable and repairable, but heavier than aluminum.

Where to buy: Maker's page

Mongoose Switchback Comp 29

Mountain hardtail · 2025 · $$$$

A budget 29er hardtail for beginner trail riding, with a 100 mm fork, 2x7 gearing, JAK 7 mechanical discs and dropper routing in the frame. The 7-speed rear (listed as a freewheel) and QR axles limit upgrades, and at about 14.5 kg it is not light. The mechanical discs need regular pad adjustment to keep stopping well.

Sizes: MD: 5′7″–5′10″ · LG: 5′10″–6′1″ · XL: 6′1″–6′4″

• + Disc brakes: Stop well in the wet. Mechanical ones need the pads dialed in now and then.
• − Screw-on freewheel: Fewer gearing upgrades fit, and the rear axle is more likely to bend under heavy riders.

Where to buy: Buy at Walmart · Maker's page

Polygon Strattos S2

Road · 2024 · $$$$

A first road bike for fitness and group rides on pavement, with Shimano Claris 2x8 shifting built into the brake levers, a carbon fork and 28 mm tires. Tektro rim calipers and quick-release wheels keep it simple to maintain. On a used one, check the rim brake tracks for wear, the chain and 11-30 cassette for stretch, and the carbon fork for any crash damage.

Sizes: S: 5′4″–5′7″ · M: 5′6″–5′9″ · L: 5′9″–5′11″ · XL: 5′11″–6′2″

• • Rim brakes: Cheap and easy to service, but weaker in the rain and they wear the rims.
• + Cassette gearing: Easy to swap for a wider range or a new drivetrain later.

Where to buy: Maker's page

Cannondale Quick 4

Hybrid / flat-bar · 2026 · $$$$

A good pick for paved fitness rides and short commutes, with rack, fender and kickstand mounts for errands. The 2x7 Acera drivetrain on a 12-32 cassette and the V-brakes are simple and cheap to keep running, but rim brakes lose bite in the rain and the steel fork rides a bit firm. The 35mm Schwalbe Spicer Plus tires are fine on pavement and smooth gravel, not rough dirt.

Sizes: XS: 4′10″–5′3″ · S: 5′2″–5′7″ · M: 5′5″–5′10″ · L: 5′9″–6′2″ · XL: 6′0″–6′5″ · XXL: 6′4″–6′9″

• • Rim brakes: Cheap and easy to service, but weaker in the rain and they wear the rims.
• + Cassette gearing: Easy to swap for a wider range or a new drivetrain later.
• + Rack mounts: Carry a rack and bags for commuting, groceries or touring.
• • Steel frame: Comfortable and repairable, but heavier than aluminum.

Where to buy: Buy at REI · Maker's page

Marin Fairfax 1

Hybrid / flat-bar · 2025 · $$$$

Good pick if you want a light, simple hybrid for commuting, errands and fitness rides on pavement. The mechanical disc brakes stop more consistently in the wet than rim brakes, and it has mounts for racks, fenders and a kickstand. The 3x7 drivetrain is basic and the steel fork is a little heavy, but it is all easy to service.

Sizes: XS: 4′11″–5′1″ · S: 5′1″–5′5″ · M: 5′5″–5′8″ · L: 5′8″–5′11″ · XL: 5′11″–6′3″

• + Disc brakes: Stop well in the wet. Mechanical ones need the pads dialed in now and then.
• + Cassette gearing: Easy to swap for a wider range or a new drivetrain later.
• • 3 front rings: A wide range for hills, but more to adjust and a front derailleur to keep tuned.
• + Rack mounts: Carry a rack and bags for commuting, groceries or touring.
• • Steel frame: Comfortable and repairable, but heavier than aluminum.

Where to buy: Maker's page

Electra Townie 7D Step-Over (formerly Townie Original 7D)

Cruiser / comfort · 2026 · $$$$

A comfort bike for easy town rides, boardwalks and anyone who wants both feet flat on the ground at a stop. The forward-set crank and upright seat are the whole point, and the 7-speed twist shifter with a 14-34 freewheel handles small hills. Linear-pull rim brakes are weaker in the wet than discs, and on a used one check the loose-ball bottom bracket and threaded headset for play.

