Firstly, there are basically three types of riding: road, mountain, and hybrid. Road being the fastest and most efficient, and then mountain being the roughest and hardest to control.
However, there is another type of riding called cyclocross. It’s essentially a mix of the two – rough and jarring like mountain, but smooth like road.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Tommaso Imola Endurance Aluminum Road Bike | Best Overall |  |
| Kent International Hybrid-Bicycles Kent Springdale Hybrid Bicycle | Budget Pick |  |
| Tommaso Imola Endurance Aluminum Road Bike | Upgrade Pick | |
1. Tommaso Imola Endurance Aluminum Road Bike
Pros:
- Affordable price
- High performance
- Lightweight built
The demand for high-quality, high-performance road bikes has increased dramatically in the recent years. The high-caliber aerodynamic frame, lightweight design and 24 speeds are the key factors that make this road bike the best bike in its category.
Read more about the Tommaso Imola Endurance Aluminum Road Bike
2. Tommaso Imola Endurance Aluminum Road Bike
Pros:
- Affordable price
- High performance
- Lightweight built
The demand for high-quality, high-performance road bikes has increased dramatically in the recent years. The high-caliber aerodynamic frame, lightweight design and 24 speeds are the key factors that make this road bike the best bike in its category.
Read more about the Tommaso Imola Endurance Aluminum Road Bike
3. Schwinn Loop Adult Folding Bike
Pros:
- Amazingly Compact
- Perfect for any weather
- Easy to use
- Easy to assemble
- Great price for what it offers
- Higher weight limit
Cons:
- Seat is a little uncomfortable
- Don’t recommend for taller users
This model is probably one of the most popular and practical options out there. It’s lightweight and folds in a flash.
So, where’s the catch?
The model doesn’t sacrifice quality even when it comes to the parts, from the exceptionally wide, knurled seat-post clamp to the firmly tensioned steel frame. There are a couple of minor flaws with the model, namely that the padded, 31.8mm (NB) handlebar isn’t the most comfortable, and the chain chirps when the gears are in their tallest position.
Read more about the Schwinn Loop Adult Folding Bike
4. Raleigh Bikes Merit 2 Endurance Road Bike
Pros:
- Perfect for the price point
- Great option for people getting back into cycling
- Sturdy aluminum frame
- Great for commuting
- Great for flat roads
Cons:
- Not as fast as some of the more expensive options
- Can be difficult to adjust to accommodate a wide range of riders
- Can take some time to assemble
Read more about the Raleigh Bikes Merit 2 Endurance Road Bike
5. Vilano Diverse 3.0 Performance Hybrid Road Bike 24 Speed Disc Brakes
Pros:
- Shimano componentry
- Internal cable routing makes for clean looks
- Road or mountain bike versatility
- Shimano M315 Hydraulic disc brakes
The Vilano Diverse 3.0 is a versatile bike that has elements of a road bike and mountain bike, making it great for many individual purposes.
Fashioned for urban riders, the Diverse 3.0 is one of the best hybrid bikes for commuters! It provides a fairly upright ride, so it’s not the most efficient bike for long rides.
The frame and fork are made of 6061 aluminum and will be fairly lightweight, but this also means that the frame won’t be as sturdy as many of the other options on this list.
Read more about the Vilano Diverse 3.0 Performance Hybrid Road Bike 24 Speed Disc Brakes
6. Nashbar Women's Dual Sport Disc Hybrid Bike
The Nashbar Women's Dual Sport Disc Hybrid Bike is perfect for beginners on a budget.
Read more about the Nashbar Women's Dual Sport Disc Hybrid Bike
7. Extrbici Road Bicycle Racing Bike Specialized Bike 3 Spoke Wheels 21 Speeds,XC550 700Cx28C 54CM Solid Integrated Wheel Curved Handlebar Double Disc Brakes Cycling US Warehouse
Pros:
- It has a very strong and powerful frame
- It has a dual-pivot closed-cartridge
- It is a lightweight bike
If you like cycling and very good speed, then you have to buy this Extrbici bicycle for you. The most fascinating thing about this bicycle is its very strong and powerful frame. Another interesting thing about this bicycle is its dual-pivot closed-cartridge. This frame is made of aluminum, which makes it lightweight as well. The aluminum frame is very strong and this is why it’s able to support the bike properly.
