Unless you belong to a royal family or earning a handsome amount along with your studies, you need a cost-efficient way for daily commuting to college. Bikes are trending among students and can lessen the overall expense of getting in and around the college. Without a doubt, bikes can make the life of a college student much smoother and more manageable; no hassle of looking for a parking space, no gas expenses, and freedom of going anywhere without wasting much time.
A college is a place where you make memories with your friends and enjoy your time to the fullest. Worrying about getting around is the least that anyone would want. A lot of universities and colleges encourage their students for bike riding as it provides an opportunity to appreciate nature as well.
Bikes come with a lot of different specs, colors, and designs. Thus choosing a bike from hundreds of options available can be an unnerving experience. Everyone wants to get a bike that can reflect their style and can fit their budget as well because most college students are cash-strapped. If you are a college student who is looking for a dependable and cost-efficient bike, then this article will give you a lot of top-of-the-line options to choose from.
Quick Answer: Top 8 Bikes For College Students In 2020
- sixthreezero Ride in the Park
- Schwinn Wayfarer Bike
- SWAGTRON EB12 Electric Bike
- sixthreezero Body Ease Women’s Comfort Bike
- Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike
- Schwinn Phocus 1400 and 1600 Road Bicycle
- Schwinn Voyageur Electric Bike
- 700c Royce Union RMY Commuter Bike
By the end of this article, you will have enough knowledge in hand to make your decision. There is also provide a buying guide at the end to help you out in deciding which specifications and features you want on your next bike.
Best Bikes For College Students
[table id=160 /]Bike Reviews
1. sixthreezero Ride in the Park | City Road Bicycle
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- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Frame Size: 18 inches
- Speeds/Gears: 7-Speed
- Wheel Size: 700 x 35C
- Brakes: Front and Rear V-Brake
- Net Weight: 37.5 lbs
- User Height Range: 5’ – 6’ 2”
- Rider’s weight: 300 lbs
If you’re looking for a bike that gives you a vintage look with modern engineering, then you’re going to love sixthreezero Ride in the Park bike. This bike is made for daily commuting as it doesn’t require much effort from the rider. The frame of this bike is made up of aluminum, which makes it more durable as well as lighter than most of the bike. This bike offers slightly inclined positions, which helps conquer slopes effortlessly.
It has a straight handlebar and equipped with 700 x 35C wheels. Handlebar makes your daily rides comfortable, and these big wheels provide you speed and stability on some rough patches of the road. With the 18 inches frame of sixthreezero Ride in the Park, riders from 5 feet to 6’2” can ride it without any disturbance. It can also carry 300 lbs. of weight with ease, so if you’re heavier in weight or if you want to bring something with you, then you can do it on this bike without putting any extra effort.
With the help of a 7-speed external derailleur, you can take this bike on a long journey as well. As the front and rear handbrakes of this bike make your ride safer and can stop your bike in no time, you don’t need to worry much about unexpected collisions. It comes with brown synthetic leather saddle, leather seat and matching grips, and the stitching is top-notch, these things give this bike a premium look.
Mechanism of sixthreezero Ride in the Park bike is easy-to-understand and reliable. Like most of the bikes, it comes 8
5% assembled form the company. You will also get a manual that guides you on how to assemble it completely to enjoy a great ride. It is also equipped with a rear rack on which you can carry your stuff and matching fenders prevent you from debris and splashes.
Special Features
sixthreezero Ride in the Park bike is equipped with Shimano’s 7-speed external hub, which helps you cruise, climb, and coast conveniently. You can shift these gears quickly with the twist gear shifter situated on the handle.
It only weighs 37.5 lbs., which is incredibly light than most bikes in the market. This light frame provides you speed, and you can also carry it with you on the stairs easily.
Cons
The weight limit is just 300 lbs, which means that if you’re heavy and you want to carry somethings with you, then you have to put some extra effort or need to arrange something else. Other than that, this bike is flawless and can be a great choice for college students.
