• Whether you're bouncing down the trail on a mountain bike or sprinting on a racing bicycle, without proper tire inflation, you'll have a bad ride. Fortunately, there are a lot of great bike pumps out there that can fill those tires fast.
• The Vibrelli Performance Floor Pump is our top pick, thanks to its high 160-PSI pressure capacity and low price.

The first device that looked like the modern bicycle was developed in the early 1800s. It was known as a velocipede, and it had as many disparities as shared traits with modern bikes. Early pedal-driven cycles used steel bands or solid wooden wheels instead of pneumatic (air-filled) tires, so its little wonder that one variety of early bike was known as the boneshaker. Pneumatic tires were developed in the 1880s, and cyclists have been enjoying fewer headaches ever since.

But even the latest greatest modern pneumatic bicycle tire is useless without a good pump to fill it with air. If you have a bike manufactured any time after the late 19th century, you also need a good bike pump to keep the tires ready to roll. But how to choose the right bike pump?

First, you need to think about the most basic consideration: What type of bicycle will the pump serve? Road bikes with narrow tires require a fair amount of pressure, generally between 80 and 130 pounds-per-square-inch (PSI). Mountain bikes with large, thick tires use much lower pressures, generally down around 30 PSI. A general-purpose bike, commonly called a hybrid, will, not surprisingly, fall in the middle, with an average range of 50 to 70 PSI.

It logically follows, then, that the racing bike enthusiast needs a pump capable of creating plenty of pressure and ideally that can do so quickly, while the mountain biker will be served just fine by a pump with lower output capacity.

Beyond basic PSI capacity, next, think about pump size and design. Do you need to carry the pump along with you during a multi-day bike camping trip? Or during an all-day road race that will take you far away from the nearest support infrastructure? Then a lightweight and portable pump is a must. Or are your rides mostly around town for commuting and recreation? If so, a larger floor pump stored in the closet or in a shed is just fine.

And finally, how serious of a cyclist are you? If you have to dust off your bike before each ride, a lower cost pump of midrange quality will suit you fine. If you ride every morning and afternoon, then, by all means, invest in a professional-grade pump that fills the tires fast and that will last for years of regular use. Don't worry about the budget too much, as even an excellent pump can be yours for less than 50 bucks.

Here are the best bike pumps you can buy:

• Best bike pump overall: Vibrelli Performance Floor Pump
• Best electric air pump: EPAuto Portable Air Compressor Pump
• Best budget bike pump: Bell Windstorm 400 Floor Pump
• Best professional-grade bike pump: Topeak Sport II Floor Pump
• Best mini pump for gravel and mountain bikes: Blackburn Core Mini-Pump
• Best mini pump with a tire pressure gauge: Lezyne Digital Alloy Drive Pump

Updated on 08/16/2019 by Les Shu: Updated selections, prices, links, and formatting. Added new mini-pump options.

SEE ALSO: The best bike locks you can buy

The best bike pump overall

The Vibrelli Performance Floor Pump has a strong, smoothly-operating steel barrel that inflates up to 160 PSI with minimal effort.

For about $30, the Vibrelli Performance Floor Pump is a bargain for a quality tool. With a maximum output rating of 160 PSI, this pump can inflate just about any bike tires you will ever come across, and it does so rapidly with minimal effort thanks to its efficient and reliable design. Its nozzle can rapidly convert to accept Schrader, Presta, and Dunlop valves.

The Vibrelli has an extra-long barrel that makes each pump productive, saving you time and effort as compared to shorter options. Its wide nylon foot base and broad ergonomic handle work in tandem to keep the unit stable even during vigorous operation.

The highly accurate gauge, which displays air pressure both in pounds per square inch and bar units (a metric system measurement; one bar is equal to 14.5 PSI) makes it easy to know just when you've hit the optimal pressurization for your bike's tires.

In case the high quality and low price weren't enough for you, the Vibrelli Performance Floor Pump also comes with an inflation needle for balls as well as with a puncture repair kit.

With more than 3,000 reviews posted on Amazon, the Vibrelli has a 4.5-star average rating. One customer called it a "fantastic pump" with a gauge that is "accurate and responds quickly."

PedalSwift called the Vibrelli a "high performance" option at a reasonable price and noted its "all-steel barrel design."BuytheBest10 said it is "affordable" and "durable" and praised its "multipurpose T-valve."— Steven John

Pros: High-efficiency pumping, good price point, durable barrel, accurate pressure gauge

Cons: Proper nozzle attachment takes practice

The best electric air pump

The EPAuto Portable Air Compressor Pump does all the hard work for you, effortlessly inflating tires to an exact pre-set pressure goal with the tap of a few buttons. 

When used to inflate bicycle tires, there are three issues with the EPAuto Portable Air Compressor Pump that we should deal with at the outset. First, it requires a 12-volt DC power outlet, AKA the cigarette lighter port you found in an automobile. Second, it has a maximum pressure output of 100 PSI, which is too low for some road bike tires. And third, to inflate a tire with a Presta valve, you will need to purchase a separate adapter.

Those drawbacks aside, for most cyclists who also own a car, the electric EPAuto Portable Air Compressor Pump will make inflating bike tires easier than ever. Once the nozzle is screwed in place onto a tire's valve, all you need to do to achieve the exact level of inflation desired is pre-program the target PSI using the Plus or Minus buttons, then start the unit up. 

The compressor's LCD screen displays pressure in PSI, BAR, or KPA measurements, and the unit features a built-in flashlight for use after dark. This compressor is also more than suitable for use with auto tires. That, after all, is the EPAuto Portable Air Compressor Pump's primary purpose.

The compressor has a 4-star average rating. One owner said its "gauge is accurate" and appreciated that it was relatively "quiet for a compressor." Another said that despite its small size it "packs a punch" or pumping power.

A review from WoodWorkingToolKit appreciated the fact that this compact compressor has a feature that "shut[s] down the unit when the desired pressure is achieved," which can "prevent overinflation."— Steven John

Pros: Fast inflation time, pre-set air pressure target, built-in flashlight

Cons: Requires access to auto battery, maxes out at 100 PSI

The best budget bike pump

The Bell Windstorm 400 Floor Pump can create up to 100 PSI and accommodates both common bike valves as well as sports needles.

At $17, the Bell Windstorm 400 Floor Pump isn't the least expensive option on our list, but it is the most affordable all-around bike pump. This is a bonafide floor pump that can quickly and reliably inflate a tire all the way up to 100 PSI.

Granted, 100 PSI is a bit too low for certain racing bikes, but for most of us, the Bell Windstorm 400 Floor Pump, with its Schrader and Presta valve compatibility, its sturdy base, and its broad handlebar is more than adequate for our inflation needs. Just know that you will probably need to replace it within a year or two if you start cycling daily in the run-up to a Tour de France attempt, as it's not as durable as its pricier counterparts.

On Amazon, One owner said the pump "does what it's supposed to do," inflating tires without issue. A cyclist agreed, saying it "gets the job done" and that he had "no complaints."

A write-up from Top5Best noted that this Bell floor pump costs "only 50% [the price] of other bike pumps" yet calls it effective and easy to use. The review goes on to caution that it likely won't "last more than one season" with heavy use, though. — Steven John

Pros: Great low price point, relatively lightweight

Cons: Maximum output of 100 PSI, no gauge

The best professional-grade bike pump

The Topeak JoeBlow Sport II Floor Pump is a top-quality pump that works fast and is built to last, yet it still fits the budget of any avid cyclist.

The Topeak JoeBlow Sport II Floor Pump is suitable for use in a bike shop or by a professional cycling team, but at just a bit more than $47 in price, it's hardly too pricey for the amateur rider, either. Because this pump should outlast most similar devices by many years, it's a worthwhile investment.

The quality of the materials used to build the Topeak JoeBlow Sport II Floor Pump set it apart from the competition, but so do a number of clever, intuitive design features. For example, like many pumps, this one has an extra-long air hose that makes it easy to access tire valves no matter their position and even when the bike is up on a rack. Here, though, the hose is connected to the pump via a rotating connection point that prevents tangles and makes positioning the nozzle even easier.

The pump's large pressure gauge is easy to read whether you are checking PSI or BAR measurements, and the smooth operation of the barrel makes the pump easy to use even as you approach its 160 PSI maximum output. The Topeak JoeBlow Sport II's double-sided "twin-head" nozzle makes it simple to connect to both Presta and Schrader valves, and you can screw in adapters with ease, too.

With nearly 1,500 reviews logged on Amazon, this floor pump has a 4.2-star average rating. One owner said it makes "pumping very ease" without the need for "a lot of muscle power." Another Amazon shopper called it "a very good floor pump" and noted its "large base" that keeps it "stable when pumping air."

A reviewer with Outdoor Gear Lab called the Topeak JoeBlow Sport II Floor Pump versatile and durable, noting its "easy-to-read" gauge and dual valve nozzle. A write up from Bike Radar called the pump's inflation "rapid and comfortable thanks to the generous sized T-handle."— Steven John

Pros: Rugged and durable, pivoting air hose, accurate gauge, sturdy base design

Cons: Nozzle too large to fit between narrow spokes

The best mini pump for gravel and mountain bikers

The Blackburn Core combines a mini pump with a valve core extractor that makes fixing tubeless tires an easier task. 

Tubeless tires are a godsend if you live somewhere that's littered with puncture-causing hazards. The sealant that is inside can plug the hole as soon as the air begins to leak from the tire.

Sometimes, even the hard-working sealant can't fix a puncture. This often happens when the sealant has plugged several tiny holes and is running dry. If you've got a regular mini pump, this leaves you in a sticky situation: You'll need to pull the tubeless tire off, clear away the sticky mess inside it, check for any sharp objects in the tire casing, and then put a tube into it. All while your ride time ticks away and your buddies heckle from the sidelines. 

The Blackburn Core is no ordinary mini pump. It contains a valve core extractor, which lets you pull the core out of your valve, dump in more sealant, and reinflate the tire as the sealant jumps into action and plugs the hole — without needing to remove the tire. The Core has a flexible hose, so however hard you pump, your valve will stay intact. 

How good is this pump? My friends ask to borrow it all the time, even when they have their own, and that's about the best evidence I can think of that it's the cream of the crop when it comes to getting your tires back up to pressure quickly and easily.

The Gravelbike blog spoke highly of the reliability of the Core but noted that the core is better suited to high volume than high-pressure tires, suggesting that it was hard to get above 70 PSI. This should not be an issue for anyone riding a gravel or mountain bike, where pressure in the 30-PSI range is about as high as you'll need to go.

In addition, Amazon reviewers loved the bracket that allows you to attach the pump to a bike frame. — James Stout

Pros: Built-in valve core extractor, inflation hose to prevent snapping valves 

Cons: A little larger than other mini pumps

The best mini pump with tire pressure gauge

Low tire pressure can make a huge difference to ride quality. Lezyne Digital Alloy Drive Pump gets tired back to perfect pressure after a flat. 

If there is one question that every cyclo-cross racer has asked, it's, "What pressure are you running?" You see, just a few PSI of extra air in your tires is the difference between successfully turning a rutted corner and ripping through the course tape as you bounce off your bike and into a muddy puddle. 

Often, when I race cyclo-cross, I would take laps at different pressures to see which one gave me the best traction without flatting. This is great when I'm riding on a closed course with short laps and a mechanic standing by with a pump and pressure gauge, but it doesn't really work when out on the trail.

Until I got my hands on the Lezyne Digital Alloy Drive, I'd start rides at high pressure and then let a little air out, but always err on the side of riding with a little to0 much air in my tires; it might be uncomfortable and slow, but it beats getting a flat. The Digital Alloy Drive changed that: I could dial-in my desired tire pressure for a trail. If I get a puncture, I no longer have to rely on pinching the tire and guessing the pressure — I can inflate it to precisely where I need it to be. 

In addition to an accurate digital gauge, Lezyne also uses it trademark inflation hose, which keeps the pump and the valve separated and reduces any risk of damaging the valve when you push on the pump to inflate the tire. The pump's alloy construction makes it a reliable and dependable way to fix flats for years to come — I have one Lezyne pump that I have used for close to a decade and it is still going strong. 

Testers at Cycling Weekly found the pump fast to use and accurate, as have I. Unlike many pumps here, the Lezyne also allows for users to inflate Presta or Schrader valves (this probably won't apply to most casual riders). Although it costs a little more than other mini pumps, Lezyne stands by its products and will sell you all the seals and supplies you need to refurbish this pump and keep it running for years. Although the pump is small enough for a jersey pocket, I have invested in several bike frame attachment mounts and use this pump on all of my tubed road bikes. — James Stout

Pros: Accurate pressure readings, well built 

Cons: Costs more than a basic pump

• Pinarello's Dogma has won nearly every Tour de France this decade, but it's also a great bike for those of us who don't want to race around Europe for a month. If you have $9,799.99 to spare, you can buy it today for 25% off the list price ($13,000).
• The disc brakes, a new addition with the F10, mean that the bike feels confident when descending on the road and can stop on a dime no matter the conditions. For beginners, this will be confidence-inspiring. 
• Picking your own parts means the bike will be a perfect fit. When you buy the Pinarello Dogma F10, you'll be treated to a fully custom build, at no extra cost.
• Just like a Ferrari, this bike won't be tested to its limits by most owners, but they'll get pleasure from it nonetheless.

As a kid, turning up in the parking lot of a local amateur race 15 years ago, I can remember being aghast at the volume and value of the bikes on display. I didn't know as much about road bikes then, as I was embarking on the very first shaky steps of what has been, so far, a very enjoyable career of racing, writing about, and sometimes even designing road bikes. I don't remember how I did in that race, but I do remember locking eyes on a Pinarello bike, with its wavy fork and shiny carbon wheels, and thinking that one day maybe I could have a bike like that.

Here I am, 15 years and four broken clavicles later and I've never been able to race a Pinarello, but when the opportunity came to review one I jumped at it. Every great bike racer I have looked up to, from Miguel Indurain to Bradley Wiggins, won bike races on a Pinarello, and while my own career might have been more modest than theirs, I still wanted to know what riding one of those bikes felt like.

Specs

The Pinarello Dogma F10 isn't the most versatile racing bike. The low tire clearance of just 28 mm makes it pretty much a "road-only" machine; in an era when modern race bikes can accommodate 32 mm rubber for off-tarmac adventures, the Dogma sticks with a stated 25 mm max tire. You can squeeze in a 28 mm tire for a bit more comfort and grip in the wet, but nothing more than that. But when you spend this much money on a bike, you probably don't want to rally it on rocky trails anyway.

The disc brakes, a new addition with the F10, mean that the bike feels confident when descending on the road and can stop on a dime no matter the conditions. For beginners, this will be confidence-inspiring, and experienced cyclists will love the way they can brake later and harder on technical descents. Where rim brakes can struggle in the wet, or on long descents where rims heat up and braking performance can be compromised, disc brakes offer reliable performance in almost any conditions that amateur riders are likely to encounter. They might weigh a few ounces more than rim brakes, but most of us have a few pounds over those Tour de France riders anyway!

When they were designing the F10, Pinarello combined insights from the Tour de France-winning F8 and their Bolide time-trial bike to yield aerodynamic tube shaped for the F10 that will help riders on Tour de France-winning Team Sky, now Team Ineos, as much as they do everyday cyclists. The tube shapes of the F10 are designed to cut a small hole through the wind, making you go faster for the same amount of effort.

Don't believe aerodynamics are important on a bike? Ride downhill and then sit as upright as you can. See how you slow down? That's drag, and it's about 80% of the resistance that slows you down on your bike rides. Even at slow speeds a more aerodynamic bike is faster. Pinarello claims a 3% to 4% percent gain over previous models for the F10. 

The bike is light as well. Depending on the spec and size, it can easily weigh in under 15 pounds. Sure, there are lighter bikes, but adding things like disc brakes, a comfortable saddle, and a sensible set of tires that won't puncture at the sight of a rough road will make your riding more enjoyable. 

How it rides

The ride experience of the Dogma is very refined. In cycling, tiny changes in frame geometry change the way a bike handles and how the rider's weight is distributed. Higher angles are termed as "steep" as they push the rider farther forward and make the bike a little more responsive, if sometimes nervous at speed. Slack angles make a bike more stable and predictable, but a little less ready to turn on a dime. The Dogma's steep angles make the bike a fast handler. If you run a short stem to feel comfortable reaching the handlebars on road bikes, this might feel a little nervous, but with a longer stem and lower position that racers favor, the bike feels responsive and quick to adjust its line even at high speed.

Cons

You'll want to get a fit before ordering the Dogma F10. The proprietary seatpost and barstem mean that you'll have to order the right parts from the start as aftermarket seatposts seem almost impossible to come by and the bars and stem provided won't suit everyone. They also use a bizarre array of Allen and torx head bolt, which make changing them one of the most frustrating bike mechanical tasks I have ever experienced. If you like working on your own bikes, you might want to look elsewhere.

Luckily, the Dogma is sold as a frame and you can pick your own bars, stem, saddle, wheels, and groupset. What this means is that the bike you get is tailored to you. You can position the handlebars where you like them, have a saddle you don't mind spending hours on, and select gearing that you can ride up the biggest hills on. If you're light, you might want wheels that don't require as much strength to manage in a crosswind. If you're bigger and stronger, those same deep wheels make sense as you'll turn all that power into speed and should be amply strong enough to handle the bike on gusty days. When you buy the Pinarello Dogma F10, you'll be treated to a fully custom build, at no extra cost.

