Comfort Bicycles

Comfort bikes may also be called hybrids, city bikes, utility bikes, cruisers, commuters, or even granny bikes. The differentiation is in the style of the frame, tire sizing, and tire style. These bikes all serve the same basic purpose. Comfort riding is their main focus. If you are riding around neighborhoods, running errands, or commuting, these bikes are great. They are not able to handle rough mountain trails like a mountain bike, but depending on tire style can handle some trail riding. They are not as fast as a road bike, but they get you where you are going in comfort. They are ideal for many recreational riders and are one of the fastest growing bike segments.

They are typically differentiated by:

• Handlebars that wrap towards the rider and are higher than the saddle/seat. This allows the bikes to be ridden in a upright position and not hunched over the handlebars.
• A shortened top bar on the frame.
• Most will have bigger wheels and tires to smooth out the ride. Commuter style comfort bikes may have more of a road bike style tire to make the bike faster.
• The seat (saddle in bike talk) will be wider than other bikes styles. This makes the seat easier on the rider.
• Some models may come with a shock absorbing seat post.
• The bottom bracket will be lower than other bikes, making it easier to get off and on the bike.
• Less complex/technicality. These bikes are designed to be simple to ride, and not require complex maintainance or lots of work and time in the shop due to things breaking.
• A lower top tube that was usually considered a feature of womens bikes is common for both mens and womens models making the bikes easier to get on and off of and an excellent choice for older riders.