• Home
  • SUBSCRIBE!
  • Garmin Edge Bike Computers
    • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
      • Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus: What’s the Difference?
      • ALL GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED: 130 Plus vs Explore vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus
      • Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus vs 830 vs 530 Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, Reviews and Videos
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830: What’s the Difference?
      • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs Garmin Edge 1030. What’s the Difference?
      • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs. 130 Plus – Premium vs. Budget Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge 830 vs 820: What’s the Difference?
    • Which is the Best Garmin Edge Bike Computer?
      • Which Garmin Edge Bike Computer has the Longest Battery Life?
      • Which Garmin Edge Bike Computer is Best for Mountain Biking?
    • Are Garmin Edge Bike Computers Worth It?
    • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
      • Garmin Edge 130 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt: Which is Better?
      • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
    • 9 Great Upgrades to the Garmin Edge 530
    • 9 New Features in the Garmin Edge 830
    • The New Garmin Enduro Smart Watch – a Good Choice for Cyclists?
  • About
    • Start Here!
    • Contact Us
  • Product Reviews
    • 7 Great Budget Bikes You Can Buy on Amazon in 2023
    • 7 of the Best Budget E-bikes under $1000 for 2023
    • Bike Computer Reviews
      • 7 of the Best Budget Bike Computers for 2023
      • All Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared: Edge 130 Plus vs Explore 2 vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus vs 1040
      • Best Cheap Bike Computers Under $65 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
      • Best Bike Computers – Includes CatEye, Garmin, and Wireless Bike Computers
      • Quick Links to our Best Posts about Bike Computers
    • Cycling Gear Reviews
      • How to Choose the Best Cycling Balaclava
        • 7 of the Best Cycling Balaclavas to Keep Your Head Warm this Winter
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Jackets for Men and Women
        • 7 of the Best Women’s Cycling Jackets – Waterproof and Windproof
        • The Three Different Kinds of Cycling Jackets
        • Showers Pass Elite 2.1 Waterproof Cycling Jacket Review
        • Best Cheap Cycling Jackets under $100
        • Best Windproof Cycling Jackets
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Pants for Men and Women
        • Showers Pass Rogue Cycling Pants – Review by Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist
        • 3 Regular-Looking Pants that Work Well as Cycling Pants
      • Best Waterproof Cycling Gear for Men and Women
      • 7 of the Best Cycling Jerseys
        • Two of the Best Women’s Cycling Jerseys: Pearl Izumi and Sugoi
      • 7 of the Best Dog Bike Baskets and Dog Carriers
      • Adidas Cycling Glasses – Review after Eight Years of Use
      • The New Garmin Enduro Smart Watch – Is it a Good Choice for Cyclists?
    • Garmin Edge and Wahoo Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared: Versus Posts!
        • ALL GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED: 130 Plus vs Explore vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus
      • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
        • Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt vs. Garmin Edge 130 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, with Videos
        • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
      • Garmin Varia Vision and Varia Rear Light Radar
      • How to Upload Your Bike Rides to Strava While Garmin Connect is Down
    • Bike Pannier Reviews
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers
      • Review of the Two Wheel Gear Convertible Pannier/Backpack
      • Best Waterproof Bike Panniers for Touring and Commuting: Ortlieb Bike Panniers
      • Two Wheel Gear Classic 3.0 Garment Pannier for Bike Commuters – Review by Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist
      • Best Commuter/Bike Touring Panniers: Two Wheel Gear Classic 3.0 Garment Pannier Review
    • Bike Light Reviews
      • Complete Guide to Bike Lights
        • Best Budget Bright Bike Headlight – Lumintrail Review
        • Best Bike Light under $40 – Serfas Thunderbolt Tail Light Review
