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Best Comfort Bikes for 2021 – Reviews & Buying Guide

Best Comfort Bikes Featured Image

Cycling keeps me in great shape; it’s fun and relaxing. However, I couldn’t enjoy it as much if my bike wasn’t comfortable to ride.

You have to make sure you get a bike that not only looks good but feels good. I’m going to help you on your way to choosing one of the best comfort bikes for 2020 that’ll keep you riding in comfort and style.

BEST CHOICE

RALEIGH Bikes Detour Hybrid Bike

BEST VALUE
Schwinn Sanctuary 7 Cruiser Bike

Schwinn Sanctuary 7 Cruiser Bike

PREMIUM PICK
Sixthreezero Body Ease Women's Comfort Bicycle

Sixthreezero Body Ease Women’s Comfort Bicycle

The 8 Best Comfort Bikes Review

I’ve chosen eight of the best comfort bikes to hopefully help you to find which one is best for you, including my personal favorite.

In this article, I review 8 of the best comfort bikes for 2020.

  1. RALEIGH Bikes Detour Hybrid Bike (BEST CHOICE)
  2. Schwinn Sanctuary 7 Cruiser Bike (BEST VALUE)
  3. Sixthreezero Body Ease Women’s Comfort Bicycle (PREMIUM PICK)
  4. Schwinn Suburban Comfort Hybrid Bike
  5. Kent Pomona Men’s Dual-Suspension Comfort Bike 
  6. Sixthreezero Body Ease Men’s Comfort Road Bicycle
  7. Retrospec Barron Comfort Hybrid Bike
  8. Sixthreezero Reach Your Destination Women’s Hybrid Bike

Read more: Complete Buying Guide & FAQ

1. RALEIGH Bikes Detour Hybrid Bike (BEST CHOICE)

Specifications

  • Frame: 6061 Aluminum True Comfort

  • Brakes: Linear Pull
  • Speed Settings: 27
  • Shifters: Shimano EZ Fire Plus
  • Weight: 40.65 lbs

This bike definitely understands that not everyone is built the same and is available in six different sizes, making it suitable for men and women.

The bike also comes in three different styles and eight color options, so it definitely offers a lot of versatility and choice.

Simply made, the bike is designed in the same classic hybrid bike style as most. The aluminum frame and suspension fork keep it lightweight. 

It does feature an impressive twenty-one gears, so you’ll be able to ride up and down hills without a problem.

At 700c, the wheels are slightly thinner than you’d expect on a comfort bike, and I think this bike is definitely more hybrid than comfort.

It has swept-back handlebars, each with a handbrake to operate the front and rear Promax alloy wheel V-brakes.

While this bike has lots of added extras, the price reflects this and makes it expensive for a simple recreational bike.

Great if you go on long rides and hike up hills, but not so great if you just want a simple bike that will provide you with a comfortable ride.

PROS

  • Great for hill climbing.

  • Shimano Tourney cranks.
  • Lots of choice and variety.
  • Lightweight.

PROS

  • More for commuters than recreational riders.

  • Difficult to assemble.

2. Schwinn Sanctuary 7 Cruiser Bike (BEST VALUE)

Schwinn Sanctuary 7 Cruiser Bike

Specifications

  • Frame: Steel-framed

  • Brakes: Linear Pull
  • Speed Settings: 7
  • Shifters: SRAM twist
  • Weight: 38.8 Pounds

This bike stands out in its striking red color and certainly isn’t going to be missed by passers-by.

Available in a sixteen-inch smaller size or an eighteen-inch medium size, what makes this bike significantly unique is the frame design. You can choose between a step-over frame or a step-through frame, which isn’t an option usually found on comfort bikes.

The frame is made of steel and is suggested to fit riders between five feet four inches and six feet two inches tall. It can be suitable for both male and female riders.

Featuring full fenders, you will be protected from muddy puddles and any splashbacks that could cause nasty marks up your back, which can be unsightly and pretty annoying.

It also has a cargo rack to the rear so you can carry all the essentials you need on your bike ride.

The wheels measure twenty-six inches wide and sit on aluminum alloy rims that are strong yet lightweight.

The bike has a padded saddle with springs underneath to soften any bumps you may ride over.

PROS

  • Suitable for male and female riders.

  • Comfortable to ride.
  • Easy to assemble.

CONS

  • Only available in one color.

