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Best Bikes

Which Bikes performed best in our tests?

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We tested 2 bikes to determine the best-performing models. Our expert lab technicians tested each Bike based on the following criteria:

  • Shifting
  • Handling
  • Climbing
  • Weight (lbs.)
  • Number of gears
  • Shock absorption

Below lists the Bikes that rated best in each of the tests our experts looked for. Learn about how these tests were performed and find out which Bike is rated best when you subscribe.

Consumer Reports Ratings for Best Bikes

ratingsBest Bike for Shifting
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Bikes were ridden on level pavement while the testers evaluated and scored the amount of effort required to change speeds and how smooth the transitions were through the range of gears.


This Bike which tested best for Shifting has the following features: .

ratingsBest Bike for Handling
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Evaluated by judging the bicycle's responsiveness at moderate speed, as well as its responsiveness and stability at higher downhill speeds. Because each bike type is used differently, this parameter was weighted differently for fitness and hybrid/comfort bikes.


This Bike which tested best for Handling has the following features: .

ratingsBest Bike for Climbing
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Scored based on gearing and crank arm length and a judgment of ease of pedaling effort to climb a steep quarter-mile long hill. Because each bike type is used differently, this parameter was weighted differently for fitness and hybrid/comfort bikes.


This Bike which tested best for Climbing has the following features: .

ratingsBest Bike for Weight (lbs.)
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Weight rounded to nearest pound for size tested. Weight includes pedals as sold with the bike.


This Bike which tested best for Weight (lbs.) has the following features: .

ratingsBest Bike for Number of gears
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The number of gears the bike has.


This Bike which tested best for Number of gears has the following features: .

ratingsBest Bike for Shock absorption
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Scored based on a judgment of how well the bicycle dampens the impact forces caused by hitting road irregularities. All bicycles were tested over a poor, defect-riddled stretch of pavement and over regularly-spaced paver blocks. Because each bike type is used differently, this parameter was weighted differently for fitness and hybrid/comfort bikes.


This Bike which tested best for Shock absorption has the following features: .