Best Bikes for College Student: Sleekest Ever! (2023)

During my early days in college, it was hard for me to get to my classes on time. I will never forget the pain of running after a taxi to get to the campus, especially during the morning rush. But the day I got my bike literally changed my life. I may not recall how the idea to get the bicycle came, but it was the best thing that happened during my college years. I had fun, saved some bucks, and enjoyed the health benefits of biking all simultaneously.

From my experience, the best bike for college students is one that is affordable, reliable, and easy to maintain. There are plenty of models out there, but picking the right one may be difficult, especially if you’re not familiar with them. With this in mind, my team and I did thorough research on the highest-rated models out there.

But before you go through our list, there are important factors to consider. You’ll also get help from our bicycle riding and maintenance tips. So, if you’re still looking for a cheaper way to commute to school, search no more, we’ve got you covered!

Our 10 Best Bikes for College Student – Reviews

01 Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike (Editor’s Choice)

Why it stands out to us

Schwinn needs no introduction from us. They have been in the industry since 1895 and their bikes are known for their extraordinary quality and performance without being heavy on the pocket. The Discover is one of their top-selling hybrid bikes and we believe this is the perfect choice for college-goers. Why? See that for yourself!

Our experience with the Schwinn Discover

• A beauty to behold, you are sure to get compliments from people around whenever you will take it out for a ride
• The smooth and large aluminum frame is lighter and longer lasting than those cheap metal frames found on most budget bikes. However, this is still easily affordable for students cautious about their budget
• The bike comes partially assembled. All you have to do is attach the handlebar, seat, fenders, and front wheel to the frame. You may call in a friend and visit a bike store nearby to do the assembly for you in case you don’t feel confident about it
• The 21-speed gear is perfect if you don’t want to put much strain on your legs or to help you ride uphill without breaking a sweat. Nobody wants to arrive at their classroom dog-tired and sweating like a pig
• The tires and the front suspension handle all types of terrain like a champ – the best part of a hybrid bike. But also remember that hybrid bikes are not replacements for dedicated road bikes or MTBs.
• The high handlebars mean you will stay upright for a comfortable sitting position without having to hunch over
• The bike shifts smoothly and the brakes also work great.

What we didn’t like

The saddle seems a bit narrow and so it’s not very comfy. You may have to replace it or add a cushion yourself

What could be improved

The generic instruction manual is for all Schwinn bikes that makes assembly somewhat tricky. Schwinn should make the manual more user-friendly

Our recommendation

• Get a bike pump before assembly because very few tires come pre-pumped
• Don’t take it for off road trails
• Inflate the tires to the level that’s indicated on the sidewall – 75 psi if you’re over 180+ lbs and 50 psi for a 110 lbs or less rider

Specifications

Pros

• Beautiful look
• Sturdy frame
• Easy assembly
• Rides smooth
• Budget-friendly

Cons

• Uncomfortable saddle

02 sixthreezero Hybrid-Bicycles EVRYjourney (Best for Female Students)

Why it stands out to us

Sixthreezero may not have such a legendary presence like Schwinn in the marketplace. But their bikes have become the first choice of many bike enthusiasts and EVRYjourney is no different. Female riders usually prioritize more on the look of a bike than its functionality. The good news is you get to enjoy both top-level performance and an eye-pleasing design with this stunning bike.

Our experience with the EVRYjourney

• Here is another nice-looking cruiser bike that you can take to your college in style. Some of your will be jealous when they will see you’re riding such a wonderful bicycle while some might order for themselves in order to be a proud owner just like you
• At 38 lbs, the rigid aluminum frame doesn’t weigh much. Weight is an important factor for female riders. The EVRYjourney is not only stylish with a retro vibe but it’s also lightweight and won’t tire you easily if you have to lift it every now and then
• Setting up the bike is fairly easy. Those who have never done that before were able to easily get it done following the manual that actually is very detailed and the assembly video available on their official website. Unlike the Schwinn Discover, all the tools are also provided with the package.
• With the EVRYjourney, you will always get to enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride. Some of our team members rode it for over half an hour on city roads many times without having pain on their legs
• The gears and the breaks work fine. Our brakes started squeaking after a few months of use. We think this happened because we didn’t set the brakes right  during the assembly. However, the issue was taken care of immediately
• The back rack is quite practical for students to keep their belongings

