College is more than just education; it’s also about friendship and memorable experiences in and outside the classroom.
One of these experiences is having your own bicycle to go around the campus with – it’s exercise, inexpensive (no need for gas!), and provides you the opportunity to appreciate nature.
There’s a reason why a lot of colleges and universities encourage bike riding among its students!
Indeed, a bike can make a student’s life smoother; no gas expenses, you can park anywhere, and go whenever you like.
Bikes come in a lot of designs and colors, so if it’s important to you, it can also reflect your style.
Unfortunately, most college students are cash-strapped and can’t afford top-of-the-line bikes with astronomically high prices.
For If you’re a college student in need of a good, dependable bike that’s still within your budget, we have reviewed the 10 best bikes for college students today.
If you don’t have time to read the full review, just check Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bicycle, which we picked for you based on students choices. However, we recommend to look at each one carefully and choose one that best fits your circumstances.
Best Bikes for College Students
1. Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bicycle
Even with a limited budget, most people tend to go for what they think is the best product, one with proper, good looking bells and whistles and a high price tag.
When it comes to bikes, though, Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bicycle has everything you need sans the high cost. This ride’s classic design and a mix of black and white colors make it match well with virtually any clothing in your closet.
The tires are wider for extra stability, and the fenders prevent mud from splashing on you.
The Schwinn suspension fork is effective in absorbing shocks from manholes and bumps on the road, making for a more comfortable ride.
This bike’s 21-speed capability can help you ride up the hill comfortably.
The crank and brakes are alloy-reinforced, while the frame bears aluminum material to improve on durability. Aluminum helps to keep this bike’s weight on the low end.
Are you looking for more budget-friendly Hybrid bikes? Try Best Hybrid Bikes Under $200 and Best Hybrid Bikes Under $300 articles.
Features
The Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bicycle has the following main features:
- 21 speeds
- 700c/28-inch wheel size
- Aluminum frame
- Alloy crank
- Schwinn suspension fork
- Shimano rear derailleur
- Promax alloy brakes
- Swept-back upright handlebars
Pros
This bike has the following advantages:
- The Schwinn Discover comes with fenders to keep dirt off the rider.
- A comfortable padded saddle.
- The aluminum frame makes the bike durable and lightweight.
- Easy to pedal uphill with this bike.
- An affordable bike for college students.
- Coming with black and white colors.
Cons
The few cons spotted on this bike include:
- It has faulty/noisy gears.
- There is no quick release on the front wheel.
There is a lot you can do with a Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bicycle, from tour rides to college commuting.
This budget bikes designed for those who do not want to use a lot of energy while pedaling. Judging by user reviews on Amazon and other sites, its quality is above average.
For our full review of the Schwinn Discover hybrid bike, follow this link.
2. sixthreezero EVRYjourney Men’s Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle
Here is the solution, Buying the sixthreezero EVRYjourney Hybrid cruiser that suits every occasion.
There is so much to love about this bike. This allows you to ride in an upright position with plenty of room for your legs, very convenient for tall riders.
The foot-forward design, coupled with raised handlebars, will also allow you to stand up while cruising around.
Smoothly switch between the 7-speed Shimano gears to enjoy varying riding styles as the terrain changes.
sixthreezero EVRYjourney was designed with a student and regular riders in mind. Therefore, last-minute additions like the fenders and rear rack do save a lot. The fenders keep mud splashes at bay while the small rear rack helps to carry books and groceries.
The pullback brakes provide sufficient stopping power though they are not supremely gifted like the mechanical disc types.
Are you a big fan of cruiser bikes? Try the best cruiser bikes for women article.
Features
sixthreezero EVRYjourney sports the following:
- 26” wheels
- Hybrid cruiser
- 7-speed Shimano gear and shifters
- Raised handlebars
- Aluminum frame
- Rear rack
- Fenders
- Foot-forward design
- Comfy, dual-spring saddle
Pros
sixthreezero EVRYjourney has the following pros:
- The fenders will keep your clothes clean.
- Top-quality wheels for shock absorption.
- Raised handlebars that promote upright riding.
- Durable and lightweight.
- Eye-candy design.
Cons
- Lacks suspension fork.
- Has ordinary brakes.
There are many reasons why sixthreezero EVRYjourney steals the show.
However, the best part about it is that it also favors tall and heavy riders. The robust construction does feature a top-quality gearing system for cruising on a wide variety of terrains.
Do you want to read the details of the Sixthreezero Evryjourney? Keep reading.