The bottom line

I had a lot of fun on the Dogma. There are two ways you enjoy a bike like this. The first was is riding it: The steering felt dialed with a 130 stem and no spacers, albeit those who prefer a higher handlebar might have to up-size as the geometry is very racy (with the front end low, requiring a decent amount of core strength and flexibility from the rider). The bike was stiff and rewarded power input with swift changes in speed. At times, it felt a bit harsh on bumpy roads, but something about that racy feel made me want to push on the pedals even on the worst terrain and keep moving forward as fast as I could. 

The second way you enjoy the bike is aesthetically. Whether at home or at the post-ride coffee stop, knowing that your bike is the one everyone is looking at has immeasurable value.

Could you find a lighter or more aerodynamic bike for the same money or less? Probably, but you buy a Pinarello to have a Pinarello. Just like a Ferrari, this bike won't be tested to its limits by most owners, but they'll get pleasure from it nonetheless. It can't make you your heroes, but having the bike you had pinned to your bedroom wall at 15 might be as close as you're going to get.

This bike costs a lot of money, but if you want a high-end bike and know that you'll feel bad if you see three more of the same bikes at every century ride you do, the Dogma won't disappoint you. The best riders in the world could win the Tour de France on any of the bikes at the start line, but for most of us, it's a win when we lose a few pounds or ride a bit farther. For me, the thing that gets me out after a hard day at the desk or up early on a Saturday morning is looking at a bike and feeling like Charlie in the Chocolate Factory as I get a chance to live a little part of my teenage dream for a few hours.

Buy the Pinarello Dogma F10 for $9,799.99 at Competitive Cyclist (originally $13,000) [You save $3,200]

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• Swedish bike helmet company POC offers helmets for every discipline, from road racing to casual commuting.
• Alongside its impact protection, high-visibility color options help cyclists be safer by being seen more easily.
• They're the helmets I trust most as a cyclist, though prices are high at $120 to $300. Read my review of the Ventral Air Spin helmet for road biking, the Tectal Race Spin helmet for mountain biking, and the Corpora helmet for relaxed rides, below.
• The company recently announced a partnership with Volvo todesign bike helmets that protect cyclists if they collide with cars.

Swedish sport-safety brand POC burst onto the cycling scene seven years ago with a series of helmets that, at the time, were widely hailed as looking far too goofy for any fashion-conscious cyclist. Early POC time-trial helmets bore more similarities to the Super Mushrooms from Super Mario than anything cyclists were used to seeing.

POC marketed their helmets as a safety accessory and not a way to go faster or look cooler. They safety-tested helmets in different ways, designed them based on that testing, and came out with a product that didn't look like anything else. It took the cycling world a while to come around, but POC's newest designs have netted over 60 international awards for safety and innovation.

POC has continued to design bike helmets that, first and foremost, focus on safety and not aesthetics, but has also worked out innovative ways of slimming down its helmets, bringing the look more in line with other brands. Most importantly, their standout features of high visibility colors, greater protection for the back of the head, and science-led design continue to define the collection.

My experience with POC helmets

I personally wear a POC helmet when I ride my bike every day. In part, this is because it feels comfortable on my head, leaves no hot spots, and doesn't feel too hot even in the middle of summer, but it's also because I want to make sure that I make it home safe from my ride. Of course, a large part of my safety comes down to not hitting my head in the first place, and to try to prevent that, I make sure to make full use of the lane, avoid high speed straight roads, ride on roads where there are bike lanes or sharrows when I can, and ride defensively in traffic when there is no safe bike lane.

I also try to ensure that drivers can see me, and this is another area that POC helps with. Products such as their AVIP jersey ($140) are designed to be as visible as possible, day or night, in order to increase the safety of riders. Of course this won't help if a driver decides their Facebook post is more important that your life, but in low-light situations or when drivers are trying to process a lot of visual information, research suggests that bright colors will stand out and make drivers aware of you and thus keep you safe.

The helmet I use for road riding is the Ventral Air Spin ($232).

It's lightweight, comfortable and uses SPIN technology to help prevent brain injuries from the sort of multi directional impact which is common in a bike crash. The Ventral works by adding a robust inner layer that sits in between the external foam and your head. This allows the helmet to move in any direction and dissipate the force of an oblique impact (when the direction of one, or both, of the colliding objects is at an angle to the line of impact) as well as a central impact (like a head-on collision). This technology should help prevent brain injury better than a traditional EPS foam helmet.  The Ventral is also aerodynamic enough to enhance your speed compared to models a few years back.

What's not to love? It is fast, light, safe, and comfy. That's why I pull it down from my (shamefully large) bike helmet shelf whenever I am headed out on a road ride. 

When I'm out on my mountain bike, I opt for something that trades a little more weight for a lot more protection and a visor: the Tectal Race Spin ($176).

It sits comfortably on my head and is well-vented enough that I leave it on for climbs, but when things get rocky, rooty, and generally sketchy,  I feel confident that the full coverage and Spin technology will protect my brain if I do happen to make an unplanned dismount. For me, having a special mountain-bike helmet is worth it. I value the visor to keep the sun out of my eyes, and the increased coverage makes sense given that mountain bike falls are often less linear than road falls and there is no telling where a rock, tree, or bike part might hit you. The Tectal is a little less lightweight than my Ventral, which is why I leave it at home for road rides, but I would never hit the trail without it. 

For the rides when I don't want to don the lycra and heart-rate monitor, or send the gnar on my trail bike, I look to a helmet that is a little less aggressive: the Corpora ($120).

I find that the aesthetic and value of POC's Corpora helmet ($120) hits the perfect sweet spot. It's safe, stylish, and while it is far from cheap, it is not so expensive that I live in fear of having it stolen from a café or bar if I leave it on a table while I order a drink. The magnetic buckle of the Corpora easily fastens and unfastens with a single hand, and there's a color for every taste. 

POC and Volvo have joined forces to test helmets in simulated vehicle-to-bike crashes

Like POC, Swedish brand Volvo is also known for breaking aesthetic rules, and it only makes sense for the two to work together given their shared commitment to placing utility and safety at the forefront of design.

Cars and bikes are often seen as inherently in conflict, but both POC and Volvo share a commitment to keeping their customers safe. That's why, earlier this summer, the two brands joined forces to perform bike-helmet crash tests with motor vehicles in order to better understand how both could be made safer. Current helmet-testing procedures are fairly rudimentary, involving bike helmets being dropped from different heights on either a flat or an angled surface, and they don't generally consider vehicle-to-bike accidents. The more stringent protocol that POC and Volvo have developed aims to increase both brands' understandings of the forces involved in such a crash, so products can be refined in the future to help riders emerge with fewer injuries should the worst happen.

The bottom line

Just like those old square station wagons, POC's helmets have come a long way. Not only is their design now coveted in the cycling community, they have also managed something amazing in making safety a fashion statement. But the work with Volvo should result in even safer helmets for years to come. In the meantime, it is worth remembering that cycling is a very safe activity and, whatever you wear, it seems to be the method of transport that is most likely to prolong your life.

Buy the POC Ventral Spin Helmet, $231.96, at Competitive Cyclist

Buy the POC AVIP Ceramic Short-Sleeve Jersey, $139.96, at Competitive Cyclist

Buy the POC Tectal Race Spin Helmet, $175.96, at Competitive Cyclist

Buy the POC Corpora Helmet, $119.96, at Competitive Cyclist

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• Hauling things on a bicycle? What you need is a container that attaches to a bike, called a pannier.
• High-quality bike panniers have enough room to fit everything you need on your trip, are easy to attach and remove, and they are built to last.
• The Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Panniers are our top pick because they're incredibly waterproof, can fit 20 liters of gear in each bag, and are backed by REI's limited lifetime warranty.

When deciding whether to drive or bike as you run errands, commute to work or school, or even take a weekend jaunt, the decision often comes down to how much stuff you'll want to carry. Without good bike panniers, you'll likely decide to just hop in your car. It's scenarios like this that make panniers, also called bike bags, a must for living a green lifestyle.

When shopping for a bike pannier, it's important to have a budget in mind and to consider what features you want. For example, you can save some money buying water-resistant panniers instead of waterproof if you live in an area where it rarely rains or if you just don't bike in the rain. Water-resistant panniers can keep your contents dry if they are lightly splashed with water. Waterproof bags can typically handle torrential downpours without soaking your stuff.

Panniers are typically sold in pairs so you can mount one on each side of your rear rack. However, there are some brands that sell single bags. If you want two panniers, make sure the product description specifically states that you get two with your purchase. Or, if you want to save money and only need one, look for models that are sold individually.

Lastly, a rear bike rack is necessary for attaching panniers. Most panniers will work with just about any rear rack. But, we recommend checking out the Ibera PakRak Touring Carrier Plus+ Rack.

While researching the best bike panniers, we examined hundreds of expert and buyer reviews and ratings of dozens of brands. Our guide features panniers that have a track record of performance, durability, and utility.

Here are the best bike panniers you can buy in 2019:

• Best bike pannier overall: Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Panniers
• Best affordable bike pannier: Roswheel 14892 3 in 1 Multifunction Bicycle Expedition Touring Cam Pannier
• Best affordable waterproof bike pannier: Ibera PakRak Clip-On Quick-Release All Weather Bike Panniers
• Best for groceries: Bushwhacker Omaha Bicycle Grocery Pannier
• Best eco-friendly bike pannier: Green Guru Gear Dutchy Bike Pannier Bag

Updated on 09/03/2019 by Les Shu: Updated links, formatting, and prices. Added related buying guides.

The best overall

The Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Panniers can handle anything the weather throws at them and are easy to mount and remove from any rack style.

The PVC-coated polyester of the Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Panniersis designed to stand up to the elements. And, thanks to the roll-top closure, it's nearly impossible for moisture to sneak in. The bags come as a pair and measure 16.5 inches by 12.6 inches by 6.7 inches. Together, they hold an impressive 40 liters of gear.

These panniers use Ortlieb's proprietary QL2.1 mounting system for a very secure hook-and-latch mount to your rear rack. This makes it easy for you to attach your panniers and remove them quickly, yet provides a strong hold. The bags also have inner pockets for your smaller belongings and shoulder carrying straps. Lastly, Ortlieb also offers a level of safety by adding large reflectors to the sides of the panniers.

Several expert sites recommend the Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Panniers. Outdoor Gear Lab gave it their Editors' Choice Award because it performed consistently across many long, demanding rides. The reviewer appreciated the "bombproof" construction and effective waterproofing. The only negative he noted is that there are no outer pockets. Dave's Travel Pages recommends the bag because it leaves contents nice and dry after cycling in torrential rain. The reviewer was also impressed with the mounting system.

The majority of the buyers who reviewed the Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Panniers on REI.com gave it 5 stars. One customer rode more than 6,000 miles with these bags, on three bikes. He appreciated that his items remain dry in the bag no matter the weather, and never had issues with the panniers coming loose.

There are a couple of complaints about the clips on the mounting system busting after limited use, but these reviews were posted three years ago, and it appears Ortlieb has addressed this. REI also offers a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee and an excellent limited lifetime warranty.

Pros: Exceptionally weatherproof, large 40L capacity, quick mounting system, backed by REI's limited lifetime warranty

Cons: Expensive, no outer pockets

The best affordable pannier

The Roswheel 14892 3-in-1 Multifunction Bicycle Expedition Touring Cam Pannier provides you with plenty of space to carry your things without breaking the bank.

With the Roswheel 14892 3-in-1 Multifunction Bicycle Expedition Touring Cam Pannier, you are essentially getting three bags for the price of one. There are two side bags (12 inches long, 12 inches deep, and 5 inches wide) and a top bag (14 inches wide, 12 inches long, and 5 inches deep) connecting them, for an impressive 37 liters of volume. The bags are made of 1000D reinforced polyester with a water-resistant polyurethane coating. You can keep your gear organized with the many compartments, and the angled design keeps you from hitting your heels while cycling.

Tactical Gears Lab recommends the Roswheel 14892 Pannier because it was waterproof, durable, and solid in their tests (the manufacturer does not claim it's waterproof). The reviewer also noted that thanks to the large reflective handles and logos, the bag was easily visible in low light. However, he found the zippers to be weak. Stats Pros, C Top Reviews, and Ezvid Wiki also recommend this pannier.

The Roswheel 14892 Pannier has garnered 5-star reviews from around 64% of the buyers who rated it on Amazon. Riders are impressed with how well a pannier in this price range works for commutes. One reviewer found it can handle light splashing, but it's definitely not waterproof: wet pavements or downpours will drench your contents. Some commenters appreciate that there are so many pockets, while others wish there were fewer pockets and larger main storage compartments.

Pros: Affordable, has plenty of pockets, durable and large enough for touring, reflective elements

Cons: Isn't waterproof, no taillight hanger

The best affordable waterproof pannier

Whether touring or commuting, the Ibera PakRak Clip-On Quick-Release All Weather Bike Panniers provide waterproof protection of your items at an affordable price.

The Ibera PakRak Clip-On Quick-Release All Weather Bike Panniers are different from the other bags on our list because they come with rain covers that ensure your gear stays dry. Made of water-resistant 1680D nylon, the panniers come as a pair — each holding up to 15 liters and 20 pounds of content. And, they rely on a three-point quick release and clip-on system for secure attachment. Each bag has a top zippered pocket, two large inside pockets, and a drawstring pouch to keep items organized.

Average Joe Cyclist recommends the Ibera PakRak All-Weather Bike Panniers because the reviewer found they were easy to attach and remove. He also noted that the bags kept their contents dry in nasty weather. And, he was impressed with the appearance and the many compartments. The site recommends the panniers for both touring and commuting. Rydoze, Runner Click, and The Elite Product also recommend this model.

The Ibera PakRak All-Weather Bike Panniers has more than 200 positive reviews on Amazon. Buyers appreciate how spacious the bags are and that the rain covers do a good job of protecting gear from the elements. One reviewer used these panniers on a five-day tour and was impressed with its ability to hold all of his stuff, including a sleeping bag, hammock, and cooking equipment; even after a night of driving rain, the contents were dry.

Another commenter was disappointed that the zipper broke after two months of use, but the vendor-provided him with a full refund.

Pros: Waterproof, 30L of storage, easy to attach and remove, attractive design, excellent customer service, reflective trim

Cons: Some concerns about durability

The best pannier for groceries

With the Bushwhacker Omaha Bicycle Grocery Pannier, you'll have room on your bike for all of the items on your shopping list.

When most people are heading to the market in an SUV or minivan, it's sometimes hard to imagine going grocery shopping on a bicycle. But, products like the Bushwhacker Omaha Bicycle Grocery Pannier make this task easier without forcing you to buy only what will fit. These panniers come as a pair; each is 14 inches long, 9 inches wide, and 11.5 inches deep so you'll have plenty of room.

The panniers attach to the top of your rear rack with two metal cooks. An S-hook and bungee are used to attach to the bike frame or bottom of the rack for added security. When not in use, you simply fold the panniers up.

There are relatively few expert reviews of the Bushwhacker Omaha Bicycle Grocery Pannier. However, BMX Online recommends this product as the best grocery pannier for your bike. The reviewer appreciated how spacious the baskets are and that they could accommodate full-sized paper grocery bags. He also pointed out that installation was effortless, and when the panniers are not in use, they fold up for a sleek look.

Approximately 84% of the people who reviewed the Bushwhacker Omaha Bicycle Grocery Pannier on Amazon gave it a positive rating. The most common positive from buyers is that the panniers hold a lot of groceries. One commenter fit six 2-liter bottles into a single side. Another found each could hold full grocery bags. On the downside, there are reports that the panniers bow when loaded up with heavy items. And, there are some complaints about how you can't easily use them as grocery bags because of the protruding hooks, and there's only one handle.

Pros: Folds flat when not in use, can hold full paper grocery bags, easy to install

Cons: Hard to use as a standalone grocery bag

The best eco-friendly pannier

The Green Guru Gear Dutchy Bike Pannier Bag is made from upcycled materials, is easy to install, and holds up to 22 liters of gear.

What sets the Green Guru Gear Dutchy Bike Pannier Bagapart from other panniers is that it's made of upcycled truck tarps, banners, and billboards. This is great because many of us ride bicycles to do our part for the environment. The downside is that no two bags are alike. The look of your bag is based on whatever upcycled material is used. However, the bag performs well. It's weather-resistant and can hold 22 liters of stuff.  And, the reflective webbing light loops will help you remain visible.

Outdoor Gear Lab recommends the Green Guru Gear Dutchy because it's excellent for when you're riding around town running errands. The reviewer found the pannier to be incredibly easy to use and install. It also felt comfortable to sling over his shoulder. However, he does note that it isn't ideal for long, wet rides that require greater resilience. Men's Journal recommends this pannier because it's easy to attach and remove, fits groceries or a gym bag, and is weatherproof.

Out of the 38 Amazon reviewers, 36 gave the Green Guru Gear Dutchy 4 or 5 stars. One likes the pannier because it can hold a significant amount of groceries, including 22 pieces of produce, a bag of rice, and three 16-ounce cans. That customer also likes how visible it is and that it rides low enough to still use the rack for carrying a bag of cat food. Others like how the bag folds up easily and has hard sides and a base to protect its contents. There is one complaint about the banner material tearing, but that appears to be an outlier.