In order to prevent the bike from braking, it has dual disc brakes. The dual disc brakes also keep the bike safely as well. Along with this, it has a straight handlebar with the diameter of 28.
This bike is made up of aluminum zinc alloy and is known for its light weight. This bike is even easier to move around than the other types of bicycles. The weight of this bicycle is about 38 lbs.
8. Brilliant Bicycle Co
Pros:
- Folding bike
- Easy to assemble
- Highly maneuverable
- Smooth ride
If you are searching for a commuter bike, and you want to have a bit of fun, then you should go for the Brillant Bicycle Co L-Train, especially since it is designed for city riding. With well-known manufacturers making this bike, it is perfect for daily use.
It is highly maneuverable and you can fold it and carry it around easily. Any health conscious person looking for a great indoor bike will love the Brillant Bicycle Co.
Read more about the Brilliant Bicycle Co
9. Diamondback Bicycles 2016 Women's Vital 2 Complete Hybrid Bike
This women’s diamondback bike is popular for its value for money and excellent reviews. It’s perfect for recreational use, long distance and leisure cycling.
The bike includes an alloy frame, an A1 Premium Aluminum fork, 21 gears, 21 speeds, Shimano derailleur, it has an alloy control shifters and 3 piece alloy crankset. The bike includes a twist shift to change gears.
The bike also includes a 700cx28c tires, alloy rims, an alloy linear pull front/back quick release, alloy linear pull center kickstand, and alloy pedals.
Read more about the Diamondback Bicycles 2016 Women's Vital 2 Complete Hybrid Bike
10. Stringbike Cross
Pros:
- Great price for the quality provided
- Semi-compact, man-sized frame
- Aerodynamic, lightweight and fast
- Great choice for transport
- Durable
Electronic Sprints are ideal for first-time buyers of Cross race bikes. Efficiency with low weight and a fully integrated warranty.
Read more about the Stringbike Cross
11. Tommaso Avventura
Pros:
- UV-protective paint
- Carbon fork
- Wide tire clearance
- Disc Brakes for superior stopping capability in any weather
- Hydraulic disc brakes work well even in wet conditions, with far superior speed and control of rim brake systems.
- Shimano gears for smooth and fast shifting
- Simple flat bar for upright and comfortable position
- The Weinmann rims are tubeless so you can run higher pressures in the tires without any pinch flat issues
- There’s a fair amount of room for fenders or fender extenders (depending on tire size)
Cons:
- Large knobby tires can be tricky in some limited spaces like inside a garage or in hallways where the walls are very close
- The Shimano Sora components are a good combination of quality, performance, and price (beyond a certain level, you won’t notice an increase in efficiency)
The Tommaso Avventura is a versatile bicycle with a unique fit that allows for a variety of riding styles; from cruising down a gravel path to paved single track singletrack, or across the town environment or across the country on a family vacation and camping trip.
Read more about the Tommaso Avventura
12. Raleigh Cadent 1 Urban Fitness Bike
The Raleigh Cadent 1 Urban Fitness Bike features an aluminum mechanical suspension fork, an 8-speed drivetrain, fenders, a rear rack, a chain guard, a mudguard, Alloy wheels and a paint job thats stylish and sleek.
The aluminum frame is light and is perfect for juniors and other city bikers. The rims are kitted out with alloy hubs to improve the rim quality. The hubs are fitted with independent dual-pivot caliper brakes.
The 44mm cross-cut knobby tires are perfect for riding on rough terrain. The double wall rims increase the durability of the rims.
Read more about the Raleigh Cadent 1 Urban Fitness Bike
13. Kent International Hybrid-Bicycles Kent Springdale Hybrid Bicycle
Here’s a great option for someone looking for a hybrid bike.
The Kent Springdale is a hybrid bike that comes with an aluminum and steel frame that weighs about 24 pounds. Its dimensions are those of a men’s 21-speed bike. The handlebars can be adjusted to suit the rider’s height, and a quick-release seat clamp lets the rider adjust the seat height with ease.
This bike also features a fairly big wheel with 26-inch size, which makes the ride very comfortable. It also features a sweptback handlebar, giving you a comfortable ride and allowing you to ride in the standing position.