3. Tommaso Monza Endurance Aluminum Road Bike
The Tommaso Monza Road Bike, according to some reviewers, “rides like a dream.” If you are looking for nothing but the best bike within your budget range, take a look at this model.
This 20-speed ride provides exceptional performance thanks to the Shimano Tiagra Groupset that allows one to shift to various speeds as the terrain commands.
Shimano Tiagra shifters are respected for providing a seamless gear shift and a level of responsiveness only very few bikes can match.
The frame is made from aluminum, making it lightweight yet durable. The frame is built to handle different racks and fenders, too.
The fork is made from HCT carbon for two reasons: durability and vibration dampening.
You can achieve so many miles with Tommaso Monza Road Bike as it’s optimized for extra comfort.
The handlebar and the frame’s geometry are compact with proper spacing allowing for easy control.
Indeed, this bike is suitable for both short-distance commutes and long rides.
Like other bikes, Tommaso manufacturers insist that you have it assembled by an expert bike mechanic. Poor assembly can wreck some parts and compromise your warranty, not to mention put your safety at risk.
Features
Tommaso Monza Road Bike has the following features:
- Aluminum frame
- 20 speeds
- Aero wheels
- Carbon fork
- Shimano Tiagra Groupset
Pros
This bike has a lot to offer. Here are some of its pros:
- The carbon fork dampens vibrations, making your ride smoother.
- The aluminum frame makes it durable and lightweight.
- It has Full Shimano groupsets (original components).
- It is customizable.
- The fork and frame come with a lifetime warranty.
Cons
Tommaso Road Bike has the following setback:
- It is a little pricey compared to close competitors because of all the cool features that have been added to it.
The Tommaso Monza is the kind of bicycle most people dream of taking for a spin. It’s made of a sturdy yet durable material without sacrificing comfort.
4. Vilano Diverse 3.0
Vilano Bikes has been offering quality but inexpensive bikes for 10 years now. This particular model is a performance hybrid bike that’s good for commuting or taking on various terrains including rough trails.
If you need a well-balanced bike for the daily commute, group rides, or a weekend getaway, their Vilano Diverse 3.0 is your go-to choice.
It looks simple, but it boasts of the toughest Shimano components that can take you wherever you want to go.
The handlebar is straight, making for comfortable riding. It has mechanical disc brakes as well that won’t fail you.
Its frame and fork are made of lightweight 6061 aluminum while its front and rear derailleurs are Shimano Tourney TX.
The best part about Vilano is that it comes partially assembled, and their online hub offers maintenance tips, more product information, and tutorials for those who would like to put the bike together on their own. However, it’s better to have a professional assemble this bike.
Features
The Vilano Diverse 3.0 Hybrid bike has the following features:
- Hybrid bike
- Aluminum frame (size: 49/53/57)
- Shimano disc brakes
- 700c Kendra wheels
- Upright handlebar
- Free pedals included
Pros
Some of the advantages of this bike has included the following:
- It has sturdy disc brakes for great stopping power.
- For conventional upright handlebar puts less strain on the back.
- Changing gears is smooth.
- The sturdy aluminum frame makes it durable.
- It’s a versatile ride to go anywhere.
- It is affordable even for college students.
Cons
It’s not all glory for this bike; some of its setbacks include the following:
- It arrives partially assembled (most bikes come that way, though).
- It does not come with a kickstand so you have to purchase it separately.
This could be a great pick for students due to its affordable price tag, elegant design, and its upright handlebar will not let you down.
It could be your perfect commuter for riding to and from the school and college campus, around the neighborhood, and for going on group rides as well.
5. Pure Cycles Urban Coaster Bicycle
The Pure Cycles Urban Coaster is a simple single-speed bike that suits most college students.
This bike can handle more than the day-to-day school riding; you can go for recreational rides with it, too.
With most bikes, the brake controls are placed on the handlebars. On this one, you just pedal backward, and it will stop.
The custom-engineered geometry together with the swept-back bar gives this bike a great deal of comfort.
The best part about this bike is the steel material used for the frame. It is stronger than aluminum and helps to minimize vibrations while on the road. The bottom bracket is sealed to enable smooth pedaling.
Pure Cycles Urban Coaster bike comes in three sizes: small (5’2″ to 5’6″), medium (5’6″ to 6′), and large (6′ to 6’3″).
Features
This Urban Coaster bike has the following features:
- 1 speed
- Hands-free brake
- Comes in three sizes
- Lightweight steel frame
- Custom engineered geometry
- Sealed bottom bracket
Pros
This bike stands out because of the following:
- It is simple; it has no levers, no cable, no excessive and confusing add-ons.
