How to choose a bicycle

This guide will help you find the perfect model for your needs.

There are many types of bicycles. To choose the right one, you first need to decide what you are buying it for: relaxed city riding, off-road riding, or bike travel. 

Once you have decided on the purpose, you can move on to choosing a specific model. 

Which bike to choose for the city 

A city bike is suitable for quiet everyday riding on asphalt bike paths and compacted soil in parks. Such models are not designed for fast riding and overcoming obstacles. 

Before considering a specific model, there are a few important points to consider.

1. Type of fit. Most city bike models have an upright fit. Roughly speaking, you sit on it like on a chair. You can comfortably ride such a bike for about an hour. If you are planning on long trips, you should consider models with a more sporty fit, in which the body is tilted forward. 
2. Transmission type. A city bike can be single-speed or be supplemented with a closed transmission – a planetary hub. This is a gear shifting mechanism, all of whose elements are hidden inside the hub. This transmission has its advantages – you can change speeds not while moving, but while standing still. In addition, due to the closed mechanism, the hub will last longer than an open transmission. 
3. The presence of shock absorption. City bikes are equipped with either a fork with a short shock absorption stroke or a rigid one, otherwise known as a hard one. It is better to choose the latter option, since shock absorption is not needed for leisurely riding in the city, and a hard fork does not require maintenance. 
4. The presence of fenders. They will protect your clothes from splashes. Some models also have a cover that covers the chain. This is especially important for those who are going to ride a bike to work. 
5. Size and weight. If you are going to transport your bike in a car or public transport, for example, first take the subway and then pedal to work, it is better to consider folding options. They are also suitable for those who have little storage space at home. 

There are several types of city bikes. Let’s take a closer look at each of them. 

Cruiser

Such bicycles usually have an original design, often in a retro style, wide rolling wheels and a massive frame made of steel or aluminum. In the first case, it will be heavier, in the second – lighter, but more expensive. 

Overall, a cruiser is a great choice for those who ride slowly and relaxed, value comfort above all else while riding, and love retro-style items. And who are not planning on rushing or going on long bike rides. 

Folding

These bikes have a folding frame, handlebars, and sometimes even pedals. The emphasis is on compactness and ease of carrying when folded, while other parameters suffer because of this. 

For example, on a folding bike, the distance between the handlebars and the seat is shorter than on other models. Therefore, the riding position may not be the most comfortable, especially if you are used to something else. 

In addition, folding bikes often have quite small wheels. This makes the vehicle more maneuverable, but less stable. So if the asphalt in your city leaves much to be desired, you will need to ride very carefully. 

If you plan to transport the bike in the trunk, check its dimensions when folded. Some models have foldable handlebars, while others do not have this option, so stuffing the bike into the trunk can be problematic. 

Hybrid

This is something between a city bike and a mountain bike – a universal means of transport for cities with broken roads. On this one you can maneuver between potholes and loose tiles, getting to work, and go for a ride in nature .

Hybrids have a lightweight frame and versatile semi-slick tires — smooth in the middle, with lugs on the edges. Some models also have the ability to adjust the height of the handlebars. You can move them a little further and ride with a sporty position, or move them closer and ride in a more upright position. 

In general, on such a bike you will be able to accelerate well and ride for 2-3 hours without any discomfort. 

What to buy

• Adult women’s cruiser Spinn Charm, 26,096 rubles →
• Cruiser Spinn Horizon, 32 114 rubles →
• Cruiser Capriolo City Diana Alu, 31,731 rubles → 
• Folding bike HORH NEMO, 43,417 rubles → 
• Folding bike SHULZ Lentus amethyst, 68,398 rubles → 
• Hybrid Wels Valkyrie, 31,980 rubles →
• Hybrid Atom Symbiotic Cross, 43,712 rubles →
• Hybrid Giant Escape, 60,854 rubles →

Which bike to choose for off-road

Mountain bike

A mountain bike is suitable for those who want to ride on dirt with climbs and descents. The main feature of the models is the presence of shock absorbers with a long stroke. They will dampen shaking and vibrations from riding off-road. 

Mountain bikes also have a strong frame and many speeds, so you can both rush down the hill and roll up that hill. And wide wheels with good tread. 

