How to choose the best bike for you

How to choose the best bikes for you

If you’re looking to get into cycling but are struggling to figure out which bike is best for you then this guide is here to help steer you in the right direction. First of all you’ll have to ask yourself a few simple questions to get an idea of what type of bike you’re in the market for.

What type of riding will you be doing?

This will help to identify which category of bike you need to be looking at. If you’re riding for leisure or commuting short distances then a hybrid bike will do the job, if you’re looking to ride with a club and go fast on tarmac roads then it’ll be a road bike you need or if you want to head off road and explore some forest trails then a mountain bike is for you.

Set yourself a budget

Once you’ve decided your preferred riding terrain it’s important to set yourself a budget to help narrow down your options. In many cases this budget may be based on a cycle to work voucher or if you’re looking at taking advantage of our 0% finance scheme then taking into account your monthly repayments.

Getting the right size

Ensuring you get the correct size bike is paramount for a comfortable and enjoyable cycling experience. There are a number of factors to consider when sizing up for your first bike including height, inseam, flexibility and cycling experience. If you’re unsure which size bike is right for you then we have experts here to help, for advice call us on 01539 821443 or email info@wheelbase.co.uk

Types of Bikes

Modern road bikes

Road Bikes

A modern road bike can be used for racing, social rides, boosting fitness, commuting and much more. Road bikes are designed to be ridden on the tarmac, minor differences make certain styles better suited to certain types of riding including racing, sportive riding, commuting or all-day touring. Defined by characteristics such as drop handlebars, 700c wheels, narrow tyres and lightweight frames, road bikes are fast, stylish and efficient.

For an in-depth guide to road bikes check out our Road Bike Guide.

Mountain Bikes

Mountain Bikes

Made for riding over rough terrain, a mountain bike is characterised by features such as grippy, high volume tyres, suspension and wide, stable handlebars. These features help to provide comfort and maintain traction when riding off-road. There are two main types within the mountain bike category – hardtail and full suspension. A hardtail mountain bike has a suspension fork at the front with a rigid rear end and full suspension (full sus) bikes, as the name suggests, have suspension at the front and the rear.

Take a look at our Mountain Bike Guide for further advice.

Hybrid bikes

Hybrid Bikes

Taking in elements of road and mountain bikes, a hybrid bike is designed to create a balance of comfort, speed and practicality. The majority of hybrid bikes will be equipped with flat handlebars, road bike size wheels and an upright geometry. This type of bike will come with wide enough tyres for riding over mixed terrain and will also offer a wide range of gears, making pedalling easy and efficient. Hybrid bikes are common among commuters and city riders.

Electric bikes

Electric Bikes

An electric bicycle, or e-bike, looks just like a normal bike but with the addition of a motor and battery. With help from an on-board motor, e-bikes can help riders reach new levels of fitness and achieve goals previously considered unattainable. Great for commuters, an e-bike offers a fast and effortless way to get to work and for mountain bikers and road riders, they open up opportunities to ride further and take on previously unconquerable hills.

Discover the different types of electric bike available with our in-depth Electric Bike Guide.

Gravel Road Bikes

With comfort-orientated geometry, disc brakes and clearance for wider tyres, gravel bikes are tailor-made for riding in the UK – perfect for exploring country lanes, bridleways and forest tracks. Suited for on and off-road riding, a gravel bike will do the job as a commuter, a lightweight tourer, a great winter training bike or simply a do-it-all machine to discover your sense of adventure. A gravel bike will share a similar geometry to an endurance road bike but with room for larger tyres and will come equipped with a slightly different gear and wheel setup.

Cyclocross bikes

Cyclocross Bikes

Cyclocross bikes are designed for the rigours of ‘cross racing – grippy tyres, race geometry and disc brakes provide function and speed on the mixed terrain courses. Cyclocross bikes also need to be light enough to be carried up steep climbs and particularly muddy course sections so are made from a lightweight aluminium or carbon. The benefit of grippy tyres and a stable cyclocross frame mean a racer can double up as a commuting bike through the week. Equally as adept as a lightweight tourer or an off-road exploration machine, a cyclocross bike is extremely versatile.

Touring Bikes

Touring Bikes

Designed for long distances and many hours of riding, touring bikes are durable, robust and comfortable. Many touring bikes come equipped with racks and mudguards for carrying all you need for a big tour and to keep you protected from the mix of conditions likely to be faced. Touring bikes are generally made from strong aluminium or steel and come equipped with ultra-reliable components and a wide range of gears.

In Summary

Investing in a new bike can be life changing – whether you’re looking to build fitness, take up a greener mode of transport or ride with friends. With so many options and styles of bike available, it’s worth taking your time and talking to an expert to find out which bike is best suited to your needs. If you need advice our expert team are available to answer any questions, just give us a call on 01539 821443 or email info@wheelbase.co.uk