If your child is going to college and needs a good bike, you come to the right place! In this article, I will review 15 best bikes for college students in the 2022 market.
Summer is coming! Some parents want a gift for their beloved children who are about to become college students through hard years of study. So, the best bikes for college students are not the wrong choice.
But how to choose to buy an appropriate bike for college students has never been simple for parents. With diverse bicycle markets and so many different designs and prices, it’s tough to choose.
Towards the segment for students, sports bikes are often designed with a youthful style and extremely reasonable prices. Some bike manufacturers capture customer tastes and produce a lot of good quality bikes recently.
Some students couldn’t afford the premium and expensive commuter bikes, and they will prefer more affordable commuting bikes under $500.
I have picked 15 best bikes for college students through my experience and research. They are all incredible, and I cannot wait to show them to you!
What are the Best Bikes for College Students 2022?
The best bikes for college students are Schwinn and Tommaso bicycles. They are great bikes with high quality and tested by many users for over 300 miles. 4’11” riders and 6′ tall riders love them for the stylish and comfortable.
To save your time, Here is the quick list of the top 15 best bikes for college students:
Best Overall: Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike
Great bike; quick release; easy to assemble; easy to upgrade; excellent quality.
Best Value: Tommaso Monza Road Bike
Road bike; carbon fork; shifting is smooth; great entry-level; great service.
Best Performance: Tommaso Imola Road Bike
Professional assembly; highly recommended; Shimano Claris; perfect fit.
Good for Daily Rides: Vilano Forza 2.0 Road Bike
Strong components; light and fast; great commuter and training; well-built.
Most Comfortable: Raleigh Venture Comfort Bike
Great bike; top-notch hardware; smooth ride; Shimano gears; comfort level. Since the quality of Raleigh Bikes are really good, i’ve listed the top 15 Raleigh bikes reviews here.
Good for Heavy Riders: sixthreezero EVRYjourney Hybrid Cruiser Bike
Comfortable and ergonomic; leather-wrapped handlebars; comfortable, simple.
Good for Girls: sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women’s Step-Through Bike
Multiple gears; aluminum frame; ease of assembly; fun bike; curvy shape.
Most Versatile: Raleigh Talus 1 Bike
High value; great bike; many sizing choices; solid, sturdy bike; no kickstand.
Most Customizable: Pure Fix Original Bike
Awesome bike; assembled in minutes; Thickslick tires; commuter bike; fast.
Good Look: Schwinn Volare Adult Hybrid Road Bike
Shimano 21 gears; fitness styles; aluminum frame; hard to put together.
Good for Lifestyle: Pure Cycles Urban Coaster Bike
Nice and clean; amazing bike; classy and comfortable; easy to assemble.
Simplest Design: 6KU Urban Track Bike
Easy to assemble; great bike; lightweight; sizes; single speed; frame and fork.
Most Reviewed: Schwinn Wayfarer Bike
Great bike; great price; steel frame; seven-speed derailleur bicycle; beware.
Good for Uphill Riding: Kent KZ2600 Mountain Bike
Mountain bike; functional works; great bike; uphill ride; trail rideable.
Best for The Money: Critical Cycles Harper Coaster Bike
Simple construction; well packed; lightweight; simplified; commuting; quick.
All Bikes for College Students – Comparison Chart
My chart of 15 best bikes for college students is based on the components of frame size, weight, and maximum speed allowance.
