Selecting the ideal bicycle

Choosing the right bicycle is an important decision. You should think about what you need and what you like.

It's worth taking some time to think about. To begin the process, you should reflect on some key factors that will influence your selection. These considerations will help you identify what type of bicycle may work best for you.

So, let's begin.

·What type of riding do you have in mind?

o  Smooth surfaces eg roads and cycle paths

o  Hard packed gravel type surfaces eg some fire trails and rail trails

o  Mixed off road surfaces eg MTB trails including loose pack dirt, sand, mud, tree roots, rocks etc

Most people choose one of the two major ride style groups to start with, being:

·      On-road – commonly referred to as road bikes

·      Off-road – commonly referred to as mountain bikes or MTB’s

However, there may be more than one style of riding you want to do. Eg daily commute to work on smooth surfaces with mixed off road surfaces for a weekend ride. Some styles can handle both.

Within these various groups and styles of bicycles, there is a category that stands out for its innovative technology and convenience: electric bikes, commonly known as ebikes. These bikes have grown increasingly popular among riders of all kinds, from commuters to recreational cyclists, and they truly warrant a dedicated blog to explore their features, benefits, and unique appeal. The rise of ebikes in the cycling community reflects a shift in how we view transportation and exercise, merging functionality and enjoyment into one seamless experience.

This article does not encompass every single style that exists. Instead, it aims to provide you with a broad overview and a general understanding of the various styles that are out there. By reading this article, you will gain insights that can help you appreciate the diversity of styles in a more comprehensive way.

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Whether you're starting your first bike ride or getting a new bike, we are here to help you enjoy the experience.

After reviewing, feel free to give us a call or visit Wollongong Bike Hub. Our friendly staff are available to help you find the perfect bike that matches both your riding style and budget.

Now let’s look at these two major groups

ON-ROAD BIKES

As the name indicates, best for on road riding.

This doesn't mean you need to be on the actual road. Instead, it refers to the surface you ride on being mostly smooth and hard.

This could be a bike path made of bitumen or concrete, or it could be the regular bitumen road.

You can ride any type of bike on these surfaces. However, a lighter bike with smooth, narrow tires is the best choice for making your pedaling easier.

Does this mean you have to ride something like what you see in the Tour de France? Definitely not. Let’s explore some options.

·      Road bike – race.

This is the lightest and built for speed.

The bike has drop down handlebars and a light frame and parts. It has narrow tires that can handle high pressure and are made for a riding position that reduces wind resistance.

A case of get down low and go, go, go to get from start to finish as quickly as possible.

Mostly purchased by the rider who is striving for a podium finish.

·      Road bike – sport.

A slightly more relaxed geometry than the purist race bike but still designed to be fast and efficient.

This bike is designed for both comfort and speed. It will be a great choice for commuters, weekend riders, and those training to race.

·      Flat bar road bike.

The “flat bar” refers to the handlebar. It’s flat or straight compared to the drop down design of the traditional road bike. This fact alone means the rider sits in a more upright position compared to the traditional road bike rider.

The flat bar road bike has some common features. It has slightly wider tires and lower gear ratios, which make it easier to ride up hills. This bike is a good choice for people who commute or want to ride for fitness.

·      Hybrid

As the name suggests, it’s a combo of both major bike styles.

A light road bike mixed with a strong mountain bike is great for casual riders. It works well on local roads and paths and is also good for exploring outside the city.

Many rail trails constructed of compressed gravel and basic fire trails that are hard packed can easily be managed on a hybrid style.

·      Retro, Vintage, & Cruiser

Where style meets functionality. Most people choose the look here.

OFF-ROAD BIKES

An off-road bike is more commonly known as a MTB or mountain bike but also includes the gravel bike range. Off-road bikes are designed to handle rougher terrain and multi-surface ride conditions. Common features of a MTB include wider tyres, lower gearing and compact frames when compared to the road bike group. Gravel bikes, whilst being designed for off-road riding, retain some features from their road bike cousins

·      MTB hardtail – basic/general purpose.

This style of MTB has basic or limited off-road capabilities.

The best way to describe this range is that you can use it on dirt roads. It is often picked for riding both on and off the road.

Many a young teen has started off on one of these for riding to school, work or sport.

·      MTB hardtail – entry level off-road.

When a rider enters this category, they can explore more trails. Trails that are tougher and more challenging than simple fire trails.

A great bike to get you started on for a true MTB experience without breaking the budget.

·      MTB Dual Suspension.

This is a very broad group of bikes but can basically be broken down into three major subgroups

o  XC (cross country) Mostly purchased for competing in XC events.

o  Trail/Enduro.

This style is popular because its design allows you to ride uphill with relative ease whilst being able to smash the downhill run without the need for a shuttle.

A bit of a do everything MTB.

o  Gravity (DH, downhill) For smashing down hills at speed. Lots of travel in the suspension and heavy duty components.

·      Gravel.

A niche style of bike that allows you to start in the city but end up in the bush. Pack it up with your gear for a weekend away, enter an epic adventure race or a local gravel bike event. At home on a bush track or trail but clearly not designed to be smashing it out in a downhill event. 

Of course, there are so many more bike styles to choose from and perhaps we’ll cover some of those in future articles.