15 Top-Notch Bicycles to Hit the Road With in 2023

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GOOD WEATHER is now in full swing, which means we can finally start embarking on all our favorite outdoor activities. Of course you could pick up a new pair of running shoes and settle back into your morning jogs. You could also lace up a new pair of hiking boots for some fresh exploring (remember the rule of 3 when looking for poison ivy). But if you want to experience the warm weather while covering some serious ground, the best activity to take up is biking.

Biking is a great way to stay in shape and offers a cheaper, eco-friendly alternative to commuting. But finding the right bike isn't easy. That's why the MH gear team did the hard work for you and tested the best bikes for men to buy now.

Whether you’re into road biking or mountain biking, we tried and tested the best bike models you can buy online and get shipped to your door fast. We also covered our favorite top-rated e-bikes, as the timing has never been better to try one of these bad boys. No matter your preference one thing is for certain: you're going to enjoy the season a whole lot more with a new set of wheels.

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Best Men's Road Bikes

Good for: Riding on the tarmac. Training for road races.

Skinny tires, low handlebars, and lots and lots of gears. You get the picture. Much like a race car, road bikes are built on speed, aerodynamics, and efficiency. Road bikes are also built to weigh as little as possible so you can glide and turn like a hawk. Unless you're going off-road, most triathlons and bike races are designed for road use only. If you’re looking for a low-impact bike with a high cardio reward—and are perhaps finally interested in getting into race training—then this is the biking method for you.

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A child of REI’s Co-Op division, this bike matches all of the technical specs of its more expensive, name-brand competitors. Highly rated by the brand’s customer base, it features an aluminum frame and carbon fork—striking the balance between durability and lightness. We loved testing its solid Shimano components that will also allow you to hit the occasional gravel shortcut if your route requires. After a week of testing the Cycles ADV 2.1 Bike, we concluded that it is a solid starter road bike for those who are looking for something to train with and use for recreation.

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Some like to pin all-road bikes into the gravel category, while others say they're an extension of the road bike category. We're in the latter camp of thought, especially when it comes to the Priority 600. Made with a carbon-reinforced belt drive and built with a smooth 12-speed gearbox, the Priority 600 is capable of being your everyday commuter and your recreational rider that can go from tarmac to gravel with buttery ease. After testing the Priority Bicycles 600 on the road and in the back country, we found that this versatile rider is ready for all types of terrain.

One of the most well-known bike brands, Cervelo offers a number of models ideal for all types of road use. We like the Caledonia, as its carbon frame set offers smooth responsiveness for when the road gets bumpy. The bike also has clearance for 34mm tires, so you can customize the bike to be a little more than just road-specific. We can't forget to mention the price point; elevated, yes, but respectable for this echelon of road bikes.

If you're looking for a tried and true gravel bike, the Specialized E5 is going to give you the fastest and most comfortable ride down backroads and side paths. It comes in a durable and lightweight alloy frame and is outfitted with Shimano Claris gears. For the tires, we're talking 38mm Pathfinder Sports that go around Axis Elite alloy wheels. At just $1,300, this is a more than worthy investment for those who like to occasionally take their bike for a spin off the pavement when riding.

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Best Men's Mountain Bikes

Good for: Rough terrain.

As the name implies, we’re not in Kansas anymore. Mountain bikes are a whole different ball game. Bigger tires, heartier shocks, and more durable components are all common traits of these bikes—for good reason too. You’ll need your mountain bike to hold together in even the toughest terrain. We tested some popular models across various price points.

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If you're at an intermediate to expert level of trail riding, then you'll be a fan of the Trek Fuel EX 8 Gen 6. The bike's alloy frame is sturdy yet lightweight, which helps maximize the smooth-shifting Shimano XT drivetrain. As for the shocks, Trek outfitted the bike with Fox Float X for precise control and then matched the fork with a 150mm Fox Rhythm. Although this bike isn't a carbon model, it's still going to ride like the best of them. At under $5,000, you're simply getting a lot of value for your investment.

Another in-house REI product, the DRT 1.1 is a great beginner to intermediate mountain bike. The large tires and even larger suspension will give you the confidence you need to really dive into trails. REI outfitted the 1.1 with Tektro hydraulic disc brakes in order to consistently deliver reliable stopping power in all weather conditions. On top of the name-brand brakes, you also get a set of premium Kendra tires and a trusted Shimano gear system—all for an impressively low price of $700.

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Just over $500, the Mongoose Switchback is an admirable mountain bike for beginners looking to get into trail riding. It's made of a lofty aluminum frame and outfitted with crisp front and rear brakes and durable double-walled alloy rims. You're not getting any crazy specs on this mountain bike, but what you do get is trusted performance. You'll be in good hands with this bike.

If you're looking for a BMX bike that can ride dirt trails and on park equipment, then the Mongoose Legion is a solid choice. It's not the most advanced BMX bike, but the $500 price point is great when you consider the bike's lifespan and build quality. Reviewers found this bike has an excellent frame to start with (4130 chromoly frame fork and bars) but can be modified over time if you ever want to upgrade your setup.

