There are so many options on the market, catering to different needs and styles, it can be a challenge to find the perfect bike for you and leaves many of us with a headache and need of a very large glass of wine.
But finding the perfect bike doesn’t need to be this way! And luckily for you, we are here to help narrow your choice and find the right type of bike for you and your needs.
We are here to answer all your bike-related questions and get your bums on the perfect seat for an off or on-road adventure!
Just keep reading for all the answers you need!
What type of bike should I get?
Deciding what type of bike to get is a personal choice and should reflect the type of journeys you want to complete on your bike.
For example, if you are looking to start mountain biking, you will need a bike with thicker wheels and a frame to support the uneven terrain.
If you are after a bike to cycle to work, a city or road bike would be better suited. Consider what you want to use the bike for before beginning your search.
When choosing your bike type, you will usually choose between a mountain bike, hybrid bike, road bike, touring bike, all-road bike, or an electric bike.
There are other types, of course, but these tend to be the most popular. The type of bike will depend solely on the activity you wish to complete and its weight.
Opt for aluminum or carbon fiber for a lightweight and easy-to-handle bike.
These aren’t always the best option, but it’s the best option for those who want to maneuver easily.
You will also want to consider the size of the tires too. For off-roading and mountain bike use, you will want thicker tires.
When deciding on the type of bike for you, we recommend popping into your nearest bike store and trying out a few!
You want to be comfortable and sure you can handle the bike’s weight, and often, it's best to pop in store for this kind of testing!
What are the best lightweight bikes?
When it comes to lightweight bikes, you have a few choices. Cannondale’s SuperSix is one of the lightest, featuring a carbon frame.
You can purchase this as a men’s or women’s bike, ensuring the fit is perfect for you! It’s a comfortable bike too, so you can expect a light and enjoyable ride, although there is no power meter included.
Giant’s TCR Advanced SL 0 is another outstanding option, weighing less than 7kg in its large size! It isn’t as fancy as Cannondale’s bike but will get the job done and feel incredibly light when riding and handling it.
It’s an expensive bike, set in the higher price point of lightweight bikes, but it’s a fine choice for those with a budget!
When purchasing a lightweight bike, carbon frames are your best bet. If you are priced out of these, aluminum works just as well but will dent easier than the durable carbon.
You can still expect longevity, of course, but the bike will feel slightly heavier, and if it drops or suffers an accident, the damage is more likely to be seen!
When purchasing a lightweight bike, be sure to check the weight; anything under 10kg is considered lightweight, and if possible, test the bike before purchasing to ensure that it's light enough for you!
What is the best all-around bicycle?
When it comes to an all-around bicycle, you can’t beat the DeAnima Soul bike! It's lightweight and suitable for all kinds of riding.
Whether it's your morning commute, an off-road adventure, or an afternoon cycling around the park, it won’t let you down!
The versatile bike can be customized, too, allowing you to create the perfect all-around bicycle for you! The downside to this is that it can be costly, but building your bike this way can often save you money in the long run!
You will pay for your frameset separately and then add the wheels and components you see fit. While this can be a little confusing for newbie cyclists, the more experienced will appreciate the customizable options.
You don’t need to do this; of course, you can buy the components that the bike comes with as standard, but adjusting the wheels to ones with added grip and agility allows the bike to work better in off-road situations!
If this doesn’t appeal to you, opt for an all-road bike or gravel bike in your budget. These again will be lightweight and able to handle a range of environments easily!
Opt for a carbon or aluminum frame, and you are likely to be happy! Remember, for those with a smaller budget; you are likely to have an aluminum frame.
What is the best bicycle for money?
When it comes to the best bicycle for money, you can’t go wrong with the Triban RC520. It's an affordable bike that features upper mid-range components, providing outstanding value for money!
The aluminum frame is lightweight and easy to handle, plus there's enough room for 40mm tires!
You can add thicker ones for any off-road biking that you want to complete without worrying about causing any damage to the frame!
It’s a comfortable bike too, and a smooth ride. It's ideal for longer journeys, and you shouldn't notice a dip in performance with it either!
For those on a smaller budget but who don’t want to sacrifice quality components, you cannot go wrong here! Save yourself some money and choose comfort and performance with this bike!
For those after the best bicycle for money, be sure to set a clear budget before you begin your search and stick to it as best as possible.
Compile a list of the qualities and components you want from your bike and use these to refine your search. Smaller budgets might not get all the high-quality components they are after, so you might need to compromise.
Generally speaking, if you crave value for money, a gravel bike should come with decent components and leave you with a change in the bank!
What is the best bike for on and off-road?
The Journeyman Claris 650 is an excellent bike for off and on-road cycling! It's more designed for off-road biking, but we think it still works brilliantly for those wanting to cycle on the road too!
It’s a little heavier than other bikes we have looked at today, but the extra weight holds up well under pressure and doesn’t feel too heavy when you are riding it!
You can expect reasonable control, which you need when off-roading, and comfortable too! Whether you are commuting to work or heading up the mountains, the bike won’t let you down!
The bicycle dampens road chatter well, too, meaning you will not be distracted by any noise; it’s just you, the bike, and the road! It's handy not just for off-road, but on-road journeys too!
While some cyclists might find it a little heavy for their commute, if you also want a bike you can take on weekend adventures, then you can’t go wrong!
It’s also fairly reasonably priced too, meaning you don’t need to worry about spending a fortune on a bike you might not use all that often!
Which bike is better for every day?
A city or road bike is best for everyday use! Providing you aren’t taking your bike on any mountain tracks or anywhere overly uneven, then these bikes are your best bet! They are popular with commuters or city dwellers, and it's no wonder why.
They tend to be lightweight frames that are easy to maneuver, come with a good range of gears, and comfortable seats that allow you to enjoy short or long journeys with ease.
City or road bikes tend not to be too expensive compared to mountain or racing bikes but will still allow you to pick up some fast speeds!
If that doesn’t appeal to you, gravel bikes are another popular option. These, too, are affordable and better suited to those that want to explore some off-road or mountain bike tracks.
These will feature slightly larger wheels that can cope with the rougher terrain but still feature lightweight frames that are easy to maneuver. You are likely to see higher gears and speeds on these bikes too!
When deciding on an everyday bike, consider the weight and the routes you want to take before making your purchase.
Which is the smoothest bike?
The Mongoose Guide Sport is perhaps one of the smoothest bikes on the market! A gravel bike is an affordable option, coming in under $1,000 and incredibly comfortable and smooth thanks to the upright riding position!
It's ideal for longer journeys, and you should notice less fatigue than other bikes on the market.
The components aren’t the fanciest, we’ll be honest, but you can’t go wrong with the price tag!
Its comfort and smoothness set this bike apart from the others! It's perfect for daily use but can handle some off-road adventures too!
We wouldn’t take it on really rough terrain as it’s a gravel bike, but it can handle some off-road biking!
There’s a decent range of gears on it, too, and the aluminum frame offers lightweight handling that only aids in its smoothness!
When looking for a smooth bike, consider the comfort of the seat and the tires. These will determine the bike’s impact, make contact with the ground, and hopefully deliver a smooth ride no matter the distance!