Pros: Made from upcycled materials, holds 22 liters, easy to install, has reflective elements, reinforced sides

Cons: Not waterproof, you don't know exactly what design or colors you are getting

Check out our other bicycling guides

The best commuter bikes you can buy

Biking to work is not only a great way to save money, but it's a great exercise and environmentally friendly. But not all commutes are the same, and you may be restricted to a certain budget. Whatever your needs are, here are some of the best commuter bikes to consider:

• Best commuter bike overall: Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Franklin 3
• Best high-end commuter bike: Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1 Bike
• Best bike for longer commutes: Mongoose Men's Elroy Adventure Bike 700C Wheel Bicycle
• Best commuter bike under $200: Schwinn Wayfarer Hybrid Bike
• Best full-featured commuter bike: State Bicycle Deluxe 3 Speed City Bike

The best bike helmets you can buy

Whether you're biking to work on a smooth road or racing downhill, you need a helmet to protect your head. You can't predict or prevent accidents, so make sure you're properly protected with a quality helmet. Here are the best you can buy:

• Best bike helmet overall: POC Octal X SPIN
• Best budget bike helmet: Bern FL1 Trail
• Best high-end bike helmet: Giro Aether MIPS
• Best portable bike helmet for bike-share: Priority Bicycles Stack
• Best bike helmet for commuters: Lumos Kickstart

The best bike locks you can buy

You've spent a good amount for your bicycle, so make sure it's secured with a good lock that deters thieves from attempting to seal your ride. Here are some locks to look at:

• Best bike lock overall: Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini Bicycle U-Lock
• Best bike lock on a budget: Titanker Bike Lock Cable
• Best standard-size U-lock bike lock: Kryptonite New York Standard Bicycle U-Lock
• Best U-lock/cable bike lock combo: Kryptonite Kryptolok Standard Bicycle U-Lock w/ 4-foot Flex Cable

• A bike computer with GPS can be an invaluable training tool and an even more useful navigation tool.
• Modern bike computers gather all kinds of location and training data for amusement and analysis.
• After testing many bike computers, we think that the intuitive and reliable Wahoo Elemnt Bolt is the best of the bunch.

Bike computers, or head units, are a great way to gamify and quantify your training. A good GPS computer can not only tell you how far and fast you've ridden, but also connect to other devices on your bike and body via Bluetooth or ANT+. That way, you can gather data from all kinds of sensors like heart rate monitors, power meters, and cadence sensors.

Many bike computers will also include altimeters, barometers, thermometers, and accelerometers to measure weather, feet climbed, and gradient as well as auto-starting and stopping rides. Most modern units also feature navigation, so if your ride gets you somewhere you didn't expect to be, the computer will get you home again.

When selecting a head unit, it's important to think about what you want out of it. A lot of GPS functions can be outsourced to a cellphone, and if all you want is to log your mileage and share rides to a social network like Strava, you might be able to get away with a phone in your pocket. Putting a phone on your bars isn't the best idea, it tends to make the front end of your bike cluttered and heavy and puts your cellphone at risk. Basic computers will rely on your phone and mirror the data on a screen.

More advanced devices will offer training metrics on customizable screens and turn-by-turn navigation. If you want a computer to improve your training and racing, something small and black and white will be reliable and lightweight. If you want navigation, shoot for a bigger screen and more memory. If you want to really dig down into the minutiae, a more powerful and larger unit with a color screen is just the ticket.

As a professional bicyclist who's participated in competitive racing, I've done a lot of testing and research on many bike accessories, and have even incorporated the best ones into my life. Here are the best bike computers I've found that could enhance your ride.

Here are the best bike computers you can buy:

• Best bike computer overall: Wahoo Elemnt Bolt
• Best bike computer for bikepacking and touring: Lezyne Mega XL
• Best bike computer for data nerds: Garmin 1030
• Best bike computer for navigating: Sigma Rox 12.0

Updated on 09/06/2019 by Les Shu: Updated prices, links, and formatting.

The best bike computer overall

The Wahoo Elemnt Bolt connects to every sensor seamlessly, offers intuitive controls, and has a clear display so you'll have easy access to all the data you could ever want.

When I started using bike computers, the process of installing a wheel magnet, running a wire to a sensor on the fork, and then securing that wire to the frame was almost a training session in itself.

Today, it can still be stressful setting up sensors cadence measuring devices, powermeters, and heart rate monitors to work with your head unit. Add in touchscreen devices that don't work with sweaty hands and menus that don't tell you what you want to know but do tell you everything else, and you'll be ready to return to the days of a simple speed and distance computer.

This isn't the case with Wahoo's head units. The Elemnt Bolt paired with every device I tried, never once dropped connection or lost data and proved incredibly easy to use.

The Elemnt Bolt comes equipped with an out-front mount as well as a stem mount, meaning that setup on a road or mountain bike is a 30-second job. Once powered up, the free app makes it incredibly simple to choose the screens you will see, and the big tactile buttons on the device make it easy to navigate between screens. Within five minutes of unboxing the device, you can be out on the road and monitoring any of dozens of metrics.

Should your ride take you away from familiar roads or the device's claims of aerodynamic advantage lead to you travelling further than expected, the included app can give you effective turn-by-turn directions on the the pre-downloaded map.

Unlike some of the larger screen devices we tested, it is a little hard to browse the map on the device screen, but using the companion app made it easy to find a destination and transfer a route to the device. Once you're done training, simply connect to Wi-Fi or your phone's data plan to upload the ride to your preferred training app such as Strava or Training Peaks.

Cycling Tips compared the set-up experience of the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt to that of an Apple device, because it is simple and intuitive. I'm no programmer but I found it very easy to determine my data fields and get screens set up for long rides, climbing, intervals, and navigation. It's equally simple to transfer a route or workout to the device if you find yourself riding in a new area or sticking to a training program.

REI purchasers loved the robust and water-resistant design, the ability to integrate electronic drivetrains and see you gearing and battery life on the unit and the zoom in/out functions, which allow you to focus on one data field during a hard interval. I also enjoy the option to read and dismiss calls and texts during an interval.

For me, what I like most about the Elemnt bolt was not having to think about it. I put it on a bike, it picked up the power meter and the drivetrain and off I went. Any data I want, I could easily find, and setting up my data screens after unboxing was incredibly simple.

There are many other great features, like the LEDs that signal your power or speed relative to average, the aerodynamic shape of the computer, and the tiny bolt that holds the head unit on the mount and prevents loss in a crash. 

I really value a bike computer that adds to the experience of riding rather than distracting from it, so I don't really feel I need a color screen bleeping at me all the time. The Wahoo hides a lot of technology in a small package and it uses that tech to add to your ride experience, which is really all I want from a GPS.

Pros: Intuitive menus and set up, comes with mount, maps pre-downloaded

Cons: Monochrome screen can make map-reading difficult, battery life is not as long as some models

The best bike computer for bikepacking and touring

The huge screen and impressive battery life on the Lezyne Mega XL make it a go-to for navigating multi-day trips in the backcountry.

Nothing is more frustrating than having a map on your device that you can't quite orient to see if the road you want to take is going to connect you to incredible riding or leave you lost in the middle of nowhere. You zoom in and you can see the road, but you zoom out, and it disappears. You ride down it, get stuck at the bottom of a big hill, and curse the GPS as you haul yourself back up the other side wishing you'd just stuck to paper maps instead of this high-tech nonsense. Then the damn thing runs out of battery.

The Mega XL won't leave you stranded. The incredible 48-hour run time, combined with the fact that the device can be charged whilst it runs, means that even the most extreme exploring will be recorded on the device's spacious internal hard drive. Its 2.7-inch high-resolution screen can be run in portrait or landscape mode so you can always see where you're going and, provided you download maps before heading out, how to get home.

Much like the reviewer at Road.cc, I really like the positive engagement and secure locked-in feel of Lezyne's 1/8 turn mount. Lezyne also offers an optional mount that places the light directly in front of the stem and incorporates a mount for a camera or light. The unit is slightly larger, thanks to its big screen and battery, which makes this secure interface even more valuable.

During testing, the only glitch I found was, on one ride, where the altimeter suddenly began racking up tens of thousands of feet of climbing that I hadn't done that day. Lezyne's engineers know such bugs exist with the GPS chip, and engineered an altitude correction function.

Another great piece of software engineering is the Lezyne track function that sends my wife an email whenever I start a ride and updates her on my location, using my linked smartphone. It's also great to be able to read and dismiss calls, texts, and other alerts right from the Mega XL's huge screen, although I found customizing these alerts a little more challenging than in the Wahoo app.

The included app is generally pretty useable, although uploading of rides is manual rather than automatic as with the Wahoo. Many coaches prefer this as it gives riders a chance to enter their training notes. Amazon reviewers liked that the Mega XL showed the battery levels of all connected sensors.

Setup via the Lezyne app was generally simple, although some users were frustrated by frequent firmware updates. I didn't find these too burdensome, although forgetting to download a map that covered the edges of one bikepacking trip was frustrating, but largely my own fault. I loved leaving the Mega XL on my bikepacking bike and being able to keep tabs on where I was, the charge state of all my connected devices and my distance covered.

I tended to use the Mega XL in landscape mode, perhaps because it reminded me of the old bike computer that I once raced with. It offers great value, all the functions of the best computers tested, and best-in-class battery life and navigation.

If you're looking for a bikepacking computer that reliably delivers the functions you want, the Mega XL is great, but it lacks the finesse of some of the other products here.

Pros: Huge screen, incredible battery life

Cons: Maps need to be downloaded, out-front mount sold separately

The best bike computer for data nerds

The Garmin Edge 1030 gives you every possible piece of data analysis you could want in real-time, as well as a capacitive color touchscreen.

I remember when the Nintendo 64 launched with the tagline that it was more powerful than the computer that put man on the moon. These days that's not that remarkable, but when you consider that a dozen years ago, people were still riding with magnetic bike computers that they had to manually input wheel diameters into, the Edge 1030 is nothing short of miraculous.

The technology in this head unit rivals that of a basic laptop and there's nothing it can't tell you about your training or route. For people who love tech and data, this will be the perfect head unit.

The 1030 works via a combination of buttons and a touchscreen — the former can be a little hard to access when using an out-front mount, and the latter can be a little frustrating when trying to access data whilst riding at 25 miles an hour. I find that the 1030's touchscreen responded much better to gloves, sweat, rain, and dust, but I accessed the wrong page more often on the Garmin than with other similar devices.

Certainly, with all that data literally at my fingertips, it was fun to swipe through and see everything from left/right balance to training load and recovery time. Data such as weather information isn't available on other computers that we tested and proved genuinely useful in my testing.

Other notifications were less useful (I don't need to know when there is a sharp corner coming up), but could easily be turned off on the device or through Garmin's excellent app.

I did find that the Garmin crashed once or twice, something that less complicated computers never do, but the sort of rider who wants a bike computer that tells them their projected recovery time as soon as they finish a ride will understand that this requires more delicate electronics.

The Edge 1030's navigation features are excellent and are only challenged by the Sigma Rox 12.0. Not only can you browse the full-color map for places of interest, you can also see routes based on user-generated data to ensure you take roads cyclists prefer, which usually means safer routes.

I tested navigation in downtown LA and enjoyed being able to easily find to points of interest because I didn't even have to stop riding to find the nearest cafe.

Road.cc notes that you'll need to check longer routes as those generated can be a little bizarre, but I found that most of the time I navigated with the 1030 it did a great job of finding me a safe way home. An Amazon buyer noted that the powerful processor and connected smartphone app allows for the Edge 1030 to auto-upload rides to online platforms like Strava and easily configure screens and setup.

Now, is it worth $600? Only you can decide that — not everybody will have a need for navigation features. It does come with an out-front mount, so at least you won't have to shell out extra money to set one up on your bike. If you plan on navigating with your bike a lot without having to preload routes beforehand, the Garmin and Sigma units are leaps and bounds ahead of the competition.

Pros: Incredible data analysis, touch-capable color display, navigation based on where cyclists ride

Cons: Software crashes can occur, expensive

Buy the Garmin Edge 1030 on REI for $600

The best bike computer for navigation

The crystal clear touchscreen and smartphone-like interface make it easy to get the most out of the Sigma ROX 12.0's great navigation and training software.

Sigma made a name for itself with some of the best wired cycle computers around, and its latest offering is a much updated but equally reliable computer that packs as much functionality as more widely hailed brands. What Sigma did wisely was to take its expertise in making bike computers and let other brands do what it doesn't do: design an operating system. The ROX 12.0 runs on Android, and is every bit as fast, clean, and clear as the cellphone that many of you are reading this on.

If you plan to use your bike computer to navigate in areas you don't know, the Rox or the Garmin are really your best bet. Amazon shoppers liked the accuracy and visibility of the maps provided and so did I. Sigma obtains its base maps from the OSM (OpenStreetMap) database, so the directions should be accurate and up to date. The maps are continually refined and updated and those for the USA and Canada come pre-loaded on the device with other regions available at no cost.

Some maps on other computers can't be zoomed or moved, which means that if you want to see where a road goes or how to get home you have to stop and pull out your phone. With the ROX 12.0, I could see a road, quickly skip to the map page on the computer, and decide if I should take it or not.

As DC Rainmaker notes, the responsiveness and clarity of the maps on this device is fantastic, I don't normally use maps on GPS head units unless I have a route uploaded but the ROX 12.0 changed that. I plugged in destinations or searched for them as I would on my phone and was able to discern the route easily, even in bright sunlight.

The ROX 12.0 can be customized with colored cases to match your bike or kit. The bright colour screen works well in all light conditions and we found it easy to customize screens to show exactly what we wanted to see on rides using Sigma's desktop software or using the device itself.

Of all the devices we tested, this one had by far the most screen clarity and an incredible touchscreen that worked as well as a smartphone even when riding with gloves in the rain, but should you prefer, the device also offers side buttons to switch screens.

Sigma made a wise decision to use the same mount as a Garmin and other industry players to allow users to take advantage of a variety of aftermarket mounts, which integrate accessories such as lights and action cameras. Indeed, Sigma provides a mount from Barfly, although it carries Sigma branding, that allows for a light or camera to be run beneath the computer. This is a nice touch in a computer at this cost. The unit also charges via Micro USB, which means you'll never have to be without a cable even if you're touring or traveling.

My only real criticism is not of the unit itself, but of the app that comes with it. In testing dozens of bike computers, I actually found I preferred not to pair them with my phone as the notifications became annoying when I was trying to enjoy a bike ride, but should you prefer to know who is calling or texting, the Sigma is not capable of cellphone connection and showing notifications.

In time, I am sure this will be changed, but for now all ride data is uploaded by Wi-Fi. Obviously this is not a cheap bike computer, and that will be a negative for some, but given that it delivers navigation features for which we normally rely on a phone that costs twice as much, it's hard to argue that the Rox 12.0 doesn't present good value for someone who will make use of its full feature set.

Pros: Incredible clarity and precision touch screen, great navigation

Cons: Expensive if you don't need all the features, app isn't great

• A high-quality indoor bike trainer can help you replicate the outdoor riding experience, isn't too loud, and is made of durable materials.
• Our guide features trainers that are easy to use, work with a variety of bike types, and have a track record of performance.
• The Elite Direto 2 Interactive Smart Trainer is our top pick because it's easy to set up, compatible with the most popular training apps, and lightweight and affordable compared to other direct drive trainers.

With an indoor bike trainer, I can simulate the outdoor riding experience when the weather turns nasty without risking life and limb.

Bike trainers have been around for more than a century. The first trainers were bike rollers, which consisted of three rolling cylinders — two in the back and one in the front — on which the bike rests as you pedal away. You can still find bike rollers, and they are excellent for fine-tuning your balance. However, they are no longer as popular as they once were.

Most of today's trainers hold the bike in place. Here are the types of trainers you will come across:

• Friction Trainers: Until recently, friction trainers were all the rage. They supply fluid or magnetic resistant to the rear wheel via a small roller. 
• Direct Drive Trainers: These trainers recently took the industry by storm. With these, you remove your back wheel and attach the rear dropout to the trainer. They require a cassette compatible with your bike. Direct-drive trainers offer the highest level of resistance and are the most accurate. Yet, they also cost the most. Direct-drive trainers are "smart," which means you can connect to your mobile device and experience the wonder of the many virtual riding apps. You can control the resistance yourself or have it adjust automatically based on the workout.
• Fluid Trainers: Direct-drive trainers are not the only smart trainers. There are also several fluid trainers with Bluetooth or ANT+ connectivity. And even if you choose a "dumb" trainer, you can purchase accessories to make it smart. For instance, the Garmin Bike Speed Sensor 2 and Cadence Sensor 2 bundle should get the job done and can provide you with valuable data when you're riding outdoors as well.

While researching the best indoor bike trainers, we looked at hundreds of buyer and expert reviews and ratings of dozens of models. Our guide features trainers that are easy to use, work with a variety of bike types, and have a track record of performance. When shopping for a trainer, make sure the model you look at is compatible with your bike. If not, you may need to buy additional parts. 

Here are the best indoor bike trainers you can buy:

• Best indoor bike trainer overall: Elite Direto 2 Interactive Smart Trainer
• Best high-end indoor bike trainer: Tacx NEO 2 Smart Indoor Trainer
• Best smart indoor bike trainer on a budget: Kinetic Road Machine Smart 2 Trainer
• Best indoor bike trainer for power accuracy: Wahoo Fitness Kickr Smart Bike Trainer
• Best "dumb" indoor bike trainer: CycleOps Fluid2 Indoor Trainer

The best indoor bike trainer overall

The Elite Direto 2 Interactive Smart Trainer provides an optimal balance of performance — with and without inclines — with an attractive price.

The Elite Direto 2 Interactive Smart Trainer uses an optical torque sensor (OTS) power meter to accurately measure power within 2% of the actual output. This combined with Direto's pedal analysis options will help you optimize your training. The smart trainer can also simulate inclines up to 14%. Wireless connectivity is through Bluetooth and ANT+ FE-C, and it's compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.  

In our research, the only difference we could find between the Direto and the Direto 2 is that the newer version comes with a trainer block and features a slight internal upgrade for accuracy. The two are so similar that buyers report that the Direto 2 comes in the same box as the Direto and is simply labeled "Direto" without the "2."