Read more about the Kent International Hybrid-Bicycles Kent Springdale Hybrid Bicycle
14. Schwinn Volare Adult Hybrid Road Bike
Pros:
- Hardtail for increased stability
- Speeds up to 28 mph
- Frame geometry designed to be used in the roughest of terrains
- Alloy construction
- Shimano 16-speed, steel, disc brake
- Rear linear pull brakes for a quicker response
- Double wall rims
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of adults who have taken up cycle-cross racing, and the Schwinn Volare Adult Hybrid Road Bike, 28-inch Wheel, Aluminum Frame, Multiple Colors is one of the top-selling traditionally designed hybrid bikes for cycle-cross racers. If you are a fan of super-strong bikes that react instantaneously, this is the bike you will need. This will be your choice bike on trails too. Hence, you will not find it difficult on rough tracks and unpaved roads. The bike has a sturdy lightweight aluminum frame that ensures durability.
Though it comes with different tire sizes, the brakes are also well designed for easy braking. The adjustable seat and pedals, as well as the 3-piece crank, are designed to fit any user.
Read more about the Schwinn Volare Adult Hybrid Road Bike
15. Takara Shiro Adventure Bike
Pros:
- A good fit for these bikes is a person with a minimum height of 5 feet and 8 inches
- Easily converts from mountain to road bike
- An excellent bicycle for both performance and safety
- Superior lightweight 31 alloy frame with carbon fork
- Works best with disc brake wheels
- A stylish well-designed bike
Cons:
- The height provide might be a bit too short for taller customers
- Not quite ideal for rough terrains
- The bike is very easy to assemble
The Takara Shiro is an interesting option for both new and experienced bikers. It is a very lightweight, fast and an aerodynamic machine. These are features that you would expect on a high-performance racing bike.
This bike has an amazing-looking design that will make riders feel proud to own it. This bike is also durable since it is made of the strongest materials available.
The frame is made from aluminum that has been anodized. Aluminum is a great material for bicycles because it is both lightweight and very durable. The aluminum components of this bike are combined with precision machine parts to make it a highly durable model. Aluminum and carbon fiber are two of the strongest materials available for bicycles.
Read more about the Takara Shiro Adventure Bike
16. 2016 KHS CX500 Road Bike
Read more about the 2016 KHS CX500 Road Bike
17. Mongoose 29" Excursion Men's Mountain Bike
Pros:
- Great value for its price
- Up to date components
- Lightweight
- Excellent geometry for experienced cyclocross riders
- Good looking design
18-Inch.
When you are looking for the absolute best cyclocross bikes for you, sometimes the most obvious choice for you might not be the best choice.
So, whether you are on your way to the Olympics, or just looking to buy your first quality road bike, you will have to consider the best bike from Mongoose that fits your needs and budget.
Read more about the Mongoose 29" Excursion Men's Mountain Bike
18. State Bicycle Offroad Division Single Speed Cyclocross Standard Bike
This Cyclocross bicycle from State Bicycle is perfect for commuters or riders who want to get off the beaten path during their leisure hours.
It features a steel frame with a single speed drivetrain as well as front and rear brakes for maneuvering over mixed terrains and for emergency stops. It also has a kickstand for added convenience.
This simple bicycle comes equipped with a padded seat, 7-speed freewheel with high tensile steel chain, alloy handlebars, and dual horizontal brake levers.
Read more about the State Bicycle Offroad Division Single Speed Cyclocross Standard Bike
19. Colnago WORLD CUP SL DISC 105 5800 Cyclocross Bicycle
Pros:
- Available in 15 different colors
- It definitely looks cool
- Great for everyday transportation as well as training with cyclocross bikes
- Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes
- The brakes are easy to adjust and operate smoothly
- This bike is suitable for flats and hilly areas
- 5 speeds
Cons:
- It may take some time to assemble.
57cm.
The Colnago World Cup is one of the most loved road Cyclocross bikes on the market. It is perfect for all kinds of terrain.
It is also excellent for beginners and comes with easy-to-adjust features.
Read more about the Colnago WORLD CUP SL DISC 105 5800 Cyclocross Bicycle
20. Stradalli Cyclocross Pro T-700 Full Carbon Cycle Cross Disc Gravel Bike. Ultegra 6800 11 Speed. Vision 30 CX Wheel Set. TRP HY/RD Hydraulic Brakes.
