The 16 best bikes for beginning commuters

Photo: Courtesy Touchstone Pictures Bike commuting is healthier and more environmentally friendly than driving, faster than walking, and cheaper than a few months’ worth of MetroCards. But getting started can be intimidating. If you’re interested in riding to work, you may wonder how you’ll carry your stuff, where you’ll store your bike, what to do if it rains, and, most importantly, what type of bike you should buy. To demystify the process, we spoke with bike store owners, retailers, and bike commuting advocates. They explained what features to look for in commuter-specific bikes and how much you should be ready to spend. While a top-of-the-line, aerodynamic racing bike can set you back a few grand, the experts we spoke to agreed that you can find a dependable commuting... Continue reading…