Choosing your first bike can feel overwhelming. You’re likely hearing terms like road bike, mountain bike, hybrid, and more, leaving you wondering where to even begin. This guide is designed to demystify the world of bicycles, whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced rider looking to understand the nuances of different bike types. Think of this as your ultimate resource to navigate the various categories and find the perfect bike for your needs and adventures.
Bike Buying Guide: Matching the Right Bike to Your Activities
The best approach to buying a bicycle is to consider its primary purpose. While aesthetics are a valid factor – if you love how a bike looks, that’s a great start! – thinking about your intended activities is key. Are you looking for a reliable commuter for daily travel? Do you need a versatile machine capable of handling both paved roads and rugged dirt tracks? Or are you dreaming of donning lycra and experiencing the thrill of high-speed road cycling?
Many newcomers to cycling instinctively gravitate towards mountain bikes, often simply because they are a familiar term. However, unless you’re specifically drawn to mountain biking or genuinely need a bike for off-road trails, a mountain bike might not be the most suitable choice. At usabikers.net, we categorize types of bikes based on their intended use, helping you narrow down your options effectively.
Exploring Different Types of Bikes
Let’s delve into each category of bike to provide a clearer understanding of their specific purposes and features. This will help you determine which type best aligns with your cycling aspirations.
We offer an extensive selection of bicycles in the UK, and we’re excited about the upcoming bikes 2025 models.
Alt text: A visually appealing banner showcasing various bicycle types, inviting readers to explore the guide on bike selection.
ROAD BIKES: Speed and Efficiency on Pavement
Purpose of Road Bikes
As their name clearly indicates, road bikes are specifically engineered for riding on paved roads. While technically any bike can be ridden on the road, road bikes are meticulously optimized for maximum efficiency and speed on tarmac surfaces. This specialization, however, means they would perform poorly on unpaved terrain like mountain trails.
If you’re interested in exploring the diverse world of road bikes, our blog post on road bike styles offers a deeper dive into the different subcategories.
Alt text: A sleek road bike in a concrete color scheme, highlighting its lightweight frame and drop handlebars, designed for speed on paved roads.
Road bikes are designed to optimize the road cycling experience through specific frame geometry, tire width, and component weight. It’s crucial to understand that you cannot convert a road bike with skinny tires into an off-road bike simply by swapping to wider, knobby tires. Mountain bike tires are simply incompatible with road bike frames and wheels.
Defining Characteristics of Road Bikes: Road bikes are typically characterized by lightweight frames, narrow tires, drop handlebars (curving downwards), high gear ratios (optimized for high speeds), and an aerodynamic riding position. Proper sizing is crucial for road bikes; consult our road bike size chart for guidance.
Road Bike Subtypes: Tailoring to Riding Styles
- Endurance Road Bikes: Designed for comfort over long distances, endurance bikes feature a more upright riding position and wider tires for enhanced comfort.
- Climber Race Bikes: These bikes prioritize minimal weight and maximum efficiency with super-light frames, aggressive riding positions, and responsive handling for fast climbs and descents.
- Aero Road Bikes: Built for flat-out speed, aero bikes utilize aerodynamic tube shapes to minimize wind resistance. Their longer wheelbase provides stability at high speeds, though the added material for tube shaping can increase weight compared to climber bikes.
- All-Road Bikes (Anyroad): Versatile bikes capable of handling rougher surfaces like gravel tracks. Wider tires and mounts for racks and fenders make them adaptable for varied terrains.
Choose a Road Bike If: You prioritize fast, efficient cycling on paved roads for commuting, racing, fitness, or recreational riding.
Avoid a Road Bike If: You plan to ride off-road regularly. Their skinny tires and frame geometry are not suitable for anything beyond paved surfaces. Icy conditions can also pose challenges for road bikes.
Recommended Road Bikes:
- Giant TCR Advanced 0 Di2 2025 Road Bike
Road Bike Price Range
Road bikes typically start at a higher price point compared to hybrid bikes due to the integrated technology of brake and gear shifters. Entry-level road bikes with aluminum frames and carbon forks begin around £799. Full carbon frame and fork models start from approximately £2000, with top-tier models exceeding £10,000.
MOUNTAIN BIKES: Conquer Any Terrain
Alt text: A mountain biker riding through a rocky trail, showcasing the rugged capabilities of a mountain bike in its natural environment.
