A GUIDE TO BICYCLE STYLES
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Browsing for a bicycle but not sure what the difference is between a hybrid and a mountain bike? Or are you confused about which bike would best suit your needs?
Whether you need a bike for commuting or something built for longer rides and varied terrain, choosing the right type can greatly improve your experience. Here's a quick guide to the most common bicycle styles in our shop to help you find the one that best suits your needs.
ROAD BIKES
Best for: Speed and long-distance rides.
Road bikes are lightweight with skinny tires and drop handlebars. They’re designed for speed and efficiency on smooth surfaces. If you’re looking to cover lots of ground or commute quickly on city roads, a road bike is a solid choice.
MOUNTAIN BIKES (MTBs)
Best for: Off-road cycles and commuting.
Mountain bikes are built tough with wide, knobby tires and suspension systems (front, rear, or both) to handle bumps, rocks, and roots. They're perfect for rough surfaces, gravel paths, or even city streets with rough patches.
HYBRID BIKES
Best for: Commuting and fitness
Hybrids combine features from road and mountain bikes - think comfortable upright seating, medium-width tires, and flat handlebars. They're ideal for riders who want one bike for multiple uses, like commuting during the week and leisure rides on the weekend.
CITY BIKES
Best for: Daily commuting
Designed with practical features like pannier racks, baskets and built-in lights, city bikes prioritise comfort and utility. They typically have a relaxed geometry for upright riding, which is great for navigating city traffic and potholes.
SINGLE SPEED / FIXIES
Best for: Flat terrains
With minimal parts and no gears, single-speed and fixed-gear (fixie) bikes are light and easy to maintain. They're popular with urban riders who want a sleek, no-fuss option for zipping around town.
FOLDING BIKES
Best for: Compact storage and mixed-mode commuting
Need a bike you can carry onto a bus or tuck into a closet? Folding bikes are lightweight, portable, and perfect for apartment dwellers or travellers. Some models ride surprisingly smoothly despite their compact size.