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2. Schwinn Wayfarer Bike Mens and Womens Hybrid Retro-Styled Cruiser
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- Frame Material: Steel
- Frame Size: 18-Inch
- Speeds/Gears: 7
- Wheel Size: 700C
- Brakes: Rim brakes
- Net Weight: 54 lbs.
- User Height Range: 5’4″- 6’2″
- Rider’s weight: 300 lbs.
For the ones who are looking for a bike to experience real soothe, this electric bike can be the best choice without any doubt. Schwinn is a perfect product for the riders looking for one of a kind presentation and functionality for a comfortable ride along. It also allows you to attach a long-range of accessories to make your bike cooler and comfortable.
Most of the riders look for a reasonable bike having all essential features; Schwinn is a great choice to have then. Schwinn steel retro city frame is used to construct this 700c bike to provide the user with a relaxed riding posture. On an inclined trail or while climbing, its tires permit simple roll on the pavement to accelerate effortlessly. Additional weight is no more a problem with this bike as its custom plotted frame is designed to handle it with so much ease.
Stress on the back and neck is reduced, with the rider having special control due to its design. The tires of this bike are large and strong for exceptional grip with light rims that give the rider a flawless experience. SRAM twist shift shifters and Shimano 7speed rear derailleur are included in the package. It’s a perfect bike for riding down to the neighborhood, bike route, or having some fun ride.
Lightweight yet durable wheels are used by the manufacturer for a stronger grip on any surface. To provide quick and efficient stopping ability, linear-pull brakes are used in Schwinn Wayfarer Bike. You can also carry luggage with you as it also provides enough space for a bag to carry along. Most of the customers are extremely happy with their experience with Schwinn and suggest others to buy it. So, if you are thinking of purchasing the average priced bike with maximum specs, you should go for it. This is going to make your ride more comfortable and smoother undoubtedly.
Special Features
The most attractive feature of Schwinn Wayfarer Bike is its Shimano 7-speed rear derailleur that can take you on a ride at any terrain possible. The rider can shift gears quickly in seconds with SRAM twist shift shifters.
To provide excellent braking experience, front and back linear-pull brakes are included in the package. Elegant alloy rims that are lightweight yet strong make it look cool. A conventional rear carrier is used for rider’s convenience.
Cons
Heavy metal stuff is not used in the formation of Fenders, which makes them a bit frail. Thus, many of the riders have questions about their durability. The saddle can be a little bit rough if you are looking for a softer and cushiony saddle to sit on the bike. Apart from these, the packaging is not up to the standards and can be improved.
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3. SWAGTRON EB12 Electric Bike | City Commuter eBike
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- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Frame Size: 20 inches
- Speeds/Gears: 7-Speed
- Wheel Size: 700C
- Brakes: Shimano’s V-Brakes
- Net Weight: 39.24 lbs
- User Height Range: 5’1” – 6’3”
- Rider’s weight: 264 lbs
EB12 Electric Bike is the best choice for you if you are looking for a bike for daily commute to your college or work. It is a 21st-century hybrid bike equipped with 250 watts motor and a 36-volt lithium-ion battery. With the 7-speed indexed gear shifting and 36 volts battery, you can take this bike on a long journey. The gears provide you speed when you’re pedaling, and the battery can help you complete your trip when you don’t have any more stamina.
This battery gives you a fantastic range of 28 miles on a single charge without pedaling. The combination of 250 watts motor and 36 volts battery gives you a high speed of 16.5 MPH. This feature came in handy when you’re tired after a game or work and don’t want to paddle the bike or if you want to climb a mountain and need an extra push or if you’re on a long journey.
The motor of this amazing bike can conquer a slope of 25 degrees without your help. The built quality of the EB12 Electric Bike is also excellent and up to the mark. The frame is made up of aluminum, which makes it lighter and more durable than most of the bikes. 20-inches frame of this bike is suitable for a rider of up to 6’3” tall. It comes with 700C wheels with air-filled tires that provide you a good grip and speed.
