Foldable Bikes Party: Best bike: what type of bike should I buy?

Thursday, 12 May 2016

Best bike: what type of bike should I buy?

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Picking the best bike for you can be a tricky task. Whether you want to get to work, get fitter or just be able to explore the countryside then the bicycle is the perfect tool to do that, but there are a confusingly huge – and growing – number of different types.

Fret not, because our guide will run you through all the styles of bike on offer today so you can find the best one for your needs.

It’s important to have a think about what you want to do with your bike and where you’ll be going, as the best bike for you very much depends on this. Whether you want to commute to work, get muddy thrills in the countryside or hit the road for pleasure, there’s a bike that can do that.

Your choice of bike will depend on your own tastes, and the kind of distance and terrain you want to ride. There are many different types of cycling and a multitude of bikes that'll let you achieve them. Whether you’re an urban commuter, a lightning-quick road racer, an off-road trail blaster, downhill nutter, fixed-wheel fanatic, towpath explorer or regal roadster, there are plenty of bikes out there for you.

Road bikes

As the name suggests, these bikes are all about riding on surfaced roads – often as fast as possible. They’ve got lightweight frames and skinny tyres designed to help give you maximum speed for minimum effort. They have dropped handlebars that allow you to get in an efficient and aerodynamic riding position and gearing that’s all about maximum speed.

These bikes are designed for racing or, in the guise of slightly more relaxed 'endurance' bikes, going on big-mile rides with friends, but they also lend themselves very well to commuting thanks to their ability to cover ground quickly. However, the speed-focused riding position can be uncomfortable for some riders and the lightweight wheels and tyres are susceptible to damage from kerbs and potholes. Many dedicated road bikes, especially ones at the racier end of the spectrum, will also lack the ability to carry luggage – so if you need to lug a hefty load, a pure-bred road bike might not be ideal.