You can use any old two-wheeler for commuting and running errands, but your enjoyment and satisfaction will really take off when you ride a bike specially designed for personal transportation. The Castro Valley has more commute-specific refinements than any other bike out there: Wide, low 18-speed gearing, fenders, and, for the pre-dawn or after-work darkness, a hub-generated headlight and reflective-sidewall tires. The whole package rolls on a road-worthy steel frame with well-balanced geometry for cruising in traffic and along bike paths. Riding a bike to get from point A to point B is a good thing. The Castro Valley makes it great.

The Backstreet is a new Cross-Terrain^® model that moves effortlessly between workday commutes and weekend fun rides. Everything about the Backstreet propels you down the road with minimal fuss or bulk, including its matte black aluminum frame, 24-speed shifting, and semi-slick tires. You also get the undeniable upgrade of Shimano disc brakes for confident all-conditions control and stops. Functional and versatile, the Backstreet can be whatever you want it to be⎯commuter, fitness machine, or just a way to pass the time on a sunny afternoon.

What’s the sound of one hand shifting? Find out for yourself on the Bergamo, a stylish commuter with the unique SRAM DualDrive single-sided shifting system. The Bergamo gives you simpler, more intuitive command of its 21 gears, thanks to DualDrive’s fusion of a self-energized internal 3-speed rear hub with a traditional 7-speed rear derailleur. Not only is the smooth shifting all controllable with your right hand, but you can shift gears while standing still or coasting. There’s a lot more to the Bergamo, including a light aluminum frame and purposeful commute-friendly amenities. It’s original design, in motion.

When we introduced the Milano in the previous century (OK, it was the late 1990s), the bike was ahead of its time. Now its time has come. Although the Milano’s swoopy aluminum frame and low-maintenance derailleur-free shifting are as distinctive as ever, what the bike represents—the idea that functional design can make a bold impression—is particularly resonant in the era of 3-buck gasoline. So while the fashionistas are swooning over the “café racer” aesthetic of your personal mobility, you’ll quietly be grooving to the Milano’s down-to-earth convenience, including fenders and a chainguard for cleanliness, a kickstand for easy parking, and a comfortable saddle with a built-in flashing light for the dark. Both frames available in either color.

Many variables go into a Cross-Terrain^® bike, so when we come up with a design that pleases a lot of riders, we’d be crazy to mess with it too much. The Boardwalk continues its tradition of all-around excellence with minor updates for 2007. The ride still delivers a congenial combination of performance and practicality. The Boardwalk’s aluminum frame and steel fork (unfettered by suspension), 24-speed shifting, and medium-width tires will crisply carry you over everything the road puts in your way. Both frames available in either color.

This new model has everything you would expect in a Cross-Terrain^® bike; a lightweight, versatile foundation, comfortable upright riding position, and easy-to-operate shifting and brakes. With its aluminum frame and smart selection of components, the Bay City rolls down the road with as much energy as you feel like putting into it. You can add a rack and fenders if you’re the practical type. If you want more from a new bike than you think you can afford, have a look at the Bay City. It’s a great ride anywhere you take it.

With the longest-running history of any Cross-Terrain^® model, the Advantage has come a long way from its humble origins as a sensible alternative city bike. Now the Advantage offers the functional alternative of a suspension fork and seatpost, so you can enjoy your outdoor excursions in comfort and style and extend your range past the pavement. You’ll also be on good terms with the light aluminum frame, wide-range 24-speed twist shifting, and physiology-friendly adjustable stem. Advantage: you.

bikes use 700C wheels, a size derived from road bikes. But we’ve got nothing against smaller 26-inch mountain bike-sized wheels, and as evidence, check out the Sparta. It serves up a worthy all-around ride with a nod toward ruggedness and practicality. A suspension fork and seatpost add comfort and subtract the chatter from your rides. The Sparta’s curvy aluminum frame and 26-inch wheels give you plenty of standover clearance and a lower center of gravity, with an adjustable stem optimizing the comfort of your riding position. The Sparta also scores high on the usability scale, thanks to its rear carrying rack.

This budget boulevardier steers well clear of the compromises that derail other entry-level bikes. The Avenue delivers a comfortable and stable ride, with a relaxed, upright position and easy 21-speed shifting and braking control. It also comes in six sizes, including an extra-tall 23-inch version and two step-through sizes, so almost everyone is welcome to hop on and enjoy a bike that fits. If this is all the bike you need, or all you can afford, go for it. You won’t regret having the Avenue to get you around town and out for some exercise. Both frames available in either color.