| Bikes for College Students | It's best for | Frame | Weight | Shifters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike | Best Overall | 16 inches | 45 pounds | 21 speeds |
| Tommaso Monza Road Bike | Best For The Money | 5.2 x 5.6 inches | 35 pounds | 20 speeds |
| Tommaso Imola Road Bike | Best For Road Riding | 4.10 x 5.2 inches | 35 pounds | 24 speeds |
| Vilano Forza 2.0 Road Bike | Best for Daily Rides | 20 inches | 32 pounds | 9 speeds |
| Raleigh Venture Comfort Bike | Best for Comfortability | 5.3 x 5.6 inches | 42.4 pounds | 21 speeds |
| sixthreezero EVRYjourney Hybrid Cruiser Bike | Best for Heavy Riders | 26 inches | 34.1 pounds | 1 speed |
| sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women’s Step-Through Bike | Best for Female College Students | 26 inches | 39.7 pounds | 7 speeds |
| Raleigh Talus 1 Bike | Most Versatile | 27.5 inches | 38.4 pounds | 21 speeds |
| Pure Fix Original Bike | Most Customizable | 20 inches | 23 pounds | 1 speed |
| Schwinn Volare Adult Hybrid Road Bike | Best for Lightweight | N/A | 29.8 pounds | 14 speeds |
| Pure Cycles Urban Coaster Bike | Best for Fitness and Leisure | 22.8 inches | 22 pounds | 1 speed |
| 6KU Urban Track Bike | Best for Commuting and Everyday Uses | 6.3 x 6.6 inches | N/A | 1 speed |
| Schwinn Wayfarer Bike | Best for Budget | 18 inches | 42 pounds | 7 speeds |
| Kent KZ2600 Mountain Bike | Best for Uphill Riding | 26 inches | 40 pounds | 21 speeds |
| Critical Cycles Harper Coaster Bike | Best for Budget | 26 inches | 2.2 pounds | 1 speed |
Top 15 Best Bikes for College Students Reviews in 2022
From a thousand products on the market, I make a brief list of 15 best bikes for college students. They are all fantastic, and I will show it in the sub-sections below.
Best Overall: Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike
[su_amz asin=”B0030UESQY” brand=”Schwinn” link=”https://www.schwinnbikes.com/products/discover?variant=41490010144937″]Product specs
| Tires | 28 inches |
| Handlebars | Swept-back upright |
| Fenders | Yes |
| Brakes | Alloy linear pull brakes |
Key features
- Aluminum frame and alloy crank/brakes
- Schwinn suspension fork
- High performance
- Can prevent mud from splashing in clothes
- Shock-absorbing
- Strong, durable, and sturdy construction
- Extremely lousy gears
- Hard to disassemble the front wheels for fixing and maintenance
On top of my list, Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike has everything to be one of the best bikes for college students. It has a simple and stylish design, high performance, and extra beneficial features to give the user a comfortable experience.
The Schwinn bike has a basic design with a combination of black and white, which makes it look stylish timelessly and fit for all genders. The wheels’ circumstance is extra-large to enhance stability and balance.
It features a modern Schwinn suspension fork for shock absorbing and creating smooth rides all the time. Its crank, brakes, and frame are made of high-quality materials such as alloy and aluminum. And you cannot overlook its fascinating 21-speed function.
Best Value: Tommaso Monza Road Bike
[su_amz asin=”B01MXVRTDN” brand=”Desertcart” link=”https://www.desertcart.in/products/69949473-tommaso-monza-endurance-aluminum-road-bike-carbon-fork-shimano-tiagra-20-speeds-aero-wheels-matte-black-blue”]Product specs
| Tires | N/A |
| Handlebars | Premium compact |
| Fenders | Yes |
| Brakes | Routed external |
Key features
- Made of aluminum material
- HCT carbon fork
- Shimano Tiagra shifters
- High responsiveness and smooth rides
- Lightweight, durable, and efficient
- Specialized Shimano Tiagra parts for high performance
- Lifetime warranty offered
- Too expensive for a college student’s bike
A Tommaso Monza Bike is what every bicyclist dreams! It is sturdy, durable, modern, efficient, high-quality, and extremely expensive. The whole body parts of the bike are made of lightweight aluminum for the highest durability.
It has a 20-speed performance, which is sufficient for any adventurous ride. The manufacturer provides specialized Shimano Tiagra shifters for the highest performance levels, most responsive features, and seamless integration.