        • 7 of the Best Bike Lights for Night Riding and Commuting in 2023
        • Reelight Rl721 Bike Lights Review – Lights that are ALWAYS on
        • How to Choose the Best Bike Light
      • When to Use Flashing Bike Lights
      • Quick Links to Our Best Posts about Bike Lights
    • Bike Saddle Reviews
      • 9 of the Best Road Bike Saddles for 2023
      • How to Choose the Right Bike Saddle
      • Zacro Gel Seat Cover – a Budget Solution for Saddle Discomfort
    • Headphone Reviews
      • Best Headphones for Safe Cycling
      • Aftershokz XTrainerZ Headphones – Open-Ear, Bone Conduction, Safe Headphones for Cycling AND Swimming
      • Review – AfterShokz Trekz Cordless Open Ear Bone Conduction Headphones for Safe Cycling
      • Jaybird Tarah Wireless Headphones Review
    • 7 Reasons to Use a Power Meter on Your Bike
  • Bike Computer Reviews
    • Best Cheap Bike Computers Under $65 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
    • Garmin Edge Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
        • ALL GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED: 130 Plus vs Explore vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus
        • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs Garmin Edge 1030. What’s the Difference?
      • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
        • Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
        • Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt vs Garmin Edge 130 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, with Videos
        • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
        • Garmin Edge 520 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT
    • 7 of the Best Budget Bike Computers for 2023
    • Quick Links to our Best Posts about Bike Computers
    • Best Bike Computers – Includes CatEye, Garmin, and Wireless Bike Computers
    • 9 Great Upgrades to the Garmin Edge 530 – Garmin’s Game-Changing GPS Bike Computer
  • Health Benefits
    • Cycling Weight Loss
      • A Guide for Fat Cyclists
      • How Cycling Can Help You to Lose Weight
      • The Top 10 Ride Your Way Lean Eating Rules, for Effective Weight Loss
      • 7 Steps to Lose Weight Cycling
      • How Many Calories Do You Burn Cycling?
      • How Many Calories Can You Burn Riding an Ebike?
      • Top 10 Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
      • Our Best Lose Weight with Cycling Posts
      • Intermittent Fasting, Cycling, HIIT, and Weight Loss
    • Cycling and Aging
      • Science Shows HIIT on a Bike is the Best Exercise to Fight Aging – And We Show You How to Do it!
      • 5 Great Reasons to Take Up Cycling During Retirement
      • Science Says Exercise is a Miracle Cure and Protects You from Diseases
      • Science Proves Cycling Can Help You to Stay Strong as You Age
      • Science Shows that Cycling Really Does Fight Aging
      • 7 Tips to Help You Keep Mountain Biking after Age 40
      • Case Studies: Three Seniors who Regained their Health with E-Bikes
    • Cycling Knee Pain
      • 5 Doctor’s Tips to Start Cycling Again after Knee Replacement Surgery
      • Video: 3 Exercises for Cycling Knee Pain
      • 7 Ways to Prevent Cycling Knee Pain
      • How to Cure Cycling Knee Pain with a Miraculous, Cheap Cure
    • Cycling and Strength
      • Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists
      • 5 Great Strength Exercises for Cyclists
      • Science Says Cycling Can Help You to Stay Strong as You Age
      • How Strength Training Can Boost Your Cycling Speed and Quality of Life
    • Cycling and Sleep
      • How Cycling Helps You to Sleep Better and Get Healthier
      • One in Three Cyclists Experience Reduced Stress Levels
      • Why Cycling May Be the Sleep Aid You Need
      • How I Became a Bike Commuter and Shed Stress Immediately
    • Cycling and Brain Health
      • Science Shows Five Ways that Cycling Boosts Your Brain Function
      • Research shows that cycling makes your brain grow
    • Kids biking
      • 7 Easy Steps to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike
      • 7 of the Best Baby and Child Bike Seats to Keep Your Child Safe – Reviews and Videos
      • 7 Tips for Parents to Keep your Kids Safe on their Bikes
      • How to Transport Kids on Bikes (Video and Infographic)
      • Babies and Bikes: How to Get Kids Active from the Start
      • How to Encourage Kids to Ride Bikes
        • How to Help your Kids Bike to School
A Blog for Average People who LOVE to ride bikes!

