The Best Bikes Are Made By...

May 12th 2011 at 4:25PM by Veronica Harley

On Monday, I wrote a post on bikes under $150 for the whole family. Some readers commented that they didn't necessarily agree with the bikes that were chosen. So, I decided to go straight to the source and asked a few bike enthusiasts to tell me which brand makes the best bikes. Nine people chimed in with their favorites. From Huffy to Kona, you'll find reviews on the best bikes for commuters living in tight quarters, boys, girls, women and men. Do you have a recommendation on the best bike brands on the market today? We'd love to hear from you. Leave a comment below.

"Retro bikes are cool again and Huffy makes a great one for women. It's very affordable and a stylish way to enjoy your time outdoors. The Cranbrook Cruiser is perfect for a commute to school or work, or riding alongside your kids at the park. Head to Walmart or Walmart.com to purchase the bike for under $90." - Erin

"The Huffy Panama Jack Cruiser is awesome and looks cool! If you want a perfect cruiser, this bike is for you. Riding this bike is so comfortable. You don't feel like your back is breaking and it has a wide seat for your tush! Another added bonus is a bottle opener! Go green in more ways than one -- save gas and the money in your pocket!" - Christina

"One of my absolute favorite bikes is perfect not for me, but for my nieces: the Mongoose Pizazz Girls' Bike. Made for girls 3-6 years of age, the Mongoose Pizazz is a sturdy little bike with all the options a first time rider needs: thick 16" standard wheels and a set of small training wheels to help the little ones balance, coaster style and hand grip brakes to teach them the essentials of slowing down, and a chain guard to prevent clothes from snagging. Best of all, like other Mongoose products, the Pizazz Girls' Bike is durable and easy to assemble right out of the box: saving parents, and uncles like me, from much stress and frustration during assembly. Highly recommended!" - J.

"The Mongoose 20 inch Overt Freestyle Boys Bike for ages 8-12, is perfect for any daredevil child. It's tricks galore with this bike. I like it because it allows the child to have fun yet at the same time providing superior safety. It has high end bike features with an octagonal top and down tube for a strong frame and smooth ride. Protective bumper guards make this bike fantastic for doing jumps, stunts and street riding. The lime color is great for the boy who is not afraid to stand out! Safety and fun is the way to go." - Donna

"The best bikes are the bikes you like and feel comfortable on. For me, it's my Trek Specialized Hardrock Sport Mountain Bike. I'm no pro and I'm not rich, so this beginner budget mountain bike fits my comfort and price level. They typically run from $330 to $419, depending on options. I chose the women's version with a durable aluminum frame, special women's saddle and comfort handle grips. The bike is engineered for women. It is perfect for paved bike trails and packed dirt trails. The bike has features on it that I don't have a clue about like: Shimano 21 speed drive train, double wall rims, Tektro "V" linear spring brakes and more. I don't need to know the details, I just need to know that I can ride like the wind." - Cathleen

"Cycling is a great form of exercise, but it can be difficult if you live in cramped quarters or in a crowded urban area! If you want to have the benefits of healthy cycling in such an environment, try the Dynamic Sidekick 8, an 8-speed folding bicycle that can fit in an apartment closet, be carried easily through crowded urban streets, but gives the ride of a regular cycle. Like the transmission in your automobile, the Sidekick 8 compresses all the gearing inside a compact sealed container that provides silky smooth, lightning-fast shifting on all kinds of terrain. The 8-speed Sidekick has nearly all the gear range of a full 24-speed folding bike at a much more affordable price..." - Charles

"My current "ride" is a Novara Express. I forked over a mere $900 for it three years ago. It is thee best bike I've ever owned! It's smooth, quiet, well balanced and, most of all... comfortable. I can honestly say is has been 100% trouble-free. The set-up is solid. It stays tuned and true all season long. I swapped out one of the three front rings for a "climbing" set-up. I sacrificed some mid-range gears in the process but I'm now willing to take on almost any uphill climb. It's a flat handle bar set up with flanged hand grips... no more strained wrists for me! I even installed a set of bar ends. This old man isn't too proud to rest his back on a long ride. I may not look as cool as the young guys on the road but I'm the most comfortable guy out there. And I always give those young bike bucks a good roll! I've tormented more that a few!" - Timothy

"If you like riding your bike for the simple pleasure of riding a bike then the Beach Cruiser is the bike for you. Although the Schwinn design came out during the 1930s, they became popular in the 1950s as the "Beach Cruiser" because of the wide tires that ride well in the sand. The wide tires also give it a smooth ride. With it's low handlebars and comfortable seat, it makes you feel like your "cruising" down the street. You can find a moderately priced Schwinn or Huffy at Walmart or get a customized one online. Kickstand, the official magazine for all things Beach Cruiser, suggests that you go to a Bicycle store or a sports goods store for a more expensive Electra or Nirve models. After you purchase your bike, check out the neighborhood for a bike club and go "cruisin." - Jen

"If you're the outdoorsy type like I am, you'd love this Kona Fire Mountain Bike. Whether you're tackling nature's toughest obstacles or going for a smooth, relaxing ride, the Fire Mountain makes it all possible. It has amazing durability and strength without compromising comfort and style. For $629 at konaworld.com, it's truly a wise investment for bike-lovers alike." - Mary

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