EB12 Electric Bike comes with a flat bar, which gives you more relaxed and comfortable rides. The design of this bike puts all the power on the pavement and make your ride smoother. With the help of its upright position, you are going to feel less stress on your wrists, shoulder, and neck compared to the other bikes in the market.
Special Features
The most distinctive feature of this bike is its 36 volts battery that gives you a range of 28 miles on a single charge and can be fully charged in just 4-5 hours. It makes long journeys easy and daily commuting more comfortable. The range or mileage that this bike provides is better than most of the e-bikes in the market in this price range. EB12 is lightweight as it only weighs 39.2 lbs, which provide you speed, and you can easily carry your bike with you when needed.
Cons
The only drawback of EB12 Electric Bike is that it doesn’t come with disk brakes. Disk brakes make your bike safer and can stop the bike quickly. But if you live in a place where roads aren’t packed with the traffic always, or you don’t need to go far away for your daily commutes, then you can surely count on this bike.
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4. sixthreezero Body Ease Women’s Comfort Bike
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- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Frame Size: 17 inches
- Speeds/Gears: 21-Speed
- Wheel Size: 26 inches
- Brakes: Front and rear V-Brakes
- Net Weight: 33.5 lbs
- User Height Range: 5’2” – 5’10”
- Rider’s weight: 300 lbs
Sixthreezero Body Ease bike can take you on any terrain and give you a smooth ride as it is manufactured by one of the most trusted names in the industry. Its 21-speed gear system is ideal for a light exercise rider, and there are enough gears to tackle hills and any surface of the road. This Shimano’s gearing can take you at a high speed of 20 MPH easily. It is equipped with a front vibratory suspension that reduces vibrations on a bumpy surface and provides you a smooth ride.
The aluminum frame of sixthreezero Body Ease bike can carry up to 300 lbs of weight, and this bike itself weighs 33.5 lbs, which is much lighter than most of the bikes. It is equipped with 26 inches wheels with 2 inches Kenda tires. Kenda tires are comfortable tires that provide speed as well as grip. When these tires combine with 26-inch wheels, then the whole package can give you a high-speed ride with safety.
The remarkable engineering of sixthreezero Body Ease bike reduces pressure from your wrist, back, neck, and shoulder so that you can ride a bike longer than usual. It has simple front and back V-brakes, but these brakes are of high quality that guarantees a safer ride. It also has a rear luggage rack, which is big enough to store a medium size bag.
Special Features
The most remarkable feature of sixthreezero Body Ease is its seat suspension. This seat provides your hip and extra back comfort, so don’t get any sore muscles from riding the bike. It can carry up to 300 lbs. of weight, and this bike itself weighs only 33.5 lbs., which is an excellent thing for this price range.
Cons
The biggest downside of this bike is that it doesn’t have fenders. Fenders make a tremendous difference when you’re riding roads that are wet or snowy. Without any doubt, fenders protect your body and bike from the mud on the road, increasing the overall life of your bike.
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5. Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike for Men and Women
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- Frame Material: Steel, other
- Frame Size: 16-Inch
- Speeds/Gears: 21
- Wheel Size: 700C
- Brakes: Linear-pull brakes
- Net Weight: 43.6 lbs
- User Height Range: 5’6”- 5’10”
- Rider’s weight: 250 lbs
Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike will surely compliment your presence wherever you go with its clean, all-white finish. Now you don’t need to worry about how to bring your luggage, groceries on the bike. This ride provides you a removable cargo rack on the back wheel.
It’s even much more comfortable than it looks. Cracks and bumps in the road are handled by its front suspension effortlessly. To provide you comfort and to prevent your arms, hands, and back from stress, it has a soft grip, an adjustable stem, a padded seat, and a swept-back handlebar.
Durable yet lightweight aluminum is used in making the rigid frame of Schwinn Discover. Due to its step-through frame design, it is effortless to get in and out of it. It is perfect for riders having a height in a range of 5’6” to 5’10”. It can easily carry weight up to 250 lbs.