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Best Men's Hybrid Bikes

Good for: Tarmac. Some off-road terrain.

Not sure if a mountain bike or a road bike is right for you? Luckily there’s something right in the middle—a hybrid bike. These cycles are specially designed to offer you a smooth ride on road surfaces, rough gravel trails, and everything in between.

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The Cannondale Bad Boy 3 is lauded by hybrid bike fans. It's suitable for short commutes and all types of trails thanks to a SmartForm C2 alloy frame that sits in an aggressive stance. The Bad Boy 3 features robust tires on 650b wheels, allowing riders to make sharp turns on any terrain and roll over potholes without any worry. Cannondale also made sure Shimano shifters and brakes that are outfitted. If you're looking for a versatile bike that will last you for years to come, then the Bad Boy 3 is a worthy pick.

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Coming to you at an extremely reasonable price, this highly-rated hybrid bike has a sleek aluminum frame with a 24-gear system to allow you to conquer those miles on the open road. However, if you decide to take a spin off-road, you definitely won’t feel out of place. Its suspension fork gives you 63mm of travel to smooth out rough roads or gravel trails. The best part? You can lock the suspension out when it isn't needed to increase control on smooth surfaces.

The GTX 3 hybrid model exudes all of what Schwinn bikes are made to be: quality, long-lasting, and affordable. This bike is perfect for exploring gravel trails or commuting around town on smooth road surfaces. Similar to other hybrid bikes, the GTX 3 also comes a lightweight aluminum frame and features a sturdy suspension fork to keep you feeling confident on whatever terrain comes your way.

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Best Men's E-Bikes

Good for: Long-distance commuting

Do you find yourself wasting endless dollars on gasoline for a relatively minor commute? Are you tired of driving a vehicle that contributes negatively to our ongoing fight against climate change? If you answered yes to either of those questions, an electric bike might be for you. Recent advancements in lithium-ion battery technology have made these bikes more affordable, with longer, more dependable ranges—putting them in the same class as e-scooters or other electric modes of transportation.

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Read more: Do E-Bikes Cheat My Workout?

Foldable e-bikes are getting better and better as brands continue to innovate. While we could dive in headfirst to multiple foldable e-bikes (see our guide to the best folding electric bikes), the one that's worth highlighting the most is the Qualisports Volador. This folding e-bike breaks down in only a few steps and weighs just 36 pounds. Couple it with the fact it pumps out 350 watts of power and goes up to 30 miles per charge, and you've got an e-bike that can power you through almost any impromptu ride. The tires and frame are strong enough to handle light off-roading, so feel free to take it through trails and light gravel.

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Nearly all traditional bike manufacturers are starting to make electric versions of some of their most beloved designs—mountain bikes included. Brands are still working out the kinks on outfitting mountain bikes with some sort of electrical component, but the Trek Fuel EXe 9.5 has seemed to impress trail riders. The carbon-framed bike is outfitted with a small motor that really shines when riders need pedal assistance—like riding up a mountain to a trailhead. What's great is the motor system and the configuration of the tech still allow the bike to move freely down a mountain without any interference or restrictions. You don't have a mode when you can ride the bike without having to pedal, but the fact you get pedal assistance on a mountain bike of this quality at all is a pretty awesome feature to have.

Cowboy e-bikes have some of the coolest designs around. The bikes are simple, sleek, smart, and wonderfully minimalistic. We like the Cowboy 4 ST, a step-through model that provides easy cruising around a city. What's cool about Cowboy e-bikes—aside from the fact they're agile and supremely durable—is you can install the Cowboy app and get a whole mess of real-time data to interpret. You can open the app and lock your phone from and center on the handlebars, then you can open up a map with your planned route and see what traffic delays and weather patterns are to be expected. You also gain access to a ride dashboard that tells you your speed, miles traveled, duration of your ride, and a predictive battery level.

The Aventon Level is the brand's best-selling e-bike, and for good reason. The bike is made with a 6061 double-butted aluminum alloy frame and outfitted with an internal battery that can reach up to 40 miles of range on average and a top speed of 28 mph. Fans of the Level find this a do-it-all commuter bike, as subtle features like a rack for carrying cargo and fenders for keeping mud and water splashing up on you are added to handle even the toughest of city riding. But what really makes this bike a seriously good pick is the price point. Most e-bikes of this quality are close to $2,000 and up. The Level comes in at around $1,600.

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What Are the Best Bikes for Men?

Truly you can't go wrong with any of the bike recommendations we put together above, but if you're looking for a few definitive picks on the best bikes for guys we have a rapid fire list here you can refer to.

Best Bike Overall: Cannondale Bad Boy 3

The Cannondale Bad Boy 3 is our best overall bike. The price point is not too high and the versatile design of the bike allows you to use it for commutes, trail riding, and more. The style of the bike is sleek and modern, and the lifespan you're going to get out of it will be sure to last you for years to come.