Sizes: 26": 5′3″–6′1″ · 26" Tall: 5′6″–6′3″

• • Rim brakes: Cheap and easy to service, but weaker in the rain and they wear the rims.
• − Screw-on freewheel: Fewer gearing upgrades fit, and the rear axle is more likely to bend under heavy riders.
• + 1x gearing: One front ring: simple shifting and less to adjust.
• + Rack mounts: Carry a rack and bags for commuting, groceries or touring.
• − Older 1-inch headset: Fewer modern stems and forks fit.

Where to buy: Buy at REI · Maker's page

Polygon Path 2

Hybrid / flat-bar · 2026 · $$$$

A practical commuter for errands and fitness rides, with Tektro M280 mechanical discs, 40mm tires and rack and fender mounts. The 1x8 setup with a 42T ring and an 11-45 cassette keeps shifting simple and still gives a low climbing gear. The alloy rigid fork rides firm, and the mechanical discs need occasional pad adjustment.

Sizes: S: 4′11″–5′4″ · M: 5′4″–5′9″ · L: 5′9″–6′2″ · XL: 6′2″–6′5″

• + Disc brakes: Stop well in the wet. Mechanical ones need the pads dialed in now and then.
• + Cassette gearing: Easy to swap for a wider range or a new drivetrain later.
• + 1x gearing: One front ring: simple shifting and less to adjust.
• + Rack mounts: Carry a rack and bags for commuting, groceries or touring.

Where to buy: Maker's page

Schwinn Discover 2 700c

Hybrid / flat-bar · 2026 · $$$$

Good pick if you want a comfy commuter that comes ready with fenders and a rear rack. The suspension fork and seatpost soften rough pavement, and the 21 trigger-shifted gears are easy to use. The V-brakes need wet-weather caution, and the 7-speed freewheel limits gearing upgrades.

Sizes: One Size: 5′5″–6′0″

• • Rim brakes: Cheap and easy to service, but weaker in the rain and they wear the rims.
• − Screw-on freewheel: Fewer gearing upgrades fit, and the rear axle is more likely to bend under heavy riders.
• • 3 front rings: A wide range for hills, but more to adjust and a front derailleur to keep tuned.
• + Rack mounts: Carry a rack and bags for commuting, groceries or touring.

Where to buy: Buy at Walmart · Buy at Amazon · Maker's page

Haro Flightline Two 29

Mountain hardtail · 2025 · $$$$

A fair entry 29er for bike paths, dirt roads and easy singletrack, and the Altus 1x8 drivetrain is simple to use. The JAK-7 mechanical discs need regular pad adjustment, and the 80mm Zoom fork is basic, so keep it to mellow trails. The 32x32 low gear can feel tall on steep climbs, though the frame is dropper-ready with internal routing for later upgrades.

Sizes: S: 5′2″–5′7″ · M: 5′6″–5′11″ · L: 5′10″–6′2″ · XL: 6′1″–6′6″

• + Disc brakes: Stop well in the wet. Mechanical ones need the pads dialed in now and then.
• + Cassette gearing: Easy to swap for a wider range or a new drivetrain later.
• + 1x gearing: One front ring: simple shifting and less to adjust.

Where to buy: Maker's page

Giant Escape Disc 3

Hybrid / flat-bar · 2025 · $$$$

A no-fuss commuter hybrid for errands and bike paths, with rack and fender mounts and room for tires up to 45 mm. The mechanical discs stop better than rim brakes in the wet, but the 3x7 Tourney drivetrain runs on a thread-on freewheel, which limits gearing upgrades. The steel fork rides firm, so running the tires at the lower end of their pressure range helps comfort.

Sizes: XS: 4′11″–5′3″ · S: 5′3″–5′7″ · M: 5′7″–5′11″ · L: 5′11″–6′3″ · XL: 6′3″–6′7″

• + Disc brakes: Stop well in the wet. Mechanical ones need the pads dialed in now and then.
• − Screw-on freewheel: Fewer gearing upgrades fit, and the rear axle is more likely to bend under heavy riders.
• • 3 front rings: A wide range for hills, but more to adjust and a front derailleur to keep tuned.
• + Rack mounts: Carry a rack and bags for commuting, groceries or touring.
• • Steel frame: Comfortable and repairable, but heavier than aluminum.