Mountain Bike Subtypes:
- Hardtail Mountain Bikes
- Full Suspension Mountain Bikes
- Electric Mountain Bikes
Purpose of Mountain Bikes
Mountain bikes are built for tackling mountains and off-road trails. They are characterized by a robust build, knobby tires, and frame geometry optimized for challenging, uneven terrain.
Defining Characteristics of Mountain Bikes: Mountain bikes feature wide, knobby tires for superior traction and a broad range of gears to handle steep inclines and varied off-road conditions. Suspension systems vary: some have front suspension only (hardtail), while others offer both front and rear suspension (full suspension) for absorbing impacts from jumps and drops. Some models are fully rigid with no suspension. Our guide to full suspension vs hardtail mountain bikes provides further insights.
Hardtail mountain bikes are generally more affordable and efficient for uphill climbs, whereas full suspension bikes prioritize downhill performance, often at the expense of uphill efficiency.
Choose a Mountain Bike If: Your primary interest is mountain biking or off-road trail riding.
Avoid a Mountain Bike If: You intend to ride primarily on paved roads, prioritize speed on tarmac, cycle long distances on roads, or mainly ride around town.
For sizing guidance, refer to our men’s sizing and women’s size guide.
Recommended Mountain Bikes:
- Giant Trance X 1 2024 Mountain Bike
Mountain Bike Price Range
Aluminum hardtail mountain bikes start around £425 and typically come with coil-sprung forks. Higher-priced hardtails feature improved, more responsive front suspension forks, with air-sprung forks becoming common on bikes over £1000, along with enhanced brakes and gearing.
Full suspension mountain bikes are significantly more expensive due to their complex suspension technology. Entry-level full-suspension MTBs start around £2000, with prices increasing for bikes featuring better suspension components, smoother, more durable gearing, and more responsive brakes. Carbon frames become available at approximately £4000 and above.
HYBRID/COMMUTER BIKES: Versatility for Everyday Riding
Alt text: A rider on a hybrid bike in a city setting, illustrating the bike’s suitability for urban commuting and everyday use.
Types of Hybrid Bikes:
- On-Road Hybrid Bikes
- Off-Road Hybrid Bikes
- Off-Road Hybrid Bikes with Front Suspension Forks
Purpose of Hybrid Bikes
Hybrid bikes, also known as commuter bikes or city bikes, are designed as a versatile blend of road bike and mountain bike features. They offer a balance of capabilities, making them adaptable to various riding conditions. While they may not excel in any single area like specialized bikes, they provide the flexibility to handle a wide range of activities.
Alt text: A close-up of a hybrid bike showcasing its flat handlebars and moderately treaded tires, highlighting its blend of road and off-road features.
For a deeper understanding, explore our article: What are hybrid bikes: Hybrid bikes are equipped with flat handlebars instead of drop bars. Some models include front suspension for added comfort on uneven roads or trails, while others are rigid. They prioritize comfort and versatility, offering a riding position similar to mountain bikes but with smoother, narrower tires. Tires can be swapped for more off-road oriented treads or slicker versions for primarily paved commuting.
Choose a Hybrid Bike If: Your main use will be commuting, city riding, and occasional rides on varied surfaces including light trails.
Avoid a Hybrid Bike If: You aim for high-speed road cycling in lycra or tackling challenging mountain bike trails.
Hybrid Bike Price Range
Reliable and safe hybrid bikes start around £500. As you invest more, you’ll find upgrades in gearing, braking, and lighter frames. Carbon hybrid models are available starting around £1500.
GRAVEL BIKES: Explore Beyond the Pavement
Alt text: A gravel bike rider cycling on a gravel path through a scenic landscape, emphasizing the bike’s capability for adventure and mixed-terrain riding.
Purpose of Gravel Bikes
Also known as Gravel Bikes (and sometimes adventure bikes or cyclocross bikes), gravel bikes embody the spirit of early road cyclists who adapted their road bikes for off-season training on varied terrain. A gravel bike can be an ideal year-round bike if you seek a fast road bike that can confidently handle off-road excursions. Our blog post comparing road bikes vs gravel bikes details the key differences.
Gravel bikes are available in men’s and women’s frames. For women’s specific options, explore Liv Gravel bikes. If you are interested in steel gravel bikes, consider Genesis Gravel bikes.
