Ideal for new commuters, recreational riders and anyone who wants a comfortable flat-bar bike for bike paths, errands and everyday fitness.
If you want a bike that feels quicker than a department-store hybrid but still keeps a comfortable riding position, the Apollo Trace 20 hits a sensible middle ground. Its 6061 butted alloy frame keeps the bike easy to pedal and easy to manage, while the rigid fork gives it a direct, predictable feel around town. The low-riser handlebar and comfort-focused contact points suit riders who want visibility in traffic without feeling too upright or sluggish.
On the road, this bike is best suited to commuting, bike paths, rail trails and general fitness riding. The 700 x 38c tyres add a bit more comfort and confidence on rougher suburban streets than a narrower flat-bar road setup, and the mechanical disc brakes give you dependable stopping power in mixed weather. With 3 x 8 gearing, you’ve got enough range for everyday cruising, modest hills and stop-start riding without making the bike complicated to live with.
What we like most about the Trace 20 is how easy it is to make your own. The frame and fork include rack and mudguard mounts, so it’s ready for commuter upgrades, shopping runs or wet-weather riding. If your priority is a practical bike with familiar components, stable handling and room for everyday accessories, this is a strong option for Australian urban riding.
6061 butted alloy frame
Keeps the bike light, durable and easier to handle on everyday rides and short climbs.
Rigid trekking fork
Delivers direct steering and a more efficient feel than a suspension fork on sealed roads and shared paths.
700 x 38c urban tyres
Adds comfort and grip on rough bitumen, bike paths and typical suburban streets.
Tyre clearance up to 700 x 40
Gives you a little extra room if you want a slightly larger tyre for more comfort or mixed-surface use.
JAK-8 mechanical disc brakes
Reliable braking in dry or wet conditions, with the simple servicing many everyday riders prefer.
3 x 8 Shimano drivetrain
Wide gear range makes it easier to spin along flats, tackle bridges and roll through varied city terrain.
Double wall 700c rims
A solid choice for commuting and regular use where durability matters.
Rack and fender mounts
Makes it easy to set the bike up for commuting, shopping, mudguards or light carrying duties.
Frame & Fork
Drivetrain
Brakes
Wheels & Tyres
Cockpit
Geometry highlights
General
Rigid fork
You’ll get light, responsive handling that feels direct and predictable around town.
Wide tyres
The 700 x 38 tyres, with clearance up to 700 x 40, help smooth out rough roads and add everyday comfort.
Double wall rims
These rims are built for greater strength, making them a smart pick for urban riding and regular commuting.
Carrier and fender mounts
You can easily set the bike up for commuting, shopping or wetter rides with racks and mudguards.
Lightweight butted frame
The butted alloy frame keeps the bike light and strong, so it’s easier to handle, pedal and live with day to day.
Great for
Maybe not for
Apollo lists rider height as S: 158-168cm, M: 165-173cm, L: 170-178cm, XL: 175-190cm. Riders between sizes will usually find the smaller size a little easier around town, while the larger size will give a roomier pedalling position for longer bike-path rides.
vs Merida Speeder 20 Flat Bar Road Bike
The Merida sits in a similar flat-bar road space but steps up to hydraulic disc brakes and narrower 700 x 30c tyres for a more road-leaning feel.
vs Giant Cross City Disc 3
The Cross City Disc 3 is another practical commuter-style flat-bar bike with mechanical disc brakes and 700 x 38c tyres, but it sits at a higher current RRP.
vs Norco Indie 4 Hybrid Bike
The Indie takes a more comfort-first city-bike approach with 27.5 x 2.0in tyres and an easy-going urban setup.
Good fit for first-time commuters
If you're moving on from casual neighbourhood riding and want something better organised for regular transport, the Trace 20 is easy to understand, easy to service and easy to accessorise.
The 38c tyre size is a smart middle ground
This width rolls efficiently on sealed paths but gives noticeably more comfort and confidence than a narrower flat-bar road tyre, especially on older suburban roads.
Rigid fork suits paved riding best
For commuting and fitness riding, the rigid fork helps the bike feel more direct and efficient than an entry-level suspension setup. If most of your riding is sealed or hard-packed, that’s a plus.
Mechanical discs are practical ownership
They don’t have the lighter lever feel of hydraulic brakes, but they’re straightforward to maintain and perfectly sensible for an everyday city bike at this level.
Apollo is an Australian bicycle brand founded in 1978. The brand offers a broad range that covers mountain, road, urban, lifestyle and kids’ bikes, and it remains part of GPI Apollo Bicycle Co. Pty. Ltd, an Australian company based in Victoria.
Apollo is best known for building bikes aimed at everyday riders across a wide spread of categories and price points. Its current line-up includes urban and women’s models alongside mountain, gravel and kids’ bikes, reflecting a long-standing focus on practical bikes for Australian riding conditions.