- The frame is durable but lightweight.
- It has a well-balanced geometry for better control.
- Several sizes are available.
- It features swept-back bars for improved comfort.
- It can be customizable and upgradeable.
Cons
The bike has a couple of cons as well:
- It is too simple for sophisticated riders.
- Having a one-speed gear means you need to put in a lot of power on an uphill ride.
The makers of Pure Cycles Urban Coaster bike had the lifestyle of a student in mind when they designed this bike.
With a little bit of care, it will last you throughout your college days. See more Pure Cycles.
6. Schwinn Men’s Wayfarer Hybrid Bike
If you are looking for a cheap bike for college, the Schwinn Wayfarer Hybrid Bike could be the right choice.
It is simple in design with very few bells and whistles.
However, with 7 speeds, this ride is a little easier to pedal compared to single-gear varieties.
The fenders are a great addition to this bike. On a rainy day, they prevent mud from splashing on your books as well as your clothes.
The tiny rack at the back will come in handy when you have a lot of things to carry around.
There is one small problem with this bike, though; it’s a little frustrating to shift the lower gears.
They work well but it takes more effort than most bikes. However, if you replace the rear derailleur, you won’t have gear problems at all.
Check this out our full discussion about the Schwinn wayfarer hybrid bike review.
Features
The Schwinn Wayfarer Hybrid Bike has the following features:
- 7 speeds
- Alloy brakes
- Steel retro frame with fenders and rack
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Upright seat
Pros
Some of the advantages this bike has included:
- One of the cheapest options for students on a budget.
- Great quality steel frame.
- Excellent vintage retro design.
- Its precision alloy brakes perform well.
- It can be customized.
Cons
This Schwinn bike is not perfect; some of its cons include:
- It is suitable for those whose are 6’ to 6’2”; shorter people may find this bike to be uncomfortable.
- It lacks advanced components, hence not the best pick for experienced riders.
Due to a lackluster rating, the Schwinn Wayfarer Hybrid Bike comes off as a low-quality ride, but that’s not the case.
It’s got a simple construction, vintage look, and above all, a budget-friendly price. Most critical reviews on Amazon dealt with delivery issues, not the quality of the bike itself.
7. Critical Cycles Harper Coaster Fixie Style Bike
Critical Cycles is a straightforward bike with simple sophistication; the kind that you get on and ride and not have to worry about anything.
It has no cables, no gears to shift, and no hand brakes to grapple with. Its sleek style and classic design make it one of the more attractive bikes on the market today.
It’s not just about looks, though. This bike’s construction includes a premium quality lightweight steel frame that is built to withstand years of use and absorbs the impact from bumps, resulting in a smooth ride.
Generally, the fewer parts a bike has, the lesser the chances of it getting damaged, reducing its maintenance costs significantly.
Critical Cycles’ coaster brakes are reliable even in wet conditions. The brake is configured into the pedals, and all it takes to get it working is to pedal backward simply, and the bike will stop.
This type of brake (with no external elements) is efficient, and there is no need for readjustments, as is the case with contemporary versions.
Features
Critical Cycles has the following features:
- Single-speed crank
- Foot brake
- VP freestyle pedals
- 30mm deep-v rims
- KMC chain
- Kenda commuter tires
Pros
The advantages that come with this bike include:
- Sleek style makes it exceptionally attractive.
- Color option: Matte Black and Matte Black & White.
- Its hand-built steel frame is high quality.
- The frame is durable and lightweight.
- It absorbs bump shocks.
- The price is affordable.
- It has a minimalistic design for a smooth operation.
Cons
Despite having a classic design and a pocket-friendly price, this bike fails on the following:
- The front eyelets are 6mm yet the standard is 5mm. If you purchase fenders for it, the conventional 5mm bolts won’t fit.
- The saddle is not comfortable.
There is a lot to admire about the Critical Cycles Harper Bike; classic style, minimalistic design, lightweight construction, and affordable price.
Such are the features of good bikes for college students. With a little customizing, you can turn this ride into a cruiser of your liking.
8. Pure Fix Original Fixed Gear Bike
Pure Fix Original is a simple, fun, and stylish ride made for those who have been away from biking for a couple of years.
Its simplicity, elegance, durability, and affordability make it the perfect ride for college going students.
It can handle almost any terrain and thus the best choice for someone who commutes frequently.
