Choosing the right bicycle as an adult can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re aiming to commute to work, boost your fitness, or simply enjoy leisurely rides in the countryside, a bike is an excellent option. However, the sheer variety of bike types available today can be confusing.
If you’re considering buying a bike but aren’t sure where to begin, this guide will walk you through the different styles to help you pinpoint the best adult bike for your specific needs and preferences.
The ideal bike for you depends heavily on what you plan to do with it and where you intend to ride. Consider your personal tastes, the distances you want to cover, and the types of terrain you’ll encounter. Cycling offers diverse disciplines, and there’s a perfect bike to match every goal.
Whether you’re an urban professional commuting daily, a speed enthusiast craving road races, a thrill-seeker hitting mountain trails, a fixed-gear devotee, or a gravel explorer, the market has a bike designed for you.
Remember, a bike is a significant investment. It’s wise to also explore bicycle insurance options to protect your new purchase.
Let’s delve into the various types of adult bikes to help you make an informed decision:
Road Bikes: Top Choice for Speed on Paved Roads
Male cyclist in green top riding the Trek Émonda SL 6 eTap road bikeRoad bikes excel on smooth, paved surfaces, prioritizing speed and efficiency. Russell Burton / Our Media
As the name suggests, road bikes are engineered for speed and performance on asphalt roads. They feature lightweight frames and slender, high-pressure road bike tires, all designed to maximize speed with minimal effort. For adults looking for efficient fitness machines or fast commuting options on good roads, road bikes are a prime choice.
They are characterized by drop handlebars that curve downwards and back, allowing riders to adopt an aerodynamic riding posture. The gearing systems are optimized for high speeds, making them ideal for covering long distances quickly. Endurance road bikes offer a slightly more relaxed geometry, suitable for longer rides and even commuting, blending speed with comfort for adult riders.
However, the aggressive riding position might not suit everyone, especially those new to cycling or preferring a more upright stance. The lightweight components, particularly wheels and tires, can be vulnerable to damage from road hazards like curbs and potholes, something to consider for everyday adult use.
Many performance-oriented road bikes, such as aero and climbing models, might lack mounts for racks and fenders, limiting their practicality for carrying loads. If you need to carry gear, a pure road bike might not be the most practical adult bike.
If speed and efficiency on paved roads are your priorities, explore our guide to the best road bikes to find the perfect fit.
Pros: Fast, efficient, enjoyable for speed and distance.
Cons: Can be less comfortable for casual riding, more fragile components.
Road Bike Buying Guides by Price
Mountain Bikes: Best for Off-Road Adventures and Rugged Terrain
Cyclist in red top riding the Canyon Spectral 125 CF 7 full suspension mountain bikeMountain bikes are built to handle challenging off-road environments. Russell Burton / Our Media
Built to withstand the toughest off-road conditions, mountain bikes are robust machines equipped with aggressive, knobby mountain bike tires for superior grip on varied surfaces. These are excellent adult bikes for adventure and exploring trails.
They feature powerful disc brakes, similar to those on cars or motorcycles, for reliable stopping power in all conditions. Higher-end models often include front and rear suspension for enhanced control and comfort over rough terrain. The wide-range gearing is designed to tackle steep inclines and descents, making them versatile for challenging landscapes.
Even if you don’t plan on extreme mountain biking, a mountain bike can be a comfortable and stable choice for general leisure riding, thanks to its upright riding position. This makes them a good option as a robust adult bike for varied use.
However, suspension adds weight and complexity, and can reduce pedaling efficiency on smooth surfaces. If you primarily ride on roads, suspension might be unnecessary weight and maintenance.
If you’re drawn to exploring off-the-beaten-path, pushing your limits on trails, consider checking out our buyer’s guide to the best mountain bikes.
Like road bikes, mountain bikes are categorized further to suit different riding styles and terrains. Cross-country mountain bikes are built for speed and efficiency. Trail and enduro mountain bikes feature more suspension for tackling extreme terrain. Downcountry mountain bikes bridge the gap, offering a balance of uphill speed and downhill capability. Hardtail mountain bikes, with front suspension only, are more affordable and require less maintenance, making them accessible adult bikes for trail riding.
Pros: Powerful brakes, upright riding position, durable, versatile for varied terrain.
Cons: Heavier and slower on paved roads.
Mountain Bike Buying Guides by Price
Gravel Bikes: Ideal for Versatile Riding on Mixed Surfaces
Female cyclist riding the Vitus Substance VRS-1 HT Apex gravel bikeGravel bikes are increasingly popular, offering versatility for various riding conditions. Russell Burton / Our Media
Gravel bikes are rapidly gaining popularity due to their versatility and adaptability. They are excellent adult bikes for riders who want to explore beyond paved roads.