You can also control it around obstacles because it has 27.5-inch tires and wheels. The front wheel is equipped with a quick-release device, so you don’t need any tool to remove it. A quick-release mechanism is not installed in the rear wheel because of the fender and derailleur introduced at the back.
Linear-pull brakes are installed in the front and rear wheels. Extraordinary stopping power is one of the qualities of these brakes, and also, they don’t need much maintenance. So, if you’re living in a neighborhood and want a bike to make your life easy, go for it.
Special Features
Usually, people are not happy with the seat of the bike, but it’s not the case with this one. Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike is equipped with front suspension and shock-absorbing seats, which provide you extra comfort and back support while riding. It is a good option for both paved and unpaved routes. Its price is also in a range in which a maximum of the people can afford it. Being reasonable, efficient, and a good looking bike makes it an excellent option.
Cons
It’s not a mountain bike; instead, it is explicitly designed to assist college students for daily commuting. So, it’s not a good option for mountain adventures. There are some minor manufacturing flaws, but still, it doesn’t affect the performance of the bike. The features it offers and the quality of performance surely outright the minor flaws that it has.
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6. Schwinn Phocus 1400 and 1600 Drop Bar Road Bicycle for Men and Women
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- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Frame Size: 16-Inch, 18-Inch
- Speeds/Gears: 16
- Wheel Size: 700C
- Brakes: Promax alloy caliper brakes
- Net Weight: 33.1 lbs
- User Height Range: 5’7”- 5’11”
- Rider’s weight: 300 lbs
This bike can be defined as a product with minimum price while having all those up to date specs. This bike will never let you down in your friend circle. The Schwinn Phocus is not designed for professional athletes but for people who want a quality product to get out with it and have some sweat through tough exercise.
The 1400 and 1600 are the two models in this series. This series has surprisingly all those features which are usually found in costly bikes. Standard 6061 aluminum set up is used as a frame. It is a conventional frame size that is usually used in bikes, so no need to worry about it. You can easily choose the right size for you by seeing a standard sizing chart.
Carbon fiber is used in making the front fork. Carbon fiber is usually not available in this price range, so it’s exciting to see a beginner’s bike using carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is beneficial in absorbing road shocks and gives you a smoother and comfortable riding experience. The double-walled wheels are used to provide extra strength in the wheels. Double-walled wheels are necessary for me if I have to buy a bike.
Shimano Claris level is used as the shifting mechanism. All of the controls of your bike are in one place as the shifters are entirely put together with the brakes, so no need to take your hands off the brakes while shifting. Two gears are placed on the front while eight on the rear, commonly known as 16-Speed. Plenty of low-end gears are used, which makes it useful while hill climbing. 16-20 mph on the regular route can easily be achieved if your legs are that competent.
Special Features
Carbon fiber road fork is one of the best features of this bike. Other features include Shimano Claris 16 speed derailleur with Micro shift incorporated shift/brake lever combo. The quick front release is possible due to the use of lightweight yet durable Higdouble-alloy double-wall rims with paired spokes. Excellent stopping power is provided by using Promax alloy dual pivot caliper road brakes.
Cons
Tall riders can be uncomfortable on a long bike ride, as the rider is forced to bend while riding due to the position of the seat concerning the handlebars. It can cause pain in your back, and you might not like riding it if you are a tall person. It is advised to have a test ride before making any decision.
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7. Schwinn Voyageur Electric Bike
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- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Frame Size: 18.89 inches
- Speeds/Gears: 8-Speed
- Wheel Size: 700C
- Brakes: Mechanical Disk Brakes
- Net Weight: 59 lbs
- User Height Range: 5’7” – 6’1”
- Rider’s weight: no official limit
Do you want to ride a bike without worrying about climbing steep hills and want to go on a longer ride? Now with Schwinn Voyageur Electric Bike, you can do that. This bike comes with 250 watts hub drive motor that gives you pedal assistance. You can choose how much you want the motor to assist you on each pedal from 1 (little) to 5 ( a lot). It has a 36-volt battery that powers the motor. This battery gives you a long range of 40-65 Miles on a single charge, and the motor can assist you up to 20 MPH.
