Whether you want a bike for commuting, recreation, or both, picking the right one can feel overwhelming because of the sheer number of options available. Thankfully, you don’t have to be a cycling expert to find a bicycle you enjoy riding. Just consider how you want to use it in addition to a few comfort and performance factors. Here’s a handy guide to help you out.

Bicycle Size

Choosing the right bicycle size is essential for a comfortable and safe ride. When you straddle the middle of the bicycle, you should be a few centimetres above the top tube. Your legs should almost be fully extended while pedaling as well. It’s a little trickier to shop for a bike online, but all you need is your inseam measurement, which you can then compare to the bicycle height.

Bicycle Types

Bicycle designs can vary greatly depending on their intended use. Here are the four main types to consider:

• Road bikes: As the name suggests, road bikes are made to provide a smooth and efficient ride over a largely flat surface. They are the most popular option for commuting and fitness riding, and they’ll comfortably get you from point A to point B.
• Touring bikes: Touring bikes are built for riding very long distances, like cross-province or even cross-country tours. They are sturdy, durable, and capable of holding plenty of gear. Many people also use their touring bikes as commuter bikes.
• Mountain bikes: Mountain bikes are sturdy and come with shock-absorbing features for the bumps of the trail. This is a large category of trail riding bikes for freeriding, enduro, cross-country, downhill, fat biking, and more.
• Electric bikes: Electric bikes come with a motor that can assist you with your pedaling, helping you go faster and cutting down on your travel time. They are a popular choice for long or steep commutes.

Performance Factors

There are a few more factors that can affect how a bicycle performs. When choosing your new ride, pay attention to these features.

• Suspension: Bikes with a full suspension (in the front and the back) offer a smoother ride but are typically more expensive. A front suspension is more affordable, lighter, easier to maintain, and will still do an excellent job of helping you keep cadence and speed.
• Gears: The more gears a bicycle has, the more efficient it is at keeping your riding speed comfortable in various situations. If you plan on cycling through hilly terrain, you might want as many gears as you can find. However, bicycles with fewer gears are lighter, easier to handle, and a great choice for flatter terrain.
• Brakes: Disc brakes are an all-around option for any weather conditions, though they do require some regular maintenance. Rim brakes are efficient and low maintenance, though not quite as effective in all weather conditions and not the most durable. Drum brakes are the most rugged as they are fully sealed and weather resistant.

The right bicycle will let you enjoy the road or the trail to the fullest. Consider the factors outlined above to easily find a bicycle that meets all your needs.