One of the banes of northern Michigan, and Traverse City in particular, is summer traffic. While commuting by bike has health and wellness benefits year-round, it’s especially fun during peak tourist season. There’s nothing like zooming along the TART and seeing hundreds of cars stuck in traffic and knowing that could be you.
Whether you’re thinking about buying a commuter bike to bypass traffic, avoid rising gas prices, or just build time into your day to exercise, choosing the right ride makes the experience more enjoyable and convenient. Here’s how to pick a commuter bike you’ll absolutely love to ride!
What Is a Commuter Bike?
Sometimes referred to as a hybrid bike, a commuter bike is a utilitarian, practical bike designed for transportation and fitness. They are designed to be comfortable, reliable, and easy to maintain. There is a relatively wide range of commuter bikes, depending on factors like tire width, racks and fenders, and features like hub-powered lights or belt-drive drivetrains.
A few common characteristics of a commuter bike include:
Upright riding position: Most bikes position riders much more upright than a road or mountain bike. This improves comfort and visibility, a must for navigating busy city streets.
Accessories: Many commuter bikes come with fenders and racks specifically designed to fit that exact model. This makes it easier to carry bags (called panniers) and other cargo, so you can bring your work things or even grab a few things from the store on your way home.
Other features include a belt-drive drivetrain instead of a metal chain, often paired with an internal hub, which won’t get bent or bumped in crowded bike racks. You’ll also find a lot of commuter bikes that come with a hub-powered front light, so you can see and be seen.
Electric Commuter Bike vs. Non-Electric
Over the past several years, the demand for commuter eBikes has exploded globally and certainly in northern Michigan. Ebikes allow riders to go a little faster with less effort, expanding their commute range considerably. That’s important in communities like Traverse City and Cadillac, where riding across town might otherwise take forty minutes or more.
You don’t need an eBike to commute, but it’s worth considering if:
Your current fitness level limits how far or fast you can ride safely
Your commute is long (think over 4-5 miles)
Your commute is hilly
You may also need to run errands before or after work
Even active adults choose to ride an eBike to make getting around more convenient and fun. Einstein Cycles offers a range of Specialized and Troxus eBikes, plus rentals, so you can get familiar with an electric bike before you buy.
Read More: What’s the Difference Between Road Bikes and Gravel Bikes?
Our Commuter Bike Recommendations
There are a ton of great commuter bikes to choose from, including options from all the bike brands we carry.
Here are a few of the best commuter bikes out there, as picked by the Ec crew!
Kona Dew DL
The Dew line-up is iconic for Kona, and different versions of the bike have been around for decades! The current Dew DL build is a great mix of Shimano components, bombproof wheels and tires, and custom fenders to ensure a no-rattle, durable fit.
Surly Big Easy
The electric version of Surly’s Big Dummy, the Big Easy fits 1-2 passengers (your kids will love it!) or your haul of groceries. The 26 x 2.5” tires provide an extra-sturdy platform for haulin’. It’s enough to let you park your car for most of the summer, if not year-round!
Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2.4 Step-Through
The Vado is Specialized’s mid-range electric commuter/hybrid bike, but everything about this bike feels premium. Built with Future Shock to smooth out the ride and a 320-watt motor with up to 5 hours of range. That’s enough to knock out forty minutes of commute time per day for a week without charging!
Enjoy Your Commute (and Skip the Traffic)
There are many reasons to ride a bike, especially during tourist season in Traverse City. Let Einstein Cycles help you choose the right commuter bike for your ride, your fitness level, and your needs. We love riding, and everyone here takes a lot of pride in helping everyone find a bike, no matter the purpose or style. Find the Ec location nearest you or get in touch today!