When choosing a mountain bike, pay attention to the following parameters:

1. Shock absorbers. Bicycles with only a front shock absorber are called hardtail, with front and rear – dual suspension. The former are more versatile and are suitable for both off-road riding and riding on flat areas, and can be useful for cross-country – high-speed riding on tracks with various obstacles. Dual suspension is needed for those who are going to ride steep uneven tracks, master downhill – high-speed descents – or do trail or enduro. The latter are races on fierce off-road with various obstacles. 
2. Suspension travel . A downhill bike should have about 200 mm of suspension travel to provide enough shock absorption. For enduro or trail riding, bikes with a shorter suspension travel of 130–170 mm are suitable, and if you are not going to climb difficult trails or ride quickly on uneven roads, you can take cross-country models with a travel of about 100–120 mm. 
3. Brakes. If you are going to ride on difficult tracks, choose a model with hydraulic brakes. Mechanical brakes are also suitable for relaxed riding . 
4. A telescopic seat post is needed if you plan to climb and descend high hills. You will go down with a low saddle, and up with a high one. 

What to buy

• Mountain bike Stern Force, 53,999 rubles →
• Mountain bike Merida Big.Nine, 71,999 rubles →
• Mountain bike Polygon Premier 5, 64,799 rubles →
• Bicycle CAPRIOLO MTB AL PHA 9.5, 98,998 rubles →
• Giant Talon bicycle, 101,900 rubles →
• Mountain bike Polygon Xtrada 7, 120,999 rubles →

Which bike to choose for traveling

Touring bike

For long bike trips, a tourist or touring bike is suitable. Such models are equipped with a durable frame on which you can attach a front and rear rack, and are designed to carry cargo – backpacks, tents, hanging bags. 

The wheels are large – 700c (28 inches) or 650b (27.5 inches) standard. The latter can be equipped with a wider tire for off-road riding. So if you plan to ride mainly on smooth asphalt, take 700c, if you have to ride on uneven paths and gravel – 650b. You can also take two pairs of wheels and change them depending on the intended route. 

When choosing, consider several important points.

1. Frame material. Touring bikes can have a frame made of steel, aluminum, or carbon. A steel frame is slightly heavier than the latter two, although not much, because manufacturers make thinner tubes to reduce weight. At the same time, if an aluminum or carbon frame breaks right on the road, you will not be able to fix it. A steel frame can be welded if you find a car service along the way. The frame can also be made of titanium, but this is only found in very expensive models. 
2. Handlebar type. Touring bikes can have drop handlebars or butterfly handlebars. Both options are good because you can grip them in different ways, which will allow you to change your position a little and relieve tired muscles . In addition, these handlebars are narrower than the classic straight ones, so it will be convenient for you to walk the bike along a busy street and go through doorways. You can grip the drop handlebars from above, place your hands perpendicular to the handlebars — on the brakes, or grab the horns from below. With the latter position of your hands, your body will lean forward more, and your body will become more aerodynamic. This can be useful when riding against a strong wind or uphill. With butterfly handlebars, you can place your hands on the lower or upper part of the horns, changing the position of the body, and also grab the side part, changing the grip to neutral. In addition, such handlebars are equipped with a soft foam cover that dampens vibrations. 
3. Brakes. A bicycle can have mechanical disc or rim brakes. The former have a brake disc in their design, which is clamped by pads and stops the wheel. The latter do not have such a disc, so when braking, the pads squeeze the rim of the wheel. The disc adds a little weight to the bike, but it allows you to brake even if your wheel is bent. As for hydraulic brakes, they are almost never installed on touring bikes, because if something happens to them, you won’t be able to fix them in the field. 
4. Transmission. If you are going to be touring your bike, most of the riding will be done at medium speed. Unless you are going to be racing a loaded bike, you will not need a lot of gears. You will most likely be using 2-3 speeds. So you don’t necessarily need a cassette with a lot of gears. 

Gravel bikes are also great for traveling. We’ll look at this type in a little more detail. 

Gravel, or gravel

This bike is something between a road bike and a mountain bike. It has a sporty riding position and a drop-bar handlebar like a road bike, but at the same time the frame has vibration-damping elements and the ability to install wide wheels with a tread. 

Compared to classic road bikes, gravel bikes have a more relaxed and comfortable riding position. They can be used for long distances, riding on broken roads, compacted soil and gravel .

In addition, gravel bikes have places for mounting – bonnets on which you can put racks, secure bags and cargo.

Thus, this is a universal bike, on which you can accelerate well on the highway, and turn into the forest and ride in nature, and ride 200-300 km with a backpack. 