3. Sixthreezero Body Ease Women’s Comfort Bicycle (PREMIUM PICK)

Sixthreezero Body Ease Women's Comfort Bicycle

Specifications

  • Frame: Aluminum frame

  • Brakes: Hand-brakes
  • Speed Settings: 21
  • Shifters: Shimano EZ Fire Plus
  • Weight: 33.5 Pounds

A beautiful bike made specifically for ladies, this bike is twenty-six inches and sized for riders from five feet and two inches to five feet and ten inches tall.

It has four different color options to choose from and is also available in gear speed options of either twenty-one-speed, seven-speed, or three-speed.

The bike has a vibratory front suspension, which helps to absorb shock and reduce vibration when riding over lumps and bumps in the road.

The aluminum frame geometry is designed to encourage a better-seated position in riders and takes tension off of major joints in the body.

Thanks to smooth cruiser configuration, pedaling is easy, and a suspension seat adds to providing comfort while riding.

The tires are two inches thick; providing added cushioning and comfort to your ride.

A rear rack is also featured on this bike, allowing riders to add a bicycle basket if they wish.

This bike is definitely classy and comes with lots of good qualities and perks. It’s also expensive and would only be suitable for buyers with a higher budget to play with.

PROS

  • Great design and color combinations.

  • Speeds of up to 20mph can be reached.
  • Comfortable and easy to ride.
  • Equipped with a kick-out bike stand.

CONS

  • Only suitable for women.

  • Very costly.

4. Schwinn Suburban Comfort Hybrid Bike

Schwinn Suburban Comfort Hybrid Bike

Specifications

  • Frame: Schwinn steel comfort

  • Brakes: Linear Pull
  • Speed Settings: 7
  • Shifters: Twist shifters
  • Weight: 37.8 Pounds

Here we have a comfort hybrid bike that looks elegant in its matching black features and designs.

The bike only comes in one design color combination, but it’s a design that’s simple and stylish.

The frame is made from steel, with a suspension fork that allows for a comfortable riding position while offering a responsive ride.

Gear changes are quick and easy with the bike’s seven-speed micro shift twister, making for a more practical ride for you.

Handlebars on the bike support you to remain upright with their swept-back positioning, which makes for a more comfortable ride and puts less strain on your back.

Back and front linear pull brakes are located on the handlebars, making for a quick stop when required.

The frame is medium-sized eighteen inches, and the wheels are twenty-six inches wide.

The saddle features ergonomic grips, making for a comfortable ride for longer, and the seat is adjustable using the seat post.

PROS

  • Easy to assemble.

  • Quality material.
  • Good value for money.

CONS

  • Boring design.

5. Kent Pomona Men’s Dual-Suspension Comfort Bike

Specifications

  • Frame:

  • Brakes:
  • Speed Settings:
  • Weight:

If you’re looking for a bike that’s not only comfortable and reliable but also stylish and modern, then look no further.

This bike is available in ten different color styles, so that you can choose your favorite. The design is smart and eye-catching classy.

It has a glossy steel cruiser frame with a lightweight dual suspension to soak up those crafty surface cracks and bumps.

It features a seven-speed gear drivetrain, which is easily controlled by twist shifters and a Shimano derailleur at the rear.

Swept-back style handlebars are equipped with front and rear hand brakes, in a linear pull design.

The comfortable seat height is adjustable, and the saddle is color-coordinated with the handlebars for an extra effective look.

A handy drink holder is located on the front of the handlebars, so you can stay hydrated while you ride, and this particular bike also comes with a drinks bottle thrown in. We all love a freebie.

PROS

  • Stylish design.

  • Available in men’s and women’s frame styles.
  • Lightweight material.
  • Affordable.

CONS

  • Can be tricky to assemble.

6. Sixthreezero Body Ease Men’s Comfort Road Bicycle

Specifications

  • Frame: Aluminum

  • Brakes: Handbrakes
  • Speed Settings: 21
  • Shifters: Twist grip shifters
  • Weight: 34.5 Pounds

The same make and model as the previous bike we just looked at, but here we have the men’s version.

It’s practically the same, featuring the same good qualities and perks as the women’s bike does; however, there aren’t as many options to choose from.

This bike is only available in a matte black color, unlike the women’s bike, which had four different color options.

It also has fewer gear speed options, with only a twenty-one-speed option or a seven-speed option to choose from.

The frame is designed so that the bike absorbs vibration and bumps comfortably, with Vibraozorb suspension at the front of the bike to greater support this.

The seat,seat post, and frame combination is designed to keep you sitting in a perfectly upright riding position that supports your back and helps you ride for longer.

It has two-inch thick slick tires to help provide a cushioned ride.

The bike features a rear rack, so any optional accessories or panniers you may want for the back can be added and secured easily.

