Best Fitness Bikes For Your Buck 2018
If you’re looking for a bike to ride for working out, recreational use or commuting, we’ve rounded up a few bikes that could be a great investment!
These are all Felt bikes, a brand we trust to help you get started cycling, whether it’s with the Path, Verza Speed 40 or 50 model. There are men’s and women’s frames of each model. The bikes themselves are almost identical, but are built with frames and parts that are slightly different to suit each rider. They work really well if you’re not trying to ride much more than 30 miles and also not wanting to break the bank. With straight handlebars and forward-leaning center of weight, they’re a great hybrid between your typical neighborhood bike and a road bike. Since investing in a new bike is a big deal, we’ve interviewed one long-time Neutral Cycler who can give you the inside scoop on one of our top recommended fitness bikes, the Verza Speed 40.
Introducing your neighborly Fitness Bike Advisor - Joe
Joe’s been a Jimmy John’s delivery guy for over 2 years now. He’s worked both in the fast-paced city of Chicago and in the Champaign-Urbana area, but surprisingly enough has made hundreds of freaky fast deliveries without the convenience of a car. He’s relied on his Verza Speed 40 to commute, deliver and get around town. He says it’s actually the main reason he loves his job so much. Although, he would advise that if you’re considering taking this kind of lifestyle on as your day to day, watch out for “getting doored”. He says the only crashes he’s been in are the ones “due to his own stupidity” where he ending up getting tangled with a driver opening up their door as he’s speeding past. On a day to day basis, Joe fully embraces riding outside, even when that means taking on rain or snow. After experiencing the freedom of going out to interact with people and being in the fresh air, he says it’s hard for him to imagine a job that he would enjoy more. He’s taken trips across the East Coast, Wisconsin and other states. His favorite trip with his Verza was a trek of a few hundred miles over the course of four days through Pennsylvania. Despite racking up some heavy mileage, he’s had minimal problems and rarely has to come into the shop to get it fixed. He’s been a long time Neutral Cycle customer and has seen us grow from Tim’s small garage to where we are now on fifth street. The one time he had a big issue with his bottom bracket, he brought it in to Neutral to have it fixed with no issue at all.*Disclaimer: Joe’s bike is a 2016 model with slightly different specs than the 2018 model as shown below.
Recommendation #1
“Its lightweight, durable aluminum frame, confident handling capabilities and reliable components make the Verza Speed 40 an incredible bike for city or suburban riding. Felt’s custom aluminum frame provides a smooth ride and comes equipped with a Shimano 8-speed drivetrain for easy-to-use and dependable shifting.” - Felt Bicycles, 2018
Verza Speed 40 Women, MSRP: $579
“The Verza Speed 40 Women’s bike is as capable on a weekend adventure as it is on a commute to work. A lightweight aluminum frame, as well as reliable 8-speed shifting, makes for a bike that can tackle any road, climb or leisurely cruise. Combined with touch points catered to the anatomical needs of female riders including a women’s-specific gel saddle, adds plenty of comfort for enjoying the freedom and joy that only an outdoor bicycle ride can offer.” - Felt Bicycles, 2018
While Joe’s Verza Speed 40 is a great fit all around for his delivery and travel needs, there are plenty of other options out there and we’ve filed it down to two other great choices.
Recommendation #2
“Ready to ride whenever you are thanks to dependable shifting and high-quality components, the Verza Speed 50 is rugged, versatile and pure fun. The bike is built with a flat road handlebar for confident handling and an aluminum frame and fork that are both durable and lightweight. Grab your Verza Speed 50 and go for your commute, workout or cruise around town. It’s the perfect bike for any occasion.” - Felt Bicycles, 2018
Verza Speed 50 Women, MSRP: $399
Specifically designed for the female athlete, the Verza Speed 50 Women’s bike is ready for anything the road throws its way. With dependable shifting and high-quality components, the Verza Speed 50 is rugged, versatile and pure fun. The bike is built with a flat road handlebar for confident handling and an aluminum frame and fork that are both durable and lightweight. Grab your Verza Speed 50 and go for your commute, workout or cruise around town. It’s the perfect bike for any occasion." - Felt Bicycles, 2018
Recommendation #3
“If you’re looking for classic style and a truly versatile riding experience, then the Verza Path 60 is the bike for you. Its lightweight aluminum frame is both durable and easily maneuver, delivering plenty of confidence for getting out on weekend cruises and workouts. Wide 45c tires with reflective logos add plenty of cushioning to an already plush ride, while its saddle and grips are ergonomically designed and well padded. All this means that you can roll with the Verza Path all day long.” - Felt Bicycles, 2018
Verza Path 60 Women, MSRP: $399
"If you’re looking for classic style and a truly versatile riding experience, then the Verza Path 60 is the bike for you. Its lightweight aluminum frame is both durable and easily maneuver, delivering plenty of confidence for getting out on weekend cruises and workouts. Wide 45c tires with reflective logos add plenty of cushioning to an already plush ride, while its saddle and grips are ergonomically designed and well padded. All this means that you can roll with the Verza Path all day long." - Felt Bicycles, 2018
Come On By
If you want to check out these bikes or have any questions about these models - stop by the Neutral Cycle shop at 624 S 5th St, Champaign, IL 61820. We’ll be happy to help you get fitted, comfortable, and well on your way to getting the best fitness bike for you.