Outdoor Gear Lab recommends the Elite Direto as a "best buy." In their tests, the trainer received high marks for power accuracy and connectivity. The reviewer found of the seven models they tested, the Direto had one of the most accurate power meters — within 1% of actual output. He noted that it's also much lighter than other top smart trainers.

DC Rainmaker recommends this model because it balances value and all-around performance. He notes that other models are quieter, more like riding on a road, and have better automated inclines, but they are all much more expensive and lack multifaceted aptitude in all three of these areas.

Currently, there are only six reviews of the Elite Direto 2 on Amazon, and all but one gives it 5 stars. Spartacus, the most helpful reviewer, likes the direct drive over his rollers because he doesn't need to focus on balance. He found setup was effortless, though he recommends putting plywood or a mat underneath to protect your floors against chain lubes and sweat. The 3-star reviewer would still recommend the trainer, especially for hill climbs, but he notes that the unit gets too warm and doesn't register when sprinting in low gears.

Pros: Accurate, lightweight, affordable, easy to set up, great for hill climbs

Cons: Runs loud, several features are only available through in-app purchases

The best high-end indoor bike trainer

If you are willing to spend a little extra for a trainer that closely captures the feel of riding on the road, the Tacx NEO 2 Smart Indoor Trainer is your best bet.

The Tacx NEO 2 Smart Indoor Trainer features dynamic inertia, which compensates for incline, speed, and weight to provide a smooth and realistic ride feel. It's even able to simulate acceleration on a descent or riding over gravel and cobblestones. Tacx focused on creating a silent trainer that keeps you and your bike completely still while mounted — a much-needed perk for cyclists who live in apartment buildings. The trainer also closely monitors the position of each leg to achieve a more precise pedal analysis.

The NEO 2 Smart can simulate climbs up to 25% and resists sprints up to 2,200 watts. Tacx backs the quality of this product with a two-year warranty.

Smart Bike Trainers recommends the Tacx NEO 2 because of its quick response, realistic road-feel simulation, and accurate power meter. The reviewer also found that there was no calibration necessary to get started. Plus, the unit runs quietly. However, he was bummed that some of the pedal analysis was only available in the Tacx Windows app.

Road.cc recommends this model because it performed better than any other trainer in their tests. The reviewer was also impressed by the sturdy construction.

Of the buyers who reviewed the Tacx NEO 2 on Amazon, 74% gave it 5 stars. Cyclists mention how road-like the simulator is. They also appreciate that the trainer works well with the top apps, such as Zwift, Wahoo, Strava, Rouvy, and Sufferfest. However, there are complaints that the Tacx app either doesn't pair with the trainer at all or works with limited features.

Pros: Excellent performance, accurate power meter, realistic road feel, runs quietly, works with several apps, two-year warranty

Cons: No-carry handle, complaints about the pedal analysis features, connectivity issues with the Tacx app

The best smart indoor bike trainer on a budget

The Kinetic Road Machine Smart 2 Trainer is one of the most affordable smart trainers on the market, and it's built to last.

The Kinetic Road Machine Smart 2 Trainer takes Kinetic by Kurt's popular 2.0 Fluid Trainer and makes it compatible with the top training apps, including Zwift, Trainer Road, and Rouvy. Fluid resistance is controlled by your speed with a max resistance of 1,400 watts at 35 mph. The unit works with an array of bike types, including bikes with wheels as small as 16 inches, internally geared hubs, and thru-axles.

Bicycling recommends the Kinetic Road Machine Smart 2 Trainer because it proved to be sturdy and reliable in their tests. The reviewer also liked that it was portable, good for interval sessions, and seamlessly allowed him to join a virtual crowd with its smart capabilities.

Outdoor Gear Lab recommends the trainer because of its lifelike road feel, sturdy build, and reasonable price. However, in their tests, it received low marks for power accuracy. Road.cc, Bike Trainer World, and Smart Bike Trainers also recommend this model.

Approximately 76% of the Amazon buyers who reviewed the Kinetic Road Machine Smart 2 Trainer gave it 4 or 5 stars. A few of the reviewers are first-time owners of bike trainers and appreciate that it's so easy to set up and get a workout.

Buyers like that it supports ANT+ and works with a variety of different apps. Yet, the biggest complaint appears to be that the Kinetic app either works poorly or not at all. One buyer mentions that he has to uninstall and reinstall the app to get it to track his workout.

Pros: Affordable, supports ANT+, portable, lifelike road feel, sturdy build, easy to use

Cons: The app works poorly or not at all, questionable accuracy

The best accurate indoor bike trainer

The wheel-off design of the Wahoo Fitness Kickr Smart Bike Trainer provides accurate power measurement, and it works well with the top apps using ANT+ and Bluetooth.

The Wahoo Fitness Kickr Smart Bike Trainer is designed to bring the outdoor riding experience indoors. The universal fit, wheel-off design accommodates a broad range of bike types, including 24-inch bikes, mountain bikes, and full-size road bikes. Using Bluetooth, ANT+, and ANT+ FE-C, you can control it wirelessly from just about any device using the Wahoo Fitness App, Zwift, TrainerRoad, and more. The trainer adjusts to simulate a 20-degree incline and generates up to 2,200 watts of power.

The great thing about buying from REI is that you get 10% back in store credit. And the device is backed by their 100% satisfaction guarantee. This means you get up to 90 days to return it if you're not satisfied.

Bike Radar recommends the Kickr because it can provide the exact wattage resistance you need. The reviewer found it paired well with TrainerRoad to bring his training to a new level. And he liked how the resistance adjusted automatically for big-group drafts, virtual climbs, descents, and flats when used with Zwift. 

Cycling Weekly recommends the trainer because it was easy to set up, stable, and packed full of features, including realistic road feel and excellent connectivity to the top apps. 

Around 75% of the buyers who reviewed the Wahoo Fitness Kickr Smart Bike Trainer on REI's website gave it 5 stars. Cyclists are impressed with how realistic the ride is. One reviewer said, "This truly is the closest to cycling while being indoors." 

Another reported that when his unit stopped reporting power, Wahoo provided excellent customer service and was quick to replace it. However, there are reports of a few quality-control issues with this product.

Pros: Realistic road feel, pairs seamlessly with several apps, accurate power measurement, great customer service, one-year return policy

Cons: Expensive, reports of quality-control problems

The best 'dumb' indoor bike trainer

The CycleOps Fluid2 Indoor Trainer is an affordable option if you don't need smart connectivity but still want an indoor ride when the weather isn't accommodating.

Before the recent surge in smart trainers, the CycleOps Fluid2 Indoor Trainer was at the top of the heap. This heavy-duty beast features a 2-inch-round, 16-gauge steel frame made of 100% recyclable, nonrusting materials in the United States. The trainer comes with a steel quick-release skewer, and the 2-inch resistant roller fits a wide array of road and mountain bike wheel sizes. CycleOps backs the quality of their trainer with a lifetime warranty.

Road.cc recommends the CycleOps Fluid2 because of its high-quality construction, durability, and comfort. The reviewer has used the Fluid for four years without any issues, and he appreciates how the resistance offers a smooth, natural feel. He also liked that the unit appears to be quite heavy-duty, which is great for remaining stationary but doesn't make it very portable. And, he got a lot of use out of the DVD that came with the trainer. Bike Radar, Kyle's Bikes, and Turbo Bike Trainer also recommend this model.

About 85% of the buyer reviews of the CycleOps Fluid2 on Amazon are positive. The most helpful reviewer, dpkeith, described how the trainer started to make an off-putting noise after using it for more than four years, three times a week for 45 minutes a workout. He contacted CycleOps, and they replaced it free of charge. Other buyers recommend buying cadence and speed sensors for the bike so the trainer can be used with various apps —essentially smartening up a dumb trainer. 

Pros: Affordable, heavy-duty construction, excellent customer service, lifetime warranty

Cons: No smart connectivity, not easily portable

What else we considered

When researching this guide, we considered several models of bike trainers, and there are a few that we almost included. The following five barely missed the cut:

• Jet Black Z1 Pro Fluid Trainer ($301.93): This is another "dumb" trainer. It's backed by a lifetime warranty, is foldable, and relatively light so you can bring it with you on road trips. Several expert lists included this trainer. However, we think there are better, more affordable trainers if you don't care about smart connectivity. 
• FeedBack Sports Omnium Portable Cycle Trainer ($399.99): The Omnium Over-Drive is unique because you remove your front wheel, attach it to the stand, and your back wheel rests on two 4-inch magnetic drums that supply progressive resistance. The set comes with a travel bag that fits in an airplane overhead bin. The trainer is highly recommended by Bicycling, but it only has a 3.9-star average customer rating on Amazon.
• Bkool Go Trainer ($299.99): The Bkool Go is a fun, low-cost smart trainer for beginner or casual cyclists since it only gets up to 800 watts of resistance and simulates slopes of 8%. However, it works with Bluetooth or ANT+ FE-C to pair with the Bkool app as well as other popular training apps to give you a realistic virtual riding experience. It didn't make our guide because the customer and expert reviews are a mixed bag of positive and negative experiences.
• Wahoo Fitness Kickr Snap Power Bike Trainer ($500): This is a good mid-range smart trainer made of high-strength carbon steel. It works with popular training software and is compatible with aftermarket power meters. The accuracy levels are impressive but don't compare to the high-end options in our guide. Also, the adjustable incline only reaches a 12% grade, which isn't enough for those of us who like punishing climbs.
• Kinetic R1 Direct Drive Smart Trainer ($1,050): Kinetic by Kurt is one of the top names in the bike trainer industry, and the R1 is their high-end direct drive trainer. It has all the whistles and bells — compatibility with all the most popular training apps, 20% max slope, 2,000-watt max resistance at 30 mph. However, it's relatively new so the verdict is still out. Keep an eye out as we update this guide because the R1 is likely to move up.

• You can cycle through water in Limburg, Belgium, at the ponds region of Bokrijk in De Wijers.
• The experience was listed in Time Magazine's "World's 100 Greatest Places 2018."
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Join the conversation about this story »

• The transgender cyclist Rachel McKinnon defended her win at the Masters Track Cycling World Championships after criticism from Donald Trump Jr.
• Trump Jr.tweeted that "this BS will destroy women's sports" and that he was "sorry to all female athletes who spent their lives mastering their games."
• McKinnon cited the tweet as a reason for several hateful messages she received, adding: "Y'all don't have a problem with testosterone levels, you have a problem with trans women period."
• The Canadian rider has been competing in women's events for several years.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The transgender cyclist Rachel McKinnon defended her win at the Masters Track Cycling World Championships on Saturday after Donald Trump Jr. said that "this BS will destroy women's sports."

McKinnon, a 37-year-old Canadian, won gold for the second straight year in the women's 35-39 age category sprint and set a record in qualifying, making it around the 200-meter course in just 11.649 seconds.

Read more:The newspaper that published the 'angry baby' Serena Williams cartoon ran a hit piece saying she is 'no feminist hero' — here's why it's dead wrong

Trump Jr. lashed out at McKinnon on Twitter after her victory, saying on Monday: "This BS will destroy women's sports and everything so many amazing female athletes have worked their entire lives to achieve. I couldn't care less how you identify, but this isn't right."

Trump Jr. later tweeted that he was "sorry to all female athletes who spent their lives mastering their games."

McKinnon responded by quoting Trump Jr.'s second tweet with the caption: "Oh THIS explains the explosion of hate messages I'm getting!!"

She followed up with tweets in which she defended her right to compete as a woman, which she has been doing for several years.

"I was competing prior to the IOC's 2015 update to their trans policy,"McKinnon said, referring to the International Olympic Committee's latest guidelines for transgender athletes. "I met the older, more restrictive 2003 policy.

"Y'all don't have a problem with testosterone levels, you have a problem with trans women period."

She said in an earlier tweet: "I'm just going to come out and say it: My body doesn't produce testosterone anymore. And it hasn't for nearly a decade. Draw your own conclusions."

She added in another: "We are either full and equal women, or not. We are."

McKinnon has also come under scrutiny from fellow athletes

McKinnon meets the criteria to compete in women's events, but that hasn't stopped fellow athletes from criticizing her and her achievements.

Read more:The biggest thing critics continually get wrong about transgender athletes competing in women's sports

Sharron Davies, the swimmer who won silver for Great Britain in the 400-meter individual medley at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, said on Twitter on Sunday that "female rights are being eroded every single day."

The cyclist Victoria Hood said, according to the BBC, that while "it is a human right to participate in sport," she doesn't "think it's a human right to identify into whichever category you choose."

The 18-time Grand Slam tennis champion Martina Navratilova has also criticized McKinnon, saying in The Sunday Times in February: "A man can decide to be female, take hormones if required by whatever sporting organisation is concerned, win everything in sight, earn a small fortune, and then reverse his decision and go back to making babies if he desired."

McKinnon told Business Insider at the time that such criticism was transphobic and demeaning of her human rights.

"We should never deny people's rights because a select few, in theory, could commit fraud," McKinnon said.

"The idea we should ban all immigrants because one or two might be terrorists is the height of racism, bigotry, and xenophobia. So their argument is the very definition of an irrational fear of trans women, the dictionary definition of transphobia."

SEE ALSO: Serena Williams is a feminist hero

Join the conversation about this story »

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• A British man has cycled an incredibly detailed route around London that created the shape of a reindeer.
• Anthony Hoyte, 51, cycled for nine hours to map the image on fitness-tracking app, Strava.
• It's the third festive image he's created, having cycled a snowman and a Santa in previous years.
•  Visit Insider's homepage for more details.

A cyclist has brought some festive cheer to the streets of London by pedalling an image of a reindeer.

Anthony Hoyte, from Cheltenham, creates art by planning intricate routes that form images on maps, then recording his rides using the Strava fitness tracker app.

His latest effort — his third annual Christmas image — may be his most impressive yet. 

"I'm pretty happy with it," the 51-year-old said. "You plan them all out but until you get back and upload it, you're not quite sure whether it's going to work or not."

Mr Hoyte's 79-mile route started in Hammersmith in west London, went north as far as Edgware before heading south again and east through Hampstead Heath and Wood Green.

Finally he returned south through Kilburn and Maida Vale before finishing along Euston Road in central London.

At nine hours, it pushed him to his limits, even as a regular club cyclist.

"I live in the countryside and it's very different to coming into London," he said. "Particularly around Neasden and Wembley, it's not the most pleasant cycling.

"That's about my maximum distance — I wouldn't want to go too much above that. It's a long day in the saddle."

Mr Hoyte, a heritage consultant, has produced around a dozen pieces of art on his bike, and believes his training as a product designer helps in the creative process of planning the routes.

"I just spend a lot of time looking at maps and it's waiting for things to jump out at you," he said. "Normally I look at maps until I see something — 'That looks a bit like a nose' — so I think 'Where can I find eyes near that?'

"It's like looking at patterns in clouds and seeing pictures.

"With these ones it's a bit more tricky because I'm trying to do something festive so it's harder, but it's the same process really."

Other routes Mr Hoyte has cycled include a Yorkshire terrier in Leeds, two elephants in Birmingham, and a flock of birds in Bristol.

In 2017 he produced his first festive work by cycling a snowman in London and he followed it up last year with Santa in Birmingham.

He said: "In a sense I've made a rod for my own back in that it's become a tradition and everyone was saying 'So what's it going to be this year?'"

But in the end, the reindeer turned out almost exactly as planned.

"There's a little glitch in there near Shepherd's Bush where I obviously lost the GPS signal and it creates a straight line that cuts through a couple of street blocks, but that's minor," he said.

"I made a couple of mistakes but they're so small that nobody's going to notice really. I'm happy. It looks how I wanted it to look."

Read more:

A prankster covered her boss' entire office in holiday wrapping paper, including his pens and spare change

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This hardware store's Christmas ad cost just $131 to make, and it's one of the best ones you'll see this year

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Hopefully this year you explored more of the world on two wheels and got out for some amazing rides. We were fortunate enough to go on a few cycling adventures of our own, chasing riders at the Tour de France and ripping around in the mud at the ChiCrossCup.

In 2019 we also got to test-ride some sweet bikes and gear, the best of which we've rounded up below. We narrowed it down to the stuff we really, really liked, and everything on our list contributed to making our rides, and us, better this year. We hope you dig it, too, and perhaps find a little inspiration to ride even better in 2020.

