How to choose a bike?

Road Bikes

Road bikes are for people who want performance and comfort on medium to long distances and tend to like asphalt better than dirt. With its curved handlebars, the road bikes offer a multitude of hand positions which helps for long rides. It is also to get into an aerodynamic position to go faster.

There are two sub categories to road bikes. A performance road bike is oriented towards shorter and more intense distances. These bikes have a more aggressive geometry and are in the fastest bikes on the market. An endurance road bike is made for longer distances. They are often equipped with disc brakes for superior braking in all conditions. They also have a more upright position for staying comfortable over long distances.

Hybrids

Hybrid bikes are the most common bikes. With a multitude of different types of hybrids, it's easy not to know where to start. Hybrids are made for short to medium distances, 80 km and less. With its straight handlebar, it is stable and easy to maneuver, however, if you want to go for rides longer than 80 km, you will get sore hands. With its tires wider than a road bike, it is ideal for strolling comfortably in town and it also allows for better traction on gravel roads.

For the different types of hybrids, there are two main types. The performance hybrids have a slightly more aggressive stance, which helps the pedalling and manoeuvrability. Endurance hybrids focus on comfort for city riding or family rides. They often have higher handlebars than other types of bikes to give you a more upright position.

Mountain Bikes

Mountain bikes are for people looking for fun and thrills on dirt roads and off the beaten path. With their suspensions and studded tires, they are made to face the most difficult conditions that nature can offer. For mountain bikes, there are four different branches. There are cross-country, enduro, trail and downhill bikes.

Cross-country bicycles are made for flat and slightly accidental terrain. They are made for speed. Hardtails are a popular type of cross-country bikes. With a front suspension only they are ideal for climbing and speed because of their rigidity and lightness. They are also less expensive because they simpler design and are easier to maintenance over time. Enduro bikes are made to go everywhere on the mountain. With their double suspension and a fork travel of 120 to 140 mm, they are the most versatile bikes on the mountain. Trail bikes are very similar to enduro, however, they have greater fork travel to overcome larger obstacles. Downhill bikes have the biggest suspension travel and most robust frames on the market. They are made to descend mountains as quickly as possible. However, they do not perform well in climbing because of their weight and their very soft suspension.