What to buy

• Wels Woodland Touring Bike, 40,257 rubles → 
• Wels Rambler touring bike, 65,166 rubles →
• Horh Bishop Bicycle, 137,160 rubles →
• Bicycle Welt 2023 G80 SE, 75,425 rubles →
• Bike Twitter Gravel V1 Full-hydr Carbon, 100 433 rubles →
• Author bicycle Ronin 2023–2024, 149,076 rubles →
• Bicycle Atom Tundra LTD, 74 962 rubles →

Which bike to choose for fast riding on good roads

In this case, you need to take a road bike. It is designed for fast riding on good asphalt, suitable for cycling races, cycling marathons and other competitions .

Road bikes have drop bars and an aerodynamic riding position, no shock absorbers, and no tire tread. They are also very light: they don’t have mudguards, racks, or other accessories that could add weight. 

When choosing a road bike, pay attention to the following parameters.

1. Frame and fork material. Cheaper models are made of aluminum, more expensive ones are made of carbon. Both materials are lightweight, but carbon frames also dampen road vibrations well, while remaining rigid torsionally when pedaling. This provides a vivid sensation of acceleration and at the same time a soft ride on the road. For aluminum frames, it is difficult to find such a balance due to the homogeneity of the material: either the frame will be soft enough and will bend under great effort, or it will give a lot of vibrations. If you want a cheaper bike, at least get a model with a carbon fork – an aluminum one will not be able to effectively dampen vibrations, and your wrists will get tired. 
2. Handlebar width. This parameter depends on the bike size and usually ranges from 38 to 44 cm. If you have wide or, conversely, narrow shoulders, you may need a different handlebar. 
3. Transmission. The more speeds a bike has, the smoother you can change the load on climbs and descents, which means maintaining one cadence — the frequency of pedal rotation — throughout the entire ride. There are proven brands that are most often used on good bikes: Japanese Shimano, American Sram and Italian Campagnolo. In addition to mechanical transmissions of different classes, they also produce electronic ones. They are easier to shift, including through several gears at once, and also do not have cables that can get dirty and work worse. However, an electronic transmission needs to be charged, and if it suddenly runs out of power during a ride, you will have to ride in an inconvenient gear. 

There are several types of road bikes for different purposes. We will only talk about those models that may be useful for people choosing a bike for the first time. That is, we will not talk about highly specialized models: aero road bikes, time trial bikes and triathlon options .

Classic or mountain road

These are lightweight bikes that are suitable for high-speed riding while still allowing you to tackle large climbs and descents. 

Mountain road bikes have low handlebars so that the rider is almost horizontal while riding. They are also very rigid. This increases aerodynamics and control at speed, but at the same time the ride is not particularly comfortable. 

These bikes are suitable for competitions and training, but are not suitable for long trips and uneven roads. It is also better not to take these models if you have back problems .

Endurance

These road bike models have handlebars that are higher than mountain bikes, making riding more comfortable, but speed suffers. 

Endurance is suitable for long trips – more than 200-300 km, training and riding on routes with climbs and descents. If you are used to riding a mountain bike and are going to switch to a road bike, you can buy one first so that the transition is smooth. 

What to buy

• Road bike SCOTT Speedster, 116,828 rubles →
• Road bike Cube Attain Race, 125,342 rubles →
• Titan Racing Switch Comp Gravel Bike, 126,918 rubles →
• Giant Bicycle Contend 0, 128 668 rubles →
• Bicycle BIANCHI Via Nirone 7, 205,971 rubles →
• Road bicycle TWITTER BIKE, 207,349 rubles →
• Bicycle Merida Silex, 213,510 rubles →
• Bicycle Superior X-Road Comp, 92 303 rubles →

At the same time, endurance bikes are not suitable for short, fast races or multi-day races.

What material can the frame be made of?

There are several options. Choose what suits your price and purpose. 

Material	What is it suitable for?	Pros	Cons
Steel	Touring, city, mountain	Durability, long service life	Increased weight, but if you choose alloys with chromium and molybdenum, the frame will be lighter
Aluminum	City, mountain, highway	Lightweight compared to steel, cheap compared to carbon and titanium	The metal accumulates fatigue and the frame can crack.
Carbon	Highway, mountain	Light weight, high torsional rigidity and good vibration absorption	Expensive, vulnerable to pinpoint strikes
Titanium	Highway, mountain, tourist	Lightweight, durable, corrosion-free, good vibration damping	High cost, difficulties with repairs in case of breakdown

How to choose frame size 

Frame size is the length of the seat tube, which starts from the bottom bracket axle — the place where the pedals are attached — and ends at the seat post. This parameter can be specified in inches, centimeters, or a letter — XS, S, M, L, and so on. 