What we didn’t like

• The seat is cushy but you’ll expect a softer seat than this

What could be improved

• The packaging quality is not up to par. We have seen better quality from other top brands

Specifications

Pros

• Beautiful looking
• Easy assembly
• Informative user manual
• Smooth ride
• Great control

Cons

• Uncomfortable saddle
• Poor package quality

03 6KU Track Fixed Gear Bicycle (Best Single Speed)

Why it stands out to us

Single speed bikes are great for plain roads and they have the minimal maintenance requirements when compared to their gear counterparts. The 6KU Track Fixie can be your best road companion during your college years.  The best part is you won’t have to save money for months to get this solid bike.

Our experience with the 6KU Track

• Cool looking things are the first choice of the youth. This bike is so pleasing to the eye with three color options (black, white and yellow). We often get compliments when we ride on this bike and we are sure that you will have the same pleasing experience as well due to its nice geometry
• We’re always after aluminum frames and this time is no different. Carbon and titanium are better but they will be out of reach of most students who have to take care of their tuition fees, college loans, and other expenses. The light and sturdy frame lasts longer than your expectations.
• You can easily assemble it. It’s easier to set up a fixie when compared to geared bikes anyway. Although the package doesn’t contain all the necessary tools, you will be guided by their instructional video and manual step-by-step for a hassle-free assembly session
• Get ready for a fantastic ride with the Track. This fixie can handle occasional uphill rides without squeaks. You will have real fun for sure
• The brakes come pre-assembled – a big relief for those non-mechanical young riders

What we didn’t like

• The pedals look and feel cheap. Since they are not expensive, we changed the pedals soon after they worn out
• The paint seemed to scratch easily

What could be improved

• Aside from the pedals, many complained about the quality of the brakes and the handlebar. We think they are fine considering the price but perhaps a revision could be made by 6KU

Specifications

Pros

• Great symmetry
• Easy assembly
• Smooth & durable
• Lightweight
• Real value for money

Cons

• Cheap pedals

04 Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Cruiser Bicycle

This hybrid cruiser from sixthreezero is perfect for both leisure and commuting rides. Like our top choice, it has an aluminum frame with a matte black color; weighing 39.7 pounds. So, it’s a little light for smooth and easy maneuvering.

What’s more, this product comes with 26-inch long and 9-inch wide tires which provide enough cushion for easy rolling. It lags behind our top pick by speed as it came with a 7-speed Shimano external hub. We had to increase our pedaling power to pass specific routes. It’s still good for us since you can always choose either 21-speed, 3-speed, or single speed options.

The EVRYjourney model offers a foot-forward seat position which is the reason riders of varying heights can stand putting their foot flat on the ground after stopping. Its low profile frame makes it easy for you to mount and dismount. Low weight of the bike makes it easy for dragging and hanging it in the dorm.

Like our top model, it features a rear rack, fenders, and two hand brakes. It also comes with reflectors so that other road users can spot you. There is a cover that keeps moisture and dirt from the chain. Our concern was in the handlebar design, which made users twist their hand a little more when holding the brake levers but it wasn’t a deal-breaker to us since you’ll still enjoy an upright riding position.

Pros

• Dual handle brakes
• High-quality weld
• Lightweight construction
• Superior comfortable seat and riding position
• Highly attractive
• Chain cover
• Durable and Cushioned tires

Cons

• Handlebar design is uncomfortable for some users.

Our Verdict

Based on our experience, this is an excellent cruiser bicycle for any college student. It’s packed with cool features although the price is a bit on the higher end. Nevertheless, you’ll get every bit of the money.

05 Schwinn Loop Folding Bicycle

If you’re thinking about your bike’s safety outdoor or storage space, this option is for you. Out of our top 10 bikes, it’s the only one you can fold and store in a bag within a few seconds. It measures 29.5 x 29 x 19 inches and weighs about 33 pounds, making it the most portable on our list.

This folding bike comes with a durable steel frame, fork, and rear rack. It comes with the 7-speed Shimano twisters and rear derailleur making it easy to tackle uneven surfaces. It also has a kickstand that supports its weight when parking. Also, the hinges are from steel so you wouldn’t worry about its early breakdown due to frequent use.

