Skip to main content

Which is the right bike for you?

When deciding on the best type of bike, think about:

  • What are your fitness goals?
  • Where are you planning on riding?
  • Who do you plan on riding with, and what kind of riding do they do? 
  • What have you had in the past that you liked or disliked?
  • How important is ride quality and what is your budget like?

If you already have a good idea of the style you are looking for, click through the styles and levels to find out about the best deal, product details and availability.

If you are buying a bike to ride with a group of friends—think about something similar to what they ride, or even bring a friend in with you to test ride some bikes. If you didn't like the drop bars on your old ten speed — perhaps a "flat bar" bike like a hybrid or mountain bike would be more comfortable.  If you enjoyed a a single or three speed bike as a kid, you may find a this a fun and easy bike again - but try some hill climbing first!

At City Bikes, we have pretty much every type of bike there is - or we can get it for you in a snap. The key is to come in and test ride some bikes to see what works for you. Which ever style you choose, you can be sure that City Bikes will back your choice with our renowned service and support. 

Getting To Know The Types Of Bikes Available 
 
Road bikes are fast and easy to pedal on pavement. They are not as well suited for operating off the road. Some people find the "dropped" riding position difficult to maintain, comfortably, for a long time. Mountain bikes are harder to pedal and slower on pavement. But they have a cushy ride, an upright riding position, and can travel easily on a wide variety of surfaces. Hybrid or cross bikes are almost as fast and easy to pedal as a road bike, while being almost as comfortable and versatile as a mountain bike. Comfort bikes are just that—comfortable. They are less efficient, but sitting on one is much more comfortable. Cruisers are fun to look at and, when ridden at a relaxed pace, they are ideal for admiring the scenery, exploring the neighborhood or beach. Recumbents are quite comfortable, and very fast. They sit so low to the ground that visibility in traffic can be an issue, and they require some learning to be operated with maximum efficiency.

Here are some of the big categories of bikes, and some things to think about before buying. From there you can drill down to the best model choices. For some more unique styles, scroll to the end to find out what they are all about. 
























More in depth on
Mountain Bikes>

Mountain Bikes

Off-road single track trails,
dirt/gravel paths, extreme streets.  

  • Pros
  • Beefy frames & components are designed to get abused
  • Frame geometry helps traction for steep, loose climbs
  • Small, stable 26" wheels takes the hits on rocks or potholes
  • Suspension - more control because tires remain in contact
  • Plush comfort - frame/fork take the hits, not your body
  • Wide knobbies provide control/traction in loose dirt/mud
  • Cons
  • Heavier than hybrid or road bikes, meaning tougher climbing
  • Smaller 26" wheels have more "rolling" resistance
  • Knobbies have "snow tire" effect on road
  • Suspension robs some efficiency from pedal stroke
  • Slower and requires more effort on roads/paths

More in depth on
Road Bikes

Road Bikes

Paved roads and streets,
paved paths, smooth paths. 

  • Pros
  • Light and agile, these bikes are designed for speed
  • "Over the handlebar" posture transfers the most power
  • Riding position allows most leg power & cuts through air
  • Components have tight tolerances and high polish  
  • Light, tall wheels & thin tires reduce friction
  • Cons
  • Can't take the punishment like mountain bikes
  • Gear range is high so slow speed riding is hard
  • Riding position can be uncomfortable on neck & wrists 

More in depth on Hybrid
& Comfort Bikes

Hybrid & Comfort Bikes

Street riding,
dirt/gravel paths, fire roads. 

  • Pros
  • Marriage of road bike lightness & Mtn bike’s ruggedness
  • Low center of gravity for stable, easy handling
  • Upright riding position comfy and the view is great
  • Lower rolling resistance and lighter than Mtn bikes
  • Wider tires and wheels take more hits than road bikes
  • Hybrids are roadie, Comfort bikes are mountainy
  • Cons
  • The marriage has problems and compromises
  • Not quite a road bike's speed or Mtn bike tough
  • What makes for comfort can reduce performance
  • Comfort bikes are slower/heavier w/ 26" wheel
  • Compliant frames & riding position reduce power transfer
  • Upright position adds aerodynamic drag at higher speeds

Recumbents


Comfort & Performance with a distinctive style.

We’re proud to sell a unique type of bicycle that offers a cycling experience unlike any other. They’re called “recumbents,” a word that means reclining, the perfect description for the comfortable La-Z-Boy riding position on these amazing two-wheelers. 

More in depth on Recumbents

Tandems


Double Your Pleasure

Whether you enjoy cruising sweet singletrack, logging major road miles, simply coasting around the neighborhood, or all-out competition, doing it on a tandem is double the fun! 

More in depth on Tandems

 

Commuters


Bikes for everyday and all weather

Cycling to work is fun and rewarding. It's a great way to start the day, a fine calorie burner and much less stressful than driving. Plus, it gets you energized for a productive day at the office. 

More in depth on Commuter bikes

Kids' Bikes

Cruiser Bikes

Electric Bikes