Average Joe Cyclist

A Blog for Average People who LOVE to ride bikes!

  • Cycling Training Plans
    • Our Most Successful Cycling Training Plans
    • How to Get Bike Fit: Complete Bike Training Plan
    • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 1
    • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 2 – Interval Training
    • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 3 – Preparing for Your First Race
    • 7 Reasons to do High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Your Bike – and How to Do It
    • Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists
    • Science Shows HIIT on a Bike is the Best Exercise to Fight Aging – And We Show You How to Do it!
    • Workouts and Stretching for Cyclists
      • Complete Guide to Stretching for Cyclists
      • Stop Doing Crunches! 10 Minute Complete Core Workout for Cyclists
      • Updated Video: 3 Hip Stretches to Cure Cycling Hip Pain
      • 5 Benefits of Cross Training for Cyclists
    • How to Protect Your Testosterone Levels from Over-Training
    • Research shows Amazing Benefits of Sprint Intervals in Cycling
  • Indoor Cycling Training
    • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers
    • 5 of the Best Smart Indoor Trainers for Effective Indoor Training
    • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
    • Guide to Smart Turbo Indoor Trainers
    • How to Get Started with Stationary Biking: A Guide to Stationary Bikes
  • Cycling with Dogs
    • 7 of the Best Dog Bike Baskets and Dog Carriers
    • How to Train Your Dog to Safely Run Next to You When You Are Cycling
    • Complete Guide to Taking Your Dog on Bike Rides in a Bike Basket
    • 6 Steps to Gently Train Your Dog to Go On Bike Rides With You
  • Lose Weight!
    • Cycling and Weight Loss
      • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers for 2023
      • 5 Quick and Easy Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
    • Our Best Lose Weight with Cycling Posts
    • Cycling Nutrition
      • Best Matcha Tea for Cyclists: My Matcha Life
        • How to Make Matcha Tea
      • How Protein Helps your Post Bike Ride Recovery
      • 5 Best Protein Supplements for Exercise Recovery and Health
    • Cycling Training Plans
      • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
      • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner’s Bike Training Plan
    • Cycling and Health
  • Tips & How-Tos
    • How to Prevent & Cure Cycling Knee Pain
      • Video: 3 Exercises for Cycling Knee Pain
      • 5 Doctor’s Tips to Start Cycling Again after Knee Replacement Surgery
    • How to Change Gears on a Bike – Beginner’s Guide
    • Bike maintenance
      • How to Fix a Flat Bike Tire
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
    • Top 10 Tips to Keep your Bike from being Stolen
    • Smart Phone vs a Bike Computer for Recording Bike Rides – Which is Better?
    • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
    • Do You Need a Cycling Jersey?
    • Complete Guide to How to Buy and Sell Bikes on Craigslist
      • How to Buy Used Bikes on Craigslist (and Other Online Marketplaces)
    • How to Understand Bike Terminology
    • 5 Things You Need to Know about Hydration for Cyclists
      • Hydration for Cycling – How Much Fluid do You Need?
  • Bike Commuting
    • Bike Commuting Tips
      • Top 10 Tips on How to Avoid a Sore Butt from Cycling
      • How Women Cyclists Can Prevent Saddle Soreness and Associated Issues
      • How to Choose the Best Bike Light
      • The 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make When They Try to Start Bike Commuting
      • 7 Tips for Going Car-Free
      • Can Cycling Cause Penis Numbness, Erectile Dysfunction, and Prostate Cancer?
      • Best Bike Light under $40 – Serfas Thunderbolt Tail Light Review
      • 5 Ways to Stay Visible in Traffic When Cycling
      • The 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make When They Try to Start Bike Commuting
      • 7 Helpful Tips for New Bike Commuters – Don’t Start Bike Commuting Until You Read This!
    • Winter Cycling
      • Safe Winter Cycling – How to Cycle Safely in the Winter
      • How to Dress for Winter Cycling – Cycling Clothes that will Keep You Warm and Dry
      • Our Top Tips to Keep You Warm and Dry for Fall and Winter Cycling
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
      • Quick Links to Our Best Posts about Cold Weather Cycling
    • Safety for Cyclists
      • Top 10 Tips to Not Get Hit by a Car on Your Bike
      • When to Use Flashing Bike Lights
      • 7 of the Best Bike Lights for Night Riding and Commuting
      • Aftershokz XTrainerZ Headphones – Open-Ear, Bone Conduction, Safe Headphones for Cycling AND Swimming
      • Best Budget Bright Bike Headlight – Lumintrail Review
    • Benefits of Being a Bike Commuter
      • Survey Shows London Bike Commuters are Happier and More Productive
      • What Is the Function of Myelin in the Body?
      • Research shows that cycling makes your brain grow
    • Bike Maintenance
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
      • How To Clean Your Bike Chain the Easy Way
      • How to Fix a Flat Bike Tire
      • Inspirational Video: How to Fix a Bike Flat – with No Hands
    • Cycling Infrastructure
      • 3 Reasons Why We Need Separated Bike Lanes
      • Research reveals a surprising benefit of separated bike lanes
      • Montreal Cycling, Part 3: Separated Bike Lanes – What Other Cities can Learn from Montreal
      • Cycling and the Post-Covid Transformation
You are here: Home / Cycling Tips and How-Tos / How to Choose the Right Type of Bike – Beginner’s Guide