Best Performance: Tommaso Imola Road Bike
[su_amazon asin=”B01LYY6KOR”]Product specs
| Tires | 25mm, 700c |
| Handlebars | Shallow and curved |
| Fenders | Yes |
| Brakes | Rim brakes |
Key features
- New Shimano Claris R2000 updates
- Two-color choices (black and white)
- Two size choices (XXS and XS)
- Strongest performance
- Available for professional cyclists and college students
- Lightweight and extremely durable
- An optimal solution for uphill riding
- No extra components and accessories
- Hard to control
The Tommaso Imola Road Bike is a serious option for both professional cyclists and college students. With aluminum covering from head-to-toe, the bike is lightweight enough to pick up on your shoulder.
With a fantastic speed of 24, things of running down and up the hill is not a problem anymore. And the whole new Shimano Claris R2000 set of shifters, derailleurs, crank, and brakes gives the bike the most outstanding performance in my list.
Best for Daily Rides: Vilano Forza 2.0 Road Bike
[su_amazon asin=”B00NDBOT3M”]Product specs
| Tires | 25mm, 700c |
| Handlebars | N/A |
| Fenders | No |
| Brakes | 12k Carbon Fiber |
Key features
- Aluminum frame
- Carbon fiber fork
- Pedals included
- Sturdy brakes for absolute stopping function
- High-quality materials
- High durability and long-lasting for years
- Versatile for most types of terrain
- Partial assembled when arriving
- No kickstand
Vilano Forza 2.0 Bike is an inexpensive product but offers exceptional quality, which is perfect for daily rides with family members and friends. Some customers praise the durability of the bike, which can be long-lasting for up to 10 years.
The frame is made of aluminum, while its suspension fork is made of carbon fiber, which enhances the reliability and performance of the bike. Thanks to the Shimano Tiagra nine-speed feature, the bike can take on any rough terrains.
Most Comfortable: Raleigh Venture Comfort Bike
[su_amz asin=”B07MXQZ63D” brand=”Moosejaw” link=”https://www.moosejaw.com/product/raleigh-venture-2_10438509″]Product specs
| Tires | Large Kenda, 27.5 x 1.95 inches |
| Handlebars | Ergonomic |
| Fenders | No |
| Brakes | Linear pull |
Key features
- Aluminum frame
- Fork suspension
- Comfort-focused features
- Offers alternatives to the size range for the customers
- Ergonomic design for ultimate comfort
- An excellent choice for all terrains
- Heavyweight
- Expensive
As stated in the name, Raleigh Venture Comfort Bike will give you the most comfortable seating experience and effortless riding feelings. The manufacturer has upgraded in many parts to bring the utmost convenient features.
Handlebars, pedals, seats, and brakes are all designed for you to control the bike with ease. There are many options of size for the user to consider. Even with long trips from home to other states, the bike still keeps you relaxed and takes less riding energy.
Best for Heavy Riders: sixthreezero EVRYjourney Hybrid Cruiser Bike
[su_amz asin=”B07B3ZS7GG” brand=”Walmart” link=”https://www.walmart.com/ip/sixthreezero-Every-journey-Women-s-7-Speed-Step-Through-Hybrid-Cruiser-Bicycle-26-In-Wheels-and-17-5-In-Frame-Teal/702750142″]Product specs
| Tires | 1.95-inch wide whitewall semi-slick |
| Handlebars | Adjustable |
| Fenders | Yes |
| Brakes | Pedal-backward coaster |
Key features
- High handlebars
- Aluminum frame
- Durable and robust design for heavyweight people
- Prevent mud flashing
- Shock-absorbing
- Classic and old-fashioned design
- No suspension fork
- Not every student will love the bike design
What makes sixthreezero EVRYjourney product become the best bike for tall and heavy riders is its robust construction and reliable gearing system. Notably, the high handlebars allow you to stand while cruising the bike.
With seven-speed gear, the bike can handle all terrains. And other methods such as fender and rear rack ensure your children will have comfortable rides.