PROS

  • High speeds can be reached.

  • Comfortable and easy to ride.
  • Twist grip gear switches on handlebars.

CONS

  • Only available in one color

7. Retrospec Barron Comfort Hybrid Bike

Specifications

  • Frame: Lightweight 6061 Aluminum

  • Brakes: Linear Pull
  • Speed Settings: 21
  • Shifters: Shimano Tourney 21
  • Weight: 36.8 Pounds

Available in two unique colors of either glacier blue or mauve, this bike is definitely one for those who like something different.

It has a lightweight yet durable aluminum frame, which is equipped for various terrains.

A zoom suspension fork on the bike allows for a smoother ride as it soaks up bumpy roads and imperfect surfaces resulting in it providing improved handling.

The wheels are wide, and wide tires are designed for multiple surfaces as they are created with a tread that’s semi-slick, making for a low rolling resistance.

You will feel in control on wet surfaces and in wet conditions on this bike as the tire treads include grooves for water dispersion.

You can choose from three different sizes of this bike, at either fourteen, sixteen, or eighteen inches, and they all feature twenty-one-speed gears.

Also featured on this bike are upright handlebars, easy twist gear shifters, ergonomic braking levers, and a soft, padded saddle.

It also has a sturdy kickstand mounted to the rear.

PROS

  • Easy to assemble.

  • Affordable.
  • Suspension fork ads comfort.

CONS

  • No quick-release mechanism on wheels.

  • Heavy to carry.

8. Sixthreezero Reach Your Destination Women’s Hybrid Bike

Sixthreezero Reach Your Destination Women's Hybrid Bike

Specifications

  • Frame: Lightweight aluminum

  • Brakes: Linear Pull
  • Speed Settings: 7
  • Shifters: Shimano 7-speed external derailleur
  • Weight: 37.5 lbs

This bike arrives eighty-five percent pre-assembled, making it easy to get set up and get riding.

It’s a women’s bike, stands at twenty-eight inches tall, and is aimed at riders from five feet to six feet two inches tall.

The bike has a low profile aluminum frame that’s lightweight and makes riding more comfortable.

There are three color combinations to choose from, which are each stylish and feature a matching bike-rack on the rear.

The synthetic leather saddle and easy-grip handlebars match in a classy brown color, adding perfect attention to detail.

This bike has full fenders, so you don’t have to worry about any splashbacks from puddles or uneven terrain.

The wheels come with double-walled rims, which offer support for a smooth ride, and the bike features seven-speed gears.

Handlebars on this bike are designed to keep the rider in a comfortable upright position, supporting the body to ride with ease.

PROS

  • Full fenders attached.

  • Great frame size for women.
  • Stylish design.

CONS

  • Difficult to assemble.

  • Costly.

The Best of the Best Comfort Bikes for 2020

For me, the clear winner of the best comfort bike reviews is the RALEIGH Bikes Detour Hybrid Comfort Bike, so much so that I even purchased one myself.

It’s everything you want from a comfort bike, and it gives me the fun and enjoyment out of riding that I love.

The bike is comfortable, and it has the perfect number of gears for me to get around on.

The design is faultless, and it really does look impressive. The color and general style is stunning, and makes it look great. 

Overall, it’s the best comfort bike that I’ve ridden, and it ticks all the boxes in search of the perfect bike to put the excitement back into cycling!

What Is a Comfort Bike?

These comfort bikes are designed for—you guessed it—comfort. They’re a more comfortable version of the classic mountain bikes, and are aimed more at those who enjoy cycling at a more leisurely pace.

They’re not high-performance bikes; however, they’re used more for day-to-day activities such as popping to the store, running errands, and family outings.

A comfort bike is the most popular type of bike for those who are put off by all the jargon and confusion of hi-tech or specialty gear like on a road bike, and just want a bike they can ride around on with enjoyment.

Comfort Bikes vs Hybrid Bikes

The two bikes have differences in features, for example, the comfort bike will usually have small yet wide tires than a hybrid, and it will also have a greater suspension and shock absorber with more cushioning.

I would say the best hybrid bikes are generally used more for those who go on long-distance rides, particularly off-road onto dirt tracks or along paved roads.

If you enjoy riding more casually, on smooth roads or in parks, then you’ll want to opt for a more comfortable bike, which would be found in a classic comfort bike.

Benefits of Comfort Bikes

I’ve probably touched on this already, but the biggest benefit of a comfort bike is that they come with greater suspension offering better support and stability for riders.