Like other models we’ve got, this one also has both front and rear brakes. Each of the wheels measures 20-inches, which is rather small compared to our top pick. It has reflective pedals, pant guard, and fenders that keep dirt off your school clothes. Though you’ll still enjoy a good riding position with its stem and handlebar, there’s no provision for their relative adjustment.

We’ve noticed that there’s no possibility of removing the rear rack depending on your desire. Besides, there’s no locking mechanism to keep it in a folded position, so you’ll tie it up with a cord.

This one is sold a little above $250, but other variations could be expensive because of their color combination. A lifetime warranty also backs it up while our top pick has none.

Pros

• Durable steel frame and hinges
• Nylon bag included to protect and conceal the item
• Shimano gearing components
• Easy to assemble
• Easy to pack for storage and transport
• Sturdy build
• Limited lifetime warranty

Cons

• Difficulty in keeping it folded
• Handlebars not adjustable

Our Verdict

The fact it’s foldable separates it from other options on this list. It’s affordable and yet portable enough for various categories of users. There are a few reasons you may not like this product, but looking at its small size, price (under 300 bucks), and warranty, you’ll be glad to buy it.

06 6KU Aluminum Fixed Gear Bike

The 6KU is the perfect brand to buy when looking for a reliable commuter bike. It has some striking similarities with our 5th choice except for its well-crafted aluminum frame which weighs about 21 pounds when fully assembled.

It’s also available in various sizes ranging from 47cm to 58cm. Like other models we’ve listed, this one has the riser handlebar which gives you easy maneuverability around corners. It has easily removable front and rear brakes.

What’s more, there is the 30mm deep v double-wall alloy rims. Seems a little small right? Don’t worry; it’s combination with 700 x 25C Kenda tires produces reliable results. Like our 5th choice, it has the flip-flop hub, which allows you to feel more connected to the road and perfect for improving your pedaling skills by quickly flipping the rear wheel.

From our experience, it wasn’t perfect for climbing uphill as other multiple gear bikes on this list though we enjoyed riding it on flat terrain.

Most students would prefer to have a rear rack on their bikes, but this one didn’t come with it. Also, the manufacturers didn’t include an eyelet. So, we had to drill the holes and then mount the rack ourselves. Since it has no fenders, we’ll suggest that you avoid using it on wet surfaces.

Pros

• Weighs less than expected
• High-quality finish
• Good looking and attractive
• Easy removable brakes
• Flip-flop hub
• Sturdy Kenda tires

Cons

• Difficulty climbing hills

Our Verdict

Overall, this is a great model. It’s available in various sizes and color combinations to meet your desires. It may not come with a warranty and other amazing features you’ll expect, it’s sturdy build and exceptional stability on flat routes are enough reasons to buy.

07 Schwinn Wayfarer Hybrid Bicycle

This bike is the right option for cruising the neighborhood or just going on short leisure rides on weekends. It measures 53 x 32 x 8.3 inches and weighs 42 pounds. The little extra weight gives it more stability on the roads.

This model features the swept-back handlebars, which means you can customize your riding posture. The dual-spring on the Saddle helps to dissipate the shock from road bumps, making you feel safer.

We noticed that the padding on the seat was low making it feel hard. So, we bought another with good quality foam. The handgrips felt nice, so we didn’t bother to change it.

Its performance on hills was better than our 5th and 6th choices, thanks to its 7-speed drivetrain. Note that you won’t coast or cruise with it. The combination of silver and black colors made it more appealing to the eye.

You can find that it has only the step over and step-through frame designs. Notably, the step-over frame’s height is 18 inches while the step-through frame measures 16 inches. It also comes with a 28-inch wheel and 700c tires. From our observation, the thin tires will enable you to ride fast and also make sharp turns with ease.

Like other top bikes on this list, it comes with a rear rack for storing your belongings. Also, the fenders don’t only improve its looks; but allows you to ride in any weather condition keeping your clothes clean and dry. It features both front and rear brakes which provides efficient stopping even on wet grounds.

This item came with an instruction manual, so we didn’t experience much difficulty when assembling.