Best for Girls: sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women’s Step-Through Bike
[su_amz asin=”B011A4HBTC” brand=”Kohls” link=”https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-3024368/womens-sixthreezero-evryjourney-teal-26-inch-step-through-touring-hybrid-bike.jsp”]Product specs
| Tires | 2-inch semi-slick |
| Handlebars | Adjustable |
| Fenders | Yes |
| Brakes | Front and rear |
Key features
- Aluminum frame
- Seven-speed gears
- Front and rear handbrakes
- Lightweight and durable
- Easy to use and store
- Curvy and sophisticated design
- Thick wheels and tires
- Can only handle up to 300 pounds
At first glance, every girl will be beautiful when riding sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women’s Step-Through Bike. It has a curve-shaped design that looks like the common girl’s bikes in the 1980s. And it has the most amount of reviews on my list.
The bike is surprisingly lightweight and equipped with a front fork for safety. Notably, the product is available in seven colors and seven choices of speed. And it comes with 80% assembled, so your girl does not worry about installing.
Most Versatile: Raleigh Talus 1 Bike
[su_amazon asin=”B07SDNJV4C”]Product specs
| Tires | N/A |
| Handlebars | N/A |
| Fenders | Yes |
| Brakes | Alloy V-brakes |
Key features
- Tensile MTB steel frame
- SR fork
- Shimano EZ-Fire Trigger shifters
- Suitable for heavyweight riders
- Efficient and durable
- Choices of size and speed
- Ideal for a wide range of customers
- No fenders and disk brakes included
Most customers review that they are in love with the versatility of the Raleigh Talus 1 Bike. The bike design fits with all genders, from college students to office workers with a deep black cover. It also comes with five sizing options for the most precious choice.
The frame is made of high-tensile steel for high durability and comfortable rides. Also, the Shimano Trigger shifters give 21 opportunities of speed, which provides the customer with the most optimal performance.
Most Customizable: Pure Fix Original Bike
[su_amazon asin=”B007HZIQYS”]Product specs
| Tires | Thickslick 700 x 28C |
| Handlebars | Easily customizable |
| Fenders | No |
| Brakes | Front alloy dual pivot |
Key features
- Tensile steel frame
- KMC chain
- Flip-flop hub
- High ergonomic design
- High-quality materials
- Elegant, simple, and sophisticated look
- Customizable and upgradable
- Heavyweight
- Low performance for uphill riding
Overall, Pure Fix Bike is simple, stylish, and long-lasting for years. For college students, it is quite a significant choice due to simplicity, adorability, and high performance. It is one of the fastest single-speed bikes on the market.
The frame is made of high-tensile steel to enhance reliability. There are tons of choices for accessories, extra-parts, and color painting that you can apply on this bike to make it more funky and unique.
Best Look: Schwinn Volare Adult Hybrid Road Bike
[su_amz asin=”B0823BD53Z” brand=”Walmart” link=”https://www.walmart.com/ip/Schwinn-Volare-1200-Men-s-Road-Bike-700C-Multiple-Colors-Color-Blue-Style-Men-s-Flat-Bar-Road/686106384″]Product specs
| Tires | N/A |
| Handlebars | Flat styled |
| Fenders | No |
| Brakes | Alloy linear pull |
Key features
- Aluminum frame
- Rigid fork
- Shimano groupset
- High-quality components
- Affordable and efficient
- Stylish, trendy, and professional design
- Hard to assemble
- The seat is not comfortable for hours of seating
In my opinion, Schwinn Volare Bike is the most good-looking bike on the list. It looks cool, kind of heavy-duty, and performs ultimately at the same time. All the Schwinn’s bikes are durable and stable thanks to the aluminum frame, and so is the Volare Hybrid Bike.
The bike can perform well in both city pavements and hill roads. Notably, the handlebars are ergonomically bent backward for the users to stop in sudden situations most conveniently.
Best Lifestyle: Pure Cycles Urban Coaster Bike
[su_amazon asin=”B07J64GKR8″]Product specs
| Tires | 700x32C WTB Freedom Wedge |
| Handlebars | N/A |
| Fenders | Yes |
| Brakes | Hands-free coaster |
Key features
- Comes in three choices of size (small, medium, and astronomical)
- Steel frame
- Simple and compact design
- Durable and lightweight
- Easy to customize or upgrade
- Deficient speed (one speed) available
The Pure Cycles Bike is a vehicle that can fit with all college boys and girls. Its design is minimalized to the most excellent level. You can ride it to school, camping, or any recreational occurrence.