How to Choose the Right Type of Bike – Beginner’s Guide

May 20, 2020 by Guest Author

Pin
Share
Tweet

This beginner guide for cyclists will help you to choose the right type of bike for the cycling you want to do. These descriptions of the various types of bikes will help you narrow down how to choose the right type of bike for you – whether that is a cruiser bike, a road bike, a hybrid, a mountain bike, a touring bike, an electric bike, a cyclo-cross bike, or a bike for heavier riders. Buying a bike is great fun, but it’s like buying a puppy – it is extremely important to choose the right one.

Buying a bike is great fun - but it's like buying a puppy - it is super important to choose the right one! How to Choose the Right Type of Bike - Beginner's Guide
Buying a bike is great fun – but it’s like buying a puppy – it is super important to choose the right one!

The right bike for you is probably completely different from the right bike for your parent, child or spouse. That’s because the huge variety of bikes offers options for all different kinds of people. For example, recumbent bikes make cycling possible for people who might think they cannot cycle because of back problems.

Maybe the right bike for you will look very different from the right bike for your neighbor! How to Choose the Right Type of Bike - Beginner's Guide
Maybe the right bike for you will look very different from the right bike for your neighbor! For example, recumbent bikes make cycling possible for people who might think they cannot cycle because of back problems.

However, most people are not sure what the differences are between the various kinds of bikes, and so they may end up purchasing the wrong bike. When looking for a new bike, use this beginner’s guide to help you narrow down the many choices of bikes. By the way, if you want to buy a used bike, check out our post on How to Buy a Used Bike, or just subscribe and get a free copy of our book on the subject.

How to Choose the Right Type of Bike: Recreational or Comfort, Bikes, such as Cruisers

These bikes are built for casual riding, so if you are looking for a bicycle that will allow you to ride comfortably around paved bike paths at the park, for example, this style is perfect. Choose one with wider tires for a smoother ride.

Cruiser bikes are an example of comfort bikes. Many of these cruisers are strikingly good looking bikes. How to Choose the Right Type of Bike - Beginner's Guide
Cruiser bikes are an example of comfort bikes. Many of these cruisers are strikingly good looking bikes.

Cruiser bikes are an example of comfort bikes. These bikes have become much more popular in recent years, and just keep getting more popular. This probably has to do with the global movement towards making cycling a normal part of a relaxed and healthy lifestyle.

Many of these cruisers are strikingly good looking bikes. And you can get a really good one for well under $1,000, which is a bargain price for a great bike.

How to Choose the Right Type of Bike: Beginners Guide. This EVRYjourney bike offers amazingly good value in a great looking classic cruiser with integrated components.
This EVRYjourney bike offers amazingly good value in a great looking classic cruiser with integrated components


This bike comes in a women’s version and a men’s version. The video below shows the women’s version:

At the price, it’s a great beginner cruiser bike. Cruiser bikes are part of the ultra modern world view that sees bikes as a normal part of a relaxed life – not an adventure sport that you have to dress for. Just throw a leg over one of these comfy bikes and go for a ride!

All Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared with Chart and Videos
Garmin Edge 130 Plus vs Garmin Edge Explore vs Garmin Edge 530 vs Garmin Edge 830 vs Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Cruiser bikes are part of the ultra modern world view that sees bikes as a normal part of a relaxed life - not an adventure sport that you have to dress for. Just throw a leg over one of these comfy bikes and go for a ride! How to Choose the Right Type of Bike - Beginner's Guide
Cruiser bikes are part of the ultra modern world view that sees bikes as a normal part of a relaxed life – not an adventure sport that you have to dress for. Just throw a leg over one of these comfy bikes and go for a ride!
Cruiser bikes are for having fun - no matter who you are, how old you are, or where you are! How to Choose the Right Type of Bike - Beginner's Guide
Cruiser bikes are for having fun – no matter who you are, how old you are, or where you are!

Related Post: How to Buy a Bike on Amazon in 2022

How to Choose the Right Type of Bike: Mountain Bikes

Mountain bikes are perfect for off-road use. While they will work on the pavement, they are really better suited for gravel roads or those that are full of rocks and uneven terrain. This is why they can also work on city streets that are filled with potholes and other cracks in the pavement.

This is the Bridgestone MB2 mountain bike. It was the first true mountain bike, and is still great today. Designed by the legendary Grant Petersen, this bike has all the key design features of a mountain bike, and provides a comfortable ride on trails, even without any suspension - just through great design. We rode this 30 year old bike over hundreds of miles, all good! This Bridgestone design remains the standard for rigid frame MTBs. How to Choose the Right Type of Bike - Beginner's Guide
This is the Bridgestone MB2 mountain bike. It was the first true mountain bike, and is still great today. Designed by the legendary Grant Petersen, this bike has all the key design features of a mountain bike, and provides a comfortable ride on trails, even without any suspension – just through great design. This Bridgestone design remains the standard for rigid frame MTBs.

Mountain bikes are built to be very durable, with large tires and cushioned seats to keep you as comfortable as possible while riding over uncomfortable roads. They are also built with high quality suspension and brakes, and they are also heavier than other bikes. You should be able to descend and climb fairly steep inclines with these bikes, and the shock absorbing features will help you not to feel too much strain on your body.

My Norco Storm mountain bike has suspension in the front only, and is a beautiful, fun bike for most trail uses. Read a full review here. How to Choose the Right Type of Bike - Beginner's Guide
My Norco Storm mountain bike has suspension in the front only, and is a beautiful, fun bike for most trail uses. Read a full review here.

Mountain bikes are available with no suspension at all; hard tails (suspension in the front only, like my Norco Storm above); and as dual suspension (suspension in both front and back). Dual suspension (like the Norco Truax 1) are usually much more expensive, and are only necessary if you are planning some extremely adventurous rides, including big jumps and steep downhill mountain rides.

Here’s a review of the handsome and rugged Norco Storm – a great entry-level mountain bike.

How to Choose the Right Type of Bike: Road Bike or Hybrid Bike?

If you are trying to decide between a road bike and a hybrid bike, this short video could be useful. It sums up the key differences between road bikes and hybrid bikes:

Road Bikes

These bikes are lightweight, which also allows them to be fast. They have narrow tires, and though they will get you where you are going faster, they also tend to be less comfortable in the long run than other bikes.

The Specialized Allez Elite is an awesome road bike, for a reasonable price. Read the review here. How to Choose the Right Type of Bike - Beginner's Guide
The Specialized Allez Elite is an awesome road bike, for a reasonable price. Read the review here.

A variation on road bikes is what is called a relaxed design road bike, such as the Sequoia Elite above. These are designed to make it easier for you to be in the saddle for many hours – so they are really good if your aim is to do your first criterium or charity bike ride.

My Sequoia Elite is a beautiful mountain bike, with a relatively relaxed design, so that you can comfortably ride it for me many miles. You can read a full review of this great bike here. How to Choose the Right Type of Bike - Beginner's Guide
My Sequoia Elite is a beautiful mountain bike, with a relatively relaxed design, so that you can comfortably ride it for me many miles. You can read a full review of this great bike here.