Bridging the gap between road and mountain bikes, gravel bikes combine road bike speed with the capability to handle rougher terrains. They accommodate wider, knobby gravel tires, typically 40mm or wider, enabling them to tackle everything from poor asphalt to gravel paths, bridleways, and even light mud.
Often called ‘adventure bikes’, gravel bikes are made from materials like steel, aluminum, carbon, and titanium, available across a wide price range. They are versatile adult bikes suitable for various budgets.
Many gravel bikes include mounts for mudguards and pannier racks, making them practical for commuting and touring. Disc brakes, often hydraulic, provide superior braking power, and a more relaxed geometry compared to road bikes enhances handling on diverse surfaces.
Gravel bikes are also excellent for winter road riding; simply switch to puncture-resistant tires for added security. They are adaptable adult bikes for year-round use.
For those interested in longer adventures, gravel bikes can be equipped with frame bags, saddle bags, and bar bags for bikepacking, blending touring with off-road capability.
Gravel bike technology is continuously evolving, with some models now featuring gravel-specific suspension for enhanced comfort and control on rough surfaces.
If a versatile bike for mixed terrains appeals to you, our list of the best gravel bikes will guide you in finding the perfect adult gravel bike.
Pros: Fast on roads, comfortable on rough surfaces, practical for various uses.
Cons: Can be slightly heavier, may be attractive to theft.
Gravel Bike Buying Guides by Price
Hybrid Bikes: Great for Casual Riding and Commuting
Gary Walker riding Ribble Hybrid Leisure AL bike in BristolHybrid bikes are a popular choice for adult commuters due to their versatility and comfort. Steve Sayers / Our Media
Hybrid bikes strike a balance between road and mountain bikes, offering a comfortable, upright riding position similar to mountain bikes, combined with lighter frames and faster-rolling road bike wheels. They are ideal adult bikes for comfortable commuting and city riding.
They are excellent if you need to cover distances on roads but prefer a more upright posture than a road bike offers. This position improves visibility in urban traffic and is ideal for commuting to work. While less aerodynamic than road bikes, hybrid bikes prioritize comfort and practicality for adult riders in urban environments.
If you prefer a flat handlebar and a more upright position for road riding, a hybrid is a great choice. The main trade-off is slightly reduced speed compared to a dedicated road bike.
Hybrid bikes often come with powerful disc brakes for reliable stopping in wet conditions, and numerous mounts for luggage, like pannier bags. These features enhance their practicality as adult commuting bikes.
If you need a bike that bridges urban performance and confident handling, our guide to the best hybrid bikes provides all the information you need to choose the right adult hybrid bike.
Pros: Reasonably quick, versatile, upright and comfortable riding position.
Cons: Typically heavier than road bikes, not as fast for long distances.
Electric Bikes: Excellent for Hills and Effortless Riding
Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 eBikeElectric bikes offer pedal assistance, making cycling easier and more accessible. Russell Burton / Our Media
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, provide assistance from a motor, making them perfect for commuting without arriving sweaty or for those who want to cycle with less physical strain. They are fantastic adult bikes for easier commutes and tackling hills.
Regulations for electric bikes vary, but generally, in many regions, e-bikes with limited speeds (e.g., 15.5mph / 25km/h in the UK) are treated as bicycles, requiring no license or helmet in some cases. These ‘pedelecs’ require pedaling to activate the motor assistance.
More powerful e-bikes exist, sometimes with throttles, but may be classified as mopeds or motorbikes, requiring compliance with different regulations.
Most e-bikes are designed for comfort and convenience, often featuring flat bars, mudguards, and cargo capacity. They are practical adult bikes for everyday use.
Typically, e-bikes have a higher price and weight compared to non-electric bikes due to the battery, motor, and electronics. However, technology is advancing, prices are becoming more competitive, and weights are decreasing, making them more accessible adult bike options.
Canyon Spectral:ON CFR electric mountain bikeElectric mountain bikes expand riding possibilities, making trails more accessible. Finlay Anderson / Our Media
Electric mountain bikes (eMTBs) are rapidly growing in popularity, allowing riders to enjoy trails for longer and climb hills more easily. They are exciting adult bikes for trail enthusiasts. Electric road bikes are also gaining traction, extending ride distances and assisting riders with health conditions to continue cycling. Electric hybrid bikes and folding electric bikes are ideal for urban environments, combining electric assist with practicality.
Converting a standard bike to electric is also possible with electric bike conversion kits.
Our comprehensive guide to the best electric bikes will help you find the right adult e-bike for your needs.
Pros: Easier to ride, comfortable, enjoyable, extends cycling range.
Cons: Requires regular charging, heavier and more expensive than non-electric equivalents.
Touring Bikes: Built for Long-Distance Travel and Carrying Gear
Dawes touring bike with pannier rackTouring bikes are designed for long journeys and carrying luggage, also suitable for rough city roads. Russell Burton / Our Media
While hybrid bikes are great for cities, touring bikes are designed for everything from commuting to continent-crossing adventures. They are robust adult bikes built for reliability and long distances.
