THE YEAR'S BEST AND MOST EXCITING BIKES - COMMUTER

Bicycling’s annual Bike Awards are the culmination of a year’s worth of real-world ride testing of hundreds of bikes. We rode them as you would—commuting on city streets, in the bikepark, up tough climbs, deep in the woods, or just out for a spin after a busy day. In selecting our top 40, we evaluated each bike’s performance, its value, and how it stacks up against similar models in its category. We thought hard about each bike and whether it was one we’d want for ourselves before recommending it. If you’re searching for a new road, mountain, gravel, or commuter bike—or just dreaming—one of these will be right for you.

TREK DISTRICT 4 EQUIPPED

$1,730 // 34.2 LB (Large)

Fully equipped with a rear rack, lights, fenders, and an internally geared drivetrain, the District 4 Equipped includes almost every amenity imaginable, stripping away off-bike maintenance and preparation in favor of a polished on-bike experience. Arriving at work or the grocery is more graceful than ever on this quiet, reliable utility bike. With a belt drive, quickstopping hydraulic brakes, and an available step-through version (called Stagger), it highlights the reason so many of us prefer to commute by bike: the joy of motion.—Aithne Feay

MOMENTUM PAKYAK E+

$6,845 (As Tested) // 103 LB (One Size)

A sturdy and dependable way to transport cargo or humans around town, the Momentum PakYak E+ electric bike lets you enjoy the ride rather than deal with the frustrations of car traffic and congestion for those short- and medium-length trips. The PakYak E+, a one-size midtail-style cargo e-bike from Momentum, comes equipped with a front basket, rear rack, a heavy-duty kickstand, and lights. A wide range of optional accessories customize your PakYak’s cargo configuration based on what you want to carry. A class 3 e-bike, the bike has 80Nm of torque and pedal-assisted power up to 28 mph via five support levels. Paired with a five-speed Shimano Nexus internal gear hub, the bike helps you haul kids or cargo efficiently and comfortably without breaking a sweat.—Caitlin Thompson

HUDSKI DOGGLER

$2,000 // 25.5 LB (Large)