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How to Choose the Best Bike for the City
Author: Cycling Deal Date Posted:1 July 2016
Cycling around the city is growing in popularity all the time, whether it’s people commuting to work, heading out for a picnic, or just riding for exercise. You’ll get the most out of your bike if you pay attention to some simple guidelines when choosing what to buy.
What's the Best Style for You?
The most basic choice to make is what style of bike to get. There is a range of different styles out there, but the most common choices are road bikes, mountain bikes, and hybrid models. Obviously, mountain bikes don’t make a lot of sense in the city, unless you are hitting up serious trails or obstacles courses. Road bikes are great for long rides at speed, so if you are commuting long distances each day they could be ideal. However, the low riding position makes it harder to scan traffic so we recommend road bikes for more experienced cyclists. For beginners, some kind of hybrid may be best, as they combine the lightweight speed of a road bike with the flat handlebars and upright riding position of a mountain bike.
Get the Right Frame
Getting the correct frame size is essential for a good ride. There are plenty of specialist fitting services on the market as well as online size guides. But as a general rule, you should feel comfortable and feel most of your weight resting on your backside and feet, with a little less on your handlebars. When the pedal is at its lowest point your leg should be straight, with a slight bend when at the top – your knees shouldn’t come up too high.
Steel, Aluminium, or Carbon Fibre Frames?
Also think about what your frame is made of. Steel is strong and shock-absorbent, but it is heavy and prone to rusting. Aluminium is lightweight and rust-resistant, but it doesn’t absorb bumps. Carbon fibre frames are light, shock-absorbent, and can’t rust – but they are much more expensive.
Get Your Head around Gears
Modern bikes can have a huge number of gears – up to 27 – but riding around the city you won't need more than eight gears and even five is probably enough. Don't waste money on dozens of gears you won't even use. Internal hub gearing is a good option for everyday cyclists. They're low maintenance, and gears can be shifted while you're stopped.
Which Wheels?
There are a few things to consider when choosing tyres for your new bike, or looking at the tyres included with purchase:
- Durability – look for double-walled rims for extra strength
- High spoke count – this is especially important if your ride is bumpy
- Quick release – quick release tyres make life easier if you have a flat or want to throw your bike in the boot of your car
- Tyre width – slim road tyres are okay for very smooth road surfaces, but if your ride is more variable opt for something wider to give you more traction and make punctures less likely
- Tread – avoid knobbly mountain bike tread - it's meant for off-road biking, not city commutes
Look After Your Bike
Once you've chosen your bike, be sure to look after it. Clean and oil the chain regularly, and take your bike in for maintenance every six to twelve months. If you need a new bike, bike gear or accessories, consider shopping online with Cycling Deal. We deliver all around Australia and internationally.