Best Road Bike: REI Co-op Cycles ADV 2.1 Bike

For the best road bike, the REI Co-op Cycles ADV 2.1 Bike is going to give you premium materials like a lightweight aluminum frame and carbon fork. You'll also get to familiarize yourself with a set of Shimano gears, which will allow you to learn through all of the different gear settings without having to break a sweat and worry about damaging your new bike out of the gate. The price? An impressively low $1,300 when you consider the amount of value you're getting.

Best Mountain Bike: REI Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 Bike

For the best mountain bike, the REI Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 Bike is built with features that are going to ensure you stay riding even through the toughest wear and tear. We're talking Shimano gears, an SR Suntour suspension, and Tektro brakes. Oh, and Kenda tires. Rain or shine, the 1.1 is going to give you the tools for navigating all your favorite trails—and all for the low price of $700.

How to Choose a Good Bike

Finding the perfect bike for you starts with two things: your needs and your budget. After covering those two steps you can then look at finding your bike size.

Popular Types of Bikes

We recommend writing down on a notepad what you want in a new bike so you can find the type that best fits you. Some of the most popular types of bikes are mountain bikes, road bikes, cruiser bikes, and hybrid bikes.

Do you plan on training for any races or triathlons? You'd likely want to look at hybrids and road bikes. Do you need a good commuter bike to get you around the new city you just moved to? We recommend checking out an e-bike! Once you have written down what exactly you plan on using your bike for, and what features you might want to have, then you can move towards how much you're willing to spend.

What You Should Pay

Bike prices are hard to pin down, as they fluctuate between different types of bikes and vary depending on what you're hoping to get out of your new bike. We like to stick to a $500 rule when shopping for a quality bike. Try to steer clear from anything under that price, as those bikes might do well for about a year but in reality most of them aren't made to last as long as a good bike should.

Road bikes are oftentimes the most expensive bike you can buy, as they're geared towards professional racing and made with the strongest and most lightweight materials. A good road bike will cost you at least $1,000 these days, but a more realistic price range to look between is $3000-$6000. Some road bikes can go past $10,000; what we'd call the "best of the best." Mountain bikes have a wider price range, but they can go up quite high in price too. You can buy a quality mountain bike starting at a little over $500 and as high as $5,000. The more expensive you get the more bells and whistles you'll receive, like dual suspension, responsive brakes, strong wheels, and more.

While not exceptionally good at one specific type of terrain (like a road or mountain bike), hybrid bikes are capable of adapting to everything from city to trail riding. For us, they offer a solid bang for your buck purchase, especially when you consider you can buy a quality hybrid bike anywhere between $500-$1,500. Last to consider the price on are e-bikes. The price on e-bikes vary so much that you can expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $5,000: sometimes the high price point is worth the investment on e-bikes, and sometimes it's just a bunch of smoke and mirrors because of all the loaded "tech" the bike incorporates. Be weary of high priced e-bikes that are not recommended on our list here.

Bike Size

Next comes your proper size. If you don't know your bike size, your best bet is to go to your local bike shop and get an expert measurement. There are a lot of myths out there about bike fitting, so it's best to understand the type of bike you're wanting to get first (road, hybrid, mountain, e-bike) and then do further research on what to look for in each category. If you want to learn more about the smaller details in the bike fitting process, Bicycling has an informative guide where they bust several different bike fitting myths.

Why Trust Us

The Men's Health team is constantly reviewing a diverse range of bikes throughout the year. Our editors and writers go test bikes in city and trail environments, as well as in races and in parks. Aside from updating our bike roundups each season, we cover the latest bike releases in our Outdoor Awards franchise, an annual package that covers all the newest outdoor products. Lastly, we tap the expertise of our friends at publications like Bicycling and at retailers like REI and Backcountry in order make the best recommendations on bikes we might not as tested as in-depth as we would have liked.

How We Selected

For the past three years, we consulted with Men's Health's editors on the best bikes for men. Experts including gear and commerce editor John Thompson, put a number of bikes to the test to evaluate their durability, performance, features, and fit. We also considered price points, as some bikes have a better overall value than others. Last, we took into account top-reviewed bikes for men with at least 100 five-star customer ratings on e-commerce websites we trust. The list above is a round-up of our picks for the best bikes for men in 2023.

We might only be right around the corner from winter, but it’s never too early to get a new bike. It’s often incredibly more expensive to purchase a bike in springtime — an issue only exacerbated by the current supply chain issues. Whether you’re into road biking, mountain biking or utilizing an e-bike for commuting purposes, this piece will examine the best brands available to you, so you an be sure you’re getting a good deal.

There are a lot of reasons you might want to purchase a new bike. For starters, biking is a great way to stay in shape. Maybe you want to ditch the gym membership for a new road bike, or give up a high-impact sport like running for a more knee-friendly cruising bike. Either way, a new bike is guaranteed to get your blood pumping and your body moving.

On the other hand, many short-range commuters are starting to see the benefits of traveling to work with an electric bike (e-bike). These bikes are designed for comfort, durability and range. Many of them are able to be re-charged completely during the workday, ensuring you’re able to make it back home after a long day. E-bikes are also becoming more and more common among the more environmentally conscious, given their lack of CO2 emissions.

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