SEE ALSO: The 2019 Tour de France bikes, ranked

DON'T MISS: A top Tour de France photographer reveals the secret to shooting the world's greatest race

Specialized Deflect Jacket

We were impressed with how well this thin, durable, and versatile jacket served us. It's fairly form-fitting and feather-light, breathes well, and is wind- and water-resistant. Because of its minimal bulk, the hood can be worn under your helmet seamlessly, and the jacket folds up tiny, so it can be stuffed easily into a jersey pocket. It's ideal for those long-ride days when the weather's hard to predict and you want something that can be tossed on or off without hassle, but still carries easily. It could be the one piece of cycling apparel we wear most year-round. Nice for running too. $125; specialized.com

Garmin Edge 830 Cycling Computer

The sleek Edge 830 does way more than we'd ever ask of it, but it's nice to have options. Mostly we want accurate power numbers, heart rate, cadence, times, lap data, and speed all on a crisp, easy-to-read color touchscreen, and it's delivered consistently. With its easy-to-use navigation, the computer is highly customizable, letting you create screens with the data fields important to you. The touchscreen makes for easy inputs while pedaling, and it sits clean on the handlebar with options for mounting. But this Garmin does so much more, including giving performance data (estimated V02 max, recovery times, peak performances), turn-by-turn maps with detailed terrain, and custom workouts. $400; garmin.com

Blackburn's Honest Digital Pressure Gauge

An easy way to improve your riding comfort and performance is to optimize your tire pressure. Pump up your tires too high and you're in for a bumpy ride with less grip — and less speed— but go too low and you have a greater risk of flatting. That's where a digital gauge can help you find the sweet spot. Inflate your tires to the middle of the range shown on the side of your tires, head out for a ride, and then stop at points and experiment with different pressures. Using the gauge, check your pressure and try adding or letting out a few psi. Ride at a different pressure and try to get a feel for how factors such as speed and handling change. Finding your optimal pressure can be a game changer, no matter what kind of cycling you do. $28; blackburndesign.com

SRAM Force eTap AXS Power Meter

If you want to become a better cyclist, investing in a power meter is probably the smartest thing you could do. Among other things, a power meter measures the force you put to the pedals and relays that information to the computer screen on your handlebar in real time. A power meter can help you train smarter, pedal faster, and become an objectively stronger rider. There are lots of meters to choose from these days, and they range in price from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. Over the years, we've tried a wheel-hub power meter and a single-crank power meter, but neither compares with SRAM's Force AXS power-meter spider when it comes to accuracy, ease of use, and price combined. It's Bluetooth and ANT+ compatible, is accurate within +/-1.5%, and is unaffected by climate conditions. We dig that it measures the power balance between your left and right leg separately. $600; quarq.com

Champion-System Performance Cyclocross Lite Skinsuit

If cyclocross is your game, you want a quality skinsuit, that aero apparel reserved for race day. Unlike riding with a looser-fitting jersey and pair of bib shorts, with a skinsuit there's nothing to snag your bike, pedals, or myriad other obstacles on. What's cool about the Performance Cyclocross Lite suit is the front zipper for those unseasonably warm fall days. In back there are two nice-size pockets, which easily hold a water bottle and some last-minute gummies for your start. Over the years, we have found Champion-System's suits to be attractive and long-lasting, no matter how many times we've pinned numbers to them. It's one of the few brands that does custom apparel only, and price depends on the number of items in your order. $150; champ-sys.com

Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod Disc Ultegra Di2

Just before Cannondale rolled out its new SuperSix EVO at the Tour de France, we had a chance to ride it for a few days, and our first impressions were wow, wow, wow. Many miles later, we're as impressed at how close to perfect this bike is. It simply rides beautifully. It's rocket-ship fast, handles like it's on rails, and is supremely well balanced. In 58 cm, it's a tad over 17 pounds, making it one of the lightest aero-road bikes we've ridden. The design is clean, there's room for wide tires, and the discs are powerful and smooth. It's a road master, perfect for going fast on flats, uphill, and downhill. If we had to own one road bike right now, it'd be this one. It's that good. $7,750; cannondale.com

ZIPP Firecrest 303 Tubular Disc-Brake Wheels

ZIPP long ago established itself as a leader in performance wheels, and its 303s have become one of its most successful and popular hoops. It bills the Firecrest rim, with its unique Sawtooth dimple design, as the most aero on the market, not just in a straight line but also in crosswinds. They're super light, with the front wheel weighing in at 655 grams and the rear at 755. This fall we've been riding 303s paired with tubular tires for cyclocross, through mud and sand and over the bumpiest tracks, and these wheels have taken it all and delivered week in and week out. On the road or off, as tubulars or clinchers, we've found the ride quality of the 303s among the best wheels we've ridden. $2,500; zipp.com

Elite's Novo Force Trainer

Riding outside isn't always an option, whether because you don't have the time to kit up and roll out to your favorite loop or conditions are nasty. So it's always good to have a reliable trainer at the ready. And while there's suddenly a highly competitive market for sophisticated smart trainers — some of which cost over a grand — the simple magnetic-resistance trainer still serves cyclists well and is a lot more affordable. The Novo Force is an attractive, high-quality trainer that features a compact mag unit with eight levels of resistance, is stable under heavy load, and folds up easily. There's a Bluetooth-connectivity option for use with third-party apps. Secure your rear wheel's quick release into the trainer, clamp it in place, and get pedaling. (Thru-axle adapter sold separately.) We liked how easy it was to jump on this trainer on cold, rainy days, whether for endurance workouts or intervals. $230; elite-it.com

Whoop

When we heard about the wrist strap that measures recovery, builds strain, and monitors sleep, we were excited to try it out. Whoop does many things, but most important to us was it told us, to the minute, how much sleep we got the night before and the quality of that sleep, breaking it up into light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep, interruptions, and so forth. You wear the Whoop all the time, and once it gets to know you, it'll tell you how recovered you are at the beginning of each day and how much sleep you should get that night. It not only detects when you've completed a ride or run but also measures that effort or "strain" and tells you through the app how it affects your overall physiological state. We've found the Whoop most helpful when training — and recovering — to reach peak fitness for key events. For athletes, it can be a powerful tool. $30 a month; whoop.com

WellBeing Victory Citrus Wheat + Electrolytes

After a big ride, there's nothing quite like a cold one, but alcohol can slow you down, and enjoying a couple of brews postride isn't always doable. That's where nonalcoholic beer can be a nice option, and why some German Olympians quaff it down. The NA beers from Wellbeing are the best we've had. The Missouri craft brewery makes four beers — two wheats, an amber, and a stout — and each tastes surprisingly good, like the real thing. The company touts the Victory Wheat as the world's healthiest beer as it contains electrolytes, vitamins, protein, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories. A 16-ounce can has only 85 calories and zero sugar. If you've tried the NA beers of the watered-down variety and were left wanting a lot more flavor, try a Wellbeing. It might become your new favorite sports drink. $10; wellbeingbrewing.com

Trek Boone 7 Disc Force eTap AXS

We'd been keen to jump on a Boone for quite some time, given that two of the all-time best cyclocrossers, Katie Compton and Sven Nys, helped design it. Having ridden it a thousand miles this fall and raced it through America's biggest cyclocross series, the ChiCrossCup, we can say the 2020 Boone 7 lives up to the hype as one of the best CX bikes you can buy. It's fast and light and handles beautifully. And the front and rear IsoSpeed — Trek's integrated suspension system — helps smooth out the bumps without slowing you down. Sold with SRAM's state-of-the-art Force eTap AXS wireless electronic 1x12 drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and high-end Bontrager components, this gorgeously painted Boone is quite the value considering all you get — not to mention who had a hand in designing it. $5,000; trekbikes.com

• In 1989, President Donald Trump put his name and face on one of America's largest bike races: the Tour de Trump.
• The 11-day bike race, crafted in the image of the Tour de France, was 837 miles long, venturing from Albany to Atlantic City, and had a $250,000 pot of prize money.
• The race finished with a flourish outside Trump Plaza, his now-closed casino.
• According to USA Cycling President Kevin Bouchard-Hall, Tour de Trump — and Tour DuPont, which replaced it — were "wildly successful" and raised the profile of American cycling.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Before he was president, Donald Trump was the face of one of America's biggest bicycle races.

In 1989, he lent his name to the Tour de Trump, an 11-day bike race crafted in the image of the Tour de France.

The race was 837 miles long, from Albany to Atlantic City, and broken into 10 stages. The massive race was put together with 35,000 traffic cones, 40,000 feet of snow fence, 30,000 feet of rope, and 15,000 plastic ties. There was also a $250,000 pot of prize money for the winners.

When Trump was first approached with the idea, he was skeptical about lending his name to it. But he went for it. He guaranteed $750,000 to fund the Tour de Trump and quickly made a profit. It became one of the many projects he's lent his name to and made money from, even without hands-on involvement.

And in typical Trump fashion, it was controversial. Trump was met with protesters who viewed him as a symbol of greed. His lawyers threatened a different annual bike race because its name, "Rump," was too close to his own. And one of the racing teams was sponsored by a Dutch brothel.

But it also helped the cycling industry. USA Cycling President Kevin Bouchard-Hall told Politico that the race and its successors were  "wildly successful endeavors which raised the profile of American cycling internationally and, within the US, raised the profile of the sport of cycling."

Here's what Tour de Trump was like.

SEE ALSO: Trump's salt and pepper shakers tower over everyone else's. Obama, Bush, and Clinton used the same size shakers as their guests.

DON'T MISS: 18 times Trump has criticized Fox News

This strange tale began in a restaurant in Indianapolis in the summer of 1987, with a young reporter and a basketball announcer and entrepreneur named Billy Packer.

The young reporter was John Tesh, who had just covered the Tour de France.

Tesh — who would later become an Entertainment Tonight co-host — had just been in France covering the Tour de France. He told Packer he needed to do the same thing in the US, according to Politico.

Packer was hesitant. Cycling was far from his expertise.

He didn't know how to put air in tires, nor had he ever been to a cycling event, he told Politico. But he knew New Jersey's terrain, and he had investments in Atlantic City. He began to think there was something to the idea, he told the New York Times.

Packer originally wanted it to be called Tour de Jersey.

He planned for the race to go between Manhattan and Atlantic City, with a name that would be an on-the-nose nod to Tour de France, according to Politico. He approached executives at several Atlantic City casinos, who were intrigued, but didn't take it any further.

Then came billionaire Donald Trump.

Packer arranged to meet with him briefly in Trump Tower to pitch the idea.

Like Packer, Trump wasn't a cycling expert. He hadn't ridden a bike since he was about seven or eight years old.

Packer suggested Trump should offer his name to the event.

When Trump heard the idea he said he nearly fell out of his seat, according to The New York Times.

"I said, 'Are you kidding? I will get killed in the media if I use that name. You absolutely have to be kidding,'" Trump said.

But within 20 seconds, he had agreed. "It's so wild, it's got to work," he said, according to the Los Angeles Times.

He said he decided quickly because"some things hit you and some things don't. I'm a very instinctive person... and the best things I do are following my instinct."

He gave Packer a week to secure permits and get back to him. 

Trump's lawyers then sent a "cease and desist letter" to the organizers of a small bike race called "Tour de Rump" in Aspen, Colorado.

They were worried that "Rump" sounded too much like "Trump" and threatened to sue if the name wasn't changed.

It could have been a David and Goliath situation, but the organizers didn't bow down, and Trump never followed up on the lawsuit threat.

The race began to take shape. Officials scoured 25,000 miles of America to plan the route of the 837-mile race.

Press releases were sent to journalists filled with big numbers: The race used 35,000 traffic cones, 40,000 feet of snow fence, 30,000 feet of rope, and 15,000 plastic ties.

Along with the big numbers came the big name.

When he was asked why it wasn't called the Tour of America, Trump said, according to Sports Illustrated, "We could, if we wanted to have a less successful race. If we wanted to down-scale it."

On a televised NBC News interview, he said his name had brought in "a lot of the racers."

Trump had grand ambitions before the race had even begun.

He told NBC News he wanted it to become the equivalent of the Tour de France.

"I can't say we're going to make it more. Although, in theory, you could say we have many more people so you, in theory, could make it more. But I would like to make this to be equivalent to the Tour de France," he said.

And he wasn't wrong. The race attracted quality cyclists.

The race attracted 19 teams, eight of which were professional racers. Two of the biggest stars were Greg LeMond, at that time America's only Tour de France winner, and Olympic gold medalist cyclist Alexi Grewal.

The other 11 teams were amateur. One of the teams was sponsored by a brothel in Amsterdam, called Sauna Diana.

All in, 114 cyclists took part.

Meanwhile, Trump was learning some deep lessons about sportsmanship.

On the day before the race, Trump asked LeMond if it was possible to be friends with a competitor.

When LeMond said it was, Trump said, "I've never found that in life."

And it worked out financially, too.

Trump originally said he would guarantee $750,000 in funding for the race. But he told The New York Times the income generated even before it started covered "all of the costs and then some."

But his name wasn't always a bonus.

New York Gov. Mario Cuomo almost didn't attend the race, although he eventually relented and made an appearance.

Some cyclists told Packer some of the European cyclists said Trump's fame — by then, he had been involved in several scandalous relationships and business dealings — overshadowed the cycling.

New York City Mayor Ed Koch was a notable no-show.

According to Politico, Koch once called Trump "one of the great hucksters."

The race began on May 5, 1989.

In the first stage, which ran between Albany and New Paltz, cyclists took on a steep road known as the Devil's Kitchen, in the Catskills, which rose from 300 feet to 1840 feet above sea level over a two-mile stretch.

One of the tour directors told Sports Illustrated that it was so steep, when he took journalists to see it, they couldn't get the bus up the road.

At the end of the first legs, cyclists were greeted by protesters, not fans.

Even before he ran for president in 2016 that demonized immigrants, Trump was controversial. In the 1980s, some viewed him as a symbol of greed. Protesters held signs that read: "Trump = Lord of the Flies," or "The Art of the Deal = The Rich Get Richer," as well as "fight Trumpism."

Stage two began in New York City, where crowds were sparse. Cyclists rode for 123 miles through New Jersey and finished in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

The race's frontrunners soon became clear.

In the lead were professional teams 7-Eleven and Panasonic-Isostar. Cyclist Eric Vanderaerden, who was part of Panasonic-Isostar, was in the top three at the end of eight stages, behind Norway's Otto Lauritzen and Netherland's Henk Lubberding.

Despite his position, Vanderaerden wasn't allowed to tour Trump's 280-foot yacht, called "Trump Princess.

His manager insisted he rest up before the last race.

The rest of the race went through Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, before reaching Atlantic City, New Jersey.

According to Politico, these stages weren't as controversial.

The lack of drama might have gotten to Trump. At the end of the ninth leg, he told a journalist it wasn't a "legendary race in its first year."

The final leg began and ended at the Trump Plaza Hotel, in Atlantic City.

This was a historical spot, according to the Chicago Tribune, where Lyndon Johnson was nominated for president in 1964, and where Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party protesters once camped.

Unfortunately, Vanderaerden's rest proved futile.

The final leg of the race was mired in a minor controversy after he took a wrong turn off the course while following one of the official motorbikes.

By the time he realized and returned to the track, it was too late.

Lauritzen, a 32-year-old from Norway, won the race.

He was awarded a $50,000 check.

LeMond, who had been recovering from a series of injuries and was ill at the beginning of the tour, did not finish near the top.

At the end of the race, when the last cyclist crossed the line, race announcer Jeff Roak said "they are dancing in the streets here in Atlantic City."

But according to the Chicago Tribune, no was dancing.

Still, Trump was enthused about both his name's use and the race's future prospects.

He wanted the race to be longer next time.

"It can start in New York and go out to San Francisco, throughout the country,"he said. "I really feel that when I attach my name to something, I have to make that something successful. My name is probably my greatest asset and I have some nice assets."

Yet he pulled out in 1990, after just one more race.

Despite the success that the races had, Trump reeled back because of the Trump Organization's financial issues at the time.

The race continued without Trump.

It was renamed Tour DuPont, after the DuPont family, who took over sponsorship.

Cyclist Lance Armstrong went on to win it twice. Then, in 1996, it was canceled when DuPont Corporation pulled sponsoring.

Experts say the race, overall, was a plus for the cycling community.

In 2016, USA Cycling President Kevin Bouchard-Hall told Politico that races had been great for cycling, despite its odd origins.

"They were wildly successful endeavors which raised the profile of American cycling internationally and, within the US, raised the profile of the sport of cycling," he said.

• The NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle is a top-of-the-line stationary bike that offers plenty of features for at-home exercisers through iFit.
• Its rotating 22-inch HD screen streams on-demand, trainer-led workouts that take place both in-studio and in stunning locales around the world.
• The bike automatically adjusts your resistance according to the ride you've chosen, which sets it apart from the competition.
• It can occasionally be wobbly and the studio workouts aren't live or interactive like competitor bikes, which may seem like drawbacks but didn't bother me. 

This time of year, we could all use a break from gray, dreary, and chilly weather. What if you could instantly transport to a sunny, tropical locale, where you'll feel the warmth and beads of sweat dripping down your neck — right in the comfort of your own home?

No, this isn't a cheesy, too-good-to-be-true infomercial. It's a reality when you invest in a NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle for your house. And when I say "invest," I mean it — this exercise bike isn't cheap, setting you back $1,999 via Amazon or the NordicTrack website. But I think it's well worth the price. Here's why. 

The details

The bike arrives at your door ready to be assembled and you can either assemble it yourself or have an expert do the work for you for an extra $89. The instructions were fairly easy to understand, and the assembly should only take roughly an hour or two. It's doable with one person, although two does make it easier — especially since the bike itself weighs about 200 pounds. 

What sets this NordicTrack bike apart is that it comes with a complimentary one-year subscription to iFit, a fitness streaming service that offers more than 1,500 on-demand workouts to choose from. After the first year, there's a $15-per-month subscription fee. If you find yourself using it often, it's well worth the expenditure.

The iFit streaming service is impressive, too, for several reasons. First, if you find the thought of cycling to nowhere in a small room with a bunch of sweaty people torturous, iFit's global workouts will be a breath of fresh air — literally. There's an extensive library of workouts filmed all around the world, from Austria to Australia. 

Don't worry about them looking like Google Maps-style workouts, either (although iFit does have those, too). The global workouts are incredibly high-quality, filmed by iFit staffers whose sole job is to travel the world following both professional athletes and certified trainers with a camera — talk about a dream job. 

What this means is that iFit lets you trail world-class athletes as they ride on the famous Slick Rock trails of Moab, Utah, or through the winding streets of San Francisco. They also go international, with rides in the Swiss Alps, along the beaches in Thailand, and through the streets of Rome. The levels vary from beginner rides to more intense trails for experienced cyclists. Plus, iFit regularly adds new videos to their library, so there's always something new.

