Hybrid bikes are usually a blend of mountain bikes and standard road bikes. Hybrids often have straight, flat handlebars and an upright sitting posture of the mountain bike to ensure maximized comfortability. Most of these bikes have thinner wheels and smooth tires for easy rolling on road surfaces.
Getting an affordable and high-quality hybrid bike can be wearisome. This review of the best hybrid bikes under $200, however, dramatically eases your struggle.
Table of Contents
Overview of Our Top Choice:
Kent International Pomona Hybrid Bike becomes our winner of the best hybrid bikes under $200.
Considerations When Buying Cheap Hybrid Bikes
Choosing your ideal bike is not an easy task; choosing a bike while on a budget is even more difficult. Below are some of the things you should consider when selecting the best hybrid bike under $200. The guide will help you to choose a cheap hybrid bike without compromising its effectiveness and durability.
Frame Material
The bike’s frame is one of the main components, as that’s where the bike wheels and other parts are fitted. It’s like the core of the bike as a functional unit. It was not so long that bikes used to have even wood frames, but with evolution, there has been the invention of better frame materials. Today bike frames are made of exotic materials like aluminum, steel, and carbon fiber. Now let’s look at these frame materials in detail.
Steel
Bike frame builders have used steel for over a century as its durable and easy to shape, making it the ideal material for making a bike frame. Steel frames create a combination of responsiveness and comfort.
Aluminum
Aluminum frames absorb shock better than any material used to make bike frames. It’s lightweight and rustproof, making it easy for you to enjoy a magical ride even in the rain without any worry. With aluminum frames expect maximum comfort even on rough roads.
Titanium
Titanium is one of the most robust materials on this list, and this makes it expensive. Titanium framed bikes last long; however, only a few companies manufacture titanium bike frames because of the costs involved.
For an under $200 hybrid bike, the aluminum frame would be more suitable and offer long term service.
Wheel Size
Wheel sizes of hybrid bikes range from 26 inches to 29 inches. The 26-inch wheels are the smallest, but they are swift hence preferable for time trial mountain riders who need to cycle to beat time.
27.5-inch wheels are regarded as the medium size, and they are ideal for riders using their bike for elemental cycling. The 27.5-inch wheels have improved traction and high rolling capabilities. The 29-inch wheels are currently the biggest, making them feel slow even when at high speed.
If you are a beginner rider, this wheel size is the best for you as it’s not as fast as the others.
Brake
Brakes are essential as they help to bring the bike to a stop. You need to ensure the brakes on your bike are the best as your safety will depend on it. There are three main types of bike brakes, and they include:
Disc brakes
Disc brakes have calipers attached to the frame of the bike with pads that help to squeeze a metal disc for braking. These are the most common among hybrid bikes under $200. Disc brakes can be mechanical that have caliper pistons activated with a cable, or they can be hydraulic where the compression of these brakes fluid is sealed in hoses to move the discs and pads.
Rim brakes
Rim brakes use the rim as the braking surface when slowing down the bike. They are further available in different types, including caliper and cantilever brakes.
Coaster brakes
Coaster brakes are not so conventional. They are operated by turning the pedals backward which renders the bike to slow down or stop.
Disc brakes are highly recommended because they are effective, they don’t destroy the rims of the bike, and they are also quite affordable.
Gears
Gears in a bike help you to maintain a comfortable peddling speed regardless of the terrain or gradient. A bicycle may have 18 gears, which means 18-speed variations. The levers are numbered, and the low numbers mean low speeds.
Some bikes, however, only have 3-5 speed variations, and they work just fine. This is because you only need enough range to help you go either downhill or uphill. If your area is flat, then you do not need a hybrid bike with gears many gears.
Suspension
Bike suspension is a system that lets the wheels move up and down to absorb bumps while keeping the tires to the ground for better control. Suspensions are mostly used on mountain bikes, but they are currently prevalent on hybrid bikes.
Suspensions are mostly recommended for mountain riders as they absorb shock.
Best Hybrid Bikes Under $200 Reviewed
1. Kent International Pomona Hydraulic Bike
Key Features
- Padded comfortable saddle
- Full suspension frame
- 7-speed twist shifter
- 26-inch alloy rim
- Strong braking system
Kent International Pomona Hydraulic Bike is designed to provide maximum comfort with an upright riding position. Its full suspension frame ensures that your riding experience is smooth on all road surfaces. The bike has 26-inch alloy rimmed wheels that make give you the best riding experience ever.
This bike also has powerful rear and front brakes that enable you to stop or slow down in case of an emergency quickly. Additionally, it features a well-padded saddle that ensures you are comfortable when biking. The aluminum frame is rustproof, therefore usable for long without damage. The combination of the lightweight parts of the bike leaves the bike feeling nibble and surprisingly fast enough.
Pros
- Comfortable tires enable smooth riding even on rough terrain
- It’s inexpensive therefore affordable for all
- It is easy to assemble hence time-saving
Cons
- Making sharp corners can be risky
- Having many components to assemble can make it heavier.