They typically use fast-rolling 700c wheels like road and hybrid bikes but with wider tires for comfort on varied terrain. Heavy-duty touring bikes may use 26in wheels for better spare parts availability in remote areas.
Touring bikes offer a relaxed riding position and stable geometry, making them suitable for carrying loads over long distances and varied terrains, from mountain passes to city commutes. They are versatile adult bikes for adventure and daily riding.
If you need a highly versatile all-rounder, our guide to the best touring bikes will help you choose the right model, whether you’re exploring familiar routes or venturing off the beaten path.
Pros: Durable, high load-carrying capacity, reasonably fast on roads.
Cons: Not as quick as dedicated road bikes.
Cyclocross Bikes: Designed for Cyclocross Racing and Off-Road Speed
Silver coloured cyclocross bike from RibbleCyclocross bikes are built for fast, off-road racing conditions. Robert Smith
Cyclocross bikes are similar to road and gravel bikes but are specifically designed for cyclocross racing. They are performance-oriented adult bikes for competitive riding.
While they feature drop handlebars, disc brakes, and wider tires, like gravel bikes, they often lack mounts for fenders or panniers.
Their geometry is typically more aggressive than gravel and adventure bikes, making them less ideal for long, comfortable rides but excellent for fast, off-road circuits.
Our list of the best cyclocross bikes compiles top-performing models from recent tests for those interested in racing.
Pros: Fast, dedicated bikes for cyclocross racing.
Cons: Less versatile than gravel or adventure bikes for general riding.
Fixed-Gear / Singlespeed Bikes: Simple and Low-Maintenance
JackFixed gear bikes are a simple and low-maintenance option, popular in urban settings. Jack Luke / Immediate Media
Popular in cities and essential for velodrome riding, fixed-gear bikes (fixies) are the epitome of simplicity. They are minimalist adult bikes for urban environments.
A true fixie has no freewheel, meaning you must constantly pedal when moving. This provides a unique sense of connection and control, though they may not be beginner-friendly.
They are incredibly fast in skilled hands, and their simplicity translates to minimal maintenance. They are great for confident commuters in relatively flat areas who value control and reliability. For casual cyclists, they require a higher level of commitment.
Once mastered, fixies are excellent commuter bikes, favored by cycle couriers for their reliability and minimal components – a basic fixie with just a front brake has very little that can go wrong.
Learn more in our buyer’s guide to fixies and singlespeed bikes.
Pros: Lightweight, simple, quick, low maintenance.
Cons: Requires some skill to ride, challenging in hilly areas.
City Bikes: Practical and Hassle-Free for Urban Riding
City bikes prioritize practicality and ease of use for urban transportation. George Scott / Our Media
Dutch-style city or town bikes are excellent for short trips in flat urban areas. Their appeal lies in their simplicity, practicality, and robustness. They are perfect adult bikes for relaxed city commuting and errands.
Single-speed models are exceptionally low-maintenance, while hub gear versions with up to 11 speeds still offer good durability.
City bikes typically include chainguards, kickstands, and flat pedals, allowing you to ride in everyday clothes. Integrated dynamo lighting and bike locks are common, minimizing the need for extras.
They handle potholes well, and the upright riding position provides good visibility in traffic. Their main drawbacks are their weight and less efficient riding position, making them less suitable for hills or long distances.
Pros: Stylish looks, relaxed riding position, practical, ideal for everyday clothes, very durable.
Cons: Heavy and slow, not ideal for hilly terrain.
Folding Bikes: Best for Portability and Limited Storage
Brompton P Line folding bikeFolding bikes are ideal for commuters needing compact storage and portability. Lucy Rowe / Our Media
If you need to combine cycling with urban portability, folding bikes are unmatched. They are best for short rides, especially where storage is limited, and their portability makes them ideal for public transport integration. They are convenient adult bikes for city commuters and travelers.
Folding bikes are hugely popular among city commuters. Compact models can fit under desks and are easy to carry.
While they don’t ride exactly like conventional bikes due to design compromises, modern folding bikes are surprisingly capable.
Our list of the best folding bikes will guide you to worthwhile folding bike options.
Pros: Highly convenient for storage, portable on public transport, quick acceleration due to small wheels.
Cons: Heavier and slower than larger-wheeled bikes, less stable on rough surfaces.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Adult Bike
Selecting the best adult bike depends on your individual needs and riding style. Consider where you’ll be riding, how you’ll use the bike, and your comfort preferences. From fast road bikes to rugged mountain bikes, versatile gravel bikes to practical hybrid and city bikes, and even specialized options like touring, cyclocross, fixed-gear, folding, and electric bikes, there’s an ideal bike for every adult cyclist. Explore the options, consider your priorities, and enjoy the ride!
