Bianchi Zurigo Cyclocross Bike

If you’re in the market for a new commuter bike, you might be surprised to find the best choice isn’t a commuter bike at all. The Bianchi Zurigo is actually designed for cyclo-cross racing, but it turns out it’s extremely well-suited for city life too.

The bike is lightweight and designed with carbon and aluminum, making it great for portability and storage. Also, that means it’s easier to carry up a flight of stairs in a pinch. The carbon fork allows the bike to absorb vibrations and damaged roads (think potholes), allowing for a smoother ride. It can also accommodate tires up to 38 mm, giving you better grip and handling.

Since the bike was designed for weaving in and out of race traffic, it’s also great for handling congestion. The stiff pedaling and Avid disc brakes make it great for swerving around cars and for riding through almost any type of weather.

The bike comes in two builds. The Shimano Tiagra style costs $1,600, making it a little pricey, but it’s the more suitable style for commuters. The Apex Zurigo is even more expensive, at $1,800, but that’s okay because it should probably be left to the racetrack.