You can also choose from road bikes that have flat-bar handlebars or drop-bar handlebars, so you can go with whatever you feel most comfortable with.

How to Choose the Right Type of Bike: Women Specific Bikes

For a long time, there were more men than women riding bikes. As a result, all bikes were designed for men. As more women started riding bikes, manufacturers finally realized that they should be selling bikes specifically planned for women. This basically means bikes that recognize some biological generalities, such as the fact that most women are shorter than most men, and most women have smaller hands than most men. Also, if you look at the overall height of men and women, women have longer legs relative to their entire height than men do.

All of this boils down to the fact that it may be easier to find the right bike if you choose a women specific bike (assuming you are a woman). If you are a short woman with tiny hands, you might want to narrow your search for the perfect bike down to women specific bikes.

The Specialized Dolce might be right for you If you are a short woman with tiny hands. Read a review of this great women specific bike here. How to Choose the Right Type of Bike - Beginner's Guide
The Specialized Dolce might be right for you If you are a short woman with tiny hands. Read a review of this great women specific bike here.

Giant makes some excellent women specific bikes too.

Here's Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist's review of her favorite road bike, the Giant Avail 3 women specific design road bike. How to Choose the Right Type of Bike - Beginner's Guide
Here’s Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist’s review of her favorite road bike, the Giant Avail 3 women specific design road bike.

How to Choose the Right Type of Bike: Hybrid Bikes

Hybrid bikes combine the best features of both mountain and road bikes. The wheels are built to a size that is somewhere between the thin versions found on road bikes and the fat versions found on mountain bikes, so they will work on just about any type of terrain.

Devinci Bikes in Canada makes excellent hybrid bikes. This is a Devinci Sidney with a BionX electric kit retrofitted onto it. An electric bike kit allows you to convert your regular bike into an electric bike. You can read a review of this excellent BionX electric bike conversion kit here. How to Choose the Right Type of Bike - Beginner's Guide
Devinci Bikes in Canada makes excellent hybrid bikes. This is a Devinci Sidney with a BionX electric kit retrofitted onto it. An electric bike kit allows you to convert your regular bike into an electric bike. You can read a review of this excellent BionX electric bike conversion kit here
All bike companies offer a range of similar bikes at different price points. For example, this Devinci Liverpool is also a hybrid Devinci, and a great bike - but it's cheaper than the Devinci Sidney pictured above it because it has cheaper component parts. How to Choose the Right Type of Bike - Beginner's Guide
All bike companies offer a range of similar bikes at different price points. For example, this Devinci Liverpool is also a hybrid Devinci, and a great bike – but it’s cheaper than the Devinci Sidney pictured above it because it has cheaper component parts

Then there is the Devinci Copenhagen, which is another great performance hybrid bike, ideal for commuting. You can read a review of my Devinci Copenhagen here.

My Devinci Copenhagen the day I bought it home. How to Choose the Right Type of Bike - Beginner's Guide
My Devinci Copenhagen the day I bought it home

How to Choose the Right Type of Bike: Cyclo-Cross Bikes

A middle option between road bikes and hybrid bikes is a cyclo-cross bike. Here is a review of the excellent Specialized TriCross, which is a cyclo-cross bike. A cyclo-cross bike looks like a road bike, and is fast, but it is tougher and more robust than a road bike. It is made for racing on road and off road, and light enough to be portaged across mud and rivers.

The Specialized TriCross is a cyclo-cross bike, which is an excellent compromise between a road bike and a hybrid bike. This is my own Specialized TriCross, set up to be an ideal commuter bike. Read a full review of this great bike here. How to Choose the Right Type of Bike - Beginner's Guide
The Specialized TriCross is a cyclo-cross bike, which is an excellent compromise between a road bike and a hybrid bike. This is my own Specialized TriCross, set up to be an ideal commuter bike. Read a full review of this great bike here.

How to Choose the Right Type of Bike: Touring Bikes

Another variation on road bikes is touring bikes. These are much like touring bikes, but much stronger and heavier, so that they can carry heavy loads while you are touring.

