Bike Buying Guide

With so many great bikes out there, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. And while there’s absolutely no need to spend vast sums on your new set of wheels, you’ll no doubt want to make sure you’re happy with your choice.

Which type of bike should I buy?

The key when you’re choosing your new ride is to be really clear about the type of cycling you’ll be doing. You need to know how you’ll use your bike and where you’ll be going on it. Are you planning to test your speed and endurance on the tarmac, do you have your sights set on undulating trails or challenging downhills, or are you simply looking for a comfortable bike for your daily commute, for example? Perhaps you want an all-rounder that’s efficient on the roads but also great if you fancy getting out into nature.

As long as you know the style of riding you’ll be doing and the terrain you’ll be doing it on, you won’t struggle to find the ideal bike.

To give you a helping hand, here are some pointers on the best bikes for certain specific purposes.

What is the fastest type of bike?

If you’re looking for a ride that delivers the ultimate in speed and efficiency, it has to be a high-performance road bike. These bikes are perfectly adapted for travelling quickly on smooth surfaces. With skinny tyres and lightweight frames, they’re designed to help you reach maximum speed for minimum effort. They also feature dropped handlebars to make it easy to find the most aerodynamic riding position.

However, these bikes aren’t for everyone. The features that make them so good for racing can be a drawback in other situations. For example, dedicated racing bikes typically can’t carry luggage, and their lightweight wheels and tyres aren’t suitable for off-roading. If you still want some of the efficiency of a road bike but you’re looking for something a little more comfortable and practical, a commuter road bike may be a better bet for you. Good for almost any type of road riding and light off-roading, they’re typically fitted with wider tyres than traditional road bikes, are most robust and have pannier mounts.

A mountain bike is designed specifically for off-road cycling. They are usually heavier and more durable than other types of bikes and they have components to help with all-terrain performance. These additional components can include a suspension fork, high-volume knobbly tires, tough wheels, more powerful brakes and extra-wide handlebars for improved control.

Or for the ultimate versatility, it has to be a gravel bike. Part road bike, part mountain bike, these models are strong, agile and fast. Typically featuring drop handlebars and climbing bike geometry combined with strong frames, wheels and tyres, they’ll get you virtually anywhere you want to go. Choose from a wide variety of models, including bikes designed for gravel racing and models perfect for bikepacking adventures.

What type of bike do you need for a triathlon?

Planning to take part in a triathlon but not sure which bike to use? The short answer to this is a road bike. As mentioned previously, these models are quickest on the roads thanks to their lightweight frames, smooth, thin tyres and racing geometry. If you’re just getting started in triathlons, you don’t need anything fancy. A standard, upgrade-free road bike will probably be a good enough start.

If you’re all about optimizing performance though, it’s worth choosing something higher quality. Small adjustments to your ride can have a big impact on your efficiency in the saddle. Make sure you choose an aero-style helmet too.

What type of bike is best for exercise?

Cycling is an excellent form of exercise, but which type of bike is best if you want to work on your fitness? The most important thing to bear in mind if you’re selecting a bike for its workout value is that you’ll need something that encourages you to ride a lot. This might come down to enjoyment. For example, if you love being in the great outdoors, a mountain bike or gravel bike is probably best for you. Or if you prefer racking up the miles on the tarmac, a road bike could be your ultimate workout companion. Alternatively, if the secret to getting you in the saddle regularly is using a bike to travel to work, a commuter model is the way to go.

All forms of cycling provide you with a cardiovascular workout and it helps with coordination and muscle development. If you want to get more into the science of specific types of riding though, road cycling tends to provide more of a pure cardiovascular workout because it’s all about endurance, whereas trail riding tends to work your muscles more because you’re constantly dealing with inclines, drops and obstacles.

What type of bike is right for me?

As long as you think carefully about the style of riding you want to do and what it is you’re looking to get from your time in the saddle, you’ll be able to find the right type of bike for you. Of course, as well as finding the perfect style, it’s really important to make sure you select a bike that’s the right size for you. You can check out the size guide for our bikes to help you do this. Also, crucially, bear in mind that you don’t need to pay over-the-top prices to get a great quality bike that will give you many happy years in the saddle.