Cyclocross bikes are specifically designed for racing on off-road courses, while adventure bikes are geared towards bikepacking with wider handlebars and more frame mounts for luggage.
Alt text: A close-up of a gravel bike, highlighting its drop handlebars and tire clearance for wider, knobby tires, suitable for both road and gravel surfaces.
Defining Characteristics of Gravel Bikes: The most noticeable feature is the drop handlebars, similar to road bikes, distinguishing them from hybrid bikes’ flat handlebars. Like hybrids, they offer ample tire clearance for wider, knobbier tires and mudguards. Gravel bikes retain more of a road bike feel compared to hybrids.
Choose a Gravel Bike If: You desire the drop handlebars of a road bike but want the versatility to venture onto unpaved roads and trails.
Avoid a Gravel Bike If: You need a purely high-speed road bike, a rugged mountain bike, or prefer the flat handlebars of a hybrid.
Gravel Bike Price Range
Gravel bikes, similar to road bikes, typically start at a higher price point than basic bikes. Entry-level gravel bikes with aluminum frames and carbon forks start around £799. Full carbon frame and fork models begin at approximately £2000, with high-end models exceeding £10,000.
FOLDING BIKES: Compact Convenience for Urban Life
Alt text: A folded Brompton bike, showcasing its compact size and portability, ideal for urban commuters and limited storage spaces.
Purpose of Folding Bikes
Folding bikes prioritize convenience and practicality. They are designed to fold into a compact form for easy storage under a desk, in a closet, or for transport on public transit. Ideal for commuters with limited storage at home or work, or those concerned about bike theft.
Folding bikes, with Brompton as a leading brand, are engineered to collapse into a small size for storage and portability. They are perfect for combining cycling with train or bus commutes, fitting neatly into cars, or storing in small apartments.
Alt text: A person unfolding a Brompton folding bike, demonstrating the ease and speed of setting up a folding bike for riding.
Defining Characteristics of Folding Bikes: Folding bikes feature frames that fold into a compact size, often using smaller wheels. They typically offer a more upright riding position.
Choose a Folding Bike If: You want to cycle as part of your commute but have limited storage space or need to combine cycling with public transport.
Avoid a Folding Bike If: You plan to ride off-road or prioritize high-speed cycling.
Folding Bike Price Range
Quality folding bikes start around £850 for brands like Tern. Brompton folding bikes start from approximately £1500 for C-line models (steel frame and forks), while top-of-the-line T-Line models with titanium frames and forks begin around £4250.
ELECTRIC BIKES (E-BIKES): Power-Assisted Cycling
Alt text: A cyclist riding an electric bike uphill with ease, highlighting the power assistance and accessibility of e-bikes.
Types of Electric Bikes:
Purpose of Electric Bikes
Simply put, electric bikes are designed to make cycling easier, whether for commuting, road riding, or mountain biking. The range of electric folding bikes is also rapidly expanding.
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, incorporate a battery and motor to provide pedal assistance. While this adds weight compared to traditional bikes, it significantly reduces the effort required for cycling, especially on hills. Most e-bikes offer various levels of assist, allowing you to adjust the level of effort and exercise you get.
Alt text: A stylish electric hybrid bike with integrated battery and motor, showcasing the modern design and technology of e-bikes.
When you pedal an e-bike, the motor engages to provide a boost, simulating a constant tailwind. This enables you to maintain a steady pace with less exertion. (In compliance with UK regulations, motor assistance cuts off at 15.5mph). Popular e-bike types include electric hybrid bikes, electric mountain bikes (e-MTBs) favored for downhill enthusiasts who prefer less strenuous climbs, electric folding bikes, and electric road bikes. Explore our guide on the best electric bikes? to learn more.
Defining Characteristics of Electric Bikes: E-bikes are essentially hybrid, mountain, road, or folding bikes equipped with a battery and motor system.
Choose an Electric Bike If: You want to travel longer distances with less effort or tackle hilly terrain more easily.
Avoid an Electric Bike If: You prioritize maximum physical exertion and intense workouts (“feel the burn”). For more information, see our E-bike Jargon Buster.
Recommended Electric Bikes:
- Gazelle Ultimate C5 HMB 2024 625Wh Low-Step Electric Bike
- Liv Rove E+ 2023 Women’s Electric Bike
Electric Bike Price Range
E-bike prices vary based on motor type. Front or rear hub motor e-bikes can be found starting around £1500, while center-drive motor models typically start around £2000. Brompton electric folding bikes with front hub motors start from £2900. Cargo electric bikes begin around £2700.
