Mountain Bikes (MTB):

Designed for off-road riding on trails, paths, and rough terrain. They feature knobby tires for excellent grip, wide rims, flat handlebars, and a highly durable frame. There are models with front suspension, rear suspension, and full suspension.

Road Bikes:

Built for speed and performance. They have a lightweight frame, large wheels, thin tires, and smooth treads. Riders adopt an aerodynamic posture for efficient pedaling.

Hybrid Bikes:

A versatile bike that combines features of both MTB and road bikes, making it adaptable to various terrains. The frame geometry and components provide a comfortable riding position for the arms and neck.

Urban Bikes:

Also known as Dutch bikes, these are robustly built with a sturdy frame, handlebars, and wheels. They prioritize comfort and durability, making them ideal for city riding. They often come equipped with fenders, cargo racks, lights, and other accessories for practical urban use.

Folding Bikes:

Equipped with multiple hinges, these bikes fold into a compact size for easy storage and transport. They typically have small wheels, usually 16", 18", or 20". Primarily designed for urban use, newer models are becoming more adaptable to different terrains. The small wheels offer great maneuverability but are more sensitive to uneven surfaces.

Fixies & Single-Speed Bikes:

Simple yet stylish bikes that have gained a cult following in urban cycling. Their minimalist design prioritizes efficiency and functionality. They feature a single gear, making maintenance much easier compared to other bike types.

Cruisers:

Recognized for their unique frame geometry and wide handlebars, these bikes offer a highly relaxed riding posture. However, they are designed for short trips as they tend to be heavy and have wide tires, making them inefficient for rides longer than 10 km. Most have a single gear and coaster brakes.

BMX:

Small, sturdy bikes designed for young riders and stunt enthusiasts. They are not recommended for long-distance rides and are not efficient as a mode of transportation.

Touring Bikes:

Designed for long-distance travel, these bikes come equipped with racks and accessories for carrying luggage. They have a strong frame, a wide range of gears, and powerful brakes, usually disc brakes, to handle different terrains and heavy loads.

Electric Bikes:

Available in various models, these pedal-assisted bikes feature a battery-powered motor to assist pedaling. They help regulate effort, especially on steep inclines or long distances. They are particularly recommended for older riders who want to enjoy cycling with less strain.

Cargo/Utility Bikes:

Designed for transporting small loads over moderate distances, these bikes have highly durable frames and efficient braking systems, usually disc or drum brakes. They feature gears suited for carrying heavy loads.

Fat Bikes:

A relatively new addition to the bike market, designed for riding on snow, sand, or rocky terrain. They feature ultra-wide 26” tires (typically between 3 and 3.6 inches wide) for excellent stability and traction. Their frame is similar to that of an MTB, and they usually come with multiple gears and disc brakes.

To determine the appropriate bike size, several factors must be considered, but the most important one is leg length. With your legs straight, slightly apart, and barefoot, measure the distance from the ground to your crotch.

Each brand has its own size guide. Sometimes, sizes are given in centimeters, but they can also be listed in inches or in the traditional system (S, M, L, XL).

The correct size also depends on the type of bike. Here are the selection criteria for each case:

• Mountain bike: The size is calculated by multiplying your leg length by 0.21.
• Road bike: The size is calculated by multiplying your leg length by 0.65.

The resulting size is a numerical value used by most brands. If you prefer the classic sizing system (S, M, L, XL), you should refer to a conversion chart, which can be found in any bike shop or specialized website.

Choosing a city bike requires considering several factors, and the final decision will depend on each person's priorities.

Here are some key factors to take into account:

• Available storage space to keep the bike in good condition.
• Frequency of use – some types are better for occasional riding, while others are ideal for daily commutes.
• Typical travel distances – shorter or longer rides may influence the choice.
• Priorities – Do you value maneuverability, safety, riding agility, comfort, or lightness the most?
• Effort level – Do you want a bike that requires minimal effort to ride, or do you see cycling as a way to stay active and exercise?

After considering these and other factors, the most common choices for urban cycling are city bikes, hybrid bikes, and folding bikes—with electric versions available for all of them.

• City bikes are ideal for those with a secure, protected space to park, as leaving them on the street increases the risk of theft.
• Folding bikes are the best option if you need to store the bike inside an apartment, as they fit easily in elevators, take up less space, and are generally lightweight.
• Folding bikes also offer excellent maneuverability, a lower center of gravity for greater stability, and a closer foot-to-ground distance, allowing the rider to quickly stabilize in case of imbalance.

It is reasonable to think that a good option for someone who is not used to riding a bike and wants to start practicing is a small-wheeled bike (between 16" and 20"), as it has the lowest center of gravity and is more stable. It also offers great maneuverability, and due to its lower frame, it is easy to get on and off.

Another option to consider is the hybrid bike. This type of bike, a cross between a mountain bike and a trekking bike, is usually easy and comfortable to ride, stable, and performs well both on urban roads and unpaved trails. Its versatility makes it ideal for those who want a bike that can adapt to different riding conditions.

What characterizes an urban bicycle is the comfort of riding and ease of handling. They typically have simple and durable components, few-speed gears, and no suspension, making maintenance minimal. The most common wheel sizes are 26 and 28 inches, and their width falls between road bike and MTB models. Since weight is not a determining factor for an urban bike, there are many accessories that can be added, such as baskets, racks, and fenders.

The urban bicycle is designed for trips no longer than 8-10 km, prioritizing the user's comfort.