Pros

• Smooth-shifting gears
• Alloy brakes for accurate stops
• Full fenders and rear rack
• Adjustable handlebars
• User-friendly hand grips
• Dual-spring stem
• Protective chain cover

Cons

• Not many options by size

Our Verdict

This model is solid and well made for your needs. It’s worth the investment looking at its many excellent features. Though it was given a low score, that wasn’t a deal-breaker to us since you shouldn’t expect perfection at such a cheap rate.

08 Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike

This 24-speed road bike is a great option for beginners and riders who’re looking for a lightweight model for daily rides. It weighs about 27 pounds which is much less weight in comparison with our first top 4.

The build quality is great, exactly what you’ll expect for a product at its price. It comes with a double-butted aluminum frame with unbeatable durability. It’s also available in sizes 52cm/small and 54cm/medium. So, you can choose the right one for your height.

This product is the only one we’ve listed that has the drop handlebar. So, you’ll experience a more forward-leaning posture when riding. Besides, you’ll enjoy better aerodynamics and speed when competing with friends. The Shimano thumb shifters are also great, allowing you to change the gears with ease.

This Vilano R2 is easy to assemble, although you’ll need to tune it to perfection. We recommend that you visit a local shop to help if you’re installing it for the first time.

It comes with front and rear alloy caliper brakes which brings the bike to a quick halt. It has eyelets so you wouldn’t mind buying fenders and rear rack separately.

Also, it has the same wheelset as the Vilano R2 – our 8th choice, but this one has 700c wheelset and 700c x 25c tires that are relatively smaller. However, we found that it’s main inner tube loses air much quickly. So, we had to replace it with better ones. We also replaced the seat and handlebar grips. Overall, we’re pleased with the bike since it’s affordable. The price is around $220 to $300 depending on the size you choose.

Pros

• Lightweight aluminum frame
• Efficient thumb shifters
• Quick-release skewers
• 21-speed drivetrain to handle any situation
• Drop handlebars

Cons

• Need to upgrade some parts

Our Verdict

This is a good bike for college students. Bear in mind that you’ll equip it with some features to make it more comfortable. It’s straightforward to ride and ideal for roads with steep terrain. This is surely a great value for money product – no doubt about that.

09 Vilano Diverse 3.0 Performance Hybrid Road Bike

If you’re looking for a sturdy bike with top-notch performance without breaking the bank, this product is for you. It boasts of the disc brakes at the front and rear wheels meaning it can stop automatically in any environment. It’s also a great option if you’re riding on roads with heavy traffic. Visually, it has a cute look that will draw much attention.

The frame and fork are from high-quality aluminum, making it light, durable, and resistant to rust. It has a 24-speed cassette with replaceable chainrings and alloy crank arms so you feel at ease in all types of terrain. This model features the Weinmann 700c rims and 700c x 35c Kenda tires which are robust enough, boosting your performance on the road.

It shares the same handlebar design with our top pick and you can easily adjust it to your comfort. The pedals have a contour to reduce slip when you’re on high-speed. You’ll also observe that it has no fender making it unsuitable for those living in muddy areas.

Still, it didn’t come with a rear rack, though it has an eyelet. So, we had no difficulty when fixing the shelf ourselves. We’ve found that most users will prefer it to the 6KU model, which we drilled to mount the luggage holder.

Installing the pedals was a little tricky for us, so you’ll need to adhere to installation instructions from the manufacturer.

Pros

• Lightweight aluminum frame
• 24-speed gear
• High-efficient disc brakes
• Replaceable chainring
• Upright handlebar
• Robust wheels and tires

Cons

• No rear rack and fenders

Our Verdict

10 Schwinn Volare 1200 Men’s Road Bike

For excellent braking efficiency, this is the option to choose. It’s great for daily commute, errands, and group rides around the city roads. However, being inexpensive, it didn’t come with many accessories as our top pick, but you can’t discard the positive features.

The Schwinn Volare is the most attractive bike on our top 10 list considering its top-notch design. It weighs around 40 pounds and measures 50 x 28.9 x 8.9 inches which makes it a little smaller than our top men’s bikes.

Like our 8th pick, it features a disc brake. So, it delivered superb stopping than most models we’ve used.

This Schwinn Volare model features the 21-speed gear drivetrain along with Shimano rear derailleur and shifters. So, you have little to worry when taking rough paths like those with gravels or desiring to increase speed. The alloy 700c wheels with high profile rims and tires complements the brakes giving you more confidence on the road.