Its stylish urban geometry frame is made from top-quality high-tensile steel to ensure longevity.
The flip-flop hub gives you a chance to ride in either a fixed or freewheel manner.
Whichever mode you choose, this ride’s brakes are reliable and will get your bike to stop when you want it to end.
There are also a lot of colors, styles, components, and accessories that you can add to Pure Fix Original to make it a sophisticated road beast.
The company offers a lifetime warranty on the frame and 1-year warranty on other components.
Features
Pure Fix Original bike has the following specifications:
- Single speed
- Deep-dish 50mm wheels
- High-tensile steel frame
- KMC chain
- Slim pedal-9/16 inch
- Pure Cycles rubber
- Pure Cycles alloy handlebar
- Flip-flop hub
Pros
Pure Fix Original has the following advantages:
- Its urban geometry frame is durable.
- The whole frame is made of high-quality materials.
- It looks simple but elegant.
- Compatible with various accessories and components.
- It is moderately priced.
Cons
Albeit being elegant, durable, and affordable, this bike fell short in the following ways:
- It is slightly heavy.
- More power is needed for an uphill riding.
With almost a thousand reviews on Amazon, it’s easy to see that Pure Fix Original has met the expectations of many riders. Like many others, are you a big fan of stylish single speed bikes? Check the best single speed bikes review article.
It looks stylish and can be customized with several compatible components and accessories. The bike doesn’t cost a lot as well.
9. GMC Denali Flat Bar Road Bike
The GMC Denali Road Bike is a cheaper option for serious riders as well as college students.
The aluminum cast frame means the bike weighs less and thus easy to lift and place on the parking rack or your truck. There is a water bottle mount included as well. Being a 21-speed bike, riding uphill will not take a toll on you.
The Shimano derailleur makes for fast gear changing while Shimano Revo shifters will help you switch gears smoothly and quickly with hands secured on the handlebar for proper control.
The bike comes in small, medium, and large sizes. Since the price is a little on the lower side, some secondary components are missing, and it’s up to you as the buyer to install them.
Features
The core features for GMC Denali Road Bike include:
- 21 speeds
- Flat handlebars
- Shimano derailleur and shifts
- Alloy side pull brakes
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- 700c x 32mm tires
- Alloy water bottle mount
Pros
The GMC Denali Road Bike has the following pros:
- It comes in several sizes so you can choose one that best fits you.
- The price is affordable.
- A water bottle mount is included, so you won’t need to buy one.
- You can use it around campus as well as on longer rides for its versatility.
- Lightweight frame.
- Uphill rides are easy with this bike.
Cons
This bike has the following shortcomings:
- It lacks other components and accessories like fenders.
- It isn’t as durable as others in this list.
The GMC Denali Road Bike is a basic ride for individuals who need something with more than a single gear bike.
It is lightweight, affordable and useful for college students. However, the quality is not as enduring as the other options in this review.
10. Raleigh Bikes Venture 3.0 Comfort Bike
Raleigh Venture 3.0 is a gem amongst students who love their versatile design. For its unisex varieties, you can get one for the ladies or men.
The handlebars are swept back to promote upright riding which is less straining for longer rides.
These bikes come with a durable, high-quality aluminum frame designed to accommodate massive loads from (ahem) heavy riders. You can check more bikes for heavy riders from this post.
Since it caters to the needs of large riders, the saddle is wider and heavily cushioned to improve comfort. While we are still at that, the suspension fork plays a vital role in lessening the impact of bumpy terrains.
It tough to ride a single-speed bike, especially after a long, tedious day. With Venture 3.0’s 21-gear system, it should be a breeze to plow through hills and as well as the ride at any speed you want.
Most Raleigh rides come with a limited lifetime warranty that covers minor issues.
Features
Venture 3.0 Comfort Bike features the following components:
- Kenda tires
- Twist shifter
- Suspension forks
- Aluminum frame
- Pull brakes
Pros
The pros of Venture 3.0 include:
- It can handle heavier riders.
- Comfortable riding experience thanks to the suspension forks.
- Promotes upward riding posture.
- A whopping 21 gears for effortless riding.
Cons
The downsides include:
- No fenders.
- No mechanical disk brakes.
Raleigh’s Venture 3.0 stands out as lightweight bikes with a minimalistic design that befits students and other day-to-day busy riders.
They are mighty with top-quality aluminum frames for supporting the weight of large riders.
What to Look When Choosing a Bike for College
There are different bike models, and each has a unique set of components that make it outstanding.