Notably, unlike standard bikes, the braking control of Pure Cycles Bike operates when you pedal backward. Also, the ergonomic structure of the bike gives ultimate comfort in the riding gesture of the users.
Simplest Design: 6KU Urban Track Bike
[su_amz asin=”B07P97B8R7″ brand=”Walmart” link=”https://www.walmart.com/ip/6KU-Aluminum-Single-Speed-Fixie-Urban-Track-Bike/124276575″]Product specs
| Tires | 30mm, deep V double-walled alloy wheels |
| Handlebars | N/A |
| Fenders | No |
| Brakes | Front and rear |
Key Features
- Aluminum frame and fork
- Alloy wheels
- Fixed gears and flip-flop hub
- Stylish and simple design
- Innovative parts
- Affordable
- Incredible brakes and wheels
- Low performance that cannot ride uphill
- The pieces are easy to be broken and fall apart
- Low durability
6KU Urban Track Bike is one of the best-selling bikes on Amazon thanks to its trendy style and simple design. The aluminum frame is incredibly lightweight, and the operation is excellently smooth due to outstanding geometry.
The wheeling system of this bike is phenomenal. Two wheels are made of double-walled alloy to increase the reliability for riding through all terrains. And the break helps to stop the bike effortlessly and smoothly, unlike other products on the market.
Most Reviewed: Schwinn Wayfarer Bike
[su_amz asin=”B00TYB8QDE” brand=”Schwinn” link=”https://www.schwinnbikes.com/products/wayfarer?variant=41490045501609″]Product specs
| Tires | 700c |
| Handlebars | Steel |
| Fenders | Yes |
| Brakes | Alloy front and rear linear pull |
Key features
- Alloy brakes
- Steel frame
- Comes with render and a rack
- Affordable
- High performance and high-quality materials
- Excellent retro design
- It’s not suitable for short people
- Bad delivery service
If you are looking for an appealing option, Schwinn Wayfarer Bike is not a wrong choice. It has a simple and basic design with bells and whistles. However, it is equipped with seven speeds, which is impressive enough for high performance.
And alike other high-end products, it has rendered and a small rack for the item is carrying. However, a lot of comments complaining about the lousy delivery and customer service of the product.
Best for Uphill Riding: Kent KZ2600 Mountain Bike
[su_amz asin=”B00OW1PMTW” brand=”Walmart” link=”https://www.walmart.com/ip/Thruster-26-in-Men-s-Shogun-KZ2600-Bike/42559147″]Product specs
| Tires | N/A |
| Handlebars | N/A |
| Fenders | No |
| Brakes | Front disc |
Key features
- Aluminum MTB frame
- Alloy 26-inch wheels
- Suspension fork
- Rugged and sturdy design
- Suitable for all terrains
- High performance
- Affordable
- The look is too sporty
Some universities and colleges are located in the upper ground area. And the best bike for uphill riding is Kent KZ2600 Mountain Bike. Of course, with a mountain bike, the performance is ultimately focused on improving and enhancing.
Moreover, the bike has an extraordinarily sturdy and compact design. The robust wheeling system gives smooth rides in all rough and rocky terrains.
The bike’s shifters allow you to choose up to 21-speed variations. And the last benefit, it is incredibly cheap!
Best Price: Critical Cycles Harper Coaster Bike
[su_amz asin=”B07M71759S” brand=”Walmart” link=”https://www.walmart.com/ip/Critical-Cycles-Harper-Coaster-Fixie-Style-Single-Speed-Commuter-Bike-with-Foot-Brake/250471081″]Product specs
| Tires | 30mm deep V rims and thick |
| Handlebars | 25.4mm riser |
| Fenders | No |
| Brakes | Front and rear |
Key features
- Steel track frame
- Coaster brake
- Deep-V rims
- KMC chain
- Sleek and simple design
- High-quality and durable steel frame
- Shock absorbing
- Affordable
- Uncomfortable saddle
- Low speed and performance
The Critical Cycles Harper Coaster Bike is one of the most straightforward and most sophisticated bikes, that you can directly unpack and give it a ride with no worry. The bike has no cable, gears, or hand brakes.