2. Murtisol Hydraulic Bike
Key Features
- Front and seat suspension
- Adjustable seat
- 21 speeds derailleur
- Adjustable handlebar
- Aluminum frame
Murtisol Hydraulic Bike has an adjustable seat, which makes the bike usable by people of different heights. It has an aluminum frame that is rustproof and high in quality hence long-lasting. This frame is also simple and has a stylish design suitable for people of different ages. It is easy to assemble this bike; you only need 15 minutes.
For your safety and the best riding experience, ensure that all parts are tightly fastened before riding. Murtisol Hydraulic Bike has a 21-speed derailleur, which makes eases for the bike’s gear shifting. Front and seat suspensions ensure that your ride is smooth with less or no vibrations on bumpy terrain. Its sturdy construction makes the bike reliable and a great partner on the road. Front and rear brakes make it easy to stop and slow down the bike hence guarantees for your safety.
Pros
- Comfortable saddle makes your riding experience enjoyable
- The bike can hold people of different weights due to its large capacity
- Adjustable handlebars make it an ideal choice for both teenagers and adults
- It’s safe to use with the available brakes and suspension
Cons
- It’s not easy to assemble, and you may need a professional for the same.
3. Vilano Hybrid Bike
Key Features
- Linear pull brakes
- Available water mounting rack
- Steel frame
- Comfortable handlebars
- 7-speed twist grip shifters
Vilano Hybrid Bike is ideal for daily commuting. The bike’s classic look hybrid handlebars ensure that you ride upright without straining. The handlebars provide a comfortable and tight grip even with sweaty hands. It also features a saddle that is comfortable enough to make your riding experience the best.
Vilano Hybrid Bike has water mounts, making it possible for you to carry water so that you can stay hydrated when biking. The steel frame is sturdy hence maximizes the longevity of the bike. Suspension ensures that you can enjoy smooth riding even on rough terrain. Seven-speed twist grip shifters make it easy for you to control the bikes speed down or uphill.
This bike has linear-pull brakes that provide excellent stopping power when the need arises. It also features a licking kickstand, in case you would like to park your bike.
Pros
- The robust braking system for great stopping and slowing down power.
- Free pedals to fix that help to propel the bike
- Availability of a water bottle mount makes it easy to carry water to hydrate
- Tight grips on the adjustable handlebars
Cons
- Pedal installation can be difficult
- Assembly of the bike is time-consuming
4. Kent Springdale Hybrid Bicycle
Key Features
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- Front suspension
- 21 variable speeds
- Linear pull brakes
- Rear rack
Kent Springdale Hybrid Bicycle features an aluminum frame that is lightweight and rustproof. This helps to maximize the lifespan of the bike. The bike has 60 mm travel front suspension fork that makes your riding comfortable on rough and bumpy road surfaces. This bike is also equipped with 21 speeds that are suitable for any terrain you might face. The bike has linear-pull brakes, which are effective and reliable.
Kent Springdale Hybrid Bicycle comes with a rear rack that you can use to carry your stuff. The seat is comfortable for excellent biking experience. The front and rear derailleurs make the shifting of the gears effortless and effective, considering its affordability.
Pros
- The bike has smooth gear shifting for downhills and uphill’s biking
- It looks sleek and classy
- This hydraulic bike makes an excellent entry-level bike
Cons
- The pedals installation is wearisome
- Uneven pedals may not fit properly
5. Kent Avondale Hybrid Bike
Key Features
- Strong braking system
- Aluminum rims
- 7 speed rear derailleur
- Comfortable handlebars
- Aluminum frame
Kent Avondale Hybrid Bike has an excellent braking system for natural slowing down or stopping. It’s equipped with a handcrafted aluminum frame that is long-lasting. This bike has a uniquely designed safety feature – it has an anti-lock braking system that prevents the wheels from locking up under emergency and panic or harsh braking conditions. 7 speed rear derailleur switches gear by moving the chains bottom side to side.
Kent Avondale Hybrid Bike has comfortable handlebars that help to support a portion of your weight as you ride. In addition to this, the bike has rustproof aluminum rims and bolts on hubs for theft deterrence.
Pros
- Guarantees you protection from mud splashes when riding during wet weather
- Aluminum frame prevents rusting increasing the durability
- Linear pull brakes enhance the stopping power of the bike
- It has comfortable handlebars that provide a convenient mounting place for brake levels, bell, etc.
Cons
- Some customers complain about the brakes being squeaky
- The bike is weighty
Conclusion
Considering the above review, all the hybrid bikes on the list are good and have effective performance. However, the Kent International Pomona Hybrid Bike becomes our winner of the best hybrid bikes under $200. Hybrid bikes should entail an excellent braking system, suspension feature, comfortable saddle as some of the essential elements which this classic hybrid bike has all that.
You should always consider the frame material of the bike so that you get the best and smooth for efficiency. The braking system also matters because you have to stop or slow the bike down at one point in your riding experience. On some bikes, you will also find mount racks places where you can place your bags or water bottles.
When it comes to the wheel size, choose one that’s best suitable for the function of your bike. You can’t choose a bike with wide tires for racing because the size affects the swiftness.