Pros:
- Aluminum frame
- Stunning look
- Great speed, and comfort with both
The Stradalli T-700 CX has a belt drive which is great for increase speed, braking, and friction.The bike comes with full hydraulic disc brakes for quick stopping with lesser effort needed by the rider. Both wheels are quick-release wheels which makes swapping out wheels easier.Want to go faster? Carry more items? The Ortlieb Backroller Rack is perfect for transporting more baggage and cargo.
21. Yuanne 26 Inch Folding Electric Bike New Outdoor E-Bike
Pros:
- The saddle is very comfortable
- You can setup an alarm using the display screen
- The folding capacity is easy to use
- Gears well with easy shifting
Cons:
- The battery is not removable
- Shock absorbers feel cheap
This carbon steel frame is sturdy and is intended for people between 5’0 and 6’1. The bike rides smoothly over non-paved terrain, and is efficient at climbing single tracks.
The stem is adjustable and made of elastic polymer, with a safety switch to alert you when it’s in use. The tires are thick, puncture resistant, and double walled for strength. The saddle is padded for comfort with an integrated seat post.
The standard full suspension is great. The weak point is the shock absorber, which feels a little cheap. This isn’t a deal breaker unless you take hard falls.
Read more about the Yuanne 26 Inch Folding Electric Bike New Outdoor E-Bike
22. State Bicycle Co. Thunderbird Cyclocross Offroad Single Speed Bike
Pros:
- Good value
- Fully functional as an off-road bike
- Great form for urban aplication
Gloss Black.
The Thunderbird from State Bicycle Company is designed with cyclocross and urban customers in mind. This single-speed bike comes in two sizes, 55 cm and 59.5 cm, and in two colors, red and black.
The Thunderbird bike comes in two different versions. You can opt for one that has a front and rear brake and one that has neither. This particular model here is the version with both brakes.
Read more about the State Bicycle Co. Thunderbird Cyclocross Offroad Single Speed Bike
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best cyclocross bike?
CX bikes have broad appeal because they look and ride like everyday road bikes and can make a great commuter bike as well. An advantage of CX bikes over their road counterparts is that they tend to be somewhat more durable, partly because they are built with wider tires that can roll over the roughness of terrain.
Are cyclocross bikes good?
First off, they are great bikes, but not for everyone. If you live in a hilly area, cyclocross bikes are a great way to save your knees. Also, if you already commute by bike, then this is a great way to make your commute faster.
Cyclocross bikes are not really for mountain biking or off road activity, unless you have the skill to ride it off road. They are not easy to handle and you will get fatigued quickly as the handlebars don’t allow for easy steering.
They are built with cyclocross racing in mind, so they are very heavy, which can lead to fatigue going uphill. They would also be difficult to add any accessory to them. Essentially, they are bike racers with the comfort of mountain bikes.
Should I buy a road bike or cyclocross?
Because both are designed for riding on paved surfaces, the choice is most often a matter of body type and style over performance. If you have a preference for road riding, go for a road bike as the road bike is typically more comfortable as it’s built for more distance.
If you prefer more off-road riding, a cyclocross bike will better serve your needs. If you’re planning on riding in both environments, you also have the option of choosing a hybrid which is a cross between a touring road bike and a cyclocross bike.
For more on deciding between a cyclocross bike, a standard road bike, and a hybrid bike, click here.
What is a good weight for a cyclocross bike?
Since the biggest advantage of cyclocross bikes is that they are lightweight, and the biggest disadvantage of cross-specific bikes is their weight, it is good to know that there is a good weight for a cyclocross bike. Lightweight bikes should not be confused with those that are too light. The best cross bike has a good weight since lightness is still one of its major selling points. Ideally, the bike should not be very heavy at all but it should not be ultra lightweight either. It should have just the right weigh since it is balanced by its lightweight frame.
Conclusion
With the journey to purchase a cyclocross bike, it is important to understand what you’re trying to buy and what the best uses are for this bicycle. The most important thing is determining what the intended use is for your cyclocross bike. Is this simply a commuter bike? Is it a training bike? Is it a competitive race bike? Will you be riding the bike in the mud? Answering these questions and prioritizing based on your needs will narrow the choice down to a much select few.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Tommaso Imola Endurance Aluminum Road Bike | Best Overall | |
| Kent International Hybrid-Bicycles Kent Springdale Hybrid Bicycle | Budget Pick | |
| Tommaso Imola Endurance Aluminum Road Bike | Upgrade Pick | |