The bike frame is made of high-quality steel that creates a sleek and shiny construction. It makes the bike more lightweight and creates more impacts for smooth and comfortable rides. And it is less being damaged than other products due to simplicity.
Bikes for College Students Buyer Guide: How to Choose A Good Bicycle for Teens?
Basic Needs
There are more than five types of bikes, but before deciding to buy, you should also ask yourself a few questions. For example, I buy sports bikes for what purpose?
For women: Choose models that are compact in size, light in weight, eye-catching colors, and specialized components such as steering wheel and handle brakes that are easy to handle but still ensure safety.
For men: Choose a durable, masculine design with a sturdy frame and especially must be able to withstand large loads.
Size
After you have a good idea of your basic requirements, next, you should look at the size of the bike. To ensure safety, you should only choose the bike model size appropriate to the driver’s physique.
For instance, selecting sportbikes with too small size will make you feel uncomfortable when driving. And choosing the models with large quantities, they are more likely to lead to unwanted accidents.
On the market today, almost every place selling sports bikes have given the parameters suitable to each physique of the rider
Genders
As men, about 1.75 meters tall or taller should choose the most significant size frame of 18 inches. From 1.75 meters or less to 1.60 meters, you can select the frame size of 17 inches or 16 inches.
For some girls height 1.50 meters, there is no other way to choose the smallest size of 15 inches.
Safety Ensure
A bicycle is made up of many parts such as the frame, handlebar, saddle, wheels, rims, brakes, and transmission parts. They are assembled and arranged scientifically to help the bike operate stably and smoothly.
Each piece of the bike will have its criteria for evaluation, of which the two most essential parts that you need to care about are the chassis and the brakes.
- Chassis: The quality of a sports bike is in the frame structure. Usually, the frame will be made from materials such as an alloy of steel, aluminum, carbon, and titanium.
- Steel and aluminum alloys are most used because they are cheap, reliable, and extremely durable. Carbon and titan are too expensive, so they are rarely used to build the chassis.
- Brakes: From bicycles, electric bicycles, motorcycles to cars, the brakes are always the most important and almost indispensable part. Sports bike models on the market often include rim or disc brakes.
Replaceable Parts
It is also an essential criterion because while using the bike will undoubtedly cause unexpected damage in some parts of the bike. Therefore, you should try to look for products with spare parts if the bike happens to be damaged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes the best bikes for college students?
Schwinn is one of the most reputable manufacturers that makes the best bikes for college students for decades. Schwinn’s products are diversified and high-quality that can meet customer’s needs perfectly.
How many types of bikes?
If based on function, on the market today, bikes are divided into three basic types, which are road bike; mountain bike; and terrain bike. Each class will be structured and suitable for each different user.
Should I buy an old bike?
Not just sportbikes, but almost all items we will always face many risks when buying used goods, especially for those who are not knowledgeable about the product.
Therefore, the new sports bike is considered a safe solution for those who are not specialized in bicycle products.
How long is the warranty period for bikes?
Depending on the brand and distributor, bikes will have different warranties when an average is of 12-36 months. It will help you to be more secure if, unfortunately, the bike has any problem during use.
How to assemble a bicycles?
Most bikes come partially assembled. For the novice, the most important thing is to follow the manual instruction for precise assembling.
Do I need a bike for college?
A college student should take a bike because they are cheaper than motorcycles and environmentally friendly. The bicycles also help college students to have a healthier lifestyle and have not to consider the parking lots. Many college students prefer bicycles rather than expensive motorcycles or cars.
My Top Picks
Generally, my top pick among 15 best bikes for college students is Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike. It is perfect from design, performance to extra functions, and safety secure. And the bike’s price is only a bit higher than the average price.
And if you want a more affordable bike, Raleigh Talus 1 Bike is considerable. You have a variety of options from size to speed from the manufacturer to pick up the most suitable for your needs.
If you have any questions, please feel free to comment down below!
