So you’ve decided to take advantage of the many benefits of riding a bike. Well played, sir, well played. There’s only one tiny problem: you don’t own a bicycle or yours has collected dust and you’re curious to know if it’s still the right bike for you.
We can help you figure out what type of bike you should get now that you’re in the market. It depends mainly on the kind of rider you are, but it breaks down broadly, as shown below. Read on to find out the different types of bikes explained to figure out which type will work best for you.
Utility Bikes / Fixed Gear
The priority is simply getting from A to B, rather than racing or heading off-road. Utility bicycles feature an upright riding position with curved handlebars positioned higher than the saddle.
Benefits
These are the most comfortable, easy-going rides on this list. Not flashy, just practical.
Drawbacks
Because they usually feature only a few gears — and often have none at all — utility bikes aren’t ideal for hilly rides.
Buying tip
With mountain bikes and road bikes being so popular in Canada, these straightforward machines can often be found second hand on the cheap.
Mountain Bikes
Originally designed for off-road riding, these durable, knobby-tired bikes typically include at least a dozen gears for climbing and often feature suspension systems on the frame and/or fork. Because the handlebar is straighter and lower than that of utility bikes, the riding position is more crouched.
Benefits
These bikes can handle a wide variety of terrain and provide extra comfort on rough roads. Potholes, curbs and paths are not an issue on a mountain bike.
Drawbacks
Unless you intend to take them off road, the extra weight and more aggressive riding position of mountain bikes may seem overkill.
Buying tip
Mountain bikes are perhaps the most widely available and popular type of bike in Canada, with prices ranging from less than $200 (new) to more than $2,000. If you’re looking for a decent mountain bike that you plan to take off-road, you’ll likely need to spend at least $600.
Road Bikes
Road bikes are the ones you see in big races like the Tour De France: seats are high, curved handlebars are low, and tires are skinny.
Benefits
If speed is your top priority on smooth, paved roads, a road bike is what you need.
Drawbacks
The aggressive riding position means road bikes are not especially comfortable or easy on the body. Also, potholes and bad pavement will most definitely chew up a road bike.
Buying tip
Before the rise of mountain bikes, steel-framed road bikes were the most popular type of recreational ride. For that reason, you can find surprisingly high-quality road bikes at yard sales or online.
Hybrid Bikes
This relatively new type of bike combines select attributes of all three of the styles above: the more upright position of the utility bike, the generous gearing of a mountain bike, and the narrower tires of a road bike, although a range of tire widths are available.
Benefits
Fans of hybrid bikes will say they combine every bike type’s best features in something fast yet comfortable.
Drawbacks
Because they are relative newcomers to the biking scene, it can be hard to find inexpensive second-hand hybrids.
Buying tip
It’s fairly easy to turn a mountain bike or road bike into a hybrid by swapping out the tires, changing the handlebars, etc.
Electric Bikes
E-bikes are gaining popularity these days. They help you get to where you’re going faster, they make going up hills a breeze, and you still get in some good exercise. What’s not to love about that? E-bikes are bicycles with battery-powered assistance. They accelerate quickly and make you feel more powerful. When you push the pedals, a small motor engages and gives you a boost. You control your speed just like with a regular bike, by using your feet.
Benefits
This helps you get where you’re going without needing to shower once you get there. They are particularly beneficial to people living in hilly areas.
Drawbacks
Electric bikes are pricey, and maintenance is also more expensive than a regular bicycle.
Buying tip
Consider what your needs are to make sure you get the right kind of e-bike. Also, note that most bikes over $2000 should come with a two-year warranty. A good warranty is recommended, especially since it’s a pricey investment.
Do you have any buying tips you’d like to share with our readers? Please share them below in the comments.
This article was originally published on July 12, 2016.
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Good morning everyone, hope your day is going well. I sold my Cannondale Cyclocroos because of medical issues, and regret that decision. Today, on my 63rd B’day, I want to get back my good health, and ride again. I need a commuter bike to get to work for two more years, and then maintain that good health… well into the future. I’ve been riding a bike all my life. It’s what we did if you wanted to get around, and now just because i/we know the benefits.
I’m fussy now… I want fenders for more all weather riding. I want an internal rear hub for low maintenance, and with belt drive. I want dic brakes, cuz I deserve them. I want shocks on the front forks, because when I’m coming down the far side of the bridge I have to cross to get to work, I tend to want to get some air as I jump off the curb at 35+ km. I have some gravel, and a metal service road gate, that I had to lift my bike over to pass on one of my routes to work.
Basically, I’m a senior that hasn’t grown up yet.
Is there such a bike that is light, strong, all-weather ready (or not), internal hub with disc brakes… preferably with belt drive and no more than 7 or 8 internal gears? I’m not looking for speed, but I am looking for the lightest option available for under… $2000.00. I have bookmarked sites that talk about gravel commuter, gravel urban and some that I’ve never heard of… I would appreciate hearing from anyone that enjoys racing coyotes at 0500 hrs on their way to work, giving me some insight into any available retail, or custom built rides that they enjoy on a daily basis. Thanking all for their input and opinions. Cheers
We have a lot of mountain bikers here on our team and not a lot of commuters (since we all work from home at our organization). But I hear this is a great bike (but not quite under $2000): https://www.prioritybicycles.com/products/the600. Maybe someone else in the comments can help you out!