Since the correspondence of letters to frame lengths can vary greatly depending on the brand and even the specific model, it is better not to use universal values. Check the official website of the manufacturer and find a table with the height for the selected model. 

You can also use a calculator and calculate the appropriate frame length not only by height , but also by arm and leg length, riding style. For example, this one .

What to look for when choosing equipment for your bike 

Bicycle equipment includes front and rear derailleurs, chain, brake levers and brakes, sprockets, cassette, shifters. First, we will discuss the important points, and then we will provide models from famous brands. 

Speed ​​switch

It can be closed or open. The first one includes a planetary hub, the second one includes a ratchet and a cassette. 

The planetary hub does not require as much maintenance as open elements, but it is quite heavy compared to the cassette and freewheel. Therefore, it is most often installed on city bikes, for which low weight is not so important. 

The ratchet is considered an outdated design, so you can find it on cheaper models. Such an element cannot have more than seven stars. In addition, the ratchet is more vulnerable to deformation than the cassette. 

On the other hand, for relaxed skating you don’t need a lot of speed, and the increased strength of the elements may be unnecessary. 

Brakes

There are rim brakes – they clamp the rim; disc brakes – they clamp the brake disc. The latter provide effective braking even in bad weather conditions, such as mud and water. That is why all mountain bikes usually have them. 

Brakes can also be hydraulic or mechanical. In the former, the pistons are driven by brake fluid, in the latter, by cables. Hydraulic brakes provide more effective braking, but if they break, they are more difficult to repair. It is easier to find a new cable than parts for a hydraulic brake .

Brand

As we have already mentioned, the most common systems are produced by Sram and Shimano. And they have a gradation of equipment by riding level and purpose. 

Riding level	Mountain	Highway
Base	Tourney, Altus	Claris
Elementary	Acera, Alivio	Sora, Tiagra
Amateur	Deore, SLX	105, 105 Di2
Racing	Deore XT	Ultegra, Ultegra Di2
Professional	XTR	Dura-Ace, Dura-Ace Di2

This does not mean that if you buy a bike, all the parts of the equipment will necessarily be from one brand. For example, one model may have switches from Shimano, and brakes from a little-known company. 

Riding level	Mountain	Highway
Base	X3, X4, SX	—
Elementary	X5, X7, NX	Apex
Amateur	X9, GX	Rival
Racing	X0, X1, X01, X01 Eagle	Rival, Rival eTap AXS, Force, Force AXS
Professional	XX, XX1, XX1 Eagle	Red, Red AXS

Campagnolo also produces professional equipment for road bikes: Chorus, Record, Super Record, Super Record Wireless. For mountain bikes, there are inexpensive options from Microshift: Acolyte and Advent, as well as the more professional Advent X. 

Professional equipment is reliable, made using composite materials, which reduces weight, and can withstand enormous loads. Amateur equipment is not designed for extreme sports and can quickly break under increased loads. In addition, it may require more effort to adjust it to your needs. 

If you are a beginner, do not plan long trips and will not participate in competitions, choose the amateur level. For long and extreme trips, more reliable equipment is suitable. 

What else can you buy for your bike? 

Here’s what you can add to your bike:

• Lights. These are needed to drive in the dark. A light with white light is installed in the front, and a light with red light is installed in the back. 
• Bottle and holder for it. It is important to drink on bike rides, even short ones.
• Bike computer . It can be replaced by a special application for a smartphone.
• Mudguards to protect against dirt if you plan to ride in bad weather and off-road.
• Repair kit, pump, spare tube. They can be put in a bike bag that is attached to the frame, or in a backpack. 

And don’t forget about a bike helmet: it will protect you from injury while riding.

What to buy

Bicycle front light ROCKBROS, 1,133 rubles →

ROCKBROS Q4 SAMURAI Bicycle Rear Light, 1,242 rubles →

Universal Bottle Cage, 298 rubles →

Bicycle repair kit 8 in 1 with bag, 782 rubles →

Bicycle helmet Rockbros ZK-013, 3 196 rubles →

All prices are valid at the time of publication. Stores may update product prices throughout the day.