Like other bikes on this list, this one comes with the flat handlebar with cushioned grips to enhance your comfort. However, the seat felt hard, so we upgraded it to enjoy the ride. We advise that you do the same.

What’s more, this product comes with a limited lifetime warranty. It means you can have more fun, knowing you’re covered. It’s only available in blue and doesn’t offer many choices by size. Although it didn’t come with racks, fenders, and water bottle mounts, the manufacturers created eyelets for their easy installation whenever you desire.

Pros

• Rigid aluminum frame
• Sport riding seat
• 21-speed gear
• Powerful disc brakes
• Shimano components
• Limited lifetime warranty
• Upright riding position

Cons

• seat feels too hard

Our Verdict

This bike’s value is true to its price. It delivers superb performance when you upgrade some of its parts. The major elements are from high-quality materials which is the reason for its durability. Apart from the issues we highlighted, you’ll have nothing to worry about.

Best Bike for College Student – Buying Guide

1. Bicycle Type

Since our needs are different, the manufacturers are also producing bikes depending on the things we want. So far, we have road bikes, adventure, bikes, comfort bikes, hybrid bikes, touring bikes, and lots more. Your concern as a student is looking for the best bike for college students that matches your interests and activities in the school.

2. Purpose

If you prefer spending hours on the city roads, road bikes would be an ideal option since they’re light and have better aerodynamics. However, they’re expensive and a little challenging to maintain when compared with other bike types.

Hybrid bikes are also great for exercises but not as good as road bikes. They’re more durable and more comfortable to ride. Another excellent alternative is the mountain bike because of their affordability and ability to perform in any weather condition or steep terrain. So, do your research about your riding lifestyle and then pick a model that suits it.

3. Frame Material

The primary material for bike frames is steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber. The structure determines its durability, strength, and market value.

• Steel – They’re perfect for commuting because of their ability to bear heavy loads. Steel frames are cheap, durable, but dense and prone to rust.
• Aluminum –these types are lighter and less likely to corrode than steel. You’ll quickly find them on most road and mountain bikes because of their excellent load-bearing capacity as well as swiftness on bike paths.
• Carbon fiber –When it comes to speed, durability, and lightness, carbon frames take the lead. However, they are not as good as aluminum and steel in terms of load-carrying capacity.

4. Frame Style & Size

Bikes have different frame designs, but it’s essential to get one with charming appeal and also deliver great comfort when riding. Most sellers have a fitness guide for you to check and know your ideal size. However, try to measure your torso and overall height to determine the right one to buy.

5. Luggage Holder

Almost all students would want to convey their textbooks in a bag to school daily. So, it’s crucial to get a bike with racks and panniers to keep your load. Make sure that you don’t load the bike beyond its weight limit.

6. Handlebar Type

Like frames, handlebars are available in different types. They determine your biking position, performance, and comfort. It’s preferable to buy one with an adjustable handlebar since they allow you to customize the height as well as the distance to the seat. You may feel comfortable if the handles are a little higher than the stem, but you’ll spend more energy pedaling.

Some of the most popular handlebar types include riser, drop, flat, and ache. Most new riders prefer flat bars because they allow you to enjoy an upright position and can access the brake levers more easily than drop bars.

7. Saddle

You should always feel comfortable on the bike seat irrespective of how long you’re riding. If buying from a local shop, it’s essential to inspect the saddle by sitting on it. Although this method may not help those buying from online stores, you can read the reviews from real-life users to have some idea about their level of comfortability. If you love everything about the bike except the saddle, you can still go ahead and replace it with the one you prefer.

But don’t forget that you have to determine the right saddle height to avoid any physical issues in near future.

8. Gearing

Your campus terrain or biking styles will determine your ideal gearing system. Bikes with multiple gears are challenging to maintain but more natural to ride across difficult terrains.

9. Commuting

Since your main reasons for getting the bike is to transport yourself to school and back, you’ll need some features that’ll aid your movements. There is no way you wouldn’t want to convey loads, so, the bike should have eyelets to allow you to install bag carrying frames. Also, if you’re living in the rain prone areas, you’ll need models with fenders that help keep your clothe safe from dirt.