If you are looking for a bike, you need to take time to look at what’s available and compare and contrast the different best bikes for college students and pick something that fits both your budget and comfort requirements.
Here are some of the key things to consider when scouting for a good college bike:
Bicycle type
As a student, you may think that all you need is a simple bike to spin laps with on your way to school and back. However, your interests and the activities you get involved in with your friends can determine the type of bike you need. So do a full audit of your school lifestyle and pick the bicycle that will accompany you to all your events.
Just to give you a glimpse of various options out on the market, for example, you can get a mountain bike, trail bike, comfort bikes, and hybrid bikes, among many others.
Bike frame
Durability is of the essence especially for anyone who uses a bike daily. The material of the frame determines how long your bicycle will last. Bike frames can be made from aluminum, steel, carbon, and titanium.
Steel is stylish, durable, affordable, and easy to repair but gives in to harsh weather elements. Aluminum is fashionable, durable, lightweight, and doesn’t yield to rust. Carbon frames are legendary and do not display weaknesses inherent in other frames but all that quality comes at a price. Titanium has different finishes and styles and it’s durable as well as rust-resistant.
As you can see, you have a good number of options to select from. Just make sure to take your budget into consideration before choosing one particular bike material.
Frame style and size
College is not a place to read and interact only; it’s also about displaying your style. Bikes come in different frame styles. You should pick something that is both comfortable and good-looking. To find a bike that gives you the perfect balance, consider the size of your torso and the length of your legs.
A true bicycle shop can configure your bike’s details to match the comfort level you desire. However, if yours was acquired from a store, you can take it to an expert to adjust the frame size.
Luggage holder
Normally, a backpack should help you carry everything you want for school. Nevertheless, a good bike should provide you with extra space like panniers/racks to make your life a little easier. Fenders are useful, too, especially in places with a lot of rain/mud.
Handlebar type
The type of handlebars your bike has can determine how easy or hard it will be to ride it. The higher they are above the seat, the more comfortable it gets. There is a catch though: the higher they stretch, the more pedaling power you’ll need.
Some of the common handlebar types on the market include drop bar (for road bikes), Mustache bar (road and hybrid bikes), flat bar (hybrid and mountain bikes), and rise bar (mountain bikes).
Bicycling Tips for College Students
It’s a refreshing experience to have a favorite college bike to ride around the neighborhood and on your way to school.
But without the bicycling tips, you are likely to get in harm’s way and even lose your cherished possession. Here are some tips you can rely on for a smooth ride on your bike.
Wear a helmet
Either you, your parent or a sponsor has paid a lot in fees, and you have committed to attending all your classes so you can have a better life ahead.
So the question is, why would you want to jeopardize your entire life by not wearing a helmet? If you don’t have one now, get one as soon as possible.
Install lights and reflectors
By lights, we are not referring to the front light only. That’s enough to help you see where you are going but what about the drivers behind you?
This is where you need indicators and other reflecting add-ons. It’s imperative to pack a reflective cloth, raincoat, and any other gear that keeps you safe from harsh elements
Buy the best lock
The rule of thumb when buying a bicycle lock is that you should spend almost 20% of your ride’s cost on a security lock.
Bikes get stolen all the time, especially if they are left unlocked. A lock ensures your bike will be in the school compound and exactly where you left it. The lock can also come in handy when out and about the streets to buy something.
For maximum security, you could also spend a little more on add-ons such as anti-theft skewers and other beeping gadgets that buzz when someone tries to pull something off your bike.
Carry some spare parts and tools
Your bike can’t tell you when it will break down and thus it’s up to you to keep yourself ready when such an incident occurs.
Carry a spare tube, a pump, an Allen wrench set, and a patch kit for when you might need them.
It’s also a good idea to have some of these tools both at home and at school.
Lastly, never ride a bike that has been delivered straight from a shop before having an expert inspect it. The parts are usually put together loosely, and it’s up to you to ensure every part has been firmly tightened.
Conclusion
There are many sweet rides out there, but the key features of best bikes for college students are affordability, durability, and a great style.
Aluminum seems to be a reliable option for those who need bikes that don’t weigh too much. A good bike must also be customizable through various compatible accessories and components.
The brakes must provide enough friction for stopping in all weather conditions. It must also be lightweight to make it easy for you to lift and carry.
As a piece of parting advice, make sure to have your bike assembled by a skilled mechanic before hitting the road. Poor installation of parts will not only put your life in danger, but your warranty might get compromised as well.
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