Touring bikes are much like touring bikes, but are much stronger and heavier, so that they can carry heavy loads while you are touring. How to Choose the Right Type of Bike - Beginner's Guide
Touring bikes are much like touring bikes, but are much stronger and heavier, so that they can carry heavy loads while you are touring.

How to Choose the Right Type of Bike: Bikes for Bigger Folks

Cycling is an excellent form of exercise for people with extra weight. However, there are some special considerations when buying a bike in this situation. We have a post all about that!

Related Post:

A Guide for Fat Cyclists

How to Choose the Right Type of Bike: Electric Bikes

Electric bikes provide varying levels of assistance when you bike, using an engine that is usually integrated into the rear hub or the crank drive. These bikes are great for people with disabilities, but they are not just for people with disabilities. Electric bikes make cycling so much more viable as a transportation option. Even if you have a long commute with many hills, it could be doable with an electric bike. Or if you need to tow children behind you, the assistance will help you get up hills with them. And studies have shown that people who buy electric bikes get fitter than people who buy regular bikes, because they use them much more!

Read all about how to buy the best electric bike here.

Many of the new electric bikes are strikingly good looking and very powerful. Read a full review of the beautiful Haibike Xduro Trekking Pro electric bike here. How to Choose the Right Type of Bike - Beginner's Guide
Many of the new electric bikes are strikingly good looking and very powerful. Read a full review of the beautiful Haibike Xduro Trekking Pro electric bike here.

Subscribe and Get a Free Download of my Bike Buyer’s Guide

If you are thinking of buying a bike, why not subscribe to my blog, and get a FREE DOWNLOAD of my Bike Buyer’s Guide. You can read all about my Bike Buyer’s Guide here.

Invest in Insurance Too

No matter what type of bike you purchase, just be sure that you also have a great insurance plan in place. There are many to choose from, such as hybrid bike insurance, which will cater to your specific needs and your budget. Or ask your household insurer about adding your bike on as an extra.

Author Bio for this post:

Claire Dixon is a freelance writer and blogger who enjoys riding her bike several times a week. She got herself a hybrid bike so that she can enjoy the best of both worlds and partake in mountain biking as well as recreational biking activities. She feels it was a great investment.


Check Out Our Most Popular Posts!

  • They look the same - but there are quite a lot of differences!. Garmin edge 1030 plus vs 1040 bike computers
    What's NEW about the Garmin Edge 1040? Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus: What’s the Difference?
  • All Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
    ALL GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED! 130 Plus vs Explore 2 vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus vs 1040
  • 7 of the Best Cheap Bike Computers under $65 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
  • 7 of the Best Health and Fitness Trackers
  • 7 of the Best Budget Bike Computers
  • Our Ultimate Gift Guide for Cyclists - 90 Top Picks from Budget to Luxury
  • 7 best dog bike baskets
    7 of the Best Carriers to Take Your Dog on Bike Rides
  • This graphic shows you the relative sizes of the 530 (left), 1030 Plus (center), and 830 (right)
    Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus vs 1040 Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison with Reviews and Videos
  • Garmin Edge 530 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
  • 7 of the best indoor bike trainers
    7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers
  • Garmin Edge 130 Plus vs. 1030 Plus. Would a much CHEAPER bike computer work for you?
  • 7 of the Best Fitness Trackers for Cyclists to Track Bike Rides
  • Best road bike saddles
    9 of the Best Road Bike Saddles for Men and Women - Video-Packed Post
  • 7 of the Best Bike Computers
  • 5 of the Best Smart Indoor Trainers for Effective Indoor Training
  • 9 of the best waterproof cycling jackets for men and women. A great waterproof cycling jacket will keep you dry, and at the same time be breathable, so that you don't overheat your core
    7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Jackets for Men and Women
  • 7 of the best waterproof cycling pants for men and women
    7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Pants for Men and Women
  • The Garmin Edge 830 on Maggie's bike
    Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 vs 1040
  • Get a new bike, and then get outside and have fun!
    7 Great Budget Bikes You Can Buy on Amazon - Cruiser, Mountain, Road and Hybrid
  • Our Most Popular Cycling Fitness Plans
    Our Most Popular Cycling Fitness Plans
  • Waterproof cycling jackets - group of cyclists
    Best Waterproof Cycling Gear - Includes Jackets, Pants, Gloves, and Balaclavas
  • Great bike lights will light up the night for you! Just be sure to get the ones that are right for you
    7 of the Best Bike Lights
  • 7 of the Best Women's Cycling Jackets
  • 7 of the Best Windproof Cycling Jackets - Find a Great Cycling Jacket Now!
  • How to Choose the Safest Headphones for Cycling
  • 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers Compared
  • 7 of the Best Child Bike Seats Compared
  • How to Buy the Best Electric Bike
  • 7 best bike locks
    7 of the Best Bike locks Compared. Find the Best Bike Lock For You!
  • How to Train Your Dog to Safely Run Next to You When You Are Cycling
    How to Train Your Dog to Safely Run Next to You When You Are Cycling

