HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT TYPE OF CYCLING BIKE?
First time buying a bike? We help you choose the right type of bicycle for yourself in this guide!
So - you're thinking about buying a bike! Are you a little confused by the different types of bikes available on the market today? Should you get a Road Bike? Maybe you're better off on a Mountain Bike. Or perhaps you want a little bit of both, so a Hybrid Bike sounds like a good option. But then again, is a City Bike or Foldie a better choice? Let us break it down into simple, easy-to-understand points for you in our bike buying guide for beginners!
1. ROAD BIKES
Road bikes are designed primarily for riding on, you guessed it - the road! Of course, they can be ridden on pavements and park connectors as well, but it's on the open road where their full potential is unlocked. Compared to other bikes, you will travel at the fastest speed for the least amount of energy spent. This efficiency comes at a price though, as road bikes can be difficult to control at slower speeds due to the way the rider is placed high on the bike and arched forward. Comfort is also another aspect that is sacrificed due to the skinny tyres and aggressive posture.
If you are willing to put in the time to practice good road cycling skills and plan to ride relatively quickly (at least 20km/hr) for distances of 25km or more at least once a week, you may consider the Road Cycling or Triban series of bikes which are geared towards comfort and endurance over long distances. If you crave a bit more speed and efficiency, you might want to look at the Road Racing or Van Rysel series of bikes instead!
2. MOUNTAIN BIKES
Mountain Bikes can be thought of as the rowdier cousin to road bikes. They are designed primarily for going off-road on dirt tracks which also makes them a good option for commuting if the road conditions in your area are less than ideal. The wider tyre and upright stance also offer more comfort and confidence to newer riders even if you don't plan to venture off-road.
If that sounds like you, the Sport Trail series of Mountain Bikes could be a good option to consider. However, if you have ridden off-road before and are looking to ride even more difficult trails, you may consider the All-Mountain Bikes instead, which come with dropper seat posts and suspension for ultimate control. If you are more of a competitive fitness junkie, you might prefer the Cross Country Mountain Bikes that you could bring to races instead.
3. HYBRID BIKES
The frame design sits you upright, and the handlebars, brake and gear control looks and feels more familiar. In addition, Hybrid bikes have more mounting points on the frame, allowing you to install all manners of accessories like racks, fenders and bags. For those who just want to ride for fitness or leisure, and intend to mostly stay on pavements and park connectors, the Hybrid bike is truly the best of both worlds.
4. CITY BIKES
City bikes are built for utility rather than actual sport. So they can be a good option for those who simply want a bike that they can use for running errands.
This is evident from design touches like integrated bike racks, mudguards, kickstands, and dynamo lights (for certain models). The integrated chain guard also protects pants and skirts from getting dirty.
Its low frame is designed for easy mounting and dismounting, so city bikes can be a good option for inexperienced cyclists as well.
5. FOLDING BIKES
Another huge advantage of folding bikes is the possibility of bringing them onto trains and buses, enabling one to commute seamlessly across different modes of transportation. If you lack space at home or intend to mix different modes of transportation on a regular basis, the humble but mighty folding bike is definitely the way to roll!
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