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If you live within 5 miles of your office or school, you’re at a perfect distance to consider commuting by bicycle. Obviously, much of it will still depend on how bike-friendly your potential route is, but a hill might also be giving you pause. Being forced to conquer hills on your ride to work can quickly turn that energetic start into a sweaty struggle. That's why picking the right bike for your hilly commute is crucial. In this article, we’ll help you identify what makes a good bike for a 5-mile commute with hills and - hopefully - help you find your perfect commuter bike.
Bikes vs Hills: What You Must Consider
If you’re facing a hilly commute, there are two key things that are critical to get right with your bike: gears and bike weight.
Single-speed bikes are brilliant for riding on flat smooth roads, but if you’re regularly facing hills, don’t try to be a hero by riding a single speed daily.
Instead, you’ll want to find a lightweight bike with lots of gears. You’ll want at least a 7-speed option (i.e. 7 gears) if you’re facing a hilly commute.
Another key consideration you need to make is whether you prioritize speed or comfort. Commuter bikes are built for efficiency, but if you’d prefer to take your time and simply enjoy the ride, an aptly-named comfort bike or city bike may be better suited for you with a more upright seated position.
Lastly, you’ll also need to consider the surfaces you’ll be riding on. Single-speed, commuter and comfort bikes are all great on smooth streets, but if you’ll be pedaling on gravel tracks or off-road, you might want to think about a cruiser bike or hybrid bike instead, which boast thicker tires that can better handle more rugged terrain.
Top 3 Hill Crushing Bikes for Commuting
1. Sporty and Compact: Lorimer Hybrid Commuter Bicycle
Price: $699.99
The Lorimer is a versatile hybrid commuter bike with wide gears, puncture-resistant tires, a lightweight frame, and a comfortable saddle.
With its 700c wheels and Shimano Altus drivetrain, the Lorimer Hybrid might be the best option for tackling hillier commutes.
Highly rated by customers (4.92 out of 5 stars) for being well-built, easy to purchase, and having helpful customer service.
Specs:
Frame: Lightweight Double-Butted 4130 CrMO Hybrid Frame with fender/rack mount eyelets
Fork: Brooklyn Bicycle Co. custom steel fork with fender & front carrier eyelets
Tires: Puncture-resistant 700cx35
Weight: 28-30 lbs.
2. Comfy and Reliable: Franklin 8 Speed City Bike
Price: $599.99
The Franklin 8 is a stylish and comfortable city bike with an 8-speed drivetrain and puncture-resistant tires for easy rides anywhere in town.
The rim brakes on the Franklin 8 provide strong stopping power in all weather conditions, which can be important on descents.
Highly rated by customers (4.96 out of 5 stars) for being comfortable, smooth-riding, easy to shift, and well-built.
Specs:
Frame: Lightweight Steel frame, rear carrier & down tube braze-ons
Fork: Brooklyn Bicycle Co. custom steel; front carrier braze-ons
Tires: M—Puncture-resistant 26 x 1 3/8” Tires, L—Puncture-resistant 700cx35 tires. Select colors and sizes have 650b wheels.
Weight: 31-33 lbs.
3. Comfy and Secretly Sporty: Bedford 8 Speed Commuter Bike
Price: $599.99
Highly rated by customers for being comfortable and smooth-riding, even for longer commutes (up to 10 miles).
The Bedford 8 is a stylish and functional commuter bike with 8-speed gears and puncture-resistant tires, making it easy to ride anywhere in town.
Specs:
Frame: Lightweight Steel frame, rear carrier & down tube braze-ons
Fork: Brooklyn Bicycle Co. custom steel; front carrier braze-ons
Tires: Puncture-resistant 700cx35
Weight: 27 lbs.
Conquering Hills with Confidence: Essential Tips
But before you set off on your next ride, remember the essentials to riding comfortably on hills:
Pace Yourself: Don't go all out at the beginning of your ride, and burn out before you reach the top. Gradually increase your effort, especially as you near the summit.
Master Your Gears: Don't be afraid to experiment with your gears to find a comfortable rhythm that you can maintain. Trust us, the “granny gear” will become your BFF on those tough inclines.
Stay Calm: Breathe, focus on maintaining control, and dig deep. Remember, hills are a great way to build leg strength!
With the right bike and these helpful tips, your hilly commute can be a breeze.
Still not sure sure what bike you need? Take our 1-minute bike finder quiz.
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