Choosing the bike that best suits your needs is essential to maximising your comfort, performance and enjoyment. In this article, discover the types of bike available and the criteria to take into account to make the best choice.
1. Define your main use
The first criterion to take into account is the use you will be making of your bike. The needs of an urban cyclist differ from those of a mountain biker or long-distance enthusiast. Here are a few categories to guide you:
- Urban transport : Choose a city bike that's comfortable and easy to handle.
- Walks and hikes : Hybrid or electric bikes are ideal for combining comfort and performance.
- MOUNTAIN BIKE : For uneven terrain, a mountain bike with suspension is essential.
- Road bikes Road bikes are designed for speed on paved and asphalt roads.
- Travel and adventure If you're planning to travel long distances with luggage, consider gravel or touring bikes.
2. Choose the type of bike best suited to your needs
To help you make the right choice, here's an overview of the different types of bikes and their specific features:
City bike Designed for short journeys in town, with an upright riding position, a luggage rack and often a basket. Electric models are becoming increasingly popular as a way of making daily journeys easier.
Electric bikes Perfect for those who want to extend distances or cycle without too much effort. This type of bike offers pedalling assistance, ideal for climbs and long distances.
MOUNTAIN BIKE Ideal for trails, rough paths and outings in the great outdoors. The mountain bike features shock-absorbing suspension, wide tyres for extra grip, and a drivetrain to handle a variety of terrain.
Road bikes For those looking for speed on tarmac roads. This bike is lightweight and has thin tyres to reduce drag. It's perfect for experienced cyclists and long-distance enthusiasts.
Gravel A versatile bike that combines the features of a road bike and a mountain bike. It's designed for dirt roads, paved roads and even trails. Perfect for those who want to explore and adventure in total freedom.
Cargo bike Specially designed to carry heavy loads, this bike is ideal for families, businesses, or anyone who wants to replace the car in their daily routine.
At Joe BikeWe offer all these types of bikes for hire, so you can try them out and find the one that suits you best.
3. Consider the level of comfort you want
Comfort is essential if you are to get the most out of your outings. Here are a few things to consider:
Driving position City bikes offer an upright position, which is more comfortable for short journeys, while road bikes require a more reclined position, which is better for performance but less comfortable. Hybrid and electric bikes often combine comfort and manoeuvrability.
Suspensions Suspension: Suspension improves comfort over rough terrain. If you mainly drive in town or on cobbled roads, you probably won't need them.
Saddle and handlebars Make sure the saddle is adapted to your body shape and that the handlebars offer a comfortable grip. City bikes, for example, often have wide saddles and high handlebars for a relaxed ride.
4. Think about accessories and extra equipment
Depending on your use, certain accessories may be essential to enhance your experience:
Luggage racks and panniers Practical for carrying your belongings on walks or daily journeys.
Mudguard Indispensable for keeping clean in wet weather, especially in town.
Lights and reflectors : Mandatory for your safety, especially if you are driving at night or in poor visibility.
GPS and other navigation accessories If you're planning to travel long distances, a GPS or navigation application can be very useful for tracking your routes.
5. Should I opt for an exercise bike or an electric bike?
More and more cyclists are choosing electric bikes because they offer pedalling assistance, which is particularly useful in hilly areas or for long journeys.
Muscle bike The classic choice for a sportier, freer-moving experience. Perfect for cyclists who like to make a physical effort.
Electric bikes This type of bike makes it much easier to get around and cover longer distances with less effort.
6. Try before you buy: an essential step
Before making a decision, it's always a good idea to test the model you're interested in. This allows you to check the bike's comfort, handling and performance in real-life conditions.
At Joe BikeWe offer a range of models for short-term hire, so you can try them out for yourself. So you can make an informed choice, according to your preferences and needs.
In short: find the perfect bike for you
Choosing the right bike depends on a number of criteria, including your use, your desired level of comfort and your preferences in terms of pedalling assistance. Whether you're an urban cyclist, a nature lover or a keen sportsman, there's a bike model just right for you.
If you have any questions or need advice, don't hesitate to visit our shop, where our team will be delighted to help you find the ideal bike for your next adventure.