Did you enjoy this post or find it helpful? If so, please support our blog!


average-joe-cyclist-mug-shot copyWe write this blog because we love cycling. But we also need to earn a living, so we REALLY would appreciate if you click through to one of our reputable affiliates for your online shopping. We are proudly affiliated with Amazon, which sells pretty much everything, and has outstanding shipping and return policies. When you buy from our affiliates we make a small commission, and this is the only way we earn any income. Plus, it costs you nothing at all - a real win/win situation!
Shop at Amazon in the USA:
Shop at Amazon in Canada:
Shop at Amazon in the UK:

Related

Pin
Share
Tweet

Filed Under: Cycling Tips and How-Tos

  • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs 830 vs 530

Welcome to Average Joe Cyclist!

Welcome to our blog! I’m Joe Goodwill, an average cyclist, and I write a blog for people like me. People who love cycling but will probably never win any races, and who don’t necessarily look good in Lycra! I also write the Electric Bikes Blog and Average Joe's RV Living Blog. To find our most popular posts, check out our Start Here page.

Hi! I'm Maggie Neilson (aka Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist). Joe and I have done a lot of cycling, and we share what we have learned on this blog . We also write reviews of cycling products and trails! Get to know us better HERE.

How our Product Links Work

  • You pay EXACTLY the same price, whether you use our links or go direct to the websites.
  • Earning some commission enables us to spend more time writing posts 🙂
  • THANK YOU to all the good people who have bought through our links. Your support is sincerely appreciated.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Search Average Joe Cyclist!

Trending – Our Top Posts Right Now!

  • The Garmin Edge 830 on Maggie's bike Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 vs 830 vs 530 GPS Bike Computers: Full Review and Comparison of GPS Bike Computers with Navigation
  • Shokz OpenRun Pro vs. Shokz OpenRun Bone Conduction Headphones: What’s the Difference? Shokz OpenRun Pro vs. Shokz OpenRun Bone Conduction Headphones: What’s the Difference?
  • They look the same - but there are quite a lot of differences!. Garmin edge 1030 plus vs 1040 bike computers Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus: What’s the Difference?
  • How E-Bikes Can Help Couples to Cycle Together 5 Doctor’s Tips to Start Cycling Again after Knee Replacement Surgery
  • erectile dysfunction Can Cycling Cause Penis Numbness, Erectile Dysfunction, and Prostate Cancer?
  • 7 of the best bike computers, 2021 7 of the Best Bike Computers for 2023 – from Budget to Premium
  • Top 10 tips to avoid a sore butt from cycling Top 10 Tips on How to Avoid a Sore Butt from Cycling
  • Every body starts somewhere - and with enough determination, you could become one of the smiling competitors in a cycling event How to Get Bike Fit: Complete Bike Training Plan
  • 7 of the best bike panniers 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers, 2023 – for Better Bike Commuting and Touring
  • Garmin Edge 830 vs 530 Garmin Edge 530 vs 830: What’s the Difference?

  • Click for our Best Cycling Training Plans!

Copyright © 2023 · Average Joe Cyclist, please contact us for syndication rights.

 

Loading Comments...