The trainers are also friendly and motivating, offering technical tips, encouraging words, and even snippets about their personal lives as you ride. On one ride I did, the trainer shared sage advice about the importance of rest in between workouts, explaining that stress plus rest equals growth. I also appreciated that they tell you exactly where your cadence should be, so there's no guesswork as to whether you're pacing properly. 

Your bike even automatically adjusts the resistance according to the trainer's cues and the actual terrain, so there's no need to mess with the knob yourself. Of course, if you don't want to go as hard as they suggest (or want to go harder) you can make adjustments yourself by overriding the trainer's instructions. 

While you'll get plenty of cardio on the bike, iFit also makes it easy to achieve a full-body workout with cross-training sessions such as yoga classes and total-body strength training. Some classes even take you on and off the bike for a HIIT-style workout. The 22-inch screen swivels 360 degrees, allowing you to still see the trainer from your mat. 

The extra perks

The NordicTrack bike provides lots of easy-to-view tracking metrics, including heart rate, elevation, intensity and more. There's also a new leaderboard option you can toggle on or off which shows how your ride stacks up against other riders. 

The bike also comes with two three-pound weights, a fully adjustable seat and handlebars, an ergonomic saddle, and a built-in fan. Each of the add-ons improves its overall value and helps make it a well-rounded at-home workout option that's more than just a stationary bike. 

The drawbacks

I did experience a bit of wobbling from the screen but it wasn't that I found to be too bothersome. Some people may miss the interactive nature of competitors like Peloton but I prefer not to be yelled at by an instructor and go at my own pace. Plus, iFit has recently released a leaderboard element, so you can see how your stats stack up against others who have ridden the same trail. 

Finally, it's a bit of a bummer you can't change the background music. You can, however, adjust the volume on the music and the trainer's voice separately, so you could turn it down if you hated it. 

The bottom line

Overall, this is a top-of-the-line bike for your home. It may not be as interactive or personalized as what Peloton offers, but it's incredibly well made and brilliantly designed. The iFit subscription brings a ton of interesting workouts, both in-studio and around the world, ensuring you'll never get bored cycling solo. Finally, the top-notch trainers and automatic adjustments make it a pleasant riding experience.

• Should you buy it? Yes. If you can afford the initial investment (and recurring iFit subscription after the free trial), then NordicTrack's Commercial S22i Studio Cycle is a great at-home workout option. The diversity of its workouts mixed with the deep well of content offered by iFit give it plenty of reusability, making it an attractive option as your go-to daily workout routine. 
• What are your alternatives? Any conversation about at-home stationary bikes has to include Peloton and for good reason. Peloton's bike costs slightly more money than NordicTrack's Commercial S22i Studio Cycle and also has a slightly different approach to its workouts. Instead of iFit's location-based rides, Peloton offers a wide range of instructor-led workouts conducted in one of its workout studios. 

Pros: Bike automatically adjusts resistance based on terrain and instructor cues, iFit library offers a deep well of diverse riding content, 22-inch HD screen swivels to allow for workouts off the bike, and the package comes with two three-pound weights

Cons: Expensive at $1,999 and the screen can be wobbly at times

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• A new study examining the transportation habits of 3.5 million New Zealanders found that people who bike to work had a 13% reduction in mortality.
• This study is part of a collection of studies that have been published in recent years which show cycling is associated with longer, healthier living.
• Despite the health benefits, only 3% of New Zealanders and only 0.6% of Americans bike to work.
• This is partially due to the lack of proper bike infrastructure in both countries.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

A common search on Google is: "Do cyclists live longer?"

Researchers at the University of Otago in New Zealand attempted to answer the question with a study using 15 years of census data to examine the mortality rates of bikers versus non-bikers.

The study used the New Zealand Census-Mortality Study, a dataset that links people's self-reports of how they got to work as well as the country's records of cause of death. 

Of the 3.5 million people surveyed, only 3% of them cycled to work, while 5% walked.

But that minority fared the best: the cyclists saw a 13% reduction in early death rates compared to the people who drove to work. People who walked or took public transportation to work saw no change in their expected lifespan.  

Experts say the study, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, could be used by lawmakers to lobby for funds for bike lanes and more cycling-friendly infrastructure. 

More and more research links cycling with longer lifespan, but it still remains uncommon in the US

According to US Census results, only 0.6% of American citizens bike to work, despite a growing body of research that shows biking is healthy for you. Those who do tend to be aged 16-24, living in cities, according to the most recent census results. 

Ralph Buehler, an associate professor at Virginia Tech School of Public and International Affairs, who was not involved in the study, told Insider this study is part of a small but growing area of research that links commuting by bike with increased life expectancy. 

A similar study conducted in England, Scotland, and Wales, found that cycling was associated with increased mortality. Another British study found that cyclists were 15% less likely to die from any cause. A Danish study found that riding a bike regularly could lower your risk of heart attack by at least 11%.

"In Washington, D.C., where I live, there have been big increases in cycling over the past 20 years," says Buehler. "That happens in places where cities make the effort to build the infrastructure." 

Many US cities lack the infrastructure to support bikers

The deterrent, Buehler says, it that many US cities lack networks of dedicated bike lanes that countries like Germany and the Netherlands have.

America is designed for cars, with zoning laws that require car parking in most places while bike parking is often non-existent. Outside of cities where biking is more popular, the sheer size of America means trip distances will be longer and less bike-friendly. 

Even so, Buehler says, "studiesshow the benefits of cycling can outweigh the risks."

"A big portion of our society is not willing to ride a bike and share a road with vehicles," he said. "If people don't perceive cycling as safe from the beginning to the end of their journey, they won't do it." So even if you have a dedicated bike lane in one part of the city, if that bike lane ends at a busy intersection, people likely won't ride it. 

There is also a gender imbalance. In countries like Denmark, where the cycling is safer, 50% of the cyclists will be women. In America, one of the most dangerous countries to cycle in, according to one of Buehler's studies, the cycling scene tends to skew extremely male, with male cyclists tripling the amount of female cyclists. 

"Women have much greater risk perception than men," said Buehler. If the road looks dangerous, women won't ride.

Read more: 

Sports can help you live longer, but some have a bigger effect than others

2 forms of exercise are the best way to stave off the effects of aging. Here's how to incorporate them into your life.

I got rid of my car 10 years ago — here's why I haven't regretted it once

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• Laka, a London-based insurtech, has just raised $4.7 million in new funds from VC investors LocalGlobe and Creandum.
• The startup wants to "change the fundamentals of the insurance market," according to its CEO Tobias Taupitz and will use the funding to fuel its hiring plans and European expansion. 

• Laka utilizes a community-led model which it claims leads to a lower cost and better service for its customers. 
• Click here for more BI Prime stories.

UK-based insurtech startup Laka has raised $4.7 million from top European VCs LocalGlobe and Creandum. 

Based in London with an office in Bristol, UK, Laka offers insurance products for cyclists based on a community-led model. Founded in 2017, the startup wants to "change the mindset" of customers by flipping the traditional insurance model. 

"Insurance has probably been using the wrong business model for centuries," Laka's cofounder and CEO Tobias Taupitz told Business Insider in an interview. "People in our community care about their bike and we're changing people's mindsets about how insurance can be done."

In effect, Laka leverages its community of 5000 cyclists to pay monthly fees for the service which is determined based on whether someone has made a claim rather than a standardized cost at the start of a month. The company claims that this process puts the customer first and leads to it being 25% cheaper on average than its competition. 

Other specialist cycling insurers in the UK include Yellow Jersey, Bikmo, PedalSure, and CyclePlan alongside policies from larger organisations like Aviva and Evans Cycles.

Investors seem to agree. LocalGlobe co-led the fundraising with European fund Creandum which will assist Laka in its plans to expand on the continent, starting with The Netherlands in the first half of the year. Other investors in the round include Yes VC, and angel investors Nick Evans, chairman of upmarket cycling gear firm Rapha and Oren Peleg formerly the CEO of Fitness First. The new raise brings Laka to a total of $6.4 million. 

"These funds have a great track record and they support our vision to go beyond the UK," Taupitz added. "Our aim is to change the fundamentals of the insurance market by serving passionate people."

Laka was founded by Tobias Taupitz, Jens Hartwig and Ben Allen, with the former having previously worked in investment banking at Barclays doing M&A in fintech and insurance. Taupitz says his passion for cycling and a desire to make a fundamental change in insurance was behind the decision to leave the "golden cage" of banking. 

"The beauty of Laka is it returns insurance to its pure, mutual heritage," said Remus Brett, partner at LocalGlobe. "Laka's members and their shared interests incentivize positive behaviour which in turn benefits the entire community. These principles are over 300 years old, the difference being technology and increasing consumer awareness that traditional insurance models, with complex clauses, excesses and a painful claims process are fundamentally broken. "

Laka's next steps alongside a fresh hiring push is to further develop its product range so it can work more deeply with customers by finding ways of providing for them in the event of a cycling accident which damages them physically, alongside their bike. 

SEE ALSO: Robinhood challenger Freetrade, which has raised millions for its fee-free trading app, acknowledged a high attrition rate after 22 staff departed in 2019

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• Owning a commuter bike is a cost-effective and fitness- and environmentally-friendly way to get to and from work each day. 
• High-quality commuter bikes are comfortable to ride, react quickly to obstacles in your path, and handle a broad array of weather and road conditions.
• The Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Franklin 3 is our top pick because it has an attractive upright design good for visibility and comfort, features high-quality parts, and is available in several styles.

Working from home, I miss having the opportunity to commute to work. Depending on the weather, I used to roller skate or bike the roughly 13-mile trek each day. Sure, it took a little longer than driving but I started the day on a positive, energetic note and was in the best shape of my life.

More cities are now encouraging their residents to commute by bike, creating bike-only lanes in urban areas. Therefore, now is the best time to use a bike to get to and from work, school, or just about anywhere.

The most important consideration when buying a commuter bike is comfort. If riding a bicycle isn't enjoyable, then you're never going to keep at it. Fortunately, when you purchase a bike online, retailers often work with local shops to assemble the bike and provide the necessary final tweaks to ensure the fit a proper fit.

Online purchases also give you the option of assembling the bike on your own. In my experience, it's worth the extra money to have a professional do it. The experts have the right tools, plenty of experience, and will likely finish the job in a fraction of the time it might take you.

In our testing of commuter bikes, we chose to focus on affordable entry-level bicycles. This means that each option in this guide is non-electric and costs less than $700. If you're looking to spend more, we recommend considering an electric bicycle. With e-bikes, you can get as much or as little help as you want on your commute. This is especially helpful if you encounter hills on your route or you just want to get home quickly after an exhausting day. Don't be confused: An e-bike provides powered assistance but you still need to peddle.

The following guide features bikes that have a track record of durability, comfort, and minimal maintenance demands.

Here are the best commuter bikes you can buy:

• Best commuter bike overall: Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Franklin 3
• Best high-end commuter bike: Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1 Bike
• Best bike for longer commutes: Mongoose Men's Elroy Adventure Bike 700C Wheel Bicycle
• Best commuter bike under $200: Schwinn Wayfarer Hybrid Bike
• Best full-featured commuter bike: State Bicycle Deluxe 3 Speed City Bike

The best commuter bike overall

If you are looking for a comfortable, attractive commuter bike that comes fully assembled, the Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Franklin 3 is a smart solution that will last you for years to come.

Brooklyn Bicycle Co. focuses on building bikes that are designed for durability, comfort, and style. This focus is apparent in the Franklin 3. The step-through frame makes mounting your bike effortless regardless of what you're wearing, and it's made of lightweight steel so you can easily carry the approximately 33-pound bike up and downstairs. The rear hub and shifter are made by Shimano, one of the top names in the industry. And, the bike comes with puncture-resistant tires. Both the saddle and grips are made of vegan leather for maximum comfort.

The Franklin 3 is a three-speed bike, but there are also single-speed and seven-speed options. The bike comes in small/medium or large. And, it's available in five colors: ivory, matte coral, gloss black, sea glass, and cardinal red. If you'd prefer a top tube that is closer to parallel with the ground rather than the step-through frame, check out the Bedford 3.

A Business Insider colleague tested and recommends the Bedford 3. He appreciated how painless it was buying the bike online and appreciated that he could pick it up fully assembled.

Pros: Assembly is included in the price, beautiful design, durable construction, comfortable to ride

Cons: Only three speeds

The best high-end commuter bike

The Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1 offers a smooth ride, excellent maneuverability, and is light enough to store in your walk-up apartment.

After a hiatus from the bicycle space, REI launched Co-op Cycles in 2017 with the goal of providing fun and freedom on two wheels. As the name suggests, the CTY 2.1 is specifically designed to be used in the city. Several of the parts come from top names in the industry. The crankset, shifters, derailleurs, rear cogs, hydraulic disc brakes, and brake levers are Shimano. The hubs are Joytech. And, the chain is KMC Z8.

The suspension fork features a locking mechanism so you aren't bouncing around while riding on smooth surfaces. And, there's 360-degree reflectivity to keep you visible both day and night, though you'll still want lights.

This is the main bike I use for fitness and when tooling around town. From the moment I picked it up to test, I was blown away by REI's customer service. I had to drive about an hour away to get to the closest store, and they were insistent on making sure it fit me correctly. The CTY 2.1 is incredibly responsive. On one ride, the brakes reacted quickly, saving me from crashing into a car that pulled out of a drive without looking. And, I have no problem handling the windy trails in my city. The biggest negative for me is that the pedal reflectors fell off after 400 miles.

As our high-end pick, it is the most expensive option on our list.

Pros: Comfortable seat, easy for novices to operate, locking front suspension fork, excellent customer service

Cons: Expensive

The best bike for longer commutes

If you are looking for a bike that can take you to and from work during the week while also helping you enjoy the great outdoors on the weekend, the Mongoose Men's Elroy Adventure Bike 700C Wheel Bicycle is a versatile solution.

What sets the Mongoose Men's Elroy Adventure Bike 700C Wheel Bicycle apart from the other bikes in our guide is its versatility. As an adventure bike, it works well off-road. Yet, it's also designed for speed and comfort for longer commutes. The front rack fits multiple panniers so you can easily transport your lunch, laptop, and a change of clothes.

The Elroy features Shimano derailleurs, a 14-speed micro shift and brake combo, a durable steel fork, and a sleek alloy frame. In some areas, Amazon will arrange to have an expert assemble the bike for an additional $85. Or, you can take it to your local bike shop if you don't want to do it yourself. In my own experiences, I had trouble adjusting the disk brakes and ended up turning to a professional to finish the job. 

Pros: Great for riding on roads and off, integrated frame bag, large front rack, 14 speeds

Cons: Assembly is an additional charge

The best commuter bike under $200

The Schwinn Wayfarer Hybrid Bike is a great entry-level alternative if you want to give bicycle commuting a try without spending a lot of money.

For under $200, you get a lot with the Schwinn Wayfarer Hybrid Bike. The bike comes partially assembled and finishing the job is easy enough for a novice, so you may not need to spend extra for expert help.

There are both back and front fenders to protect you from the grime the tires might kick up. And, you can carry your work items using the included rear rack. The frame is made of steel and features a cool retro urban style. The spring seat provides a comfortable, upright ride. Schwinn backs the quality of this bike with a lifetime limited warranty.

Pros: Affordable, relatively easy to assemble, attractive, comes with fenders and rear rack, lifetime limited warranty

Cons: Several of the parts come from no-name manufacturers

The best full-featured commuter bike

The State Bicycle Deluxe 3 Speed City Bike comes with everything you need to commute in all types of weather so you don't have to worry about purchasing extras a la carte.

The State Bicycle Deluxe 3 Speed City Bike comes with a rear rack, a front basket with drink holder, fenders, and a chainguard. These features all help get you and your work gear from point A to point B while protecting you from debris and water your tires may kick up. Like our top pick, the Franklin 3, this is a Dutch-style bike, which means you ride in a more upright position for greater comfort and visibility.

There are three styles of the City Bike: The Keansburg, The Elliston, and The Rylee. The main differences are the colors, though The Rylee's frame has a step-through geometry, while The Elliston and The Keansburg have top tubes that are more parallel to the ground.

Pros: Attractive appearance, comes with all you need to start commuting to work, handles an array of road conditions

Cons: Hard to assemble, complaints about flimsy parts

• E-bikes are disrupting the commuting industry and making urban transport easier, greener, healthier, and faster.
• Most e-bikes offer either a pedal-assist function that kicks on a motor after a rider completes a few pedal rotations or a throttle-assist in which it features a dedicated accelerator capable of powering the bike with or without rider pedaling. 
• Like non-motored bikes, there are many different types of e-bikes including electric commuters, electric mountain bikes, and electric road bikes, as well as compact, folding models. 
• Our top pick, the Priority Embark, wowed us thanks to its wide, grippy tires, smooth ride, and the fact it needs hardly any routine maintenance to keep running in top shape. 

Over the last several years, electric bikes (referred to as e-bikes) have taken the cycling industry by storm. By attaching a motor and a battery to a bike, companies have been able to deliver the ultimate in two-wheeled transportation. Benefiting commuters, mountain bikers, road bikers, and city cruisers alike, e-bikes shifted the way people get from point A to point B.

Despite criticism from traditional cyclists, there's no denying the positive impact e-bikes have on the environment as more people ditch gas-guzzling cars in favor of battery-powered bikes. Because of this, it appears as though this new mode of transportation hasn't just arrived but is here to stay.

Thanks to its dramatic rise in popularity, there are hundreds of e-bike models a simple Google search away. But fret not — we've done enough pedal-testing to find the best of the bunch, no matter if you prefer ripping down singletrack mountain bike trails or a leisurely weekend jaunt downtown.

