Selecting the right bike may seem overwhelming when you’re just getting started. Where do you begin deciding which brake type, frame material, wheel width, and size are the best for you as a beginner cyclist? Well, this is what I am going to discuss in this blog post.
I’ve been in this as a female cyclist for more than two decades. Even though I received my first bike when I was four years old, I still remember getting my first perfect bike when I was twelve. It was challenging for me to take the first step into getting something new, but I never looked back once I did it and followed through.
Buying a brand-new bike might seem like a life-changing decision for many cyclists. So, I am writing this blog using my own experience and answering some of the questions my friends and others have asked me quite a few times.
Where Do You Want to Ride?
One of the first questions that cross our minds is: Where do we want to ride our bikes? Do we need it for city streets, or are we searching for a mountain bike to explore the “Great Outdoors” instead? The best response is that every bike has a specific function.
Some are built for speed on the open road, others are excellent at soaking bumps on rough dirt trails, and some are designed to carry your groceries. When choosing the best bike for your needs, you have the following choices: a city bike, a road bike, a mountain bike, a gravel bike, a hybrid bike, a single-speed/fixie, or a folding bike.
I remember getting my first mountain bike in 2017. My dad asked me: What goal do you want your bike to help you achieve? Nature, long roads, races, mountain peaks, early mornings, and sunrise were the first things that immediately came to mind. I immediately knew that it would be a mountain bike.
This happened after owning a road bike for almost ten years. Although road bikes and mountain bikes are two of the most common types of bicycles, there are more differences between them than similarities. We will discuss all types of bikes in the following parts below.
Types of Bikes
The ideal bike for cycling to work depends on what the route is like. A folding bicycle will be the most practical if you take the train to split the distance. If you have much to transport, a hybrid bike with mounts for a pannier rack may be the right choice. An endurance road bike is ideal if you are interested in training while travelling to work but aren’t interested in carrying much with you.
I have always been a passionate cyclist. I had been riding the same road bike I had received for my 18th birthday until 2017. Even though it still got me where I needed to go, an upgrade was undoubtedly in place. I found that choosing the correct bike was more complicated than I had anticipated. But my father’s question opened my eyes, guided me in deciding which path to take, and led me to mountain biking.
So, are you looking for the best bikes for practical everyday cycling? Let’s find out the types of bikes for beginner cyclists below.
City Bikes
It is wise to learn the fundamentals and begin riding if you are new to city cycling. When choosing their first bicycle, most new cyclists prioritise ease and practicality over speed and off-road ability.
What types of city bikes are there? Dutch bikes are a good option if you want comfort. It is simple to get on and off, thanks to the step-through frame design. In contrast, hybrid bikes typically have a slight advantage in terms of speed and weight. However, an electric bike can be a game-changer if you want to ride a bike with less effort to put on your pedals.
Moreover, you can look at a folding bike if you don’t have enough room for a full-sized cycle. It is famous for having tiny wheels; you’ll get used to it quickly. However, you should consider cargo bikes to transport heavier loads or bring your kids along. Whatever bike you select to purchase, make sure you pick the right size. A correctly fitted bike will be much more comfortable and enjoyable to ride.
Electric Bikes
Do you want to ride your bicycle with less effort? Are you looking for a bike to ride to and from work? E-bikes are undoubtedly familiar to you. Due to their design, electric bikes are heavier than standard bikes, with the motor’s power assistance making up the difference.
As the name suggests, the primary benefit of an e-bike is that you don’t have to put in much effort when pedalling because the electric motor will do it for you. However, electric bikes still have speed limits because they are, after all, just bicycles and not motorcycles.
Road Bikes
Road bikes are suitable for all types of cycling on paved surfaces. This includes city roads, highways, mountain passes, bike lanes, etc. The finest road bikes, starting with the frame, are made smaller and more aerodynamic than other bikes.
Interestingly, these bikes are lightweight and built to move fast downhill and straightaway. The relatively long reach and upper tube of a road bike help the rider’s ability to stretch out while pedalling in an aerodynamic position.
Always remember that if you want to use your road bicycle off the road, then don’t buy one. A road bike’s skinny wheels make it impossible to use anywhere but on paved surfaces.
Mountain Bikes
You should definitely buy a mountain bike if you want to go on off-road trails, embarking on incredible adventures on mountains while discovering nature. These bikes are more suitable for extremely uneven surfaces because they are larger, have frame geometry, and have knobbly tires.
What kind of mountain cycle should you buy then? So many types of mountain bikes are available, and it can be challenging to choose the one that is right for you. Being familiar with the terrain you’ll be riding on is the best way to decide which bike is best for you.
The list below shows the different mountain bike types you can look at before picking your finest bike.
- Downhill Bikes
- Trail Bikes
- Cross-Country Bikes
- Enduro Bikes
- Alloy Bikes
- Hardtail Mountain Bike
Folding Bikes
Folding bikes are the most interesting kind of bikes. When not in use, you can store them away because they are made to be compact. In general, avoid buying them if you intend to travel off-road or climb a mountain. They are only suitable for city streets, having fun with friends, and putting them anywhere when you get home.
Hybrid Bikes
You can get a hybrid cycle if you can’t decide between a road and a mountain bike. It enables you to do a little bit of everything at once when you have it. The hybrid bikes have narrower and slicker tyres but the same comfortable geometry as mountain bikes.
In addition, they are also an excellent choice for commuting and city cycling because they are created especially for beginner cyclists. Whether looking for a traditional or e-bike, the hybrid bike is a popular option for both.
Finally, What Do You Need to Get Into Cycling? And Why Get Into Cycling?
Hundreds of online articles discuss the advantages of cycling for physical and mental health. Studies have shown that going for a ride with friends and discovering breathtaking nature significantly impacts your mental health and stress levels. Additionally, it strengthens the muscles and joints and lowers the chances of several health issues.
From my own experience, cycling helped me with my anxiety and improved my sleep at night. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I take my bike and go for a ride, climb mountains, and watch the sunset. When I get home, I prepare my dinner and fall asleep without noticing that it hasn’t been more than a few minutes since I put my head on the pillow.
However, there is no need to go out and get everything you need before starting cycling. To make your first few journeys safer and more comfortable, I advise you to buy the items listed below before your first ride.
- Cycling Shorts
- Helmet
- Gloves
- Waterproof Saddle Bag
- Multi-Tool
- Water Holder (Bottle cage)
- Wind Jacket
- Cycling Sunglasses
Overall, the diversity of bikes is fantastic and has its perks. Getting on a bike and cycling is the greatest way to discover this for yourself. I hope this blog helps you find what you’re searching for. Remember to come back from time to time, as we are constantly updating our site with helpful cycling information.
