Best Commuter Bikes in the UK

Some bikes are unitaskers, good at what they were designed to do but not much else. The FabricBike Commuter is different from that group. Sure, with "commuter" right there in the name, the model's adapted to the city first. Nevertheless, this hybrid urban bike is pretty versatile, able to accommodate not only commuting but also exploring the local roads and achieving fitness goals. To start with, standard commuters do not come endowed with flat upright handlebars. Aside from complementing this more aggressive frame design that separates the bike from boring city bicycles, the 'bars also facilitate comfortable and speedy riding.

Needless to say, the handlebars are connected to the stem that's connected to the frame, the model's biggest selling point. Unlike most commuters, the bike's frameset is made from chromoly, the low-alloy steel that borrows its name from “chromium” and “molybdenum”, hence "chromoly". When this material's butted and shaped, removing excess weight, you receive this lightweight yet strong and durable frame that's responsive and lends the bike great flex, all whilst maintaining its form. The frame will be able to absorb more road vibrations and keep the ride smooth and enjoyable, even when the terrain gets bumpy.

The Ecosmo Folding Bicycle starts with its folding construction but we'll begin this review elsewhere. More often than not, folding bikes have the dullest presence, looking like someone has bred Transformers rejects and multiple broken wheelchairs from the nearby scrapyard. Now, this bicycle is not winning any style awards too but, with its slim yet defined frameset, sleek paintwork, and tyres matching black with red, the bike looks boss.

Also, besides adding appearance points, the 1.35-inch Kenda road tyres have been reinforced to make them resistant against puncturing and wearing out, so you won't be replacing them come next season. The matte black finish is pretty tough too, meaning that you won't be seeing scratches the first time you drop the bike.

Setting the wheels and the tyres aside, commuter bikes make the saddle more important than MTBs and electric bikes, hence the sprung seat and the ample padding absorbing bumps and keeping you comfortable even when you get off the beaten track and start exploring different cycle paths, from country roads and farm pathways to canal towpaths. The height locking mechanism on the seat will require re-tightening from time to time though but this is where maintenance concerns both begin and end.

Electric bikes have arrived and they're not going anywhere. In fact, research suggests that somewhere around 130 million e-bikes will be sold globally only within the next three years. On that note, let's talk about the TOEU Electric Bike. Sure, this is not the most capable vehicle available today, you'd be ill-advised to expect that from the ~250-quid price tag. The bike has been designed to accommodate commuters' needs and, from where we're standing, this model does not disappoint. According to the people behind this product, the dolphin-esque shape gives the bike an improved aesthetic, which's subjective but its unique and interesting outline is not subjective at all, we can say that much.

What's also not subjective is that the model's performance is impressive compared to most e-bikes within this price range. The 350-watt brushless electric motor will allow you to 25 km/h within ~5 seconds, nothing short of impressive relative to the product's price and size.

The maximum driving distance with e-bikes will always depend on road conditions, the load the bike is carrying, and how much pedalling you're willing to add. Well, pedalling is not something you'll have at your disposal here because the bike is designed without them, an odd choice but, again, the product was engineered to aid commuters, not biking enthusiasts. Because the pedals have been removed, the maximum possible gradient stretches only 20 degrees.

The Ecosmo 20-Inch Folding Bicycle is an excellent companion, reliable, dependable, and low-maintenance. Also, the company's bikes look good, something that we cannot say about most folding bicycles. The outline is sleek, the frameset is not stubby, and the paintwork is more than presentable. The only issue here is that this paintwork is pretty shoddy from the longevity perspective, so the presentable part will start going away quite soon.

Still, the bike is packing fantastic features, starting with the lightweight yet strong aluminium alloy frame that will easily handle consistent abuse. The 20-inch wheels are pretty good at that too, including the road tyres that as not as gentle as most city tyres, so you won't have to replace them anytime soon. The spokes on the wheels are secured, so even some drops and falls here and there will not force you to do any maintenance work.

Before everything else though, what defines this bike is the folding part, which, incidentally, is also where this product shines the most. The company's patented brackets, using quick-secure fastening clips, allow you to fold the bicycle to a fraction of the original size in seconds. At the same time, the patented lock mechanism keeps the frameset stiff, preventing folding during riding. Folding mechanism aside, the bike's shipped ~99% assembled, all you have to do is attach the double-welded brackets and quick-release clips on the frame, handlebars, and the seat post, assembling and disassembling the bike within seconds.

The FabricBike City Classic Road Bike pairs old-school design solutions with modern tech. First things first, the classic frameset featuring refined diamond geometry improves aerodynamics and keeps different riders comfortable tackling any terrain. Plus, the frameset makes the bicycle look brilliant, nothing like modern bikes that are swarming with wires, different buttons, gadgets, knick-knacks, etc. No, the bike looks reserved, mature, subtle yet charming. Incorporating internal cable routing, the bicycle has this clean and neat presence, all whilst retaining the tried-and-tested horizontal top tube that ensures comfortable and elegant upright riding with the lightest, most responsive feel.

Again though, the bike is not banking on classic solutions alone. To begin with, you have the Shimano™ gearing and shifting, adopting seven speed positions and comfortable enough to accommodate different hand sizes and secure light and responsive performance. Now, to be frank, before the gearing, the model's construction is much more about the high-tensile steel frame and the lightweight and polished aluminium double-walled wheels, featuring high-quality hubs (including sealed cartridge bearings and an alloy cassette body) and double-butted stainless spokes. These components make the bike lightweight (weighing less than 12 kilogrammes) but also tough and durable, from surviving bumpy roads to resisting the elements.