The amazing aluminum frame of the Schwinn Voyageur Electric Bike with extraordinary engineering reduces pressure on your joint and provides you a comfortable journey. It doesn’t have an official weight limit as the manufacturers said the weight is not an issue with this bike. That substantial aluminum body can handle the weight of any rider easily, and the battery can assist him in riding.
The Shimano 8-speed drivetrain makes gear changing smoother, and this can take you to any road possible with ease. This bike also has an LCD on the handlebar that on which you can see the battery life, range, can change the assist level, and much more.
Special Features
The most extraordinary feature of the Schwinn Voyageur Electric Bike is its mechanical disk brakes. These disk brakes provide you extra safety on the road and can stop the bike quickly.
Schwinn Voyageur Electric Bike comes with SR sun tour coil-sprung suspension fork, the rider can customize the bike according to his comfort level or according to the surface of the road like you can change it to shock-absorbing for rough roads or fully rigid for smooth roads.
Cons
The only drawback of the Schwinn Voyageur Electric Bike is that it weighs around 60 lbs, which is heavy than most of the bikes in the market. But this is not going to be an issue because its motor can assist you in steep hills and can also provide you a decent speed of 20 MPH.
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8. 700c Royce Union RMY Hybrid Comfort Bike
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- Frame Material: aluminum alloy frame
- Frame Size: 15-inch and 17-inch
- Speeds/Gears: 21
- Wheel Size: 700C
- Brakes: linear pull
- Net Weight: 41.7 lbs
- User Height Range: 5”- 5’5”
- Rider’s weight: 275 lbs
If you’re looking for a bike for daily commuting or exercise, then Royce Union Hybrid is best for you. Its productive performance, premium comfort, and easy assembly make it a trustworthy product. The saddle can also be adjusted with the help of an alloy quick release binder to make it the best fit.
Sturdy 6061 heat-treated aircraft-grade aluminum is used to make its lightweight frame, which guarantees that it will never rust. It is easy to operate an aluminum lightweight bike under challenging spots. The front suspension is specially designed in a way that it absorbs a maximum of bumps from an uneven route.
There is a slight-rise handlebar, Grafton grips, and comfortable pedals installed on this bike that makes you ride more comfortable. It doesn’t matter how long you have to ride now; just go for it. Other features include a richly padded saddle with dual springs, which will make your ride effortlessly comfortable.
The saddle height can also be adjusted by using a quick alloy release. SHIMANO drivetrain, a 21-speed Shimano revoshift with a Shimano Tourney indexed rear derailleur are equipped in this bike for a user to enjoy the ultimate experience of riding it. Gears are protected from accidental damage to guarantee durable operation by using the removable rear derailleur.
You can trust on the stopping power of the bike as alloy linear-pull brakes are used in this model. Superior brake pad contact is enabled through a machine alloy wheel rims for consistent action. Rolling momentum is enhanced by the trim 700C tires, which make sure that you reach your destination with ease.
Special Features
Its saddle can quickly be adjusted to make it best fit using its alloy quick release binder. Aircraft-grade aluminum is used in the production that makes it lightweight yet strong. Many measures are taken to make it very much comfortable so that the rider can have a great time while riding it. 21-speed shift gears are used in this model which makes it an up to date model.
Cons
Sometimes pedals can crack after traveling to some miles and can cause inconvenience for the rider. Some users also complained about the packing of the product as it is quite fragile and doesn’t look like as it has a high-quality product inside. There’s also a question mark on the wheel’s durability because some riders complain that the wheels started tearing after a few months of usage. Still, this claim isn’t backed up by any evidence as the majority of the buyers are quite satisfied with it.
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Comparison Table: Best Bikes For College Students
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Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose The Best Bike If You Are a College Students
Now that you have all the top-of-the-line options for the college bikes, the next thing is to make a decision that which one you should choose. Requirements and needs of every individual differ significantly, and so does the term “best.” Thus, while making a choice, you should keep in mind the place where you will be riding the bike and the distance you need to cover to get to college. We haven’t left you alone in this phase, as the below guide will help you in making a final decision.