Electric Cargo Bikes: Hauling Heavy Loads with Ease
Alt text: An electric cargo bike carrying groceries and a child, demonstrating its practicality as a car replacement for families and errands.
Purpose of Electric Cargo Bikes
Electric cargo bikes are designed as a car replacement, capable of transporting passengers, groceries, or deliveries. The electric motor assistance is crucial for managing the extra weight.
Alt text: A close-up of the cargo area of an electric cargo bike, showcasing its spacious design for carrying various items, from groceries to packages.
Electric Cargo Bikes are increasingly popular due to their cargo capacity and potential to replace car trips. They are suitable for grocery shopping, school runs, and deliveries. Brands like Tern, Riese & Muller, and Specialized E Bikes offer models with various accessories to customize them for specific needs.
Equipped with powerful Bosch motors and batteries, they provide effortless transport and extended range.
Defining Characteristics of Electric Cargo Bikes: They feature a long cargo bed at the front or rear for carrying goods or passengers, a powerful motor to handle heavy loads, and a large battery for extended range.
Choose a Cargo Bike If: You need an alternative to a car for transporting passengers or heavy loads.
Avoid a Cargo Bike If: You don’t require significant cargo capacity. In that case, a standard electric bike might be more appropriate.
Recommended Electric Cargo Bikes:
- Tern GSD S10 LR Electric Cargo Bike
Electric Cargo Bike Price Range
Electric cargo bikes start around £2700, with prices increasing for more powerful motors and larger batteries for longer ranges. The average price is approximately £4500.
WOMEN’S BIKES: Designed for Female Riders
Purpose of Women’s Bikes
Women’s bikes are designed for enhanced comfort and efficiency for women, considering differences in body proportions. While many manufacturers now favor unisex frames, brands like Liv continue to offer female-specific geometry.
Ladies bikes are designed with smaller frame sizes and frame geometry tailored to women. Some feature step-through frames, originally intended for riders wearing skirts or dresses, though step-through frames are now largely unisex. Our women’s bike size guide offers sizing assistance.
Alt text: A Liv women’s road bike in an ocean cube color, highlighting the brand’s focus on female-specific bike design and aesthetics.
We encourage all riders to choose bikes based on comfort and fit, regardless of gender. We offer a range of women’s bikes, but women are not limited to these models. Women can comfortably ride men’s bikes, and vice versa, if it suits their body and riding style.
Explore our blog on the best women’s road bikes.
Defining Characteristics of Women’s Bikes: Typically feature smaller, lighter frames with a shorter top tube, wider women’s saddles, and often narrower handlebars with smaller diameter grips.
Choose a Women’s Bike If: It offers the best combination of fit, comfort, and style for you.
Avoid a Women’s Bike If: The geometry does not meet your specific riding requirements or preferences.
TOURING BIKES: Adventure-Ready for Long Journeys
Alt text: A Genesis touring bike fully loaded with panniers, ready for a long-distance cycling tour, showcasing its robust build and carrying capacity.
Purpose of Touring Bikes
Touring bikes are road bikes adapted for carrying loads over long distances. They prioritize stability, practicality, and rider comfort over pure performance, making them ideal for extended rides where carrying gear is essential. They are designed to accommodate pannier racks, mudguards, and slightly wider tires. Steel frames are common for their comfort and durability.
Alt text: A close-up of a touring bike, highlighting its sturdy frame, pannier rack mounts, and comfortable geometry designed for long-distance riding.
Defining Characteristics of Touring Bikes: Touring bikes can feature drop or flat handlebars, wider tires, mounts for mudguards and panniers, and a relaxed riding position optimized for long-distance comfort.
Consider Touring Bikes If: You plan to undertake long-distance cycling trips, want a robust commuter with touring capabilities, or need to carry significant loads on your bike.
Don’t Consider Touring Bikes If: Your needs are better met by a road bike, mountain bike, hybrid bike, or gravel bike for more specialized riding styles.
Touring Bike Price Range
Quality steel frame flat-bar touring bikes typically start around £1000. Prices increase based on steel grade, handlebar configuration, and component quality.
