Also known as urban or commuter bikes, city bikes come designed for short-distance commutes and inner-city riding. City bikes incorporate many of the features of hybrid bikes and pair this with features that make moving around the city much easier. 

City bikes target those who want to commute or complete daily journeys with ease. They are equipped with flat-styled handlebars and almost all models come complete with mudguards, chain guards, lights, and integrated pannier racks for luggage or shopping.

Where traditional city bike designs had minimal gearing, modern urban designs incorporate efficient drivetrains and wide ranges of gearing so riders are prepared for the hilliest of city streets.

Functional designs over speed

Reliable, stylish and functional, city bikes come designed to equip commuters and city explorers with all they need to bypass the traffic and public transport.

Designed specifically for city riding, bikes often feature racks to carry bags or shopping and mudguards to cope with adverse weather conditions. With flat style handlebars, they ensure the upright riding position which will enable the rider to feel safe and comfortable with negotiating urban centres.

City bikes have an emphasis on robustness over weight and come in a sturdy design built to handle the rigours of urban riding.

Hybrid bikes versus City bikes

Whether you are interested in taking up cycling as a new hobby or want to make the switch to two wheels for your daily commute, hybrid and city bikes cover an array of different types of bicycles. This makes choosing the most appropriate option for you a tricky decision. Read on to find out more about some of the key features of hybrid and city bikes whether you´re considering recreational cycling, training or commuting!

Modern urban mobility with hybrid and city bikes

City bikes are designed for urban mobility ease, whether you’re commuting to work or heading to the grocery store they will be the perfect companion on the city streets. They usually include fenders (mudguards), luggage racks and low maintenance parts as standard, and in some cases integrated lights. These extra features can add some weight but, as an upside, generally city bikes are built a bit tougher to withstand life on the streets. The geometry of a city bike is also focussed on delivering a combination of comfort and visibility as well as excellent manoeuvrability, to aid you in negotiating busy roads and junctions as confidently as possible.

Hybrid bikes have recently undergone immense change. Lightweight variants with relatively smooth and narrow tyres are perfect for you if you’re predominantly using road. Being very efficient to pedal, hybrids are ideal for covering longer distances. Flat handlebars offer improved comfort and visibility over a road bike. Usually featuring an alloy or carbon frame, their low weight makes them a cinch to carry. This is a very useful attribute if storing the bike at home or work involves a staircase or two.

Hybrid or city? Which one is right for me?

When making the decision on whether to select a hybrid bike or a city bike, the most important thing to consider is the intended use. If you're planning on cycling to work in the city, running errands, or exploring the urban environment on two wheels, then a city bike would make a great choice.

On the other hand, those that wish to venture a little further afield should consider a hybrid bike. Hybrids are still an everyday bike, but they'll go the extra mile to where a city bike might not. If you're a weekday commuter who enjoys escaping the city at the weekend, then a hybrid would be the perfect choice. It will be just as at home on the city bike paths as it is on light gravel roads or canal paths.