10. Brakes

Most bike manufacturers prefer caliper brakes because of their excellent stopping power and ease of maintenance. You’ll experience a little delay after gripping the brake levers, especially when riding a wet surface. Having this in mind, you’ll want to explore the worlds of disc brakes. They are mostly featured in mountain bikes and they are compelling even on slippery roads. However, it’s heavy, expensive, and difficult to remove for maintenance.

11. Wheels

Wheels are also available in different sizes depending on the bike type. Road bikes feature thin wheels which are lighter and more comfortable to ride. Their tires may puncture easily and are often difficult to fix.

On the other hand, mountain bikes feature sturdy tires, but the extra weight will reduce your speed. Most commuter bikes are equipped with hybrid wheels since they’re durable, reliable, and stable than both road and mountain types.

12. Budget

Most new bikes are expensive for some students. But, you can save a lot if you’re buying a used item provided it’s still in good shape. Also, you need to be very precise about the owner to avoid the temptation of purchasing stolen property.

However, used items will deteriorate faster and are expensive to maintain. So, we’ve selected some of the budget-friendly options for sale so that you would never have to spend too much to get a valuable bike. You can also wait for Black Friday discounts for cheap deals.

Bike Riding Tips for College Students

Generally, riding a bike to and from school is an enjoyable experience, but you’ll need some safety tips to keep yourself or the new bicycle from harm. They are:

• Bike Helmet – This will protect your head from injury or death if you fall while riding. Try to choose one with good quality and also fit your head size. As a rule of thumb, never mount the bike without putting on a helmet.
• Bike shoes –They help improve your performance by minimizing energy loss between your legs and the pedals.
• Pedal straps – fixing this on your bike will keep your feet secure and prevent it from slipping when pedalling.
• Reflectors – the headlight isn’t enough to protect you from other road users when biking in the night. So, you’ll need both front and rear lights. You should also wear reflective materials.

Care & Maintenance Tips

• Inspect the parts – Check all the components of the bike to ensure that they’re in good condition before setting out. If the bolts and nuts are loose, tighten it. Also, replace any worn piece without delay.
• Lock –Your bike might get stolen if left unlocked in the campus or other public places. Buying a lock will protect your bike from theft. Most locks can notify you by sounding an alarm when someone touches it.
• Get a rain gear –If you’re living in places with a torrential downpour, you’ll want to stay clean and dry, so, you’ll need waterproof wear that’ll protect you from the rain.
• Ride with spare parts –You’ll never know when your bike will malfunction and you need to always stay on alert. With this in mind, never leave for a ride without repair tools and spare parts. Some of these items include the pump, tube, Allen wrench, patch kit and much more.

A Word from GearbikesReview

A lot of things might interest you when looking for the best bike for college students, yet, never leave out comfort, durability, budget, and style. When riding daily to school, you’ll want a ride that still feels light even with loads. So, when considering weight, aluminum is often the option to choose. If the terrain is rough, you’ll want bikes with many gears and responsive brakes.

While still keeping budget and performance in mind, the Schwinn Discover is always our most exceptional choice. It’s from aluminum with a robust front suspension fork that absorbs the road shocks, keeping your hand muscles safe. So far, it’s the perfect bike on the market for both male and female students.

If you’re concerned about storage or how to package and transport your bike after graduation, the Schwinn Loop Folding model is the choice to make. You might want the 6KU for enjoying both freewheel and fixed gear riding. Note that, none of our products is perfect since you’ll need to upgrade some parts to make it function to your taste.

However, all the models we’ve reviewed are great to give you a lasting memory in school. Everything depends on your preference and budget, so, take your time to read our reviews, then make a proper choice.

FAQ

1. Can you bring a bike to college?

Ans. Of course, you can. Bikes are the cheapest and reliable form of transport.

2. What size bike do I need?

Ans. The bike size completely depends on your height. The average male height in the USA is 175cm or 5 feet 9inch. So you’ll need a 19 to 20inch bike. And if you’re a female, then go for a 17 to 18inch bike.

3. How do I store my bike in my dorm?

Ans. There’s no standard rule on how to store your bike in the dorm. Usually, students hide it out of sight under the bed or corner. Or you can install hooks to hang on the wall.

4. Does cycling workout count as exercise?

Ans. An average person burns about 298 calories per 30 minutes, according to Harvard University.