KIDS BIKES: Bikes for Every Stage of Childhood
Alt text: Children riding Specialized kids’ bikes in a park, emphasizing the joy of cycling and the importance of age-appropriate bikes for young riders.
Purpose of Kids Bikes
Kids bikes are specifically designed for children of all ages. From balance bikes for toddlers to junior mountain bikes and road bikes for older children, there’s a bike for every stage. A common question is: What size bike does my child need?
Alt text: A brightly colored Frog kids’ bike, showcasing its lightweight frame and child-friendly components, designed for easy and enjoyable riding for children.
Defining Characteristics of Kids Bikes: Kids’ bikes are smaller in size with components designed for smaller hands and bodies.
Choose a Kid’s Bike If: You are a child or have a child who wants a bike!
Avoid a Kid’s Bike If: A small adult bike would be a more suitable size for an older child or smaller adult.
Kids Bike Price Range
While cheaper kids’ bikes are available, we focus on stocking lightweight, high-quality bikes that are enjoyable for children to ride. Our kids’ bikes start from around £270, depending on the child’s age and required size.
Single Speed Bikes: Simplicity and Low Maintenance
Alt text: A rider on a Genesis single-speed bike in an urban environment, highlighting the bike’s simplicity and suitability for city commuting.
Purpose of Single Speed Bikes
Single speed bikes are chosen for their simplicity and fitness benefits.
Alt text: A side view of a single-speed bike, showcasing its minimalist design with no gears, emphasizing its low maintenance and clean aesthetic.
A single speed bike has a single gear ratio with one chainring and one cog. It allows freewheeling downhill. The main advantage is minimal maintenance due to the absence of gears, extending the lifespan of the chain and cogs. This makes them excellent for commuting or leisure riding, especially in winter conditions with salt and moisture. For more information, see our blog on single speed bikes.
A great example is the Genesis Flyer, known for its affordability, robustness, and low maintenance, with options for mudguards and racks.
Bonus Fact: The key difference between a single speed and a ‘fixie’ is that a single speed bike can freewheel, while a fixie cannot.
Fat Bikes: Traction for Loose Terrain
Fat bikes are a type of mountain bike with extra-wide tires, typically 3.8″ wide or more. The increased tire width provides exceptional traction on loose surfaces like sand and snow. Most fat bikes are hardtails, though full suspension fat bikes also exist.
Triathlon Bikes: Aerodynamic Speed Machines
Alt text: A sleek triathlon bike with aerodynamic frame and TT bars, designed for maximum speed and efficiency in time trial events.
Triathlon bikes, also known as TT (time trial) bikes, are engineered for maximum aerodynamic efficiency on paved roads. They feature skinny road tires, aerodynamic frames, and TT bars to optimize rider position for speed. These are the bikes you see in time trial stages of races like the Tour de France.
Tandem Bikes: Cycling Built for Two
A tandem bike is built for two riders, ideal for cycling with a partner or sharing effort over long distances. With two people contributing power, tandem bikes can achieve higher speeds than solo riding (assuming equal effort from both riders).
BMX Bikes: Agile Bikes for Tricks and Tracks
BMX bikes, short for ‘Bicycle Motocross,’ originated from racing on dirt tracks with jumps and berms. They are also excellent for stunts, tricks, and bike park riding. BMX bikes are characterized by small wheels and compact frames for maximum maneuverability and responsiveness.
Tricycles: Stable Three-Wheeled Bikes
Alt text: An adult tricycle, offering stability and balance for riders who may have difficulty with two-wheeled bikes.
Tricycles have three wheels, providing enhanced stability for riders who may struggle with balance on two wheels. They are also suitable for individuals with injuries or disabilities that affect their balance or ability to mount and dismount a standard bike.
Recumbent Bikes: Comfortable and Laid-Back Riding
Recumbent bikes offer a unique cycling experience with a laid-back, reclined riding position. Some models position the rider almost flat on their back. Recumbents are often favored by riders seeking to minimize pressure on the lower back, shoulders, wrists, or hands.
Track Bikes: Velodrome Speed Specialists
Track bikes are designed for indoor velodrome cycling. They are fixed gear (no freewheeling) and have no brakes, requiring riders to use their legs to control speed. Track cycling is a thrilling and highly recommended experience – Editor.
From a personal point of view, I would highly recommend track cycling as it’s the most fun I have had on two wheels, and that is saying something – Editor.