Frame Types and Materials
The frame of bikes is usually made up of high-quality steel, carbon, or aluminum. In terms of versatility in design and speed, carbon is considered as the best material for the fame of the bike. Unfortunately, college students can’t afford bikes with carbon frames, as these are very expensive. However, aluminum bikes are lightweight, cheap, and sturdy enough to match the needs of college students. The most widely used frame material in most of the fixies, college bikes, hybrid bikes, and road bikes as well. A bike with a steel frame can carry a lot of heavy bags as these are sturdy enough to support heavyweight.
Handlebars
Another important feature to consider while purchasing a bike for daily college commute is the quality and height of the handlebars. Commonly, you will find two major types of handlebars, which are flat bar and top bar. The type of handlebar can change your riding experience dramatically. Most beginners prefer to have a flat bar, and it is mostly used on mountain and hybrid bikes. It offers a more relaxed position, and the center of gravity is more towards the saddle, providing you a comfortable ride.
Gearing
The gearing system of a bike plays a pivotal role in the overall performance of the bike, especially in the hilly area. Lower gears will be needed to climb up because the rider will have to exert a lot of energy otherwise. The cassette of the bike can be changed anytime, as it is an easy mechanic task and can be carried out without any special tools.
Fenders
Having fenders can prevent you from splashes if the weather is bad or you live in a wet area. Not all the bikes come with fenders, but you can always install a pair to upgrade it. It I important to evaluate your situation and the condition of your commute to make a decision whether you want a bike with or without fenders.
Bike Fit
The bike should be a perfect fit for your height, weight, and body type. A misfit bike can result in a collision, and you might end up injuring yourself. Thus, it is always a good practice to go online and ask some professional about a bike that will be a perfect fit for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): About Bikes For College Students
College students usually wish for a sleek and alluring bike to cool among their group of friends. But before investing their money in a product with which they have to stick for months, they must have some critical questions in their mind. We have tried to answer most of the questions which can strike your mind.
Q: Should my feet touch the ground while sitting on the bike?
A: Yes, both feet should touch the ground to ease the braking when you sit on the saddle. It is to be noted that only the balls of your feet should reach the floor because if your whole feet are on the floor, then you won’t be able to ride the bike comfortably. In this, the height of the saddle is the deciding factor for comfort and safety. The handlebar of the bike should be in line with your seat, or it can be a little bit higher than the saddle for a comfortable riding style.
Q: Which bike frame size is preferable; Bigger or Smaller?
A: Generalization in the bike’s frame can be a little bit risky as neither a bigger nor a smaller frame is ideal for everyone. If you already own a bike and knows your riding position well, then deciding on the size of the bike’s frame can be much more precise and straightforward. The size of the bike’s frame depends on the height and riding style of the rider.
Q: What will happen if the saddle of my bike is too low?
A: If the saddle of the bike is too low, then the legs of the rider will collide with the handlebar. The paddling will be much tougher, and the rider will feel a strain on the lower part of the legs. To avoid any inconvenience a compression at the knee, you should choose the height of the saddle and frame size of the bike carefully.
Q: My sit bones hurt while riding the bike, what can be the reason behind?
A: The sit bones of the rider hurt when the bike seat is too narrow as all the pressure from the overall body weight will be on the soft tissues. Thus, you should try sitting on the saddle of the bike before purchasing any bike to get an idea of how you will feel while using it for the daily commute. If the body weight is pressing the soft tissues between the bones of the rider, then surely the sit bone will pain while cycling.
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Wrapping Up
College students cannot afford to have gasoline cars, and the best alternative to daily commuting is the bike. Whether you need to go from one class to another or hang around at the campus to enjoy your day, a bike can make your college life much more comfortable. Invest in the bike that perfectly suits your needs and falls in your budget. There are a lot of options available in the market in every price range. Our detailed guide might have helped you to make a decision as we want you to invest in the right product that you can use for years.
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