Though the term ebike refers to an entire industry, the bikes vary. Some are built for commuting while others are designed for mountain or road biking. Nearly all have one thing in common: pedal-assisted power. After freely pedaling two to three revolutions, most bike's motors kick in with a soft(ish) push, accelerating the bike and adding to the power output by the rider.

Depending on its selected level of assistance — some offer everything from minimal to extreme pedal-assistance — the bike's ultimate top speed may vary from roughly 8 to 10 miles per hour on up to around 30 miles per hour. Some models even feature a throttle option, giving riders the ability to ride the bike in a similar fashion as a motorcycle; just not as fast, of course. As is the case with any bicycle, moped, or motorcycle, however, wearing a protective helmet is highly recommended no matter the use case. 

Get to know the basics

There are a few terms you'll want to know before buying an e-bike. First, hub drive bikes have the motor in the hub whereas mid-drive bikes house the motor in its frame. Mid-drive bikes have a few advantages over hub drive versions, as well. Those advantages are:

• They apply power through the chain, so they feel and steer like a standard bike. 
• They utilize the bike's gears similarly to how a rider would, applying power when needed. 
• These kinds of bikes also require a lower absolute power since they have the ability to use gearing to climb hills (whereas hub drive bikes deliver power at the hub and can't use the bike's gearing. This means they tend to have high-powered motors in order to generate enough torque to climb hills). 

Power, or wattage, is also something you'll notice often when shopping for an ebike. These refer to the amount of force a motor is able to put out over time. Think of it like a car's horsepower rating.

A bike's range is the total distance a bike can travel on a single battery charge. Do keep in mind that any range displayed either on the bike itself or via a companion app is a general estimate. There are many factors capable of impacting an e-bike's range, including the amount of power exerted by the bike, whether it needs to climb steep hills, and other ride-specific variables. Most (if not all) ebikes are still able to function without the motor running, though due to the weight of the on-board battery, they'll feel extremely heavy.

With that said, here are our picks of the best e-bikes currently available, featuring models from Specialized, Priority, Trek, and others. 

The best E-bikes you can buy:

• Best e-bike overall: Priority Embark
• Best electric mountain bike: Trek Powerfly FS7
• Best folding e-bike: Tern Vektron D8 Folding E-Bike
• Best lightweight e-bike: Yuba Electric Supermarché
• Best electric road bike: S-Works Turbo Creo SL

The best e-bike overall

The Priority Embark is the only commuter e-bike we tested that didn't cut corners regarding its components or geometry. It rides great, requires almost no maintenance, and would make a perfect car replacement.  

Of all the bikes tested, Priority's Embark shocked me the most. It's a mid-drive commuter built with practicality in mind. Thanks to wide, grippy tires and hydraulic disc brakes, I was tempted more than once to take the off-road route. But while it likely would've been fine, the bulk of the Embark's work is to be done on pavement — and it does that very well.

If someone asked me to build the ideal e-bike, this is the model I'd come up with. For starters, maintenance is a breeze (and largely non-existent). If you can put air in tires, you can handle a bulk of the maintenance needed. Thanks to low-maintenance hydraulic disc brakes, the clever use of internal gears which takes away a derailleur, and a grease-free carbon belt drive, there's little else to go wrong other than a potential flat tire. 

If you intend to use an e-bike as a car replacement, the Embark is a great solution, too. Not only is maintenance easy, as mentioned, but it's also a joy to ride. The comfortable saddle, wide handlebar, and upright geometry make for a smooth, nimble ride no matter if you're navigating city traffic or taking the scenic route through the park. 

Component-wise, the Embark uses a Bosch motor, Bosch head unit, and Bosch battery. Unlike bikes which mix components, using one system means that warranties and servicing are (mostly) simple. With a 50-mile range, the Embark offered more than enough in the tank to cover my commuting needs — I found I mostly used the 2nd and 3rd of the 4 assist settings, though. If you're intent on using the fourth, or live in a hilly area, you likely won't get the full 50 miles between charges.

What really sets the Embark apart is the service as Priority sends the bike with a mechanic to your home. The mechanic sets the bike up for you, explaining how to charge and maintain it, and ensures you're completely ready to go before leaving. This is the sort of service other bike companies should aspire to.

This bike allowed me to do nearly everything a car would at a much lower cost. Perhaps the lone nitpicks are that the included front light could be better and its fenders sometimes rub. If I was looking for an urban mobility solution, I wouldn't think twice about buying the Embark.

Pros: Low maintenance and reliable motor system

Cons: Sometimes the fenders rub

The best electric mountain bike

Trek's Powerfly FS7 has enough travel to get down the gnarliest of trails and thanks to a powerful Bosch motor, it also has enough power to get back up. 

The problem with long-travel mountain bikes is that they're always a compromise on bigger days, forcing you to pick between the travel you need to get down a trail and a bike that's lightweight enough to get back up again. This is where long travel electric bikes really shine, affording you the ability to ride down technical trails while making the ride up a breeze. 

Trek's Powerfly FS7 is a mountain bike with a motor, as opposed to a refashioned and underpowered motocross bike. With 150mm of travel in the rear and 160mm in the front, it's a highly capable bike built to tackle black diamond trails. With semi-fat tires, a big travel e-bike specific fork, and downhill disc brakes, this bike goes anywhere and lets you feel comfortable and in control. 

The bike weighs 50lbs, which I easily felt while trying to flick it around like a bike half the weight. After a few runs, I grew accustomed to the weight of the Powerfly and enjoyed how nice of a ride it delivered (the motor made climbing hills incredibly easy, too). 

Trek's side-loading battery is less exposed to mud than other down tube batteries, which is a real bonus for anyone riding in extremely muddy areas. Some bikes can get so encased with mud that the battery is nearly impossible to remove.

The Powerfly offers a wide range of available mileage, depending on which mode you choose. Its lowest mode (Eco mode) offers a range of up to 100 miles, while its Turbo mode tops out at 37 miles. Depending on how much switching you do between each mode ultimately determines the range you're able to expect. 

Thankfully, this model takes much of the thinking out of motor management as it seems to always give you the right amount of assist without lurching on the flat or creeping on the climbs. At first, I found it annoying that I couldn't easily adjust the motor but I ended up just leaving the bike in Bosch's eMTB setting most of the time and never felt too disadvantaged. 

Pros: Responsive geometry and real off road components 

Cons: If you do happen to run out of battery halfway up trail, it's going to be a hard ride to the top!

The best folding e-bike

The Tern Vektron D8 combines the convenience of a folding bike with the ease of an e-bike. 

Folding electric bikes make a lot of sense. They're easy to store in small urban apartments, they integrate well with mass transit, and unlike regular folding bikes, they aren't a disaster to ride uphill.

The problem with electric folding bikes is that so many of them are awful. They're either underpowered, overweight, totally impractical, or a healthy mix of all three. Luckily, Tern used decades of experience making some of the world's best folding bikes to produce an electrified folder called the Vektron D8.

Featuring hydraulic disc brakes, racks, a highly adjustable fit, and a 50-mile range, the Vektron is designed as a city commuter. Easy to ride, easy to haul, and easy to store. 

The Vektron folds down into a package small enough to store in a large locker and, thanks to a clever design, it rolls on its rear wheel when folded. Given its 49-pound weight, this is extremely helpful. 

With a mid-drive motor and variable pedal assist, the Vektron quickly speeds up to 20mph but doesn't feel lurchy or jumpy (like some hub drive e-bikes). Tern designed the Vektron from the ground up as an e-bike, allowing it to avoid suffering from the flex or wobble that impacts other designs.

The Vektron fits riders from just over 5 feet tall to 6'5" thanks to adjustability in the saddle height, bar height, bar reach, and bar angle. 

Pros: Lightweight and easy to store

Cons: Lacks the stability of larger bikes at high speed

The best lightweight e-bike

There is no mistaking this bike for your average push bike, as it's designed to do things a standard pedal-powered bike just can't.

Though Yuba's Electric Supermarché might cost as much as a dingy minivan, it can do almost as much. From running to school or the office to taking care of shopping or picking up a keg for a get-together, there's no task the Supermarché isn't a fit for.

The Supermarché gets its odd look from Dutch barrow bike design which puts what you're hauling in front of you. This lowers the center of gravity and allows you to keep whatever cargo you're hauling under a watchful eye as you commute. The clever step-through design allows you to mount and dismount without having to balance the bike's load, too.

With a Bosch motor and a 55-mile range, as well as hydraulic brakes and a useful walk mode to help you push the bike, you should be able to get through just about any daily errand. The folks at Yuba have even thought about many of the issues that commuters face. Do you live somewhere wet? There's a rain canopy available. Need to strap in your kids? There's a seat kit.

Its cleverly designed cable steering, quality construction, and well thought out accessories make it a stand out in a crowded field of electric cargo bikes. Riding the Supermarché was much more fun than expected. Thanks to the long-range and huge hauling capacity, I was able to almost entirely ditch my car while testing.

The Supermaché does everything a small car does except pollute and get stuck in traffic and, for me, that makes it the best choice for families. 

Pros: Incredibly practical for large loads and families

Cons: Getting this thing up stairs is a serious workout

The best electric road bike

The Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL offers incredible range and the promise to bring true road bike feel and performance to an e-bike. 

Specialized launched its top-end S-Works Creo SL by having its Tour de France pros ride it on their rest day — and that's exactly the market it's aimed at. The Creo SL is designed to look and feel like a very high-end road bike ridden by a fit rider. If you're injured, regaining fitness, or simply want to ride further or faster, this promises to be the bike for you. It features up to 240 watts and 35Nm of both peak and sustained power up to 28mph, as well as a range of up to 80 miles. 

Unlike other brands, Specialized designed its own motor, along with a built-in proprietary battery and controller. This means you should be good for warranty issues during the two-year coverage period, so long as you're near a Specialized dealer.

An external 160Wh Range Extender, which fits in any normal water bottle cage, offers an additional 40 miles of range, and comes with all S-Works builds of the Creo SL. Other intriguing features include its 26-pound weight (which is extremely light for an e-bike), a companion app that allows the bike to adjust to your ride style, and a future shock damper (carried over from the Roubaix line for a comfy ride).

The ease of use of the above-mentioned range extender is a game-changer, too. Simply dropping the extender into a water bottle cage to gain 40 additional miles of range would allow Creo users to take on long training rides, or up to a 60 mile each way commute. 

Pros: Feels and rides like a racing bike

Cons: Costs as much as a car

• Cycling in the winter requires a specific collection of gear to make sure your rides are more than just a freezing journey from point A to point B. 
• One of the most important areas to keep warm are your feet — it's hard to come back from the feeling of extremely cold or wet feet.
• Lake's MXZ200 is a winter-specific riding boot that's insulated enough to keep your feet warm in frigid winter temperatures. 
• The boot is great for road cyclists, mountain bikers, and commuters, alike, and after finally splurging on a pair for myself, it's the only winter cycling boot I ever want to wear again. 

Proper footwear is essential if you plan on riding your bike throughout winter. When the cold starts affecting you on the bike, it's your extremities that succumb first — and your feet are especially vulnerable. Even on a bike with fenders, your feet are susceptible to road spray and once your toes get wet, it's over.

Footwear selection is further complicated by the fact that a good walking shoe and a good cycling shoe can be mutually exclusive. While a tall insulated boot with a lugged sole keeps your off-bike commutes comfortable, you may not be willing to accept the extra weight and limited ankle mobility while riding. And if you want to use clipless pedals, this option isn't anywhere near suitable.

Meanwhile, cycling shoes are awkward to walk in even under the best circumstances. They generally don't allow you to wear thick socks for insulation, much less traverse an icy sidewalk or snowy section of a trail.  

After many years of messing with shoe covers and doubling up on socks, I caved and started looking for a true pair of winter cycling boots. This search led me to the Lake MXZ 200s, an insulated boot designed specifically for cyclists who keep it rolling in the winter.

To be fair, these aren't the only winter-specific cycling shoes on the market. From comparatively lightweight road offerings to expensive insulated moon boots with lugged soles, there's plenty of variety. In an ideal world, you'd have multiple pairs of winter shoes to choose from depending on the conditions and kind of ride you'll be doing.

But that takes some serious money. Instead, you'll likely spring for just a single pair capable of covering you for everything. Here's why I believe the Lake MXZ 200 is that shoe.

They're warm

Lake claims the MXZ 200 to be "comfortable down to 13°F ( -10°C )." So far this winter, we haven't seen temperatures that low in New York City but they've kept my feet quite warm well into the 20s with nothing but a typical lightweight merino cycling sock in between.

At the same time, while I definitely wouldn't wear these in the summer, they've stayed comfortable when the temperature's gone well over freezing, too. I even find them ideal for any situation in which I might otherwise have worn some sort of shoe cover.

Tried and true laces

One thing you'll find while shopping for winter cycling shoes is that many use Boa closures, zippers, Velcro, or some form of other high-tech fasteners — high-tech compared to laces, at least. While these have their advantages, sooner or later those fancy closure systems likely need replacement. When it comes to footwear, it's hard to go wrong with a simple shoelace, especially on a shoe you plan to keep for many years.

Even if you're the type who upgrades to the latest and greatest road shoe every season, you'd probably prefer to buy one pair of winter shoes and be done with it. This boot easily lets you do that. 

It looks like a regular shoe

Unlike so many dedicated cycling shoes, the MXZ 200 looks like an ordinary pair of hiking boots and as such, works just fine with most off-the-bike wardrobes — it comes in both black and brown, too. This means it's just as well-suited for urban riding and commuting as it is for weekend rides when you're decked out in cycling gear.

The shoe is also quite walkable thanks to its rubber Vibram sole. The sole is still relatively stiff, so you wouldn't exactly choose it for a walkathon. But it's perfectly comfortable for browsing a store or walking around an office, and the cleat is recessed enough that it won't go click-click-click on a hard floor.

A multi-trick pony

I've been using the MXZ 200 for mountain biking, road riding, and commuting, and it's performed great across all three. As a mountain bike shoe, its walkability is very welcome if you find yourself in over your head and need to carry your bike over a rocky section of trail. It still manages to avoid feeling heavy when you're clipped in and riding, too.

As a road shoe, it's perfectly serviceable. It offers plenty of stiffness and while aesthetically it may be somewhat at odds with your Lycra get-up, you'll be so warm you'll hardly care. Do keep in mind the MXZ 200 only takes two-bolt cleats, so you'll need to use mountain bike pedals on your road bike. 

It's reasonably priced

At $250, the MXZ 200s cost more than a pair of Timberlands but are still a good deal considering the fact they're an insulated waterproof leather boot that accepts a cleat. The price is in line with other high-performance cycling shoes, too, so it's price tag isn't out of the ordinary.

Since it's a seasonal shoe and you're going to spend more time riding in it than walking in it, there's no reason it shouldn't last several years. Shoe covers, on the other hand, get thrashed in pretty short order and with the MXZ 200, you're able to save money in the long run.

A note on sizing

I'm wearing the MXZ 200 in the same size as my usual cycling shoes and they fit me well with just a pair of regular socks. However, I live in New York, not Minnesota; if you're going to be riding regularly in extreme temperatures, it's smart to size up in order to have room for added insulation.

The same goes if you think you'll be doing a lot of walking. In this case, you'd want to add more space for comfy socks and wiggle room for your toes.

The bottom line

In all, this is the best investment I've made to boost my enjoyment in my cycling in a long time. If you like to log miles during what some people consider the off-season, the Lake MXZ 200 is capable of covering you all winter. With your feet warm and dry, you'll finally be free to worry about much more important things — like how to keep your damn hands warm.

• Should you buy it? If you live in an area with frigid winters and pan to cycle often, then yes. The MXZ 200's ability to keep your feet warm during cold weather rides shouldn't be understated. It has the ability to make uncomfortable winter rides much more enjoyable and allows you to avoid storing your bike from November to April. 
• What are your alternatives? There's a wide variety of winter-specific cycling shoes, though few are as well-rounded as Lake's MXZ 200. The same brand even has other versions, though most are either geared specifically to road bikers or mountain bikers. What the MXZ 200 provides is versatility for both cycling styles, while also functioning well as a commuter. 

Pros: Versatile for road cycling, mountain biking, and commuting, warm enough to keep your feet warm in frigid temperatures, Vibram rubber sole allows you to walk normally when not cycling, features an aesthetic of a normal hiking boot

Cons: Requires mountain bike pedals if used on a road cycle, $250 price tag might be expensive for a seasonal shoe 

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• France has been under a nationwide lockdown since Tuesday, and the government has been ramping up its restrictions.
• On Thursday, the country banned recreational cycling and ruled that people could only exercise within a 1.2-mile radius of their homes.
• "There is no question of getting away from home. The rule is containment for everyone," the Ministry of Sport tweeted Thursday.
• Under the French government's restrictions, people also need a form to leave the house, and face a 135 euro ($145) fine if they are found without one. Restaurants and bars have been shut.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

France, which is currently on lockdown over the coronavirus outbreak, on Thursday banned recreational cycling and imposed a 2 km (1.2 mile) limit on how far people can leave home for exercise.

"1km, 2km max... There is no question of getting away from your home. The rule is containment for everyone. Remember, you should only go out for emergencies like shopping or for your health. A little jogging is possible for your wellbeing, but not a 10km!" the Ministry of Sport tweeted.

The ministry made the clarification following a governmental decree on Tuesday that said exercise should be conducted near the home to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

On Wednesday, The Ministry of Sport said that exercise must be limited to one hour a day for children and 30 minutes for adults. 