Two smiling women riding on comfort bicycles

My bike has a well-cushioned saddle, which most comfort bikes have, and it definitely helps me be able to ride comfortably for longer.

All forms of cycling offer great exercise and health benefits (1), yet with a comfort bike, it’s even easier as you can enjoy it at your own pace while exploring beautiful sites to be seen.

Which Bike Is the Most Comfortable?

Comfort bikes offer maximum comfort when comparing them to other bike models due to the features and components that they have to ensure this.

RALEIGH offers a great range of comfort bicycles, and I would have to say their Detour Hybrid Bike is the best I have ridden. It’s an extremely comfortable bike and has added extras that further provide a great ride.

The Differences in Comfort Bikes for Men and Women

Long gone are the times when women’s bikes came in a lesser spec version of the men’s. (2)

Today, bikes made for men and a bike for women are near enough the same except for one pretty crucial difference being the fit which accounts for the frame size.

Women generally have a smaller torso than men, meaning you’ll usually find that women’s bikes have a smaller frame with shorter reach lengths. This is both vertically between the bike handles and the seat, and horizontally between the seat and the pedals.

Basic Components

Seven main components that make up a bike, and I’ll briefly explain the differences that you’ll find in these components with a comfort bike compared to others.

Suspension

Comfort bikes are fitted with much softer suspension, which absorbs shock and vibration better and makes for an all-over smoother ride. This allows you to sit back and relax on your bike ride without having to worry about knocks and bumps.

Gears

If where you’re riding will be mostly flat land, you’ll manage using a bike with only a few gears. However, most modern bikes nowadays have a good amount of gears that can be easily flicked through to make for easier riding.

Brakes

Of course, all bikes feature brakes to help you safely stop and slow down while riding. 

Bicycle With V Brakes

Different types of bikes feature various styles of brakes, depending on what the bike is most suitable for.

For example, road bikes will have expensive disk brakes, which are more effective due to the speed that can be reached on them.

Generally speaking, comfort bikes have V brakes on the front and rear wheels, which have great stopping power and will slow the wheels down effectively and are great for all-rounder cycling

Seats

Bikes have different seating, to make for a different riding experience. Upright position seating can be used for gaining power and speed, for example.

Comfort bikes have laid back seating, which offers greater chair-like back support with an added seat suspension that absorbs vibrations and softens bumps.

Wheel Size and Tires

Again, this varies depending on what a bike is typically used for. Thinner, bigger wheels make for better speed and precision on the ground, whereas thicker tires offer greater stability.

Comfort bikes usually feature twenty-six-inch tires that are wide and have a high air volume to make for a softer and more subtle ride.

Handlebars

You’ll find that handlebars on a comfort bike are wider and softly cushioned, making for an easy and comfortable grip in hand.

Fenders

Bicycle Fenders

Also known as mudguards, fenders protect the bike and the rider from any splashback of water or mud that the wheels may ride through.

Not all comfort bikes come with fenders attached, so whether or not you want to invest in some for your bike really depends on where you will be riding and in which weather conditions.

Budget

Before you purchase a bike, set yourself a budget. They really can range in pricing, as I have found.

I’d say on average, a good quality comfort bike that will last can cost you somewhere between $200-$500. 

The Size of the Bike

As I pointed out earlier, when looking at the differences between men’s and women’s bikes, frame sizes differ based on body height.

Not all men are the same height, of course, which is why finding a bike size that’s right for you is important in ensuring maximum comfort.

Bearing in mind that comfort bikes are designed to provide a steady and comfortable ride, the frame size should provide riders with proper positioning while seated on the bike to ensure this.

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to choosing the best comfort bike, I often find people asking themselves four key questions. So to make things easier, I’ve gone straight in with answering those burning questions that you probably have.

I believe the best comfort bike to be is the Detour Comfort Hybrid Bike by RALEIGH.

They’re good for low-level exercising but are designed to keep you comfortable more than making you build up a sweat.

Day-to-day activities, including running errands and popping to the local store as well as family outings so you can enjoy the scenery in great comfort!

RALEIGH, in my opinion, definitely offers the best variety of good and quality comfort bicycles.

  1. Healthline – 11 Benefits of Cycling, Plus Safety Tips, retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/cycling-benefits#drawbacks-and-safety
  2. JR Thorpe – The Feminist History Of Bicycles, retrieved from https://www.bustle.com/p/the-feminist-history-of-bicycles-57455

Erik

Erik

Erik loves everything about cycling and he rides with a passion. He is an experienced cyclist who competes in races and also likes to do group-rides from time to time. He also enjoys going on long bike rides in the mountains by himself.