Where to buy: Maker's page

REI Co-op Cycles CTY 1.1

Hybrid / flat-bar · 2026 · $$$$

A dependable commuter and path bike, with room for 45mm tires, rack and fender mounts and Tektro mechanical discs on 160mm rotors. The 2x8 Shimano drivetrain with a 12-32 cassette is simple to maintain. At about 13.7 kg it is not light, the aluminum fork rides firm, and the mechanical discs need occasional pad adjustment.

Sizes: XS: 5′0″–5′3″ · S: 5′3″–5′6″ · M: 5′6″–5′9″ · L: 5′9″–6′0″ · XL: 6′0″–6′3″

• + Disc brakes: Stop well in the wet. Mechanical ones need the pads dialed in now and then.
• + Cassette gearing: Easy to swap for a wider range or a new drivetrain later.
• + Rack mounts: Carry a rack and bags for commuting, groceries or touring.

Where to buy: Buy at REI

Diamondback Hatch 2 (replaces Overdrive 29 1)

Mountain hardtail · 2024 · $$$$

Made for casual dirt paths and easy trails on a tight budget, and the hydraulic disc brakes are a real plus at this level. The 3x7 Tourney drivetrain runs on a 14-28 thread-on freewheel, so gearing upgrades are limited, and the 100mm SR Suntour XCE-28 coil fork only has preload adjustment. XS and SM roll on 27.5in wheels while MD and up use 29in.

Sizes: XS: 5′1″–5′4″ · SM: 5′1″–5′4″ · MD: 5′7″–5′10″ · LG: 5′10″–6′1″ · XL: 6′1″–6′4″

• + Hydraulic disc brakes: Strong, light-touch stopping that works in the wet and self-adjusts as pads wear.
• − Screw-on freewheel: Fewer gearing upgrades fit, and the rear axle is more likely to bend under heavy riders.
• • 3 front rings: A wide range for hills, but more to adjust and a front derailleur to keep tuned.
• + Rack mounts: Carry a rack and bags for commuting, groceries or touring.

Where to buy: Maker's page

Cannondale Treadwell 3

Hybrid / flat-bar · 2024 · $$$$

Made for relaxed rides around town: low standover, wide swept bars and 47 mm 650b tires that smooth out rough pavement. The 1x7 microSHIFT drivetrain with an 11-34 cassette is simple and has a usable low gear, and the 160 mm mechanical discs keep working in the wet. The steel fork and 7-speed gearing keep it basic, so it is not the bike for long fast rides.

Sizes: SM: 4′11″–5′6″ · MD: 5′4″–6′0″ · LG: 5′10″–6′5″

• + Disc brakes: Stop well in the wet. Mechanical ones need the pads dialed in now and then.
• + Cassette gearing: Easy to swap for a wider range or a new drivetrain later.
• + 1x gearing: One front ring: simple shifting and less to adjust.
• + Rack mounts: Carry a rack and bags for commuting, groceries or touring.
• • Steel frame: Comfortable and repairable, but heavier than aluminum.

Where to buy: Maker's page

REI Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1

Mountain hardtail · 2026 · $$$$

A beginner hardtail for dirt paths and first trail rides, with Tektro hydraulic discs, a 100 mm coil fork and 2x8 Shimano gearing. Sizes XXS to S roll on 27.5-inch wheels and M to XL on 29s. If you buy used, confirm which version you are getting, because the older DRT 1.1 is a 3x7 build with different parts.

Sizes: XXS: 4′9″–5′0″ · XS: 5′0″–5′3″ · S: 5′3″–5′6″ · M: 5′6″–5′9″ · L: 5′9″–6′0″ · XL: 6′0″–6′3″

• + Hydraulic disc brakes: Strong, light-touch stopping that works in the wet and self-adjusts as pads wear.
• + Cassette gearing: Easy to swap for a wider range or a new drivetrain later.
• + Rack mounts: Carry a rack and bags for commuting, groceries or touring.

Where to buy: Buy at REI