On Thursday, the French Federation of Cycling told cyclists to stop all activities, following the decree.

"The practice of sports cycling, which is commonly accepted, does not fall under the conditions provided for in the decree and therefore constitutes an offense,"a statement from the federation said."Any practice of cycling sport, even individual, must therefore be temporarily prohibited."

The country has been under a strict coronavirus lockdown since Tuesday, with President Emmanuel Macron mentioning six times that the country was "at war" with the coronavirus at a televised address the night before.

Restaurants and bars have been shut since last Sunday.

People across France need permission from police to travel, and those leaving their homes have been required to produce a form declaring their reasons for leaving the house. Those found without their permission forms are fined 135 euros ($145).

France has recorded nearly 10,900 infections and 371 deaths from the coronavirus so far, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

Amid the lockdown, undertakers at morgues across France have been livestreaming funerals and cremations for grieving families, Agence France-Presse reported.

• Read more:
• Harrowing video from a hospital at the center of Italy's coronavirus outbreak shows doctors overwhelmed by critical patients
• Officials are scrambling to round up 3,800 passengers and staff who disembarked from the Ruby Princess cruise in Sydney after 4 people tested positive for coronavirus
• Volunteer for the first coronavirus vaccine trial says he signed up to 'make this end as quickly as possible for the rest of the world'
• For more than 2 weeks, state labs were told they couldn't use the CDC's coronavirus tests — but the tests were working all along

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• A bike lock is one of the most important pieces of cycling equipment, capable of not just securing your ride but also of deterring theft. 
• The Hiplok Z-Lok offers an intuitive bike lock solution that allows you to quickly and easily lock your bike where a heavier duty lock might be excessive. 
• The Z-Lok features an easy-close locking mechanism similar to that of a zip tie, and is built with a steel core to prevent anyone from slashing through it. 
• Though it's not recommended for daily use, it works well for quick pit stops along your ride or for when you need to lock your bike up in a pinch. 

Some bicycle components and accessories are about performance while others are about style. However, some of the best and most indispensable pieces of bike gear are often about neither. These are the kinds of tools you don't always think about but are always very glad you have on hand.

The Hiplok Z-Lok is the perfect representation of this and is the kind of bicycle accessory that should live in your bag or toolkit at all times. A lightweight, no-frills lock, the Z-Lok embraces the notion that less is more. It may not replace your heavy-duty, everyday bike lock but for those rides where all you need is a quick tie-up, it conveniently gets the job done.

More than a glorified zip tie

At first glance, the Z-Lok looks like your run-of-the-mill zip tie. It's made of plastic, features that same satisfying clicking sound, and appears to be no different from the one securing your disc brake cables or the ties used on coaxial cables hanging off the side of your apartment building.

Although it shares a similar DNA with a zip tie, its true spiritual forbear is the toe strap. While the main purpose of any toe strap is to secure your feet to your pedals, cyclists have long used them for a variety of auxiliary purposes like fastening spare tires to their saddles or using it as a makeshift lock when they're in a pinch. Think of the toe strap as the duct tape of cycling — it lends itself to almost limitless MacGyvering.

Versatile and reliable

The Z-Lok manages to take that duct tape-like versatility even further thanks to a few key features, most notably, its ability to be reused (unlike zip ties) and the fact it locks (unlike toe straps). With a small, twin-pronged key, the Z-Lok offers a modest amount of security that's made even better by its steel core. Not only will potential thieves be unable to open the lock by hand, they won't be able to slash it either. 

Even with that steel core, you likely won't want to rely on the Z-Lok to secure your bike in an urban environment. It's meant more for when you need a quick lock while stopping into a roadside store or to have on hand in the city when you need to augment your regular lock.

I've even used the Z-Lok to theft-proof my saddle when briefly locking up my nicer bike on the streets of Manhattan. As a secondary line of defense, the Z-Lok occupies a useful middle ground between cable lock and locking skewer. It's also ideal for fastening your helmet to your bike if you don't want to tote it around with you. 

It's especially handy if you travel with your bicycle, too. For instance, if you've ever tried to load your bike onto a friend's bike rack only to find out its wheel strap won't accommodate a wider tire, the Z-Lok would help secure the odd fit. It can also provide additional security on locked bike racks or serve as a lock for racks without one. 

The Z-Lok is also conveniently small and light enough to carry in a jersey pocket or handlebar bag without taking up much space. They take up so little space that you're able to easily carry more than one at a time — and the brand even offers a two-pack.

Though it does come in a combination lock version, I recommend sticking with the simpler (and cheaper) keyed option. Given that this isn't exactly a high-security device, the hassle of resetting the combination just isn't worth the time or money. The pin-key is easy enough to carry on a key ring and locking or unlocking the Z-Lok only takes a matter of seconds. 

The bottom line

The Z-Lok from Hiplok is an impressive lightweight bike lock that's perfect for quick lock-ups or as an additional safeguard when used with a larger lock. Though it features a style reminiscent of a zip tie, it offers much more in the way of security thanks to a steel core which helps prevent slashes. The lock comes in two varieties, keyed or combination, though the keyed option is recommended because of its ease-of-use. If you need a simple, lightweight, and quick-use bike lock, the Z-Lok is what you seek. 

• Should you buy it? If you're looking for an easy-to-use, no-frills bike lock then yes. It won't exactly take the place of a sturdier, everyday bike lock but the Z-Lok offers enough security that it's able to handle quick lock-ups (and peace of mind). It's small enough to keep in your bike kit at all times, too. 
• What are your alternatives? Bike locks are a dime a dozen, so there are many alternatives on the market. However, not all are created equal enough to warrant use — especially none as lightweight and easy-to-use as the Z-Lok. Many of the most reliable bike locks are similar to the Kryptonite Kryptolock in both design and function, though these do tend to be much heavier than the Z-Lok. 

Pros: A quick, lightweight bike lock, features a steel core to deter bike thieves, and it's small enough to carry multiple at once

Cons: Not recommended for daily use in an urban environment

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• E-bikes continue to disrupt the commuting industry and have made urban transport easier, greener, healthier, and faster.
• Most e-bikes offer either a pedal-assist function that kicks on a motor after a rider completes a few pedal rotations or a throttle-assist in which it features a dedicated accelerator capable of powering the bike with or without rider pedaling. 
• Like non-motored bikes, there are many different types of e-bikes including electric commuters, electric mountain bikes, and electric road bikes, as well as compact, folding models. 
• Our top pick, the Priority Embark, wowed us thanks to its wide, grippy tires, smooth ride, and the fact it needs hardly any routine maintenance to keep it running in top shape. 

Over the last several years, electric bikes (referred to as e-bikes) have taken the cycling industry by storm. By attaching a motor and a battery to a bike, companies have been able to deliver the ultimate in two-wheeled transportation. Benefiting commuters, mountain bikers, road bikers, and city cruisers alike, e-bikes shifted the way people get from point A to point B.

Despite criticism from traditional cyclists, there's no denying the positive impact e-bikes have on the environment as more people ditch gas-guzzling cars in favor of battery-powered bikes. Because of this, it appears as though this new mode of transportation hasn't just arrived but is here to stay.

Thanks to its dramatic rise in popularity, there are hundreds of e-bike models a simple Google search away. But fret not — we've done enough pedal-testing to find the best of the bunch, no matter if you prefer ripping down singletrack mountain bike trails or a leisurely weekend jaunt downtown.

Though the term ebike refers to an entire industry, the bikes vary. Some are built for commuting while others are designed for mountain or road biking. Nearly all have one thing in common: pedal-assisted power. After freely pedaling two to three revolutions, most bike's motors kick in with a soft(ish) push, accelerating the bike and adding to the power output by the rider.

Depending on its selected level of assistance — some offer everything from minimal to extreme pedal-assistance — the bike's ultimate top speed may vary from roughly 8 to 10 miles per hour on up to around 30 miles per hour. Some models even feature a throttle option, giving riders the ability to ride the bike in a similar fashion as a motorcycle; just not as fast, of course.

As is the case with any bicycle, moped, or motorcycle, however, wearing a protective helmet is highly recommended no matter the use case. 

E-bike basics

There are a few terms you'll want to know before buying an e-bike. First, hub-drive bikes have the motor in the hub whereas mid-drive bikes house the motor in its frame. Mid-drive bikes have a few advantages over hub drive versions, as well. Those advantages are:

• They apply power through the chain, so they feel and steer like a standard bike. 
• They utilize the bike's gears similarly to how a rider would, applying power when needed. 
• These kinds of bikes also require a lower absolute power since they have the ability to use gearing to climb hills (whereas hub drive bikes deliver power at the hub and can't use the bike's gearing. This means they tend to have high-powered motors in order to generate enough torque to climb hills). 

Power, or wattage, is also something you'll notice often when shopping for an ebike. These refer to the amount of force a motor is able to put out over time. Think of it like a car's horsepower rating.

A bike's range is the total distance a bike can travel on a single battery charge. Do keep in mind that any range displayed either on the bike itself or via a companion app is a general estimate.

There are many factors capable of impacting an e-bike's range, including the amount of power exerted by the bike, whether it needs to climb steep hills, and other ride-specific variables. Most (if not all) ebikes are still able to function without the motor running, though due to the weight of the on-board battery, they'll feel extremely heavy.

Here are the best e-bikes currently available:

• Best e-bike overall: Priority Embark
• Best electric mountain bike: Trek Powerfly FS7
• Best folding e-bike: Tern Vektron D8 Folding E-Bike
• Best lightweight e-bike: Yuba Electric Supermarché
• Best electric road bike: S-Works Turbo Creo SL

Updated on 4/17/2020 by Rick Stella: Updated the intro copy to include more e-bike basics, checked the availability of the selected bikes, and updated the prices, formatting, and links of each pick. 

The best e-bike overall

The Priority Embark rides great, requires almost no maintenance, and would make a perfect car replacement.  

Editor's note: According to Priority's site, all sizes of the Embark e-bike are on backorder until May 31. 

Of all the bikes tested, Priority's Embark shocked me the most. It's a mid-drive commuter built with practicality in mind. Thanks to wide, grippy tires and hydraulic disc brakes, I was tempted more than once to take the off-road route. But while it likely would've been fine, the bulk of the Embark's work is to be done on pavement — and it does that very well.

If someone asked me to build the ideal e-bike, this is the model I'd come up with. For starters, maintenance is a breeze (and largely non-existent). If you can put air in tires, you can handle a bulk of the maintenance needed. Thanks to low-maintenance hydraulic disc brakes, the clever use of internal gears which takes away a derailleur, and a grease-free carbon belt drive, there's little else to go wrong other than a potential flat tire. 

If you intend to use an e-bike as a car replacement, the Embark is a great solution, too. Not only is maintenance easy, as mentioned, but it's also a joy to ride. The comfortable saddle, wide handlebar, and upright geometry make for a smooth, nimble ride no matter if you're navigating city traffic or taking the scenic route through the park. 

Component-wise, the Embark uses a Bosch motor, Bosch head unit, and Bosch battery. Unlike bikes which mix components, using one system means that warranties and servicing are (mostly) simple. With a 50-mile range, the Embark offered more than enough in the tank to cover my commuting needs — I found I mostly used the 2nd and 3rd of the 4 assist settings, though. If you're intent on using the fourth, or live in a hilly area, you likely won't get the full 50 miles between charges.

What really sets the Embark apart is the service as Priority sends the bike with a mechanic to your home. The mechanic sets the bike up for you, explaining how to charge and maintain it, and ensures you're completely ready to go before leaving. This is the sort of service other bike companies should aspire to.

This bike allowed me to do nearly everything a car would at a much lower cost. Perhaps the lone nitpicks are that the included front light could be better and its fenders sometimes rub. If I was looking for an urban mobility solution, I wouldn't think twice about buying the Embark.

Pros: Low maintenance and reliable motor system

Cons: Sometimes the fenders rub

The best electric mountain bike

Trek's Powerfly FS7 has the travel necessary to get down the gnarliest of trails and thanks to a powerful Bosch motor, more than enough power to get back up. 

The problem with long-travel mountain bikes is that they're always a compromise on bigger days, forcing you to pick between the travel you need to get down a trail and a bike that's lightweight enough to get back up again. This is where long travel electric bikes really shine, affording you the ability to ride down technical trails while making the ride up a breeze. 

Trek's Powerfly FS7 is a mountain bike with a motor, as opposed to a refashioned and underpowered motocross bike. With 150mm of travel in the rear and 160mm in the front, it's a highly capable bike built to tackle black diamond trails. With semi-fat tires, a big travel e-bike specific fork, and downhill disc brakes, this bike goes anywhere and lets you feel comfortable and in control. 

The bike weighs 50lbs, which I easily felt while trying to flick it around like a bike half the weight. After a few runs, I grew accustomed to the weight of the Powerfly and enjoyed how nice of a ride it delivered (the motor made climbing hills incredibly easy, too). 

Trek's side-loading battery is less exposed to mud than other down tube batteries, which is a real bonus for anyone riding in extremely muddy areas. Some bikes can get so encased with mud that the battery is nearly impossible to remove.

The Powerfly offers a wide range of available mileage, depending on which mode you choose. Its lowest mode (Eco mode) offers a range of up to 100 miles, while its Turbo mode tops out at 37 miles. Depending on how much switching you do between each mode ultimately determines the range you're able to expect. 

Thankfully, this model takes much of the thinking out of motor management as it seems to always give you the right amount of assist without lurching on the flat or creeping on the climbs. At first, I found it annoying that I couldn't easily adjust the motor but I ended up just leaving the bike in Bosch's eMTB setting most of the time and never felt too disadvantaged. 

Pros: Responsive geometry and real off-road components 

Cons: If you do happen to run out of battery halfway up trail, it's going to be a hard ride to the top!

The best folding e-bike

The Tern Vektron D8 combines the convenience of a folding bike with the ease of an e-bike. 

Folding electric bikes make a lot of sense. They're easy to store in small urban apartments, they integrate well with mass transit, and unlike regular folding bikes, they aren't a disaster to ride uphill.

The problem with electric folding bikes is that so many of them are awful. They're either underpowered, overweight, totally impractical, or a healthy mix of all three. Luckily, Tern used decades of experience making some of the world's best folding bikes to produce an electrified folder called the Vektron D8.

Featuring hydraulic disc brakes, racks, a highly adjustable fit, and a 50-mile range, the Vektron is designed as a city commuter. Easy to ride, easy to haul, and easy to store. 

The Vektron folds down into a package small enough to store in a large locker and, thanks to a clever design, it rolls on its rear wheel when folded. Given its 49-pound weight, this is extremely helpful. 

With a mid-drive motor and variable pedal assist, the Vektron quickly speeds up to 20mph but doesn't feel lurchy or jumpy (like some hub drive e-bikes). Tern designed the Vektron from the ground up as an e-bike, allowing it to avoid suffering from the flex or wobble that impacts other designs.

The Vektron fits riders from just over 5 feet tall to 6'5" thanks to adjustability in the saddle height, bar height, bar reach, and bar angle. 

Pros: Lightweight and easy to store

Cons: Lacks the stability of larger bikes at high speed

The best lightweight e-bike

There is no mistaking this bike for your average push bike, as it's designed to do things a standard pedal-powered bike just can't.

Though Yuba's Electric Supermarché might cost as much as a dingy minivan, it can do almost as much. From running to school or the office to taking care of shopping or picking up a keg for a get-together, there's no task the Supermarché isn't a fit for.

The Supermarché gets its odd look from Dutch barrow bike design which puts what you're hauling in front of you. This lowers the center of gravity and allows you to keep whatever cargo you're hauling under a watchful eye as you commute. The clever step-through design allows you to mount and dismount without having to balance the bike's load, too.

With a Bosch motor and a 55-mile range, as well as hydraulic brakes and a useful walk mode to help you push the bike, you should be able to get through just about any daily errand. The folks at Yuba have even thought about many of the issues that commuters face. Do you live somewhere wet? There's a rain canopy available. Need to strap in your kids? There's a seat kit.

Its cleverly designed cable steering, quality construction, and well thought out accessories make it a stand out in a crowded field of electric cargo bikes. Riding the Supermarché was much more fun than expected. Thanks to the long-range and huge hauling capacity, I was able to almost entirely ditch my car while testing.

The Supermaché does everything a small car does except pollute and get stuck in traffic and, for me, that makes it the best choice for families. 

Pros: Incredibly practical for large loads and families

Cons: Getting this thing up stairs is a serious workout

The best electric road bike

The Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL offers incredible range and the promise to bring true road bike feel and performance to an e-bike. 

Specialized launched its top-end S-Works Creo SL by having its Tour de France pros ride it on their rest day — and that's exactly the market it's aimed at. The Creo SL is designed to look and feel like a very high-end road bike ridden by a fit rider. It features up to 240 watts and 35Nm of both peak and sustained power up to 28mph, as well as a range of up to 80 miles. 

Unlike other brands, Specialized designed its own motor, along with a built-in proprietary battery and controller. This means you should be good for warranty issues during the two-year coverage period, so long as you're near a Specialized dealer.

An external 160Wh Range Extender, which fits in any normal water bottle cage, offers an additional 40 miles of range, and comes with all S-Works builds of the Creo SL. Other intriguing features include its 26-pound weight (which is extremely light for an e-bike), a companion app that allows the bike to adjust to your ride style, and a future shock damper (carried over from the Roubaix line for a comfy ride).

The ease of use of the above-mentioned range extender is a game-changer, too. Simply dropping the extender into a water bottle cage to gain 40 additional miles of range would allow Creo users to take on long training rides, or up to a 60 mile each way commute. 

Pros: Feels and rides like a racing bike

Cons: Costs as much as a car