How to Choose the Right Type of Bike

Photo: Huffy Bicycles

Bike riding is an excellent way to exercise and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you ride your bike in the city or the country, there is a set of wheels for you. Each of the four main types of bikes is built for a specific use; learn about each of these types to determine which type of bike best suits your needs.

Road Bikes

Ideal Surface: Pavement

Road bikes are generally more lightweight than mountain or comfort bikes. They ride well on pavement for many purposes, including fitness riding, commuting, long distances, racing, and touring. Road bikes have two handlebar styles:

• Drop-bar handlebars are lighter in weight and are more aerodynamic. They allow for more riding and hand positions, including an aerodynamic bent-at-the-waist position. Though, this position can put strain on the back if you are less flexible.
• Flat-bar handlebars allow you to sit up in a higher, more relaxed riding position. This position reduces strain on hands, wrists, and shoulders. They are less aerodynamic than drop-bar handlebars.

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Mountain Bikes

Ideal Surface: Dirt or rocky trails and gravel roads

Agile mountain bikes are built with shock-absorbing features and better brakes to handle bumpy dirt and gravel roads. They often feature lower gears to allow for riding on steep ground. Mountain bikes offer a comfortable, but athletic riding position. Expensive versions are often the most lightweight. There are two varieties of mountain bikes:

• Hardtail bikes  are less expensive and lighter in weight. They feature a front suspension fork and a rigid back with no rear suspension shocks, leading to less rear wheel suspension and overall shock absorption. Hardtail bikes are ideal for riding on both paved and unpaved roads.
• Full-suspension bikes have front and rear suspension shock, making them ideal for backcountry trails or technical singletrack. They can handle aggressive riding, such as jumps or drops of more than 5 feet. Full-suspension bikes are more expensive and often heavier than hardtail bikes.

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Tip!

Some riders choose mountain bikes for city riding because the suspension handles potholes and uneven streets well. However, the smaller wheels of mountain bikes are less efficient on pavement.

Hybrid & Comfort Bikes

Ideal Surface: Paved roads and trails

As recreational bikes, both comfort and hybrid bikes are known for their comfort and easy handling. They are ideal for riding around neighbourhood streets, parks, and bike baths. Bigger wheels offer a smooth ride, while larger wheels offer the possibility of riding on gravel or dirt.

• Hybrid bikes provide the best of both comfort and road bikes. The fitness-conscious rider may prefer the narrow tires, multiple speeds, and efficient ride of hybrid bikes. Many people choose hybrid bikes for commuting to work.
• Comfort bikes offer comfortable seats, relaxed riding positions, and slightly wider tires. Some styles include a suspension seatpost, which provides extra comfort and shock absorption. Comfort bikes are ideal for leasurely riding around the neighbourhood with the family.

Cruiser Bikes

Ideal Surface: Paved roads

Cruiser bikes feature a 1930s retro-style frame, an oversized seat, and swept-back handlebars for a comfortable, laid-back ride. The handlebars create a comfortable, upright riding position, ideal for a more relaxing ride. Consider the number of gears you want for your cruiser. If you only ride for short distances and in flat areas, a single-speed cruiser with no gears is ideal for you. If you ride up and down hills or for long distances, consider one with gears.